Chapter 31 Sweet-Lips

Chapter 31 Sweet-Tasting Lips

At ten o'clock, Lin Yunshu and Zhou Yu headed to the reception room together.

When Zhou Yu emerged from his office, he acted completely normal. As he passed by Lin Yunshu, he casually threw an arm around his shoulder as if no one else was around. "Let's go."

Lin Yunshu instinctively dodged. "We're at the company; people are watching."

Zhou Yu found this amusing. "Is that your go-to line for everyone?"

Lin Yunshu froze for a moment before it clicked, then said awkwardly, "You heard all that?"

Zhou Yu neither confirmed nor denied, merely pursed his lips and ushered Lin Yunshu out.

"It's not like we're having a secret relationship," he said. "We're out in the open, okay? Do you remember what kind of interview we're about to do?"

He raised an eyebrow at Lin Yunshu and answered his own question. "A couples interview."

Lin Yunshu had no reply.

It was clearly a serious interview about the brand.

He shook his head helplessly and gave in.

Belatedly, he wondered how Zhou Yu could have possibly overheard his conversation with Guo Shengyao.

Unless he really had his ear to the door.

Was he really that bored?

The image instantly popped into Lin Yunshu's mind, and he nearly laughed out loud.

Looking at Zhou Yu now, walking with confidence and energy, nodding in acknowledgment to every subordinate who greeted him—

He seemed so proper, almost like a completely different person from the "gecko" earlier.

Lin Yunshu marveled to himself, feeling like he knew him less and less.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Zhou Yu gave his shoulder a light squeeze.

He glanced down at Lin Yunshu.

Secretary Lin, tucked against his side, looked up at him with a smiling face—small-featured, fair-skinned, with strikingly bright eyes.

Zhou Yu couldn't help but puff up with pride. "You think I'm handsome too?"

Lin Yunshu: "..."

His smile stiffened on his face, and it took him a moment to politely ask,

"Why use 'also'?"

Zhou Yu: "?"

Lin Yunshu broke free from his hold, quickened his pace, and pushed open the door to the reception room.

The media had already arrived. The room had been slightly decorated to fit the newlywed theme, adorned in a fresh, romantic style.

The interview was part of a brand collaboration; the video would be posted on Cassi's official website and later featured in mainstream magazines.

The magazine's Editor-in-Chief was also there. Seeing them enter, she immediately came over with the reporter and photographer to greet them.

"President Zhou, Secretary Lin, congratulations on your marriage," she said cheerfully. "I haven't had the chance to congratulate you two yet!"

Lin Yunshu smiled and shook her hand. "Editor-in-Chief Tang, you're too kind."

Both of them were very familiar with this Editor-in-Chief. She had often interviewed Zhou Yu in the past, conducting many exclusive features, and later, the company's business in this area was mostly done in collaboration with Editor-in-Chief Tang.

Zhou Yu kept one arm around Lin Yunshu's shoulder, his chest against Lin Yunshu's back, as he leaned slightly forward to shake Editor-in-Chief Tang's hand.

"No need for congratulations, but you absolutely have to come to the wedding."

"Of course," Editor-in-Chief Tang said warmly. "I'm counting on getting the inside scoop for the headlines!"

After some small talk, Editor-in-Chief Tang glanced at Zhou Yu's arm still draped over Lin Yunshu's shoulder and sighed. "You two really are close."

Lin Yunshu smiled modestly. "Not really."

Zhou Yu, however, was completely open, as if afraid people wouldn't notice, and didn't lower his voice at all. "I went through a lot to win him over. Shouldn't I be affectionate?"

The comment sounded rather exaggerated, no different from other marriages of convenience where couples put on a show of deep affection in front of outsiders.

There had been no shortage of doubts about their relationship lately.

"Just say less," Lin Yunshu said, gently nudging Zhou Yu's waist with his elbow.

Zhou Yu raised an eyebrow, looking back at Lin Yunshu with a bold smile.

Lin Yunshu shook his head, the tips of his ears slightly red.

The gesture was so natural it almost seemed convincing.

Editor-in-Chief Tang showed no reaction on the surface and joked lightly, "Well, I can't wait to hear your interview then."

