I Am More Paranoid Than the Villain – Chapter 52

Inscrutable Thoughts

I never considered you my girlfriend.

The matter with Shao Qi caused a commotion for nearly a month before the dust finally settled to the ground.

During that time, Shao Qi’s mother came to the school to speak with the head teacher many times and even took the issue to the principal, but Shao Qi himself never appeared.

To everyone’s surprise, Shao Qi didn’t just change his major; he transferred schools entirely.

The transfer procedures were handled by his butler.

Shen Man was very satisfied with this outcome.

The weather at the end of March had already begun to warm up, and heavy cotton-padded jackets were all replaced with light coats.

Girls who loved beauty were already wearing pretty little skirts.

Lin Shu stood before the mirror, looking at her reflection with delight.

Today, she wore a white shirt on top, with a light green knitted vest over it, and a black half-skirt on the bottom, the hem of which fell just above her knees.

The green made her skin appear even fairer, and the black and white contrast added a touch of sexiness to her innocent look.

Especially that slender waist, which looked so slim a single hand could not encircle it.

Shen Man stood outside, seeing the scene inside through the half-open door.

A flash of amazement crossed her eyes. She knocked on the door and said with a smile, “Shushu, you’re dressed so beautifully today. Do you have a date?”

“Is there any day I don’t dress beautifully?” Lin Shu turned her head, glaring at Shen Man in dissatisfaction.

Shen Man immediately corrected herself, “Shushu is beautiful every day.”

Lin Shu let out a haughty hmph, a happy smile appearing on her face.

She spun around in front of Shen Man and asked expectantly, “How’s my overall look today?”

“Very beautiful.” Shen Man chuckled, a look of affirmation on her face, then added, “Shushu, it’s time to come out for breakfast.”

“I know.” Lin Shu took one last look in the mirror, then left the room, completely satisfied.

The two ate their breakfast at a leisurely pace.

Shen Man wiped her mouth with a napkin and asked with a smile, “Shushu, it’s Saturday. Are you going out?”

“Of course. I’ve already made plans with Ding Xi to go shopping,” Lin Shu said happily, her spirits soaring. “Did you know? A lot of new styles have come out recently. I’m going to browse and buy the most beautiful clothes.”

“Are you going too?” she added after a pause, her tone fierce.

Shen Man shook her head with a smile, “I’m going to the library.”

“A bookworm who only knows how to study.” Lin Shu pouted, her lips pursed in slight displeasure.

Shen Man chuckled, stood up, and walked toward the entryway with her schoolbag.

After changing her shoes, she saw Lin Shu was still sitting and asked, “Shushu, aren’t you leaving?”

“It’s still early,” Lin Shu replied without turning her head, drinking her milk.

“I was planning to drop you off at the mall first before going to the university,” Shen Man said, deliberately slowing her speech. “Since you’re not going, then I’ll…”

“Who said I’m not going?” Lin Shu immediately shot up and hurried toward Shen Man.

Shen Man smiled and reminded her slowly, “Your bag.”

Lin Shu stopped in her tracks and rushed back to get her bag.

After changing their shoes, the two left, one after the other.

As they entered the elevator, Shen Man’s phone rang.

Lin Shu glanced over and saw the caller ID was Xia Ke. She turned her head away, fussing with her hair in the mirror.

Shen Man answered the call.

“Manman, I’m treating you guys to karaoke tonight,” Xia Ke said with a laugh.

Shen Man detected a hint of melancholy in her voice but didn’t point it out, smiling as she agreed.

After hanging up, Shen Man looked at Lin Shu. “Shushu, are you going?”

Lin Shu tilted her head, staring at Shen Man for two seconds. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said with a nonchalant expression, “We’ll see if I’m free tonight.”

“Alright.” Shen Man ended the topic crisply.

Lin Shu snorted in frustration.

Shen Man smiled and walked out of the elevator.

After dropping Lin Shu at the mall, Shen Man saw Ding Xi waiting by the roadside.

She rolled down the car window and looked at Lin Shu, saying, “Shushu, give me a call when you’re done shopping. I’ll come pick you up.”

“Got it.” Lin Shu closed the car door and walked toward Ding Xi with a smile.

Shen Man drove away.

Ding Xi glanced at the back of the car, then at the smile on Lin Shu’s face, and asked hesitantly, “Lin Shu-jie, when did your relationship with Shen Man get so good?”

Lin Shu’s smile faltered. She subconsciously reached up to fiddle with the hair by her ear. “Has it? She’s just my driver, that’s all.”

