Chapter Thirty-Eight

This time, the rift between Shen Huaiqing and Fu Chen had grown tense. Shen Huaiqing still came home every day, but she had already moved out of the master bedroom and was now sleeping alone in the guest room.

Fu Chen, meanwhile, hadn’t come home for nearly half a month. Madam Feng, seeing the young couple in such a state, couldn’t help but worry.

She stood at the guest room door, watching Shen Huaiqing inside, carefully grooming herself. After hesitating for a moment, she spoke up: “Madam, things can’t go on like this between you and the young master. As the saying goes, couples quarrel at the head of the bed and make up at the foot. Anything can be talked through.”

Madam Feng had practically watched Fu Chen grow up. She’d been caring for him ever since the day he returned to the old Fu family residence. She could tell Fu Chen harbored feelings for Shen Huaiqing that were different from anyone else. Besides, she knew how much hardship Fu Chen had endured to come this far. She didn’t want to see the two of them like this.

Shen Huaiqing didn’t even spare Madam Feng a glance, focusing instead on her makeup. Her tone was indifferent: “Madam Feng, you know why Fu Chen and I got married. Others might not, but you do. I can’t keep up the act any longer. It’s better if we mind our own business.” As she spoke, she picked up a brick-red lipstick and carefully applied it, admiring her reflection with satisfaction.

Madam Feng wrung her apron, hesitating: “But…I just feel the young master treats you differently.” Her eyes full of hope, she added quickly, “Why not talk things out again? Any misunderstanding can be resolved.”

Shen Huaiqing stood, walked over, and made a polite gesture toward the door. “Madam Feng, I still have work to do. I need to change my clothes now. Please step outside.” With that, she closed the door without a trace of hesitation.

Leaning against the door, Shen Huaiqing heard Madam Feng sigh and descend the stairs with heavy steps, muttering something under her breath.

This time, Shen Huaiqing’s disappointment in Fu Chen had reached its peak. He could choose not to trust her, but why involve innocent people? Mu Jinghuai’s life had only just begun, yet Fu Chen was already destroying it.

Whenever she thought of these things, her hatred for Fu Chen gnawed at her, and she wished he could experience what it was like to have his life controlled by others.

But today, she had already arranged to meet Yu Yunxi at Lin Yu’s company to look for suitable models. She didn’t have time to dwell on these matters. All she wanted now was to manage her magazine well, to build herself a solid foundation, and perhaps find a way to help Mu Jinghuai out of his predicament.

When Shen Huaiqing arrived at the company building, she was a little surprised—she hadn’t expected the Lin family to be so formidable.

Dreamze Entertainment was the Lin family’s largest entertainment company, covering more than half of South City’s entertainment market: from basic KTVs, bars, and board game lounges to the production of variety shows and TV dramas, recruiting actors, and training trainees.

Just as she was carefully studying the building, someone patted her on the shoulder. She turned to see Yu Yunxi.

Yu Yunxi had changed her style today: an oversized white knit sweater paired with black skinny jeans, brown high-heeled boots accentuating her shapely legs, and short black hair just brushing her ears, giving her a playful and charming look.

Beneath the gentle sunlight, Yu Yunxi’s skin glowed with a delicate blush, her eyes sparkling like a fairy or an elf.

“Sorry, I was late—traffic was horrible,” Yu Yunxi apologized with an embarrassed smile.

Shen Huaiqing shook her head, indicating it was fine, then circled Yu Yunxi, eyeing her up and down. She couldn’t help but marvel, “Clothes really make the person. You’re always in suits at the magazine, looking so serious and old-fashioned. You look much better like this.”

Yu Yunxi felt a little self-conscious under Shen Huaiqing’s gaze and tucked her hair behind her ear. “Well, I’m not that old, but my qualifications aren’t impressive. If I dressed too sweetly at work, I’d never keep those girls in line.”

“It’s hard to command respect, President Shen. Not everyone is as lucky as you.” Perhaps after spending so much time with Shen Huaiqing, Yu Yunxi had grown bold enough to tease her.

Though it was already October, the noon sun was still blazing. Shen Huaiqing frowned, raising a hand to shield her eyes. “Is that so? If you knew what my life was really like, you wouldn’t envy me.”

Yu Yunxi was quick to read the room. Sensing the heaviness in Shen Huaiqing’s words, she swiftly changed the subject. “Aren’t we going in? I don’t want my freshly applied sunscreen to melt.” She touched her sun-reddened face for emphasis.

Shen Huaiqing’s lips curved into a lovely smile as she pulled Yu Yunxi into the lobby.

Inside, the bold Dreamze Entertainment logo caught their eyes, and even the receptionists were strikingly attractive.

“Tell your President Lin to come down and greet me,” Shen Huaiqing declared imperiously to the staff at the front desk.

The receptionist immediately recognized her and replied with a beaming smile, “Miss Shen, please wait a moment. We’ll call President Lin right away.”

Shen Huaiqing was quite pleased with the staff’s attitude and sat down with Yu Yunxi in the waiting area.

Soon, Lin Yu emerged from the elevator, strolling over at a leisurely pace.

Yu Yunxi was the first to notice. “Huaiqing, is that Lin Yu?” Her voice was full of astonishment.

Shen Huaiqing gave Yu Yunxi a strange look; Yu Yunxi was usually so calm and unflappable, yet here she was, practically losing her composure at the sight of Lin Yu. Shen Huaiqing’s mouth twitched. “Yes, what’s wrong?”

“Oh…nothing. I just didn’t expect Lin Yu to be so handsome. He could be a celebrity himself,” Yu Yunxi stammered, but quickly regained her poise.

Handsome? Shen Huaiqing began to doubt her own taste. She watched Lin Yu approach closely.

Lin Yu had a roguish face, thick brows arched rebelliously, long and slightly curled lashes framing a pair of slender, beguiling eyes that could easily draw anyone in. His features were impeccably handsome, and what stood out most were his fair skin and lips tinged with a soft rose, as if he was always smiling.

“No wonder you’re Mrs. Fu—you still need me to come down and greet you in person,” Lin Yu said with a grin, his eyes curving like a crescent moon in the night sky.

Shen Huaiqing found his nonchalant manner completely unappealing; Lin Yu’s brand of attractiveness simply held no charm for her.

In contrast, she preferred Fu Chen’s looks—noble and gentle on the surface, hiding sharpness and ferocity beneath.

“Aren’t you and Fu Chen good friends? You should be bearing a little more for his sake,” Shen Huaiqing said, winking, a dazzling, mocking smile playing at her lips.

Lin Yu, well acquainted with Shen Huaiqing’s sharp tongue, simply shifted his focus to Yu Yunxi.

“And this is?” He tilted his head, studying Yu Yunxi, the diamond stud in his ear catching the light.

Yu Yunxi politely extended her hand. “Hello, President Lin, I’m Yu Yunxi, chief editor of MK Magazine.”

Lin Yu understood instantly. Before the magazine was transferred to Shen Huaiqing, he had been the silent investor behind it. He never showed his face, but he knew all the key staff—he just hadn’t recognized Yu Yunxi today because of her new look.

He shook Yu Yunxi’s hand, his voice low and pleasant. “I’ve long heard that MK has an extraordinary Chief Editor Yu. I didn’t expect you’d also be such a rare beauty.”

Yu Yunxi blushed furiously at his words. She was adept at handling work matters, but dealing with the opposite sex was her greatest weakness.

“You flatter me,” she replied.

Shen Huaiqing couldn’t stand to watch any longer. Lin Yu was like a peacock in full display, preening at every opportunity. She said dryly, “President Lin, do you think we’re here to film a matchmaking show?”