Chapter 29 part 1

Since the evening was set for a formal dinner where the two families would meet, Zhou Han left work early to pick up Lin Li and her parents and take them to the hotel—a venue his mother had already booked the previous morning, so they simply needed to head straight there.

He had called Lin Li earlier that afternoon to confirm the time and location, so when he drove back from the office, her parents were already ready to leave.

Zhou Han asked them to wait in the living room for a moment; he first took his briefcase to the study, then planned to change his clothes before heading out.

He took the outfit he had pre-selected from the walk-in closet and laid it on the bed. He had just removed his suit jacket and was unbuttoning his shirt collar when the bedroom door opened.

Lin Li glanced toward the living room to ensure her parents weren't looking her way before slipping inside somewhat furtively and locking the door behind her. When she turned around, she found herself locking eyes with Zhou Han, who wore a knowing, amused smile.

Zhou Han looked at her with amusement. After spending the last couple of days together, he had discovered a playful, childlike side to her. He had previously thought of her as someone who merely feigned strength while suppressing her emotions; it turned out she could be silly at times—and that silliness was particularly charming and endearing.

----- please read the translation from https://irisatdusk.blogspot.com/

Lin Li glared at him and walked over. Before he could speak, she demanded, "What did you say to my mom this morning?"

Zhou Han raised his eyebrows, then nodded with a look of realization, saying calmly, "Oh, so you found out." His tone was so casual, it sounded as if he were discussing someone else's affairs; having said that, he turned his back to her and continued unbuttoning his shirt. 

Lin Li glared at him fiercely and said with annoyance, "Why did you spout nonsense to my mom? Do you think things aren't chaotic enough already?" She felt like she’d been played—constantly hemmed in. This charade for her parents was supposed to unfold according to *her* plan, yet now she was forced to follow his lead. She never knew when he might suddenly improvise a new scene or change the script on the fly; she wasn't a professional actress—how was she supposed to have the ability to improvise like that?

Zhou Han stood with his back to her; without turning around, he simply said, "Your mother asked, so that’s how I answered." He continued with what he was doing as he spoke.

"Then why did you say I insisted on separate rooms because I didn't want you bothering me?" By saying that, he’d shifted all the blame onto her, leaving himself off the hook.

Zhou Han turned around. He had already undone all the buttons on his shirt; he stripped it off and tossed it onto the bed, revealing a physique he had clearly kept in excellent shape. He wasn't heavy, but lean and muscular; his bronze skin was taut, and his abdominal muscles were clearly defined—a physique as sexy as anything you’d see in a gym. 

While Lin Li was still reeling from the impact of his physique, Zhou Han walked toward her. Fixing his gaze intently on her, he asked, "So, what should I say? Should I tell them the truth—that we’re just a fake couple, merely putting on an act to put their minds at ease?"

Lin Li swallowed hard; her reactions were sluggish, and she spoke instinctively: "W-well, of course not..."

Zhou Han smiled. He glanced down at his own body—a glint of mischief flashing in his eyes—before looking back up with that same deep, intense gaze. He took another step closer and asked, "Or is it that you actually *don't* mind sharing a room with me?"

As he pressed in, Lin Li backed away, her mind too flustered to process his words. Finally, with nowhere left to retreat, she looked up at him and stammered, "Wh-what? What did you just say?"

Zhou Han placed his hand against the wall, trapping her between the surface and his body. With a slightly roguish smile playing on his lips, he deliberately lowered his voice and said, "I said you want to share a room with me."

Lin Li froze for a moment, seemingly trying to grasp the meaning of his words. It took a beat for it to sink in; then, blushing furiously and eyes wide, she exclaimed, "That’s impossible!"

Zhou Han smiled, teasing her deliberately. "You really don't want to?" As he spoke, he leaned a little closer to her.

This time, Lin Li wasn't swayed by his good looks; she shoved him away and declared righteously, "Of course not! I'm not crazy, you know."

Pushed back a few steps, Zhou Han just shrugged with a smile and said, "That's a real shame."

Lin Li’s face was still flushed; she averted her gaze and said somewhat bashfully, "Wh-why are you taking off your clothes?"

Zhou Han turned around, picked up the shirt he had taken from the wardrobe, and put it on. As he buttoned it up, he said casually, "Changing clothes." He acted completely natural, showing no trace of embarrassment.

Lin Li remained silent, standing there and thinking that once he finished changing, she would warn him not to spout nonsense in front of her parents again.

When Zhou Han turned back after putting on his shirt, he saw her looking away awkwardly at the wall-mounted TV; her ears were bright red from embarrassment.

A smile played on his lips as he kindly reminded her, "Aren't you going to leave? I'm about to change my trousers."

At that, Lin Li hurried out of the room without even looking back, slamming the door shut behind her with impressive speed.

Inside the room, Zhou Han gazed at the closed door for a moment, then shook his head with a chuckle.

----- please read the translation from https://irisatdusk.blogspot.com/

Lin Li’s face was still burning hot when she stepped out. Her mother noticed and asked with concern, "Xiao Li, why is your face so red? Are you not feeling well?"

Lin Li hurriedly shook her head and gave an awkward laugh. "No, no... I'm just a bit hot—just a bit hot." As she spoke, she fanned her face vigorously with her hand. Mother Zhou arranged the dinner where the two families would meet; she booked a private room at a five-star hotel and specifically instructed the kitchen to prepare dishes tailored to the flavors of Lin Li’s hometown.

In preparation for the evening’s meal, Zhou’s mother even went to a hair salon that afternoon, and she reminded Zhou’s father at least three times throughout the day to clear his schedule for the evening and avoid getting tied up with business engagements.

----- please read the translation from https://irisatdusk.blogspot.com/

TN: The classic 'Kabedon' move never gets old 😏