Three days later, Jiang Yan successfully passed the interview at Qinghai City People's Hospital and was officially hired with the top comprehensive score.

  Watching Jiang Yan excitedly prepare for her week-long training in the capital, Lin Yu couldn't help but feel relieved. It was the first time in so long that he'd seen her this happy.

  **"You must be thrilled that I'm leaving,"** Jiang Yan said, head bowed as she packed her things.

  **"No, I'll miss you,"** Lin Yu replied, doing his best to sound like a proper husband.

  **"Save it. I don't care what you do with Xue Qin, but remember—even if my parents aren't home, you can't bring her here. This is my bed!"** Her tone was icy, asserting her dominance in the household.

  **"We really are just friends,"** Lin Yu insisted, worried she might retaliate by cuckolding him. That would be a disgrace to the real He Jiarong.

  **"Take this for peace of mind."** He handed her a jade Guanyin pendant imbued with a protective charm.

  As Jiang Yan reached for it, she noticed the red string still tied around Lin Yu's wrist—the one he'd asked for on the day he woke up. He'd kept it all this time.

  A flicker of warmth stirred in her chest, but it vanished just as quickly. *This man thinks of me while fooling around with other women? Ugh, typical.*

  She snatched the pendant without another word.

  The week without Jiang Yan was monotonous for Lin Yu, his routine reduced to shuttling between home and his mother's bun shop.

  That Sunday, as usual, he headed to the shop—only to find Xue Qin inside, chatting warmly with his mother. A La Prairie skincare set and several Versace bags sat on the table.

  **"Your hands need extra care since they're always in water,"** Xue Qin said, gently applying hand cream to Qin Xiulan's fingers.

  **"What are you doing here?"** Lin Yu frowned.

  **"You're here!"** Xue Qin stood abruptly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. **"I came to buy some buns and visit Auntie."**

  Lin Yu nodded, eyeing the luxury items. **"Visiting is fine, but keep the gifts."**

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  **"They're just samples from brands. Not a big deal."** Xue Qin shifted uncomfortably.

  Truthfully, she didn't *like* Lin Yu—not exactly. But unlike other men who repulsed her, he intrigued her. After that night's incident, his mystique pulled her in, making her crave his secrets.

  Mystery was a man's most potent lure—and a woman's downfall.

  **"Let's not argue. Xue Qin, I'll accept these, but next time, no gifts,"** Qin Xiulan interjected, trying to diffuse the tension.

  **"Sorry to interrupt."** A cold voice cut through the air, followed by the click of heels and rolling luggage.

  Lin Yu turned to see Jiang Yan walking away. His heart sank as he rushed after her.

  **"You're back early?"** He caught her arm.

  **"Too early for you? I can leave again."** Her voice was frosty, though inwardly, she preened—*See? He still chases after me.*

  **"It's not what you think. She just came for buns."** Even he knew how weak that sounded.

  **"You must be Mrs. He. Don't misunderstand—Lin Yu and I are just friends."** Xue Qin stepped outside, momentarily awed by Jiang Yan's beauty. *No wonder he's immune to me.*

  Jiang Yan was taller, her long legs effortlessly stealing attention.

  **"You misunderstand too. He Jiarong and I are merely—"** She nearly blurted out their sham marriage but stopped. *Why should I surrender my husband?* **"Miss Xue, know your place."**

  **"I told you—we're just friends. Or are you that insecure?"** Xue Qin crossed her arms, mirroring Jiang Yan's coldness.

  The air turned acrid with rivalry. Lin Yu froze—was this a love triangle? Over *him*?

  **"Enough! Both of you, come inside,"** Qin Xiulan pleaded, lost in the crossfire.

  **"No need. This place is too crowded for me."** Jiang Yan shoved a bag of local snacks into Qin Xiulan's hands and left.

  **"Mom, I should go too."** Lin Yu hurried after her.

  Xue Qin bit her lip, stomping her foot in frustration. *That woman is insufferable!*

  ---

  **"Why chase me? Shouldn't you be comforting your little girlfriend?"** Jiang Yan smirked inwardly—his pursuit proved where his loyalty lay.

  **"Please, we're innocent!"** Lin Yu groaned. If he'd actually done something, the scolding would be worth it.

  **"I brought you a souvenir."** She suddenly whacked him with an item from her bag.

  Lin Yu caught it—a child's rattle. **"Wow. Generous."**

  Jiang Yan hid a smile. She'd known about Xue Qin all along. Before leaving, she'd secretly befriended Qin Xiulan, who updated her daily. Their bond had deepened, hence her detour here straight from the airport.

  ---

  Days later, on their wedding anniversary, Lin Yu booked a table at Yang Chenming's upscale western restaurant—only to find their reserved spot taken by a couple in blue suits.

  **"Sir, this table is reserved for this gentleman,"** the waiter insisted.

  **"Seats are seats. We booked too—why should we move?"** The man's polished attire clashed with his rudeness.

  **"Rules separate humans from animals,"** Lin Yu said coolly.

  **"Who the hell are you calling an animal?!"** Blue Suit swung at him.

  Lin Yu twisted his wrist, slamming him onto the table. **"Hurts? Good. Maybe now you'll learn decency."**

  **"What's going on?!"** The manager rushed over.

  **"This gentleman stole another guest's reservation,"** the waiter explained.

  **"Young Master Qi?!"** The manager paled, yanking Lin Yu away. **"This table is his. You can have a 10% discount elsewhere."**

  **"No. This is my seat."** Lin Yu stood firm.

  **"Then get out. We refuse you service."** The manager pointed to the door.