Chapter 43

Lu Yi blinked. So did the girl in the mirror. She tried to process the impact of that single line.
Their eyes caught in the glass, locked together.
Lu Yi’s mind spun, dazed.
Like a skipped stone breaking the lake’s calm, words rippling outward, over and over, never quite reaching shore.
And that stone? Just those few simple words.
“I do now.”
“And you know her.”
“...”
Lu Yi turned, raising her lashes, emotions written all over her face.
She’d heard confessions all her life. People had poured out their feelings in every way: flowery, passionate, blunt. None had ever hit her like this.
Lu Yi was suddenly at a loss: with Lin Jinshen, she honestly didn’t know, could he really like someone?
Lin Jinshen set down the blow dryer, standing right in front of her, knees brushing hers. He moved in, arms planted on either side, boxing her in with a sort of gentle intensity.
“So, what do you think?” he asked softly.
Lu Yi looked him in the eyes, pretending to be very serious, nodding. “I think you have excellent taste.”
Lin Jinshen ducked his head. A low, delighted laugh slipped from his throat as he kissed her, a fireworks burst right in her ear. She closed her eyes, slid her arms around his neck, and kissed him back like the world had vanished around them.
Lost in the moment, her back nearly hit the cold glass, but his hand pressed there first, sparing her the chill. He lifted her, her arms twined around his neck like a little pendant.
The mirror’s reflection caught their whole scene: black tailored pants, slender white legs, a perfect, striking contrast.
When their kiss broke, both were breathless, heartbeats racing to catch up.
Her hair was completely dry now, he’d done it with rare care, every strand in place, laying like silk over her shoulders, making her delicate face look even smaller.
Her lips were a glossy red, dewy and lush, like a flower waiting to be picked.
Lin Jinshen unplugged the hair dryer, setting it well out of reach,
So now, kissing would be even easier.
He leaned in again, but before he reached her lips, a loud rumble sounded. Her stomach. In the dead-quiet room, there was no hiding it.
Lu Yi squeezed her eyes shut, her face lighting up bright red as she pressed her forehead to his shoulder in utter mortification.
Now she really wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear.
Lin Jinshen finally reacted, his voice tinged with laughter: “Hungry?”
“...Yeah.”
Since last night, Lu Yi had barely eaten a thing, just to look perfect for the wedding. This morning she’d had half a croissant, some black coffee, then lost track of hunger in the chaos. At dinner, she’d only picked at a few bites out of politeness.
She’d gone straight to makeup removal and a shower, not stopping for food.
“I’ll call room service, have them send something up,” she managed, awkwardness fading as she lifted her head, ready to dial the hotel line.
Lin Jinshen said, “Let’s go out. I’ll take you somewhere to eat.”
“Is that really a good idea? What if we get spotted, wouldn’t that be a little... scandalous?”
“No scandal at all. I know just the spot, no one will interrupt us, plus the sea view’s incredible.” He knelt down to retrieve her lost slipper, slipping it onto her foot.
Lu Yi was tempted. After a nonstop day, some quiet sounded perfect. She nodded quickly. “Okay. Give me a second to change.”
“Mm.”
Lu Yi hopped down from the vanity, fished out a fresh dress, a long, white halter gown brushing her ankles. When she’d picked it, she hadn’t realized how perfect it’d be for tonight.
“Let’s go.” She stepped out.
Their bridal suite was its own private villa; the two next doors housed their parents. At this hour, those adults were still busy toasting guests.
Where Lin Jinshen wanted to take her wasn’t nearby. They’d have to walk a few minutes down along the shore. To dodge the crowds, they slipped onto a winding path inside the resort.
The way was lined with thick greenery, the air fresh, the lamps a soft glow, like a quiet corner in some storybook.
Lin Jinshen held her hand, leading the way. He walked ahead; she followed, looking up at his broad back, the two of them conspirators slipping away into summer night.
As they walked, Lu Yi could hear her own racing heartbeat mixing with her shaky breaths.
Years from now, maybe she’d forget every detail of this wedding, but this one moment, she was certain, would last forever in her memory.
