"He’s right in front of you."

Huh?

Hearing Shen Yun’s words, Wang Xin stared blankly at Lin Shen, his face a mask of shock.

"You designed this pet food formula? Are you also a food processing major?"

"I didn’t major in food processing,"

Lin Shen said humbly.

"I just have some understanding of the pet industry."

’Some understanding is all it takes to design a formula better than most pet foods on the market?’

’Talk about a humblebrag!’

’This is insane!’

Beyond his astonishment, Wang Xin couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration for Lin Shen.

’We’re about the same age, yet this guy is working with President Shen as a client and can develop a pet food formula on top of that.’

’While the truth of it all is yet to be confirmed, President Shen’s attitude toward him is so friendly!’

’To make the ever-serious President Shen smile so relaxedly, it must mean she really admires Lin Shen, too.’

’And he’s so handsome on top of it all.’

As a man, Wang Xin felt a bit insecure. He then asked tentatively.

"President Lin, would you have some time to discuss this with me?"

"A discussion won’t be necessary. I’m quite busy lately and don’t have the time."

"Alright."

Lin Shen’s rejection was within Wang Xin’s expectations.

Even though he had mentally prepared for it, he still felt a little disappointed.

But then, Lin Shen smiled and said.

"However, I can share the pet food formula with you, on the condition that you don’t share it with anyone else and only use it to publish your paper."

Huh?

Wang Xin froze, his expression one of disbelief.

’He’s just going to share the formula with me?’

’President Lin is way too generous!’

Wang Xin was overjoyed, so excited he became incoherent.

"Really? Can I? I absolutely won’t share it! I swear, President Lin! I promise! I can even sign a non-disclosure agreement! If I violate it, I’ll pay any amount in damages! As long as you let me see your patent, I’ll even list you as the first author on the paper!"

There was a reason for Wang Xin’s excitement.

’A pet food formula patent that has never appeared on the market, and one that’s so effective.’

’Its data could support the publication of several papers!’

’If I’m lucky enough to see it, I might even be able to apply for my doctorate in the future!’

But the prerequisite was that Lin Shen had to agree, and everything he said had to be true.

"An agreement won’t be necessary."

Lin Shen patted Wang Xin’s shoulder and said sincerely.

"You’re someone President Shen trusts, so naturally, I trust you too. I hope you won’t let down President Shen’s or my expectations. Keep up the good work. You’ve got this."

"Definitely! Thank you for your support!"

Wang Xin gave Lin Shen a deep, sincere bow.

Lin Shen’s words of encouragement were like a shot of adrenaline, making his heart race. He even had the fleeting thought of quitting his job to follow Lin Shen.

’He’s placing so much trust in me. It would be completely out of line for me to try any funny business!’

Seeing the fervent admiration in Wang Xin’s eyes for Lin Shen, Shen Yun’s lips curved into a charming smile as she teased him playfully.

"President Lin, you came to tour the production line, but you’re also trying to poach our talent? That’s not very nice of you."

"Is there still a ’yours’ and ’mine’ between us?"

Lin Shen smiled, his words brimming with hidden meaning.

This made Shen Yun’s beautiful face flush slightly. She never expected him to tease her in a situation like this.

The subtle exchange between the two also set Wang Xin’s mind racing.

’Could it be... that President Lin and President Shen have some kind of secret relationship!?’

’That’s some explosive news!’

Wang Xin didn’t dare to believe it.

At first, he thought Lin Shen and Shen Yun were just business partners. After all, the age gap between them was obvious. It was impossible for them to be romantically involved, right?

But now, it seemed there really was a fine, tangled thread connecting them...

Wang Xin felt like he had stumbled upon some major gossip, but Lin Shen and Shen Yun’s interactions were still quite restrained.

Neither overly intimate nor distant, you couldn’t really tell anything for sure.

「7:30 PM」

The sunset was fading, and a deep orange twilight stained half the sky.

Lin Shen left the workshop with a small sample of the pet food.

He was very satisfied with the modified production line, even considering investing in building several more.

However, Shen Yun politely declined his proposal.

"President Lin, if the market feedback for the pet food is good, it won’t be too late for you to invest then."

"You have a point."

Lin Shen nodded, then waved his hand at Wang Xin.

"No need to see us out."

"Alright, President Lin, President Shen. Take care, you two."

"Mm."

After following Lin Shen back to the car, Shen Yun gazed at him with a bright smile, like a child asking for a reward.

"Shen, this production line took a great deal of my effort to modify, you know. The staff and equipment quality are also the best of all the workshops. Are you satisfied?"

"Satisfied! Very satisfied!"

Lin Shen turned to look at Shen Yun. He reached out, his hand stroking her plump thigh over the fabric of her skirt as he gazed at her with deep affection.

"Aunt Shen, thank you for helping me so much. If there’s anything you need me to do, please, you have to tell me. I’ll cooperate fully!"

"Really?"

Shen Yun’s alluring eyes, narrowed slightly, suddenly became hazy and seductive. She gently took hold of the hand Lin Shen had placed on her leg and said softly.

"In that case, can you keep me company tonight? I’ve been so lonely lately..."

"Aunt Shen, let’s find a place to have dinner first."

Faced with Shen Yun’s practically explicit invitation, Lin Shen quickly changed the subject, avoiding a direct answer.