Chapter 29

The place where they were having their picnic was Jiangxin Park in the imperial capital, a breathtaking sight filled with strange mountains, clear waters, rare plants, and vibrant flowers that left people dazzled.

After finishing their barbecue, Shen Lihuan pulled You Changqing to her feet. Sitting still right after eating could lead to indigestion, and it would be a shame not to take a walk and appreciate the picturesque scenery of Jiangxin Park.

Within the park, a small stream flowed gently, its crystal-clear water revealing the bottom. People often say that water that is too clear has no fish, but this stream was filled with schools of koi. Their bright colors made them look… delicious.

Even though You Changhong had just eaten, he couldn’t help but lick his lips at the sight of the koi. His big eyes were practically shouting the words “I want to eat them.”

Seeing her younger brother looking so embarrassing, You Changqing knocked on his head, both disdainful and helpless. “Are you a reincarnated starving ghost? You just ate, and now you’re hungry again?”

Shen Lihuan smirked mischievously. “Changhong, you’re drooling.”

“Huh?! I’m drooling?” You Changhong was so startled that he quickly wiped his mouth, only to find nothing there. Realizing he had been tricked, he bared his teeth and lunged at Shen Lihuan. “Lihuan-jie, you’re too evil! Always scaring me!”

Laughing, Shen Lihuan grabbed You Changqing and ran. You Changhong chased after them, wailing loudly. The three of them ran toward the mountain’s staircase, playing and laughing.

Other visitors in the park watched them, their youthful energy bringing a nostalgic smile to their faces.

Hadn’t their own youth been just like this? Weekends spent with friends, where everything seemed fun, and a day could pass in laughter and chatter. Back then, the smiles on their faces had been the most genuine.

But alas, youth was like a bird that had flown away, never to return.

After climbing the long staircase, they finally reached the mountainside, where an amusement park had been built. Business was best after 7 PM, but even at midday, there was still a decent crowd.

Spotting the giant Ferris wheel, You Changqing’s eyes sparkled. She shook Shen Lihuan’s arm. “Lihuan, let’s ride the Ferris wheel!”

Shen Lihuan looked at the Ferris wheel, where couples sat together in pairs. A thought crossed her mind, and she nodded. “Alright, whatever you want.”

She then turned to You Changhong and discussed with him, “Changhong, each cabin only seats two people. How about you take one by yourself?”

You Changhong: “…” Should I be grateful that you at least remembered I exist at this moment?

“You two go ahead. Riding the Ferris wheel doesn’t suit my manly image.”

He waved his hand dismissively, his entire posture exuding a refusal to participate.

You Changqing gave him a knowing look. Hmm, sometimes her brother could be quite adorable.

Since he was being so considerate, his allowance could increase by 50% next month. This was her way of showing love as an older sister.

If You Changhong knew what she was thinking, he’d probably faint from happiness.

Right now, his monthly allowance was 50,000 yuan. It sounded like a lot, but it was never enough for him. He spent money too quickly—when his favorite author released a new book, he bought it; when a movie he liked had new merchandise, he bought it; when his favorite celebrity endorsed a brand, he bought it; when a new anime figurine was released, he bought it…

With all that spending, 50,000 barely lasted a month.

Now that his allowance was increasing by 50%, he would have 75,000 yuan a month. Perfect timing—there was an anime convention next month, and now he’d have money to spend!

While Shen Lihuan and You Changqing went to the Ferris wheel, You Changhong looked around before heading to the pirate ship ride. He paid for his ticket, nodding in satisfaction. Yes, only thrilling and dangerous rides like the pirate ship suited his manly image.

Shen Lihuan handed money to the ticket seller and bought two Ferris wheel tickets. Just as a group was exiting, she and You Changqing got into a cabin.

The Ferris wheel slowly ascended, making the people below appear smaller and smaller, while the blue sky seemed almost within reach.

When they reached the highest point, You Changqing fluttered her long lashes and bravely leaned in, kissing Shen Lihuan on the cheek. The soft “pop” of the kiss echoed slightly, making You Changqing’s ears turn bright red.

But when Shen Lihuan looked at her in surprise, she acted completely justified. “What? They say that when you kiss someone at the highest point of a Ferris wheel, you’ll always stay together. We’re best friends—don’t you want to always stay together with me?”

She shot Shen Lihuan a threatening look, as if daring her to say “no.” If she did, she would bite her.

Shen Lihuan sighed, then lowered her head and kissed You Changqing’s cheek in return. Her voice was as soft as a whisper of water, “Of course, Changqing. I’d love nothing more than to be best friends with you forever.”

You Changqing thought to herself: Best friends? No way. I just want to sleep with you.

After getting off the Ferris wheel, You Changqing pointed toward the haunted house in the distance. “Lihuan, let’s go explore the haunted house next.”

You Changhong had just come down from the pirate ship when he heard his sister’s words. He immediately waved his hands in refusal. “You two go ahead. I’m not going in. I don’t like haunted houses.”

What a joke—You Changhong feared nothing, except ghosts. If he went into the haunted house, he might actually be scared to death. There was no way he was putting himself through that.

You Changqing glanced at him in surprise. “Then why are you still here? Didn’t you just say you weren’t going in? Hurry up and go play something else.”

You Changhong suppressed the urge to flip her off. Calm down, You Changhong. This is your sister. You can’t offend her. If you do, your allowance will disappear.

For the sake of money, for the sake of survival, he could endure this.

After giving himself enough mental reassurance, You Changhong wiped his face and humbly retreated from his ruthless sister.

You Changqing waved him off dismissively, and You Changhong scampered away, crying internally.

Shen Lihuan chuckled helplessly. “Is it really okay to treat Changhong like this?”

