In Linjiang City, where every inch of land came at a premium, the commercial landscape was ever-changing. Amidst fierce market competition, Tianheng Manor stood firm, and the true extent of the power behind it remained a popular topic of after-dinner conversation.

The manor was vast and could only be booked in its entirety, never rented or sold in parts. Therefore, those who could host banquets here were invariably wealthy or influential.

The guests invited were no ordinary individuals either they either had solid connections or possessed considerable wealth or authority.

As Shen Yanli, a recent hot topic in the news, entered the venue, he immediately drew everyone’s attention. Standing beside him, Lin Zhiyu naturally became the subject of scrutiny as well.

His posture was upright and steady, his dark suit impeccably pressed, perfectly outlining the lines of his shoulders. His expression was aloof and indifferent, his gaze sweeping over the crowd from above, exuding an unspoken aura of detachment befitting a person of high status.

“Why is the Shen family’s heir here?”

“Keep your voice down. Don’t you know his style? If you can’t take him down in one move, you’ll suffer later. Don’t jump to conclusions or pick sides recklessly.”

“No, it’s just that I noticed that person over there is here too. I never thought the two of them would share the same stage.”

“What does that matter? What is he, anyway? The one truly in power in the Shen family now is this one. The old master is aging and won’t last much longer. Think long-term.”

Their entrance stirred up a wave of lively discussion. Anyone with a discerning eye could tell from yesterday’s news that the Shen family was about to face turmoil again.

The internal strife from over a decade ago was still vivid in people’s memories. The events of that year had shaken half the business world, their scale immense.

Lu Yuchen had arrived a while earlier. The moment he appeared, he was surrounded by flatterers, but soon, the attention on him gradually waned. Puzzled, he followed the commotion and looked toward the center of the room.

Shen Yanli stood among the crowd, admired by all.

He merely had to stand there, and people naturally gravitated toward him. His entire demeanor, noble and restrained, affirmed his role as a leader.

Lu Yuchen tightened his grip on his wine glass. The moment Shen Yanli appeared, he became nothing more than a backdrop, utterly insignificant. Compared to Shen Yanli, the current head of the Shen family, he, as a mere nephew, amounted to very little.

What fools, he thought, scrambling to serve a false heir. He couldn’t wait to see the expressions on their faces when they discovered the truth.

Would it be disgust? Or pity?

Lin Zhiyu held onto Shen Yanli’s arm, surrounded by people.

“Little Director Shen, you’ve finally arrived. I’ve been waiting for you,” Director Li said, stepping forward first and raising his glass in invitation.

“Director Li, this is my wife ”

“Lin Zhiyu.”

His deep, magnetic voice sounded above her head as he extended a glass of champagne in her direction.

Lin Zhiyu looked up in surprise.

The young woman wore a rose-gold gown, its skirt layered with shimmering sequins that rippled like delicate, captivating lake reflections.

Director Li was a shrewd man. He adjusted the direction of his champagne glass toward Lin Zhiyu. “So this is Mrs. Shen. It’s an honor to meet you. You’re as beautiful as ever.”

Shen Yanli gently rotated his wrist and gave her hand a light pat, his warm eyes signaling her to accept the goodwill.

Understanding his intention, Lin Zhiyu felt a warm current flow through her heart. She raised her glass to return Director Li’s gesture of respect.

Before their glasses could touch, Shen Yanli withdrew his hand and gently pressed her down. A crisp clink of glass echoed as his wine glass met Director Li’s.

“Just call her Miss Lin. I’ll drink this toast on her behalf,” he said.

Not only Lin Zhiyu, but Director Li also paused momentarily. His business instincts quickly brought him back to reality. “Ahaha, of course, of course, Miss Lin.”

He clearly had more to say, but his words were interrupted by a suddenly appearing young man’s lazy voice. “Uncle, I didn’t expect you to be here. I’m late – I hope you won’t blame your junior.”

Lin Zhiyu had noticed him earlier – standing alone outside the crowd, watching them with cold, disdainful eyes.

Though their age difference wasn’t significant (Lin Zhiyu being the same age as him), Shen Yanli’s mature presence completely overshadowed Lu Yuchen.

Lu Yuchen casually raised his glass in a vague toast toward her. “Auntie is here too! Long time no see.”

Lin Zhiyu pressed her lips together in frustration: Please, I don’t want to see you. Another meeting means another scheme to trap me? Absolutely unnecessary.

Shen Yanli ignored his initiative completely, turning to ask her as if no one else was present: “Tired?”

Her legs weren’t tired from standing just this short while, but being stared at by so many people like a zoo animal had exhausted her mentally.

Lin Zhiyu nodded, leaning close to his arm to whisper: “Tired.”

The tense atmosphere drew more and more people gathering around them. With so many spectators, Lin Zhiyu clearly wasn’t comfortable being herself.

The resort had exclusive private rooms for VIPs. Shen Yanli calmly took Lin Zhiyu’s hand.

In an extremely light tone that nevertheless reached everyone present, he declared, “My wife is tired.” His voice carried no room for discussion, only undeniable finality.

Director Li immediately fawned, repeatedly agreeing, “Madam’s health comes first. Please rest now. Everyone, stop crowding around, disperse, disperse!”

Shen Yanli hadn’t given Lu Yuchen a single direct glance the entire time. Everyone noticed his attitude toward the young man, and their enthusiasm toward Lu Yuchen naturally cooled, following Director Li’s lead in ignoring him.