Everything was set up on site when Zhou Yu stepped out briefly to take a phone call. Lin Yunshu took a seat first and went over the interview script with the assistant.

The script had already been reviewed by Guo Shengyao beforehand. Lin Yunshu skimmed through it roughly, confirmed there were no issues, and nodded to the assistant.

"Mr. Lin," the photographer called out from behind the camera.

Lin Yunshu looked over and asked gently, "Is there a problem?"

His expression was calm, and when his gaze fixed on the camera lens, it was like a blurry image suddenly coming into focus—a clear and startling beauty.

The photographer was inwardly stunned.

It wasn't their first time working together, but every time he framed that face up close with a high-definition camera, he couldn't help but regret that this face hadn't made it to the big screen.

He glanced at the image on the monitor, then shifted his gaze to Lin Yunshu's actual face, looked back at the monitor, and frowned, stroking his chin.

"Mr. Lin, this might be a bit forward," he thought for two seconds but suggested anyway, "Should I have the makeup artist apply some base for you?"

Lin Yunshu smiled, not offended at all, and touched his face. "Sorry, am I not looking too good today?"

"No, no," the photographer quickly denied. "You look great; your complexion is perfect. But through the lens, your coloring doesn't seem vibrant enough. Just a bit of lip gloss to brighten you up would do."

"What's wrong?" the Editor-in-Chief asked, walking over. "Is there an issue?"

The photographer explained the situation to her.

Editor-in-Chief Tang became serious, leaning closer to the monitor.

The screen remained zoomed in on Lin Yunshu's face—his well-proportioned features and flawless bone structure vivid and clear.

Despite being directly filmed, Lin Yunshu showed no sign of discomfort. Instead, he appeared completely at ease, even offering a friendly smile toward the lens.

Editor-in-Chief Tang couldn’t help but inhale sharply.

“It’s already perfect, but we can always strive for even better,” she said, regaining her composure. “It’s not noticeable in person, but on camera, your complexion doesn't look as vibrant. How about we apply a light base?”

“Sure,” Lin Yunshu agreed readily without any fuss.

He didn’t usually wear makeup, but he wasn’t opposed to it either. If it was necessary for work, he could handle it just fine.

The makeup artist, a young woman, came over with her kit, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him, though she seemed a little shy. “Hello, Mr. Lin.”

Lin Yunshu smiled back. “Hi.”

The makeup artist beamed even brighter. As she tested foundation shades on her hand, she murmured softly, “I really like you.”

That sounded like something a fan would say. Amused, Lin Yunshu asked, “Have we met before?”

“I’ve seen you before, but you probably don’t remember me,” she said, gently lifting his chin with a makeup sponge. “Could you lift your head a little and close your eyes?”

Lin Yunshu complied.

“It was at Cassi’s 50th-anniversary show—do you remember?” the makeup artist continued.

“Of course,” Lin Yunshu replied, eyes still closed.

“Back then, you had staff hand out water and cooling gel patches to fans taking photos outside,” she said shyly, pressing her lips together. “I was one of the ones who passed out from heatstroke.”

“Really?” Lin Yunshu opened his eyes, surprised. “Are you okay now?”

“I’ve been fine for a long time,” she said bashfully. “I originally wanted to become a makeup artist in the entertainment industry to pursue celebrities, but I realized how tough it is, so I gave up. Better to just focus on my job.”

Lin Yunshu chuckled. “That’s quite an experience.”

“You’re right,” she nodded in agreement. “But I’m still grateful for the water and cooling gel patches you provided, and for making sure we were orderly taken to the medical station. I heard you personally arranged it. Thank you.”

Lin Yunshu smiled gently. “No need to thank me. It was nothing.”

“It’s mainly because you’re so good-looking,” the makeup artist laughed. “I took many pictures of you during the rehearsal when you came to inspect—wait, what's wrong with your neck?”

She suddenly stopped smiling.

Lin Yunshu picked up a mirror and pulled his collar aside. There was a faint red mark around his neck, but it wasn’t serious and would be hidden by his collar.

He’d been feeling an itch there occasionally. Could it be from wearing a new shirt?

