A Subtle Change

Lin Feiruo distinctly felt a cold breeze brushing against her face, sweeping over every pore, even her neck was not spared. Fortunately, it was brief; otherwise, she might have instinctively pulled her neck in.

Though the air conditioning vent was positioned above her, Lin Feiruo was sure that the chill came from below.

She raised an eyebrow habitually, her eyes flickering with a sharpness, as if checking whether her bangs had been ruffled by the air.

Lin Feiruo had not yet fully adapted to her new role, and the old habits, often unguarded, slipped out. In the past, after long hours in the lab, she would often relax this way, easing the tension.

Jian Xiyan had never seen Lin Feiruo act this way, at least not in such formal settings.

For a moment, she could not decipher Lin Feiruo’s unusual reaction, unsure of its meaning. However, having grown accustomed to maintaining control in their cooperation, she wisely refrained from asking questions impulsively.

Lin Feiruo was perfectly at ease with the divorce. She harbored no intentions of prolonging the process or trying to squeeze out more advantages. Although she often joked about getting rich overnight, living with a stranger at the pinnacle of wealth was hardly a pleasant affair.

If Jian Xiyan discovered she was an imposter, the consequences could be disastrous.

There was also the possibility of going from rags to riches overnight—or worse, the other way around…

Thinking of this, Lin Feiruo couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief that she was getting the divorce today.

Her eyes sparkled, a subtle curve gracing her lips, her eagerness growing more apparent. However, she knew better than to rush into signing anything, especially an agreement she hadn’t thoroughly read.

Lin Feiruo turned to Jian Xiyan, her expression earnest, though slightly anxious, almost without realizing it.

It was her first time coming this close to someone so stunning and wealthy, and she needed a little time to adjust.

Jian Xiyan remained calm, though she carefully observed the subtle changes in Lin Feiruo’s expressions, sensing a hint of indecision.

Was she reconsidering?

During the two-year term of their agreement, Lin Feiruo had never acted inappropriately, except when they were performing for others, creating the illusion of closeness. In private, they maintained a respectful distance.

That distance, understood only by a few of their closest people, was rooted in two essential truths only the two of them fully comprehended.

Lin Feiruo’s heart belonged to someone else, and Jian Xiyan had known this from the beginning. In fact, it had been a deciding factor in Lin Feiruo’s selection from many candidates.

Jian Xiyan had never been enamored with the idea of “falling in love over time.” In fact, she was wary of it. The fake marriage was simply a means to meet the conditions for inheriting massive wealth—not a search for someone to divide her family’s fortune.

She had witnessed countless scandals surrounding inheritance disputes among wealthy families. No matter how deep the affection, money could always cause a rift. And what of those who shared her bed? Human nature couldn’t withstand too many tests.

For the past two years, Lin Feiruo had spent nearly all her money on a small celebrity named Yan Shan, and Jian Xiyan was fully aware of it. Far from intervening, she had even given her tacit approval—far preferable to having Lin Feiruo focus her attention on herself.

But now, as Lin Feiruo hesitated over the divorce agreement, Jian Xiyan no longer seemed as composed.

She wasn’t worried about Lin Feiruo developing any emotional attachment to her, but the financial aspect…

Last month, Jian Xiyan officially took control of her family’s core enterprises. Although the transition period was ongoing, the true scale of her wealth had transformed.

If Lin Feiruo suddenly demanded more money, it was certainly possible.

Jian Xiyan was growing agitated, unsure whether it was her disappointment in this person or her frustration with how her plans were being disrupted. Yet she restrained herself, deciding to wait for Lin Feiruo to speak first.

Lin Feiruo licked her lips, her tone polite and sincere, characteristic of a student: “May I first review the contents of the agreement?”

Jian Xiyan paused, slowly raising her hand.

Lin Feiruo picked up the agreement lying alone on the desk and began reading it carefully, line by line. The terms were detailed, and the language was professional, requiring her to calm her mind to ensure she understood everything thoroughly.

Standing for too long made her tired, so without thinking, she pulled out a chair and sat down.

Jian Xiyan hadn’t expected her to read so intently. It was like…

Like a university student in the library, fully absorbed in exam preparations, or like a classmate, after their work had been returned by the professor, carefully revising it again and again.

Once Lin Feiruo sat down, they were at eye level with one another.

Jian Xiyan found herself momentarily lost in thought. It seemed to her that they rarely had such a quiet moment to sit together. Previously, they were either rushing to discuss matters or navigating through noisy, crowded social events.

Moreover, she realized that Lin Feiruo today was slightly different—more lively and relaxed, yet also more focused and serious as she read the agreement.

Jian Xiyan looked at the person across the table, sensing a familiar yet foreign feeling.

“This clause says…” Lin Feiruo suddenly raised her head, a hint of confusion on her brow.

Jian Xiyan briefly spaced out, quickly averting her gaze, her expression still cold and composed.

“What is it?”

Lin Feiruo leaned forward, pointing at a specific clause in the agreement, confirming, “This says that within three months after the divorce, neither party can enter into a new romantic relationship…”

Jian Xiyan furrowed her brows. It seemed Lin Feiruo really was reconsidering.

She had waited two years—was three more months too much to ask? Was Yan Shan really that irresistible?

Suppressing her irritation, Jian Xiyan forced a professional smile. “We had already agreed upon this. To ensure a smooth transition and to wait until I have completed my first major project before publicly announcing the divorce—this will have the least impact on the stock price.”

