Chapter 096

"Can you tell me now, what's really going on with you?"

Lin Ran: "I went to your secret room and saw the photo from our first meeting."

Luo Yao fell silent. She didn’t know what her A-Ran thought after seeing that photo, but it brought back painful memories for her.

That memory was etched into her mind like a knife, but at least A-Ran was hers now.

Lin Ran noticed Luo Yao’s mood shift.

"If you had told me earlier… Luo Yao, forget the past. I love you to the bone, completely helpless. You have to take responsibility for me." He had meant to say that if she had told him sooner, they would have been together much earlier.

But then he suddenly remembered that Luo Yao had already made her feelings clear long ago, while he had been foolishly chasing after Liu Ruxue. So he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

Admitting it would only make him look like a hypocrite and might plunge Luo Yao into even deeper sorrow.

"Fine, I’ll take responsibility for you. For a lifetime," Luo Yao promised.

Looking at Luo Yao’s adorable expression, Lin Ran swore he would never let her suffer even the slightest emotional pain in the future.

"Luo Yao, so many misunderstandings in novels happen because people don’t communicate clearly. I hope we can always stay like this—no unnecessary drama. I hate tragic twists."

Luo Yao: "Deal. You belong only to me, and I won’t hide anything from you."

Lin Ran nodded. He no longer wanted to ask about the little bottle. The past should stay in the past.

The future was what mattered. If he kept dwelling on the past, then he, Lin Ran, would be the one who deserved to die.

"Let’s go home." Luo Yao clung to Lin Ran’s back, and he carried her out of the company building without hesitation, shocking everyone who passed by. If not for company policies, their photo would have already flooded the internal group chats.

After dinner, Lin Ran told Luo Yao to rest in their room while he sought out Uncle Fu.

"Did you handle what I asked you to do yesterday?"

Uncle Fu: "Many readers left comments yesterday. Some said you update too slowly, others admitted they’re afraid to keep reading—scared you’ll drop a tragic twist or stop updating altogether. But they still kindly left five-star reviews."

Lin Ran: "Too slow? I post three chapters a day without fail, always at midnight sharp, not a minute late. Tell them not to worry—no tragic twists here. As for updates, if I ever miss one, may my whole family perish, okay?"

Uncle Fu nodded cheerfully. "Understood. One more thing—many complain your chapter titles are too random. They can’t find the content they’ve read before. What should I tell them?"

Lin Ran sighed in exasperation. "Click the table of contents, then the search bar in the top right, and type in keywords. How hard is that? These lovely readers really test my patience."

Uncle Fu: "Got it. I’ll pass it along. Be understanding, young master."

Lin Ran: "Uncle Fu, remember—those readers are also dear to me. Make sure they all strike it rich."

"Don’t worry, Young Master Lin. By the way, I noticed Miss Luo smiled several times today, which is rare. What’s your secret?"

"It’s been ages since I’ve seen her this happy."

Lin Ran: "None of your business. Just prepare me some tonic soup. A lot of it. My back’s been acting up lately."

"Of course."

The night passed quietly, filled only with the occasional cry of a black cat and the soft hum of cheerful music.

The next afternoon, trouble struck as Lin Ran was returning from delivering lunch.

The moment he got into his car, a sense of danger prickled his instincts. He knew something was waiting for him.

Just as he was about to start the engine, a cold glint flashed behind him.

"Don’t move. Drive."

Lin Ran: "Damn, you guys are impressive. How’d you even fit back there? Must’ve mastered some next-level contortionist skills. I’ll pay you to teach me."

"Shut up and drive," one of the masked assailants snapped impatiently.

Lin Ran had no choice but to start the car while mentally running through possible suspects.

Luo Wuyou was a strong possibility. Lin Tianba or Lin Jian were also likely. Even Liu Ruxue could be behind this.

Don’t underestimate her just because she’s a woman. In his past life, she’d ruined him without hesitation—ruthless and cold.

The look on her face when she pushed him off the rooftop was something he’d never forget.

Triumph. Mockery. Joy. Relief.

In this life, Lin Ran had crushed Liu Ruxue’s dignity under his heel. It was only natural she’d seek revenge.

As Lin Ran’s car gradually left the city, his trailing security team sensed something was wrong.

Wang Bao tried messaging and calling Lin Ran, but got no response.

Realizing the severity, Wang Bao contacted Luo Yao directly, anxiety gnawing at him.

If anything happened to Young Master Lin, he was finished.

Under the threat of the knife, Lin Ran drove faster and faster until they reached an alley.

"Turn in."

Assuming this was their destination, Lin Ran complied, planning to crash into an obstacle and escape.

But the moment they entered the alley, one of the kidnappers ordered him to brake.

Lin Ran slammed the brakes, eyeing the two men in the rearview mirror.

One of them got out, yanked open the driver’s door, and barked, "You. Move over."

With the blade pressing against him, Lin Ran reluctantly switched seats inside the car. He wasn’t reckless enough to gamble with his life.

The kidnapper took the wheel, reversed with a screeching drift, and sped through the alleyways.

Credit where it’s due—the guy knew the terrain. A few sharp turns later, they’d shaken off the security team. Lin Ran sighed. Guess he’d have to save himself.

The other kidnapper wasn’t idle either. Keeping one hand on Lin Ran, he frisked him thoroughly, then tossed his phone out the window.

"My triple-fold phone! What the hell? You’re kidnapping me, not my phone! My wife gave me that!"

The kidnapper smirked coldly. "You’re about to die, and you’re worried about a phone?"

Lin Ran: "Dude, I didn’t clear my browser history! Are you trying to kill me twice?"

The kidnapper paused, scratching his head sheepishly.

"Okay, that’s pretty embarrassing. Sorry, man. Had to check for trackers."

Lin Ran took a deep breath. "Whatever. You’re just doing your job. But tell me—how much are they paying you? I’ll double it."

"Ten—"

"Shut your trap, idiot!" The driver finally lost his patience and cut him off.