I Am More Paranoid Than the Villain – Chapter 66

Unable to Refuse

Aren’t you trying to seduce me?

There was but a single step between the two of them.

A smile played on Shen Man’s lips as she leisurely took in the sight of the young woman’s beautiful and innocent face.

“I’m going back to my room to sleep,” Lin Shu said, as if to herself. Having said it, she seemed to find a certain confidence, her gaze meeting Shen Man’s directly. “I don’t like…”

As she spoke, her face grew hot. Unwilling to show weakness, she lifted her chin and walked toward the door.

Passing by Shen Man’s side.

Shen Man turned her head, her line of sight meeting Lin Shu’s.

Lin Shu quickly looked away, staring straight ahead, her hands and feet unknowingly moving in sync.

Suddenly, a hand reached out from the side and grabbed her wrist.

Lin Shu jumped in fright, a flash of panic in her round eyes. She forced herself to remain calm and roared, “What are you doing? Let go of me!”

Shen Man held onto that hand effortlessly, sitting leisurely on the edge of the bed. Her legs were crossed, the tip of her foot swaying gently, as if unintentionally brushing against the young woman’s exposed ankle.

Lin Shu’s body stiffened. She subconsciously pursed her lips, her voice weakening. “Shen Man, hurry up and let go…”

Before she could finish, her body fell uncontrollably downward, landing right into a warm embrace.

Shen Man wrapped her arms around the young woman’s soft and fragrant body.

She lowered her head slightly, resting her delicate chin in the crook of the girl’s shoulder. Her warm breath fell entirely upon the girl’s fair neck.

Lin Shu’s eyes widened, and she stared blankly ahead, not daring to move a muscle.

All of her senses were focused on her neck. It was itchy, but she didn’t dare raise a hand to scratch it.

“Shushu, you’re in my room, so defenseless, watching those scenes of panting and moaning and getting aroused. Aren’t you trying to seduce me?” A smile appeared on Shen Man’s lips. Her lips traveled up the girl’s neck and took the soft earlobe into her mouth.

“You’re talking nonsense…” Lin Shu’s face flushed crimson, unsure for a moment whether to refute the ‘aroused’ part or the ‘seduce’ part.

“Am I?” Shen Man’s eyes darkened. The tip of her foot pressed down slightly, and her knee moved up, happening to touch a certain spot on the young woman.

“Mmm…” A numbing tingle spread through Lin Shu’s body. Her back arched involuntarily before falling again.

Realizing a strange sound had escaped her mouth, she quickly raised a hand to cover her lips.

“Shushu, still not willing to admit it?” The corner of Shen Man’s mouth hooked up slightly as she rocked her knee back and forth, leaving a scorching breath by the girl’s ear. “If this keeps up, my knee will probably get wet too.”

“Hm?” A laugh was in her throat, the final sound of her voice rising, filled with infinite amorousness.

“It won’t…” Lin Shu held her neck high, her eyes as if covered by a layer of mist.

She stood on her tiptoes, wanting to escape, but a hand on her waist held her firmly, making it impossible for her to get up.

Her body grew increasingly limp and pliant. Even the last bit of strength in her waist was stripped away, and she sank down involuntarily.

“Ah!” Lin Shu cried out in alarm, her slender waist swaying from side to side.

Her red lips were slightly parted, desperately drawing oxygen from the air. Her eyes, without her realizing, had misted over.

Shen Man felt a slight coolness on her knee.

The wetness soaked through the thin fabric, seeping through the skin and along the bloodstream, rushing straight to her brain as if carrying fire.

Her heart burned. She pinched the young woman’s chin and turned her head.

Their lips met. A warm, nimble tongue pushed past the girl’s pearly white teeth.

Lin Shu’s pupils contracted.

Her fingers unconsciously gripped Shen Man’s arm, forced to endure the kiss.

It felt as if the air in her lungs was being plundered, and the lack of oxygen made it impossible for her to think.

Through her misty vision, the approaching face was incomparably beautiful, captivating her against her will.

Those eyes should have been cool and calm, but now they were so deep they made her panic. They were a pitch-black expanse, making it impossible to see how much danger was hidden within.

“Shushu…” Shen Man’s gaze was focused as she called the young woman’s name, her slightly hoarse voice gentle and full of affection.

Lin Shu lay on the soft bed, gasping for breath.

Her crimson lips shone with a crystalline luster, like freshly picked cherries, sweet and delectable.

“If you don’t like it, just say the word, and I’ll stop.” Shen Man leaned over, her body blanketing the young woman’s slender frame.