The Jian Group was vast, with many publicly listed subsidiaries. Whether Jian Xiyan was married or divorced, any misstep could greatly influence stock prices.

Lin Feiruo hadn’t recalled this detail, but once Jian Xiyan explained, it seemed reasonable. Moreover, the original agreement had been made, and there was no need for her to back out now.

Jian Xiyan thought Lin Feiruo was mulling over another excuse, but after a brief wait, she realized Lin Feiruo had simply moved on to the next section.

Jian Xiyan silently exhaled, adjusting her posture to cross her arms.

Up until now, Lin Feiruo hadn’t proposed any unreasonable conditions, and Jian Xiyan had already made preparations.

Watching Lin Feiruo’s focused expression, Jian Xiyan remembered the fleeting emotion she had felt earlier.

Any long-term project into which one invests energy and time naturally becomes a habit, and its conclusion often brings about a sense of loss.

Loss?

Jian Xiyan paused, quickly dismissing the thought.

How could she possibly feel a sense of loss over a contractual marriage?

She glanced casually at Lin Feiruo, still absorbed in the agreement, and reassured herself that it was simply a bit of pressure.

After all, once the agreement was signed, she would need to prepare for how others would react to her divorce.

Lin Feiruo finished reading the agreement thoroughly and didn’t find any hidden traps. The terms seemed fair.

She placed the agreement back on the table and lightly pressed her hand on it.

Her eyes still glimmered, a renewed sense of anticipation in her gaze.

Jian Xiyan smiled faintly. “Have you finished?”

“Finished.”

“Any issues…”

“No issues.”

Jian Xiyan stared at her for a moment, and Lin Feiruo nodded, repeating, “No issues.”

The pen was placed on the table. Lin Feiruo reached for it.

As she twisted the cap off, Jian Xiyan suddenly said, “Before you sign, I want to remind you of one more thing.”

“Hmm?”

“The agreement takes effect today, but you’ll need to accompany me back to the mansion for three more days.”

Lin Feiruo frowned. That detail wasn’t in the agreement.

Jian Xiyan, ever so considerate, explained, “I arranged this before my business trip. It’s part of the deal—one role to fulfill.”

A role?

Lin Feiruo’s memory was a little hazy. She vaguely recalled something but couldn’t quite place it.

She would never press Jian Xiyan about it directly.

Doing so would either make her appear foolish or make it seem like she was reneging on the deal. Neither outcome was desirable.

Three days? Fine, three days. The mansion sounded a little mysterious, but it couldn’t be that bad. After all, they were already getting divorced. Would Jian Xiyan really lock her in the mansion?

No, she wasn’t afraid.

Lin Feiruo nodded calmly. “Got it.”

With that, she signed her name on the agreement.

Jian Xiyan watched her carefully sign, and the wariness in her heart began to ease.

They left the study, walking one after the other. Aunt Shu greeted them.

“Miss, what would you like for dinner tonight? I’ll have the kitchen prepare it.”

Jian Xiyan, draped in her suit jacket, let the sleeves fall.

“Nothing. I need to go back to the office for a meeting. Don’t wait for me tonight.”

She said this to Aunt Shu, then turned slightly to acknowledge Lin Feiruo before heading to the car.

Aunt Shu watched Jian Xiyan walk off with brisk steps, then glanced at Lin Feiruo, who stood still with her hands in her pockets. She shook her head with a sigh.

This couple seemed to be growing more distant.

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but when Miss returned so urgently after her business trip, Aunt Shu had thought there might be a change.

Who knew…

Sigh.

Lin Feiruo noticed Aunt Shu’s somber expression and recalled the concerns about her health from the book.

She said with genuine care, “Aunt Shu, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It can be really draining. And although it’s summer, you don’t have to wear the uniform at home. Keeping your knees warm is more important.”

Aunt Shu did indeed suffer from some rheumatism, and prolonged exposure to air conditioning was uncomfortable.

She had always demanded a lot of herself and worried about everything, maintaining a tense state of mind, which had led to increasing headaches lately.

While they had always silently taken care of each other, Lin Feiruo had never been so direct in her concern.

Touched, Aunt Shu couldn’t help but teach her, “You should say these caring words more to Miss.”

“Hmm?”

“Miss has always been calm. She’s been managing company affairs since a young age and is used to being serious, but that doesn’t mean she’s made of steel. She also needs care and warmth.”

“Ah?”

Lin Feiruo was caught off guard, wondering if Aunt Shu thought she wasn’t being considerate enough.

“Married couples need to spend more time together and work things out. You two…”

Aunt Shu hesitated and lowered her voice. “You’re not even living together anymore. This is bound to cause problems.”

Lin Feiruo laughed quietly. She wasn’t sure if she remembered all the details of the story. For now, it was better to listen more and speak less.

“Actually, Miss does care about you. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have agreed to decorate the place like this, the way you like it.”

What?

Lin Feiruo looked up, her gaze meeting the huge crystal chandelier hanging directly above in the living room, its brightness blinding.

She couldn't help but twitch her lips. “I like this?”

“Miss has always liked simplicity. Her room and study in the mansion have never exceeded three colors,” Aunt Shu said earnestly, with the clarity of an observer, “If Miss didn’t care deeply for you, she would never have agreed to this kind of decoration.”

Lin Feiruo felt awkward, almost wanting to scratch her head. She didn’t have such taste, did she?

She, too, liked simplicity and elegance. Right now, she just wanted to go to Jian Xiyan’s mansion, where nothing ever exceeded three colors!

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