Chapter 9: It seems Madam needs us to show off our affection.

The board members attending today's meeting sensed that something was off.

Shen Linyan, a man usually known for his rigorous and composed demeanor, had repeatedly glanced at his phone during the meeting. He was clearly distracted.

Remembering the incident that had just unfolded downstairs, the room came to a sudden, collective realization.

Shen Linyan's wife from their arranged marriage never failed to stir up a hornet's nest of trouble every time she visited the company.

True to form, she had just gotten several receptionists fired today.

Shen Linyan was likely worried she would cause even more chaos.

The shareholders knew exactly what was going on, but none of them dared to bring it up to Shen Linyan's face.

Except, of course, for those who harbored a particular grudge against him.

Clack! A thermos was slammed onto the table, the sharp sound shattering the silence of the conference room.

Shen Yue furrowed his brows, his tone cold and unyielding. Shen Linyan, it is high time you reined in your wife. Do you have any idea how much the Shen Group's stock dropped after that fiasco yesterday? And this isn't the first time, either.

Shen Linyan lazily lifted his eyelids, finally tearing his gaze away from his phone. You don't need to worry. I will handle it.

Handle it?

Shen Jiandong let out a disdainful snort. How long has this been going on? That woman stirs up one mess after another. If you can't even keep an arranged wife in line, how do you expect us to trust you?

He leaned back in his chair, his tone growing harsher. I heard she fired several front desk employees today, and with your approval, no less? If things keep going this way, is she going to fire us next?

His reprimand echoed through the conference room. The rest of the board remained dead silent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

This was largely due to Shen Jiandong's unique status. Not only was he a major shareholder of the Shen Group, but he was also Shen Linyan's uncle.

When Shen Zhong stepped down, Shen Jiandong had fully expected to take over the reins of the company.

To everyone's shock, Shen Linyan suddenly returned from abroad and leapfrogged directly into the position of CEO.

The outside world had been rife with speculation at the time, but today, absolutely no one dared to question Shen Linyan's authority.

After all, within his first quarter in office, he had generated tens of billions in revenue for the Shen Group.

But so what?

Shen Jiandong sneered inwardly. In the end, didn't he still have to bow to the family elders, marry the woman they chose, have children, and let himself be manipulated like a puppet?

Shen Linyan, you might be a genius at investments, but when it comes to corporate management, you are still too green. If you ask me...

I was the one who fired them, the man's deep voice cut through the room.

Shen Jiandong's words caught in his throat. He stared wide-eyed at the man sitting at the head of the table.

Shen Linyan lowered his gaze and casually adjusted his cuffs. He spoke at a slow, measured pace, every syllable crystal clear and radiating an unflappable composure. I dislike chatty employees, so I let them go. Or are you suggesting that, as the Chairman, I lack the authority to terminate staff? Do we need to convene a board meeting to put it to a vote?

He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping across the pin-drop silent room, before continuing. I will also take full responsibility for last night's incident. It will not negatively impact the company. If anyone else has an objection, you may voice it now.

The conference room plunged into a deathly stillness. Even the sound of people breathing seemed magnified tenfold.

Shen Linyan slowly stood up. His movements were unhurried, every gesture exuding an innate, aristocratic elegance.

A faint, shallow smile graced his lips, and the trailing notes of his voice were gentle. The cold, piercing sharpness from just moments ago seemed like nothing but a passing illusion.

Since it seems no one has any further objections, meeting adjourned.

The moment he stepped out the door, the conference room erupted into a flurry of whispers.

Several shareholders leaned back in their chairs, sipping their tea as they looked at Shen Jiandong with undisguised schadenfreude.

Jiandong, why did you have to go and provoke the boy? Haven't you figured it out yet? He's not someone you want to mess with.

He's the heir personally groomed by that old fox, Shen Zhong. They kept him completely under the radar for years, supposedly training him abroad, only for him to parachute straight into the Chairman's seat the second he returned. Did you honestly think he was just some idle, spoiled rich kid?