“But you… seem very happy,” Ding Xi said, her voice growing smaller as she saw the cold look on Lin Shu’s face.

“Never mind her. Let’s go shopping,” Lin Shu said, striding forward.

Ding Xi’s eyes flickered. She glanced again in the direction Shen Man had left, then hurried to catch up with Lin Shu.

---

Shen Man arrived at the library.

She found two books in the reading room and saw Xia Ke just as she was coming out.

“Manman, I knew you’d be in the library,” Xia Ke said with a smile.

Shen Man smiled back, found a seat by the window, and put her books down.

Xia Ke sat opposite her.

“Did you need me for something?” Shen Man asked.

“I’m just so frustrated. I wanted my Manman to comfort me,” Xia Ke said with a miserable look, her brows furrowed with vexation.

“What’s making you so upset?” Shen Man asked with concern.

“What else? It’s because of Shao Qi,” Xia Ke sighed, propping her cheek up with one hand. “Everyone knows why I came back this time. What he did has made me a laughingstock in our circle.”

“That despicable man!” she said, clenching her fist tightly. She stopped just before slamming it on the table and sighed again.

Shen Man could sense that Xia Ke’s anger wasn’t the kind born from being ashamed into anger.

Compared to rage, what Xia Ke displayed was more of a sense of defeat from having her personal charm rejected.

“What’s wrong with me? Why does he have to avoid me like a venomous snake?” Xia Ke grumbled under her breath. “I had a ton of guys chasing me abroad. It’s not like he’s the only one for me. If my dad hadn’t kept persuading me to come back, I wouldn’t have.”

Shen Man listened quietly.

Even in her distress, Xia Ke knew to control her volume in the quiet library.

After venting, she felt much better, and a cheerful smile returned to her face. “Actually, coming back is pretty good. I got to meet a great friend like you, Manman, and also Lin Shu and Ah Xu.”

“Tonight, the four of us will sing and drink to our hearts’ content and forget all our troubles.”

“Yin Ruxu is going too?” Shen Man frowned slightly.

“Yeah, Ah Xu and I have already arranged it,” Xia Ke nodded.

“If she goes, Shushu probably won’t. You know Shushu doesn’t like her,” Shen Man said.

“You should try to persuade Lin Shu. Ah Xu is a really nice person, so gentle and kind. As long as Lin Shu spends more time with her, she’ll definitely come to like her too,” Xia Ke urged, her smile radiant when she spoke of Yin Ruxu.

Shen Man shook her head.

Xia Ke leaned in closer and whispered with a smile, “Manman, if I liked women, I would definitely like Ah Xu’s type. She speaks so softly, smells so nice, and that little face of hers… even I would feel pity upon seeing her¹. It makes you want to protect her.”

“Based on your personality, you should like this type too, right?” She blinked, her face full of playful teasing.

Shen Man remained silent, not denying it.

She did indeed like gentle, considerate, and well-behaved beauties. Her ideal partner was just like that.

“Manman, tell me honestly, have you ever had feelings for Ah Xu?” Xia Ke asked curiously.

“I don’t like women with deep thoughts,” Shen Man stated.

Xia Ke froze for a moment, then quickly defended her, “Ah Xu is very pure and kind-hearted. She’s always thinking of others.”

Shen Man just smiled, lowered her head, opened her book, and began to read seriously.

Xia Ke, feeling a bit unconvinced, wanted to say more.

But seeing Shen Man’s unwillingness to continue the conversation, she swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue.

Shen Man focused on her book, and before she knew it, it was noon.

After lunch, she continued to study in the library.

Xia Ke returned to her dorm.

The afternoon sun was warm, even a little scorching.

Shen Man took off her jacket and rolled up her sleeves, revealing a section of her snow-white, jade-like arm.

A boy walked over and asked with a smile, “Is this seat taken?”

“Sorry, it’s already taken,” Shen Man said coolly.

The boy tactfully walked away.

Shen Man glanced to the side and immediately noticed many furtive gazes.

They had probably been sneaking glances at her just now.

Shen Man withdrew her gaze, took out her phone, and sent a message to Lin Shu with a light laugh, “Shushu, the library is quite crowded.”

“It’s a little annoying. People are always looking over here.”

Five minutes passed with no reply.

Shen Man suddenly felt bored, put down her phone, and continued to study.

As it approached four in the afternoon, Shen Man finished her study plan and prepared to leave.

A girl came over, holding a book.

Shen Man looked up and, seeing it was a classmate, asked with a gentle smile, “Is something the matter?”

