Chapter 15

Three texts, straightforward, ironclad logic, right in her face.
Lu Yi wanted to argue that last point: Didn’t she do any work? Was her hoarse throat not proof enough? Just because she’d been lying down, her effort didn’t count?
She didn’t type that out. If this debate kept going, eighty percent of their chat history would need to be censored for indecency.
In the end, she just sent a thank you, for solving the exhibition piece issue.
Pioneer: [You’re welcome.]
Lu Yi flipped her phone face down onto the corner of her desk and turned back to her computer, diving into work.
“President Lin?”
His assistant knocked on the office door. Lin Jinshen looked up, set his phone aside, stood, and asked, “Ready?”
“Yes, sir.”
The KS acquisition was all but complete, all the paperwork signed, approvals granted. Everyone in the company doubted the deal, but Lin Jinshen pushed it through, sweeping internal reforms with a heavy hand. The company split into two camps: those who thought it'd turn out great, and those convinced it spelled doom. KS was a totally different world from what they were used to; targeting the broader market could drag down their brand, and no one knew for sure what would happen.
From now on, things would only get busier.
Lin Jinshen couldn’t promise how often he’d be able to make it home anymore.
At least they’d discussed it early, Lu Yi should understand.
That was one piece of his marriage he genuinely enjoyed. Just as he’d guessed, though there were a few surprises, the overall arrangement was solid.
It was his assistant, Jiang Xun, who told Lu Yi about Lin Jinshen’s business trip.
Because things were moving fast, he asked her to pack a few outfits. Jiang Xun would swing by Chengxi Garden to pick them up, then head straight to the airport to meet Lin Jinshen for an afternoon flight to Shen City.
Lu Yi pulled clothes from the walk-in closet. Lin Jinshen’s suits were all about the same; she used her own taste to pair ties with the dark suits.
“Sorry for the trouble, ma’am.”
Jiang Xun waited in the living room, taking the bag of clothes from her hand.
“It’s nothing.”
Lu Yi asked, “How long is the trip?”
“Not long. Probably just two or three days before President Lin is back.”
“Oh.” Lu Yi sounded disappointed, but when Jiang Xun glanced over with such sincere, clear eyes, she forced herself to perk up: “That’s great.”
“Right? Well, I’ll be off then, ma’am.”
“See you.”
After walking Jiang Xun out, Lu Yi turned her gaze to Puff, squatted down, and dug both hands into its luxuriously soft belly. “Someone’s not coming home, and you’re the happiest cat in the world, right?”
Puff had no clue what was going on, but still gave an obliging meow.
“It’s just us in this place now, you can run, you can jump, no one’s stopping you anymore!”
The more she spoke, the more delighted she became. Why couldn’t Lin Jinshen take a long business trip, say, for a year or two? For the sake of professionalism, she’d still check out his photos from time to time, just to remind herself she had a husband.
Lu Yi hadn’t exactly been idle these past few days, either. Both moms kept sending over wedding themes for her to pick from, island romance, fairy-tale castles, anything you could dream up, they had it on the list.
She picked the simplest French style.
The moms had no objections, theme decided! Next up: trying on wedding dresses, so she’d better make time.
Speaking of which, Madam Qin still had some complaints: Lin Jinshen had been so busy lately, he hadn’t even made it to try on tuxes. She told them to just pick something nice for him and be done with it.
“A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, how could he be so casual about it?” Madam Qin clearly thought he had a major attitude problem.
Madam Xu played peacemaker, “Let the child work, he can try on tuxes whenever. It’s no rush.”
Learning from Lin Jinshen’s ‘bad example,’ Lu Yi put on her best team-player act, promising she’d go right over as soon as she finished work.
Both Madam Qin and Madam Xu were present.
There wasn’t enough time for a custom redesign, but they could trust certain brands, several dresses had been shipped in from overseas already. Try them on, adjust the fit. Easy.
“Mom.”
Lu Yi went over and called her two moms.
Madam Qin handed over some water first. “You’re glowing lately, Xiao Yi! Are you getting used to living together?”
“It’s good.”
Her good complexion was entirely thanks to Lin Jinshen being forever on business trips. Even if he popped back, he’d leave before dawn and return late at night. Most of their awake time lately had been spent in bed, their bodies growing more and more ‘compatible.’ Afterwards, she’d be exhausted and out like a light.
No insomnia. Work’s going great. Her husband’s rich, busy, and rarely home.
Exactly what she’d hoped married life would look like.
Madam Xu fussed with her long hair. Ever since Lu Yi moved to Chengxi Park, she hadn’t seen her daughter for days and had been worried. Now that she’d finally seen her, she could relax, clearly, her girl was doing just fine.
One of the shop assistants came over, announcing that the dresses were all ready for her.
Lu Yi put down her bag. “Alright, moms, I’ll head in now!”
“Go, go!”
Neither of her moms missed a beat. Even someone as practical, and unromantic, as Lu Yi couldn’t help but melt when she first laid eyes on the wedding gowns.
