Luo Yao frowned at the servants' reactions.
"Remember, from now on, Ah Ran's words are my words. This is the first rule of working in this estate."
"Understood."
The servants broke out in a cold sweat.
Indeed, that was one of the work guidelines.
Lin Ran and Luo Yao returned to the bedroom. Luo Yao glanced around and remarked, "This room is missing something."
Lin Ran also looked around.
"It seems fine to me—luxurious and elegant. What else could it need?"
Luo Yao paused before replying, "Never mind. I’ll find it myself."
Fine, as long as his wife was happy. She could buy whatever she wanted—nothing else mattered."You can tell me what you’d like. I’ll get it for you. I haven’t given you many gifts yet."
Lin Ran thought to himself that the Suran Group’s dividend period was coming up soon. This time, he’d definitely prepare a surprise for Luo Yao.
"Ah Ran, you’ve already given me the most precious thing."
Lin Ran’s face flushed instantly. "Stop it. I insist on buying you gifts—constantly giving you things you love."
"Why?"
"Someone once said, 'A man who spends money on a woman doesn’t necessarily love her, but a man who doesn’t spend money on her definitely doesn’t.'"
Luo Yao frowned, disgusted.
"What idiot came up with that nonsense?"
"Right? I thought it was stupid too. It’s just toxic advice that’s ruined so many relationships. But then again, if other husbands are doing it, I’ll do it even better."
Luo Yao said, "Your wife is Luo Yao. You have endless money..."
Lin Ran thought, She’s absolutely right.
Grateful for Luo Yao’s unwavering love, he murmured, "I’m so fortunate I still have the chance to love you."
"Ah Ran, love isn’t about words."
...
Luo Yao’s gaze settled on a discreet yet perfect spot in the bedroom, and a somewhat twisted smile curled her lips.
It seemed she’d have to make a trip out soon.
The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, Luo Yao headed to the study to meet with her assistants.
Uncle Fu hurried into the bedroom. "Young Master Lin, trouble—your Nuanyao Group is under siege!"
What?
Lin Ran stared at Uncle Fu in shock. Surely the nonsense Lin Jian and Lin Tianba had posted wasn’t enough to provoke such outrage?
"It’s like this—Lin Tianba released another video."
At the same time, Wu Zhishang’s call came through. Lin Ran answered.
"Brother Lin, it’s bad! We—"
Lin Ran cut him off. "Shh! Keep your voice down. Stay calm. I know what you’re going to say. As the CEO of Nuanyao Group, can’t you handle something like this?"
"Brother Lin, it’s not about handling it. The issue is public opinion. The protestors can be dispersed easily with police intervention, but what about the backlash afterward?"
Lin Ran replied, "Don’t worry about that. I’ll deal with the fallout."
After hanging up, Lin Ran finally watched the video—though he had no idea what was actually happening.
Meanwhile, Wu Zhishang swiftly called the police to handle the situation.
Then Lin Ran saw his scumbag father’s latest despicable stunt.
The moment he watched Lin Tianba’s statement, rage nearly consumed him.
To clear Lin Jian’s name, Lin Tianba had dragged him and Liu Ruxue into the mess.
[Video transcript: "The truth is, Liu Ruxue has always loved my eldest son, Lin Ran. Lin Ran also has feelings for her—they’re practically childhood sweethearts. So everyone must have misunderstood… @#�0�6%… As for me, Lin Tianba, I’m just a father who’s sacrificed everything for his son. I gave all my Suran Group shares to Lin Ran, hoping he’d show some gratitude. Yet here we are."]
Lin Ran almost lost it.
The video itself didn’t anger him—in fact, he felt nothing.
The real problem was: What if Luo Yao sees this?
Being falsely paired with Liu Ruxue would undoubtedly infuriate her.
And if she got angry, he’d be in for hell.
Sure enough, in the study, Luo Yao exploded.
Liu Meng stood frozen beside her, not daring to utter a word.
"Go. Bring Ah Ran here." Each word from Luo Yao sounded like a death sentence.
Soon, Liu Meng appeared before Lin Ran.
"Young Master Lin, President Luo requests your presence in the study."
Lin Ran asked, "Why the study?"
Liu Meng kept her head down. "I… don’t know."
Uncle Fu stepped in to mediate.
"Young Master, you’d better go. You know how it is—we servants can’t ask too many questions. Don’t make things hard for Assistant Liu."
Lin Ran shot Uncle Fu a suspicious glance. The old man’s face was full of sorrow and worry, but his eyes seemed… amused?
Lin Ran recognized that look instantly.
It was the same mocking glint a certain troublemaking cat had.
"Fine. I’ll head over now."
Before Uncle Fu could react, Lin Ran added, "By the way, I heard Granny Wang still hasn’t forgiven you."
Uncle Fu wilted like frostbitten eggplant.
With trepidation, Lin Ran entered the study—only to meet Luo Yao’s icy glare.
"Ah Ran, come here."
Lin Ran swallowed hard and slowly approached the desk.
Luo Yao grabbed him by the neck, slammed him onto the table, and kissed him fiercely.
When she finally pulled away, Lin Ran gasped for breath.
"Yao Yao, are you in the mood again? Isn’t morning a bit… early for this?"
Luo Yao glared at the computer’s camera and snarled, "Lin Ran is my husband. Anyone who dares spread nonsense will be fed to the sharks. Don’t test me."
Lin Ran pouted. "Of course I’m your husband. What’s wrong? Are you upset about the Liu Ruxue thing? You know Lin Tianba’s just spouting lies. Once I’m ready, I’ll make them regret everything. And you’re my baby—since when does my baby treat her husband like this? Let me go so I can pamper you properly."
Luo Yao ignored him and continued addressing the camera.
"Listen carefully. If I hear any more of this crap, you’ll regret it."
Lin Ran froze, realizing something was off.
He turned—only to see Luo Yao recording the whole scene.
Thank god it’s not a live stream. That would’ve been mortifying.
Without delay, Luo Yao ended the recording and sent it to Liu Meng.
"PR team. Now. I’m livid."
Lin Ran rushed to soothe her.
"Darling, you know we can’t control what people say. As long as you know I love you, that’s all that matters, right?"
"Mm. So?"
"So… maybe recall that video? Let’s record a better one. I looked a little… undignified in that one."
Luo Yao studied him, her anger fading slightly.
"Too late. It’s already sent."
Lin Ran: "..."
"Strip."
"Huh?" Lin Ran blinked in confusion.
"Take your clothes off."