You really need to temper that attitude of yours. If you ask me, Shen Linyan was actually in a pretty good mood today. He gave you plenty of face. Keep picking fights like this, and he might just find a way to strip you of your shares.

Shen Jiandong's face darkened. Are you all really letting a wet-behind-the-ears brat scare you? His past investments were nothing but dumb luck. You think he'd actually dare to make a move against us?

The other shareholders simply laughed aloud. Not wanting to argue further, they stood up and waved him off. Alright, alright. We just want to enjoy a peaceful retirement. If you want to butt heads with him, leave us out of it. You'd be better off seeking out his little arranged wife. Who knows, maybe she'd be thrilled to help you.

Hearing this, Shen Jiandong froze.

Shen Linyan's wife?

He stroked his chin, a calculating gleam flashing through his eyes.

Meanwhile, up in the CEO's office, An Ling, who was comfortably lounging in the executive chair, suddenly let out a sneeze.

She opened her eyes, her gaze landing squarely on Shen Linyan just as he walked through the door.

Finished with your meeting?

Shen Linyan gave a soft hum in response. His expression remained entirely unchanged, as if he wasn't the least bit surprised to find her sitting in his chair.

He slipped off his suit jacket, revealing a tailored vest underneath. The crisp white shirt accentuated his broad, perfectly contoured shoulders. With his long legs and narrow waist, he cut a striking figure. As he casually rolled up his sleeves, the faint outline of firm muscles shifted in his forearms.

He took a seat on the sofa and began pouring tea. His long, slender fingers lightly tapped against the white porcelain cup. Every movement was slow, graceful, and unhurried. The natural, gentle curve of his eyes softened his features, and his expression was completely serene when he finally spoke in a mild tone.

Secretary Chen mentioned that my wife wished to see me. What was it you wanted to discuss?

She had to admit, if it weren't for the fact that he was the story's second male lead, Shen Linyan's looks and aura would be exactly her type.

An Ling rested her chin in her hand and stared at him for a moment before letting out a soft sigh.

What a pity. He was doomed to fall for the female lead.

Losing interest, she looked away and began twirling a fountain pen on the desk. It's about the public clarification. If I'm going to clear things up, the best way to shut the media up is to prove that we have a loving relationship as husband and wife.

Shen Linyan took a slow sip of his tea and lazily raised his eyes. And so?

An Ling blinked at him with wide, innocent eyes. And so, I'll need my darling husband to cooperate with me.

Shen Linyan's hand paused. His gaze darkened slightly, the swirling steam from his teacup blurring the obscure emotions flickering in his eyes.

A moment later, he let out a low chuckle and set the cup down.

It seems my wife needs me to put on a public display of affection with her.

This man caught on fast!

An Ling blinked in surprise. She hopped out of the chair, walked over to the sofa, and plopped down right next to him. Tilting her head to study his face, she asked, So you agree?

Under the current circumstances, demonstrating that their marriage was perfectly harmonious would indeed shatter the rumors without them having to lift another finger.

Shen Linyan leaned back against the plush sofa and crossed his hands in his lap. He watched her with leisurely amusement, a gentle smile playing on his lips. I'm rather curious. Exactly how does Miss An plan to display this affection?

Calling her Miss An felt like a deliberate reminder of the purely transactional nature of their arranged marriage.

Going by the memories she had inherited, ever since their wedding, she and Shen Linyan had never even shared so much as a casual touch, let alone shared a bed.

But An Ling already had a game plan ready.

With a mysterious flair, she reached into her bag and pulled out a small, burgundy velvet box.

Click. The box popped open.

Nestled inside was a pair of dazzling, diamond-encrusted silver wedding bands.

An Ling's eyes curved into happy crescents as she held the box up between them. Tilting her head, she offered a bright, cheeky smile.

Time to put on your ring, Hubby.