Financial freedom starts with cracked apps.

Chapter 173 The First Cup of Milk Tea in the Morning (6k words combined into one, please vote for me at the beginning of the month~)

11pm late at night.

It was well past Gu Wanqing's bedtime, but she was still in a state of heightened excitement.

After all, I'm going to school in Shanghai tomorrow, so I can't help but feel excited, but also a little worried.

Are your roommates easy to get along with?

Do I feel lonely living alone in an unfamiliar city?
And... will Brother Lin Shen come to pick me up tomorrow?

Gu Wanqing's mind was a bit of a mess, so she checked her luggage for tomorrow again to calm her anxiety. After confirming that everything was in order, she lay down on the bed with her phone in her arms.

She opened WeChat, and the screen remained on her chat history with Lin Shen.

[Gu Wanqing: Brother Lin Shen, I'll arrive at Hongqiao at 1:41 PM tomorrow~(≧≦)]
[Lin Shen: Okay, I'll come pick you up.]
"..."

Gu Wanqing crossed her legs, her lips slightly pouting, a strange sense of loss lingering in her heart.

Although she and Lin Shen chat every day, they mostly share their daily lives and fun things.

They seemed very close, but in reality, Gu Wanqing always felt there was still some distance between her and Lin Shen.

Is there any way to break through this barrier?

Gu Wanqing analyzed her chat history with Lin Shen over the past month and discovered a very thorny issue.

That is--

Lin Shen only sees her as a younger sister!

His every reply was marked by restraint and politeness, and an overwhelming sense of doting affection that practically radiated from the screen.

This is clearly how a brother feels for his sister!

This made Gu Wanqing feel both sweet and happy, but also somewhat melancholy.

She wants to continue her relationship with Lin Shen and doesn't want to be his younger sister!

But Lin Shen doesn't seem to have any intention of developing a romantic relationship with a woman...

Am I just not charming?
After getting out of bed, Gu Wanqing hurriedly ran to the full-length mirror and looked herself up and down.

She had fair skin and a somewhat thin body, but her face was absolutely beautiful.

Gu Wanqing was very confident about this.

Since the college entrance exam, at least a dozen or so men have confessed their feelings to her.

She's widely recognized as the school beauty of Hengshui No. 8 High School, so her looks are definitely not an issue.

So where did the problem lie?

Gu Wanqing turned around, then lowered her head and touched her chest, her beautiful eyes suddenly widening.

She thought of Jiang Wan.

Her ample figure, almost bursting out, was truly eye-catching.

Done!

This is the point!

Gu Wanqing squatted on the ground, holding her head, looking annoyed.

It seems it's not that I'm not pretty, but that I lack femininity!
In addition, there's a rather large age gap between the two...

It would be strange if there were any romantic feelings between them!

"Waaaaah... I feel so sad."

Just as Gu Wanqing was grieving alone, a knock suddenly sounded at the door.

Dangdangdang——!
"Qingqing, aren't you asleep yet, it's so late?"

"mom?"

When Gu Wanqing opened the door, she found her mother, Chen Hui, standing there.

I can't sleep~

Gu Wanqing nestled into Chen Hui's arms and whispered something, which made Chen Hui smile and reach out to stroke her daughter's hair.

"I knew it! Your sister barely slept the night before she went to school."

"Don't worry, university life isn't as difficult or scary as you think. Your parents will come to visit you often."

"Great!"

Gu Wanqing raised her head with a smile.

"Can I come once a week?"

"What are you thinking about!"

Chen Hui gently flicked her daughter's head and said coquettishly.

"Your parents don't have time! They can only visit once every few months at most. You'll be free after you go to university."

"But I will miss you and Dad very much."

We'll miss you too.

Faced with Gu Wanqing's coquettish behavior, Chen Hui carried her to the bedside and sat down, her eyes filled with tenderness.

"Even though Mom and Dad aren't here, your sister is!"

"I heard she just finished her work recently and has started working at a company. She and Lin Shen will come to pick you up tomorrow."

Do you remember Lin Shen? He's your sister's boyfriend.

"Ah, the forest is deep..."

Gu Wanqing blinked awkwardly, stammering and unable to speak.

Seeing this, Chen Hui smiled and introduced.

"Looks like you're really forgetful, girl. Lin Shen and your sister came to our house before!"

"I remembered!"

Gu Wanqing suddenly realized.

"That handsome guy, right!"

Handsome?

Chen Hui thought back for a moment and vaguely remembered that Lin Shen's appearance and figure were quite ordinary, and he didn't seem to be handsome at all.

