Chapter 119: Hearts Aligned, Hands Intertwined

They say men often have a strange penchant for being dominated by women. But when you think about it carefully, having a woman constantly nagging in your ear—reminding you not to smoke, to drink less, to dress warmly when it’s cold, to drink more water when it’s hot, and taking your entire monthly paycheck—is, in fact, a kind of happiness for a man.

Lin Shengnan was certainly such a person, and this was gradually becoming evident; she had already defined herself as Liu Jingye’s wife.

“Didn’t you say last time that your marriage with that female officer was fake?” Lin Shengnan asked. “This time, I want you to say it yourself.”

Liu Jingye remained silent. Though one sheep or two sheep, whether to herd or to release, he was unwilling to base anything on deceit. Yet, unwilling to let go of either, he simply kept quiet. After all, his relationship with Yuan Xiaoying was already established, leaving no room for denial.

“You won’t say it? Then I’ll find out myself,” Lin Shengnan declared. “If I catch you lying to me...”

She trailed off, unable to continue, as outwardly and practically, there was no connection between them. The true relationship existed only in Lin Shengnan’s heart.

She took out her phone. Liu Jingye appeared calm, knowing she wouldn’t call Yuan Xiaoying. Whatever method she used to investigate, he was about to find out soon enough.

“Hello, is this the Civil Affairs Bureau? Hello, I have something I’d like you to help me check…”

Hearing Lin Shengnan’s rare sweet voice, Liu Jingye nearly toppled over. A woman’s wisdom was truly unfathomable, yet it only appeared when investigating her own man.

Naturally, the Civil Affairs Bureau would not disclose personal information, but Lin Shengnan had her own way. As she made the call, she approached Liu Jingye, casually searching him over, finally taking his ID card and saying, “Please, I beg you to help me. I’ve come all this way from out of town, leaving everything behind just to marry him.

“But I recently heard he might have been married before. Please help me check. I’m afraid he’s a con artist, deceiving women for money, affection, and marriage. You wouldn’t want to see a girl like me get cheated, right? The Civil Affairs Bureau serves the people, doesn’t it?”

Lin Shengnan’s words were all honeyed, her act pitiful. The woman on the other end of the line empathized and actually agreed to help her investigate.

Lin Shengnan shot Liu Jingye a fierce glance, as if warning him that his fate hung in the balance at that instant.

She gave the operator Liu Jingye’s ID number. The result came through quickly. Seeing the relaxed smile spread across Lin Shengnan’s face, she thanked the caller profusely and hung up, then gave Liu Jingye a pointed look. “So you really were in a fake marriage. Why didn’t you just say so earlier?”

“Clear men have nothing to hide,” Liu Jingye said with raised eyebrows, savoring the moment. “The hardest thing between people is trust. If we can’t even do that, how can we live happily together with suspicion?”

“Isn’t it enough that I admitted my mistake?” Lin Shengnan, usually straightforward, even sounded a little coquettish. “How about this—I’ll have a drink with you to apologize, and I’ll add five hundred yuan to your allowance next month.”

“Consider it forgiven!” Liu Jingye snapped his fingers immediately.

Five hundred yuan was enough to buy him off—a little cheap, indeed.

Lin Shengnan not only ordered drinks but also some snacks to go with the alcohol, continuously feeding Liu Jingye. Her excitement was as if her husband had just received a generous year-end bonus. Honestly, Liu Jingye truly enjoyed this feeling—comforting, filled with the warmth of marriage and home.

“Here, let me toast you first.” Lin Shengnan clinked her glass with his and drained her cup, belching lightly afterward, her face blooming with happiness and a shy smile.

Liu Jingye felt uneasy seeing such a smile, unsure what to say. “We…”

“Don’t say anything. Nothing at all,” Lin Shengnan cut him off, sensing he wanted to break through the barrier but stopping him in time. “Let’s just let things unfold naturally.”

Liu Jingye stared at her, stunned, until she lowered her head. He understood then that she was afraid—afraid it would end without a future.

After all, they were still unfamiliar with each other. To Liu Jingye, she was a fierce woman from the countryside, mysterious in every way. For her, he was equally enigmatic. Their differing backgrounds might become an unbridgeable chasm.

In truth, she was overthinking. Liu Jingye had clawed his way out of a sea of corpses and bloodshed, having long reached a stage of defiance toward everything. Every day alive was a gain, so he wanted to enjoy life to the fullest. Identity and background were but clouds; what mattered was a lighthearted, happy companionship.

“All right, let’s drink. Don’t just feed me, you eat too,” Liu Jingye changed the subject. “Here, have some chicken breast—good for you.”