Lin Yunshu wasn’t sure. He often wore clothes from this brand and had never had this issue before.

“It’s nothing,” he said, adjusting his collar to cover the mark. “Just a little chafing. It’s fine.”

“Then let me just dust some powder over it,” the makeup artist suggested.

Lin Yunshu thought for a moment and nodded.

“Thank you for your trouble,” he said, handing the mirror back. “I appreciate it.”

The makeup artist quickly took it and clutched it to her chest. “You’re too kind!”

.

Just as the equipment was adjusted, Zhou Yu returned from his phone call and sat directly beside Lin Yunshu.

Lin Yunshu casually straightened Zhou Yu’s collar.

Zhou Yu turned to look at him, his eyes lighting up. “You’re wearing makeup?”

Lin Yunshu paused. “Is it obvious?”

“A little, but it’s not overdone,” Zhou Yu said. “You look good.”

Lin Yunshu had poor circulation, often lacking color in his cheeks and lips, giving him a delicate, ethereal beauty. But today, with a light base and a touch of lip gloss, his lips looked pink and glossy, giving him a more vibrant look—a completely different kind of attractiveness.

Zhou Yu could even catch a faint, sweet scent like candy from his lips.

Without thinking, he leaned closer, wanting to see if it was real or just his imagination.

Behind the monitor, Editor-in-Chief Tang was startled.

On screen, the two men, who had been sitting side by side, suddenly lost all personal space. Zhou Yu leaned in, his back obscuring half of Lin Yunshu’s face.

From the camera’s angle, it looked unmistakably like a perfectly framed kissing shot.

This was supposed to be a serious interview!

“Mr. Zhou, Secretary Lin!” Editor-in-Chief Tang called out from behind the cameraman. “If you’re both ready, we’ll begin now.”

Lin Yunshu, still adjusting Zhou Yu’s collar, gently pushed him away and flashed an “okay” sign toward the camera.

Zhou Yu sat up reluctantly, looking like he wanted more.

The interview began with standard greetings and a few simple questions before gradually shifting toward topics related to the company and brand.

Out of respect, the questions avoided prying into personal matters. There were no inquiries about their private lives, relationship history, or married daily routines—the typical gossip questions.

Only at the end did the editor-in-chief pose a non-brand-related question, as a little bonus question.

She set aside her notes. “Just to clarify, this question isn’t part of the planned interview, but I’d love to ask it for everyone.”

Lin Yunshu nodded gently. “Go ahead.”

“Then I’ll ask directly,” she said with a smile. “When are you two planning to hold your wedding? If it’s not too intrusive, would you be willing to share?”

“It’s not personal at all,” Zhou Yu replied without hesitation. “It’s scheduled for the 10th of next month. The invitations will be mailed shortly.”

“That’s wonderful!” the editor-in-chief exclaimed happily. “Congratulations! That's sooner than I expected!”

Zhou Yu nodded. “Any later and the weather would turn cold. We want an outdoor wedding, but he doesn't do well in the cold—even a slight breeze and he—”

He cut himself off.

Lin Yunshu had clapped a hand over Zhou Yu’s mouth.

He sighed silently and gave a slight smile to the person behind the camera, "Please cut this part."

The interview was limited to twenty minutes. After it ended, Lin Yunshu bid farewell to everyone one by one, leaving the remaining tasks for Guo Shengyao to wrap up.

He took the tissue handed to him by a staff member, thanked them, and pushed open the door and left the reception room.

There wasn't anyone around. As he walked, he rubbed his neck. When he reached the end of the hallway, he pushed open a window and drew a few deep breaths.

A gentle breeze brushed against his face. Lin Yunshu closed his eyes for a moment, looking somewhat tired, and let the fresh air clear his mind.

Once his mind felt clearer, he turned to leave and raised the tissue to wipe off the lip gloss from his lips, but his wrist was suddenly grabbed.

Before he could even see the person’s face clearly, he was pulled into the emergency staircase.

Click.

The metal door closed.

A familiar presence loomed over him.

Zhou Yu lifted his chin, lowered his head, and bit down on that sweet, glossy lip, easily parting his lips.