‌Chapter 34: Call Me "Husband"

"You helped me today. I'll give you a special reward when we get back." Lin Peishan held a document, strands of hair cascading over half her delicate face, her lips curving into a mysterious smile.

Ye Chenghuan didn't press further. He knew her temperament—once she decided to keep a secret, no force could pry it open. His mind buzzed with curiosity, veering toward risqué speculations. What kind of reward would Lin Peishan give him?

An afternoon of flirting with office beauties, cracking jokes, and gaming flew by. Glancing at the clock, Ye Chenghuan bid farewell to Zhou Jie and the others an hour early, eager to leave.

In the lobby, he ran into Zhao Yalin returning from a business trip.

"Where are you going?" She eyed his buoyant demeanor.

"Home." He answered matter-of-factly.

Zhao Yalin checked her watch. "It's an hour before off-duty time."

"I know."

"Company rules clearly state the consequences of early departure."

"Fully aware."

"Have you lost your mind today?"

Ye Chenghuan grinned. "CEO Lin summoned me to headquarters earlier…"

"She summoned you? Since when does your rank warrant that?"

"Rank's irrelevant. She missed me—insisted on some… quality time. You know how love-struck women can be."

Zhao Yalin grimaced. "Spare me the details. Get to the point."

"She wants me home earlier, mornings off later—more couple time. For the company's sake, I'll indulge our CEO. Consider it overtime… unpaid, of course."

Though aware of their ambiguous relationship, Zhao Yalin couldn't fathom Lin Peishan acting so unprofessionally. Suspicious, she pulled out her phone.

"What're you doing?"

"Verifying with CEO Lin."

"She's in a board meeting. You know how she hates interruptions." Ye Chenghuan's eyes glinted slyly. "Am I free to go, Director Zhao?"

With a huff, Zhao Yalin tossed her hair and stormed into the elevator.

At Victoria Manor, Aunt Wan greeted him warmly. "Has Peishan returned?"

"Yes. She asked about you first thing. Your bond seems stronger lately."

A sweet warmth bloomed in Ye Chenghuan's chest. Gesturing upstairs, he asked, "What's she doing?"

"Changing."

"Changing? I'll check."

A soft cough echoed from above. Lin Peishan descended the stairs in a deceptively simple black evening gown. On anyone else, the understated dress would've faded into mediocrity. Yet its single sash accentuated her waist, transforming the modest design into an ode to understated sensuality. Paired with matching clutch and heels, she embodied purity, mystery, and lethal elegance.

Stopping before him, she smiled faintly. "Do I look unfamiliar?"

Ye Chenghuan finally exhaled. "Wife, are you dressing to seduce me… or others?"

Beauty curdled instantly through his words. Lin Peishan's face frosted over. "Remember the 'special reward'?"

His eyes narrowed playfully. "When do I get it?"

Squirming under his gaze, she averted her eyes. "There's a charity gala tonight. I want you to accompany me."

Deflated—a fancy dinner required such theatrics?—he plopped onto a chair, chewing a toothpick. After a beat, he spat out: "No."

Lin Peishan had expected eager compliance. His refusal iced her tone. "Why?"

"Don't want to embarrass the great CEO Lin."

Annoyance and amusement warred in her. "You demanded respect. I'm offering it. Take it or leave it."

"What's my role? Bodyguard? Servant? Chauffeur?"

She rolled her eyes. "As my fiancé. Happy?"

He smirked. "Better. Now, sweetheart—call me 'husband'."

The man's audacity! Ignoring him, she stated coolly, "You can come… on one condition."

"Play mute. Got it."

"At least you're self-aware."

The setting sun bled crimson over the sea as Ye Chenghuan drove the black Bentley, stealing glances at Lin Peishan.

She sat cross-legged, lost in thought, a rosebud mouth nibbling her knuckle. Fatigue shadowed her porcelain features, flawless as crystallized goat milk, translucent enough to fear a gaze might pierce it. Her bangs swayed like spring rivulets above lashes that fluttered like golden halos in the dying light—each blink a heartbeat.

Gods, she's devastating—soul-crushing, heart-snatching beauty.

At nightfall, they reached New World Hotel—a monolithic pillar of luxury towering over Longdu's financial district, its glass elevators scaling heights that dwarfed the neighboring Shangri-La.

The parking lot teemed with luxury cars. Glittering elites streamed inside—politicians, tycoons, socialites—all angling for connections that might unlock fortunes.

When Lin Peishan entered, the room stilled. Amidst kaleidoscopic gowns, her black dress outshone them all—a midnight rose blooming quietly, stealing radiance through sheer magnetism.

Applause and flattery trailed her, yet she acknowledged acquaintances with mere nods, retreating to a corner with Ye Chenghuan.

If she drew admiration, he attracted venom—glowers of jealousy, suspicion, and murderous ire from shadowed corners. Unfazed, Ye Chenghuan met each hostile stare with glacial defiance, freezing adversaries mid-snarl.

A melodic fanfare announced the hostess. "Welcome to 'Angels' Night'! Let's greet our organizer—philanthropist and venture capital luminary, Mr. Shen Dongze!"

A striking man in a tailored British suit ascended the stage—180cm of polished charisma, his swept-back hair and chiseled jaw radiating aristocratic poise. Even a casual glance from his hawkish eyes held hypnotic authority.

"Honored guests," his velvety voice resonated, "thank you for joining this launch of 'Angels in Action'. Years ago, visiting rural留守儿童 left me awestruck by their resilience. Though our efforts are drops in the ocean, each act cleanses the soul. Tonight, we plant seeds of hope. Let's toast to compassion!"

As applause erupted, Shen Dongze's gaze locked onto Lin Peishan—a predator sighting prey.