“Is this really alright?” she whispered, gently shaking Shen Yanli’s palm.

As they moved through the crowd toward the elevator to the VIP rooms at the back of the banquet hall, she forgot that though her movements were small, they were currently facing away from everyone.

These subtle gestures were completely visible to all.

Shen Yanli stroked her fingertips twice, patiently responding: “Zhi Zhi, if you want to see what you wish to see, we need to add more fuel to the fire. Only when he’s grinding his teeth in hatred will he lose his rationality and step into the trap.”

“But will he really come? After being so restrained for so long, he should be acting cautiously now.” Lin Zhiyu didn’t understand.

Male-oriented novel protagonists typically endure patiently in the early stages before unleashing their fury later.

She was skeptical of Shen Yanli’s words, not believing Lu Yuchen would openly break with Shen Yanli over momentary anger.

“Of course he won’t cause trouble directly. Hypocrisy is his usual style.”

Holding Lin Zhiyu’s hand before everyone’s eyes, he chuckled softly as they walked slowly.

“The Lin family really sent them a good daughter. With the couple this close, I’m afraid we won’t get to see the Lin family go bankrupt.”

“Tell me, what kind of love potion did she give Shen Yanli? To make him so obedient – if she controls this one, doesn’t that mean the Shen family will be at the Lin family’s command?”

“Oh dear, don’t speak so soon. Who the Lin family ultimately belongs to is still uncertain.”

“Exactly. Don’t underestimate Lu Yuchen just because he’s merely a cousin’s nephew. During the internal power struggle back then, his family actually…”

Just as he was about to continue, someone abruptly jabbed his arm with an elbow, cutting off his remaining words.

“Keep your voice down. He hasn’t left yet.”

The newcomer gestured with their eyes toward Lu Yuchen, who remained standing in place, swirling champagne in his glass with an inscrutable expression, lost in thought.

Gossip was never in short supply at banquets, and this particular speculation about the Shen family’s power struggle came to an abrupt halt.
The VIP rooms on the second floor of Tianheng Villa were allocated based on a comprehensive ranking of wealth, power, and family influence. The most prestigious guest enjoyed the highest-tier suite.

Regardless of who hosted the banquet, the ownership of these VIP rooms remained unchanged. Only three such lounges were available in the entire villa, and Shen Yanli occupied one of them.

The moment they entered the VIP room, Lin Zhiyu collapsed bonelessly onto the sofa like a puddle of water, her posture slouched and unsteady.

She turned her head to look at Shen Yanli. “So many people I’m getting trypophobia just looking at them.”

Her cheek pressed against her hands folded on the sofa, and as she turned, her hair cascaded over her neck, revealing her slender back with its elegantly curved shoulder blades. Her delicate figure undulated subtly beneath the dark tresses.

She made no effort to restrain her bold and uninhibited demeanor.

Shen Yanli paused mid-action as he closed the door behind him. He loosened his tight necktie, then removed his suit jacket and draped it over her waist. “Zhi Zhi, sit up properly.”

His tone carried a seriousness that brooked no refusal from Lin Zhiyu.

“What’s wrong?” Lin Zhiyu looked puzzled, thinking there might be movement outside. Propping herself up, she glanced past Shen Yanli toward the door.

After listening intently for a moment and hearing nothing, a shadow fell across her face as the light in front of her dimmed. She noticed Shen Yanli approaching.

She withdrew her gaze as he stood before her, bending slightly to pick up the slipped jacket and reposition it over her.

The dark jacket covered the vibrant rose-gold hem of her dress, concealing her lower body completely.

Lin Zhiyu parted her lips slightly, as if about to speak.

Shen Yanli casually sat beside her and succinctly answered the question written on her face. “There will be more people coming later.”

He seemed confident about what would unfold.

After a moment’s thought, Lin Zhiyu didn’t refuse his considerate gesture.

Better safe than sorry.

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity about his plans. “What are you going to do later?”

“What issue does he have with you? It’s not like he’s hosting this banquet. Could he possibly kick you out?”

Lin Zhiyu leaned extremely close to him, her loose hair lightly brushing against his arm with her movements.

Shen Yanli felt somewhat helpless with her.

This young woman never quite grasped the importance of maintaining boundaries.

With a soft sigh, he gathered her cascading hair and tucked it behind her shoulder before speaking unhurriedly. “He can’t kick me out, so naturally he’ll resort to other connections.”

The VIP room was spacious, with the sofa facing the entrance, followed by a large activity area, and then a bedroom separated by a wall.

All furnishings in the room were from renowned luxury brands, and the decor exuded opulence in every detail.

Premium brewed alcohol and tea sets had been pre-placed on the tea table. Lin Zhiyu lounged lazily on the sofa while Shen Yanli sat beside her, meticulously brewing tea.

An ill-timed knock sounded at the door, prompting Lin Zhiyu to sit up abruptly.

Sure enough, they had arrived.

Without waiting for a response, the visitor pushed the door open and entered, followed by three individuals clad in black.

With hands clasped respectfully in front, his posture was deferential, yet his tone carried an unyielding firmness: “Mr. Shen, after thorough evaluation, your current reputation no longer meets the criteria for access to our exclusive VIP lounge.”

“Please relocate.”

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