Her long, thin fingers caressed her slowly and deliberately.

Lin Shu bit her lip, her eyes shimmering with moisture, the corners of her eyes turning red.

She bent her legs, pressing them together.

The gesture seemed like resistance, yet also like an invitation.

The collar of her left shoulder slipped down, revealing a large patch of fair skin.

Her delicate collarbones were exposed to the air, trembling slightly, rising and falling to trace an alluring curve.

Lin Shu closed her eyes and turned her head away.

Strands of her jet-black hair slipped down, hiding most of her small face, making her expression unreadable.

Shen Man reached out and brushed the young woman’s hair aside.

Her eyes were deep as she looked at the young woman’s flushed and shy face. She lowered her head and kissed those moist lips.

Lin Shu let out a soft cry, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Shen Man smiled, her eyes gradually darkening.

She took the young woman’s delicate fingertips, caressing them bit by bit. Her movements were as gentle as water, as if handling a fine, fragile object to be treasured and cherished.

Their clothes fell to the floor.

The temperature in the room rose imperceptibly, making the air hot and heavy. Sweat easily moistened their fair skin, as if it could burn everything away.

---

The cool, clear moon hung high in the sky, scattering a beautiful, silvery-white light over the mortal world.

Shen Man stood on the balcony, dressed in her pajamas.

The wind blew in from outside, rustling her still-damp hair and the hem of her clothes, bringing waves of coolness to her heated skin.

The young woman was no longer on the bed, and the messy clothes on the floor had been tidied up completely.

It was as if nothing had happened at all.

Shen Man reached up, lifted a strand of damp hair, and casually tucked it behind her ear.

The wind stirred the collar of her pajamas, revealing skin flushed with crimson marks. On closer inspection, a very faint scratch from a fingernail could be seen.

Shen Man adjusted her collar.

She rested her hands on the railing, admiring the beautiful moonlight.

“It’s the middle of the night, why aren’t you asleep yet?” a proud and coquettish young woman’s voice came from the side.

Shen Man turned her head and smiled slightly, a look of satisfaction in her eyes. “Shushu, I thought you were asleep.”

“What’s it to you!” Lin Shu snorted coldly and shut the window.

She walked into the bedroom and forcefully drew the curtains, blocking everything out completely.

She lay on the bed, hugging her cloth doll, her body relaxing as she closed her eyes.

Her body, having been bathed, no longer felt sticky and damp. It should have felt fresh and clean, yet waves of numbing heat still washed over her from time to time.

Lin Shu bit her crimson lip, her fingers clenched into a fist as she vexedly thumped the doll’s head.

She clearly should have refused, but under that gentle, deep voice, her body couldn’t bring itself to make a single gesture of refusal.

Instead, it was as if her body was no longer her own, easily controlled by the other person, obediently following her commands and performing all sorts of actions.

She even did things that weren’t in the movies.

“That detestable Shen Man…” Lin Shu’s face flushed crimson as she hugged the cloth doll tightly.

She couldn’t help but picture those intense, scorching eyes, that person’s restrained and suppressed gasps, and that low laughter that made her blush and her heart pound.

Lin Shu quickly shook her head, trying to banish those heated images from her mind.

She opened her eyes and glared sulkily at the dark room, counting numbers over and over in her head.

The night gradually deepened.

Unable to hold on any longer, Lin Shu fell asleep.

The light in the next room was still on.

Shen Man’s jet-black hair had already dried, falling smooth and straight behind her back.

A few mischievous strands had fallen across her forehead, but she seemed not to notice them, paying them no mind.

The faint, fresh scent of the young woman seemed to linger on the bed.

Shen Man closed her eyes, and the image of those round, misty eyes immediately appeared before her.

When they looked at her, it was as if they held a light within them—bright, captivating, and pitifully endearing, making one unable to resist the urge to tease her.

Shen Man never knew she possessed such a wicked, teasing side in bed.

The corners of her lips couldn’t help but curve up in a contented smile.

(LP: I’m surprised JJWXC didn’t lock this chapter)

---

The sky began to brighten.

Bright sunlight shone through the gap in the curtains, landing on the long eyelashes of the person on the bed.

Shen Man opened her eyes, picked up the phone beside her, and tapped the screen.

It was already ten in the morning.

The phone rang. It was a call from Xia Ke.

“Xiao Ke,” Shen Man answered.

“Manman, why is your voice so hoarse? Did you catch a cold?” Xia Ke asked with concern.

