Chapter 438: Chapter 438; Orchid Charity Event

To him, she was something far more primal.

His.

Later tonight, when the event ended and the doors finally closed...

He would not let her walk away so easily.

Not after watching her command the room with such quiet power.

Not after seeing how many others had started to notice what belonged to him.

His gaze softened for the briefest moment, but the possessiveness burning beneath it only deepened.

Shuyin stepped away from the circle of women with unhurried grace, her expression serene as though the confrontation had never happened. She accepted a glass of water from a passing tray, fingers steady, posture impeccable.

But the atmosphere around her had shifted.

The whispers had turned into open interest.

From across the hall, a well-dressed man began walking toward her with confident strides. His gaze was direct, appreciative, the kind of man accustomed to getting what he wanted.

From the upper lounge, Lu Yuze noticed instantly.

His eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Master," Ting Fei murmured behind him. "That’s Han Wei. His family controls several major investment firms. He has a reputation for being... persistent."

Lu Yuze didn’t respond. He simply watched, jaw tightening faintly.

"Miss Lin," Han Wei said smoothly as he reached her, stopping closer than necessary. "The rumors didn’t do you justice at all."

Shuyin turned slightly, her jade-green eyes cool and polite. "And you are?"

"Han Wei," he replied with a charming smile. "I’ve heard quite a lot about you lately."

"I’m sure you have," Shuyin said calmly. "From circulating videos, newspapers and definitely People do love to talk."

He chuckled, stepping even closer. "They do. But I prefer to form my own opinions."

Her gaze flicked briefly to the reduced distance between them. "And have you?"

"I have," Han Wei said, his voice dropping slightly. "And I must say... you’re far more captivating than I expected. A woman like you shouldn’t be standing alone at an event like this. It’s far too dull without proper company."

There was a charged pause.

Then a calm, firm voice cut in from beside her.

"Miss Lin is not alone."

A tall man in a well-tailored suit appeared at Shuyin’s side, one of Lu Yuze’s personal guards, blending seamlessly with the other guests. His posture was respectful, but his presence carried unmistakable authority.

Han Wei’s smile faltered slightly as he looked at the newcomer. "And you are?"

"Her escort," the guard replied evenly, offering no further explanation.

Han Wethe guard said simply.

The air grew tense. Shuyin remained silent, neither confirming nor denying, her expression perfectly composed.

Han Wei exhaled through his nose, forcing a polite nod. "No offense intended, Miss Lin."

None came in return.

He gave a small, reluctant smile. "Enjoy your evening."

With that, he turned and walked away.

From the upper lounge, Lu Yuze followed Han Wei’s retreat with a cold stare before his gaze returned to Shuyin.

Ting Fei spoke quietly. "The guard intervened at the right time."

Lu Yuze’s fingers tapped once against the railing. "Too slow."

His voice was calm, but laced with clear dissatisfaction.

Below, Shuyin exhaled softly as the guard stepped back to a respectful distance.

"Thank you," she said under her breath.

"It’s my duty, Miss Lin," the guard replied quietly.

She nodded once and continued moving through the hall, outwardly untouched. Yet she could feel it, a heavy, unwavering gaze following her every step.

From above, Lu Yuze did not look away.

His expression remained controlled, but the tension beneath it simmered. He had chosen not to step in himself. He would not expose their marriage here when she wanted it to be secret.

That didn’t mean he approved of what he had just witnessed.

"Keep them closer," he ordered quietly.

"Yes, Master."

Lu Yuze’s gaze softened fractionally as it tracked Shuyin’s graceful movements across the hall, careful, composed, untouchable to everyone else.

But not to him.

Later tonight, when the event ended and the doors closed...

He would remind her exactly how closely he had been watching.

And exactly who she belonged to.

Shuyin continued through the hall with measured steps, her posture elegant and composed, as if the earlier confrontation had never occurred. She accepted a glass of water from a passing tray, fingers steady, expression serene.

But the atmosphere around her had shifted again. The whispers had not faded, they had simply become quieter, more focused, now lingering on every detail she carried.

It did not take long for another approach.

"Miss Lin," a woman called out, her voice calm yet carrying undeniable weight. She was older, dressed in refined simplicity that spoke of long-established status. Her eyes were sharp and observant.

Shuyin turned politely, her expression distant but courteous.

The woman’s gaze dropped immediately to the blue diamond on Shuyin’s finger. The stone caught the light with striking depth, its rarity unmistakable. A flicker of recognition crossed the woman’s face.

"That ring," she said slowly, "is not from any public collection. It doesn’t look like something one simply purchases."

Several women nearby leaned in, curiosity piqued.

"Is it custom-made?" another asked, stepping closer.

Shuyin glanced at her hand briefly, then lifted her gaze without hesitation. "It is a gift."

"A gift?" the older woman repeated, eyes narrowing slightly. "From someone important, I assume."

Shuyin allowed a faint, composed smile. "From someone who understands value." 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

The answer only fueled more speculation. Another woman shifted her attention to the guard standing discreetly behind Shuyin.

"And what about him?" she asked, tone edged with intrigue. " He’s been following you closely, yet no one here seems to recognize him. Which family does he represent?"

All eyes turned to the guard.

He stood with quiet discipline, posture straight, presence firm but unobtrusive. His well-tailored suit allowed him to blend in, yet his demeanor made it clear he was not an ordinary guest.

Before Shuyin could respond, the guard stepped forward just enough to make his position known.

"I am here under instruction," he said calmly.

The older woman tilted her head. "Instruction from whom?"