Volume 1, Chapter 23: No Foolishness in Public

Shen Chiyan possessed a pleasant, alluring scent. Song Qinian had once secretly checked the brand; it was a niche perfume from France.

The top notes were a refreshing, bright, and charming blend of lemon and neroli. Gradually, the scent of tea emerged—a damp, steeped fragrance that instantly brought a sense of quiet. The base notes, a perfect marriage of woody aromas and tobacco, created an intangible, lingering pull.

Song Qinian’s heart raced, and a flush quickly rose to her cheeks.

"The Smiths are not easy to fool. Don't let them suspect we're acting. You must have dated before; you know how a couple in the honeymoon phase behaves, right?"

Song Qinian pouted. *Honeymoon phase, my foot!*

From beginning to end, he was the only one she had ever harbored feelings for. Who else would she have dated?

However, even if she hadn’t eaten pork, she had seen pigs run. Wasn’t it just about showing affection? Who couldn't do that?

Besides, since Shen Chiyan himself called it acting, then even if she did something to him, it was merely to help him secure the partnership.

With this thought, Song Qinian cupped Shen Chiyan’s handsome face and leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his lips.

Shen Chiyan’s body stiffened. Just as he was about to flare up, he caught a glimpse of the Smiths entering. His dark eyes flickered; he pulled Song Qinian’s slender waist toward him and deepened the kiss.

The kiss didn't last long before he pulled away. With a smile, he tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear, his voice low, sexy, and doting: "Alright, no more mischief in public."

Before they were married, Song Qinian had often seen Shen Chiyan smile. When he did, a dimple would appear on his right cheek, stripping away his icy demeanor and making him feel as gentle as a spring breeze.

After they married, she still saw him smile, but it was almost always a sneer, a cold smirk, or a look of mockery.

Seeing this doting smile now, Song Qinian was momentarily mesmerized.

Noticing her intense gaze, Shen Chiyan’s brow furrowed briefly. He leaned down and whispered into her ear, "You're overacting!"

The words hit her like a physical blow, snapping her back to reality. A dull ache spread through her chest.

"Mr. and Mrs. Smith, my apologies for the spectacle." Song Qinian only then realized the couple had arrived.

Shen Chiyan took her hand and introduced her, "This is my beloved wife, Song Qinian. Qiqi..."

The name "Qiqi" slipped out before he could think. He paused for a fraction of a second before continuing with a smile, "This is Mr. Smith, and this is his wife, Mrs. Daphne Smith."

Shen Chiyan spoke in fluent Italian, his voice deep and seductive, sending a tingling sensation through anyone listening.

Song Qinian felt her body soften under the influence of his Italian, but she didn’t forget her mission. She steadied herself and reached out to shake their hands with a smile.

"My apologies, my wife is unable to speak, but she knows you have traveled all the way from Italy and wished to meet you to fulfill our duties as hosts."

The Smiths were surprised to learn that the elf-like girl before them was mute, and both felt a sense of pity.

"That is truly a pity."

Song Qinian’s greatest weapon was her smile. The Smiths had previously been dissatisfied with Shen Chiyan, partly because of his cold, arrogant, and aloof nature.

Furthermore, during their first meeting, Shen Chiyan had put on black gloves immediately after shaking their hands, which they perceived as a sign of disrespect.

Yet, today’s Shen Chiyan seemed like a deity pulled down from his pedestal, infused with a touch of humanity.

The couple hadn't wanted to come, but given Shen Chiyan’s status in Jinghua City and the influence of the Dingsheng Group, they couldn't simply refuse.

"There is nothing to pity. Even though my wife cannot speak, it does not affect my love for her in the slightest."

Knowing that Shen Chiyan was only saying this to secure the deal, Song Qinian smiled on the outside while feeling a bitter sting on the inside.

The two exchanged a look, their eyes seemingly filled with love.

For Shen Chiyan, it was a performance. For Song Qinian, it was heartfelt.

After they were seated, Shen Chiyan and Mr. Smith chatted in Italian, while Song Qinian used her phone to type out a few sentences in English.

"I am very sorry, Mrs. Daphne, that I cannot communicate with you verbally. Please allow me to use my phone."

Daphne nodded with a faint, polite smile, though she didn't seem particularly warm.

Noticing that Daphne’s eyes kept drifting to Shen Chiyan’s black-gloved hands with an expression of dissatisfaction, Song Qinian guessed the reason.

She lowered her head, typed a message, and handed the phone to Daphne with a smile.

"It must seem strange to wear gloves in such hot weather. Let me tell you a secret about my husband: he has a severe case of mysophobia. If he is not careful, he suffers from allergic reactions and redness, so he wears gloves year-round."

After reading the message, Daphne’s sharp gaze shifted to Song Qinian’s sweet face.

Song Qinian continued typing for her.

"I actually feel quite sorry for him. Gloves are fine in winter, but in summer, it’s too hot; his hands often break out in heat rash. It has brought him quite a bit of trouble, as many people think he is being rude, but that is not the case at all."

Although Shen Chiyan was chatting with Mr. Smith, half of his attention was on Song Qinian.

She had been typing away, and he wondered what she was discussing with Daphne; the two women would glance at him from time to time.

Song Qinian’s expressions were quite animated, while Daphne remained reserved, though fortunately, she didn't show any signs of impatience.

"Well, well, isn't this Mr. Shen and Mr. Smith?"

An untimely voice suddenly interrupted them. Shen Chiyan frowned and looked over to see the infuriating face of Zhou Mingsheng.

Dressed in a black suit, Zhou Mingsheng arrived with his wife, Lu Yuzhu, who was draped in designer labels.

Zhou Mingsheng claimed to have bumped into them and, lacking any social awareness, insisted on joining their conversation.

There was no way his little schemes could escape Shen Chiyan’s notice.

Mr. Smith clearly preferred Zhou Mingsheng and, upon seeing him, immediately invited him to sit.

No matter how much Shen Chiyan disliked Zhou Mingsheng, he couldn't kick them out at such a moment. The party of four suddenly became six.

Upon hearing that Shen Chiyan’s wife was a mute, Zhou Mingsheng couldn't help but laugh loudly. "Mr. Shen, you really are full of surprises. If all the women in Jinghua City knew you had married such a mute beauty, I wonder how many pillows would be soaked in tears."

Zhou Mingsheng’s eyes leered at Song Qinian, his tone filled with disdain. "I’m just curious, which family does this Miss Song belong to?"

"Although my wife is not from a prominent family, her place in my heart is irreplaceable."

"Is that so? Then why have I heard that Mr. Shen has a special place in his heart for the Lin family heiress, who has been lying in a hospital bed for over three years?"

Song Qinian’s heart skipped a beat. This Zhou Mingsheng really knew exactly which nerve to touch.