Volume 1, Chapter 9: Leapfrogging

Liu Wanyun was panicked. She could not understand how Lin Yu knew the War Goddess Leng Rushuang, nor why they were at such odds with one another.

"Listen here, Lin, don't push your luck!" The male adjutant, looking menacing, prepared to lay hands on Lin Yu.

To everyone's surprise, Lin Yu remained unfazed and instead threatened Leng Rushuang: "If this man doesn't do his frog jumps, I won't say a single word about Zero. You decide."

Leng Rushuang gasped in frustration. The female adjutant whispered to her colleague: "You know how desperate the War Goddess is for information on Zero. Just swallow your pride for now."

The male adjutant looked as if he were grinding his teeth to dust. After shooting a glare at Lin Yu, he actually walked to the side and began doing frog jumps.

Lin Yu chuckled: "Interesting, truly interesting!"

Liu Wanyun watched, dumbfounded. Was this guy crazy? How could he be so reckless? And who was this "Zero" they kept talking about? The more she thought about it, the more she realized this was far from simple. She was determined to get answers later.

Leng Rushuang took a deep breath and said coldly: "Lin Yu, can you talk now?"

Instead of answering, Lin Yu dove into his sports car. "Sorry, I don't like your condescending attitude, so I've decided not to tell you!"

Before the words had even faded, Lin Yu floored the accelerator and sped off, leaving a trail of dust. Liu Wanyun was stunned, then struck by a realization: "The War Goddess is furious now, and I'm still not in the car..."

Just as she feared, Leng Rushuang and her adjutants completely lost their cool, roaring: "Lin Yu! Don't you run!" They jumped into their vehicle and gave chase, but they were no match for the speed of Lin Yu's supercar.

Watching the taillights vanish into the distance, Liu Wanyun felt a mix of shame and anger: "That jerk Lin Yu kissed me, and then he just ran off like this!?"

In reality, Lin Yu had just received a message from Zhou Lei. He had learned that the investigation into the fire that destroyed the Lin family had made progress, which was why he had left in such a hurry without picking up Liu Wanyun.

Soon, Lin Yu met up with Zhou Lei. "Young Master, that devastating fire back then turned almost all evidence to ash," Zhou Lei reported respectfully. "Even the security systems on several surrounding streets didn't survive. However, after a thorough investigation and the integration of various resources, we discovered that a secret military-grade surveillance device was hidden not far from the scene. It is extremely durable and capable of withstanding both extreme heat and intense cold. I am certain it captured crucial footage that night."

Lin Yu felt a surge of emotion. "Finally, progress on the Lin family fire. You've done well."

"It is my honor to serve you, Young Master!" Zhou Lei felt an inexplicable sense of excitement. After bidding Lin Yu farewell, he immediately took his men to continue the investigation.

It was late when Lin Yu returned to the Liu residence. Since the sports car was too conspicuous, he had ordered Zhou Lei’s men to take it away. He walked straight toward Liu Wanyun's room.

Although their marriage certificate was a sham, he still had to play the part. Furthermore, with his divine perception, Lin Yu could sense that Old Master Liu and Liu Wanyun's three sisters were not yet asleep; they were all pressed against their doors, listening to the commotion.

Lin Yu shook his head with a smile. "This family is a bit eccentric."

As soon as Lin Yu opened the door and entered, Old Master Liu’s face wrinkled into a triumphant grin. *Lin Yu has entered Wanyun's room; I can finally sleep soundly tonight!*

In contrast, Liu Wanyun’s three sisters felt uneasy. "Lin Yu is in the same room as the eldest sister; she's going to suffer for this."

Inside the room, the scent of gardenias greeted Lin Yu. It was fresh and enchanting. The room was spacious, complete with a walk-in closet, a bathroom, and an office area, all decorated with exquisite taste. However, the closet was a bit cluttered, with high-end stockings draped over racks and daring, sexy lingerie scattered everywhere.

"Beauty, your room smells pure," Lin Yu remarked.

Liu Wanyun turned around abruptly, finally noticing his presence. Seeing him staring at her intimate apparel, her face flushed red. "Lin Yu! When did you get back? And how dare you barge into my room!" She scolded him fiercely, "Don't look at what you shouldn't! Keep your eyes to yourself!"

She scrambled to clean up, but in her haste, things kept dropping. Lin Yu chuckled and helped her pick them up, but one piece was particularly unique. He couldn't help but ask, "With little ribbons and lace, what is this?"

"Ah! Who told you to pick that up!" Liu Wanyun snatched it away, her face burning, and shoved him toward the door.

Lin Yu didn't mind; he simply smiled and headed into the bathroom. The sound of running water filled the room—he was actually taking a shower!

"This bastard is way too comfortable, he has no sense of boundaries!" Liu Wanyun muttered to herself while tidying up. "And he left me behind to drive off tonight! Now he acts like nothing happened!"

Soon, Lin Yu emerged wrapped only in a bath towel, his bare upper body revealing perfectly chiseled chest and abdominal muscles.

"Hey, why are you coming out without clothes?" Liu Wanyun started to scold him, but she went silent as she took in his perfect, toned physique. His muscles were well-defined, without a hint of excess fat. Combined with his incredibly handsome face, he was like a walking personification of masculine charm.

*I didn't realize he was in such good shape!* She watched him, mesmerized, and couldn't help but recall how she had been all over him in the car earlier. *I touched him everywhere... I guess it wasn't a total loss!*

Lin Yu noticed her staring and teased: "What? Was kissing me not enough? Are you trying to take advantage of me now?"

Liu Wanyun snapped out of it, a blush spreading to her neck. She warned him fiercely: "You are not to say a single word about me acting like a drunkard tonight!" She tossed him some clothes. "Put these on! And remember, this is my room. Don't touch my things. I sleep in the bed, you sleep on the sofa in the office area! If I start dating, you aren't allowed to interfere! I won't interfere in your business either; we're just acting! As for sharing a bed... don't even think about it!"

Lin Yu laughed. "I can agree to your terms, but making me sleep on the sofa? No way!" He put on his clothes and promptly flopped onto the bed, falling fast asleep. Liu Wanyun was so angry she felt like she might explode.

The next morning, Mother-in-law Liu Xingping saw Lin Yu coming downstairs in a suit and a flash of surprise crossed her eyes. "My son-in-law is truly handsome!" Father-in-law Liu Shitai, feeling inferior, found his dislike for Lin Yu growing even stronger. However, Old Master Liu was very satisfied with him.

"Xiao Yu, you're new to Jiang City and must be unfamiliar with many places," the Old Master said. "If you want to go anywhere, let Wanyun take you."

Liu Wanyun frowned. "I have an important meeting tonight; I need to prepare! Let the third sister, Yuting, take Lin Yu. She’s heading to the yoga studio anyway."

Third sister Liu Yuting immediately understood the hidden meaning in her eldest sister's words: *The eldest sister wants me to use my charms to trap Lin Yu!* As a sister, she would not refuse. She stood up and said with a faint smile, "Lin Yu, I'll take you!"

Lin Yu didn't think much of it and replied, "Then many thanks."

To his surprise, Liu Yuting wheeled out a sleek motorcycle from the garage and handed him a helmet. Because she was headed to yoga, she was wearing skin-tight yoga gear that perfectly showcased her graceful figure. As she got on the bike, Lin Yu watched from behind, noting her long legs and curvaceous hips—she was truly the most striking sight on the street.