Financial Independence through Cracked Apps-Chapter 109 - 106: The Hotel

10:00 AM.

After a brief warm-up from the host, the ceremony began on time.

The procedure was actually quite simple.

First, the host introduced the distinguished guests, who each stood up to be acknowledged.

But there was an amusing aspect to this process: you could gauge a person’s status by the volume of the applause from the surrounding guests.

For example, when an ordinary person stood up, the applause was sparse. But when it was Qin Yuenan’s turn, the entire room erupted in thunderous applause, even punctuated by a few gasps of awe.

Of course, this wasn’t just because Pet Guardian Home was well-known in the domestic pet industry. More importantly, Qin Yuenan’s beauty outshone everyone else, a true standout.

Good looks are like mathematics in the world of science and engineering.

On its own, it might not seem particularly useful. However, when combined with other things, it becomes a killer combination!

What’s more, Qin Yuenan’s figure, temperament, and so on were all exceptionally striking, naturally drawing the attention of many.

In fact, Xiaogou’s upper management had originally approached her, hoping she would give a speech as a guest representative at the ceremony.

But Qin Yuenan despised such phony formalities and refused outright.

After the host finished introducing the guests, it was time for the speeches from Xiaogou’s senior leadership.

The CEO, brand founder, and others took the stage in succession, speaking about their company’s founding vision and development plans.

Lin Shen was bored to tears, covering his mouth as he yawned repeatedly.

Qin Yuenan, meanwhile, clapped politely a few times.

After the speeches from Xiaogou’s senior management ended, it was the guest representatives’ turn, which included some people from the Jinling government.

Once they finished their bureaucratic platitudes, it was time for the core part of the ceremony.

The ribbon-cutting!

The host invited all the guests onto the stage. Lin Shen had originally planned to wait in his seat for Qin Yuenan to return.

But to his surprise, Qin Yuenan actually pulled him up with her.

?

Lin Shen looked a little stunned.

’I can go up too?’

"No one will notice anyway. Come on,"

Qin Yuenan whispered, but Lin Shen had a feeling she had another reason for calling him up.

And sure enough...

After getting on stage, Qin Yuenan went straight to the far right, then pulled Lin Shen to stand on her left, using him to block the person next to her.

’So she’s using me as a shield to avoid physical contact with other people.’

Lin Shen had a sudden realization. He then leaned down and whispered in Qin Yuenan’s ear.

"Nan, we’ll have to take a group photo for the ribbon-cutting. Are you sure no one will get suspicious if we stand together?"

"Have you ever seen this kind of photo at our company?"

Qin Yuenan pouted dismissively.

"These photos are only ever displayed when senior executives from different companies visit each other. The rest of the time, they’re tossed in a warehouse. No one ever looks at them."

"Is that so."

Lin Shen looked enlightened. It was the first time he’d realized there was so much nuance to this sort of thing.

But it was understandable.

After all, what company would hang a photo of another company’s opening ceremony in their own office!

People would see it and think you were a branch of that other company.

Besides, if you hung one for every event, the whole wall would be full.

Hearing Qin Yuenan say this, Lin Shen grew bold. He reached out, wrapped his arm around her slender waist, and rested his hand on the curve of her right hip.

!?

When Qin Yuenan felt his hand, she turned and shot Lin Shen a cold glance. The message it conveyed was easy enough to understand.

’What do you think you’re doing, putting your arm around my waist?’

’I wanted to.’

Lin Shen conveyed his true intentions with a mischievous smile, which made Qin Yuenan let out a quiet, indulgent sigh.

’Oh, whatever. Let him be.’

’This photo isn’t important anyway.’

"BANG!"

As the ceremonial poppers burst in mid-air, the guests clapped and cheered. Only Lin Shen was still holding Qin Yuenan’s waist, whispering intimately in her ear.

Fortunately, the two reacted quickly. By the time the host announced for everyone to look forward, they had instantly broken their intimate embrace.

CLICK!

At 11:30 AM, the conference ended.

Qin Yuenan grabbed Lin Shen, collected their parting gifts, and left the venue immediately.

"It’s finally over!"

Leaving Longhu Mansion, Lin Shen stretched lazily. For the first time in a while, a smile appeared on Qin Yuenan’s face.

"Thanks for putting up with me and keeping me company for the past two and a half days."

"So, does that mean it’s your turn to keep me company now?"

Lin Shen chuckled teasingly. He had expected Qin Yuenan to give him her usual sidelong glance, but this time, she took the initiative to hold his hand and murmured softly.

"Mm."

’So obedient?’

Lin Shen was taken aback for a moment. Just then, Wang Shuo came jogging out of Longhu Mansion.

"President Qin! So this is where you two were! Are you heading back to Modu this afternoon? Do you need me to see you off?"

"That won’t be necessary."

Qin Yuenan turned back and said softly.

"Thank you for all your hard work these past two days."

"Not at all! Not at all!"

Wang Shuo gave a simple, honest smile, which made Lin Shen take note of this branch’s general manager.

’This guy seems honest, but he’s actually quite sharp.’

After declining Wang Shuo’s offer to see them off, Lin Shen had their butler come pick them up and take them back to the hotel.

They changed their clothes, took a shower, had lunch, and took a nap.

After resting and recovering from the fatigue of the past few days, the two finally began their long-awaited tourist itinerary!

「4:00 PM, Xuanwu Lake.」

Lin Shen and Qin Yuenan had spent the last few days shuttling between rows of towering skyscrapers, so he had arranged their afternoon sightseeing at the lakeside to experience some long-overdue peace and tranquility.

