C27 Tortoise!!

Zhang Chen shook his head, casting aside the unsavory thoughts that had crept into his mind.

Lin Zhiqing rose to her feet, her voice cool and detached, "We should head back."

Zhang Chen paused, puzzled.

Where were they headed?

Lin Zhiqing had already left the room, prompting Zhang Chen to silently follow her.

Exiting the hotel, they hailed a taxi and headed straight for the Lin family compound.

As they approached the Lin residence, Zhang Chen felt an odd sensation in his heart, an inexplicable reluctance taking hold. Lee Fengqin's face haunted his thoughts.

Before long, the taxi pulled up at the entrance to the Lin compound.

The place, referred to as a compound, was really just a villa with an attached small courtyard.

Ostracized throughout the year due to her father's absence, Lin Zhiqing had long since moved out of the family home.

Stepping out of the car, Zhang Chen was surprised to see a Bentley parked in the courtyard. Had they received a visitor?

They entered the villa together.

No sooner had they stepped inside than Zhang Chen heard the exuberant voice of Lee Fengqin. "Qingsong, it's been ages! I've missed you terribly!"

"Don't forget to spend some quality time with Zhiqing while you're back!"

Zhang Chen froze in his tracks.

He looked up, his eyes flashing with a sudden chill. The fact that these words had come from Lee Fengqin herself was what he found most unsettling.

The living room scene quickly came into view.

A well-dressed young man, clad in costly attire, was seated on the sofa.

Lee Fengqin's face was alight with enthusiasm, her smile so broad that even her wrinkles were beaming.

At the sound of their arrival, the young man turned, his face lighting up with surprise. "Zhiqing, you're back! It's been too long."

Lin Zhiqing's expression was reserved as she gave a slight nod.

Lee Fengqin's brow furrowed with disapproval. "Zhiqing, why don't you say hello?"

With a calm demeanor, Lin Zhiqing responded, "Welcome back."

Yee Qingsong's eyes gleamed with intense warmth as he nodded emphatically. "I've returned. How have you been?"

Lin Zhiqing nodded again. "I've been well."

Yee Qingsong's gaze remained fixed on Lin Zhiqing, completely disregarding Zhang Chen.

A cold smirk crept onto Zhang Chen's lips. He wouldn't stand for this, not in the slightest!

"Zhiqing, you have no idea. He's come a long way since we were kids! He's now a Ph.D. in economics!"

"Hand him a hundred yuan today, and by tomorrow, he'll turn it into a million!"

Lee Fengqin quickly rose and ushered Lin Zhiqing to take a seat.

A gleam of pride shone in Yee Qingsong's eyes, yet he humbly replied, "Auntie, I'm really not that impressive."

With a beaming smile, Lee Fengqin said, "Look at you, being modest again! You two are the epitome of childhood sweethearts. Did you find a girlfriend while abroad?"

Yee Qingsong, locking eyes with Lin Zhiqing, declared deliberately, "No, Zhiqing has always been on my mind."

Lee Fengqin's smile grew even more radiant!

Zhang Chen felt like he was about to burst with fury!

Were they just going to ignore him like that?

And Lin Zhiqing, she had no reaction at all?

Just as Zhang Chen couldn't hold back any longer and was about to make a stand, Lin Zhiqing suddenly spoke up, "Zhang Chen, I'm thirsty."

Zhang Chen paused, taken aback.

She was thirsty?

He glanced at Lin Zhiqing, bewildered, only to catch her signaling him with her eyes.

Zhang Chen hesitated for a split second before catching on.

She was creating an opportunity for him!

"Got it!" Zhang Chen said with a wide grin.

He made a beeline for the refrigerator.

Soon after, Zhang Chen returned with a glass of juice, cheerfully offering it to Lin Zhiqing, "Here, drink up."

Lin Zhiqing accepted the juice with a gentle smile, "Thanks, honey."

Zhang Chen was overjoyed.

Lee Fengqin's brow furrowed, her eyes flashing with irritation.

Yee Qingsong straightened up, his expression darkening.

Before returning, Yee Qingsong had done his homework on Lin Zhiqing. He was aware she was married and had caught wind of the rumors surrounding Zhang Chen.

It didn't take long for a cold smirk to play across Yee Qingsong's lips.

Extending his hand with polite elegance, he greeted, "Hello, you must be Zhiqing's husband, right?"

Zhang Chen reciprocated with a firm handshake and a nod, "Yes, I'm Zhang Chen."

No sooner had Zhang Chen and Yee Qingsong finished their handshake than Lee Fengqin sneered with disdain, "You have the audacity to shake hands with Qingsong, given who you are? Do you even realize who he is?"

Zhang Chen brushed off her comment with a grin, replying, "Of course, I know. He's an international student who's returned from abroad."

He then turned his attention to Yee Qingsong, asking earnestly, "Which ocean did you cross on your way back?"

Zhang Chen paused intentionally.

Lin Zhiqing had just taken a sip of her juice when she nearly choked on it.

Unaware of any sarcasm, Yee Qingsong responded cheerfully, "Pardon my lack of flair, but I happened to traverse the Pacific Ocean on my return."

Though Yee Qingsong's tone was humble, his face betrayed a smug satisfaction.

His return from a nation beyond the Pacific was clear from his words.

Lin Zhiqing struggled to suppress her giggles.

Zhang Chen, on the other hand, laughed openly, expressing his admiration, "Impressive, that's no small feat."

After Yee Qingsong had finished, Zhang Chen turned away, murmuring under his breath, "Truly impressive. I wonder how he managed to swim back from the Pacific."

His comment was barely audible, and neither Lee Fengqin nor Yee Qingsong caught it.

But as Zhang Chen walked by Lin Zhiqing, she heard every word.

Unable to contain herself any longer, Lin Zhiqing sprayed out her juice in a burst of laughter.

After a couple of harsh coughs, she shot Zhang Chen an annoyed yet playful look.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

Caught off guard, Zhang Chen stood there dumbfounded for a moment before he fumbled for a tissue to clean up the spilled juice on himself.

Both Lee Fengqin and Yee Qingsong were baffled, clueless about Lin Zhiqing's outburst.

Concerned, Yee Qingsong inquired, "Zhiqing, are you alright?"

Regaining her composure, Lin Zhiqing responded coolly, "I'm fine."

Despite feeling slightly uncomfortable with her reaction, Yee Qingsong's longing for Lin Zhiqing only grew stronger.

Soon after, Yee Qingsong turned to Zhang Chen with a friendly smile, inquiring, "So, where are you employed these days?"

Yee Qingsong's remark left Zhang Chen at a loss for words!

Lee Fengqin's expression of scorn grew even more pronounced!