After Being Betrayed I Married the Glamorous CEO-Chapter 105: What If I Really Had Ulterior Motives Against You?!
In the evening, Lin Meiqing had just finished serving two tables of guests.
She thought that keeping busy would stop her from dwelling on messy things, but alas, her plan was a complete bust. All evening, she had been completely distracted. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚
After clearing a table, Lin Meiqing finally had a rare moment to rest. She propped her chin on one hand, her beautiful eyes wandering as she sat lost in thought. She looked deeply preoccupied.
"Aunt Meiqing," a voice suddenly sounded in her ear.
Lin Meiqing’s body jolted as if electrified. Thinking she was hearing things, she turned around to see Shen Fanyun standing behind her, a wide grin on his face.
What the hell? This guy actually showed up. Why is he here? Just a few hours ago, they had shared an incredibly awkward moment, and Lin Meiqing still hadn’t figured out how she was going to face him. Yet here he was, appearing so suddenly. Is he striking while the iron is hot, or does he have another motive?
"You... you’re here," Lin Meiqing stammered, her hands nervously fidgeting with her apron. She lowered her gaze, not daring to look at Shen Fanyun’s brilliant smile.
Shen Fanyun’s expression was calm. "I missed Auntie’s cooking, so I came."
I sure hope you really miss the food and aren’t coveting anything else! If... if you really are after something else, then I, Lin Meiqing... Right, he’s just going to do whatever he wants with me... what should I do?
Lin Meiqing lowered her head, her gaze unable to reach her own toes. Oh, right. The view was blocked by the mountains.
"Aunt Meiqing?" Shen Fanyun called out when she remained still.
Lin Meiqing’s head snapped up. Then, quick as a flash, she spun around to face away from him. "You... you find a place to sit. I’ll whip up a couple of dishes for you in a moment."
Shen Fanyun hummed in agreement and chose the seat closest to her.
The aroma of the food and the scent of the cooking oil couldn’t mask the faint perfume emanating from Lin Meiqing. It was like a jar of aged wine, leaving one with a rich, lingering aftertaste.
Shen Fanyun glanced around but didn’t see Lin Jia. "Jiajia isn’t here?"
"Jiajia’s been busy with work lately," Lin Meiqing replied, her tone unnatural.
Shen Fanyun had a flash of understanding. Su Xiyang’s company was being reorganized, so Lin Jia had to complete the full resignation process at her old company before she could officially leave. She was probably busy with the handover for the next couple of days and working overtime. Once the process was finished, her schedule would return to normal.
"I heard your company had a bit of a shake-up?" Lin Meiqing asked. Lin Jia had told her about it, which made her a little curious. Why didn’t Shen Fanyun need to handle any handover work? On the contrary, he had the time and inclination to come looking for her. This so-called Head of Security seems way too idle, almost like a vagrant.
"Eat slowly. I’ll get you some rice," Lin Meiqing said, keeping her head down as she scrambled to stir-fry two dishes. She placed them in front of Shen Fanyun, then turned to get the rice.
Shen Fanyun had wanted to get it himself, but Lin Meiqing was too fast.
"Thank you, Aunt Meiqing," Shen Fanyun smiled.
A moment later, his brows furrowed, and he looked like he was about to cry. "Auntie, did you put in a little too much salt?"
"What?" Lin Meiqing’s eyes widened. She had been cooking for years and had never messed up the seasoning. How could it be salty?
She quickly wiped her hands, grabbed a pair of chopsticks to taste it, and immediately spat it out. "PTUI! PTUI! PTUI! It really is too salty. I’m so sorry."
"I think I added an extra spoonful," she muttered.
"A spoonful?" Shen Fanyun raised an eyebrow.
Feeling inexplicably guilty, Lin Meiqing avoided his gaze. "Two spoons?"
"You’re trying to salt me to death," Shen Fanyun sighed. I was hoping to enjoy a delicious free meal. What a waste of good food. Still, it doesn’t matter if I can’t eat the dishes. Eating something else would be fine, too!
"I’ll remake it for you," Lin Meiqing said, quickly clearing the dish.
After all the fuss, by the time they finished eating and chatting, two hours had passed. The number of people on the street began to dwindle. Only she and Shen Fanyun remained in her little shop. Since Lin Jia was working overtime and not coming by, Lin Meiqing needed to head home a bit earlier. Otherwise, it would be too late, and it wasn’t safe for her to walk home alone at night.
When Lin Meiqing finished locking up, Shen Fanyun was already standing up and waiting outside. She knew perfectly well that he intended to walk her home out of kindness.
It’s just... After today’s drama and awkwardness, Lin Meiqing didn’t know how to be alone with him.
Feeling helpless, she simply hung her head, clutched her canvas bag, and walked briskly ahead without a word. The lamplight was dim and the street was deserted. A rainstorm a couple of days ago had left the road dotted with puddles.
"Slow down," Shen Fanyun said, hurrying to catch up. He grabbed her right hand, gently reminding her, "Watch out for the puddles."
Lin Meiqing’s breath caught in her throat. She wanted to pull her hand away, but as he held it, she found herself strangely reluctant to let go. Her fingers tensed and relaxed, relaxed and tensed, before finally gripping his hand tightly.
"With me here, no one will dare to bother you. Just get home safely. There’s no need to rush. What if you fall?" It was rare for Shen Fanyun to be this patient while chatting with a woman, let alone a beautiful woman in her forties.
"I’m afraid you’ll make improper advances on me," Lin Meiqing blurted out, speaking her thoughts aloud before she could stop herself.
Shen Fanyun was speechless. He bared his teeth, putting on a fierce act. "In that case, you can no longer escape my evil clutches."
"What are you going to do? How about you just give in to me?" he asked, half-joking and half-serious.
Lin Meiqing didn’t know how to respond.
Holding his hand, she unconsciously slowed her pace. Whenever they encountered a large, water-filled puddle, she would playfully prepare, take a running start, and leap over it.
The waves surged beneath her neck!
"I get the feeling you’ve never had children. Why do you act like a young girl?" Shen Fanyun wondered aloud. The more time he spent with her, the more he felt this beautiful woman was truly unique.
Lin Meiqing looked back at him over her shoulder. "Huh?"
The lamplight elongated her shadow, her face radiant and captivating. Though clearly over forty, she was full of life. Her large eyes blinked, as if she were smiling right at him.
Shen Fanyun lifted his left hand and suddenly cupped her chin. The unexpected gesture made Lin Meiqing so nervous her breathing grew ragged.
Here it comes. This guy really is going to make a move on me. What should I do? Give in or fight to the end? What a hard decision!
"What... what are you doing?" Lin Meiqing felt flustered under his intense gaze. Just a few days ago at the amusement park, she had been so bold, laughing and talking with him. She had even used her status as an elder to tease him, acting as if she had him completely wrapped around her finger.
How had she become such a little lamb in front of him today? All she felt was restraint and anxiety, her mind a complete blank.
Suddenly, Shen Fanyun leaned in, his handsome face almost touching her nose. "How about a kiss?"
Lin Meiqing took a deep breath. What should I do?
Steeling her heart, she simply closed her eyes.
