Waaah, I'm being forced into loving my yandere wife's brain.

The maid had already silently left, leaving only the two of them in the large hall.

Lin Zhiyao stood at the door, feeling rather lost, unsure of where to go or what to do.

Shen Jin didn't look up at her, remaining focused on the game. His slender fingers held a chess piece between his fingers, slowly placing it on the board with a crisp sound.

"despair."

Lin Zhiyao bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, but still didn't make a sound. She carefully walked to the side and sat down on the chair.

The chair was very soft, covered with some kind of fur, and sitting on it felt like sinking into a cloud, with a warm feeling.

The hall was quiet.

The only sound was the faint thud of Shen Jin placing a piece from time to time.

Each sound was as crisp as jade striking jade, echoing in the empty hall, each sound striking Lin Zhiyao's heart.

For some reason, she felt increasingly anxious.

Lin Zhiyao looked down at her toes.

Even though Shen Jin hadn't done anything, or even glanced at her, the oppressive feeling was everywhere, like an invisible net slowly tightening, enveloping her.

Lin Zhiyao took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

But if we look at it another way, maybe Shen Jin just wants to amuse himself tonight?

Playing chess against myself all night.

That way, she wouldn't have to sleep in the same bed with him.

Thinking of this, Lin Zhiyao's tense mood relaxed a lot. At this moment, she noticed that the fragrance in the hall seemed to be getting stronger and stronger.

Like the scent of pine needles after a snowfall, fresh and crisp with a hint of bittersweetness.

It's very rich, but not pungent; it's a deep, intoxicating, and strangely alluring flavor that makes you want to take a few more breaths.

Lin Zhiyao couldn't help but sniff, and suddenly felt her throat was a little dry, and a surge of indescribable heat rose in her body.

It's like wearing an extra layer of clothing.

Lin Zhiyao subconsciously licked her lips, her gaze beginning to wander discreetly around the hall, searching for a teapot or a water cup.

No.

There was nothing there.

The interior was simply furnished, with only a chessboard, a small table, and a few potted flowers she didn't recognize.

There wasn't even a teacup in sight.

Lin Zhiyao was somewhat disappointed, but dared not ask, so she could only endure it.

But the heat did not subside at all because of her endurance; on the contrary, it became clearer and clearer, as if something was awakening inside her, stirring restlessly.

Lin Zhiyao pursed her dry lips, feeling as if a fire was burning in her throat.

Moreover, it wasn't just her throat that was dry; she also felt unwell.

It's a bit hot.

Even though the night on Cangwu Mountain was cool and there was no fire in the hall, she felt heat rising from her bones, her cheeks burning, her palms sweating, and even her breathing becoming heavy.

This feeling is so strange.

Lin Zhiyao shifted her body uneasily.

Just then—

"despair."

The sound of the piece being placed stopped.

Lin Zhiyao's heart jumped.

She subconsciously looked up and found that Shen Jin had put down the chess piece in his hand, was leaning back in his chair, and was quietly looking in her direction with his head slightly turned.

For some reason, she couldn't see the expression on Shen Jin's face.

But she knew he was watching her.

That gaze was like that of a predator locking onto its delicious prey.

Lin Zhiyao's panic grew stronger and stronger, so strong that she had to do something to cover it up.

She hurriedly lowered her head, pretending to tidy her clothes and the stray hairs at her temples, acting as if she were very busy.

She didn't know why she was doing this.

I just instinctively felt that if I didn't do something, I would be stared at by those eyes and have nowhere to hide.

The feeling was strange, as if something was spreading in the air, wrapping around her and tightening around her little by little.

Just then.

Lin Zhiyao felt a shadow fall behind her.

Someone stood behind her.

She had an extremely strong presence, so strong that she couldn't ignore her even if she wanted to.

Lin Zhiyao's back stiffened.

I could almost smell Shen Jin's scent, very faint, with that cool, smoky fragrance, descending from above.

She dared not turn around, dared not move, and even held her breath.

The next second, a strong arm reached out from her side and wrapped around her shoulder.

The force wasn't strong, but it was irresistible, pulling her up and dragging her into the shadows that loomed behind her.

Before Lin Zhiyao could react, another hand had already gripped her chin, forcing her to raise her head.

Her trembling gaze met a pair of deep, fox-like eyes.

Clear and transparent, like a frozen lake in winter, cold and crystal clear.

But beneath the ice, an undercurrent was surging, threatening to engulf her.

Lin Zhiyao saw herself.

Her face was flushed, her almond-shaped eyes were full of spring, and there was a thin layer of shimmering water in her eyes. The corners of her eyes were tinged with a faint blush. Her lips were slightly parted, her breathing was rapid, and even the tip of her nose was covered with a faint pink. Her breath was as sweet as orchids.

She was like a crabapple blossom in April, blooming beautifully in the spring breeze, so lovely that one wanted to pick it.