The first was a strapless satin ballgown, intricately embroidered and studded with luminous, creamy pearls. The next was a lace mermaid, cinched tight at the waist, dripping with luxurious stitching…
The first dress was so fussy it needed two attendants to get her into it. Her waist was obscenely tiny, they had to clamp it tighter. After a quick fix of her hair, she lifted the dress hem and stepped out of the fitting room.
Her two moms automatically brought hands to their mouths.
Madam Xu’s eyes shimmered with tears as she stared, nodding non-stop. “You look incredible.”
Lu Yi grinned. “So pretty it makes you cry, huh?”
Madam Xu dabbed away the tears with a tissue. “Such a show-off! Not even a little embarrassed!”
Madam Qin whipped out her phone. She had to get photos right now and send them to the family chat. Lu Yi obligingly wrapped her arms around herself and put on a perfect ‘work mode’ smile.
“Gorgeous, really beautiful.” Both moms were absolutely brimming with praise points.
There were still a few looks left to try. After each round of photos, they hurried her back to the fitting room. Judging by their excited faces, Lu Yi could only give a helpless smile, she felt like an NPC in some dress-up game.
One particular gown caught her eye: a minimalist, designer-inspired British piece by Vivienne Westwood. Gauzy silk layered into a dreamlike, modern silhouette, the bodice structured, the skirt pleated just so.
It looked so straightforward she figured she could manage it on her own.
Halfway through, though, she couldn’t quite reach the zipper. She turned her head and had no choice but to call for help.
A few moments later, the fitting room curtain slid open and someone entered.
Lu Yi assumed it was a staffer. Still facing away, she called out, “Could you give me a hand with the zipper? Thanks.”
The zipper stayed stubbornly stuck, a whole stretch of her back was exposed from shoulder to just above her hips; skin pale as porcelain, warm to the touch.
Her shoulder blades had a beautiful shape, and little dimples sat sweetly at her waist.
Whoever it was paused, then stepped forward. One hand settled against her slim waist, the other gripped the zipper. The dress must have been a size too small, it took real effort to tug it up, inch by inch.
The zip rasped loudly as it slid into place.
The moment those hands touched her waist, Lu Yi sensed something was off. She glanced down. The hands weren’t a woman’s, long fingers, clear knuckles, a hint of veins, and a wedding ring. A man’s hands.
The heat from his palm burned through her skin, spreading like wildfire through every inch of her.
She recognized that touch.
It was Lin Jinshen.
Instinctively, Lu Yi tensed from her spine down, swallowing almost imperceptibly. Lately, she’d become even more sensitive. A little closeness or an ambiguous atmosphere, and her mind would fill with images…
Eventually, he did manage to zip her up, but it was tight, she was wrapped in fabric, barely able to breathe.
After these few days apart, she felt oddly estranged from her own husband.
She didn’t turn around, the dress forced her to stand tall and face forward. “You… what are you doing here? Didn’t you say you were too busy?”
“I was. I rescheduled things.” Lin Jinshen’s voice was low, withdrawing his hand from her waist at the same time.
Neither spoke loudly. In the tiny fitting room, it felt like they were whispering secrets into each other’s ears.
“…”
Honestly, she’d only agreed to come today because she thought Lin Jinshen would be nowhere in sight.
Lu Yi twisted around, her hands clutching the hem, and now they were face to face, close enough that if she tilted her head up, she could kiss him.
Lin Jinshen’s lips were pressed into a line, his expression unreadable. Cool, composed, as ever, like the kind of man who would never be caught chasing after a woman.
Her face flushed from holding her breath, the dress, this wedding gown, suited her perfectly. There was nothing to criticize about her curves. It was simple, yet elegant, showing off her graceful swan neck and the delicate twin lines of her collarbones set against narrow shoulders.
"You look beautiful."
That was Lin Jinshen’s honest, unfiltered reaction.
Lu Yi replied, "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"…"
Lin Jinshen dropped his gaze, turned, and drew back the dressing room curtain.
With a swish, the room brightened considerably.
Lu Yi followed him out. The two of them together, handsome groom, stunning bride, they looked every bit the perfect couple. Both mothers couldn’t hide their proud smiles. Madam Qin seized the moment to take pictures, exchanging a look with Madam Xu when she could.
Lin Jinshen hadn’t been there long when Lu Yi called for help from inside. Madam Xu started forward instinctively, but Madam Qin pressed her back and gestured for her own husband to step in instead.
No need for the moms to intervene when there was a dad present, best to give the soon-to-be newlyweds a little room to themselves.
Judging by the results, it worked beautifully.
Madam Qin asked Lin Jinshen on purpose, "Jinshen, what do you think of Xiao Yi's dress?"
"It's nice."
Lin Jinshen’s expression didn’t budge, the words forced out curtly, two syllables.
Madam Qin pressed on, "How does it compare to the other dresses we shared in the group chat? Which one do you like best?"
"They all look nice," Lin Jinshen replied blandly, with nothing new to add.
And he meant it. A dress was just a dress; what mattered was who wore it. As long as the person stayed the same, did the style really matter?
