Shen Qian was startled, realizing she was inadvertently flirting. She quickly laughed awkwardly while pouring more liniment onto his abdomen, her hands moving to massage, “Just massaging, looking for pressure points.”
Her touch, neither too light nor too heavy, felt like a feather brushing against his sensitive skin, stirring an itch and an urge within him.
His face flushed so red that he felt like he was running out of oxygen. Shen Qian massaged him while pondering, “Just how small is You Ran’s waist? It feels even slimmer than mine. There’s not an ounce of fat on his waist; it’s perfectly toned. If she hadn’t observed closely, she might not have noticed.” As this thought crossed her mind, her hands began to move on their own, actually intending to measure his waist. Her hands fumbling around made You Ran’s breathing heavier. He said sternly, “What are you doing now? Can’t you behave even when applying medicine?” Shen Qian paused at his words, then looked up at You Ran. He was looking down at her as well. Shen Qian was wearing a rather fashionable off-shoulder top today, revealing quite a bit of her shoulders. As she half-squatted, slightly bending forward, the “valley” of her chest showcased a hint of spring. You Ran’s narrow eyes squinted slightly, holding his breath. Unaware of her exposure, Shen Qian was still pondering over what You Ran had just said, feeling ashamed for being so audacious and taking advantage. She stammered, “Your waist is so toned, I couldn’t help myself…” “Couldn’t help but touch?” You Ran suddenly gave a faint smile, not seeming too angry. Shen Qian stood up awkwardly, feeling embarrassed as she sat on the sofa, nowhere to hide. She said sheepishly, “I… I couldn’t control myself, it wasn’t intentional.” You Ran gazed at her for a long time, then took her hand, which was nervously twisting her clothes. Shen Qian tried to pull away but was held too tightly. She suddenly looked up to see You Ran’s indulgent and doting eyes. Unable to bear his gaze, she quickly laughed to cover the awkwardness, “By the way, are you hungry?” You Ran nodded, and Shen Qian said, “Then I’ll cook something for you.” As she was about to step into the kitchen, You Ran quickly grabbed her, saying, “Qian Qian, I want you.” Shen Qian was petrified, staring in disbelief at You Ran’s serious and stubborn face. “Mr. You, did someone hit your head earlier? Are you out of your mind?” You Ran stood up to face her, smiling with squinted eyes, “What do you think?” “Haha, definitely.” Shen Qian continued to mock awkwardly, “A man as excellent as Mr. You wouldn’t be interested in someone like me.” You Ran asked earnestly, “Are you really that bad?” Shen Qian puckered her lips, unsure how to respond, then said, “I’m not worthy of you.” “Then, shall I make myself worthy of you?” Shen Qian thought You Ran must have lost his mind. She gave a forced smile, about to say something when the doorbell rang. They looked at each other, and You Ran went to open the door. There stood Yu Cheng, with teary eyes, looking extremely pitiful. “Xiao Cheng?” You Ran was slightly surprised. Shen Qian, behind him, was also surprised. What did it mean for Qin Hao’s fiancée to knock on a single man’s door in the middle of the night? “Ran, I’m boarding the ship tomorrow, and I…” Before Yu Cheng could finish, You Ran immediately said, “You’ve grown up, soon to be someone else’s wife. Treat Qin Hao well in the future.” Yu Cheng fell silent, just staring intently at You Ran. “Don’t you regret it? If you had agreed to marry me, all of your grandfather’s property would have been yours.” Her tone carried a hint of pleading. “Qin Hao is more suited for that wealth than I am; I’m not cut out for business.” “You Ran!” Yu Cheng’s tears burst forth as she pointed angrily at Shen Qian behind him, “She just looks like that dead woman; she’s not that woman.” You Ran closed his eyes briefly, still speaking gently, “Xiao Cheng, this is my affair, don’t worry about it. Go back and get ready for the ship; I’ll be at your wedding.” Tears streamed down Yu Cheng’s face as she clenched her teeth, “Why do you only have eyes for her? When you were hospitalized after the car accident, who looked after you day and night, who comforted you time and time again? Why can you be so affectionate with her and so ruthless to those who care for you?” You Ran lightly raised his middle finger, where a ring with a yellowed stone bore some indistinct characters, “Your sister witnessed me and her; you can ask her. Xiao Cheng, go home, prepare for the ship tomorrow.” Yu Cheng cast a resentful glance at Shen Qian, who was utterly bewildered, feeling out of her depth under that fierce gaze. “I don’t love Qin Hao; I’m marrying him only because he’s your cousin.” You Ran sighed, “Xiao Cheng, if you don’t go back, I’ll call Qin Hao or your father.” Yu Cheng clenched her fists, lowering her head, her teeth gritted, “I’m sorry, I was foolish.” With that, she turned and left. You Ran watched her go for a long time before closing the door. Turning around, he met Shen Qian’s gaze. Shen Qian awkwardly smiled, “Actually, it’s obvious she really likes you.” “And what about me?” You Ran countered, “Can you tell who I like?” Who didn’t know who You Ran liked? That legendary girlfriend, the woman who had dominated You Ran’s past. With this thought, Shen Qian felt a twinge of jealousy. She laughed, “Does that girl really look like me?” Maybe You Ran’s usual affection towards her could be seen as “transferring feelings.” “Not at all.” You Ran forced a smile, “If I said I wanted her, she’d rush over and take all of me, unlike you, who thinks I’ve lost my mind.” “…” Shen Qian was at a loss for words, sweating profusely. That girl was fierce; she admired her. “The ship sails tomorrow; you should get some rest.” You Ran took a step towards the stairs, paused, and turned to look at her, “Goodnight, Qian Qian.” Shen Qian felt a mix of emotions, her heart uneasy.
This luxury cruise around the world lasts for 66 days. During these 66 days, all food and accommodation are free as long as you have a ticket. Shen Qian had planned to meet Li Meili at the dock. Sitting on the sofa, Shen Qian called Li Meili, who sounded sad on the phone, “If only there was one more ticket, I couldn’t bear to leave my husband at home.” While Shen Qian was feeling sorry, You Ran came downstairs and handed her a ticket, “Don’t frown.” Overjoyed, Shen Qian shared the good news with Li Meili on the phone.
After hanging up the phone, Shen Qian felt an indescribable gratitude. You Ran, however, said, “This ticket was originally prepared for you. I didn’t expect you to be so proactive and get an invitation yourself. Give the invitation you got to Li Meili’s husband, and use this one.” Shen Qian bit her lip, feeling somewhat embarrassed as she noticed this invitation was more luxurious than her original one. “Mr. You is really kind.” “Let’s go, shall we go together?” “Okay.”
On that day, the pier was crowded with people and many luxury cars, as if all the expensive cars from the streets had been brought here. People were getting out of their cars and chatting with acquaintances. A large, opulent cruise ship was moored at the dock. Shen Qian felt as insignificant as an ant. You Ran dropped Shen Qian off at the pier and then drove off to where he needed to go.
“Qianqian,” Li Meili, carrying large and small bags, rushed over with her husband, laughing, “Good heavens, this scene is really exciting. The extravagance of the richest man is truly unparalleled.” Shen Qian nodded, her gaze falling on the numerous bags Li Meili carried, “What are you doing? Migrating?” “This is called being fully prepared,” Li Meili shrugged her shoulders, “Although this ship is a luxury liner, it’s divided into first, second, and third class. Do you think we’ll be in third class? I heard third class lacks amenities, so I’ve got everything ready.” Shen Qian thought it made sense.