The lake’s surface was clear, the water shimmering.

The shore was lush and green, and a gentle breeze was blowing.

Lin Shen loved this brief tranquility after escaping the city’s hustle and bustle. He felt as if his fast-paced life had suddenly slowed down.

Because the people around them no longer seemed to be in a rush.

Travelers just coming from the train station, elderly men and women playing chess under the shade of the trees.

These relaxed and leisurely human scenes were the kind of dream life Lin Shen had always imagined.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the crisp air, so different from the city’s. He felt completely refreshed and revitalized.

Qin Yuenan’s preferences seemed to be the same as his.

They walked hand in hand along the lake, chatting and complaining like any ordinary couple.

The usually quiet and reserved Qin Yuenan seemed to have opened up a floodgate of words when she was with Lin Shen.

She was no longer cold and aloof. Instead, she discussed all sorts of things with Lin Shen in a relaxed tone, a faint smile gracing her lips.

From small things, like what kind of strange-looking grass this was, to big things, like the potential work troubles they might face back in Modu.

No matter how big or small the matter, Qin Yuenan was willing to share it with Lin Shen.

After all, there’s a saying that goes, a romantic partner is also your best friend.

Learning to listen and share is the key to a long-lasting relationship.

When it comes to falling in love, the most important part is the communication, not just the feelings of affection and love themselves.

6:30 PM.

Lin Shen and Qin Yuenan sat on a bench by the lake, quietly watching the evening clouds dye half the sky red.

Where the lake and sky met as one, the sunset gradually sank lower.

The shimmering ripples on the water continuously reflected the deep orange twilight, and from time to time, a fish would leap out.

Lin Shen decisively took out his phone to capture the beautiful sunset before him.

Just then, Qin Yuenan suddenly realized something.

Even after their relationship had developed so rapidly, they didn’t have a single photo together.

The last time they had a photo taken together was when they were climbing Sheshan.

That was the first time Qin Yuenan’s heart had fluttered for Lin Shen.

’More than half a month has passed without me even realizing it...’

Qin Yuenan sighed inwardly. It felt so long, as if half a year had gone by.

From her understanding of romance, the entire process for a couple—getting to know each other, understanding each other, and falling in love—should take at least three or four months to truly understand one another.

And yet, she had only been with Lin Shen for a little over half a month and had already decided to give him her all.

’Is that fast?’

If this had happened to someone else, Qin Yuenan would definitely think it was fast.

But now that she was the one involved, she suddenly didn’t feel it was fast at all.

In fact, the progression of their relationship even felt a bit slow.

’Falling in love really is something that happens in an instant.’

After a moment of thought, Qin Yuenan also took out her phone.

But she didn’t intend to take a picture of the scenery. She was going to take a picture of people.

Qin Yuenan took the initiative to link her arm with Lin Shen’s, rested her head on his shoulder, held her phone up high, and told him to turn and look at the camera with her. Then, she broke into a radiant smile, the likes of which he had never seen before.

CLICK!

And just like that, an intimate couple’s photo was taken.

"Nice."

Lin Shen leaned over to praise it and asked Qin Yuenan to send him the picture.

When the sun was about to dip below the horizon, the two left Xuanwu Lake and took a taxi to the 1912 District.

The streetscape here was similar to South Lake East Road, but the cultural atmosphere seemed richer.

All kinds of vintage-style, traditional Chinese buildings lined both sides of the street, adorned with hanging red lanterns.

The moment he stepped in, Lin Shen suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu, as if he had traveled back to the Republican Era.

This made him look around curiously, tasting gourmet food and admiring the scenery along the way, all while remembering to capture these romantic scenes.

SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!

MUNCH! MUNCH! MUNCH!

These became Lin Shen’s tasks for the evening.

However, unlike his passion for scenery and gourmet food, Qin Yuenan didn’t feel like walking around anymore.

It wasn’t that she disliked the place, but that all her thoughts were focused on what was going to happen that night.

As it grew later, Qin Yuenan’s calm heart began to race with nervousness, and she unconsciously bit her thin lips.

She stole several glances at Lin Shen’s profile, her emotions growing anxious and insecure.

’Does Lin Shen know what’s going to happen tonight or not?’

’If he doesn’t know, should I give him a hint?’

’If he does know, should I be more reserved and act less expectant?’

’Aaaah!’

’This is so frustrating!’

Qin Yuenan felt that being in a relationship was so difficult. She had clearly made up her mind, yet at this moment, she suddenly felt apprehensive again.

After all, it was her first time, and she had no experience.

"Here, Nan, try this."

Lin Shen shared the gourmet food he’d bought with Qin Yuenan. Seeing her distracted look, he asked with concern.

"Are you not feeling well?"

"Huh?"

Qin Yuenan looked startled for a moment before shaking her head.

"No."

"Then you must be exhausted from work these past few days."

Lin Shen suddenly took Qin Yuenan’s hand, his gaze burning as he stared at her.

"Why don’t we go back to the hotel and get some good rest? We can explore more tomorrow."

"..."

Qin Yuenan met Lin Shen’s gaze, and from the depths of his profound eyes, she sensed a long-accumulated passion.

At that moment, she suddenly understood. Lin Shen had known all along what was going to happen tonight; he had just been avoiding the topic.

’So he was looking forward to it too...’

Qin Yuenan suddenly felt a sense of relief. She turned her hand to interlace her fingers with his, continuing to meet his passionate gaze. A slight blush crept onto her exquisite, beautiful face, and her cool tone was tinged with an undeniable shyness.

"Okay, let’s go back to the hotel."