The moment Shen Bingci and Xie Wanshi stepped out of the store, paparazzi snapped photos of them.
Within minutes, the pictures appeared on the front page of Hong Kong entertainment news.
The story exploded across social media almost instantly.
Ten minutes after publication, the article had already surpassed one hundred million views.
That was the power of the name Xie Yuli.
No one could deny it.
“Xie Yuli’s Fiancée Goes on Massive Shopping Spree, Possibly Preparing Their Future Love Nest!”
“Miss Shen Spotted Purchasing Four Floors Worth of Goods in Xie Family-Owned Mall — Truly a Capital City Princess!”
“Xie Yuli Is Marrying a Beijing Heiress — The Future Mr. Shen Might Have His Hands Full!”
The paparazzi still valued their lives.
They only photographed her from behind and uploaded a short video.
No clear shots of Shen Bingci’s face were released.
Still, the Hong Kong media remained as sharp-tongued as ever.
Assistant Yan Ting reported the situation as usual and asked whether the articles should be suppressed.
Xie Yuli tapped the desk lightly with his long fingers.
His expression remained cold as he scanned the colorful headlines.
“Leave the reasonable ones.”
“As for the media outlets that don’t know their limits…”
“You know what to do.”
Having worked for him for ten years, Yan Ting immediately understood.
“Yes, President Xie.”
“I’ll handle it.”
The process was simple.
Warn them first.
If they refused to cooperate—
Blacklist them permanently.
Even Yan Ting found the situation surprising.
Xie Yuli had never liked members of the Xie family appearing in the news.
Especially himself.
And even when he did make headlines, no media company dared write recklessly.
This time was clearly a test.
The media wanted to see whether Xie Yuli would intervene.
If he ignored it, they would gain enormous traffic.
If he reacted, they would earn a fortune in hush money.
Either way, they profited.
But Xie Yuli’s decision essentially confirmed the engagement between himself and the third Miss Shen.
It seemed he was determined to marry Shen Bingci.
Everyone in the Xie family was busy.
Xie Wanshi woke up early.
Stylists and makeup artists arrived at the house before sunrise.
The entire residence buzzed with activity.
In the front hall, Xie Chenqiao entertained guests.
In the back courtyard, Ling Qinglian supervised countless details.
She even personally checked on food preparations.
Nobody had a moment to rest.
After all—
This was the birthday banquet of the third Miss Xie.
Naturally, everyone took it seriously.
Everyone except Shen Bingci.
She was sitting on a sofa, absentmindedly playing on her phone.
When Shen Jinbai arrived, he found his sister exactly like that.
He wore a formal white suit that day.
Elegant and distinguished.
“Chaochao, why are you sitting here playing on your phone?”
“You should help out.”
Today, Shen Bingci dressed differently from usual.
Instead of her beloved dresses covered in crystals and embroidery, she wore a simple pink long dress.
Gentle.
Elegant.
Understated.
“Good choice of clothing.”
A trace of emotion crossed Shen Jinbai’s eyes.
“You’ve grown up.”
His little sister was finally learning to consider other people.
Today was Xie Wanshi’s birthday banquet.
If she dressed too extravagantly, it would be inappropriate.
Moreover, this was her first major public appearance as Xie Yuli’s fiancée.
Naturally, she needed to be graceful.
“Dad and Mom know I wanted to help.”
“They simply wouldn’t let me.”
“I’m not being lazy.”
Shen Jinbai smiled and took a sip of champagne.
“I figured.”
“The Xie family treats people very well.”
“How have things been these past few days?”
The moment he asked, Shen Bingci nearly burst.
She had been waiting for someone to ask.
“Big Brother, you have no idea.”
“I wasn’t even planning to stay here.”
“I only came because I happened to run into Xie Yuli.”
“He insisted on bringing me back.”
“And their beds are so hard!”
“The first night I almost couldn’t sleep!”
Shen Jinbai couldn’t help laughing.
The instant she saw him, she transformed into a little bean spilling all her grievances.
“Really?”
“Then how did you eventually fall asleep?”
Shen Bingci froze.
Her brother’s ears were far too sharp.
Knowing she would probably get scolded, she admitted the truth anyway.
“…I couldn’t sleep.”
“So I went out for a walk.”
“I ran into Xie Yuli and told him.”
“Then he bought quilts and bedding for me.”
“At midnight?”
Shen Jinbai sighed helplessly.
That reaction said everything.
See?
She knew exactly what he was thinking.
Pouting, she lifted her chin.
Using Xie Yuli as a shield.
“He’s the one who told me to speak honestly!”
“Otherwise I wouldn’t have said anything!”
Shen Jinbai poked her forehead.
“You really couldn’t tell he was being polite?”
“Making someone buy quilts for you in the middle of the night.”
“Only you could come up with that.”
“Ouch!”
“Big Brother!”
“If you keep bullying me, I’ll tell Mom and Dad!”
Shen Bingci clutched her forehead and glared at him.
Shen Jinbai shook his head.
“It really is only Xie Yuli who would spoil you like this.”
“Most people wouldn’t.”
At those words, Shen Bingci’s cheeks flushed.
She lowered her head and fell silent.
“These past few days…”
“What do you think of him?”
How was he?
Wonderful.
Incredibly wonderful.
The kind of wonderful that was almost unbelievable.
But saying it out loud felt embarrassing.
“…He’s very nice…”
Just then—
Knock. Knock.
The door opened.
Xie Yuli stepped inside.
A hint of surprise flashed across his face.
“Mr. Shen.”
Shen Jinbai stood up and greeted him politely.
“I came to check on our family’s precious treasure.”
“Has she behaved herself these past few days?”
Hopefully she hadn’t revealed her true chaotic nature in someone else’s home.
Shen Bingci shot her brother a murderous glare.
Today, Xie Yuli wasn’t wearing a suit.
Only a white dress shirt and a black vest.
A dark green tie completed the look.
Tall.
Broad-shouldered.
Perfect posture.
He was in the prime of his life.
A Patek Philippe watch rested on his wrist.
His sleeves were rolled to his elbows.
Faint veins traced across his forearms.
Every detail radiated restraint and elegance.
“Not at all.”
Xie Yuli smiled politely.
Then looked directly at Shen Bingci.
His gaze was deep and steady.
“Miss Shen has been very well-behaved.”
Something tugged at Shen Bingci’s heart.
Even knowing he was probably being polite, she still felt warm inside.
Sweet.
Comforted.
In his eyes…
Was she actually well-behaved?
Her eldest brother called her a troublemaker.
Her second brother called her a reincarnated demon king.
Only Xie Yuli called her well-behaved.
“My father would like to speak with both of you.”
Xie Yuli explained his purpose.
Shen Jinbai immediately adjusted his expression.
“Of course.”
“I’ll head over now.”
After he left, Xie Yuli took out his phone and glanced at a message.
At that exact moment, Shen Bingci moved too quickly and accidentally bumped into him.
The phone slipped from his hand.
“Oh no!”
“Let me pick it up!”
She hurriedly crouched down.
The screen was still lit.
And her eyes landed directly on the top pinned conversation in his WeChat.
It was her profile picture.
Even more shocking—
The contact name he had saved for her was:
【Fiancée】.