"There's always one that's the prettiest, though."
"As long as Lu Yi likes it, that's what counts."
Madam Xu jumped in to smooth things over. "It's getting late. Jinshen, go try your suit. Maybe we can all have dinner together later?"
"Of course, Mom."
Lin Jinshen nodded. As he passed Lu Yi, he paused and said, "If the dress feels uncomfortable, take it off sooner rather than later."
Lu Yi was about to tease him for being so observant, but before she could respond, he added, "Just don’t faint."
"…"
Honestly, she felt like fainting just to prove a point.
Lu Yi had arrived a little early and finished trying on dresses first. In the end, after some discussion with the mothers, she settled on the first and last options, the last one simple enough to serve as a reception dress.
Madam Qin stepped away halfway through to take a call.
The waiting room was left to Lu Yi and Madam Xu.
No outsiders here; Madam Xu’s thoughts showed plainly on her face. She clearly wasn’t pleased with how Lin Jinshen had behaved earlier. She took it as a sign he didn’t care enough about her daughter.
"Be honest with Mom, are you two not getting along?"
Lu Yi sipped her water and shook her head. No, honestly, things were going pretty well between them.
Madam Xu didn’t buy it. She crossed her legs and rested her hand on her knee. "Don’t lie to me. I can tell. He claimed to be too busy to try on suits, and when he did show up, he didn’t even offer an opinion."
Lu Yi actually felt the need to defend Lin Jinshen on that. "He really is busy lately, Mom. And as for opinions… what do you really expect him to say?"
She didn’t mean to shade his taste, but this was the kind of man who would stick to the same brand just to avoid making a decision, not exactly a style maven.
"You’re just making excuses for him. I just want what’s best for you, honey. Marriage isn’t a sprint, it’s years, decades, maybe a whole lifetime."
"I know, Mom." Lu Yi could only squeeze her mother’s hand and act cute. "He actually bought me a painting a while back, from an artist I love. It was nearly impossible to get, but he managed it."
"Really?" Madam Xu was half convinced, half skeptical.
Lu Yi raised her hand and solemnly swore, "I wouldn’t lie, not even a little."
While they were chatting, Lin Jinshen came out, still wearing the same suit he’d gone in with. By his own assessment: it fit well enough, perfectly wearable.
The wrinkle between Madam Xu’s brows reappeared, even deeper this time.
So casual about getting married, could he really treat her daughter right?
They’d reserved a restaurant in advance: a private room with classic elegance, a carved crane screen just inside the door.
The hostess led the two mothers in first.
Lu Yi lowered her head and padded over to Lin Jinshen’s side, tugging at his shirt hem. The first pull was too gentle, and he didn’t notice. She tugged a little harder.
Lin Jinshen turned, his dark eyes fixed on her face, quietly curious.
"Something you need?"
"I do."
Lu Yi waited for Madam Xu to enter, then lowered her voice. "When we go in, can you play along?"
"Play along how?"
"Pretend like we’ve been getting along really well lately. Just so our moms won’t worry."
Lin Jinshen turned to face her, his brow starting to knot. "Why pretend?"
Was it pretending, or was it real?
Had they actually gotten close these days? Did their feelings actually run that deep, like star-crossed lovers finally reunited?
They were short on time; Lu Yi didn’t bother with word games. "I don’t have time to explain right now. Can you just help me out later?"
"Xiao Yi, what’s taking so long?" Madam Xu called from inside.
Lu Yi answered quickly, saying she was just talking with the hostess about their signature dishes, wondering if they were still available.
"So can you, or not?"
Her hand still clung to his shirt; she looked up, the restaurant lights catching her eyes like scattered stardust.
Lin Jinshen finally relented. "Got it."
They walked in one after the other and sat down side by side.
The moms were busy ordering. They asked what the kids wanted; Lu Yi, not picky, threw in an order of roast duck and passed the rest to the server.
Madam Xu glanced at Lu Yi and Lin Jinshen, smiling, "Jinshen, how’s it going, living together with Yi? She’s always been spoiled by me, and honestly, she has a lot of bad habits."
"No, she’s great," Lin Jinshen replied.
He sounded like an emotionless answering machine.
Lu Yi caught the flash of disappointment at the corner of her mother’s mouth. She leaned her head toward Lin Jinshen and gazed at him softly. "Pour me some water, will you? I’m really thirsty."
She gritted her teeth and forced out the awkward word: "Honey."
Lin Jinshen turned, met her eyes, and something flickered in the depths of his gaze, surprise? Confusion?
Lu Yi's smile didn't falter. She kept her voice gentle and sweet. “Is that alright, hubby?”
“…Alright.” He kept his face carefully blank.
Lin Jinshen politely refused the waiter’s help pouring water. He lifted the blue-and-white teapot himself and filled Lu Yi’s cup with his own hands. Meeting her gaze, his throat felt clogged with lead. The chiseled line of his jaw tensed and then slackened, teeth clenched, yet he still managed to force out the words.
“…Wife.”