"Second, about the cats."

"Once the Cat Cafe expands, we’ll need more cats. I’ll have someone purchase a new batch, and you’ll help take care of them. Make sure they don’t fight with our current cats, that they’re obedient and well-behaved, and that they learn how to charm the customers. Can you do that?"

"I can."

Lin Ping nodded, her body shifting restlessly as she unconsciously pressed a little closer to Lin Shen.

"But, President Lin, it’s best if you don’t pick cats from a rescue shelter. Strays usually have a wild nature and behavioral issues. They rarely warm up to people."

"I know. I have my sources."

Sensing her body grow even softer, a small smile played on Lin Shen’s lips as he placed his left hand on her thigh.

Her full, supple thigh, clad in fine, silky black stockings, felt exquisite to the touch.

"Third, operations. Do you use TikTok much?"

"Not really..."

An intense heat bloomed in Lin Ping’s chest, and a desire, long-suppressed deep within her, was slowly being coaxed out by Lin Shen.

"What do you want me to do?"

"I’ll give you access to the official Warm Claw Nest Cat Cafe TikTok account. You won’t have to post videos. You just need to take the heat for me."

’Take the heat?’

A hint of clarity returned to Lin Ping’s beautiful, misty eyes before she heard Lin Shen explain.

"The Cat Cafe is in the service industry, after all. We can’t guarantee 100% customer satisfaction. When we get nitpicky or completely senseless complaints and criticisms, you’ll be the one to step in and handle them for me."

"You don’t need to argue with them. Just apologize and promise we’ll do better next time. I’m sure you’re perfect for the job."

Lin Shen looked down at Lin Ping’s stunning face and grinned mischievously, while she puffed out her cheeks in a slight, resentful pout.

’So he’s just using me as a punching bag for the customers!’

But Lin Shen was a good judge of character.

Lin Ping’s personality was timid and gentle. She was polite and mild-mannered, so he had no fear of her getting into conflicts with customers.

’She’s perfect for the service industry!’

’Still, he couldn’t let her be subjected to the customers’ negativity for too long, or she’d eventually get depressed.’

So Lin Shen leaned down and said comfortingly.

"Whenever you have to take some flak, just tell me. I’ll take you out to have some fun. You can also delete the nastier comments, but try to remain restrained and polite for the most part."

"Okay~"

Lin Ping’s voice grew even softer, her sultry gaze as alluring as silk.

"President Lin, I..."

Seeing this, a smile played on Lin Shen’s lips. When he saw her face flush an even deeper red, he decisively lowered his head and captured hers.

And she responded with equal fervor.

At that moment, Lin Ping was like a desert traveler searching for water who had finally found her long-desired oasis in Lin Shen.

He had to admit, the young woman had some skills.

Her figure and skin were incredibly well-maintained, and her age gave her a certain allure.

Lin Ping’s expression froze for a moment; she clearly knew what she had to do next.

——

——

12:00 AM.

Lin Shen stood by the bed, getting dressed, a refreshed and invigorated look on his face.

He then took out his phone to call a designated driver before turning to Lin Ping, who was sprawled on the bed, and giving her soft-spoken instructions.

"I’m heading out. Remember to throw the sheets in the laundry hamper and clean up the room. Especially the trash in the bin—make sure you take it out."

"Mmm..."

Lin Ping mumbled a soft "mmm," her voice filled with exhaustion and fatigue.

Her mind was a chaotic haze. It took a long while of rest before she slowly came to her senses, her dazed and distant eyes gradually regaining focus.

By the time she sat up in bed and looked around, Lin Shen was already gone.

In the dim light, she could faintly make out a distinct scent, causing her face to flush red.

Her cheeks burned even hotter when she looked down and saw her own disheveled state.

’So embarrassing!’

Though she felt deeply ashamed, it was followed by a sense of satisfaction and contentment she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Lin Ping bit her lip, her mind replaying the night’s intimate events over and over.

She had finally taken that step. Her relationship with Lin Shen had fundamentally changed.

Though she felt uncertain about the future, Lin Ping didn’t think she had made the wrong decision.

Anan needed a stable living environment, so as a mother, she had to step up!

And Lin Shen was the best person she could rely on!

Even if she would be scorned and condemned, all that mattered was Anan’s happiness.

Besides, she still had to get her revenge on Shen Mingchuan!

With this realization, Lin Ping’s anxiety and unease gradually dissipated.

She got out of bed and, following Lin Shen’s instructions, first picked up her underwear and form-fitting skirt from the floor and put them on.

Her stockings had been torn, so she could only throw them in the trash, to be tossed out later with the used condom.

’It would be terrible if anyone found them.’

Lin Ping pushed through the weakness in her legs to clean the master bedroom. After changing the sheets, she was too exhausted to tidy it up any further.

So she tiptoed into the adjoining room where Anan was sleeping, lay down beside her, and gazed at her with eyes full of tenderness.

’My sweet girl, all I want is for you to grow up happy.’

’Mommy isn’t strong enough on her own to give you a good life in Modu.’

’But that’s okay. Mommy has found someone to rely on. And it’s your favorite person, Brother Lin Shen.’

After kissing Anan on the forehead, Lin Ping slowly fell asleep.

——

——

「Friday, August 28, 2025.」

21°C–31°C. Sunny, turning to cloudy. Light southeasterly wind, 31% humidity.

At 10:00 AM, Shen Mingchuan groggily awoke on the sofa.

A piercing hangover headache made his vision swim. It was followed by waves of stomach pain and the sour taste of old wine in his mouth.

Shen Mingchuan covered his mouth and immediately ran into the bathroom, hugging the toilet and vomiting uncontrollably.

A moment later, he collapsed onto the floor, staring blankly at the laundry hamper before him, his eyes vacant.