Volume One, Chapter 9: You Really Look Like Me

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Shen Yixiao’s expression darkened. “Su Ying, if you can’t speak properly, then keep quiet.”

Su Ying quickly covered her mouth, feeling guilty. “Sorry, sorry, it’s just my loose tongue. What I meant was, Secretary Lu works closely by your side as your capable assistant. If she gets involved with the wrong people and it affects your work, it won’t be good for you. Maybe you should keep an eye on her.”

Shen Yixiao’s face softened a bit but his tone remained cold. “It’s none of my business. She can see whoever she wants.”

Such detached words made it clear to anyone that he felt nothing romantic toward Lu Xiaoyun; their relationship was purely professional.

Yet, in my mind, I saw scenes of them entangled on the big bed in the apartment, and by the elevator entrance, indulging in reckless passion.

“Yes, why should other women concern you? Just take care of your own wife,” Su Ying said, giving me a meaningful glance.

Shen Yixiao was annoyed by her cryptic remarks and promptly asked her to leave. “Su Ying, you won’t be staying for dinner today. Maybe next time.”

Su Ying snorted but seemed in a good mood and left quite cheerfully.

Once she was gone, Shen Yixiao turned to test me. “Honey, are you upset about the lipstick mark?”

“No, I understand you have to attend social engagements. Even if it means harmless flings with other women, I can accept that,” I said, showing understanding.

Shen Yixiao was touched and held my hand tightly. The joy and tenderness in his eyes were genuine; he still had feelings for me, though they were no longer pure.

“I would never have casual flings with other women. Everyone knows I’m a husband who’s strictly controlled by his wife. Who dares challenge my loyalty? Little Moon, I only love you.”

He hadn’t called me “Little Moon” in a long time. When we were seventeen, he chased after me relentlessly, whether in class or on the playground, never sparing this endearing nickname.

On variety shows, it was scripted. When he called me “Little Moon,” it sparked a wave of pure romance among fans.

Watching him shed the awkwardness of youth, his face and demeanor had matured, combined with the confidence his current status granted him. He truly was the dream man for many women.

I embraced him and leaned into his chest, not wanting him to see my forced smile.

That afternoon, Shen Yixiao didn’t go to the office. Rarely, he stayed home with me.

He acted as my model, posing in the studio for two whole hours. I held the brush but kept hesitating. The final portrait of him lacked any vitality.

Losing the feeling of loving him had drained the brush of its spirit.

This was my childhood dream. My parents had invested a lot in nurturing my painting talent. In the end, it was all ruined.

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Shen Yixiao had specially created this studio for me, hoping to make up for the lost future. I loved spending time here, capturing every expression and movement of his.

“This…” Shen Yixiao looked at the finished painting, laughing and crying at the same time. “Honey, do you think this looks like me?”

I shook my head. “No.”

My vacant and absent expression worried Shen Yixiao. He put down the portrait and took me to the bedroom to rest.

I didn’t refuse.

Unable to sleep, I got up again and went downstairs to get a glass of water. That’s when I heard Shen Yixiao’s voice.

“You did well this morning. It was great, but next time don’t do that without a condom. It’s too risky.”

“Buy some and keep them in the drawer of the lounge. Don’t fumble around at the last minute.”

“I won’t be free tonight. Also, your lipstick got on my sleeve today. My wife saw it. I don’t want her to be unhappy. Be more careful next time.”

Hearing these words made me feel sick all over again.

Shen Yixiao didn’t know I was awake, so he spoke so freely.

I turned and hurried upstairs, wrapping myself tightly in the blanket to control the wave of nausea.

Thankfully, he didn’t realize I had come downstairs. Until night, he stayed with me as usual, acting like nothing had happened.

—

That weekend, the company’s anniversary celebration was held as scheduled.

The venue was the top-floor hall of the company building. Senior management and executives from headquarters all attended, along with some partners and business associates.

I got up early to change. The mermaid gown still sparkled. After I put it on, the makeup artist kept praising my beauty.

When Shen Yixiao saw me, the amazement and joy in his eyes overflowed. “Honey, you’re stunning.”

“Mr. Shen, you and your wife are such a perfect match. May I take a photo of you two?” The makeup artist asked with envy.

Shen Yixiao naturally wrapped his arm around my waist, smiling brightly. “Sure.”

After the makeup artist took the photo, she immediately posted it online, drawing many compliments and envious comments.

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Then Shen Yixiao took me to the company.

When the elevator arrived at the top-floor hall and the doors opened, Shen Yixiao held my hand as we entered, instantly attracting everyone’s attention. Su Ying was among them, watching me gloomily. When our eyes met, she quickly put on a smile.

With our arrival, the anniversary celebration officially began.

Shen Yixiao mingled among the crowd, chatting and laughing. After a while, I lost interest and found a quiet corner to be alone.

“Madam, why are you here by yourself?” Lu Xiaoyun appeared beside me unexpectedly, her face full of concern.

I looked at her. For a moment, I truly thought I saw a reflection of my former self.

Her hair was black, smooth, and unprocessed, naturally straight and falling over her shoulders and back. She only clipped her bangs with a hairpin, revealing a fresh, pure face. Especially her sharply defined eyes—they were just like mine.

She wore a white silk slip dress that shimmered under the lights, somewhat similar in style to my own gown.

“Oh, your dresses look alike!” someone nearby exclaimed in surprise.

Hearing this, Lu Xiaoyun immediately changed expression.

Then I recalled what the dress brand staff had said earlier. Shen Yixiao ordered two gowns; one white one was meant as a surprise for me.

No surprise—only a carefully crafted deception.

“No, no, no. My dress was just bought online for a few hundred yuan. It can’t compare to madam’s gown!” Lu Xiaoyun shook her head repeatedly.

Shen Yixiao must have tailored both dresses to my size; otherwise, it would have been exposed. So Lu Xiaoyun’s dress was slightly tight, especially at the chest, where a thin layer of flesh was squeezed out.

She resembled me, but her figure was fuller. Shen Yixiao’s fascination with her body was natural for a reason.

I was about to reply when suddenly I heard a faint ripping sound from behind. Then I felt my gown loosen significantly, slipping down.

Luckily, I quickly wrapped the neckline to avoid any exposure.