However, he has a very good personality; he is gentle, kind, and ambitious. He would definitely make a good husband!

But if we're talking about dating, isn't that a bit...?

Chen Hui felt a headache coming on whenever she thought about her eldest daughter's stubborn and obstinate personality.

I feel that Lin Shen would have a hard time being with her.

"Mom, what do you think of Brother Lin Shen?"

Gu Wanqing blinked frequently, seemingly eager to know Lin Shen's place in her mother's heart.

She also gave it a very high rating.

"very good!"

Chen Hui nodded with satisfaction.

"When he and your sister came back to our house, he helped us a lot and bought you lots of delicious food. You haven't forgotten all of that, have you?"

"How could I possibly forget!"

Gu Wanqing pouted slightly, then cautiously and tentatively asked.

"If Brother Lin Shen and Sister break up, will you be very sad, Mom?"

Ok?
Chen Hui raised an eyebrow, and after seeing Gu Wanqing's slight glance, she seemed to realize something.

"Qingqing, you didn't find out some inside information from your sister, did you?"

"Huh? What inside information do I know?"

Gu Wanqing blinked her big, innocent eyes, which were full of clarity.

This made Chen Hui not want to ask any more questions, and she just sighed softly.

"If Lin Shen breaks up with your sister, it's most likely because of your sister. I'll just feel sorry for him."

"You know your sister's personality; she's spoiled and can't stand the slightest grievance. Sigh!"

"Oh dear! Isn't it all because you and Dad spoiled her since she was little, buying her all sorts of delicious food and fun toys?"

"You're talking as if we haven't spoiled you."

Chen Hui chuckled and pinched Gu Wanqing's soft cheek.

“I’ve never seen you become so disobedient.”

"That's because I'm a good girl!"

Gu Wanqing chuckled, which made Chen Hui smile and get up to leave.

"Alright, it's getting late. My high-speed train leaves around 9 a.m. tomorrow. I should get some sleep."

"Okay, goodnight, Mom~"

"Good night."

After Chen Hui left, Gu Wanqing lay on her back on the bed and suddenly started rolling around inexplicably, occasionally letting out uncontrollable laughter.

"Hehe, Mom has a very good impression of Brother Lin Shen! Hehe! Mom approves of Brother Lin Shen!"

As she was laughing, Gu Wanqing suddenly stopped laughing.

Because she was thinking of her older sister.

Lin Shen will pick me up tomorrow, and my sister will also be bringing her current boyfriend to the high-speed rail station.

But his mother didn't know about this.

bass--!
Gu Wanqing suddenly sat up in bed, cupping her face in her hands, her expression one of extreme terror, as if she had encountered something terribly wrong.

What if Lin Shen gets into a fight with his sister's current boyfriend?
Wouldn't I become a sinner for all time?

"I should have known better than to let Brother Lin Shen come."

Gu Wanqing covered her face with a pillow, feeling that she hadn't thought things through enough, only thinking about meeting Lin Shen.

Now look what's happened! I wonder how embarrassing it will be tomorrow!

well--!
Gu Wanqing sighed inwardly, then threw the pillow aside and picked up the rabbit doll beside her, praying silently.

"Great Rabbit God, I hope you will bless me, let me get through tomorrow smoothly, and have a bright future..."

-

-

11:20 PM.

Hilton Hotel, penthouse presidential suite.

Crash-!
The sound of showering could be heard coming from the bathroom.

Lin Shen smoothed his wet hair back, tilted his face slightly up, and let the warm water from the shower flow down his face and over his entire body.

He was slowly savoring the feeling from just now.

The last time I felt this comfortable was when I was with Iria.

Tonight, Shen Yun is just as stunning as the foreign girls.

Of course, she can't compare to Qin Yuennan and Jiang Wan.

But it was beyond Lin Shen's imagination.

He originally just wanted to fill the long-standing loneliness in Shen Yun's heart tonight, as a way of repaying her for her support of his career during this period.

But gradually, Lin Shen discovered that this beautiful mature woman was actually quite nice!

In particular, she understands men's hearts very well and knows that she may not be popular in terms of figure, appearance, or age.

So she focused all her skill points on developing her femininity. Wow!

Recalling the scene just now, Lin Shen clicked his tongue twice inwardly, a slight smile playing on his lips.

After turning off the shower, he walked out of the bathroom and into the toilet. While drying his hair with a towel, he opened his phone to check Shen Yun's personal information.