They reached the restaurant. Lin Jinshen had called ahead, so the private chef and staff were already waiting. Tonight, the place belonged to them alone.
Lin Jinshen wasn't lying, the view from the restaurant window stretched out to a boundless horizon, the sea melting into the night, a perfect moon hanging high, its silver glow spilling gently over the waves.
The tide rolled in and out, ceaseless, eternal.
Dish after dish appeared at their table. Lu Yi tasted everything; Lin Jinshen barely ate, instead tending to her the whole time, slicing her steak, peeling her shrimp.
She ate until she was completely full, and indulged herself for once, not like she had to fit into a dress tomorrow anyway.
Lin Jinshen sipped his sparkling wine as he outlined tomorrow's plan: this wedding had exhausted everyone, so they'd take a day to rest, then fly back to Jing City the day after. The other guests could do as they liked.
Lu Yi had no complaints about that.
Knife and fork in hand, Lin Jinshen peeled another shrimp, expression focused, lips pressed tight, removing the head with almost surgical precision. When he was done, the perfectly cleaned shrimp appeared on her plate.
Impeccable, efficient, and not a drop of mess, he honestly deserved an award, at least top three in the Shrimp Peeling Olympics.
Lin Jinshen glanced at her. “Just know, there's no honeymoon for the time being.”
Between the wedding and everything leading up to it, he'd spent too much time away; there would only be more to handle back at home.
“That’s fine. Work is more important,” Lu Yi said, popping the freshly peeled shrimp into her mouth. Smoky grilled flavor, pepper crackling, deliciously tender. She swallowed, then grinned, “Anyway, I have to start working at my dad’s company too, once we’re back.”
For her, it was all new territory. There was plenty to learn.
“Any idea what you want to do there?” Lin Jinshen asked.
Lu Yi shook her head. “No clue yet. I’ll decide what interests me once I’m inside.”
He nodded, watching her. He'd seen her at work, she never seemed daunted by anything.
After dinner, they retraced their steps back to the room.
Lin Jinshen headed to the shower first. Left alone, Lu Yi started organizing the gifts she'd gotten from the family elders at the wedding, jade bangles, diamond necklaces, enough to fill a little display. She reveled in the haul; her wallet hadn't looked this fat in ages.
The bathroom door swung open, steam rolling out. Lin Jinshen came out drying his hair. Lu Yi, caught mid–”treasure market,” was laying out her little fortune for inspection; she looked up, caught his eye, and grinned with satisfied delight.
Like she was showing him: Look! All mine!
A total money-grubber.
“Feels like I hit the lottery overnight. I’m rolling in cash, I might actually be a certified rich lady now,” Lu Yi said as she boxed up her loot.
Lin Jinshen sat at the edge of the bed, wearing pajamas that matched hers, a bold red. After the shower, his skin was fresh and glowing; his lips even rosier, looking annoyingly handsome.
He tugged at his lips and deadpanned, “Congratulations, Miss Moneybags.”
He said “Miss Moneybags” so awkwardly, clearly not his usual vocabulary.
Halfway through packing up her gifts, Lu Yi glanced over, suddenly curious. “How much can you even earn in a day?”
“?” Lin Jinshen looked puzzled.
“Wait, that’s not right. For someone like you, I guess one day isn’t measurable.” She gave up on calculating and just asked, “If I wanted to, how much would it cost to ‘book’ you for a whole day?”
“Book me?” He was clearly intrigued by the concept. Eyes lowered, thoughtful, he finally asked, “How much are you willing to pay?”
Lu Yi mused, “Would a million cover it?”
“...That would do.”
Lu Yi snatched up her phone and showed him, midnight had just passed. “Now it’s a new day. I’m paying one million to book you for today.”
She said it like a high-rolling boss, ready to drop cash whenever she pleased.
“…”
Lin Jinshen: “You know you don’t have to pay. I’m yours tomorrow either way.”
“No, it’s different. I want to pay for premium service.”
She stared at his face, so proper, so stern when expressionless, and intense when he looked at you. But what would it be like to have someone like that at her beck and call?
Better not go down that rabbit hole. She was already a little too into it. She raised an eyebrow. “So if I book you, does that count as you... selling yourself?”
