Chapter 95: The Mistress Keeps Me

The freezing wind bit to the bone outside. An Ling was picked up by the man by her waist, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

Beep—

The front door closed behind them.

The heating in the living room was ample. The curtains were slightly drawn, allowing only a few rays of light to slip through the gaps. Huihui was sleeping in its bed, curled up into a tiny ball, looking exceptionally peaceful.

Shen Linyan sat on the sofa with her in his arms, reaching out to gently stroke her face. Be good, don't cry.

An Ling lowered her head to wipe her tears. When did this happen? It was my colleague who told me the news.

She looked up, the corners of her eyes flushed red and teardrops clinging to her eyelashes. Her dark pupils looked as clear as if they had been washed in water. She spoke with a nasal voice, And how did you become an illegitimate son...

Seeing the woman's distressed, tearful little expression, Shen Linyan curled his lips into a smile and lowered his head to kiss her eyes.

It happened last night. I only found out yesterday that I am my father's illegitimate son. They want to sever ties with me. There was so much going on, so I forgot to tell you, my wife.

The man's voice was gentle. Even though such a thing had happened, there was no resentment in his tone; he simply accepted it all calmly.

An Ling, however, wanted to cry even more.

It was too unfair. Shen Linyan should have had a better future. He was supposed to be the heir to the Shen family, becoming the most powerful figure in the business world.

How could a scandal about him being an illegitimate son suddenly break out, resulting in him being disowned by the Shen family?

How was this any different from going bankrupt?

No wonder Shen Linyan didn't message her last night.

An Ling cupped his face, her voice hoarse. How could they do this? You helped the Shen family so much, how could they just use you and throw you away?

An Zhou was so happy last night. He drank too much and mentioned that after Shen Linyan returned, the quarterly revenue generated by the Shen family kept getting higher and higher.

It was a good thing Shen Linyan wasn't involved in this project, otherwise, it probably would have gone to the Shen family again.

The man, however, smiled and nuzzled her cheek. It's alright, my wife. This is good too. If I had gotten the Shen family shares, you would be on edge every day after we got married, terrified that I might go bankrupt. Now, you won't have to worry.

He raised his hand to untie the decorative silk scarf around the woman's neck, his thin lips gently kissing the hickey there.

Looking at her, his eyes curved as a low chuckle escaped his lips.

If you keep me as your sugar baby, my wife, then I won't be considered bankrupt.

An Ling was momentarily dazed and didn't react. But on second thought, it actually seemed to make some sense.

Oh right, she still had her little secret stash of money.

She blinked and wiped away her tears. Then I have money to support you. I'll go back and let Mom know.

The man held her hand. I'll go tell her. Just help me set up a meeting with Mom.

An Ling thought about it and agreed, whispering, That works too. It's okay if you don't have money, just play the victim. Mom is soft-hearted. My brother has been in a great mood lately, so he probably won't do anything to you.

Shen Linyan couldn't help but laugh.

His Adam's apple bobbed, and unable to resist, he kissed the corner of her mouth. Okay.

His wife was indeed easy to fool.

Do you need to go back to the company later? He stroked her hair.

An Ling took out her phone. About ten minutes ago, Nan Zhechuan had messaged her, saying that Ms. Chen was holding a meeting in the afternoon to discuss tomorrow's shoot.

The meeting is in the afternoon, so it's fine if I don't go back right now.

Shen Linyan's thumb brushed over her eyes. Did Lingling not sleep well last night?

Her complexion didn't look too good.

An Ling placed her phone on the table. Hearing this, she was reminded of that jinx Xu Huoqing, and nodded heavily. I had a very, very bad dream.

Then go rest in the room for a while. I'll take you back to the company later.

The man wrapped his arm around her waist, kissed her lips, and said with a smile in his voice, Do you want me to carry you back to the room, my wife?

As soon as he said that, An Ling remembered the time before they got divorced.

Her face flushed slightly. Hugging his neck, she whispered, Mr. Shen, you are about to be kept by me. You should have the proper awareness when doing these things.

The man's chest vibrated slightly as a low chuckle escaped his lips, indulgent and doting.

Yes, Miss An.

Just as he stood up with her in his arms, a sudden meow came from the cat bed.

They both looked over and saw Huihui crawling out of the bed. The little guy ran over on its short legs, continuously rubbing against Shen Linyan's pant leg and meowing non-stop.

Seeing this, An Ling smiled and said, Looks like it's hungry. You go get it some food first, I'll go back to the room by myself.

Shen Linyan glanced at it and stepped right past it. It's fine. I'll come out and pour it some cat food later.

Compared to last time, the room was very tidy.

An Ling lay on the bed and rolled over. Last time I came back to take a look, I found that the room hadn't been cleaned at all.

The man knelt on the bed with one knee, propped himself up, and leaned down to kiss her.

I forgot to tell Auntie Cheng.

He hadn't forgotten at all.

He had deliberately told Auntie Cheng not to clean that room.

An Ling would never know that for the first few nights after their divorce, whenever Shen Linyan couldn't sleep, he would stand at the door of her room.

Countless times standing in the pitch-black hallway, looking at the messy arrangement inside the room, he even developed an illusion in his heart.

His wife just hadn't come home yet.

An Ling would be back soon.

But Shen Linyan never dared to step inside. Once he did, the chilling air that rushed at his face would ruthlessly shatter his illusion.

These signs constantly reminded him that this home had long lost An Ling's presence.

The attachment An Ling spoke of was truly too hard to erase.

He couldn't forget An Ling, nor did he want to forget her.

Shen Linyan tightened his grip, the veins on the back of his hand bulging slightly.

His scalding lips gently pressed against the woman's, his voice softening. My wife, after we remarry this time, will you still teach me how to be a bad guy?

If he could keep An Ling for the rest of his life using this method, he didn't mind pretending forever.

Just being bound to him like this, whether out of heartache or pity.

These were all his.

Hearing this, An Ling blinked, her eyes curving into crescents as she took the initiative to kiss him. Of course I will.

Now that Shen Linyan had been kicked out of the Shen family, those people from before would definitely kick him while he was down. She, of course, had to watch over him carefully; her bankrupt husband couldn't be bullied by others.

Perhaps because she had just cried, coupled with not sleeping well last night, An Ling's eyes felt sore.

She yawned. Hurry up and go feed Huihui. I'm going to sleep for a bit.

Okay. Shen Linyan tucked her in, watched the woman lie on the bed and close her eyes, then lightened his footsteps and closed the door behind him as he left.

In the living room, Huihui was standing on the table, entertaining itself at some unknown point. It was looking down, messing with something with its little paws, having pushed all the books on the table onto the floor.

Seeing the man come out, it immediately sat properly, looking entirely innocent.

Shen Linyan bent down to pick up the books from the floor and said flatly, Get down, or you won't get any food.

Huihui immediately jumped down.

Shen Linyan placed the books on the table. His gaze caught the phone on the table; it was the one An Ling had casually left there earlier.

At this moment, the screen was lit up with an unfamiliar number.

It showed an ongoing call.

Shen Linyan's gaze paused slightly, and he turned his head to look at the cat bed.

The culprit, meanwhile, was nonchalantly licking its fur.

An Ling had just fallen asleep; going in right now would definitely wake her up.

Left with no choice, Shen Linyan picked up the phone and placed it to his ear while reaching for the cat food with his other hand. His voice was gentle. Hello, may I ask what you are looking for An Ling for?

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, followed by a man's unfriendly and guarded voice.

"Who are you? Where's An Ling?"