Chapter 7: The Bracelet in My Hands

Lin Ting led Shang Moting to a certain villa—an unrenovated one, with an untended yard overgrown with wild grass. In the dead of night, a few dim street lamps cast a faint glow, giving the place an eerie feeling, as if it might come alive when all else was still.

They descended into the basement. “If we buried you here, no one would find you for months,” Lin Ting said.

“That’s perfect—very convenient for dealing with you,” Shang Moting replied.

Lin Ting tilted her head to look at him. Fang Cheng took a few quick steps forward. “Boss, shall we make a move?”

Lin Ting glanced at him. “What’s wrong with you? Always fighting. You need to change the world with love.”

“How do I do that?” Fang Cheng asked.

“For instance...” Lin Ting thought for a moment, slid her hand to her back waist, then brought it forward, pressing a butterfly knife against Shang Moting’s side. “Your life’s in my hands now. You’d better behave.”

Feeling the cold steel at his side, Shang Moting halted and looked at her calmly.

The knife wasn’t open.

But upon seeing the blade, Fang Cheng and Wei Zhishu immediately readied themselves. Fang Cheng’s dagger reflected the light as he shifted it in his hand, while Wei Zhishu, empty-handed, prepared for attack.

Lin Ting glanced between them and Shang Moting.

With remarkable composure, Shang Moting grasped her wrist, pulling the knife away. He flipped it open with a flick and twirled it absentmindedly between his fingers.

“Why aren’t you scared at all?” Lin Ting asked.

“No fun,” he replied.

“Until your goal’s achieved, you’ll be very safe,” Shang Moting said, closing the blade and pocketing it.

Lin Ting sighed softly, looking back at Fang Cheng and Wei Zhishu. “Those two are more amusing—so easy to fool. They almost attacked right away.”

The pair exchanged glances, feeling like mere pawns.

Shang Moting took a few steps ahead and stopped.

The villa’s basement was like a labyrinth.

“Say something nice: I’ll guide you,” Lin Ting said.

Shang Moting looked down at her.

Lin Ting waited silently.

After a moment, he said, “The bracelet’s with me.”

Lin Ting’s expression flickered in surprise. “You sent up the sky lanterns, and you took them down yourself?”

“Mm,” Shang Moting confirmed.

Fang Cheng looked at Wei Zhishu.

Wei Zhishu shrugged.

He was the one who took the photos. Shang Moting had asked him to.

So this girl was a bit different.

Lin Ting’s eyes widened as realization dawned. She immediately pointed the way. “This way, please.”

Shang Moting gently flicked her forehead, held her wrist, and they moved deeper inside.

...

They came to see someone they wanted to meet.

Shang Moting said nothing, asked no questions.

Meanwhile, a traitor kept pleading for Shang Moting’s rescue but was promptly knocked unconscious by Fang Cheng and carried away.

With the task done, they returned to the hotel.

Shang Moting and Lin Ting got out at the hotel entrance.

Wei Zhishu and Fang Cheng drove the traitor elsewhere.

Inside the lobby, Lin Ting went to the front desk to collect a room card.

Upon returning, she handed the card to a staff member.

Shang Moting waited nearby.

There had been a shift change at the front desk. Whether due to a handover issue or strict protocol, the staff were discussing something.

Lin Ting waited patiently.

During the wait, she unexpectedly ran into Lin Shan.

“Sis, fancy meeting you here again,” Lin Shan said, linking arms with Shen Haochen.

Shen Haochen glanced at Lin Ting.

Shang Moting, not far off, heard the voices and looked toward them.

Lin Ting pretended not to hear, feigning indifference.

But Lin Shan stepped closer. “Sis, so you’re staying here now. Dad’s really worried since you’re not at home.”

“Let him worry more. He hasn’t cared all these years; might as well make up for it,” Lin Ting replied, bored.

“Sis, don’t talk like that. Dad will be hurt,” Lin Shan said.

Lin Ting glanced at her. “If you don’t gossip, how would he know what I said?”

Lin Shan was momentarily speechless.

Shen Haochen interjected, “Shan Shan cares about you too. Can’t you be nicer?”

“If you don’t like my attitude, then don’t talk to me,” Lin Ting snapped. “What are you here for? Get on with it—the staff are waiting.”

Shen Haochen was taken aback but, not wanting to lose face, said, “Bring two boxes... and bath towels and robes, send them to...”

They were adults, a couple about to be engaged.

Lin Ting heard the request and found nothing strange—perfectly normal.

Lin Shan suddenly lowered her voice coquettishly and tugged at Shen Haochen’s sleeve. “Lower your voice.”

Shen Haochen stroked her face.

Lin Ting ignored them.

Just then, her room card was handed over. She took it and turned to leave.

But Lin Shan followed, blocking her path and whispering, “Sis, which room are you going to? Who are you meeting?”

Lin Ting looked at her.

Lin Shan smiled. “With your reputation, whoever you’re meeting at an upscale hotel like this must be no spring chicken.”

Lin Ting listened coolly.

“How’s the old man’s strength? Does he satisfy you?” Lin Shan lowered her voice. “Then again, you’ve probably been through this long ago, so your standards aren’t high.”

Lin Ting suddenly slapped her hard.

Lin Shan staggered from the blow.

Shen Haochen, startled, rushed over. “Shan Shan!”

Staff quickly gathered.

At this late hour, there were few guests around, so fewer witnesses.

“Sis, what did I do wrong? How could you hit me?” Lin Shan cried.

Lin Ting said, “Spouting filthy words without shame. As your sister, I’m teaching you how to behave. What’s wrong with that?”

“Lin Ting, you’re going too far,” Shen Haochen said. “I spared you yesterday out of Shan Shan’s sake. Don’t be ungrateful.”

“Then go ahead and hold a grudge,” Lin Ting replied.

“Shan Shan and I are about to be engaged. She’ll soon be a Shen family member. Do you think we’re nothing? You’re so arrogant! Without Shan Shan, do you think you’d still be standing here?” Shen Haochen barked.

Lin Shan covered her face. Though hit, she looked smug with Shen Haochen’s support.

Lin Ting glanced at her. “Fine, let’s see what you can do.”

Most of the hotel staff knew Shen Haochen’s identity.

They stood aside, silent and uncertain.

“You don’t know your place. If you don’t apologize to Shan Shan today, don’t think...” Shen Haochen warned.

“Going back?” Shang Moting stepped beside Lin Ting and asked.

Shen Haochen’s voice suddenly faltered. He widened his eyes, staring at Shang Moting.

Lin Shan clung to Shen Haochen’s arm, tears streaming.

She froze when she saw Shang Moting, forgetting to cry, staring blankly.

Shang Moting gripped Lin Ting’s wrist. “Let’s go.”

Lin Ting nodded and followed him.

Passing Shen Haochen, she gave him a look.

She clearly saw Shen Haochen’s fear; his face turned pale.

She couldn’t help but smile.

Shang Moting turned to her.

Lin Ting said, “In a good mood.”

He gently stroked the inside of her wrist and led her toward the elevator.

...