“Class Monitor, there’s a problem here I don’t understand. Could you teach me?” the girl asked, a little shy.

Shen Man nodded.

The girl sat down happily and pointed to a page in the book. “It’s right here. I just can’t seem to understand it.”

Shen Man looked it over and began to explain it to the girl in a low voice.

Halfway through her explanation, her phone vibrated.

Glancing at the caller ID, Shen Man immediately stood up and said, “Sorry, something’s come up. I’ll teach you next time.”

“Okay, thank you, Class Monitor,” the girl said politely.

Shen Man walked out quickly and answered the phone, “Shushu.”

“Come pick me up, quickly. I’m so tired, my feet are sore from walking,” Lin Shu said as if it were a matter of course, her arrogant voice tinged with a hint of petulance.

“Alright, I’ll be right there,” Shen Man said, a doting smile escaping her lips.

---

She drove to the location Lin Shu had specified.

Shen Man got out of the car and saw Lin Shu sitting on a bench, with dozens of exquisite packages at her feet.

All of them were marked with high-end luxury brands.

“Shushu, was your shopping trip satisfactory today?” Shen Man walked over and asked with a smile.

“You’re so slow. Tan Kai already picked up Ding Xi,” Lin Shu pouted, making a dissatisfied comparison.

“Why didn’t you get a ride back with Tan Kai?” Shen Man retorted with a smile. “Wouldn’t it have been more convenient to have him drop you off?”

“I have no desire to be fed dog food²,” Lin Shu immediately shot back, glaring at Shen Man. “Did you not want to come pick me up?”

“I just didn’t want you to wait here all alone,” Shen Man explained.

“If you didn’t want me to wait, you should have come earlier!” Lin Shu raised her voice, her small face filled with anger.

“Alright, alright, I get it. I’ll be early next time,” Shen Man conceded good-naturedly, bending down to pick up some of the bags.

Lin Shu carried the remaining bags and followed behind, continuing to complain, “Tan Kai arrived right after we finished shopping. Ding Xi didn’t even have to rush him. Not like you, being so late.”

“Shushu, are you comparing me to someone else’s boyfriend?” Shen Man stopped and turned around, a smile on her lips.

Her dark eyes were deep and bright, carrying a strong implication.

Lin Shu was stunned for a moment. Her face instantly flushed red, and she opened and closed her mouth, hastily explaining, “I never considered you my girlfriend! You’re just my free driver!”

“I never said girlfriend,” Shen Man chuckled.

Lin Shu suddenly felt she’d been played. Biting her lip, she walked forward angrily.

Soon, she left Shen Man behind.

She got into the car, slammed the door shut, leaned back against the seat, and closed her eyes in a huff.

Shen Man got in the car.

Turning her head to see Lin Shu’s angry expression, the smile on her face immediately became more cheerful.

“What are you smiling at?” Lin Shu opened her eyes and snapped unhappily.

“Being Shushu’s driver, I feel both honored and happy,” Shen Man said, her eyes sincere.

Lin Shu was somewhat disbelieving, but her mood had improved slightly.

She gave a haughty snort. “Not just anyone can be This Young Lady’s³ driver.”

Shen Man smiled and nodded in agreement.

The car drove smoothly.

Shen Man’s phone rang. It was Xia Ke.

She answered and put it on speaker.

“Manman, where are you guys? Come on over for karaoke! I’ve already booked the room,” Xia Ke said happily.

“Shushu just finished shopping. We’re about to head back,” Shen Man replied.

“Perfect. You and Lin Shu come over together,” Xia Ke invited cheerfully.

Hearing this, Shen Man looked at Lin Shu, her eyes asking for a decision.

Their eyes met.

Lin Shu pursed her lips and turned her head away.

“Okay, we’re on our way now,” Shen Man said before hanging up.

Lin Shu fiddled with her hair and said discontentedly, “When did I say I was going?”

“It’s boring for me to go alone. Shushu, just come to keep me company, okay?” Shen Man coaxed with a smile.

Lin Shu’s lips curled into a smug smile. “I’m only going because you begged me.”

Shen Man nodded.

Lin Shu laughed happily.

The traffic was a bit heavy.

Shen Man stopped at a red light, her long, slender fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel.

She stared at the red taillights of the car in front, waiting patiently.

Lin Shu took out a mirror and began to touch up her makeup.

Shen Man glanced over and was immediately met with a cold stare.

She smiled and shifted her gaze, looking in the rearview mirror.

The young woman was concentrating on applying her lipstick and didn’t notice her gaze.

Shen Man’s expression grew serene.

