Chapter 87

Shen Lihuan raised her brows slightly, pressing the tip of her tongue against her palate. She too was a glowing presence in the crowd—how could You Changqing not notice her? Her face, which had been calm and expressionless, suddenly bloomed into a radiant smile as she strode briskly toward Shen Lihuan. “Lihuan, you’re here.”

Shen Lihuan wrapped an arm around her slender waist and planted a kiss on her forehead. “I promised to come pick you up and bring you home. How could I go back on my word?”

Throughout the whole exchange, she didn’t spare the young man a single glance. If he was a romantic rival, then seeing her and Changqing being so openly affectionate should make him back off on his own. If he was just a new friend of Changqing’s, then seeing them this loving would only make him happy for her.

No matter who he was, as long as he posed no threat to her relationship with Changqing, she had no reason to care.

The young man curved his lips with interest. He was sure Changqing’s girlfriend had already seen him, yet she hadn’t given him even a single look. Was it intentional?

This wasn’t the first or second time that You Changqing and Shen Lihuan had kissed in public. She responded naturally, even turning her face slightly to match Shen Lihuan’s angle.

Only after the kiss did You Changqing remember that Ning Sheng was still standing next to her. She turned to glance at him, then introduced him to Shen Lihuan. “Lihuan, this is my partner—his name is Ning Sheng, ‘Sheng’ as in ‘song.’”

Only then did Shen Lihuan seem to notice him, flashing a polite, standard social smile as she extended her hand. “Hello, I’m Shen Lihuan, Changqing’s girlfriend.”

Ning Sheng responded with an amused smile. “Nice to meet you. I’ve long heard how affectionate and sweet you and Changqing are. Now I finally get to see it for myself.”

Shen Lihuan only held his hand for a second before letting go, a helpless expression on her face. “Oh, we didn’t intend to show off our love or anything. We just interact the same way we always do, but everyone keeps saying we’re disgustingly sweet. What can we do? We’re just that in love—every moment, even the ordinary ones, are filled with sweetness.”

You Changqing immediately picked up on her tone—Lihuan was jealous. She must have felt unhappy seeing her walk out with Ning Sheng. Seriously, didn’t she notice Ning Sheng’s delicate little “bottom” look?

If Ning Sheng had known what Changqing was thinking, he probably would’ve coughed up blood. Just because he looked a little soft didn’t mean he wasn’t a strong top, okay?

Ning Sheng shot Shen Lihuan a silent side-eye. How could someone speak such blatantly braggy words with such a dead-serious face?

“All right, Lihuan,” You Changqing said. “Ning Sheng is actually just like us. Don’t assume anyone who shows up around me is a love rival.”

She saw Ning Sheng roll his eyes and couldn’t help but let out a laugh. If Ning Sheng really had feelings for her, there’s no way she’d let him get this close. She would never allow anyone with an ulterior motive near her.

“That’s only because you’re the most beautiful person in my eyes,” Shen Lihuan said, cupping her face in both hands as she confessed, her tone both loving and possessive. “I’m afraid someone else with good taste might fall for you. Even though I know you won’t like anyone else, I still find them annoying, buzzing around you like flies.”

You Changqing leaned into her warm embrace and murmured emotionally, “Silly Lihuan, I only love you. Why would I ever allow anyone else to appear at my side?”

Watching the couple being so lovey-dovey, Ning Sheng rolled his eyes to the heavens in exhaustion. Good grief, someone here is showing off their love like crazy. Would it kill the heavens to strike them down with lightning or something?

Convinced that his eyes were about to be blinded, Ning Sheng excused himself, saying he’d leave them to it and that they didn’t need to worry about him.

Hearing his teasing tone, You Changqing blushed and pulled away from Shen Lihuan’s embrace. After saying goodbye, she held Shen Lihuan’s hand and returned to the car. “Lihuan, do you get bored at home by yourself?”

She felt guilty for being busy with her internship and unable to spend more time with Lihuan.

