C13 Lin Shuyu's Favorability

"Jun, how could you let this happen? I'm your girlfriend now!" Qin Yao looked at Qi Jun with a hint of distress. She winced as she watched the security guards relentlessly kick him, his facial muscles twitching with each blow.

Pinned to the ground by the guards, Qi Jun pleaded with a grimace, "It's fine, I don't mind. You two were a couple back in college, right? And he's always wanted to sleep with you. Let him have one night; it's not like you'll be missing any parts... Just save me, and I'll buy you a Hermes bag tomorrow!"

Desperate to save his own skin, Qi Jun was willing to risk it all.

Losing face was the least of his worries; surviving the moment was all that mattered!

With Xia Ming backed by this enigmatic woman, Qi Jun knew he stood no chance.

Qin Yao, standing to the side, perked up at the mention of a Hermes bag. "Jun, stop talking. It breaks my heart to see you getting hurt! I'd do anything for you..."

Without hesitation, she turned to Xia Ming and declared, "Xia Ming, you want to sleep with me, right? Fine, I'll grant your wish. Just let Jun go, and we can head to a hotel right away. You can have your way with me tonight, and I won't complain!"

Did Qin Yao genuinely care for Qi Jun?

That was laughable.

Both Qin Yao and Qi Jun were acutely aware of the transactional nature of their relationship.

Qin Yao's willingness to help was solely motivated by the allure of a pricey Hermes bag.

Liu Qiang's security guards, upon realizing Qin Yao was Xia Ming's ex-girlfriend, were momentarily dumbfounded. Liu Qiang himself was unsure how to proceed, given the tangled web of relationships.

Considering Qin Yao's past with Xia Ming, excessive force could lead to complications. Liu Qiang looked to Xia Ming for direction.

Xia Ming, expressionless, internally shook his head at Qin Yao's proposition. "Let's just call it a lesson learned. I haven't really lost anything. Besides, CEO Han has invited me to write couplets for him, isn't that right, CEO Han?" Xia Ming turned and gave Leng Ningchu a knowing wink.

Leng Ningchu quickly grasped the situation, her expression darkening as she addressed Liu Qiang, "Indeed! Chairman Liu, please handle these individuals. Let's depart, Mr. Xia."

She reached out to Xia Ming, leading him towards the exit.

Wang Ke and Qi Jun were left sprawled on the ground, panting heavily.

As Xia Ming walked away, Wang Ke and Qi Jun exchanged glances. Xia Ming had shown some savvy this time. Humph! He was just hiding behind someone else's power. Would he be so fortunate next time?

Once Liu Qiang had seen Leng Ningchu and Xia Ming off, he returned to the hotel lobby and gave Qi Jun and Wang Ke a chilling look. "Get out! If you dare trouble Mr. Xia again, I'll break your legs!"

Leng Ningchu escorted Xia Ming to Lin Shuyu's place and respectfully took her leave after he entered the villa.

In the living room, Lin Shuyu sat barefoot on the sofa, watching television. She turned and smiled at Xia Ming's arrival, "You're back?"

With the company's financial issues resolved, Lin Shuyu was clearly in high spirits. Dressed in a thin purple nightgown, her fair collarbones were exposed, adding a touch of femininity.

"Yes, I've picked out a gift for Grandma!" Xia Ming said, pulling out the earrings given to him by Liu Tianxiong and handing them to Lin Shuyu.

Lin Shuyu examined the earrings with a hint of skepticism. They resembled the pair she had previously purchased, but she was unfamiliar with the material. "Where did these come from?"

"I visited a friend who owed me a favor. He gave them to me; they're probably worth a couple hundred thousand," Xia Ming replied evasively, opting not to elaborate.

Lin Shuyu sighed, "We'll have to make do."

Currently, Lin Shuyu and Xia Ming didn't have enough money for an extravagant gift. Fortunately, the earrings Xia Ming brought back closely resembled the ones Lin Feng had broken, so presenting them tomorrow wouldn't be shameful.

"It's late; you should take a quick shower and head to bed," Lin Shuyu suggested, her cheeks flushing as she added, "I'll be waiting for you upstairs."

Hmm?

Upon hearing Lin Shuyu's words, Xia Ming paused, turning to look at her with a hint of hesitation.

Waiting for him upstairs?

What did she mean by that?

Feeling Xia Ming's intense gaze, Lin Shuyu grew even more bashful and spoke with a touch of coyness, "Don't get the wrong idea! I just meant that we could share a room... You'll start by sleeping on the floor... I'll try to get used to you... I'm sorry..."

Her apology was heartfelt.

Xia Ming had been part of the Lin family for many years, and although he was married to Lin Shuyu, she had never shown him kindness or treated him as a family member. She hadn't given him a single opportunity for closeness, which was unfair to Xia Ming.

Today, in the karaoke bar and at the mall, Xia Ming had fiercely protected her. He even reached out to his classmates to drum up investments for the company... Lin Shuyu felt moved and decided to try to accept Xia Ming.

Inviting Xia Ming to share a room was the first step!

Seeing Lin Shuyu's shy demeanor, a smile spread across Xia Ming's face. "Eh, wife, maybe we should skip it, I think I'll just sleep downstairs!"

Lin Shuyy looked at Xia Ming with a flirtatious gaze and pouted, "Hmph! Are you scared I'll gobble you up? I've already moved your stuff from downstairs to upstairs. Go take a shower!"

Xia Ming was at a loss for words. This girl was certainly decisive and quick to act. "Okay, then!"

Shower, head upstairs, and sleep!

Though it was their first time sharing a room, and it was a bit awkward, the night passed without incident.

...

The next morning, after getting ready, Lin Shuyu drove them to her grandmother's place.

It was Grandma's birthday, and arriving late would surely invite criticism from the relatives.

By the time they reached Grandma's house, Lin Feng, the Second Uncle, the Third Uncle, and several other elders were already there.

Upon seeing Lin Shuyu and Xia Ming walk in, Lin Feng couldn't resist making a snide remark, "Well, if it isn't Boss Lin? Grandma, I've been told that our esteemed CEO bought you a pair of million-yuan earrings yesterday. Why don't you show them off and give us all a treat?"

Yesterday, Lin Feng witnessed the earrings being smashed to pieces. In River City, such earrings were one of a kind. Lin Shuyu and Xia Ming would certainly not be able to find another identical pair.

To curry favor with Grandma, Lin Feng had already been whispering in her ear, insinuating that Lin Shuyu had prepared a gift with the intent of embarrassing Lin Shuyu and Xia Ming.

Lin Shuyu paid no mind to Lin Feng and approached Grandma, saying, "Grandma, happy birthday! May you live as long as the southern mountains and be as fortunate as the eastern seas."

Grandma, seated at the head of the table, let out a cold snort, "Hmm! Shuyu, Ah Feng told me you bought me a pair of jade earrings. Show them to me, will you? I just happen to be in need of a new pair of earrings."