Chapter 076

Luo Yao: "Sometimes when I'm angry, I can't bear to hurt you, so I vent my frustration on your portraits instead. But other times, when I can't see you, I cling to those portraits, pretending you've never left my side."

Lin Ran fell silent for a moment. He could vividly imagine Luo Yao's heartache—loving him yet unable to have him, grieving over those portraits. Gently, he placed her hand over his heart.

"All that unhappiness was just because my heart hadn’t yet opened up. But now, this heart is beating—and it beats for you."

Luo Yao’s face flushed a deep pink, leaving Lin Ran momentarily entranced.

The Luo Yao of the past had always been pale, rarely showing such rosy color. Was this… his doing?

"You don’t need to cling to those photos anymore. As your husband, I’ll always be at your call."

Luo Yao glanced down at their intertwined fingers, their diamond rings brushing against each other, and felt her mood lift.

Maybe… she really could spend her whole life with A-Ran.

Walking to the table in the center, she skimmed through the detailed records of Lin Ran’s daily movements.

[September 1st, 9:03 AM—Lin Ran enters the dormitory to meet Wu Zhishang.]

[9:58 AM—Encounter with Liu Ruxue. Liu Ruxue: "Lin Ran, I need to talk to you." Lin Ran: "Oh? Got the money ready?" Liu Ruxue: "…"]

Lin Ran: "…"

He’d known Luo Yao tracked his whereabouts—but never imagined it would be this thorough.

Luo Yao watched him nervously. Bringing him here today had felt impulsive, but when Lin Ran asked, she couldn’t refuse. Because she was Luo Yao.

"A-Ran… are you scared?"

Lin Ran just blinked, stunned. "I mean—gotta hand it to you, wife. Your skills are next-level. How the hell did you even get our conversation?"

"I have people who read lips." She didn’t mention the whole truth—that Lin Ran had been unknowingly carrying a recorder for a while now. She’d rather he didn’t know.

Lin Ran could only sigh in exasperation. "Damn. Your network’s insane. Fine, I surrender. Not like I could’ve escaped you anyway. Good thing I don’t want to now."

Luo Yao tilted her face up, her eyes locking onto his—an absolute knockout.

"Really no more running?"

"If I do, may my whole family drop dead."

After spending some time in the private room, Lin Ran understood its purpose and made to leave—only for Luo Yao to block his path.

"Where are you going? Are you… angry?"

Lin Ran chuckled. "Of course not. You’ve got work. I’m heading home to cook for you."

Her eyes brightened. "Okay."

Before returning to the estate, Lin Ran stopped by the university—another obligatory check-in. He paid a visit to Principal Tang, who greeted him with unusual warmth, clearly holding back words.

"Principal, is there something you wanted to say?"

The principal laughed awkwardly. "Lin Ran, as the head of this institution, I’m just a humble laborer, working tirelessly to elevate Jingda University’s standing."

"Principal, just say it straight."

"Well… federal funding shrinks every year. Resources keep funneling to schools like Shuimu and Jingbei. Jingda’s elite, yes, but the gap’s widening. Without the Luo Group’s scholarships, we’d lose even more top applicants." He sighed. "Progress takes time, but no matter how hard we push, the disparity grows. This year’s proposed library? Denied funding."

Lin Ran got it instantly. "How much do you need?"

Straight to the point—he still had to swing by the office and get home in time to cook. Delay his wife’s meal? Unthinkable.

The principal slowly raised one finger. "This much. Covers construction, operations, equipment, books… the full scope."

Lin Ran inwardly whistled. That’s a hefty sum.

"I’ll cover it."

Principal Tang gaped. "You will?"

Lin Ran nodded. "Under ‘Warmyao Realty.’ Construction can utilize campus talent. Manpower? I’ll arrange it later."

The principal had only hoped Lin Ran would mention it to Luo Yao. This was beyond expectation.

"Wonderful! Ha! Having you as an alumnus is an honor. Thank you—truly."

"We’ll schedule a proper planning session. For now, I’ve got to cook for Luo Yao. Her stomach’s been acting up." Lin Ran stood, and the principal—grinning ear to ear—didn’t stop him.