Shen Man covered the mouthpiece of the phone, picked up a glass of water from the side, took a sip to moisten her throat, and said, “I’m fine. What’s up?”

“We planned to go shopping together today,” Xia Ke said excitedly, then paused, her voice dropping. “You didn’t forget, did you?”

“Are you up yet? What about Lin Shu? I called her several times but no one answered.”

“I’m up,” Shen Man said, quickly getting out of bed and pulling open the curtains, letting the bright sunlight flood the bedroom.

“Ah Xu and I are already ready. We’re going to grab a bite first, see you in a bit,” Xia Ke said happily, her tone then becoming serious. “You’re not allowed to release my pigeon¹.”

“Okay, we’ll be there soon,” Shen Man said affirmatively.

After hanging up, she quickly went to the bathroom to wash up.

If Xia Ke hadn’t reminded her, she really would have forgotten about their shopping trip today.

Given her personality, she wouldn’t normally break a promise, let alone forget something.

Shen Man finished washing up in ten minutes and put on some light makeup.

She walked out of her room, went to Lin Shu’s door, and knocked. “Shushu, are you up?”

“Don’t rush me, I’m putting on my makeup,” Lin Shu’s dissatisfied voice came from inside the room, tinged with a hint of anger.

A sudden, inexplicable feeling of guilt pricked at Shen Man’s heart. She turned and walked to the living room.

“Manman, you’re awake. I’ll go get breakfast,” Auntie He said with a smile, quickly bringing out the food.

Shen Man helped set the plates, ladled a bowl of congee for Lin Shu, and said, “Shushu and I are meeting friends to go shopping today. You don’t need to prepare lunch or dinner for us.”

“Alright,” Auntie He nodded with a smile.

Lin Shu emerged after finishing her makeup.

She was wearing a long-sleeved, cream-colored blouse with a folded collar that covered her neck, the buttons done up to the very top.

Below, she wore a red skirt that reached her ankles, completely concealing her long, fair legs. On her feet were expensive white sneakers with low-cut white socks, ensuring not a sliver of skin was visible as she walked.

“Miss Lin, come have some breakfast,” Auntie He said with a smile. “Manman has already served you some congee.”

“It’s what she should do,” Lin Shu shot Shen Man a glare, her voice a little raspy, her bright eyes glinting with a cold light.

Shen Man smiled slightly, drinking her congee with a composed expression.

Sensing that the atmosphere was a bit off, Auntie He tactfully went back to the kitchen to keep busy.

Lin Shu chewed forcefully on the shredded meat in her congee, her cheeks puffing out like a little hamster hoarding food.

Shen Man couldn’t help but laugh. She took a sip of milk and pursed her lips. “Shushu, I have some throat lozenges in my room. Do you want one? To avoid people asking questions.”

“You…” Lin Shu’s eyes flew wide with anger, her soft lips pouting slightly. “This is all your fault.”

“It was indeed me. My good deed,” Shen Man’s lips curved, her clear and pleasant voice deliberately emphasizing the word ‘deed’.

Lin Shu froze, a wave of heat rising on her fair face.

Knowing she couldn’t win the argument, she lowered her head in frustration, gripping her spoon tightly and eating her breakfast resentfully.

Shen Man watched the young woman’s sulking appearance and smiled in amusement.

She got up, went into her room, and found the throat lozenges.

After carefully checking the expiration and production dates to confirm they were fine, she brought them out.

“Shushu, just take one after you eat,” Shen Man said with a smile, placing the bottle on the table.

Lin Shu glared at her, put down her spoon, and glanced at the bottle.

Shen Man immediately took the hint and opened it.

Lin Shu sat without moving, shooting her a sideways glance.

Shen Man chuckled, tipped one lozenge out into the cap, and held it out to Lin Shu.

Lin Shu’s expression finally softened a little. She took the cap and tipped the lozenge into her mouth.

A cool sensation spread through her mouth, instantly relieving the dry, burning feeling in her throat.

Lin Shu’s mood improved slightly. She relaxed back against the chair. “Where are they?”

With the lozenge in her mouth, her voice was soft and cute. Even with the angry look on her face, she was no less adorable.

Shen Man wanted to reach out and pinch that fair, soft little face.

She extended her fingertips, which hesitated in the air for a moment before landing on a strand of her own hair by her forehead. She smiled and said, “They’re ready. We’ll leave now and drive to the school to pick them up.”

