Chapter 112: You're Crushing Me

Over the years, many have sought Lu Beiqin’s life, disguising themselves in various identities, both male and female.

So when he was attacked just now, Lu Beiqin instinctively assumed the person behind him was yet another assassin.

The moment the lights came on and he saw the person pinned beneath him, Lu Beiqin immediately loosened his grip. “You...”

Shen Chutang opened her eyes and glanced at the person on top of her. Her previously stern expression instantly turned surprised. “It’s you! Get off me, you’re squashing me!”

Lu Beiqin quickly stood up. It was clear Shen Chutang had just finished bathing; her fair skin carried a pleasant fragrance, even a hint of milky sweetness.

Because of the sudden movement, her towel had loosened somewhat, though she hadn’t noticed.

Just as she was about to get up, Lu Beiqin grabbed the towel to shield her modesty.

Shen Chutang froze for a moment, then took the towel, “Thank you.”

Blushing, she looked at Lu Beiqin, “Turn around.”

Only then did Lu Beiqin turn away. Shen Chutang readjusted the towel, a bit embarrassed. “You—why didn’t you make a sound when you came back?”

“Sorry.”

“I asked who it was, but you didn’t answer.”

“I didn’t hear it.”

Shen Chutang didn’t mind. “It’s fine, I thought there was a burglar because the power suddenly went out.”

Lu Beiqin explained, “The whole area lost power just now.”

It was all just a coincidence. Shen Chutang had thought a thief had deliberately cut the wires, causing the outage, while Lu Beiqin, not hearing her voice, mistakenly thought she was the intruder.

Lu Beiqin looked at her. “Sorry, I was too rough just now.”

Recalling the over-the-shoulder throw, Shen Chutang thought to herself she was lucky there was a sofa behind her; otherwise, who knew how she might have landed.

But since it was unintentional, she let it go.

Seeing the nervous look in his eyes, Shen Chutang casually said, “If you’re sincere about apologizing, then help me fix the pipes in my room.”

Lu Beiqin nodded. “Alright.”

With a toolbox in hand, Lu Beiqin entered Shen Chutang’s bathroom. She changed into pajamas and stood by, unable to help but say, “It’s okay if you can’t fix it; I’ll just call a repairman tomorrow.”

Lu Beiqin’s expression was calm. “I can do it.”

Since he said that, Shen Chutang didn’t protest.

An hour later, Lu Beiqin emerged from the bathroom, his shirt casually unbuttoned at the top, revealing a well-built chest.

The bathroom was stuffy and hot, and he was drenched in sweat.

“It’s fixed.”

Shen Chutang went to test the faucet and was surprised when water actually flowed.

“Thank you.”

She stepped out and thanked Lu Beiqin again. In the living room, he had taken off his shirt, draped it casually over his shoulder. His muscular, steel-like physique glistened with a thin sheen of sweat—broad shoulders, narrow waist, exuding raw masculinity. Shen Chutang’s cheeks instantly burned with heat.

Lu Beiqin glanced up at her. “Your face is very red. Are you alright?”

“Huh? I’m fine, it’s just a bit hot today, haha.”

She grabbed a magazine to fan herself, puzzled. With so many senior brothers at home, she wasn’t a stranger to men, yet seeing Lu Beiqin like this made her heart race and her face flush.

Was she sick?

She immediately checked her pulse—steady and strong. She was in perfect health, hardly indicative of illness.

Lu Beiqin looked at her with mild curiosity. “I’m going to take a shower first.”

“Okay, see you!”

Back in her room, Shen Chutang flopped onto the bed and rolled around. Ah, that was so embarrassing just now!

Shen Chutang, you need to keep your composure!

Don’t scare him away!

Just then, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Zhang Xuejun.

“There’s a banquet the day after tomorrow. I’ll send you the address.”

In a good mood today, Shen Chutang replied with interest, “Not going.”

“This isn’t your decision. For your sister’s happiness, you must attend.”

She glanced again. “What does that have to do with me?”

After sending the message, Shen Chutang tossed the phone aside, unwilling to entertain it further.

Meanwhile, at the Shen family residence.

Shen Tingting couldn’t help but complain, “Dad, why invite her? The prince invited me!”

Shen Tingting had come home earlier in a sulk. At school, Shen Chutang had stolen all the limelight, causing everyone to dislike her and treat her like a pariah.

Unexpectedly, Liu Shuhua told her they had received an invitation—a meticulously crafted card inviting the city’s heiresses and socialites to a masked ball.

The invitation bore the exclusive seal of the capital’s prince, indicating that the prince himself would attend the masked ball.

If she could catch the prince’s eye, her life would be set forever. Shen Tingting never considered anyone else a rival.

But to her surprise, Shen Xuejun had invited Shen Chutang instead!