“It’s a little boring without you around, but I’ll read, practice my calligraphy… time goes by quickly.”

Shen Lihuan took her long, fair hand and pressed it to her cheek. “Aunt Zheng’s cooking is great. Just smelling it makes me want to eat. Make sure you eat enough at lunch, so you’ll have the energy for work this afternoon.”

“Is that so? I’m really looking forward to it.”

You Changqing leaned her head on her shoulder, snuggling into her embrace. Lihuan’s arms were warm and strong—she wished she could stay nestled there forever.

A few minutes later, they arrived at their new home. After changing out of their shoes at the entrance, You Changqing let out a sigh of relief. She didn’t really like wearing heels, but since her job required them, she always wore five-centimeter heels to work. Flats were just so much more comfortable.

Shen Lihuan noticed too. She suddenly scooped her up into her arms.

You Changqing let out a surprised yelp. “Lihuan, why are you picking me up?”

“Why didn’t you tell me your feet were hurting? If you don’t like heels, don’t wear them. Don’t force yourself.”

Frowning, Shen Lihuan carried her to the sofa. “Sit here. I’ll go get a basin of water and give you a foot massage.”

“Huh? You’re going to massage my feet? That’s really not necessary, is it?”

Even though she knew her feet were clean and didn’t smell, she still felt a bit embarrassed at the thought of Lihuan washing them.

“Why not? Sit still. Otherwise, I’ll make you pay tonight.”

Shen Lihuan gave what she thought was a fierce threat, then turned and walked into the bathroom. You Changqing collapsed on the sofa in laughter. Lihuan’s “I’m the king of the world” attitude was just too funny. She wasn’t scared at all—in fact, she was full of anticipation. She couldn’t help wondering what kind of “payback” Lihuan had in mind… it sounded pretty steamy.

You Changqing suddenly licked her red lips. She was feeling a little thirsty.

Shen Lihuan brought out a basin of hot water, added two drops of medicinal liquid, then picked up You Changqing’s little foot and carefully examined it. After confirming there was no broken skin or blisters, she let out a sigh of relief and gently placed her foot into the basin. The water was a bit hot, and You Changqing reflexively curled her toes from the heat, but the warmth felt comforting, so she didn’t pull away and allowed Shen Lihuan to submerge her foot.

Shen Lihuan activated her ability and massaged You Changqing’s foot thoroughly—front and back, left and right. The comfort made You Changqing let out a soft moan. Shen Lihuan’s peach blossom eyes darkened slightly. She looked up at You Changqing’s relaxed expression and lightly traced her pinky finger along the arch of her foot. You Changqing moaned again. “Lihuan, that tickles.”

Shen Lihuan’s red lips curved. “Oh? I’ll be more careful then.”

You Changqing didn’t suspect anything and obediently responded, “Mm.”

After discovering how sensitive the arch of her foot was, Shen Lihuan kept “accidentally” brushing it again and again. Every time she did, You Changqing would let out a soft hum and curl her toes. At first, You Changqing didn’t notice anything, but after it happened too many times, she finally realized Shen Lihuan was doing it on purpose.

“Lihuan, you’re so bad! You’re tickling me on purpose—you know how ticklish my arches are.”

She playfully accused Shen Lihuan of her “wickedness,” but Shen Lihuan said nothing, simply took a towel and gently dried her feet. You Changqing quickly pulled her feet away and moved to the other side to stay out of reach. Shen Lihuan just smiled and carried the towel and water basin away without a word.

Her silence unexpectedly made You Changqing feel a twinge of unease. She quickly slipped on her shoes and ran to the kitchen—no way Lihuan would mess with her while she was eating, right?

And indeed, Shen Lihuan didn’t pull any tricks during the meal. On the contrary, she was incredibly attentive, helping You Changqing pick food and offering dishes. Aunt Zheng’s cooking was excellent, and You Changqing soon forgot all about the earlier teasing. After washing the dishes with Lihuan, she still had time to take an afternoon nap.

