Chapter 293: Chapter 293

Ye Ling looked at Shen Bin. She knew her ears weren’t deceiving her; Shen Bin’s words were true. She tugged at the corners of her lips, unsure of what to say. It’s no wonder the matter was resolved this way; it turns out it was due to Shen Bin’s father. But now that Shen Bin mentioned it, clearly it wasn’t something his father could solve alone. He must have sought help from many people.

That’s not the important part. The important thing is Shen Bin’s motive.

"When I was little, my parents left me at someone else’s house, but I was secretly taken away. My foster parents didn’t have a son, so they treated me like one. When I became an adult, they told me the truth and asked me to get married, which I couldn’t refuse. I ran away on my wedding day, went to the city to find a job, and later my biological parents recognized me and helped me handle the divorce procedures," Shen Bin recounted as if it were someone else’s story. "My foster parents are honest people who never treated me poorly, even better than their own daughter, and my biological parents forgave them. Now their only wish is for me to get married soon."

Ye Ling never thought that Shen Bin’s divorce was for this reason. But the more she learnt, the more uneasy she felt; she didn’t believe Shen Bin would tell her this for no reason. So she looked at Shen Bin warily, "I know you’ve helped me, but I really can’t help you in return. I’ll remember this favor, and if I have the opportunity in the future, I’ll surely repay you."

Shen Bin raised an eyebrow, sensing her wariness. But once he sets his sights on something, it never escapes, "No need for the future; there’s an opportunity now. Since my biological father is willing to help, it means he believes in our relationship. All you have to do is act the part when the time comes. After a few years, when you find someone suitable, you can stop pretending."

"This isn’t right; I’ve always called you uncle." Even if it was only an act, Ye Ling wouldn’t agree. The thought of being entangled with Shen Bin made her uncomfortable, "Last time I saw you with a girl at the noodle shop, she seemed nice. Don’t you think she’s suitable?"

At that time, Ye Ling thought they were a couple.

"I know it’s hard for you to accept this now. I’ll give you time to decide. You never like owing favors to others, and I doubt this time will be any different," Shen Bin nodded.

Ye Ling rebutted, "I want to repay the favor, but not . Even if we’re pretending to be together, no one would believe it."

Things aren’t that simple; pretending to be a couple with someone as cold and hard as Shen Bin is daunting for Ye Ling to even imagine. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, "School doesn’t allow dating, and you can’t remain unmarried for three years, right? This is a favor I can’t help you with even if I wanted to."

Ye Ling believed this excuse would surely leave Shen Bin without further arguments.

"I mentioned from the start, it’s just an act in front of my father, as long as he doesn’t see through it," Shen Bin’s words had plenty of loopholes.

He said not to be seen through, which means their close circle shouldn’t know they’re faking it.

Ye Ling didn’t catch it, but regardless, she wouldn’t agree to this.

Shen Bin added, "What are you worried about? Is this favor really that troubling?"

"Yes." Ye Ling admitted directly, "Uncle Shen....."

Shen Bin interrupted her, "I’m only eight years older than you. From now on, just call me by my name."

Ye Ling looked at him, seeing his resolute expression, knowing he meant it, she steeled herself and continued, "Shen Bin, you’re a smart person. You should know that even if I act with you, it’ll only be for a while. Once we’re seen through, it’ll be awkward. Besides, regardless of how long we postpone this, you still have to face the problem. Since it’s inevitable, why not resolve your personal issues when you have a good candidate now?"

This lifetime, after her rebirth, Ye Ling never considered marrying Shen Bin. Hearing him suddenly ask her to act surprised her, but she quickly calmed down, realizing she was bringing past life’s feelings into this present one. Shen Bin has helped her significantly this lifetime, and both emotionally and logically, she should truly help him.

Shen Bin nodded, "I agree with your words. Since that’s the case, think carefully why I sought your help. Is it not because I have other thoughts about you?"

Ye Ling was taken aback, "Impossible."

In her core, she rejected such ideas.

Shen Bin saw her suddenly bristle, like a startled porcupine, but his gaze did not waver, locking onto her eyes, "Ye Ling, you’re eighteen this year. After graduation, you’ll be twenty-two, not a child. Do you think I’m joking with you right now? Your strength is something I greatly admire."

Cold and hard Shen Bin, saying such words, Ye Ling stared, baffled, at him, "You’re eight years older than me. You’re colleagues with my dad. In my dad’s eyes, you’re considered of his generation."

"Back then, your family introduced your cousin to me, by that idea she should call me uncle," Shen Bin pointed directly to the issue, suggesting it’s not a problem.

"But I don’t have romantic feelings for you," Ye Ling replied bluntly. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novęlfire.net

She acknowledged that Shen Bin was capable and meticulous in handling matters, and later knew he had a father with good status. Any other woman would likely find Shen Bin a good match, especially knowing his divorce wasn’t for typical reasons. Reflecting on Shen Bin mentioning a first kiss, Ye Ling finally understood he wasn’t joking; he was entirely serious.

The two of them are absolutely impossible together.

"What about that first kiss? Shouldn’t you take responsibility?" Shen Bin stood up, and Ye Ling startled, leaning her body back. However, Shen Bin didn’t make any drastic moves, instead turning and walking outside, "Right now, I’m only asking you to help. Think it over carefully; my father will certainly discuss this with your father. I’ll inform your father beforehand. He will undoubtedly want you to do me this favor."

Ye Ling watched him leave, and he brought up her father again, biting her lip. Shen Bin was sure she wouldn’t let her father be at a loss in front of the chief. She had previously been thankful to this man, but now realized she was foolish; this man had ulterior motives all along.

The next day, when Ye Ling woke up, she saw Zhao Guodong and Sui Gang. After breakfast with them, before noon, she saw her father and barely exchanged a few words when Yang Hui arrived.

Ye Ling was quite surprised, "Why are you here?"

Given the holiday, Yang Hui shouldn’t know about the news.

Yang Hui first greeted Ye He Ping politely, then sat down, "It was Sui Gang who called me."

Ye Ling and Zhao Guodong instinctively glanced at Sui Gang. Since when did these two have private interactions? Sui Gang didn’t mind, but Yang Hui’s face flushed slightly.

He hurriedly explained, "My dad has a shop selling goldfish. Sui Gang happens to like fish, so he noted down my number, saying he’d come to buy some." (To be continued. If you work, welcome to vote for recommendations, monthly tickets, on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)