She had never doubted that she liked the gentle and lovable type.

As for a proud, awkward, and ill-tempered young lady like Lin Shu, she had always avoided them from a distance and would never consider them.

But it was undeniable that she somewhat enjoyed the process of teasing the young lady until she was angry, then coaxing her back into a good mood.

Even if she had to adopt a subservient posture while coaxing.

She never used to have such good temper to coax others.

A wave of inexplicable irritation rose in Shen Man’s heart.

The frequency of her finger tapping increased, making a tap, tap sound that was very distinct in the quiet car.

“Can you stop tapping the steering wheel? You’re so loud you made me mess up my lipstick,” Lin Shu said, annoyed. She looked up at Shen Man. “Look, it went outside the lines.”

Shen Man stopped tapping, looking silently ahead.

The light turned green, and the cars moved forward slowly.

When it was Shen Man’s turn, it turned red again.

Shen Man’s brow furrowed, and she struck the steering wheel forcefully.

Lin Shu immediately shot her a sideways glance and said coldly, “This car of mine is a limited edition. If you break it, you’ll pay for it in full.”

“Okay, I understand,” Shen Man forced a smile.

Lin Shu pursed her lips in the mirror, a satisfied smile appearing.

She put away her cosmetics, her exquisite makeup making her look radiant, and asked with a smile, “Why did you suddenly get so agitated?”

“It’s nothing,” Shen Man answered faintly, a gloominess in her expression.

“It’s just a traffic jam. It doesn’t matter if we’re a little late,” Lin Shu said, confused.

Shen Man habitually curled her lip, not wanting to discuss the topic further.

After an hour, the two finally arrived at the place Xia Ke had mentioned.

Shen Man parked the car.

Lin Shu opened the door, got out, and deliberately tidied herself up using the car’s side mirror.

“Shushu, you’re already beautiful. You don’t need to fix anything,” Shen Man said with a smile, leaning against the car.

Lin Shu smiled with satisfaction and asked, “Are you in a better mood now?”

Shen Man’s lips twitched, but she didn’t speak, instead starting to walk inside.

“Wait for me!” Lin Shu hurried after her.

She ran to catch up, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Shen Man, and laughed teasingly, “I never would have thought that our helpful Class Monitor Shen would have bad moods too.”

“Tell me about it, let me hear. I’m in a good mood now, I can comfort you a bit.”

“You’re this happy just because I’m unhappy?” Shen Man scoffed, the corner of her eye lifting.

Lin Shu gave a brilliant smile and nodded affirmatively.

Shen Man was at once exasperated and amused.

She cleared the gloom from her eyes, returning to her usual gentle and placid demeanor, and said with a smile, “Thank you for your concern, Shushu. I’m much better now.”

“I wasn’t concerned about you!” Lin Shu immediately retorted, a hint of disappointment and unwillingness in her eyes.

The two entered the elevator.

Shen Man stood at the very back.

Lin Shu glanced at her and stood beside her.

More people gradually entered, soon pushing the two into a corner.

Shen Man reached out an arm, shielding Lin Shu behind her.

The crowded elevator was filled with all sorts of smells.

Lin Shu smelled the pleasant fragrance coming from beside her, and her face flushed slightly.

The elevator doors opened, and the crowd moved out.

The two waited for a moment before exiting last.

Shen Man scanned the area, saw the KTV Xia Ke had mentioned, and said, “It’s over there. Let’s go.”

With that, she naturally took Lin Shu’s hand.

“Hey…” Lin Shu stammered twice but didn’t pull away.

She lowered her eyes, staring at where their hands were joined, and a wave of heat rose on her fair face.

Xia Ke had booked the most luxurious private room, with high-end decor and equipment.

Shen Man pushed the door open to a brightly lit room.

The first thing she saw was the neat arrangement of liquor bottles on the coffee table—red wine and beer, a considerable quantity.

“Manman, Lin Shu, you’re here!” Xia Ke stood up from the coffee table, pointed at the table full of alcohol, and said happily, “Look, Ah Xu and I prepared all of this. Tonight, not drunk, not returning!”⁴

“She’s here too?” Lin Shu frowned, a look of disgust in her eyes.

“Yeah, all four of us. Didn’t Manman tell you?” Xia Ke nodded, her gaze falling on Shen Man.

It then shifted down, and seeing their joined hands, she raised an eyebrow and gave a teasing smile.

Lin Shu quickly pulled her hand back and turned her head away.

Shen Man’s palm felt empty.

Her fingers twitched slightly. She let out a soft laugh and walked over with a composed expression. “Shushu, come and sit.”