Lin Shengnan glanced down at her own chest and said, “No need to replenish. It’s enough.”

Not wanting to dwell on the topic, she shifted focus. “By the way, what do you think about those businesses Boss Meng mentioned? Which one should we pursue?”

Liu Jingye recalled Yuan Xiaoying’s warning and Xian Ge’s words. After a moment’s thought, he replied, “I think we shouldn’t do any of them now. The situation is unclear, and we know nothing about those so-called big players and forces. So it’s best not to act rashly.”

“But that’s a very lucrative deal,” Lin Shengnan said. “If we succeed, our business will grow even more. We can’t just manage venues forever—I want to find good opportunities for my brothers.”

Liu Jingye gave her a thumbs-up. “That’s why I like you—you’re loyal.”

“Really?” Lin Shengnan blushed shyly.

“Of course. You know, men usually like three things, but I think one is enough.” Liu Jingye laughed. “Actually, I think sticking to the industries we have now is not bad. You can build on this foundation and look for opportunities to expand. Many businesses grow this way.

“For example, raising sheep and cattle is animal husbandry. Slaughtering them and selling meat is fresh produce. Processing sheep and cowhide is handicraft manufacturing. And bragging and showing off—that’s entertainment!”

Lin Shengnan rolled her eyes. “Your perspective is truly unique.”

Liu Jingye grew serious. “I understand your situation. You want to make money quickly, have a legitimate business, so your men can live peacefully. Then you can retire in glory, get married, and have children.”

Lin Shengnan was stunned—his words struck straight to her heart.

She looked at Liu Jingye intently as he continued, “Life in the underworld is never a long-term plan. Once you’re in, it’s hard to get out. So the best way is to stay on the edge—neither fully in nor out—without worrying about trouble. That’s why you think Boss Meng’s construction business is the best option.”

Lin Shengnan felt tears welling in her eyes. She had never spoken so frankly with Liu Jingye, yet he understood her so thoroughly.

“Boss Meng is a tycoon with money and power. Even he is helpless. What can a little woman like you do?” Liu Jingye said earnestly. “So my advice is to build on what you have. Look at these venues—you already have some say. Talk to the boss, innovate, try new businesses. For example, at the KTV, hold a ‘King of Karaoke’ contest to draw customers. At the nightclub, where all the partygoers are hyped, organize a speed-dating event to take the fun up a notch.”

Lin Shengnan’s eyes lit up, grabbing Liu Jingye’s hand excitedly. “Keep going! What other ideas do you have? This really is a good way to make money.”

Suddenly, Liu Jingye shivered all over, feeling waves of warmth from her small hand. This was their second time holding hands, and the sensation was special—seemingly unique to Lin Shengnan.

His hand was stained with blood, hardened by years of gripping cold knives and guns. Only a loving wife could warm him.

He looked down at her hand. Though not delicate or slender, even somewhat rough, it gripped his bloodied hand tightly, as if afraid he might slip away, or as if promising never to let go.

“Say something…” Lin Shengnan noticed his daze and urged him on. Seeing his gaze fixed on her hand, she instinctively tried to pull away, but Liu Jingye caught it firmly in return.

“You…” Lin Shengnan was startled, barely daring to meet his eyes.

Liu Jingye made no further move; he just held her hand tightly, letting her warmth thaw his chill. Simply holding her hand, he felt like a block of ice being warmed by a flame.

Lin Shengnan sensed his state and gradually relaxed, letting him hold her hand. It was a completely different feeling—his hand was heavy as a mountain, solid and strong. Holding hers was like cradling her in the palm, shielding her from the wind and rain.

This was mutual dependence.

A mere touch gave them both comfort and satisfaction.

After a long silence, they slowly let go. Lin Shengnan whispered, “I really want to find a good, profitable business soon, so they can settle down. Then I can…”

“Then you’ll what?” Liu Jingye broke the silence eagerly, daring to broach the forbidden topic.

Lin Shengnan glanced at him, cheeks flushed. “Then I can freely do what I love.”

“Oh, do what you love!” Liu Jingye teased, emphasizing the sensitive words.

“Get lost!” Lin Shengnan snapped, irritated, standing to leave. Staying any longer might truly lead to doing those ‘love’ things.

Liu Jingye smiled and followed her back to the neighboring room, where Da Niu, Er Niu, Shi Tou, and Hu Ming—all his comrades—were drinking and chatting heartily. The more they drank, the livelier they became, unaware the night had deepened until suddenly, a bloodied Duan Hu appeared…