“Why do we have to drive to pick them up?” Lin Shu frowned, her tone full of displeasure. “It’s my car. I don’t want that woman sitting in it.”

“Shushu, she’s Xia Ke’s girlfriend now. For Xia Ke’s sake, just let her ride once,” Shen Man coaxed with a smile.

“Who knows how many men’s cars she’s been in. What gives her the right to ride in mine?” Lin Shu sneered disdainfully, refusing to budge an inch.

Seeing this, Shen Man had no choice but to compromise. “Then I’ll give Xia Ke a call.”

With that, she sat on the sofa and dialed Xia Ke’s number.

“Manman, are you guys ready?” Xia Ke asked with a laugh.

“We’re all set, ready to leave anytime,” Shen Man said, glancing at Lin Shu.

Lin Shu glared at her, mouthing the words, “Don’t even think about it!”

Shen Man nodded and said to Xia Ke, “Shushu and I will drive over. If you’re done eating, you can take a taxi there first.”

“I thought you were coming to pick us up,” a hint of disappointment appeared in Xia Ke’s eyes.

Shen Man thought for a moment and offered a tactful reminder, “Shushu knows Yin Ruxu has had quite a few boyfriends, so she has a bit of an issue with her.”

Hearing this, Xia Ke couldn’t help but frown, instinctively defending Yin Ruxu. “Even if Ah Xu has had a few boyfriends, that doesn’t mean she…”

She didn’t finish her sentence, but her voice was filled with clear indignation.

“This might just be Shushu’s prejudice. Don’t take it to heart,” Shen Man consoled her, adding with a smile, “I’ll talk to Shushu. Let’s all have a happy shopping trip today without any unpleasantness.”

“Alright then. Manman, you have to talk to Lin Shu. Ah Xu isn’t that kind of person,” Xia Ke pursed her lips, still looking a little unhappy.

“Okay, you guys go ahead,” Shen Man said, soothingly.

After hanging up, she looked at Lin Shu.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Lin Shu demanded unhappily. “What did Xia Ke say to you?”

Shen Man gave a helpless smile.

She got up, stood next to Lin Shu, and advised, “Shushu, no matter what kind of person Yin Ruxu is, you shouldn’t show your dislike so openly.”

“I just despise her. Why should I hold it in?” Lin Shu retorted aggressively.

“Shushu, you’ll make Xia Ke feel uncomfortable,” Shen Man crouched down and pinched Lin Shu’s puffed-up cheeks. “Today is an important day for Xia Ke. Let’s not ruin the atmosphere.”

“Fine, but only if you do what I say,” Lin Shu raised her eyebrows arrogantly, her delicate features looking spirited and bright.

A wave of itchiness suddenly spread through Shen Man’s heart. She wanted to pull this proud young miss into her arms.
She suppressed the impulse and nodded with a light laugh.

“Today, you’re in charge of carrying my things,” Lin Shu said with a triumphant smile, tossing the water bottle from the table to her. “Hold this properly. No sneaking sips of my water.”

“Alright, I understand, my young miss,” Shen Man’s lips curved upwards as she caught it steadily.

---

The two went downstairs.

Shen Man drove toward the city center.

They had arranged to meet at the famous central shopping mall for their trip.

Just as Shen Man and Lin Shu arrived, they received a call from Xia Ke.

“We’re on the second floor. There’s lots of good food here,” Xia Ke said happily. “Have you arrived yet?”

“Just got here. We’re on our way up,” Shen Man said, unbuckling her seatbelt with one hand.

She looked at Lin Shu, giving her a pointed glance.

“I know,” Lin Shu pouted, getting out of the car and slamming the door shut.

“Shushu, they’re on the second floor,” Shen Man said, walking around the front of the car to Lin Shu’s side. “Shushu, we’re out to have fun. You should be a little happier.”

Lin Shu forced a stiff smile. “I can refrain from mocking her, but I won’t be greeting her with a smile.”

“Alright, Shushu is the cutest,” Shen Man soothed with a smile.

Lin Shu gave a proud huff and walked ahead with a cold expression.

Shen Man followed behind.

They found Xia Ke and Yin Ruxu waiting in front of a dessert shop on the second floor.

“Manman, Lin Shu, over here!” Xia Ke stood up and waved happily.

Yin Ruxu stood up with her, a gentle smile on her face.

A wave of disgust rose in Lin Shu’s heart. She turned her head away, her gaze falling on the dessert shop’s advertisement.

Shen Man smiled and greeted them, “Xiao Ke, Yin Ruxu, sorry to keep you waiting.”