Lin Shu pouted and reluctantly went to sit down.

“You two sit for a bit. Ah Xu went to find the manager to change the microphones. She’ll be right back,” Xia Ke said, getting up to adjust the karaoke machine.

Standing in front of the machine, she turned back to look at them. “What songs do you like to sing?”

“Just pick what you like. I’m fine with anything,” Shen Man responded with a smile.

Lin Shu leaned against the sofa, her expression cold.

Xia Ke and Shen Man exchanged a look.

She pursed her lips and mouthed, “You’d better placate her.”

Shen Man nodded lightly.

Turning to Lin Shu, she leaned in and said in a low voice, “Shushu, Xia Ke invited us here today to sing and relax. At least give her some face.”

“I’m already here. How am I not giving her face?” Lin Shu retorted.

“That’s good. I knew Shushu was the best,” Shen Man praised with a smile.

Lin Shu listened to the half-hearted compliment, shot her a sideways glance, and looked down to play with her phone.

Shen Man got up and walked over to Xia Ke.

“Manman, want to request a song?” Xia Ke asked, making room for her.

Shen Man nodded and pre-selected a few songs.

“I guess these are all songs Lin Shu likes, right?” Xia Ke asked in a low voice, her eyes full of understanding.

A slight smile touched Shen Man’s lips. “How did you know?”

“You just said you were fine with anything, and now you’re here picking songs. I can’t think of any other reason,” Xia Ke raised an eyebrow, her eyes filled with amusement.

Shen Man smiled, neither confirming nor denying.

The door to the room was pushed open.

Xia Ke looked over and asked with a smile, “Ah Xu, what songs do you want to pick?”

“I’m fine with anything,” Yin Ruxu smiled gently. “Shen Man, you guys are here too. Would you like anything to drink?”

“If I want something to drink, I have my own hands. I don’t need anyone else to be nosy,” Lin Shu snorted coldly.

Yin Ruxu lowered her head at the remark, forced a smile, and put down the microphone in her hand.

“Ah Xu, just have a seat. Whatever you guys want to eat, feel free to order,” Xia Ke said, trying to ease the atmosphere.

Yin Ruxu bit her lip and nodded obediently.

Shen Man finished selecting the songs and sat down again.

Lin Shu glanced at her and said with a detached expression, “I want to drink red wine.”

Shen Man immediately opened a bottle of red wine, poured a glass, and handed it to Lin Shu.

Xia Ke saw this and teased, “Manman, you’re being as gentle and considerate as if she were your girlfriend.”

Before Shen Man could speak, Lin Shu glared at Xia Ke and said loudly, “Don’t talk nonsense!”

“What girlfriend?” Yin Ruxu asked in a small voice.

The smile on Xia Ke’s face froze. Realizing Yin Ruxu didn’t know about it, she quickly explained, “It’s nothing, you heard wrong.”

“I like women, especially gentle and understanding women,” Shen Man said, a faint smile curving her lips.

Lin Shu froze, her chest instantly filled with a mix of sourness and bitterness, as if something was blocking it, making it hard to breathe.

She tilted her head back and downed the red wine in her glass in one gulp.

Yin Ruxu, feeling she had said the wrong thing, looked at Xia Ke anxiously.

Xia Ke immediately said in a loud voice, “Come on, let’s start singing.”

With that, she turned off the lights.

The room was instantly plunged into darkness.

Lights of various colors flashed alternately, creating an ambiguous atmosphere.

Shen Man turned her head.

Watching the young woman’s angry face flicker in the shifting light, a thrill of pleasure rose in her heart.

The trace of irritation she had felt in the car earlier seemed to have been transferred to the young woman, along with the wine in her glass.

“Shushu, do you want to sing?” Shen Man leaned over, smiling as she breathed into Lin Shu’s ear.

Lin Shu snorted angrily and shifted to the side.

Shen Man followed her movement.

Lin Shu retreated to the edge of the sofa, with no more room to back away.

She turned her head, glaring at Shen Man. “If you want to sing, go sing with your gentle beauty.”

Shen Man chuckled, reached out to wrap an arm around Lin Shu’s shoulders, and pulled her into her embrace with a firm tug.

Lowering her head, she was almost touching those soft, delicate red lips. “I want to sing with Shushu.”

Lin Shu’s heart suddenly began to race.

Her long eyelashes fluttered like an anxious little butterfly.

She pressed her lips together, her body tense as a wire.

Even though they had done more intimate things, every time she was this close to Shen Man’s excessively beautiful face, her heart would beat uncontrollably.