“Selling what?” Lin Jinshen looked utterly lost now.
Must’ve had too much to eat tonight, because even her courage seemed to have doubled. Lu Yi bit her lip, grinning. “Selling yourself. You know, boy toy!”
Lin Jinshen: “…”
She watched as his face darkened, it was the classic prelude to a stern lecture, like a teacher ready to scold a wayward student. Quick as a flash, Lu Yi sent him the money on her phone, not giving him a chance to protest.
“Payment sent.” She flashed her phone to show the confirmation.
She got a twisted thrill from suddenly being the “bad guy”, with a wicked smile, she tugged his collar and darted up to press a quick kiss to his lips, like tagging her territory.
“Now, help me pack up all the gifts.” She was the client today, after all, no need for manual labor; that was what she was paying for.
Lin Jinshen shot her a look but didn’t say a word, quietly cleaning up as she wished.
Lu Yi patted the bed, using a no-nonsense tone: “Sit. Here.”
He didn’t get it, but respected it. Lin Jinshen propped himself beside her. She wore that infuriatingly smug smile. He’d been patient long enough, one whiff of her, and he leaned right in, catching her lips up in a kiss before she could even react.
Tasting her, silencing her teasing orders.
Lu Yi’s eyes widened. If she was the one spending the money, he should listen to her every whim, so why did it feel like the roles had flipped and now she was the one being devoured and left with nothing?
This was definitely not part of the “customer experience.”
She twisted, trying to escape, lips just breaking free before he reclaimed them, stronger this time. He trapped her hand, his “service” reaching far beyond just her mouth. She tried to retreat, he pressed closer, and if she pulled away too far, he just hauled her right back in.
In his hands, she was about to melt, trapped, breathless, caught between surrender and resistance.
Like a pile of dry grass, needing only a single spark to burst into wild, consuming flame.
Thankfully, she held onto a shred of reason, remembering that million she’d just spent. Bracing herself on his shoulders, she refused to let him call all the shots. “That’s enough for tonight,” she insisted, voice faint but determined. “Service ends here.”
It didn’t sound terribly convincing, but she slowly, stubbornly worked her way out of arm’s reach, carefully extracting herself from the heat of his orbit.
But Lu Yi seemed to have forgotten, ever since she sat down, she’d lost all control of the situation. Somehow, Lin Jinshen had shrugged off his jacket without her noticing. His torso was sculpted, lean without being showy, every line brimming with a quiet, powerful force.
He was half-kneeling on the bed, his broad frame blocking out the light above her. Somehow, that fiery red aura clung to him, making him look just a bit wicked.
“Consider the extras a complimentary bonus.”
“?!”
Lu Yi blushed fiercely. “That’s not fair! That’s forced upselling!”
“Who’s forcing who here? I’ve still got your transfer receipts.” Lin Jinshen scooped her up like she weighed nothing, settling her beneath him again.
He brushed aside her tousled bangs, suddenly calling her name:
“Lu Yi.”
“It's our wedding night.”
His gaze left her dazed. The words slipped from his lips so soft, so gentle, it felt like she could drown in them before she even knew she’d stepped too close.
But the tenderness lasted only a moment. Lin Jinshen bared his pointed canines, and an almost wolfish, wild edge. Suddenly, he looked like he wanted to swallow her whole, bit by bit, until there was nothing left.
Again and again, he devoured her like a man starved.
By round two, Lu Yi threw her hands up in protest, no amount of free samples should outnumber the real thing. Unfazed, Lin Jinshen simply picked her up and carried her to the bathroom, running a bath all over again.
“You seriously lack stamina. Start joining me for morning runs.”
Even half-asleep, Lu Yi remembered to object; she clapped a hand over his mouth. “You’re crossing a line!”
They were supposed to be just married, not... whatever this was!
And yet he actually expected her up at six for a jog? Was he human?
Lin Jinshen cradled her easily, peeling her hand from his lips and clasping it in his own, his fingers toying with hers. But the girl in his arms was already fast asleep, and when he squeezed her hand, she let out the faintest, sleepy little hum.
The night stretched on, dark and endless.
