Chapter 30: Sister‑in‑law, you're really beautiful!

Chen Yang didn't expect Zhang Linlin to suddenly hug him; instinctively he pushed her shoulders apart, putting distance between them.

Zhang Linlin was snapped out of her fantasy by Lin Wei's scolding. She thought Chen Yang had bought all those storefronts to win her affection, but she had misunderstood—he already had a partner!

Looking again at the woman outside the door who exuded authority without anger, whether in appearance, demeanor, or posture, she far surpassed her.

Zhang Linlin suddenly felt an inexplicable shame, wishing she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Lin Wei changed into a white thin blazer, stepped into black high heels, and carried two gift bags. She pushed open the glass door with her elbow, walked slowly into the marketing center, and teased Chen Yang, who had just come to his senses: "Honey, I sent you to buy storefronts—how did you bring back a fairy? Are you dissatisfied with how I treat you?"

Chen Yang's face flushed with embarrassment as he pointed to the still-dazed Zhang Linlin and explained to Lin Wei: "She's my high school classmate; we haven't seen each other in years, so she might be a little overexcited."

"Really? She is indeed quite excited." Lin Wei reached out, pulled Chen Yang to her side, then said to Zhang Linlin: "Even in broad daylight, old classmates should keep some propriety. If people misunderstand and it gets around, it'll be bad for both you and my husband. Right?"

Zhang Linlin lowered her head, slightly ashamed, and apologized to Lin Wei: "Sorry, I was indeed rude just now. I hope it doesn't affect your relationship."

Lin Wei laughed: "That certainly won't be a problem. He's surrounded by plenty of prettier, younger fox spirits. If I fussed over every one, I'd wear myself out."

"Ma'am, our staff indeed behaved inappropriately just now; please forgive the rudeness." At that moment, Zhang Linlin's middle-aged supervisor also stepped in to smooth things over: "To express our apology, on behalf of the company I'm waiving three months of property fees for you. What do you think?"

Lin Wei didn't respond right away; instead she picked up the contract on the desk and skimmed it. After finishing, she teased Chen Yang again: "Honey, I heard the market outlook isn't great. You're so enthusiastically supporting your old classmate's business, pouring all your savings into it, yet you haven't gotten a single discount. Could it be that you're really bewitched by her beauty?"

Hearing that, the middle-aged man felt a bit uneasy. Afraid Chen Yang might change his mind under Lin Wei's persuasion, he quickly said: "We've already discounted the total price by forty thousand. If you're still not satisfied, we can waive another year's property fees."

"Three years!"

"Three years is too much..."

"I don't want to hear explanations—if I don't get three years, I'm returning the unit. Do it now!"

"Fine, three years it is!"

"Alright, then please have this old classmate handle the remaining paperwork. I'll treat you to a thank‑you meal later." Lin Wei handed the gift bags to Chen Yang, then linked arms with him as they walked out of the marketing center together.

Watching them leave, Zhang Linlin finally breathed a sigh of relief and thanked her middle‑aged supervisor repeatedly: "Manager Luo, thank you so much just now!"

"Don't mention it—I'm just doing it for the company's performance." Manager Luo shook his head, sighed, and warned Zhang Linlin: "You'd better keep your distance from that old classmate from now on. His lover is clearly no ordinary person."

Zhang Linlin's face darkened. It was rare to reunite with the person she liked, only to have it turn into a mirage in an instant. Her life is truly miserable!

Meanwhile, Chen Yang brought Lin Wei to the car and asked curiously: "Aren't you supposed to be packing at home? Why did you come over again?"

Lin Wei laughed: "I did a quick finger calculation—you have a peach‑blossom calamity today, so I came especially to help you out of trouble, husband!"

"And what's with these gifts?" Chen Yang pointed to the gift bags on the back seat and continued asking her.

Lin Wei smiled: "You've been so good to my family, I ought to return the courtesy. Here are two boxes of the fine tea my father treasures—for your aunt and uncle to try."

"Then let me thank them for you first." Chen Yang's family doesn't drink tea, but he couldn't dismiss Lin Wei's kindness. "Actually, you could have come empty‑handed; my aunt would still be happy."

"Really? Do I have that much charm?"

"Of course—an imperial noblewoman marrying a commoner is a huge blessing. I can't even imagine how happy my aunt would be if she found out."

"Hehe, are you still fooling around?"

"Can't help it—being handsome just brings trouble. Or should I get plastic surgery to make myself ugly?"

"Go ahead! Later I'll divorce you again!"

Lin Wei pinched Chen Yang's waist hard. As a looks‑obsessed person, she couldn't allow her husband to turn into an ugly monster. That woman named Zhang Linlin—she still hadn't even noticed her.

"Actually, there's nothing between me and Zhang Linlin. She's not my type at all."

"Oh, then what type of woman do you like?"

"Besides you, there's no other woman!"

"What about Liu Qingqing?"

"She's our junior schoolmate!"

"She likes you!"

"I don't care who she likes—I only like you, and that's enough."

"Hmph! Men's mouths are lying ghosts—I'd never believe you!"

Lin Wei could guard against other women, but she had to watch out for Liu Qingqing. That girl is beautiful and passionate, innocent and guileless—even Lin Wei herself likes her, let alone Chen Yang, who once had a past with her.

Chen Yang drove on in silence. He'd experienced this sort of thing plenty in his past life; if they kept arguing, it might easily turn into a fight.

Seeing Chen Yang silent, Lin Wei added: "If she's willing to be a concubine and openly provoke me, I could just pretend I don't know anything."

Chen Yang gave her a sideways glance. This woman had overturned the officialdom of Clear Water County in her previous life—would she tolerate a third party in their relationship?

"Classmate Lin Wei, can't a husband and wife be more sincere and less scheming?"

"Hehe, I'm speaking sincerely!"

"Hmph, I believe you about as much as I believe a ghost!"

Chen Yang drove the car to the staff quarters of Clear Water Textile Factory, Building 9, Unit 2, and as soon as he got out he saw his cousin walking out of the hallway.

She was a bit shorter than Lin Wei, and her personality was brighter than Chen Yang's in his previous life. Seeing Chen Yang, she happily flung herself into his arms, her light‑blue patterned long dress fluttering as she moved.

"Brother, you're back?"

Chen Yang stuck out a hand to block Zhao Qian's attempt to hug him. There's a vinegar jar in the car, and he truly didn't want to invite more trouble.

"Brother, what are you doing? We haven't seen each other in a year—can't I even hug you? Are you still my brother?"

"Uh, your sister‑in‑law is here!"

Chen Yang pointed to Lin Wei stepping out of the passenger seat, and she gave Zhao Qian a smile.

"You must be Qian Qian, right? I've heard Chen Yang talk about you all the time—I didn't expect you to be even prettier than he described!"

Chen Yang was speechless. Did he even say that? He just briefly mentioned his aunt's family on the way back to Clear Water—that's all.

"Sister‑in‑law, you're really beautiful!" Zhao Qian let go of Chen Yang and happily hugged Lin Wei.