Chapter 19: Shen Linyan, I'm a Little Angry

From the very beginning, Shen Linyan knew exactly what kind of woman he was marrying.

An Ling, a woman obsessed with Lu Jingshen.

For the man she loved, she was even willing to marry his brother, disregarding all moral boundaries and ethics just to sabotage Lu Jingshen's relationships.

But none of that mattered to him.

On the contrary, her obsession was the reason he had agreed to the marriage in the first place.

He didn't need love, and he didn't care about the sanctity of marriage; what he wanted was the An family backing her.

If he could eventually swallow up the An family in the process, all the better.

The plan had been moving in its intended direction, so when did things change?

It started that day when An Ling suddenly claimed she no longer liked Lu Jingshen and even proposed maintaining their relationship for mutual benefit.

It was laughable.

Shen Linyan found it ridiculous and didn't even believe her.

Actually, it didn't matter to him either way; at most, he just wanted to see what she would do next.

The changed An Ling was indeed much more interesting than before.

He was merely curious...

And that curiosity had lasted until now.

Shen Linyan sat with his eyes closed, frowning as he massaged the space between his eyebrows, his lips pressed into a thin line.

Sensing the man's foul mood, An Ling sat beside him and quietly shut her mouth.

Was Shen Linyan angry? Surely not. Didn't he say himself that it was normal?

Should she explain things to him? Shen Linyan seemed to have a decent personality, so he probably wouldn't be as malicious as the people she’d dealt with in the past. Besides, if they were going to live together, it was only a matter of time before he discovered her face blindness.

If she told him now, maybe he could even help her cover for it in the future.

Just as she was about to speak, her phone vibrated. An Ling shifted her attention like it was a lifeline; it was a message from Jiang Mai.

Girl, you still alive?

An Ling: You jerk! I told you to save me! Shen Linyan realized I didn't recognize him.

Because of her, the atmosphere between her and Shen Linyan was now incredibly awkward!

Jiang Mai's reply sounded helpless: It’s not that I didn't want to save you, but your husband's gaze is terrifying! Do you know that refined predator vibe? I felt like if I even touched him, he’d smile while cutting my hand off.

Terrifying? Was she exaggerating that much?

An Ling felt like Jiang Mai was just making up half-hearted excuses. She actually thought Shen Linyan was too kind.

An Ling: Shen Linyan is just a gentle second lead; how scary can he be? And didn't you see him pay that 1.4 million for Huang Long? I was originally planning to scam Lu Jingshen!

As she typed those words, An Ling’s movements suddenly paused. Her fingertips curled slightly, and she bit her lip.

No, she still couldn't say anything.

An Ling had suffered for this in the past. When people found out she was face-blind, they would often toy with her on purpose, watching her talk to strangers like an idiot after mistaking their identity, then standing aside and laughing at her without any disguise.

Because of that, she hated showing her weaknesses and vulnerabilities to outsiders.

Especially someone like Shen Linyan who was supposed to be in love with the heroine. They were going to get a divorce eventually anyway. What if he stabbed her in the back? What if he helped the male lead harm her?

Even now, the fact that he helped Lu Jingshen pay the money was likely because he was considering the Shen family's reputation. He didn't want the matter to blow up, and perhaps he was afraid of how it would look to Zhou Wen.

That was it! Shen Linyan had actually paid the money for the male lead! Wasn't that the same as helping her enemy?

A friend of the enemy is an enemy.

Remembering this, An Ling put her phone away. After stewing in her seat for a while, she turned her head gloomily to look at her reflection in the window.

The interior of the car was so quiet that even the sound of breathing was audible.

The driver in the front felt a chill running down his spine, unable to understand why the young couple had suddenly entered a cold war. He could only drive on under the immense pressure.

A few minutes later, a dry, stiff female voice broke the silence.

Shen Linyan, I’m a little angry. I just realized that you’re the one who didn't follow our mutual interest agreement.

...

The man’s movements paused. He opened his eyes and turned his head toward her, looking confused.

Seeing his little wife pouting with her back to him, he remained silent for a moment before letting out a helpless chuckle. He exhaled and asked warmly, Why does my lady say that?

Then why did you pay the money for Lu Jingshen? An Ling turned around. Lu Jingshen’s friend provoked me first. I was the one scheming against him, but then you stepped in and solved the problem for Lu Jingshen.

Recalling that she was the one who told Shen Linyan to handle it, she paused and then turned back to the window. Forget it. Just pretend I didn't say anything.

She should have guessed. As a gentle second lead, Shen Linyan would naturally choose a more moderate, harmless way to resolve the issue.

She shouldn't involve him in the future.

Silence returned to the car, but it was immediately followed by the sound of a phone dialing.

The call was picked up, and a somewhat familiar male voice came through the speaker.

...Brother?

An Ling froze. Her ears perked up, and she peeked over quietly.

She saw Shen Linyan put the phone on speaker and place it on the center armrest. The contact name on the screen was Lu Jingshen.

The man leaned back against his seat and said calmly, Lu Jingshen, transfer 1.4 million to your sister-in-law’s account tomorrow.

Lu Jingshen, who had been woken up in the middle of the night, was bewildered. Huh??

He instinctively wanted to lose his temper, but then he realized who was on the other end. He took a deep breath and tried to stay calm. Brother, what do you mean? Transfer it to who?

Can't you understand?

Shen Linyan’s tone was indifferent. Your friend caused trouble for your sister-in-law. Do I need to repeat myself?

What the hell is this?

Lu Jingshen gritted his teeth, completely confused, but he still agreed. Fine. 1.4 million, right?

Just as Shen Linyan was about to confirm, his arm was lightly nudged. He saw the woman looking at him with sparkling eyes, blinking as she held up two fingers.

The man paused, a trace of a smile flitting through his eyes.

I remembered wrong. Two million.

Lu Jingshen: ??? No, brother... asking me for two million all of a sudden is a bit...

An Ling suddenly spoke up with a giggle, I want to see the money in my account tomorrow.

Lu Jingshen: ...

After the call ended, Shen Linyan looked at the happy woman beside him, his eyes filled with amusement.

Is my lady still angry?

Hearing this, An Ling shook her head and narrowed her eyes with satisfaction. Not angry anymore, not angry at all.

Seeing the male lead suffer like this felt amazing.

Shen Linyan laughed softly and lowered his head to put his phone away, his features looking refined and elegant under the car lights.

An Ling rested her chin on her hand, staring at the man’s profile for a few seconds. She blinked, suddenly realizing something.

If she could pull Shen Linyan over to her side and teach him not to be such a pushover, maybe she could change him too?

She pondered for a moment before suddenly speaking up.

Shen Linyan, let me tell you a secret. Weren't you angry because I didn't recognize you?