Chapter 357: Afternoon Whispers

Lin Zheng Ran’s bedroom door closed.

In the covers, Lily lay flat on the bed, wrapping her arms around his neck as they kissed.

She felt his hand wandering restlessly under her clothes.

Zheng Ran.

They’d barely started kissing when Lin Zheng Ran’s phone rang.

Lily’s face flushed as she looked at him. “Your phone’s ringing—answer it first.”

Lin Zheng Ran glanced at the shy Lily. “Just give me a minute.”

Mm.

He sat back down, and Lily used the moment to undo the clasp at her back.

She slipped out a piece of clothing and set it on the nightstand.

Lin Zheng Ran saw it was Pan Lin calling and answered. “Hey, Pan Lin, what’s up?”

Pan Lin said over the phone:

“Boss Lin, I looked into the former factory manager’s disappearance like you asked. It’s all pretty shady—people say he had a habit of playing cards, but never for big stakes.

Some think he bolted because he lost a ton gambling, but others say he didn’t play high-stakes games, so it doesn’t add up. Opinions are all over the map.”

Lin Zheng Ran thought for a moment. Based on what Jiang’s Uncle said and his own observations over the years, the factory owner had been in the small town for seven or eight years—it was bizarre for him to just vanish. “Who did he play cards with?”

Pan Lin answered on the phone while Lily watched Lin Zheng Ran intently.

Suddenly, her eyes darted to something nearby.

Her face turned red, and she bit her moist lips.

She dove under the covers.

Pan Lin went on. “His card games were usually with a regular crowd—Jiang’s Uncle, some factory leaders, and such. But from last month, he stopped playing at the factory and started with a guy called Yang Ge.”

“Who’s this Yang Ge? Got it, I kn—” Lin Zheng Ran trailed off as he felt something unexpected. He glanced at Lily hidden under the covers, up to her mischief, and frowned slightly.

This girl was starting to pick up habits from Wen Wen.

“Boss Lin?” Pan Lin asked. “Why’d you go quiet?”

“Yeah, I get it. Just look into this Yang Ge quickly and let me know if you find anything. Otherwise, I’m good—I’ve got other things going on here.”

“Alright, I’ll update you when I have more. Take care.”

The call ended, and Lin Zheng Ran set down his phone, looking at Lily tucked away under the covers.

“Lily.”

Lily slowly peeked her head out, her face bright red as she gazed at Lin Zheng Ran. “What? Silly Zheng Ran, lie down and rest a bit—I’ll help you unwind.”

Lin Zheng Ran smiled. “Are girls just naturally good at this? You’re incredible.”

Lily blushed and stammered, “As if! I looked up tutorials just to make you happy. Enough talk! You’re such a fool—just close your eyes and lie back!”

With that, she ducked under the covers again.

That afternoon on Lin Zheng Ran’s bed, they lost themselves in a long, passionate encounter.

Lin Zheng Ran and Lily enjoyed each other for a while, and since it was their second time, Lily had more stamina this round.

She didn’t drift off to sleep right after; instead, she lay on the pillow, watching Lin Zheng Ran with only a light sheen of sweat on her forehead.

A few strands of hair stuck to her forehead from the sweat.

“Zheng Ran, thank you for this time.”

Lin Zheng Ran turned toward her, gently touching her face. “Still on about that? It’s endless with you.”

Lily blinked playfully. “Not endless at all. It’s just that you’re always there when things go wrong. It means so much to me. I’ll win that music competition by year’s end—no disappointing you. I’ll bring in more money for the company, for you.”

Lin Zheng Ran chuckled helplessly. “Money’s not the big thing. Once you’re famous, I’ll pour resources into making my Lily a household name. When you’re a diva, I’ll have a diva for a girlfriend.”

Lily couldn’t hold back her laugh. “Sounds amazing. But I’m curious—what do you like about me, Zheng Ran? You won’t say it’s just because I’m cute, right? There are plenty of cute girls out there. Why me?”

“Lily, you’re full of random questions today.”

Lily huffed mysteriously, one hand on her hip under the covers as she closed her eyes proudly and said:

“You know, I’m going to be a diva someday—a big star! I wouldn’t look at just any guy. But…”

She opened her eyes and stared at him. “Compared to you, I’m still learning. You’re the one who built me up, so I’m wondering—what exactly do you like about me? Just tell me.”

Lin Zheng Ran leaned in with a smile, whispering something softly in Lily’s ear as her cheeks flushed.

Lily suddenly understood—it was that.

Surprised, she said, “So that’s what got to you, Zheng Ran… But isn’t that something any girl could do when she’s in love?”

Lin Zheng Ran lay back and shook his head. Though this life had been smooth, he’d met plenty of girls in his past one:

“Not really. Girls with that quality are rare. You, Heqing, Wen Wen, and Jingshi all have it, which is why I like you. But that’s just part of it—the main thing is, you’re truly adorable. Who wouldn’t like that?”

Lily’s heart raced at the compliment. She huffed, “Adorable? Only you think so.”

“Want to nap for a bit? You’ve had quite the afternoon.”

Lily slowly released his fingers. “I’m okay… just a little tired, but I like this kind of tired. More wouldn’t hurt.”

“Lily, you’re quite the tease sometimes.”

“Oh, stop it!” Lily burrowed into his arms and closed her eyes. “I’m sleeping now. Wake me when it’s time to go back.”

“No problem.”

Twenty minutes later, downstairs in the residential area, Lin Ying Jun’s car pulled up, and he and Lin Xiao Li got out.

They chatted about everyday things.

As they stepped into the elevator and reached their door, Lin Xiao Li suddenly froze.

“Hmm? Someone’s been here?”

Lin Ying Jun looked puzzled. “Who? How do you know?”

Lin Xiao Li gave him a knowing glance. “I’m sharp with details. Didn’t you catch that faint shampoo scent in the hallway—just a hint?”

Lin Ying Jun sniffed the air. “Huh, you’re right. But it’s so faint, I thought it blew in from the window.”

“Hmph, I didn’t open the window today, and that smell’s familiar.”

She signaled to her husband and quietly opened the door, stepping inside.

She crept to her son’s room, saw the closed door, and shot her husband a proud look—as if to say, ‘See, I was right?’

Lin Ying Jun gave her a thumbs-up. “Impressive! You nailed it.”

Lin Xiao Li opened the door with arms wide, smiling. “Zheng Ran, what a surprise you’re back without calling Mom. Come here for a hug!”

Then she spotted Lin Zheng Ran on the bed, holding the peacefully sleeping Lily, and he turned halfway, putting a finger to his lips for quiet.

Lin Xiao Li’s face went red as she froze, then swiftly shut the door and retreated.

From outside, she called, “Sorry to interrupt. Mom and Dad are making dinner—just keep it down, you two!”