Lin Jinshen realized something in that moment, right then, he wanted nothing more than to hand her the whole world.
…
The party raged on long past midnight.
Only the most hardcore regulars lasted this late, guys who could turn even drinking into an Olympic sport. Ji Changming had luck on his side tonight, winning round after round until his face hurt from grinning.
“Thanks for letting me rob you blind, gentlemen. Much appreciated,” he crowed.
Yu Zeheng lounged back, tossing a handful of chips across the table. “You barely even won, calm down.”
“Easy for you to say! I never win against you lot. Let me gloat for once!” Ji Changming scooped up his winnings, one pile at a time. “Careful what you wish for, maybe Jinshen’s lucky star will smile on me again.”
“Fat chance. Jinshen’s busy tonight.” Someone nearby couldn’t keep from chiming in.
Ji Changming squawked, “Hey, what’s with that tone? Get your mind outta the gutter.”
“You’re the one overthinking. Go check Jinshen’s WeChat.” The friend rolled his eyes, stifling a yawn.
Ji Changming scoffed. “Please. Like Jinshen would ever, wait. Hold up.”
Everyone at the table stopped shuffling cards and reached for their phones, WeChat opening in unison.
Among the flood of photos on their feeds, a new one popped up, a glacial-blue profile pic that stood out instantly.
The post contained two photos: one, a marriage certificate; two, today’s wedding scene, Lu Yi in her wedding dress, clutching her bouquet. She wasn’t looking at the camera, caught mid-smile, her lips curved in a way that lit across her face. The angle was sneaky, the shot timed just right, no fancy technique, just a beauty that couldn’t help but steal the show.
No caption. Just a little bride emoji.
Time posted: three in the morning. For someone who’s usually out by eleven, this was practically a horror story.
“???”
Wedding posts are normal, most people shout it from the rooftops.
But this was Lin Jinshen. He treated WeChat like it barely existed, didn’t even know Moments was a thing.
Ji Changming gawked, “Did WeChat just remind me that Jinshen actually knows how to post now?”
“Are we sure it's really him? Maybe his new wife posted it?” Gu Yu studied the post, brow furrowed.
Yu Zeheng shot him a look. “No way. That’s not her vibe.”
Anyone with half a brain would know, Lu Yi just wasn’t the type.
“So it’s really him?”
Yu Zeheng just raised an eyebrow, lips quirking, saying nothing.
The post exploded. Comment after lurking comment, likes flooding in, blessings pouring through at three a.m. Does nobody sleep?
Ji Changming: [Damn, the bride’s gorgeous! Who took the pic?] The angle screamed “amateur boyfriend,” not a pro. And frankly, if a professional only managed this, they’d be out of work in a week.
Lin Jinshen: [I did.]
Ji Changming stared at those three words and, somehow, couldn’t miss the pride shining through. He snorted, ready to tease that the picture was all Lu Yi’s looks and none of Jinshen’s skill, before Yu Zeheng cut in, replying below:
Yu Zeheng: [Stunning bride, but your photography’s tragic.]
He wasn’t even being petty; anyone with eyes could see, the technical level was... basic. A halfway decent pro could’ve done better.
Lin Jinshen: [You got any to show?]
Ji Changming laughed so hard he nearly dropped his phone, nudging Zeheng: “Bro, is Jinshen flexing that you’re wife-less?”
Gu Yu just propped up his chin, watching the bickering with amusement. Honestly, why was it so fun to see them roast each other?
“…”
And it wasn’t just their group chat blowing up. Lin Yumo, queen of high-intensity surfing, spotted the post instantly.
Her first thought matched everyone else’s: must’ve been Lu Yi. But remembering how her sister-in-law didn’t have a childish bone in her body, there could be only one culprit.
It really was her brother.
Lin Yumo eyed the post gravely, struggling to reconcile it with the man she knew, the stoic, ever-serious big brother who’d sent her into tears more than once with a single icy glare.
Something was definitely up. If her parents weren’t already asleep, she’d have blasted them the screenshot for verification; judging by her years of romance novel experience, this was classic “possessed by a ghost” behavior.
No use sending it to Mom and Dad now, so she pinged her lifelong bestie, Fu Yanli: [My brother posted this. Can you believe it?]
