Chapter 22: Have You Seen Any Loving Couple Stay This Far Apart?

Zhou Mingsheng's charm offensive was working - the Smiths was warming up to both of them. But time was running out. Shen Chi Yan thrust their files at Song Qi Nian, telling her to study up on the couple, and quickly.

Thirty minutes later, Song Qi Nian met Shen Chi Yan's eyes and handed the documents back.

"You've memorized everything?" His brow furrowed.

She nodded.

"Song Qi Nian, this isn't a game. If you're just trying to impress me with how clever you are..."

For the first time ever, she cut him off with sign language: 

[I really did memorize it all. Test me if you don't believe it.]

Shen Chi Yan fired several questions about the Smiths. Song Qi Nian answered each one without missing a beat, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, her eyes bright with certainty.

What Shen Chi Yan didn't realize was that Song Qi Nian's muteness had been balanced by an extraordinary gift - she could remember anything after seeing it just once. In high school, she'd chosen sciences specifically because it relied on memorization rather than complex problem-solving. It had allowed her to work part-time jobs.

As he stood to leave, Shen Chi Yan's words came out like ice: "Let's hope you keep this confidence when you're actually facing the Smiths."

Later in the car, he studied her - the simple dress, bare face, black hair pulled back in a basic ponytail. His frown deepened. She looked nothing like a wealthy man's wife.

He pulled out his phone and dialed. "Gong Yuqi. I need to borrow your stylist."

"Well, well. What's this about? Did Lin Qiu Tong wake up? Getting yourself prettied up for her?"

"You talk too much!"

"Is that how you ask for a favor?"

"Are you lending or not?!"

"Yes, yes, of course! How could I refuse the great Fifth Master Shen? Where are you? I'll send someone right over."

"Future International."

"Got it."

Shen Chi Yan dropped Song Qi Nian at a high-end boutique in Future International. Everything inside screamed luxury - price tags starting in the tens of thousands.

Before she could process what was happening, the sales staff whisked her into a fitting room.

By the time she'd finished trying on clothes, Gong Yuqi's stylist had arrived. Nancy was unmistakably male, wearing more makeup than most women, with a distinctive sashay in his walk. His outfit - a floral shirt, leather pants, and pink stilettos - made quite the statement.

The moment Nancy spotted Shen Chi Yan, he nearly swooned. "CEO Shen... my goodness, I've heard so much about you..."

He started mincing toward Shen Chi Yan but stopped dead in his tracks when met with an icy stare. Gong Yuqi's warning echoed in his head - touch Shen Chi Yan and you're dead. Nancy quickly backed off. He needed these hands for his livelihood; no sense risking his neck.

"Get on with it. I'm in a hurry."

"Yes, yes, right away..."

Nancy bowed repeatedly, forced himself to look away from the perfect specimen of manhood before him, and entered the store.

When he caught sight of Song Qi Nian, his eyes sparkled again. "Oh my, who is this precious little angel?"

Nancy circled Song Qi Nian, taking her in. She was petite, with a sweet, innocent look about her. Not a classical beauty, but the kind of girl whose charm could win over anyone, young or old.

Nancy didn't know exactly what Song Qi Nian was to Shen Chi Yan, but if he'd called for a styling session, she had to be someone special.

Everyone knew Shen Chi Yan kept his distance from women. So many people in their social circle had hoped they might catch his eye someday. Instead, here he was with this adorable little thing at his side.

Nancy's heart gave a twinge. Rejected before he'd even had a chance.

"Hi, I'm Nancy." He extended his hand to Song Qi Nian. If Shen Chi Yan was off limits, he could at least befriend the woman who'd caught his attention.

Song Qi Nian shook his hand politely. She started to type something on her phone when Shen Chi Yan's voice cut through the air: "You have thirty minutes."

Nancy jumped and got straight to work, not daring another glance at Song Qi Nian.

The morning dragged on with endless outfit changes and styling. By the end, Song Qi Nian was exhausted - even more drained than after a full shift of waiting tables.

This was the first time Shen Chi Yan had ever waited for someone, and his patience was wearing thin.

"CEO Shen, we're finished..."

At Nancy's words, Shen Chi Yan turned. Song Qi Nian stood there in a floral strapless dress that hit above her knees. They hadn't had time to dye her hair, but it was curled slightly and woven into a crown braid. A delicate pink ribbon matched her dress and subtle makeup, transforming her into something otherworldly.

Song Qi Nian caught Shen Chi Yan staring and shifted uncomfortably.

"CEO Shen has excellent taste. Such a lovely creature will turn heads wherever she goes."

Shen Chi Yan's laugh was brittle. "She certainly knows how to draw attention."

Song Qi Nian pressed her lips together - she knew he wouldn't approve. Her hands moved: [Should I... change into something else?]

"No time. Let's go!"

Shen Chi Yan was already walking away. Song Qi Nian hurried after him.

Nancy stood there bewildered. "Wait... CEO Shen's sweetheart is mute?"

At the Venus Hotel, Shen Chi Yan sprawled on the sofa, his mind working through strategies to win over the Smiths.

Song Qi Nian perched at the far end of the sofa, two meters away, still on edge. This was her first time meeting Shen Chi Yan's business partners. If they weren't crucial to the deal, he never would have agreed to let her play this role in exchange for a position at Dingsheng Group.

She'd memorized everything about the Smiths- their likes, their dislikes. But she couldn't speak, and they were foreigners. Communication would be a nightmare.

When Song Qi Nian got nervous, her hands took on a life of their own. She'd strike her palm sideways, punch it with her fist, lock her fingers together and crack them. She looked ready to start a street fight, completely at odds with her delicate outfit and careful styling.

"Come here."

Song Qi Nian looked up, confused.

"What kind of loving couple sits two meters apart?"

Her heart skipped - but really, this wasn't her fault! He'd been sitting there radiating ice since they arrived. Who would dare get close?

"Get over here. Now."

Song Qi Nian inched closer until she was about an arm's length away. In the next instant, a strong hand yanked her forward and she tumbled right into Shen Chi Yan's arms.