Volume 1, Chapter 26: Who Gave You Permission to Touch Me

Song Qinian quickly let go, his face visibly flushing with embarrassment.

At that moment, Smith suddenly clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention to him.

He smiled gently at Shen Chiyan and politely inquired, "Mr. Shen, I’m hungry too. May I join you for a meal?"

Shen Chiyan curled his lips slightly. "If Mr. Smith doesn’t mind..."

"Mrs. Shen brought us delicacies all the way from afar. I’m grateful enough—I could never find it distasteful."

Seeing Smith genuinely pick up a knife and eat the packed leftovers, Zhou Mingsheng and Lu Yuzhu were utterly dismayed.

What’s going on? Have the wealthy started the trend of eating leftovers now?

Zhou Mingsheng sat beside them, feeling awkward whether he ate or not, his expression sour.

At this moment, Daphne approached Song Qinian. "Miss Song, I apologize for not speaking to you earlier. It wasn’t disdain but curiosity about why you packed food. Still, I must thank you for making my husband so happy."

In truth, Daphne had been observing Song Qinian and Lu Yuzhu from the start.

Love can be feigned, but the subtle nuances of daily life cannot.

Shen Chiyan suddenly brought a mute wife to meet them—it was hard not to suspect ulterior motives.

Yet, during her conversation with Song Qinian, Daphne realized her love for Shen Chiyan was genuine.

Moreover, Song Qinian was meticulous and poised—not a wealthy heiress, but dignified and graceful.

Compared to Lu Yuzhu, she resembled a true lady of high society.

When Song Qinian packed the food, Daphne didn’t immediately speak out. She suspected Song Qinian might know some of Smith’s past and was trying to win favor.

But along the way, Song Qinian’s nervousness and unease showed she had no other agenda—she simply did not want to waste food.

And Shen Chiyan did not blame Song Qinian at all. A man with cleanliness obsessions eating leftovers for his wife's sake was touching.

Besides, none of the three had touched those leftovers.

Before being with Daphne, Smith had endured much hardship and treasured every grain.

Daphne’s family also upheld the principle of never wasting food, so packing leftovers was a virtue, not something shameful.

People can wear many masks, but sincerity is indomitable.

Realizing he had insulted Song Qinian and might offend Smith, Zhou Mingsheng anxiously said, "Mr. Smith, if you’re hungry, let’s go to the restaurant to eat."

Smith and Shen Chiyan swiftly finished the packed food on the table. Smith looked coldly at Zhou Mingsheng and said, "No need. I’m full. Mr. Shen, thank you and your wife. I’m very happy today."

---

Lu Yuzhu never imagined that her invitation to dinner would end up dressing someone else in a bridal gown. She clenched her teeth in anger.

This mute woman was far from the innocent she appeared—she was cunning and calculating.

After the meal, Song Qinian wanted to clear the dishes, but Shen Chiyan told her to sit and chat with Daphne while he tidied up.

Seeing this, Zhou Mingsheng grabbed Shen Chiyan’s hand. "Mr. Shen, let me help you."

Shen Chiyan coldly shrugged off his hand, which immediately reddened.

Worried Shen Chiyan might strike in anger, Song Qinian rushed over without thinking and tightly held his hand.

Her hand was soft and cool, and the burning sensation on Shen Chiyan’s hand seemed to ease a little.

"Sorry, I’m going to the restroom," she said.

Daphne noticed the large red patch on Shen Chiyan’s hand and, seeing Song Qinian’s honesty, gave a slight smile before whispering something to Smith.

Smith nodded, already having his answer.

...

Song Qinian followed Shen Chiyan to the restroom, worried.

At the washbasin, Shen Chiyan repeatedly rubbed his hands raw, the irritated skin bleeding into the water. His expression was dark and terrifying.

Song Qinian’s heart pounded. Risking being struck, she pulled his hand away from the faucet and carefully wiped it with a tissue.

Sensing a sharp, scrutinizing gaze fixed on her, Song Qinian’s heart leapt.

"Who allowed you to touch me?" Shen Chiyan demanded.

She bit her lip gently, feeling a bit frustrated. Zhou Mingsheng had angered him, yet Shen Chiyan was taking it out on her.

"Don’t forget—"

Before Shen Chiyan could finish, Song Qinian’s sharp eyes caught sight of Zhou Mingsheng. Without hesitation, she tiptoed and planted a quick kiss on Shen Chiyan’s lips.

The light, fluttering kiss silenced Shen Chiyan. Song Qinian blushed, heart pounding.

Oh no, she had kissed Shen Chiyan! Surely he wouldn’t retaliate by hurting her!

At that moment, Shen Chiyan also saw Zhou Mingsheng. He wrapped an arm around Song Qinian’s slender waist and coldly glanced at Zhou Mingsheng. "I didn’t expect you, Mr. Zhou, to have a penchant for spying on others’ affections."

Zhou Mingsheng sized them up, grinning slyly. "Mr. Shen and Mrs. Shen have been married three years, yet Mrs. Shen blushes even when kissed—quite rare indeed."

---

Song Qinian’s heart tightened. Damn it—had Zhou Mingsheng seen through something?

"My love for Qinian is passionate every day. No matter how many years pass, it won’t change. Unlike you and Mrs. Zhou, who went your separate ways just two days after marriage."

Zhou Mingsheng’s face darkened. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Shen Chiyan ignored him and, holding Song Qinian, prepared to leave. Enraged, Zhou Mingsheng blocked their path.

"Shen Chiyan, don’t think that just because you picked any woman to play wife, you can win over the Smiths. Your sham marriage is like a balloon—one prick and it bursts. The Smiths aren’t fools."

"Then what are you afraid of?"

Seeing Shen Chiyan’s arrogant confidence, Zhou Mingsheng grew more resentful. An idea struck him, and he sneered, "Shen Chiyan, how about a bet?"

Before Shen Chiyan could speak, Zhou Mingsheng looked at Song Qinian with ill intent. "Whoever wins over the Smiths wins the bet. If you win, I’ll give you anything you want. But if I win, that mute woman in your arms is mine to play with for two days."

Song Qinian trembled. Zhou Mingsheng’s words reminded her of when Shen Chiyan had once abandoned her to Director Liang.

Would Shen Chiyan really give her away again?

Seeing Shen Chiyan hesitate to refuse, Song Qinian bit her lip and fiercely pinched his waist.

Wake up! What if Zhou Mingsheng was testing him?

Shen Chiyan gently let go of Song Qinian and grabbed Zhou Mingsheng by the collar, delivering a harsh punch. "You called the mute woman here too?"

Neither Zhou Mingsheng nor Song Qinian expected Shen Chiyan to strike.

Zhou Mingsheng was nothing but a playboy with a pretty face and some money.

Remembering Shen Chiyan’s ruthlessness, Zhou Mingsheng was terrified and dared not push further. After uttering a harsh remark, he slunk away.

Song Qinian: "..."

She thought Zhou Mingsheng was stubborn, but he gave up so quickly.

The next moment, Shen Chiyan’s strong hand gripped Song Qinian’s chin. She looked up and met his cold, handsome face.

"Next time you pinch my waist, I’ll cripple you."

Song Qinian quickly shook her head, surrendering just as fast as Zhou Mingsheng had.