Fu Yanli: [I believe you.]
[Hacking someone’s WeChat isn’t exactly easy, you know.]
[Go to sleep.]
"..." Lin Yumo frowned: [Like you're asleep right now?]
Fu Yanli: [You woke me up with your messages.]
Lin Yumo: [Sorry, sorry. Go back to sleep.]
…
Lin Yumo slept in until eleven. Madam Qin came into her room several times, prodding her to come eat breakfast. Each time, she mumbled a reply, rolled over, and fell back asleep. Madam Qin just pinched her cheek, indulgent as always, and let her be.
By the time she washed up, it was almost noon. She went downstairs and practically collided with Lin Jinshen. Instinctively, she tried to turn back, but before she could escape, he called her name, so she resigned herself and greeted him, "Hey, bro."
"Do you know what time it is?" Lin Jinshen asked.
Lin Yumo drooped her lashes. "Half past eleven."
She knew this was just the opening act, and she was about to get hauled off for a proper lecture. He couldn’t control her from afar before, but now that they were face to face, it was his chance to settle scores.
Lin Jinshen had a memory like a steel trap. Every mistake she’d made since school started, he listed one by one, slow and methodical. Lin Yumo bit her lip, seconds from tears, looking like the world was ending.
At least this proved he hadn’t been possessed. The real deal, through and through.
“Mom, Dad.”
Just then, Lu Yi walked in and caught the scene.
"Lu Yi, you're up," Madam Qin called out, gentle. "Had a rough day yesterday? Wash your hands, we’re about to eat."
"Okay."
Lu Yi responded, but she sensed immediately that something was off at the end of the sofa. Lin Yumo stood there, hands twisted anxiously, while Lin Jinshen sat stiff and severe, face like a thundercloud.
Lin Yumo tilted her head, sending Lu Yi a desperate look: Save me. Please. SOS.
Lu Yi usually stayed out of sibling drama, but faced with Lin Yumo on the verge of tears, how could she just watch? Bracing herself, she called out sweetly, "Honey?"
Lin Jinshen glanced over, and Lu Yi’s mind went blank. Still, she managed, "I’m thirsty. Could you get me some water?"
"…"
Lin Yumo squeezed her eyes shut in despair. Internally she screamed, Sis, that was probably the worst distraction tactic I've ever seen.
But then,
Lin Jinshen asked, "Warm or cold?"
"Room temp is fine," Lu Yi replied with a quick smile.
"Alright."
Lin Jinshen got up and went to the kitchen island to pour her a glass.
Lin Yumo let out a breath and officially stopped doubting whether Lin Jinshen was really her brother, now she was starting to suspect she might be adopted.
The double standard was out of control. They woke up at the same time and yet, look at their treatment!
"Let’s eat," Madam Qin called as the dishes arrived.
Since they’d planned to leave the island tomorrow, the rest of today was theirs to enjoy: the resort had every watersport imaginable, yachts, surfboards, snorkeling, all with professional coaches at the ready.
Lin Yumo sparkled. "Sis, what do you want to do? Wanna go out on the yacht with us? We could fish, dive, cruise around!"
Lu Yi hadn’t planned anything, but nodded right away. "Sounds good."
Madam Qin laughed. She wasn’t interested in joining the youngsters’ adventures. "Perfect. Jinshen can drive. You guys go have fun."
"...Big bro’s coming too?"
From what Lin Yumo remembered, her brother only worked. He never joined their activities.
Lu Yi, on the other hand, was surprised he even knew how to drive a yacht. He’d never mentioned it before.
"I got certified in college," Lin Jinshen replied simply.
Lu Yi: "So, are you coming?"
Lin Jinshen: "I am."
Lin Yumo: "?"
Lin Jinshen set down his utensils, dabbed the edge of his mouth with a napkin, and added, "After all, today, I’m at your disposal."
There was a hidden meaning only the two of them caught.
Lu Yi had already tried to block out what happened last night, it was something she’d done in a reckless, high-on-adrenaline moment. Now, hearing him bring it up, her ears flushed hot. She stared at her bowl, wishing she could just bury herself in rice.