Based on Qin Yuennan and Jiang Wan's experience, at this point, the success rate is usually around 90%.

But Shen Yun was very surprised; it had actually increased to 100%!
[Progress: 100%]

[Congratulations, host! Shen Yun's progress has reached 100%. The next stage of the Goddess Conquest mission is now open.]

Oh?
The unexpected surprise made Lin Shen slightly excited, and he immediately clicked "Expand".

[Please note that your compatibility is perfect, and your hearts are deeply connected. However, please remember that this relationship is not a long-term solution. We hope you can dedicate more time to your relationship and collaborate with Shen Yun in your business, utilizing her existing network and resources to jointly build your own wealth empire.]

[Achieving Life's Greatest Success: Gaining a True "Friend"]

[Reward: 10]

「建设银行：您尾号7946的账户于09月04日23:20收入RMB300，000元，当前余额：12，515，000」

When Lin Shen saw the text message confirming the arrival of 300,000 yuan, his expression remained calm.

However, the task did give him a moment of surprise.

What does this strength mean?
Lovers used to be money, but here it's replaced by power?

Could it be... that it's not what I'm thinking?

This is getting interesting!
Lin Shen smiled knowingly, wrapped himself in a bathrobe and left the bathroom, only to bump into the receptionist on the first floor in the living room.

At this moment, she was cleaning the master bedroom with two female cleaners, changing the sheets, blankets and pillowcases.

I also brought a carton of Wangzai milk.

Upon seeing Lin Shen walk in wearing a bathrobe, the receptionist immediately lowered her head in a fluster, her pretty face slightly flushed.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Lin! Mr. Shen sent us here. We'll leave now. We apologize for disturbing you!"

"fine."

Lin Shen smiled and waved his hand, watching the three of them leave in a hurry.

Is Aunt Shen really going to end this already?
Can not be done!
How could such a beautiful night just pass by like this?

A glint of light flashed in Lin Shen's eyes, and he immediately went to the door of another bathroom.

At that moment, the sound of a shower running could be heard from inside.

Through the frosted glass, one could vaguely see that graceful and exquisite figure.

However, due to the presence of fog, it was not very clear.

But it adds a touch of hazy, alluring beauty.

Lin Shen wanted to get a closer look, so he reached out to pull the door open.

Wow——!
As expected, Shen Yun had no idea that Lin Shen would barge in while she was taking a shower, so she didn't lock the bathroom door.

When she saw the figure of the man who had given her so many surprises and satisfactions standing at the door, the beautiful mature woman was stunned, seemingly somewhat surprised.

"Hey? Xiao Shen? Why did you suddenly open the door..."

……

!! ?
Upon seeing Lin Shen's slightly upturned, mischievous smile, Shen Yun's heart pounded, and she suddenly felt uneasy.

She quickly stopped showering, crossed her arms and took a few steps back, saying hurriedly.

"Xiao Shen, listen to me..."

"Do not listen"

"Wait! Xiao Shen, you..."

Soon, the sounds from the bathroom gradually faded away.

Then suddenly, there was a "plop" sound of someone jumping into the bathtub.

[Task: Bring her more satisfaction and happiness (Completed)]

[Reward: Shen Yun's conquest level +5% (currently 105%), her skin smoothness +10%, and her figure curves +5%.]

[Task: Fulfill one of her small "wishes"]

-

-

Saturday, December 5, 2025.

24℃～35℃, sunny, southeast wind level 3, humidity 30%.

「建设银行：您尾号7946的账户于09月05日00:01收入RMB110，000元，当前余额：12，625，000」

8 o'clock in the morning.

The bright morning light shone into the master bedroom through the flowing white curtains, casting dappled shadows on the floor and bed.

A healthy biological clock allowed Lin Shen to wake up slowly. He opened his sleepy eyes and focused his gaze on the unfamiliar ceiling.

That was a really good night's sleep!

As memories of last night flooded his mind, Lin Shen felt refreshed and invigorated!

"Xiao Shen, you're awake? I'm so sorry..."

Shen Yun said coquettishly, her mouth saying she hated it, but her body language was very honest, showing the alluring charm of a mature woman to the fullest.

"You only know how to bully your aunt!"

After spending some time cuddling with Shen Yun, Lin Shen finally left the master bedroom to enjoy the breakfast that the housekeeper had brought up.

Toast, soft-boiled egg, bacon, and hot milk.

The ingredients are ordinary, but the cooking methods are exquisite, and the quality control is excellent.