“You don’t understand, Lihuan. He’s terrified of ghosts. Even watching a horror movie makes him break out in a cold sweat. If he went into the haunted house, his soul might actually flee his body.”

You Changqing actually felt that she was being considerate by not dragging him in.

Shen Lihuan shook her head. “Changhong is really that scared? What about you? Are you afraid?”

You Changqing originally wanted to say she wasn’t afraid, but when the words reached her lips, they changed. “How could I be afraid of something that doesn’t even exist? Am I that lame?”

Shen Lihuan smiled knowingly. “Alright, alright, you’re not afraid. With me here, how could I let you be afraid?”

“You said it yourself—you have to protect me.”

Seeing her “cunning plan” succeed, Lihuan really believed that Changqing was afraid of ghosts. You Changqing raised a hand to cover the smile at the corner of her lips. Since you said you’d protect me, when I start “getting scared” later, don’t blame me for diving into your arms.

After buying their tickets, Shen Lihuan and You Changqing entered the haunted house. The dimly lit interior was filled with eerie sounds, like someone softly weeping.

You Changqing clung to Shen Lihuan’s arm, pressing her entire body against her. Feeling her “trembling,” Shen Lihuan simply pulled her fully into her embrace.

As they moved forward, You Changqing suddenly stepped on something. She glanced down and saw a severed head with blood flowing from all its orifices right in front of her. “You… stepped on my head…”

You Changqing kicked the head forward, then let out a scream and buried her face in Shen Lihuan’s chest, refusing to lift her head no matter what.

Mm, so fragrant, so soft.

Shen Lihuan patted her back gently, soothing her with a soft voice before casually kicking the severed head away. Changqing was actually scared—damn it!

The haunted house staff member, who was just about to deliver his line, “Give me back my head”: “…”

Don’t think he didn’t notice—the girl who screamed wasn’t scared at all! Using fear as an excuse to bury her face in someone’s chest… that’s some real talent.

After a long while of comforting, You Changqing finally lifted her face. She probably felt embarrassed about how scared she’d seemed, and her cheeks had turned a soft pink, making her look incredibly pitiful.

Shen Lihuan’s heart ached as she cupped her face. “Changqing, don’t be scared. These are just people in disguise. They won’t hurt you. I’m right here.”

You Changqing’s heart melted into a puddle at those words. “Mhm, as long as you’re by my side, I won’t be afraid.”

“Good girl, let’s keep going.”

Shen Lihuan held her as they walked forward. No matter if it was a severed, bloodied hand or a floating ghost, nothing could scare her. Meanwhile, You Changqing, thinking she was being subtle, rested her hand on Shen Lihuan’s waist. Wow, Lihuan’s waist is so slim! Ah, her lower abdomen is so flat—does she have abs…

As they walked, Shen Lihuan glanced down at the person in her arms with helplessness. Was Changqing taking advantage of her? That hand was about to reach somewhere soft…

It felt like Changqing’s whole persona had collapsed.

While Shen Lihuan was questioning her life choices, Shen Jiashu returned to the Shen residence.

Uncle Wu, the butler, was still there, but Shen Jiashu would never see him as a father figure again.

Uncle Wu had been in the Shen family for so many years—could he really have been completely unaware of the affair between Shen Zhongyuan and Liang Yinqiu?

Shen Jiashu couldn’t help but doubt it.

Shen Zhongyuan now lay sickly in bed, finding even the slightest movement difficult. When he saw Shen Jiashu enter, his cloudy eyes shifted, and he spoke in broken, barely connected words.

“You, you still… still came… Why don’t you just kill me if you’re so capable?”

“In fact, I do have the ability to kill you, but I won’t.”

Shen Jiashu tugged at his sleeve, his expression indifferent. “Letting you die so easily wouldn’t be what Mother and Eldest Brother would want. I want you to spend the rest of your life in suffering.”

“Get… out… Get out!”

Shen Zhongyuan broke down, screaming.

Shen Jiashu smirked and left the room. Seeing Shen Zhongyuan living miserably brought him satisfaction.

Not far away, Shen Pingting stood frozen, her expression tense. She wanted to speak but didn’t dare.

Shen Jiashu looked at her coldly. “I hope you’re smart enough to understand—no matter whose child you are, to the public, you have only one father, and that’s Shen Jiayi. When you enter university, I will transfer five percent of Shen Corporation’s shares to you. Whether you live well in the future will depend entirely on yourself.”

Shen Jiashu despised Shen Pingting, but he also understood that she hadn’t chosen her own birth. Giving her five percent of Shen Corporation’s shares was already an act of generosity. From then on, whether she lived well or not would be none of his concern.

“Thank you, Second Uncle. Thank you, Second Uncle.” Shen Pingting bowed to Shen Jiashu repeatedly.

These past days had been rough for her. Ever since the Shen residence was sealed off and outsiders were forbidden from visiting, the world had learned that the Shen family had fallen. Those who once surrounded her with flattery had all changed their attitudes.

She had gone to see Shen Zhongyuan. Once so full of energy, he now lay in bed like a frail, dying man, unable to take care of even his basic needs. His voice trembled as if he might stop breathing at any moment.

And her mother—she had no idea where Second Uncle had taken her. Ever since that night, she hadn’t seen her mother again. But no one had asked about her mother’s whereabouts, as if her absence was the most natural thing in the world.

Only now did she realize just how terrifying her Second Uncle’s methods were.

She couldn’t blame herself for being selfish, for ignoring her mother’s fate. After all, the person who had made her an illegitimate child was her mother. She hated her mother—there wasn’t even enough time to resent her. As far as she was concerned, her mother was already dead.

The fact that her Second Uncle was still willing to give her a share of Shen Corporation was already more than she could have asked for. From now on, she would live quietly, never again coveting things that weren’t meant for her.