Chapter 98 - 96: Thorough Preparations (Part 2)

Chapter 98: Chapter 96: Thorough Preparations (Part 2)

However, over time, Lin Shen had discovered that rooms with a single large bed had many drawbacks.

First of all, after things got intense, the bed would be a complete mess, making it impossible to rest.

Most importantly, those rooms often had hidden cameras, and he’d have to anxiously check for them every single time.

Therefore, once he’d learned his lesson, Lin Shen would just book rooms with two beds whenever he traveled with Gu Wanting.

But Qin Yuenan obviously didn’t understand any of this, and it wasn’t appropriate for Lin Shen to explain it all to her, so he could only evade the issue by changing the subject.

"Nan, what’s your exact schedule for the next few days?"

"Why do you ask?"

Perhaps feeling she was being a bit dramatic, Qin Yuenan took a deep breath to compose herself and stopped sulking at Lin Shen.

"Are you planning on following me around?"

"Mhm."

Lin Shen said with a self-deprecating laugh, "After all, I’m your assistant. Besides, I’d be bored sitting in the hotel by myself, and going out to have fun alone is even less appealing."

"I’ll send you the itinerary, then."

The moment she heard Lin Shen planned to accompany her, Qin Yuenan’s slightly resentful mood instantly vanished, replaced by a subtle, warm feeling.

"Thank you."

"There’s nothing to thank me for."

Lin Shen chuckled. He then glanced at the itinerary Qin Yuenan had sent, his expression turning slightly stunned.

It could be summarized in a single word: Meetings!

Day one: Arrive at noon, check into the hotel and briefly unpack, then an afternoon meeting with the staff at the Chongyou Home Jinling Branch, followed by a business dinner in the evening.

Day two: Visit the pet expo opening in Jinling in the morning, inspect a business partner’s company in the afternoon, and research the local community market at night.

Day three: Sign a contract with another business partner, after which they could head straight back home in the afternoon.

That was the original plan, but since she wanted to do some sightseeing in Jinling, the trip had been extended to five days.

This meant that Qin Yuenan’s work would be finished by the afternoon of the third day.

The remaining two and a half days were for sightseeing!

"So, on the afternoon of the third day..."

Lin Shen thought for a moment, then quickly drafted a brief itinerary.

On the afternoon of the third day, they’d go to Xuanwu Lake to watch the sunset, and in the evening, they’d visit the 1912 district to soak in the Republican-era atmosphere.

On the fourth day: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum in the morning, a museum in the afternoon, and the Old Mentong Historical District in the evening. The nearby Confucius Temple was also worth a visit.

On the fifth day, they could leisurely stroll around places like the Ancient Jiming Temple, the City Wall, and the Mansions, wrapping up their trip.

"What do you think?"

After he shared the itinerary with Qin Yuenan, she gave a slight nod of approval.

"Sounds great. Let’s do as you suggested."

"Okay."

Qin Yuenan gazed into Lin Shen’s eyes, really wanting to ask him about the whole "not booking a room with one large bed" thing.

But then, she saw the deep affection and longing in his gaze and immediately swallowed the words that might have ruined the mood.

’At a time like this, the best reaction is to do nothing and just close my eyes.’

Seeing Qin Yuenan gently tilt her chin up and pucker her lips slightly, Lin Shen decisively leaned in and kissed her.

However, with the driver up front, the two of them didn’t dare get too intimate.

Yet, the thrill—almost like having a secret affair—left Qin Yuenan feeling a little restless, her heart pounding as if she’d just been for a run.

...

「At three in the afternoon」

Lin Shen and Qin Yuenan returned to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town.

Instead of leaving right away, they wandered around looking for street food for lunch.

Granny’s rice dumplings, deep-fried turnip cakes, begonia pastries...

Every single one was delicious.

Once they had eaten their fill and rested up, the two went their separate ways, agreeing to meet at the high-speed rail station at 8 a.m. the next morning.

「Back at home」

Lin Shen started to pack his suitcase.

He’d been a corporate drone for so long that he hadn’t traveled in ages, and for a moment, he had no idea what he should even put in his suitcase.

There was one item, however, that was essential.

That was protection!

Although Lin Shen wasn’t necessarily expecting anything to happen with Qin Yuenan on the trip, as a thoughtful, mature man, he naturally had to be fully prepared for any possibility.

Therefore, protection was indispensable.

So, Lin Shen immediately went to his bedroom drawer and took out a brand-new, unopened box of "umbrellas" he had purchased some time ago.

Only then did he start thinking about the rest of his luggage.

Clothes, essential documents, and his phone charger.

That was it.

Lin Shen scratched his head, looking at his suitcase that wasn’t even half full.

’It feels like I’ve packed too little, but I can’t figure out what’s missing.’

’I can just use the toiletries at the hotel.’

’As a premier high-end hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel isn’t going to give you cheap shower gel and shampoo.’

’That would be ruining their own reputation.’

’This should be enough.’

When leaving the house, Lin Shen always followed a little mnemonic to ensure he had the essentials; everything else was secondary. The phrase was "Reach for your money," which was a reminder for his four key items:

ID card, phone, keys, and wallet.

"Done!"

After quickly packing his bag, Lin Shen flopped onto his back on the bed and stared blankly at the ceiling.

He kept telling himself not to overthink it. ’This is just a simple trip with Qin Yuenan.’

But deep down, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of anticipation.

"I wonder what Nan is doing right now..."

Lin Shen murmured to himself.

*

*

「Meanwhile」

Jiayu Pavilion, Building 5, Apartment 1602.

Qin Yuenan was staring blankly at her jam-packed suitcase.

Since the trip was for both business meetings and sightseeing, she had packed numerous outfits—including formal business attire and casual clothes—to be ready for any occasion.