After finishing their meal, Shen Yun took Lin Shen's arm and hurriedly went downstairs, leaving the Hilton Hotel.

Because both of them had things to do, they didn't spend too much time on the road and drove back to Shanghai in less than two hours.

Lin Shen first drove Shen Yun home, and the two shared a passionate kiss in the car for a few minutes before getting out.

"See you later."

"Well, bye."

After watching Lin Shen's Jaguar XFL leave, Shen Yun couldn't look away for a long time, her eyes filled with emotion, and a faint smile unconsciously appeared on her lips.

Last night was arguably the most wonderful night she had in the last decade or so.

The gentleness and warmth Lin Shen brought stirred her heart, and she wished she could give him everything she had.

Because she had fallen deeply in love with Lin Shen.

Or even "love" wouldn't be an exaggeration.

"Xiao Shen..."

Shen Yun murmured, and when she came to her senses, the red taillights of the Jaguar XFL had disappeared without a trace.

She took a deep breath, composed herself to shake off her lingering reluctance, and then returned home, entering the first floor of the villa.

As soon as the door opened, a beautiful piano melody began to gently resonate.

At this moment, Xia Nuo was sitting at the piano practicing. When she saw her mother walk in, she asked her indifferently without turning her head.

"You didn't come back last night?"

"Ah."

Shen Yun was caught off guard by her daughter's sudden question, and she immediately tucked her hair behind her ear, feeling a little guilty.

"Mom went to the factory yesterday."

"With Lin Shen?"

"Ah."

Shen Yun didn't intend to hide anything from Xia Nuo, so she walked behind her and gently stroked her head to explain.

“Xiao Shen has been visiting his mother on business, so his mother took him to the factory area to take a look at the production line.”

"And then you went to a hotel that night?"

Xia Nuo spoke very bluntly, which made Shen Yun blush. She quickly put on her dignity as a mother and said coquettishly.

"Nuonuo, what are you saying! What do you mean Mom went to a hotel with Xiaoshen? Because visibility is poor at night and driving is too dangerous, I just let him stay in a hotel for one night."

"So, do you live with him?"

Xia Nuo turned around and stared straight at Shen Yun, which made her cheeks burn.

She felt that all the shameful things she did with Lin Shen last night were nothing compared to the embarrassment of being discovered by her daughter this morning.

After much deliberation, Shen Yun made up a white lie.

"Nuonuo, actually, Mom and Xiaoshen aren't in that kind of relationship. Mom just wanted to make your dad jealous and let them know that even without him, we still have a pillar of support in our family! Life is still going well!"

"So, you mean you have nothing to do with Lin Shen?"

Xia Nuo pointed at Shen Yun's mouth and whispered.

"Your lipstick is all smudged. Were you kissing him in the car just now? I saw it."

what?
Upon hearing this, Shen Yun quickly covered her mouth with the back of her right hand, her face flushed, and she stammered, unsure of how to explain.

Upon seeing this, Xia Nuo sighed softly, her tone suddenly becoming much gentler.

"Mom, you don't need to treat me like a child. I know everything. You also have the right to pursue your own happiness. If you can find a partner you can rely on and trust, I will be very happy for you."

"Nuonuo..."

Xia Nuo's words surprised Shen Yun, who then cautiously probed.

"You don't mind if Mom finds a boyfriend?"

"do not mind."

Xia Nuo shook her head.

"As long as he treats you well, I don't mind."

"But Xiao Shen is more than ten years younger than his mother..."

Shen Yun pursed her lips and said worriedly.

Don't you think this age gap is a bit too big?

"Why should others have a say in my own affairs?"

Xia Nuo seemed to have no idea why Shen Yun cared about the age difference.

"Being too concerned about what others think can lead to self-destructive behavior and a bad mood."

"Since that's the case, why not live the life you want? In this life, there's no need to listen too much to other people's advice, because they are not you."

"Nuonuo knows so much."

Xia Nuo's words of comfort warmed Shen Yun's heart, and a happy smile appeared on her lips.

"Although you said you were putting yourself first, you were still thinking about your mother."

"I was just thinking from your perspective."

Perhaps feeling that her little secret had been seen through, Xia Nuo turned away shyly and continued playing the piano.

"Mom, although I agree to you having a boyfriend, you have to promise me one thing."

"what's up?"

"Don't let me have another younger brother and sister."

Xia Nuo turned around again, staring intently at Shen Yun's flushed face, and said in a deep voice.

"Remember to take precautions."

(End of this chapter)