Chapter 0164

Chen Qingtian and the others were still chatting merrily around the bonfire, with occasional impromptu performances. Wu Zhishang quietly observed Chen Qingtian from her side, while Zhang Xiaolong reviewed the livestream script.

Lin Ran and Luo Yao lay atop the RV, seemingly invisible as they gazed at the starry sky. The security team patrolled in shifts, ensuring their safety—so far, nothing suspicious had been detected.

Luo Yao, however, remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings for any potential danger, even checking the water and bushes.

She wasn’t just observing the environment—she was watching people too.

The most likely threats often came from those closest to you, and Luo Yao knew this all too well.

Even Wu Zhishang and Chen Qingtian didn’t escape her scrutiny.

Only after confirming everything was safe did she finally relax.

“Ran, I had such a wonderful weekend with you.”

“Yao, I’m happy whenever I’m with you, no matter what we’re doing.”

A faint smile tugged at Luo Yao’s lips.

Since everyone had stayed up late, the Sunday morning gathering didn’t start until nearly 9 a.m.

Wu Zhishang had prepared team-building activities, but Lin Ran decided not to participate.

As the boss, skipping a company event would normally be seen as a buzzkill.

But strangely, no one objected.

In fact, they were secretly hoping the couple would leave sooner rather than later.

After all, they’d had their fill of PDA yesterday.

“Do you two have to flaunt your love like this? Give us a break!”

So, the two disappeared with their entourage of bodyguards, off to enjoy their own private world.

The entire day, Luo Yao clung to Lin Ran like a koala, unwilling to let go.

Lin Ran was exhausted, but what could he do? He’d just have to indulge her.

“Ran, are you tired?”

“It’s fine. I finally understand the meaning behind your name.”

“What meaning?” Luo Yao herself didn’t even know why she was named “Yao.”

Lin Ran sighed playfully. “Back when I used to game, I’d always say, ‘Ban Yao—once she latches onto you, she never lets go.’”

Luo Yao froze, then bit Lin Ran’s shoulder in retaliation.

Lin Ran hissed in pain—she really didn’t hold back.

“If you’re tired, just put me down. It’s not like I’m forcing you to carry me.”

Lin Ran: ??? Isn’t that exactly what’s happening?

But he didn’t dare say it out loud—nor did he want to let her go.

“No way. Do you know what habit of Yao’s worries me the most?”

“What?”

“If she’s not hanging onto you, she’ll be hanging onto someone else.”

“You’ve got a death wish, huh?” Luo Yao might not understand gaming, but she definitely understood that line.

Lin Ran quickly clarified.

“What I mean is, my wife can only be my Yao. You’re not allowed to latch onto anyone else when I’m not around.”

Luo Yao finally seemed somewhat satisfied.

“Anyone who tries won’t live to regret it. Literally.” Her reply was ice-cold.

While the two were lost in their own world, Liu Yuemei—absent for several chapters—finally stepped out.

Lin Tianba, who was home today, grew suspicious when he saw her preparing to leave after receiving a message.

“Where are you going?”

“Huh? My friend invited me to get my hair done. I think I spotted a few gray hairs lately.”

Though doubtful, Lin Tianba felt a pang of guilt, thinking his beloved wife had been so stressed by his failures that she might’ve aged prematurely.

“Yuemei, I’m sorry for putting you through this hardship.”

Liu Yuemei: “What are you talking about, dear? Without you, our family wouldn’t survive. I’ll be back soon. I love you.”

“I love you too. Our love is the strongest in the world.”

Lin Tianba believed Liu Yuemei’s unwavering loyalty proved her devotion.

With a wife like her, how could he ask for more?

Even if he failed, even if he lost everything—he still had her, still had his family.

As long as they were by his side, no hardship could crush him.

“Yes, yes, our love is unshakable, solid as a rock.”

After Liu Yuemei left, Lin Tianba’s phone rang. His frown deepened as he listened.

It was the bank, scheduling a meeting the next day to discuss his loans.

He’d known this day would come—just not so soon.

But there was nothing he could do. Though his accounts still held funds, the bank had effectively frozen them under supervision.

They were preparing to cut him loose.

Lin Tianba sighed. He’d just have to take things one step at a time.

At least he still had love. At least he still had family.

With his experience and skills, even if he couldn’t regain his former wealth, he could still land a CEO position somewhere and earn enough to support his family.

The only downside? No more extravagant spending.

And all of this—his downfall—was Lin Ran’s fault. The thought made him seethe.

“You’ll regret this, you ungrateful brat. Even if I lose everything, I’ll make sure you see our family’s happiness—something you’ll never have again.”

Meanwhile, Liu Yuemei sighed as she left the apartment and headed to the location specified by Brother Dao.

Her initial resistance had faded.

Lin Tianba trusted her blindly—he’d never suspect a thing.

And if she imagined the men outside as the ones she truly loved… well, that made it easier to accept.

In fact, she’d started to relish it.

Lin Tianba was predictable, monotonous. But these past few days, she’d discovered endless variety.

It hurt—but it was intoxicating.

The thrill of secrecy, the rush of deception—she reveled in it.

And she wasn’t young anymore. At her age, experiencing so many… “sculptures”… felt like a life well-lived.

Soon, she arrived at the designated hotel room and knocked.

“Who is it?”

“Green mountains stand tall, blue waters flow eternal.” Liu Yuemei recited the passphrase.

“The heavens crown the tiger.” A voice responded from inside.

“‘Hen’ stews ‘mushrooms.’” She completed the code.

The door creaked open. Liu Yuemei stepped inside.

She stayed for two full hours. When she emerged, the sound of men’s laughter followed.

“Damn, she’s wild—just a bit old.”

…

Back with Lin Ran and Luo Yao, the couple continued their relentless display of affection—scattering “dog food” everywhere they went.

First at Luo Corporation, then at Warm Yao Media’s wrap party, and now back at the manor.

Uncle Fu watched with a knowing smile.

“If I’d known they’d be this sweet together, I’d have arranged this sooner. It’s been ages since I’ve seen such warmth.”

Unlike outsiders, the manor staff didn’t find Lin Ran and Luo Yao’s behavior excessive—they adored it.

Many of the servants had cared for Luo Yao since she was eighteen. They were among the few people she truly trusted.

“Young Master Lin treats Miss Luo so well—he even picks out grape seeds for her.”