Chapter 27

“Too small, pretty much useless.”
Lin Jinshen barely glanced at the box, eyes critical. After tossing out that judgement, he took it from her and set it aside without a second thought.
So much for breaking stereotypes, some things never change.
Lu Yi wasn’t sure what to say about the fact that he’d even packed condoms for a wedding shoot trip. They’d be exhausted from shooting all day, who would even have the energy at night?
But then again, knowing Lin Jinshen, that workaholic probably did. She could only hope he’d show some restraint.
Lu Yi went to remove her makeup and change; Lin Jinshen gave her the room. After a quick rinse, she pulled on some loungewear and lay back on the soft bed with a face mask on. The jet took off so smoothly that, high over a sapphire sky, she gazed out at clouds so blue they looked freshly washed.
The freesia scent lulled her. She yawned and dozed off, napping through the afternoon.
When she woke, it was already night. She opened her door and found Lin Jinshen still outside, working with his laptop open. He looked up and asked, “Awake?”
Still a bit groggy, Lu Yi nodded and sat down.
With a lazy sweep, she tossed her hair back and pressed her hand to her forehead, trying to shake off the last of her sleepiness. Through her fingers, she peeked at his perfect posture, he hadn’t stopped working since they’d boarded. Honestly, did this man ever get tired?
A couple minutes later, a flight attendant asked what she’d like to eat. Lin Jinshen had already finished his dinner, so Lu Yi browsed the menu and ordered a few things for herself and a glass of sparkling wine. Fork and knife in hand, surrounded by silence, she even found herself chewing quieter than usual.
The thrill of packing for travel had long since worn off. Now, she could already predict how boring this trip would get.
She hadn’t brought Puff, her cat, and had no clue if he was napping or up to mischief right now.
After her meal, Lu Yi figured she couldn’t justify more sleep, so she idly flipped through a magazine nearby.
The photography crew had a separate cabin. Here, except for the flight staff, it was only the two of them.
While Lin Jinshen worked, Lu Yi read her magazine, music playing softly, and from time to time, the tap of a keyboard or the rustle of turning pages. Each in their own little world, undisturbed.
Lu Yi was skimming a fashion magazine, the cover was a trending male celebrity, the hottest star at the moment. With print media in decline, these days, most sales came from die-hard fans.
Her interest was lukewarm at best, but she paused at a feature story. The celebrity’s profile gave her a strange sense of familiarity. She searched her memory, nope, they’d never met. Staring a bit too long, she realized what it was as the magazine crept lower in her hands.
He kind of looked a bit like Lin Jinshen.
If she was being objective, Lin Jinshen was more striking, sharper features, stronger jaw, and a steady, mature confidence.
He’d undone two shirt buttons and rolled up his sleeves, showing off angular wrists. One long leg crossed, poised in the same effortless stance for ages, just occasionally glancing up or down, utterly focused.
Anyone else saying things like “three times a day” or “I packed the condoms in my suitcase” would just sound absurd. But from Lin Jinshen, it was weirdly natural. Somehow, it fit.
Despite all that, he still carried an air of calm self-control, discreet, buttoned-up, unapproachable.
Until the tie came loose and the shirt was half-unbuttoned, then he became a whole different story.
Lu Yi absentmindedly hugged the magazine, chin propped on her hand. She didn’t even realize how lost in thought she’d become until she looked up and saw Lin Jinshen watching her. She’d been staring at him for a while.
“What’s on your mind?” Lin Jinshen cocked his head. Clearly, he’d just noticed her daydreaming in his direction.
“Thinking about the wedding shoot tomorrow.” Lu Yi put on a perfectly calm face. “Be honest, don’t you absolutely hate photoshoots?”
There was really no need to ask, everyone already knew the answer. With Lin Jinshen’s personality, he was almost certainly the one in the family who loathed photos the most. Even in those unavoidable family portraits, he always wore that same cool, aloof face, expressionless, unsmiling, and just shy of a scowl.
Lu Yi had seen a picture once when Madam Qin was reminiscing. Even as a teenager, Lin Jinshen looked years beyond his age, stone-faced, clearly exasperated to be forced into such family activities.
“I don’t really like them,” Lin Jinshen admitted.