“We just got here too,” Yin Ruxu said in a soft voice, the corners of her lips curving into a sweet smile.

“What do you want to eat? Go ahead and order, I’ll pay for it all,” Xia Ke said with a smile.

“No need, I can pay for myself,” Lin Shu refused without turning her head.

The atmosphere instantly became a little awkward.

“Xia Ke, you don’t have to be so polite. You can just pay for your own things. Shushu and I will pay for ours separately,” Shen Man said with a smile, easing the tension.

“Alright then,” Xia Ke nodded.

Shen Man walked to Lin Shu’s side, glanced at the dessert menu, and asked, “Have you decided what you want to eat?”

“This shop has two new ice cream flavors. I want to try both, but I definitely won’t be able to finish them,” Lin Shu said, thinking seriously, looking a little troubled.

“Let’s buy both. I’ll eat whatever you can’t finish,” Shen Man said softly, her gentle voice laced with indulgence.

Lin Shu’s face flushed red. She opened her mouth, wanting to retort.

But the words died on her lips, turning into a barely audible mumble.

Shen Man ordered the two new flavors, paid, and pulled Lin Shu to a table to sit down.

Lin Shu lowered her head and played with her phone.

Xia Ke looked at Shen Man and said with a smile, “Manman, why did you wake up so late today? I sent you a message at seven this morning, and you hadn’t replied by ten, so I had to call.”

“I went to bed too late yesterday,” Shen Man said, propping her head up with one hand.

“You should relax properly on the weekend. Don’t study so late,” Xia Ke advised with a smile.

“Sometimes, it’s necessary to ‘study’ a little later,” Shen Man chuckled, putting a subtle emphasis on the word ‘study’.

Understanding the hidden meaning, Lin Shu’s face flushed red, and her hands, which were holding her phone, trembled.

With a ‘thud’, the phone fell to the floor.

“It’s all your fault!” Lin Shu glared at Shen Man, the blush on her face unclear if it was from embarrassment or anger.

Shen Man immediately bent down, picked up the phone, wiped it with a tissue, and after inspecting it, said, “The screen is cracked, but luckily the phone itself is fine. We just need to replace the display.”

“I’ll pay for it,” she added, looking at Lin Shu.

Lin Shu snorted and reached out, snatching her phone back with enough force that it was almost violent. “It’s all your fault, so of course you should be responsible.”

Shen Man smiled good-naturedly and sat down.

“Shen Man, you two have such a good relationship,” Yin Ruxu said with a light laugh.

“Who has a good relationship with her?” Lin Shu immediately retorted, her chin held high, her face full of pride.

Yin Ruxu looked frightened. She glanced cautiously at Xia Ke, blinking her eyes, her expression pitiful and full of grievance. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No, Lin Shu just has a personality where her mouth says yes, but her heart says no²,” Xia Ke said comfortingly.

“You’re the one whose mouth says yes, but heart says no!” Lin Shu couldn’t help but retort.

Her gaze swept around before landing angrily on Shen Man. “It’s been so long, and the ice cream still isn’t ready. Aren’t you going to go hurry them up?”

“Okay, I’ll go check,” Shen Man said, not at all annoyed, and got up to walk to the counter.

“Here is your ice cream,” the staff member said enthusiastically.

“Is theirs ready?” Shen Man asked, pointing at Xia Ke.

“It’s all ready,” the staff member said, placing four servings of ice cream on a tray.

Shen Man glanced at them; they were four different flavors.

It was a good thing she hadn’t ordered the same one, otherwise Lin Shu probably wouldn’t have the appetite to try the new flavors.

Shen Man took another tray from the side and separated the ice cream.

She placed one tray in front of Xia Ke. “This is yours.”

Sitting down, she placed the other tray in front of Lin Shu and said with a smile, “Shushu, give it a try.”

“Wow, it looks good,” Lin Shu’s eyes lit up happily, a brilliant smile spreading across her face.

Shen Man watched from the side and smiled along with her.

“Shen Man, aren’t you having any?” Yin Ruxu asked.

Shen Man shook her head and looked at Xia Ke. “Let’s go get Lin Shu’s phone repaired first, and then we can go shopping.”

“Okay,” Xia Ke nodded, holding her own ice cream out to Yin Ruxu. “Ah Xu, this flavor is delicious. You should try it.”

Yin Ruxu took a small lick and smiled, her eyes crinkling. “Mmm, it’s really good.”

Shen Man looked at Lin Shu.

Lin Shu froze.

---

---