Chapter 093

Humans share one thing in common with other animals: once basic needs like food and shelter are met, their thoughts inevitably turn to lust.

The only difference is that humans, with their higher intelligence, have more… creative ways of going about it.

Take Lin Ran, for example. He never expected to suddenly gain a "pet" of his own.

In this mad world filled with mad people, the occasional meow of a cat outside the window served as a gentle reminder to those inside to know their limits.

By dawn, a sliver of sunlight spilled onto the balcony. Luo Yao sipped her coffee, savoring the crisp autumn breeze as it tousled her long hair, casting her in an ethereal glow.

When Lin Ran opened his eyes to this sight, he felt as though happiness had always been right beside him.

Noticing he was awake, Luo Yao approached and planted a deep kiss on his lips.

"I have to go out. Be good, alright?"

Lin Ran smirked. "You know exactly how good I can be."

Luo Yao hesitated, reluctance written all over her face. Sometimes, she truly wished she could just drop everything—everything except Lin Ran—and spend every waking moment glued to him, growing old together in perfect harmony.

Maybe… one day, that dream would come true.

It had to.

Before leaving, Luo Yao tossed Lin Ran a USB drive, which he caught effortlessly.

"Remember, don’t put yourself in danger. If anything happens, contact me immediately."

Lin Ran nodded, gripping the drive. He had no intention of risking his neck.

"And one more thing—that Luo Wuyou is a walking temptation. You’d better not—"

"Luo Yao," Lin Ran cut in, his voice dripping with sincerity, "you’re seriously underestimating yourself. Do you really think I’d even glance at another woman when I have you?"

Satisfied, Luo Yao left, her fondness for the current Lin Ran growing by the day. Of course, if he ever dared betray her now, she wouldn’t hesitate to turn their love story into a bloodbath.

Only after she was gone did Lin Ran pick up his phone and text a certain number:

[Got it.]

A reply came soon after.

[Meet at the usual place.]

Lin Ran already knew Luo Wuyou was still at the Pangu Hotel—he’d made sure to be notified if she ever left.

When he arrived, he deliberately went alone.

After all, his bodyguards were Luo Yao’s people. If Luo Wuyou spotted them tailing him, any trust between them would evaporate instantly.

Stepping into Room 1801 again, that familiar sense of lurking danger prickled at his nerves.

He knocked, and the door swung open almost immediately.

Lin Ran had expected another scene of debauchery, but to his surprise, Luo Wuyou was alone this time.

That set off alarm bells in his head. A room full of people? Fine. An empty room with just her? Far more terrifying.

Because he knew exactly how twisted Luo Wuyou was.

"What’s wrong, little brother? Not coming in?"

Lin Ran stayed rooted in the doorway, holding out the USB drive. "I’ll pass. This is what you wanted."

Luo Wuyou didn’t take it. Instead, she gave him a lazy, predatory smile.

"But right now, I want you. What should we do about that?" As she spoke, she let her robe slip just enough to tease.

Lin Ran kept his voice flat. "Do you want the drive or not? If not, I’m leaving."

Her expression frosted over instantly. She snatched the drive, but not before dragging a fingernail lightly across his palm.

Lin Ran yanked his hand back. He wasn’t some hormone-driven idiot—just wary.

To Luo Wuyou, though, his reaction was pure nervousness. Seizing the opportunity, she "accidentally" stumbled toward him.

Any normal man would’ve caught her. Lin Ran, however, sidestepped with the agility of a seasoned dodger.

"If I don’t leave soon, my bodyguards will call the police—and Luo Yao."

Luo Wuyou’s face darkened. She’d thrown herself at him repeatedly, only to be rejected every time.

There was something about stealing Luo Yao’s man that had become an obsession for her.

After shooting Lin Ran a venomous glare, she straightened and gestured mockingly toward the door.

Lin Ran didn’t need telling twice. The moment the door shut behind him, Luo Wuyou’s demeanor turned glacial. She pulled out her phone and sent a message:

[100K. Grab him. Make sure no one sees.]

[Got it.]

"Fine. Play hard to get, huh? Just you wait," she muttered.

Outside, Lin Ran exhaled sharply. Had he just sensed… murderous intent?

Luo Yao’s warnings about this woman hadn’t been exaggerated.

Wang Bao, his ever-attentive bodyguard, immediately noticed Lin Ran’s tension. He understood why Lin Ran had gone in alone—some matters required absolute secrecy.

"Mr. Lin, need me to handle anything?"

Lin Ran glanced at Wang Bao, then at the discreetly parked cars housing the rest of the security team. Reassured, he relaxed slightly.

I’m the protagonist here. Surely I’m not getting killed off?

With nothing urgent on his agenda, Lin Ran found himself at loose ends.

School? Didn’t need to go, and frankly, didn’t dare. The company? Already had competent hands managing it.

What if the business lost money? So what?

He was a kept man, living off his sugar mommy’s wealth. Even if his ventures failed spectacularly, Luo Yao’s empire could absorb the losses without breaking a sweat.

Lin Ran knew his role perfectly.

His "entrepreneurial pursuits" were just a hobby—a way to earn pocket money to amuse Luo Yao and stick it to the Lin family.

When real expenses arose, he spent Luo Yao’s money without a shred of guilt. He embraced the soft life unapologetically, unlike those hypocritical gold-diggers who pretended otherwise.

Of course, Lin Ran differed from most trophy husbands in one key aspect: his love was genuine. What others felt, he couldn’t care less about.

If gender roles were reversed, their dynamic would’ve been utterly conventional—a breadwinning wife and a stay-at-home husband thriving on his looks.

As long as Lin Ran remained faithful, his tycoon wife would spoil him rotten.

Back at the estate, Lin Ran busied himself preparing a hearty meal: a pot of congee and four carefully balanced dishes.

Luo Wuyou? Not worth a second thought. She was just a pawn. Feeding his little demon took priority.

Luo Wuyou’s death would mean nothing more than one less nuisance. But if Luo Yao went hungry? That was actual suffering.

Uncle Fu watched as Lin Ran meticulously packed lunch for Luo Yao, his wrinkled face softening with approval.

"You treat Miss Luo so well, Mr. Lin. It’s been ages since I’ve seen her eat so heartily."

Lin Ran blinked. "Uncle Fu! Didn’t see you there."

The old man chuckled. "Had to make an appearance. The readers were starting to forget about this old butler."

Lin Ran frowned. "Wait, Luo Yao didn’t eat properly before?"

"Oh, she tried to. But she’s always had an eating disorder—picky, small portions."

Lin Ran stiffened. He’d never known about Luo Yao’s anorexia.

"That can’t be right. She eats plenty whenever I’m around."

Uncle Fu’s smile turned knowing. "That’s because you’re the one feeding her, Mr. Lin. And forgive my bluntness, but if you handed her a spoonful of, ah… let’s say poison, she’d swallow it without hesitation."