He closed his laptop and met her gaze, calm and direct. “But don’t worry. For tomorrow’s wedding photos, I’ll do my best to play along.”
Honestly, Lu Yi didn’t care much; she’d just brought up the topic to make conversation. She had no real expectations for him, she just hoped their photos wouldn’t look too lovey-dovey. As long as it didn’t look like a divorce announcement, she’d consider it a win.
Still, she decided to play along and give some positive affirmation. “I believe in you.”
The plane touched down at dawn, just as the sky blushed with light. The sea breeze whipped up, tugging at the hem of Lu Yi’s dress. She wore a wide-brimmed hat, clutching the edge to keep it from blowing away.
The photography crew had already disembarked earlier and headed to the hotel arranged by staff.
“This way.” Lin Jinshen motioned for her to follow, and as he passed, he reached out, taking her hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Lu Yi was momentarily stunned. Another gust rose, and as her hat threatened to take flight, a big hand pressed firmly atop her head, steadying her hair.
She ended up flush against his solid chest, looking for all the world like a couple who couldn’t stand to be apart.
They stayed like that all the way to the car.
“Mr. Lin! Madam!”
The hotel manager came to greet them. He slid into the passenger seat, happily giving them a rundown of the island’s sights and must-try activities.
They were staying in the largest villa resort on the island.
The place oozed Hawaiian vibes, wood and stone somehow meshing harmoniously. Palm trees and mysterious broad-leaved plants crowded the villa, greenery spilling from pots and crawling across the ground outdoors.
Just outside the villa’s yard was an infinity pool, deep blue tiles shimmering under the sunlight, casting dizzying ripples.
The photography crew was set up in the villa just behind theirs.
Once they arrived, there was an hour to freshen up. Then the makeup team would appear. If they moved quickly, they could start shooting the first set against the late afternoon sun.
Lu Yi’s three suitcases were delivered to her bedroom, along with Lin Jinshen’s. She opened hers first, pulling clothes out and hanging them neatly in the closet.
Lin Jinshen entered after wrapping up with the hotel staff. Lu Yi had already cleared one suitcase. He grabbed his, popped it open, and was nearly blinded by a burst of color. Instinctively, he started pulling out what he assumed was his, only to realize they were all hers. The first piece he picked up left his brows furrowed, minimal, wispy fabric, like a puzzle of tangled straps. He wasn’t sure how it was even meant to be worn.
The dresses weren’t any better, one was all bare back with only a few crisscrossed thin straps, another plunged so low it nearly reached her navel.
In all honesty, he and Lu Yi hadn’t spent much personal time together.
Most days he saw her, it was during the workweek, she dressed businesslike. The few other times, the occasions were formal, her style always dignified and appropriate.
Lu Yi, arranging her toiletries in the bathroom, caught sight of Lin Jinshen holding up her clothes, brows drawn tight like he’d just discovered a new species.
“Is there a problem?” she asked, genuinely puzzled.
Lin Jinshen looked up. “You wear these…out?”
“Of course,” Lu Yi replied like it was obvious. “Where else would I wear them? At home?”
Wear them just for you?
She didn’t say it, but the implication was all in her smile.
Lin Jinshen’s jaw was set, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. He grabbed the rest of her clothes, there wasn’t much, he could carry it all in one hand, and set them on the bed, wordlessly gesturing for her to hang them up herself.
It was like holding them any longer might burn him, he dropped them fast, like he couldn't wait to get rid of them.
Lu Yi: “…”
She never expected a handful of outfits to shock him so badly. If she actually changed into one in front of him, would he toss a bedsheet over her?
Even more surprising, Lin Jinshen’s ears had gone noticeably red. He ducked his head, fussing over his suitcase, lips pursed, acting still like some prim, stoic guardian. But was he actually embarrassed?
They’d already seen each other naked in bed, and he hadn’t blushed once. Now, a few outfits had him red-faced?
Lu Yi stifled a laugh as she hung up her clothes. If her beachwear sent him reeling, she couldn’t wait to see his reaction to her swimsuits, would he squeeze his eyes shut and scold her for being “indecent”?
An hour later, the makeup team arrived.
