"Stop the car!" Shen Linyi ordered a few minutes after the car moved into the road.
The car moved to a stop, making a screeching sound.
Gu Liansheng turned to stare at her calmly. "What is wrong, Miss Shen?"
"I can't go to your house," Shen Linyi answered, her eyes lowered as though in deep thoughts.
"Why? Are you going back on our deal?" Gu Liansheng teased.
Shen Linyi instantly shook her head. "How could I? The thing is... all of these happened so suddenly, I didn't have time to prepare my belongings."
Gu Liansheng let out an "oh."
"To Shen Villa," he instructed.
With one smooth swerve, the car made a turn and drove to the Shen Villa.
Shen Linyi stared at the man who was leaning on the backrest with his eyes closed, and her eyes narrowed.
Seeing him this way made him look different and... vulnerable.
When this thought flashed through her mind, Shen Linyi laughed inwardly. 'Vulnerable? Quite a stretch. He is a huge capitalist.'
After about an hour or so, the car finally pulled up in front of the Shen Villa.
Shen Linyi stared at the building, and her heart felt stuffy.
"I will be back soon. And don't worry, I won't run away." Shen Linyi said, and walked out of the car.
"Miss Shen," Gu Liansheng called out, and she turned to look at him through the open window.
The night was starless, and the air was cold. The birds sang in the distance, and the surrounding trees swayed as if dancing to the breeze.
Gu Liansheng and Shen Linyi locked eyes until his lips curved.
"You won't be able to run away." There was a weird confidence in Gu Liansheng's voice. "Because if you do, I'll ruin what is precious to you — the Shen Group."
A chill ran down Shen Linyi's spine as she swallowed. Gu Liansheng had a smile on her face but she knew too well... he could do something like that.
"Go get your belongings. I'll be here, waiting."
Shen Linyi gave him one last look before walking to the villa, her mind still reeling from his 'warning.'
When she walked into the villa, she was stopped by the butler.
"Young Miss," he called out.
Shen Linyi was surprised to see him, and her lips involuntarily curved.
"Butler Su, when did you return?" She asked with a smile.
"Earlier this morning." Butler Su answered. "Young Miss, is the news speaking the truth? Are you really marrying... Gu Liansheng?" He inquired tentatively.
Shen Linyi smiled. "Not only marrying him, I've also married him." she responded with a soft chuckle.
"As expected from someone birthed by Bai Ling."
Shen Linyi suddenly snapped her head towards the sound, and her hands clenched from restrained fury.
"Aunty," she called through gritted teeth.
"Linyi," the older lady was seated on the golden single chair in the sitting room.
"Come," she beckoned towards her.
Left with no other choice, Shen Linyi walked forward.
"You married Gu Liansheng? Why?" Shen Xianling demanded with narrowed eyes.
"Aunt," Shen Linyi started, meeting her gaze. "I did it for the company. I don't want it to be controlled by Zhou Yuanfeng."
Shen Xianling arched a brow. "I thought he was your fiancé."
Shen Linyi swallowed hard. "Not anymore."
Xianling's eyes softened ever so slightly for a heartbeat—just enough for Linyi to notice. Though she would never admit it, part of her relief was in knowing Shen Linyi was safe, that she wasn't being cornered by Zhou Yuanfeng alone. Yet her expression quickly hardened again.
"You made a bold move," Xianling said, her tone sharp. "But bold doesn't always mean smart."
Shen Linyi's jaw tightened imperceptibly, but she remained composed. "I can handle it."
Shen Xianling leaned back, scrutinizing her niece. "I don't trust him," she said quietly, almost to herself. Then she added, louder, "And I won't let anyone—anyone—mess with you."
Linyi blinked, catching the hint of genuine concern beneath the criticism. But she didn't let it show. "I'm aware, Aunt."
The air between them was tense, a clash of wills softened by hidden care. Xianling might oppose her choices, but she would always watch her back in her own way.
"I suppose you are here to get your belongings," Shen Xianling said, and Linyi nodded.
"I will ask the maids to prepare it for you. In the meantime, have tea with me." She suggested. "I don't know when else we will be able to drink tea together."
Shen Linyi's eyes softened. "I will always visit you, Aunt. You make it seem like I am leaving for another country."
"It'd be better if you were leaving for another country than marrying that man."
Shen Linyi gave a small, tired smile. "You're still the same, Aunt."
"And you're still too soft," Xianling replied coldly, pouring tea into two porcelain cups. "Gu Liansheng isn't a man who marries for love. Remember that."
"I know," Linyi said quietly, taking the cup between her palms. "That's why I didn't marry him for love either. It is for the company."
For a second, Xianling froze—her hand hovering above her own cup. Her gaze flicked to Linyi's face, searching, assessing. "You've grown," she said at last, her voice low. "But growth doesn't make the wolves less hungry."
Linyi met her eyes. "Then I'll learn to bite."
Something that might have been pride flashed through Xianling's eyes, though she masked it with a huff. "Be careful what you promise. Men like Gu Liansheng don't take kindly to rebellion."
The air settled into a quiet tension. The clock ticked softly in the background, and for a brief moment, neither woman spoke. They only stared into each other's eyes.
Then Xianling sighed and waved a hand. "Go. Get your things. I'll have the maids bring them down."
"Thank you," Linyi murmured, standing.
Just as she reached the doorway, Xianling's voice called after her. "Linyi."
She turned to look at her.
"Whatever happens," her aunt said, her expression unreadable, "don't let him see you afraid."
Linyi's fingers curled at her side. She nodded once. "I won't."
And she meant it.