c148: 131: First

"..."

In truth, from the moment Lin Ping proposed her plan, Lin Shen already knew what she was going to do next.

But knowing was one thing; agreeing was another.

"Your reason."

Lin Shen crossed his legs, using the seemingly casual movement to evade the hand Lin Ping had placed on his thigh. This small detail in his actions made her expression instantly fall.

With her high emotional intelligence, she probably already understood that she couldn’t just ask Lin Shen to do something for no reason.

But she still wanted to try!

First, for revenge against Shen Mingchuan. Second, if she could latch onto a powerful backer like Lin Shen, Anan’s future would be secure.

Lin Ping bit her lip. Though she was someone who never asked for favors, she once again made her request in a soft voice.

"There’s no particular reason. I just want to ask for your help."

"Then I can’t do it."

Lin Shen shook his head and said softly.

"You should know as well as I do that in today’s society, self-interest is paramount. I’ve already helped you more than enough, haven’t I?"

"Yes."

Lin Ping admitted that Lin Shen had indeed helped her a great deal.

Whether it was the two hundred thousand to lease the Cat Cafe or the monthly salary of over ten thousand.

All of this had rescued Lin Ping from a life of hardship and poverty.

Therefore, she was very grateful to Lin Shen, but...

"This request of yours offers me zero benefits. On the contrary, it could cause me a great deal of trouble in the future."

Lin Shen listed his points coldly.

"First, what if Shen Mingchuan finds out? What if he flies into a rage out of humiliation and does something illegal?"

"His life is worthless, but mine isn’t."

"Second, I’m a fairly loyal person when it comes to relationships, and I already have a girlfriend. What if she finds out and it affects our relationship?"

"You can’t compare to her at all. She’s younger and more beautiful than you, with a better figure. I don’t want to lose her."

"..."

Lin Ping bit the corner of her lip, her hands clenched tightly in her lap.

Every one of Lin Shen’s points struck a nerve, forcing her to reconsider the whole matter.

’He’s right!’

’This matter has zero benefits for Lin Shen. What right do I have to ask this of him?’

"I was being inconsiderate."

In the end, after a fierce internal struggle, Lin Ping decided to just focus on living her current life properly.

Although she was unwilling to accept it, at least her life was stable, wasn’t it?

Seeing Lin Ping’s incredibly lonely and disappointed expression, the corners of Lin Shen’s mouth curled up slightly before his tone suddenly shifted.

"However, I can consider helping you."

’Huh?’

Lin Ping was stunned for two seconds, her beautiful eyes blinking as she found it hard to believe what Lin Shen had just said.

’He gave so many reasons to refuse, so why did he agree in the end?’

Lin Ping’s heart began to race. A torrent of agitation and joy surged through her, making her expression visibly excited.

"Really?"

"Of course."

This time, Lin Shen took the initiative.

’I have to admit, although this beautiful young matron doesn’t have the advantage of youth, her other qualities are quite good.’

’Her looks aren’t stunning, but she has a rich, mature charm.’

’Her skin is extremely well-maintained, she hasn’t lost too much collagen, and she fills the "young matron" gap among the women in my life.’

’Plus, her figure hasn’t lost its shape; her curves are still delicate and graceful, which is truly rare for a woman who’s given birth.’

’Overall, she has a very pleasant aura, and her personality is obedient and well-behaved, without too many ulterior motives.’

’Of course, she doesn’t have any real abilities to speak of.’

The corners of Lin Shen’s mouth curled up as he broke into a faint smile.

"..."

A faint blush appeared on Lin Ping’s face. She clearly understood what he was implying.