Lin Jinshen had already told the photography crew his expectations: stick to schedule, get things done. He hated wasting time, his or anyone else’s.
His strict, no-nonsense tone was a warning: this was business, not a vacation. They were here to shoot wedding photos, not lounge around.
Once the job was done, everyone could clear out.
Lu Yi had already washed her face and prepped her skin for makeup. The artist assigned to her was a favorite among celebrities, a team in her wake, difficult to book unless you had real status.
Today, though, she was nothing but sweet and obliging, not daring to show the slightest attitude.
That’s just the rule of the fame game: flatter those above, ignore the rest. Everyone in this circle was used to it.
It took five or six hours just to do Lu Yi’s hair and makeup. Lin Jinshen’s look, by contrast, was simple, it only took a quick touch-up. By the time Lu Yi was done, it was nearly four in the afternoon. Sunset was imminent; they had to chase the light.
The entire entourage headed for the beach in full force.
The location was perfect: waves crashing, the horizon ablaze where the sea met sky, golden sunlight spilling over the water.
The shoot didn’t start smoothly.
Lu Yi’s wedding dress was long and cumbersome; every step she had to gather the skirt, shuffling awkwardly. Lin Jinshen looked sharp in his tailored suit, hair slicked back to reveal his striking features. He would pause, take her hand, and whenever she stepped on the hem, he’d crouch down to lift the train for her.
He guided her to the spot the crew had picked out.
And the shoot began.
But something was off, they just couldn’t get into the groove. Holding hands and staring into each other’s eyes felt stiff, almost awkward. There was no romance, just the unnatural tension of two people forcing themselves through it, each one breaking eye contact the moment the photographer called “Good!”
Their bodies were stiff as boards, like two sticks of wood reinforced with steel, standing straight, with not a single stray thought between them.
The photographer had seen plenty in her time, countless couples awkward in front of the lens, but these two were something else. Not just unnatural, but incapable of even holding each other and making eye contact. She shot frame after frame, none to her satisfaction.
Sunset waited for no one. If they missed this moment, they'd have to try again tomorrow.
Growing impatient, the photographer called over her assistants. “You two, come over here and show Mr. Lin and his wife how it’s done.”
“On it.”
“Sure thing, boss.”
The assistants, both guys, were used to this drill. Grinning, they strutted to the center, waiting for the cue, then snapped right into position.
One wrapped an arm around the other’s waist; one dipped his head, the other angled up. They smiled softly, eyes brimming with warmth and affection, so close it looked like they'd kiss at any moment.
“…”
“Just like that! Copy exactly what they’re doing, Mr. Lin, Miss Lu, you try.”
“Okay.”
Lu Yi turned, aligning herself and Lin Jinshen just like the assistants. Quietly, she said, “Let’s just pretend we’re about to kiss.”
Stuck in that half-breathless, will-they-won’t-they moment.
Lin Jinshen’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he murmured, “Alright,” gaze locked on her lips. A flush of glossy red, scented faintly of fruit, they looked exactly like ripe berries begging to be tasted.
He leaned in, so close their breaths mingled, so close he nearly brushed her mouth.
Lu Yi clutched his shirt, nerves making her swallow with barely a sound.
“Yes, yes, yes! That’s the feeling!”
The photographer almost shouted in excitement, switching immediately to the next pose.
The assistants demonstrated again, this time turned towards the sunset, bodies angled together, one pressing a gentle kiss to the other’s forehead.
With live demos, and both of them straight-A students back in the day, picking up the moves was easy enough, even if it still felt a bit off.
Lin Jinshen’s hand found hers, his palm broad and warm, easily enclosing her own.
Sweat blossomed quietly in her hand.
As the shoot went on, their movements grew less stiff, they no longer needed any help with the poses.
Before the last light faded, they finished the whole set.
“That’s it.”
“Great work, everyone.” The photographer, peering at the camera, nodded with real satisfaction.
Lu Yi let out a quiet breath. As she gathered up her skirt to step off the rocks, Lin Jinshen hopped down before her. Instinctively, she tried to let go of his hand, not wanting to pull him off balance, and needing both hands for her dress, but he let go at exactly the same time, only to sweep her up in his arms and carry her down.