“Shushu, will you agree or not?” Shen Man murmured against that lip, nibbling it gently.

Lin Shu’s eyes instantly welled up, and shiny tears swirled in her eyes. “I’m not some gentle woman, what do you want with me?”

Shen Man let out a soft laugh but didn’t answer the question, instead deepening the kiss.

Lin Shu, realizing others were present, quickly tried to push her away.

“Shushu, you can either choose to sing, or we can just sit here,” Shen Man said, her finger slowly tracing over the glistening red lips.

Lin Shu turned her head away resentfully, her eyes wide with warning. “There are other people here!”

“It’s fine, they can’t see. And even if they did, they wouldn’t know what we’re doing,” Shen Man said in a relaxed tone, her laughter devoid of any worry.

Lin Shu abruptly stood up, grabbed a microphone from the table, and tapped it with her hand.

A loud sound came from the microphone.

Xia Ke stopped and turned around to ask, “Lin Shu, you want to sing with me?”

“Mhm,” Lin Shu grunted in response.

Xia Ke smiled happily and walked to Lin Shu’s side. “I love this song. Do you know how to sing it?”

Lin Shu didn’t respond, looking at the screen and starting to sing along.

Her voice was nice, but half the words in every sentence were off-key.

Xia Ke didn’t mind, singing a duet with Lin Shu very happily.

Shen Man remained seated.

Watching the two of them standing together from behind, a sudden wave of sullenness rose in her heart.

She poured herself a glass of wine, swirled it, and sipped it slowly.

Yin Ruxu saw this.

She walked over, her eyes full of apology. “Shen Man, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you liked women. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s fine,” Shen Man chuckled.

“I won’t look down on you, and I’ll keep your secret,” Yin Ruxu said sincerely.

“Thanks.” Shen Man’s lips curled, her expression one of the clouds were pale and the wind was light⁵.

“That’s good.” Yin Ruxu breathed a sigh of relief, a genuine smile on her face.

“What are you two talking about?” Xia Ke walked over, putting the microphone aside.

“Nothing,” Yin Ruxu said, her eyes lowered, shaking her head repeatedly.

Xia Ke didn’t press further.

She picked up two bottles of beer from the table, handing one to Shen Man. “Can you drink?”

“Her tolerance is very good,” Lin Shu said.

“Really?” Xia Ke’s eyes lit up, and she grew excited. “My tolerance is pretty good too. How about we compete today?”

“Sure,” Shen Man accepted the beer, agreeing with a calm smile.

The two of them started drinking.

Yin Ruxu sat to the side watching, occasionally helping to open bottles and pour drinks.

Lin Shu sang by herself.

“Manman, I think I’ve figured it out. Since he doesn’t care about me, why should I care about him?” Xia Ke’s face was flushed, and her eyes were already hazy with drunkenness.

“He’s just one man. It’s not like I can’t find another. Right? Let’s keep drinking…”

“Cheers.” Shen Man raised her glass and drained it.

Lin Shu grew tired of singing and sat down on the sofa.

Seeing the two of them now sitting on the floor drinking, surrounded by more and more empty bottles and cans, she couldn’t help but frown. “Why aren’t you stopping them? Letting them drink so much.”

Yin Ruxu pursed her lips, looking aggrieved.

“It’s fine! I’ve already booked rooms. Tonight, we are not going home until we’re drunk!” Xia Ke slurred, the last part almost a shout.

“Alright.” Shen Man smiled and drank another glass.

Both of their faces were red from drinking, looking about seventy or eighty percent drunk.

Lin Shu had never seen Shen Man so unrestrained. She couldn’t help but worry and went over to advise her, “Shen Man, you should drink less.”

“You’re not my girlfriend, why do you care so much about what I do?” Shen Man’s eyes were hazy with drink, her raised brow carrying a hint of teasing.

After saying that, she pulled Xia Ke to drink more.

Lin Shu froze.

When she came to her senses, her face flushed red with anger.

She glared at Shen Man. “Then drink your fill!”

“We have to drink our fill today, no leaving until we’re drunk…” Xia Ke drunkenly agreed, grabbing a bottle and stuffing it into Shen Man’s hand. “Manman, let’s keep drinking… I haven’t had this much fun drinking in so long…”

“Manman, you’re so great… we have to be best friends for life…”

“Okay…” Shen Man’s face was crimson, her smile clearly intoxicated.

Yin Ruxu was a little worried.

She glanced at Lin Shu and asked in a low voice, “Should we try to stop them? If they keep drinking like this, I’m afraid something might happen.”

