Chapter 51: Transoceanic Call

That nearly flawless counterfeit lease agreement and the photocopies of the property ownership certificate acted like a potent sedative, temporarily dulling Yu Ling’s taut nerves.

The shimmering silver metal box in the study, the invisible class barriers within the V.M. Estate, and even the blurred photograph at the café entrance were forcibly shoved back into the corners of her memory by this "ironclad proof." She began to deliberately and strenuously cooperate with Zhao Chen in creating an atmosphere of "quiet, peaceful years."

She no longer resisted his omnipresent "clinginess" and childish "jealousy," even starting to actively reciprocate. Before leaving for work in the morning, she would return his good-morning kiss on the cheek; after getting off work, she would walk toward his "ordinary" car amidst her colleagues' envious glances; during weekend grocery shopping, she would naturally link her arm through his, discussing which brand of yogurt was healthier in front of the supermarket shelves.

She forced herself to immerse in this everyday routine of being pampered and cherished, playing the role of a wife "peacefully enjoying married life" like a seasoned actress.

Zhao Chen also seemed to keenly perceive this deliberate "softening" on her part. The lingering shadow and cautiousness deep within his gaze gradually faded, replaced by an even more surging tenderness and a cherishfulness akin to recovering something lost.

His clinginess intensified, reaching almost the point of never leaving her side. When Yu Ling worked overtime, he would bring his laptop to "work" at the café downstairs from the Genesis Building, waiting for her to finish; when Yu Ling went shopping with her best friend, he would "coincidentally" appear in the same shopping mall and then naturally join them; even when Yu Ling curled up on the sofa reading a book over the weekend, he would squeeze in, circle her in his arms, and rest his chin on the crown of her head, calling it "recharging."

"Lingling, what would you like to eat tomorrow night?" It was another weekend evening. Zhao Chen poked his head out of the kitchen, wearing a little-whale apron and a warm smile on his face. "A friend just opened a new Japanese restaurant, and the ingredients are all air-shipped from Hokkaido. The head chef is very famous. Shall we go try it?"

Yu Ling was curled up on the sofa reading a novel. Hearing this, she looked up and met his expectant gaze. The doubts she had deliberately suppressed deep in her heart surfaced faintly once again. Another "friend"? Another batch of air-shipped ingredients? Yet, she maintained a docile smile on her face and nodded, "Alright, I'll leave it to you."

The smile on Zhao Chen's face instantly widened, like a child receiving a piece of candy. "Then I'll book a table!" He withdrew into the kitchen, and soon the sound of him lowering his voice to make a reservation phone call drifted out.

Yu Ling put down her book, her gaze landing on his busy figure at the kitchen entrance. The sunlight outlined his tall and straight silhouette, the strings of his little-whale apron tied into a cute bow behind his back. The scene was so warm, so "ordinary." She even began to persuade herself that perhaps... those thrilling secrets were truly just her own imagination? Perhaps Zhao Chen really was just an "ordinary employee" with a bit of good luck and broader connections?

She needed something to reinforce this crumbling "belief."

Her gaze swept across the living room and landed on the woven rattan basket under the coffee table, used for storing magazines and sundries. She remembered Zhao Chen organizing documents a few days ago, stuffing some "waste paper" into it casually. Perhaps... she could find some other "everyday" evidence? Like a utility bill? It should contain the homeowner's information, right? Though the possibility was slim, what if?

Driven by a faint expectation and a psychological urge akin to self-torture, Yu Ling stood up, walked over to the coffee table, squatted down, and began rummaging through the rattan basket. Most of the contents were outdated magazines, a few supermarket flyers, and some miscellaneous small items. She searched patiently until her fingertips touched a crumpled, printed stack of paper.

She pulled it out and unfolded it. It consisted of several printed English technical documents, covered with complex formulas and charts that she could not understand at all. Just as she was about to put them back in disappointment, an inconspicuous piece of paper sandwiched between them fluttered down.

Yu Ling picked up the slip of paper. Its texture was some kind of special waterproof paper, feeling very thick to the touch. There was no text on it at all, only an extremely complex geometric pattern. The pattern was composed of countless dense, intertwining, and rotating silver lines that emitted a faint metallic luster, forming a profound and mysterious three-dimensional structure—like some kind of high-tech totem, or perhaps an extremely precise key!

What is this? Some design draft? Or... some kind of emblem insignia?

Holding this strange metal card, Yu Ling turned it over and examined it from all angles, feeling only that the pattern carried a cold, inhuman precision, completely unlike any everyday item. Just as she was feeling puzzled—

Buzz—buzz—buzz—

An abrupt and continuous vibration sound suddenly rang out! The sound came from the gap in the sofa—Zhao Chen's cell phone! After finishing his reservation call just now, he had casually tossed his phone onto the sofa and returned to the kitchen!

Startled by the sudden vibration, Yu Ling looked over instinctively. The phone screen was bright, and a familiar number with a long international dialing code was flashing frantically—+1 (650) XXX-XXXX!

It was that American number again!

Gu Qianqian?!

Yu Ling's heart instantly leaped into her throat! The blood in her entire body seemed to rush to the top of her head in an instant! Stiffened as if cast under a immobilization spell, she stayed frozen in place, still pinching that cold metal card in her hand, staring fixedly at the crazily vibrating phone on the sofa like a venomous snake baring its fangs!

In the kitchen came the sound of Zhao Chen humming a tune off-key and the clatter of a spatula; he seemed completely oblivious to the vibration of his phone.

Buzz—buzz—buzz—

The vibration persisted stubbornly, sounding exceptionally grating in the quiet living room. Every single buzz felt like a hammer blow to Yu Ling's taut nerves! That name, that woman of extraordinary grace in the photograph, the name that caused Zhao Chen's expression to instantly twist—Gu Qianqian! It swirled in her mind like a curse!

A crazy thought ignited in the depths of her heart like wildfire!

Answer it! Pick up the phone! Hear what on earth she has to say!

This was the only chance to tear off all pretense and reach the raw truth!

Reason screamed at her to stop! Fear made her fingertips icy cold! But the curiosity, doubt, and reckless impulse that had been suppressed for far too long ultimately overwhelmed everything else!

Driven by an invisible force, she lunged toward the edge of the sofa, her trembling fingers fueled by a desperate determination as she fiercely swiped the green answer button on the phone screen!

"Hello? Brother Chen?" The moment the call connected, a female voice—so sweet it could almost drip honey, carrying an obvious crying tone and heavy grievances—instantly burst out from the earpiece, echoing with absolute clarity throughout the living room!