With a 30-point affection level, it's clear that Ye Yinan is into Shen Lang, even possibly in love with him.
Shen Lang is puzzled, though. Why, if Ye Yinan is interested, does her affection actually increase after she learns he has a girlfriend?
"Could it be!!"
Shen Lang suddenly had a thought and eagerly typed: "What kind of content do you like best on that website I gave you?"
Sea Island Snow: "I like both letter-based stuff and NTR. Is there a problem?"
"Wow! A true connoisseur of the niche stuff!"
Shen Lang was completely flabbergasted.
What's up with this rich girl?
She's got all the weirdest, most taboo fetishes. Could she be any more extreme?
Sleeping Till Dawn: "When you watch NTR scenes, do you find it stimulating when the female lead gets taken by another guy?"
Sea Island Snow: "Yeah, yeah. Shen Lang, how did you know?!"
"Wow, she's really immersed in the role."
Shen Lang scratched his head, at a loss for words.
He's seen many guys into cuckoldry, but a girl into it? That's a first for him.
This explains why Ye Yinan's affection level went up after she found out he had a girlfriend.
She must enjoy the whole "victim" dynamic and the sense of forbidden love being taken away.
Sea Island Snow: "I've never had anything taken from me growing up. After seeing this content, I suddenly felt excited about someone taking what I like. Is that weird?"
Shen Lang, being diplomatic, said: "It's not weird. Just keep it private, as everyone's interests are different."
Sea Island Snow: "Got it. So, can we meet in person? I really want to get to know you."
Sleeping Till Dawn: "Let's talk about it later. I'm going to shower now. You should get some rest."
Sea Island Snow: "Okay, goodnight, Shen Lang."
"So, rich people really do have unique tastes."
Shen Lang lay in bed, astonished that the daughter of a tycoon was so oddly fascinating.
But it's not entirely Ye Yinan's fault.
After talking with her for a while, Shen Lang felt she was just a polite, sweet, and somewhat naive girl—basically saying whatever came to mind.
He guessed that her upbringing had a lot to do with it.
Ye Yinan had mentioned that she didn't like her parents, feeling they treated her like a pet canary in a cage, never letting her explore her interests or make friends without their bodyguards' approval.
With such extreme, almost creepy pampering, it's no wonder she turned out this way.
On the outside, Ye Yinan seemed normal, polite, and beautiful, excelling in traditional skills like music and art.
Inside, though, she was like a puppet with no self-awareness.
It's not an exaggeration to say she knew she liked Shen Lang but didn't know how to express it.
Unlike Su Lexuan, who had a close friend like Ye Xinxin guiding her, Ye Yinan had no such mentor.
Maybe with her recent return to the country and less pampering from her parents, she's been more eager to explore her interests—though her direction was a bit off.
"Looks like being too rich can be a curse sometimes."
Shen Lang sighed deeply, turned over, and quickly fell asleep.
...
The next morning, Shen Lang woke up feeling refreshed and went to the bathroom to get ready.
Today is the Qixi Festival, and he has to spend it with three people.
Time was tight; he couldn't afford to waste a minute.
"The weather's great today!"
Shen Lang felt unreasonably excited looking at the sunny weather outside.
Just after finishing his morning routine, he got a WeChat message from Li Liusi.
Peaceful Life: "Shen Lang, are you awake? I brought you breakfast."
"Well, there's someone who values time even more than me."
Shen Lang smiled with satisfaction and replied: "Just woke up. Come over. 🌹"
Peaceful Life: "Okay. 😊"
If Su Lexuan had sent this shy emoji, it would be clearly flirtatious.
But since Li Liusi sent it, it meant she was genuinely shy.
Soon, there was a knock on the door.
Shen Lang didn't need to ask who it was. He knew it was Li Liusi with breakfast.
Only Li Liusi would knock so cautiously on his door.
"Good morning!"
Shen Lang opened the door, and there was Li Liusi, standing gracefully with steaming breakfast, her face glowing with a shy and happy expression.
"Uh-oh!"
Shen Lang noticed a red silk-wrapped gift box in Li Liusi's left hand.
No need to guess—it was definitely her Qixi Festival gift for him.
Shen Lang had planned to buy a gift for Li Liusi last night.
But after chatting with Ye Yinan until late, he'd completely forgotten!
After putting the breakfast on the table, Li Liusi hesitated for a while before gathering her courage and approaching Shen Lang with the gift box, looking like she was about to confess.
"Shen, Shen Lang, happy Qixi Festival. This is your gift. Please accept it, okay?"
"Ah, sure, thanks a lot."
Without thinking, Shen Lang took the gift, nervously scanning the room for something suitable to give her in return.
Although Shen Lang could easily make an excuse or even tell Li Liusi he didn't have a Qixi gift prepared, she probably wouldn't be upset. She was someone who enjoyed giving rather than receiving.
But to do that would be too much of a failure for him—too heartless!
Seeing Shen Lang taking too long to open the gift, Li Liusi asked softly, "Aren't you going to open it?"
"Sure, let me see what you've prepared."
Shen Lang, both nervous and touched, opened the gift box to reveal a fluffy purple scarf.
"It's getting chilly, so I knitted this for you in the past few days."
Li Liusi explained earnestly, fingers crossed and anxiously watching Shen Lang. "Do you like it?"