Ming Shu clutched his black shirt, her fair and delicate face flushed, unsure whether from anger or shyness.
“The anti-fans online are cursing you. I don’t want them to curse you.”
“So it’s because of this.”
Lu Shiyu gently pinched her chin, softly rubbing and kissing her tender, plump lips before chuckling in a low voice: “The innocent need not defend themselves. I don’t care what they say. As long as you know I’m devoted only to you, that’s enough.”
Ming Shu felt even more aggrieved, her clear eyes glistening with tears, feeling wronged on his behalf.
Pressing her kneeling legs firmly, she raised her head to kiss his lips. Lu Shiyu’s lips were neither too thin nor too thick—the most sensual and full shape. When pressed straight, they looked sharp and resolute, yet when he smiled, they were utterly captivating.
It was a pity he never endorsed makeup products; otherwise, his lipstick would surely sell out worldwide.
She thought Lu Shiyu’s words were just to comfort her. Unless one’s heart were made of iron, how could anyone not care about public criticism? Even the most rational person couldn’t remain indifferent to overwhelming public opinion.
But Ming Shu didn’t know that Lu Shiyu was telling the truth. He truly didn’t care about external opinions. Even if the whole world turned against him, he wouldn’t feel lonely—born with a cold, indifferent nature, devoid of compassion.
The only thing Lu Shiyu cared about was the precious treasure in his arms.
Faced with her guilty, offering kiss, how could the scheming, obsessive Lu Shiyu refuse?
He slowly closed his eyes, a sly, cunning smile hidden and vanishing in their depths. His strong, bony hand cupped the back of her fluffy head, taking control. The man gently soothed her lips, lovingly and lingeringly capturing her soft, plump lower lip.
Hearing her muffled whimpers of pain, Lu Shiyu immediately stopped and checked her lips—they weren’t chapped. He had been very careful. If they were chapped, he wouldn’t be able to kiss his fragrant, delicate wife that night; he’d have to wait until the next day.
It had been four days since Lu Shiyu’s mistaken cheating scandal, and the hype had completely died down. Only the anti-fans were still jumping around, but they couldn’t make it to the hot searches or gain any real momentum.
Today was the day Ming Shu signed the contract with the “Heavenly Sword’s Fate” crew. The producer and director were very enthusiastic, not treating Ming Shu as an eighteen-tier flop star but rather flattering her like a top-tier celebrity.
Ming Shu couldn’t help but sigh: big productions were indeed better—no messy incidents, everyone polite and respectful.
“Lele, there’s something I want to ask you.”
“Go ahead.”
The two sat in the car drinking milk tea, bought by Li Xiaole, because Lu Shiyu had warned Ming Shu not to eat junk food from outside. Ming Shu had been furious at the time—was she an idiot? Would she pick up trash from the street to eat?
As it turned out, junk food was truly irresistible.
She was tied to Lu Shiyu’s card, so whatever she bought, he would know immediately.
While others hid in cars for secret affairs, she hid in the car drinking milk tea—equally joyful in her own way…
Ming Shu chewed the pearls, swallowed them, and then whispered: “I want to show off my affection with Lu Shiyu. Do you have any ideas?”
Posting photos or sharing vlogs on social media was the simplest way to show off affection, but this path was blocked by the title of “contract couple.”
Li Xiaole frowned: “Even if you two could outshine the most beautiful scenery, netizens would only think you’re great actors, performing convincingly.”
Ming Shu took a sip of her milk tea, puffing out her fair, tender cheeks. Her clear, moist eyes held a cold smile as she said, “Hmph, those two troublemakers framed me. They’ll get their punishment sooner or later! Never mind them for now. Help me think of a way—how can we break the public’s stereotype about us?”
Li Xiaole thought for a long time before a sudden inspiration struck her. “You and Lu Shen should join a couples’ reality show. Show the public your real married life with Lu Shen. That might be the only way to break the ‘contract marriage’ stereotype.”
Ming Shu: “That’s a good suggestion. My schedule is fine, but I don’t know if Lu Shiyu is willing. What couples’ shows are popular right now? I want to join the hottest one!”
Li Xiaole: “Currently, the most popular one is ‘Sweet Journey,’ already in its third season. But—”
Ming Shu: “But what?”
Li Xiaole: “I heard ‘Sweet Journey’ has already invited Liangchen Meijing. That’s not the main obstacle, though. The most important thing is whether Lu Shen agrees to let you join the show.”
Ming Shu tilted her head, looking momentarily confused. “Why wouldn’t he agree? We’d both be going.”
Li Xiaole fell silent.
Given Lu Shiyu’s possessiveness and need for control, it was already a miracle that he allowed Ming Shu to act in dramas. How could he possibly agree to let her film a reality show for an extended period? Wasn’t that just dancing on the minefield of a yandere tycoon?
But Ming Shu was brimming with confidence, firmly believing she was the head of the household. She had no idea how Lu Shiyu had been coaxing her at home, making her so self-assured.
…
Returning home in the afternoon, Ming Shu was still thinking about joining the reality show. Nowadays, many celebrities rely on variety shows to make money, but she wasn’t interested in that. She wanted to flaunt her love, to tell everyone that she loved Lu Shiyu, not Zhou XX.
Lu Shiyu emerged from the shower, not wearing a bathrobe but only a black towel wrapped around his waist. His muscular, sexy physique was on full display.
Ming Shu, lying by the bed, immediately covered her eyes, her fair, adorable toes curling shyly. “Hormone overload” wasn’t enough to describe him—he was practically walking temptation!
Lu Shiyu, a black towel draped over his head, walked over and pulled her into his embrace. His vibrant, toned abs were still dripping with water droplets. He seemed unaware of how alluring he was at that moment, pressing his forehead against hers, his tall, straight nose affectionately nuzzling the tip of hers. He looked clingy, eager to snuggle with her, yet remained remarkably calm and restrained.
Gently held in his arms, gazed at with deep affection, you clearly knew you could effortlessly push him down, and he wouldn’t resist—he might even be considerate and cooperate. But Ming Shu’s current mindset was still in the dating phase. Married life felt too overwhelming for her; she truly wasn’t ready yet.
So Ming Shu suppressed her wildly restless heart, her trembling fingers holding a towel as she dried his damp hair.
Lu Shiyu’s heart plummeted from the clouds to the depths.
He obediently lowered his head, letting her dry his hair. Had he not been submissive enough, not gentle enough? Why was she still unwilling to give herself to him?
What Ming Shu was thinking was: He’s tall, has a great physique, and is very strong. When he holds me, his hands don’t even tremble. She didn’t overthink it, but she was genuinely afraid…
“Husband.”
“Hmm?”
“Do you want to join a reality show?”
“Did someone invite you to join a reality show?” Lu Shiyu asked in return.
“No, it’s because I want to go. Netizens have many misunderstandings about us. If we participate in the variety show, these misunderstandings will be easily resolved.”
“I’ll consider it.” Lu Shiyu neither refused nor agreed.
Upon hearing this, Ming Shu thought, does this mean he doesn’t want to go?