“What’s there to stop?” Lin Shu pouted, furious.

Yin Ruxu blinked and said no more.

The alcohol on the table was almost finished by the two of them.

Xia Ke was completely drunk, passed out on the sofa.

Shen Man wasn’t much better.

She was sitting on the floor, her body completely supported by the sofa.

Seeing this, Yin Ruxu took two room cards out of her bag and placed them on the coffee table. “These are the rooms Xia Ke booked. You should help Shen Man go rest.”

“I’ll help Xia Ke.”

Lin Shu’s face was grim.

She picked up a room card, gave Shen Man a push, and asked irritably, “Can you even walk?”

“I can… I can still drink…” Shen Man giggled, her eyes unfocused.

Lin Shu became even angrier.

With a dark face, she helped Shen Man up.

The corner of Shen Man’s lips lifted slightly into a faint, ambiguous smile.

She leaned most of her weight onto Lin Shu, and every step she took looked as if she was about to fall.

Lin Shu had to use all her strength to support her.

The short, few-minute walk left her flushed and sweating.

Finally placing Shen Man on the bed, Lin Shu let out a heavy sigh of relief.

Standing by the bed, gazing at the face reddened by alcohol, Lin Shu’s eyes froze.

The usual Shen Man was intelligent and calm, as if any difficulty she encountered could be split as it meets the blade’s edge⁶.

Even though she often called Shen Man a bookworm, she had to admit that Shen Man possessed a natural, convincing leadership and a sense of security.

The Shen Man of this moment was very different from usual.

That cool, fair face had turned a vivid, captivating red. Her slightly open collar revealed an exquisite, sexy collarbone, and her fine figure was on full display.

Under the warm yellow light, she gained a soft, alluring beauty.

Lin Shu’s heart sped up, and she quickly turned her head away.

She took a deep breath, then couldn’t resist looking back.

Instantly, she froze on the spot.

The person on the bed was awake.

Those dark, deep eyes twinkled with starlight, as if the entire night sky was held within them, so brilliant that one couldn’t look away.

The slight curve of her lips was like a dazzling rose, emitting a sweet fragrance that bewitched the heart.

Lin Shu swallowed and pursed her lips. “You rest here. If you need anything, call a server.”

After saying this, she turned to leave.

Her slender wrist was suddenly grabbed by a hand, its scorching heat instantly spreading through her whole body from the skin of her palm.

“Ah…” Lin Shu cried out in surprise.

After the sky spun and the earth revolved, she was lying on the bed.

Up close was a magnified, beautiful face, even more seductive than usual.

Lin Shu’s heart tightened, and she subconsciously struggled. “Shen Man, let me go!”

Shen Man stuffed her ears and did not listen.

Those beautiful eyes seemed drunk, yet also perfectly sober.

Shen Man slowly lowered her head.

The distance between them grew smaller and smaller.

Lin Shu couldn’t break free. A sense of grievance welled up in her heart, and tears unknowingly filled her bright eyes.

She looked at that face and roared in anger, “Don’t you like gentle and kind great beauties? I’m not that type, so why are you kissing me?”

Shen Man paused.

Lin Shu stubbornly widened her eyes, refusing to let the tears fall. “Shen Man, I’m telling you, I am the proud and noble young lady of the Lin family! I will never learn that useless gentleness!”

Shen Man’s lips curled, and a soft laugh escaped her throat.

She lowered her head, accurately capturing that red lip, and licked it delicately.

Lin Shu’s body stiffened.

In her heart, she knew she should resist, but her mind was a mess from the kiss, unable to think.

Shen Man closed her eyes, savoring the softness beneath her lips.

Her movements were slow, as if she were tasting the finest red wine.

Lin Shu’s breathing gradually grew hot. A current ran through her body, a tingling, numbing sensation spreading everywhere.

Her red lips were slightly parted, her eyes hazy. Though her breathing was unsteady, she tried her best to stay clear-headed. “Shen Man, I’m not your type.”

“I know,” Shen Man chuckled, her soft kisses landing on the young woman’s delicate collarbone.

“Then why are you still kissing me? And doing… with me,” Lin Shu said, her voice choking up.

Tears streamed down uncontrollably, dripping from her cheeks onto Shen Man’s face.

Shen Man paused.

Licking the tear that had fallen on her neck, her voice was barely audible. “I don’t know.”

After saying this, her head tilted to the side, and she closed her eyes, falling into a deep sleep.

