‌Chapter 36: The Baby in Her Belly

Xu Ke'er, a graduate of Longdu Film Academy, had skyrocketed to fame after leaking a set of nude bathroom photos. Her bold, fiery style made her an internet sensation and a fashion icon, dubbed the "Otaku Killer" and China's "Top Nude Model." Despite her claims on various shows about being single after a toxic breakup, her presence tonight with Shen Dongze—exchanging suggestive glances—hinted at a far more complicated relationship.

Reinforcing her provocative image, she reappeared after a brief absence in an eye-popping outfit: leather straps crisscrossed her body like bondage gear, barely concealing strategic areas. The ensemble was designed to provoke curiosity about what lay beneath.

Sitting back down, she showered Shen Dongze with attention, batting her lashes and pressing her ample chest against his arm—a display that made Ye Chenghuan's stomach churn. His initial 80-point rating for her plummeted to failing; only her face and figure kept it from dropping further.

But Shen Dongze's focus remained laser-locked on Lin Peishan, leaving Xu Ke'er increasingly ignored. Fuming, she rolled her eyes. Lin Peishan's ethereal grace had eclipsed her attempts to dominate the room, reducing Xu Ke'er's flashy attire to a garish sideshow.

Ye Chenghuan fared even worse. Shen Dongze hadn't glanced his way or spoken a word, treating him as invisible. Yet when Shen's gaze lingered too warmly on Lin Peishan, Ye Chenghuan knew this dinner held hidden agendas.

"Peishan, are you comfortable here?" Shen Dongze asked, tenderly adjusting her napkin.

"It's fine," she replied politely.

Xu Ke'er, seething, mussed her own napkin and clutched Shen's arm. "Dongze, help me with mine," she cooed.

He frowned. "Can't you do it yourself?"

"No. I want you to."

Reluctantly, he straightened her napkin. Adjusting his glasses, he turned back to Lin Peishan. "Having you here tonight means everything. Without you, this event would be meaningless." His earnest delivery clashed with the cloying words, underscoring her importance to him.

Lin Peishan replied coolly, "You flatter me, Mr. Shen. This charity's significance compelled my attendance. I admire your philanthropic vision."

While Shen Dongze strained for intimacy, she maintained distance, addressing him formally as "Mr. Shen."

Xu Ke'er snorted, tugging Shen's sleeve. "Dongze, is my makeup smudged?"

"It's fine," he said icily. Cowed, she pouted.

"Peishan, the rumors say you're engaged. Is it true?" Shen asked.

She nodded.

His expression flickered. "Who's the lucky man? I'd love to meet him."

Before she could answer, Ye Chenghuan stood and extended a hand. "No need to wait. I'm right here."

Shen ignored the hand, gaping at Lin Peishan. "Him?"

==‌Slap!‌==

Seizing an opportunity, Xu Ke'er shoved a waitress pouring tea for Lin Peishan. Hot liquid splashed onto Lin's dress.

"Clumsy fool!" Xu Ke'er struck the waitress, who stammered, "I'll pay for it."

"With what? You couldn't afford a button!" Xu Ke'er simpered to Lin Peishan, "So sorry for the scare, Ms. Lin."

Shen Dongze seized the chance to dab Lin's dress with a napkin, but Ye Chenghuan blocked him. "I'll handle my wife."

Watching Ye Chenghuan tend to Lin, Shen's confusion curdled into bitterness. How could she marry this buffoon?

"And you are?" Shen asked, feigning politeness.

"Ye Chenghuan."

Shen smirked. "And your profession?"

"Marketing director at Passion Inc."

"Ah, selling women's lingerie. How… unique."

Lin Peishan shot Ye Chenghuan a warning glare. Undeterred, he rummaged through his bag. "Speaking of which…" He pulled out lace bras and thongs, distributing them to female guests. "Our latest designs—light as air! Free samples!"

As awkward silence fell, Lin Peishan wished the floor would swallow her.

"Your fiancé's quite the comedian," Shen sneered.

Xu Ke'er scoffed, "More like a circus act. Ms. Lin's tastes are… special."

Shen's tone turned grave. "Peishan, as a friend and partner, I urge caution. Your choices impact Longdu's business world."

"Thank you, but my decisions are final," Lin Peishan said flatly.

The words pierced Shen. He raised his glass. "A toast! To Ms. Lin, without whom 'Angels in Action' wouldn't exist!"

Guests echoed the gesture. Shen drained his wine; Lin Peishan barely sipped.

Shen watched her lips graze the crystal rim, throat moving as she swallowed. Heat pricked his skin. "You didn't finish," he pressed.

"I don't drink."

"Nonsense. A CEO who can't toast? Even water goes down a throat. Humor us."

The crowd clamored until Lin Peishan set her glass down. "Alcohol isn't sincerity. Nor does it replace it."

Deflated, the guests forced chuckles.

Ye Chenghuan interjected, "Honey, we agreed you'd abstain. Think of the baby." He patted her abdomen.

The room froze.

Lin Peishan flushed, eyes wide with betrayal. Shen Dongze palmed his forehead, dizzy.

Xu Ke'er hid a grin, steadying him. "Dongze, are you okay?"

He shoved her away, trembling. "Peishan… is this true?"

Lin Peishan stood. "I need air."

"Want company?" Ye Chenghuan called after her.

She stormed out without a glance.

Humiliated, Xu Ke'er rounded on Ye Chenghuan. "You ruin everything! Get out! No one wants a leech like you here!"

Shen said nothing, letting her vent.

Ye Chenghuan sipped tea, then lifted his gaze. His gray pupils constricted into two sharp pinpricks, a void hiding something predatory. The corner of his mouth twitched—a smile devoid of warmth, brimming with menace.