Chapter Fifty-Three: Don't Move, Let Me Feel You

Five years—an entire five years had passed. What changes had occurred in Shen Yanlie’s world? And this woman before him, what was her connection to him now?

Countless thoughts tangled through Xie Yunting’s mind, tightly wrapping her deepest emotions.

“Come join us for dinner,” Shen Yanlie said, his expression unchanged. He merely lifted his eyelids slightly, indicating the two of them.

“We—” Mai Xijun began, but Mo Shaoxing quickly interrupted, “Thank you, young master!” His face wore a polite smile, his demeanor respectful yet composed, every action imbued with courtesy.

Mai Xijun sat diagonally across from Shen Yanlie, beside Xie Yunting. Yet, for some reason, the scene felt strangely awkward.

At the table, Mo Shaoxing remained utterly calm, doing precisely what was expected. He showed no signs of discomfort, serving Mai Xijun food when appropriate, making her feel as though her own unease was the result of her imagination. Was she putting too much faith in her intuition, thinking Mo Shaoxing had a motive for agreeing to Shen Yanlie’s ‘invitation’?

“Shaoxing, Yunting’s been on a long flight. Later, take her home so she can rest,” Shen Yanlie said lightly, without meeting Xie Yunting’s gaze.

“It’s fine. Why don’t I accompany you to the mall first? Every time I go to your house, your clothes are either black or white. Let me pick out a few outfits for you,” Xie Yunting replied gently. Her speech was elegant, her presence distinct—fashionable yet not brash, and certainly not spoiled. In fact, in many ways, Xie Yunting was a woman of both grace and ability.

But why did Mai Xijun feel Shen Yanlie was deliberately keeping Xie Yunting at a distance? Was it just a misconception? After all, Xie Yunting had said, “I’ll go home,” plainly clarifying their relationship.

“Mm, that’s fine,” Shen Yanlie nodded lightly, three words that thoroughly dismissed Mai Xijun’s earlier suspicions as idle nonsense.

“There’s still plenty of time before work this afternoon. Shaoxing, you two should come along as well. More people makes things lively, and if there’s anything you need, you can pick it up. Put it on my tab,” Shen Yanlie added.

His words left no room for refusal. Mo Shaoxing raised his glass with a smile, “Thank you, young master!”

* * *

In the mall, Mai Xijun and Mo Shaoxing followed behind the pair. Xie Yunting, casual and confident, took Shen Yanlie’s arm and headed toward the boutique, selecting a garment and sizing it up against him.

“This looks good on you. Xiaomai, why don’t you try it?” As Mai Xijun stood uncertainly, unsure where to look, Mo Shaoxing took a piece from the rack, inspected it, and pressed it into her hands.

“I’d rather not... I have plenty at home—”

“Just try it! The young master’s paying, might as well take advantage.” Mo Shaoxing stepped forward, turned Mai Xijun by the shoulders, and ushered her past Shen Yanlie into the fitting room.

Suddenly, there were so many people around her—her childhood companion, a man she hadn’t seen in years, and the one who had been her first as she blossomed into a woman.

These two men, so different in temperament, now intertwined in her life, leaving her feeling overwhelmed by the sudden vibrancy of her world.

When Mai Xijun emerged, Shen Yanlie exited another fitting room at the same time, and something in the atmosphere shifted—subtle, yet strange.

To her surprise, the outfit Mai Xijun tried on complemented Shen Yanlie’s attire perfectly. Shen Yanlie was born to wear suits: white shirt inside, black jacket outside, yet he managed to make it look effortlessly elegant. The silk scarf at his neck only accentuated his striking presence.

Clearly, Xie Yunting understood him best.

Leaving the mall, Shen Yanlie tossed the car keys to Mo Shaoxing. “I have a meeting at three. Drop them off and come back.”

Mo Shaoxing caught the keys steadily. Xie Yunting, smiling, stepped forward, placed a graceful hand on Shen Yanlie’s shoulder, and kissed him softly at the corner of his lips—not a fleeting touch, but one lingering with affection. “Go on, I’ll wait for you to return.”

Shen Yanlie watched Xie Yunting until she was seated in the car and driven away.

“Well... I’ll go now. I’ll pay for the clothes as soon as possible,” Mai Xijun said, nodding before taking her leave.

“Let’s go together,” Shen Yanlie said, striding to catch up with her.

“...”

Fine, let him do as he pleases.

But as soon as she got into the taxi, Shen Yanlie tilted his head, resting it directly on Mai Xijun’s shoulder.

“You—!”

“Shh...” He placed his index finger gently to his lips. “Don’t move.”

Mai Xijun paused, was she supposed to just accept this? “I—”

“Don’t forget, the spot for the trip to France depends entirely on my mood. You’d best behave,” Shen Yanlie interrupted, leaving Mai Xijun frustrated and speechless. It felt as though she’d left home without checking the almanac—if she wasn’t being shut out, she was swallowing bitterness, unable to complain.

Swallowing her irritation, she listened as his soft, steady breathing disturbed her.

Shen Yanlie seemed genuinely exhausted, falling asleep on her shoulder. When they reached the company, she couldn’t bear to wake him, so she asked the driver to circle the nearby streets.

With his eyes closed, quiet and still, he appeared almost otherworldly—bereft of his usual arrogance and wildness.

He was much more endearing asleep; when he looked at her with those piercing eyes, she found it impossible to let her guard down.

Mai Xijun covered her mouth, letting out a soft cough, and tentatively poked his forehead with her finger. Immediately, Shen Yanlie jolted upright, scanning his surroundings until he saw Mai Xijun, her body tense, eyes wide in confusion.

“I don’t have any change. You pay,” Shen Yanlie said, his eyes briefly bloodshot, then quickly returning to normal. With that, he opened the door and stepped out without a second glance.

“Pfft! Arrogant!” Mai Xijun muttered under her breath, unable to hide her smile.

After getting out, she had no intention of following Shen Yanlie—she didn’t want anyone at the company to see her with him. This man was toxic; she couldn’t afford to be hurt.

Shen Yanlie paused, then turned back unexpectedly, sweeping Mai Xijun into his arms. “Don’t speak. Let me feel you.”