Lin Shu waited for a long time but never got the answer she wanted. Instead, she heard the sound of rhythmic breathing beside her.

A towering rage instantly filled her heart. She forcefully pushed Shen Man away, sat up, wiped her tears, and straightened her clothes.

Lin Shu stared at Shen Man’s sleeping face, every cell in her body seething with anger.

She reached out, pinched Shen Man’s cheek forcefully, wanting to pull it as hard as she could.

A trace of pity arose in her heart. She only squeezed it a little before unwillingly letting go.

“Shen Man, don’t pretend to be asleep! I know you’re not drunk!” Lin Shu stood by the bed, roaring at the person on it.

No one answered her.

Lin Shu was skeptical.

She sat on the edge of the bed, staring intently at Shen Man’s face, trying to find a flaw in her act.

After a while, her attention was completely captivated by Shen Man’s beauty, and she almost forgot her purpose.

Lin Shu angrily tore her gaze away.

She reached out a finger, touching her own lips, where a taste that wasn’t hers seemed to linger.

Her heart began to race again.

Lin Shu quickly pulled her finger back and wiped her lips hard with the back of her hand.

She stood up and walked out without looking back.

With a click, the door closed.

On the bed, the person opened her eyes, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Those eyes, stripped of their usual calm by the alcohol, held a rare trace of confusion.

In the quiet room, the young woman’s tearful question echoed, along with that teardrop that was so hot it felt like it could burn the skin.

Her heart instantly became agitated and restless.

Shen Man let out a soft scoff and closed her eyes.

---

The hotel bed was soft and spacious.

After taking a shower, Lin Shu lay in bed, her mind still on what had just happened.

She took out her phone and searched for the meaning of a kiss. Most of the answers said it was an expression of affection.

A flicker of joy appeared in Lin Shu’s heart, but she quickly calmed down.

Shen Man had clearly said she didn’t like her type, and yet she had kissed her…

The contradiction between the two threw Lin Shu into a state of turmoil.

Unable to come to a conclusion, she tossed her phone aside in frustration.

Lin Shu closed her eyes, forcing herself not to think about it.

But Shen Man’s deep and alluring eyes kept appearing in her mind, along with the memory of her warm lips’ poignantly lingering kiss⁷.

A current shot through Lin Shu’s body.

She couldn’t help but curl her legs, shaking her head nonstop, trying to drive the images from her mind.

But the more she tried to forget, the clearer they became.

She could even remember every subtle expression on Shen Man’s face when she kissed her, even the rhythm of her breathing.

“Despicable Shen Man!” Lin Shu bit the corner of the quilt and buried her head in it.

The feeling of oxygen deprivation quickly stole her thoughts, stopping her from overthinking.

Lin Shu forced herself to calm down.

She stared into the darkness, hypnotizing herself over and over to fall asleep.

It had little effect.

Lin Shu didn’t finally manage to fall asleep until dawn, when she could no longer hold on.

It felt like only a minute had passed before there was a knock on her door.

“Shushu, are you awake? Come down for lunch,” Shen Man’s voice came from outside, as gentle as ever.

Lin Shu opened her eyes, her head still groggy.

She took out her phone and saw it was eleven o’clock. She couldn’t quite believe it was already so late.

“Shushu, are you up?” The knocking continued.

Lin Shu’s head instantly ached. She shouted unhappily, “I know, stop knocking!”

Shen Man smiled, waiting by the door in a cheerful mood.

After waiting for nearly half an hour, Lin Shu came out of the room, her fair little face covered in displeasure.

“Shushu, it’s so late. Even us drunkards are up. Why are you still sleeping?” Shen Man asked with a smile.

Lin Shu glared at her angrily. “Next time you get drunk, go back to your own room. I’m never helping you again.”

“You were the one who helped me back to my room yesterday?” Shen Man asked in surprise.

“Who else?” Lin Shu retorted unhappily.

“Thank you, Shushu.” Shen Man’s eyes curved into a gentle smile. “I promise I won’t get drunk again next time, to avoid troubling Shushu.”

“It’s good that you know,” Lin Shu said irritably, rubbing her temples.

The two walked toward the restaurant.

Lin Shu glanced at Shen Man and asked with a serious expression, “Do you really not remember what happened last night?”

Shen Man frowned slightly, thinking hard. “I only remember drinking with Xiaoke. It seems we drank a lot. Towards the end, I don’t even know how I got back to my room.”

Hearing this, Lin Shu glared at Shen Man angrily and walked ahead by herself.

Shen Man stood where she was, a faint smile on her face. “She’s really easy to fool.“

---

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