Chapter 37: "Are You Hiding Something From Me?"
The room was silent—too silent.
Under the dim glow of the bedside lamp, Shen Muyan's dark eyes fixated on Lin Zhaoxi like a storm about to break loose. She had just stepped out from the bathroom, her damp hair draped over her shoulders, and paused when she met his gaze.
"You're hiding something from me."
His voice was low, calm, but deadly.
Zhaoxi's fingers curled unconsciously by her side. "Why would you say that?"
He didn' answer immediately. Instead, he stood and walked toward her, his every step steady, controlled. The man who had always remained indifferent and cold now looked… uncharacteristically intense.
"I had someone look into your background," he said bluntly. "Your graduation records. Your agency profile. Your debut year. None of them match."
[System Alert]: Male lead has detected inconsistencies. Identity breach is underway. Immediate emotional distraction is recommended.
Zhaoxi's heart skipped a beat.
The system's voice echoed in her ears like a siren, yet she forced a calm smile onto her lips. "You looked into me?"
"You're my wife. I have the right to know who I'm really married to."
He stepped closer, so close that she could feel the warmth radiating off his body. "So… who are you, Lin Zhaoxi?"
[System Mission Update]: Emergency Task Issued —
🔔 Deadline: Within 24 hours, trigger a deep kiss and a public confession from the male lead.
Failure to complete will result in forced memory reset.
Zhaoxi felt a chill race down her spine.
Not again.
Not another one of those twisted tasks.
Her fingers trembled slightly, but she clenched them into fists. "I'm still me," she said, her voice soft but firm. "You've known me for months now. Does it matter what's on some paper?"
Shen Muyan narrowed his eyes. "It does, when every word you say starts to feel like a lie."
Her breath caught. For the first time, his distrust didn't feel cold—it felt… hurt.
And that hurt more than any punishment the system could inflict.
"I didn't mean to lie," she whispered, eyes glistening. "I just didn't know how to tell you the truth."
For a brief moment, the silence returned.
Then suddenly, he reached out and cupped her face in his hand. The warmth of his palm against her skin made her freeze.
"Then show me," he said. "Prove to me that I'm not just part of your lie."
She looked up at him, her lips parting, not sure if it was her heart or the system controlling her next move.
But then he kissed her.
Not the kind of kiss she expected—not rushed or rough—but slow, deep, and almost desperate, as if he was trying to confirm something within himself.
[System Update]: Task progress —
✓ Deep kiss
✘ Public confession pending
The system buzzed, but she ignored it.
For that one second, there was no task, no danger, no lies.
Just him.
Just him.
And yet—
She knew this peace wouldn't last.