The trailing skirt fanned out and fluttered to the ground like a shower of petals.
One arm braced behind her knees, the other around her waist, he was all solid muscle and sure footing, she never worried for a moment that she'd fall.
Surrounded by their whole team, Lu Yi couldn't help but flush, ducking her head to scoop up the skirt.
“This one’s definitely the shot of the day!” The photographer thanked her lucky stars she hadn’t stopped filming, this was the natural look she’d been hoping for.
After all, this was real, not just an act for the camera.
Lin Jinshen only needed a few strides to set Lu Yi down in a safe spot.
“Thank you,” Lu Yi murmured.
“No problem,” Lin Jinshen replied.
A couple staff nearby caught the exchange, trading glances, what was up with them? They didn’t seem any more intimate than work acquaintances.
One of the others shot back a look: “Totally normal.”
Rich family marriages were about business, after all. Half the time, couples hadn’t even met before the wedding. By comparison, these two were practically a model couple.
Photos done, the team packed up and headed back to the hotel.
Lu Yi changed out of her heavy wedding dress into a halter-neck boho maxi dress brushing the tops of her ankles. The open back showed off her smooth skin, the cinched waist highlighted her figure. Tall and delicately built, she wore the look with effortless grace.
Lin Jinshen saw her change, yet made no fuss about it, whatever his thoughts, he wasn’t one to police her clothes. He respected her freedom, even if he didn’t always understand it.
They shared a car for the ride back, just the two of them and a local driver.
It was a half-hour drive to the hotel.
Lu Yi rolled down the window, letting in the surprisingly cool breeze. She’d barely slept on the plane, caught a super early flight, and had been jumping straight from styling to shooting without a break. Now, exhausted and lulled by the wind, she shut her eyes and drifted off.
Lin Jinshen noticed and quietly asked the driver to slow down.
A car passed from the opposite direction, and their own vehicle jolted as the driver eased past, making everyone inside sway.
There was a light thud as Lu Yi’s head tipped sideways, bumping gently against his shoulder. As she threatened to slide forward, he pressed her shoulder, hesitated, then let his fingers rest delicately on her forehead, easing her back so she nestled comfortably.
Lin Jinshen stayed like that the whole way.
A strange warmth budded deep in his chest, like a summer rain shower making his heart shiver, every droplet catching the light.
But it was nothing, he told himself.
This was just his duty as a husband. Anyone would have done the same, any caring spouse, right?
Nothing strange about it.
Yep, perfectly normal.
Lin Jinshen steadied his breathing and looked out at the darkening sky, the streetlights blinking on to guide them home.
When they reached the hotel, the car rolled to a stop outside their villa.
Lin Jinshen told the driver to go ahead inside, the keys stayed with him. He should probably wake Lu Yi so she could sleep in a real bed, but looking down, all he saw was how her curled lashes cast shadows on her cheeks, her pale face radiant in the soft car light, lipstick faded in patches to reveal the natural tenderness of her lips, no polished shine, only fragile softness.
His chest felt hollow.
Lin Jinshen forgot to wake her, instead falling quiet as his gaze caught a muted brown beauty mark at the edge of her nose, how had he never noticed it before?
He didn’t know how long he’d been staring before Lu Yi’s lashes fluttered, the first sign of waking, not enough for him to react in time. Her eyes flew open, realizing she was leaning on someone’s shoulder. In a heartbeat, she lifted her head, face to face with Lin Jinshen.
She blinked, her eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings about to take flight.
"You..." she said, puzzled.
Lin Jinshen looked perfectly calm. He lowered his eyes, paused for half a second, then reached out, a thumb gently swept the corner of her eye, not too hard, not too soft, tugging a little at her eyelid. His voice came low and deep: "You had something there."
"Really?" Her voice was still scratchy with sleep.
Lu Yi sat up, rummaged in her bag for a mirror, and checked her reflection, again and again.
Lin Jinshen pushed open the door and got out of the car, his thumb still tingling with the warmth from just now.
Lu Yi caught sight of the spot he'd touched and frowned, lowering the mirror. With a voice that managed to be polite, barely, she called after him, "Mr. Lin, is it at all possible that was my eyeliner?"