Captured Hearts: The Substitute Bride’s Gambit

Chapter 38: Chapter 38 I’ve taken a liking to him, no need to change Chapter 38: Chapter 38 I’ve taken a liking to him, no need to change Lin Chuyi hadn’t anticipated that Madam Ye would position her hand on top of Sheng Tingyuan’s. His palm was dry and warm, which clashed with his cool demeanor.

The skin contact made Sheng Tingyuan feel uncomfortable, but he didn’t pull his hand away. Instead, when Lin Chuyi attempted to withdraw hers, he grasped it.

Because, Sheng Huai’an had approached.

“Wen Ying, is this Xiaoyin? After a few years, she’s grown even more beautiful and composed.”

Madam Ye smiled at him, “She has no flaws in appearance, it’s just that she’s too headstrong now, and ever since growing up, she doesn’t listen to her father and me anymore. Strangely enough, she does seem to listen to Tingyuan; it seems the two children get along quite well.”

Sheng Tingyuan was already holding Lin Chuyi’s hand, and he pulled her to his side.

Lin Chuyi found his behavior odd. After a few encounters, she knew that Sheng Tingyuan actually disliked physical contact with others. What was happening now, for him to be so proactive in holding her hand?

Was it to put on a show for his father?

Since he had also once played along with her act, she offered him tit for tat, quietly standing by his side, allowing him to hold her hand.

After exchanging pleasantries with Sheng Huai’an, Madam Ye turned to Lin Chuyi with affection, “Xiaoyin, upon seeing your Uncle Sheng, how come you don’t greet anyone?”

Lin Chuyi displayed a standard smile, “Uncle Sheng, good evening.”

Sheng Huai’an nodded back at her, his gaze falling on their intertwined hands, “I thought Xiaoyin didn’t quite like Tingyuan, but it looks like you two get along quite well.”

Lin Chuyi continued to smile, “He’s very nice, I haven’t disliked him.”

Sheng Huai’an also smiled, “As long as you think he’s good, that’s fine. But if you ever find him unfavorable, remember to tell me. Uncle Sheng’s family doesn’t just consist of him; we have other sons too, we can swap them for you.”

Lin Chuyi was utterly astonished. What was Director Sheng suggesting? Could marriage be so casually switched around? She had thought the Ye Family’s arrangement of a faux daughter for an alliance with the Sheng Family was already outrageous, but the Sheng Family seemed just as preposterous, actually considering switching partners for marriage!

She couldn’t fathom Sheng Huai’an’s intentions, but Sheng Tingyuan’s grip on her hand tightened further.

So, she simply hooked her other arm through Sheng Tingyuan’s, “Thank you, Uncle Sheng, but I’ve set my eyes on him alone, no need for any changes.”

Upon hearing her words, Madam Ye noticeably relaxed, finding Lin Chuyi to be even smarter and more astute than she had thought.

Lin Chuyi didn’t understand Sheng Huai’an’s intent, but Madam Ye understood all too well—Sheng Huai’an had another illegitimate son, and he intended for this son to marry the Ye family’s daughter, to secure a powerful support for his illegitimate child in the future.

The Ye Family certainly didn’t want to marry their daughter to an illegitimate child, even if Lin Chuyi was a fake daughter, as it would be too shameful for them.

Soon, someone came over to speak with Sheng Huai’an, and he left.

Madam Ye was also drawn away by acquaintances, leaving only Lin Chuyi and Sheng Tingyuan standing there.

Su Shan couldn’t contain her urgency, “President Lin, it’s time.”

Only then did Lin Chuyi withdraw her hand from Sheng Tingyuan’s, “Let’s go!”

Just as she was about to take the stage, the banquet hall’s doors suddenly opened, and Cong Ningyuan, accompanied by his assistant, hurried in.

Lin Chuyi sighed in relief; he had managed to return in time after all.

Accompanied by Su Shan, she found a table in the corner to sit at and watched as An elegantly dressed Cong Ningyuan took the stage and announced the official start of the exchange event.

While Cong Ningyuan on stage continued to thank Shengshi Group and Guangyao Group for their sponsorship, Sheng Tingyuan also took his seat beside her.

He spoke indifferently, “Thanks for earlier.”

“Don’t mention it, you’ve helped me before; I was just repaying the favor.”