Transmigration; Married to My Ex-Fiancé's Uncle-Chapter 159;Lu Yuze & Lin Shuyin (I)

She’d chosen professional attire, a tailored pencil skirt and silk blouse that managed to be both modest and somehow still attention-grabbing.

Her hair was pulled back in a sleek style, makeup subtle but perfect.

She looked every inch the capable businesswoman, ready to conquer the corporate world.

He wanted to ask her something, wanted to request that she spare a few hours to spend with Yuyan, to help ease his daughter’s obvious desire for maternal attention.

But the words stuck in his throat.

It wasn’t Shuyin’s responsibility.

She hadn’t signed up to be a mother, just a wife on paper.

Asking her to play a role she’d never agreed to felt wrong, even as his heart ached for his daughter.

Maybe he should skip work today, stay home with Yuyan himself.

Lin Shuyin could feel his gaze on her back, could sense that he wanted to ask her something but was holding back.

The tension in the room was palpable, heavy with unspoken words and expectations neither of them knew how to voice.

She didn’t turn around, didn’t offer an opening for conversation.

Whatever he wanted to say, he’d have to find the courage to say it directly.

Finally, he moved toward the bathroom to take his own shower.

Shuyin finished with her appearance, slipping her feet into elegant heels and grabbing a simple but expensive handbag, also mysteriously provided, she’d noticed, stocked with everything she might need.

She left the bedroom and made her way downstairs, her heels clicking softly on the marble steps.

The dining room was already partially set when she arrived, maids moving efficiently to prepare for breakfast.

The morning light streamed through tall windows, illuminating a table that could easily seat twenty but was set for only a handful.

Shuyin settled into a chair, checking her phone while she waited.

Three minutes later, footsteps announced new arrivals.

Yuyan appeared first, her silver-white hair unbrushed and flowing freely down her back, nearly reaching her waist.

She wore a simple but elegant dress, her face bright despite her obvious fragility.

Behind her came Chen Wan, looking significantly better than she had yesterday but still carrying an air of grief and exhaustion.

"Good morning, Mommy!" Yuyan’s voice was bright as she skipped over to Shuyin.

"You’re headed somewhere?"

The casual use of "Mommy" startled Shuyin, but she recovered quickly. Yuyan had immediately begun calling her that when she got the news of her father’s marriage.

Before she could respond, Yuyan wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug.

The embrace was genuine, warm, and completely without artifice.

Something in Shuyin’s chest tightened unexpectedly.

"Yeah, going to work," she found herself whispering, leaning down so only Yuyan could hear.

"But not actually work. I want to steal a company."

Yuyan pulled back, her eyes sparkling with delight and mischief.

"Ooohhh? You really are something, Momma! I can do something to assist you in your conquest, you know. I’m the most well-behaved daughter!"

Her sweet giggle was infectious, melting some of Shuyin’s carefully constructed walls.

Who could decline a request from such a sweet little angel?

"We could go together," Shuyin offered, surprised to find she actually meant it.

"That is, if your daddy allows it. But you’ve been sick, you should probably stay home to recuperate."

She reached out and gently pinched Yuyan’s cheek, the gesture more affectionate than she’d intended.

Yuyan settled into the chair beside her, completely comfortable, completely trusting.

"Of course, he’ll allow it. When it comes to me, Daddy can do anything and everything."

It was said with the confidence of a child who’d never been denied, who knew without doubt that she was loved unconditionally.

The maid began serving their breakfast: congee, steamed buns, fresh fruit, and tea.

"Good morning, Missus. Young Miss."

Chen Wan finally spoke up, her voice rough from crying but calmer now.

She remained standing, uncertain of her place at this table.

"Yes, good morning," Shuyin replied, her attention divided between Yuyan and her phone.

"Actually, I prefer it when people call me Princess."

Chen Wan blinked, clearly unsure if this was a joke or serious.

"Princess?"

"When can we complete our deal?" Chen Wan asked, her voice taking on an urgent edge.

"The one we discussed about the other day?"

Shuyin looked up, studying the woman properly.

Chen Wan had pulled herself together remarkably well considering the circumstances.

Her face no longer looked quite so pale, though grief still shadowed her eyes.

"Today. Now, actually," Shuyin said casually, turning her attention back to Yuyan and helping her with her breakfast.

"Finish up with your meal, and then we’ll go see how they’re progressing with their mourning."

The casual callousness of the statement should have been jarring, but Chen Wan only nodded, relief visible in the relaxation of her shoulders.

"All right."

She sat down at the table, and the maids immediately served her as well.

Moments later, Lu Yuze joined them, his presence immediately filling the room.

"Good morning, Mrs. Chen," he said, nodding to the widow.

She was the only one he hadn’t greeted yet, and the deliberate acknowledgment wasn’t lost on anyone.

He looked immaculate, his silver-white hair combed back sleek and smooth, styled to perfection.

The black suit he wore was clearly bespoke, tailored to emphasize his lean, powerful frame.

Everything about him screamed wealth, power, and control.

In contrast, Yuyan sat beside Shuyin with her hair still uncombed, falling in a wild cascade down her back.

The difference was striking, the controlled father and the carefree daughter.

The maids hurried over immediately, serving Lu Yuze with practiced ease.

He settled into the chair on Shuyin’s other side, effectively placing her in the middle between himself and his daughter.

The positioning felt deliberate, symbolic, claiming her as part of their unit whether she’d agreed to it or not.

Shuyin could feel the weight of his presence, the heat of him in the chair beside her, too close and yet not touching.

The ring on her finger felt heavier than ever.