Shen Lihuan watched her perfect curves as she headed into the bedroom to rest. You Changqing opened her closet to grab pajamas. As she began to undress, Shen Lihuan locked the door, closed the curtains, and leisurely watched her strip. When You Changqing was down to a single piece of clothing, Shen Lihuan suddenly sprang into motion like a leopard, tackling her prey.

…

Ye Muyan had never felt so excited. When he got home as usual, he saw his younger brother Mu Xi lying on the couch playing with Niannian. He walked over with a smile. “Mu Xi, have you eaten? Traffic was bad, so I got home late.”

Mu Xi tossed the cat toy to Niannian, sat up on the couch, and looked at Ye Muyan with an unreadable expression. “Bro.”

Ye Muyan didn’t notice anything wrong at first. But when he saw the look on his brother’s face, his briefcase slipped from his hand and fell to the floor.

Ever since Mu Xi’s accident, he had been calling him older brother. But before that, he always called him bro.

His gaze used to be dazed and innocent, too—but now, it was deep and calm, like a quiet pool. There was no sign of the silly boy from before.

Ye Muyan’s throat went dry; he could barely speak. There was a trembling excitement between his brows. “Mu Xi, you—you got your memory back?”

Mu Xi nodded, his eyes slightly red. “Bro, I got my memory back.”

“Thank God! Mu Xi, you finally remembered!”

Even as a man who rarely cried, Ye Muyan’s eyes turned red. He gripped Mu Xi’s shoulders tightly. “You finally remembered. I’ve waited so long for this day.”

“I’m sorry, Bro. I made you and Mom and Dad worry.”

Mu Xi thought of how his family had lived in fear and despair these past three years. His heart ached again and again.

“It’s not your fault. None of this is your fault. Don’t worry—the people who hurt you are all in prison. I’ll never let scum like that hurt anyone again.”

Ye Muyan pulled his long-lost brother into a hug, his eyes full of cold fury. Anyone who dared hurt his little brother would have to face his wrath. Just because someone had money and power didn’t mean they could act lawlessly—not while the Ye family was around.

“I know. Bro will definitely get revenge for me.”

Mu Xi let out a long breath, and the darkness in his eyes finally started to lift.

“Right—did you call Mom and Dad yet? If not, hurry and tell them the good news!”

Ye Muyan snapped out of his excitement and asked quickly. He still needed to call Lihuan, and Changhong, and tell them the good news. Then he’d take Mu Xi to visit the people who helped him—especially Lihuan.

“No, I wanted to wait until you were all home to tell you in person.”

Mu Xi shook his head.

“Then I’ll call Mom and Dad now and tell them to come back.”

Without another word, Ye Muyan picked up his phone and dialed. He told them he had great news and urged them to come home as soon as possible.

Ye Qichen and Mu Zhiyun didn’t know what kind of riddle their son was playing, but they followed his words and came back.

Needless to say, the parents were beyond thrilled when they learned Mu Xi had regained his memories. Ye Muyan also called Shen Lihuan, but strangely, she didn’t pick up for a long time. When she finally did, her voice was low and husky—almost seductive. If he weren’t in love with Changhong, he might’ve been hooked right then and there.

“Lihuan, were you busy? You took a while to answer.”

“I was a bit busy.”

As soon as Shen Lihuan said that, Ye Muyan suddenly heard a moan on her end. “Lihuan~”

He paused, then immediately realized what was going on. “Sorry for interrupting. I’ll call you tonight.”

Ye Muyan was close to tears. Lihuan and Changqing had already gotten that far?! But what about the person he liked—Changhong? Still completely clueless!

Ugh. Comparing yourself to others really is the quickest way to suffer.

You Changqing pouted as Shen Lihuan took the call and left her hanging. “Lihuan,” she called out unhappily.

The next second, Lihuan hung up the phone, tossed it aside, and dove straight back under the covers.