Chapter 159 - Chapter 159: Fare

Chapter 159: Fare

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Shen Jun cast a chilly glance at Jin Ting and stated, “Consider this as fare collection. You ventured here on your own, and it’s already the middle of the night. If 1 drive you back, you won’t have to worry about getting caught in an illegal taxi.”

Jin Ting couldn’t shake off the feeling that she owed this mother and son from a past life. She rolled her eyes in annoyance at Shen Jun, crossed her arms defensively across her chest, and gazed out the window with frustration.

In the wee hours of the morning, the capital city had shed its bustling daytime atmosphere. Within less than half an hour, the car arrived at Jin Ting’s house. By that time, Jin Ting was so overcome with drowsiness that she began to snore softly.

Shen Jun regarded Jin Ting with disdain and kicked her shoes lightly. “Jin Ting, wake up. We’ve arrived at your house!”

Jin Ting jerked awake, but her mind was still groggy. She glanced out of the window, confirming that it was indeed her house. Letting out a tired yawn, she stepped out of the car and began to speak, “I…”

Before Jin Ting could bid farewell, she caught a whiff of exhaust fumes.

Jin Ting’s anger surged as she glanced at the rear of the car, prompting her to cover her mouth and nose to shield herself from the unpleasant exhaust. Determination welled up within her, and she swiftly walked to the side, muttering under her breath, “If I don’t give you a taste of trouble, then my name isn’t Jin Ting!”

It was almost half past one when Wen Nian and Shen Jun arrived back at the hotel. Wen Nian observed Shen Jun dismissing the designated driver and couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Do you plan on driving back yourself?”

Shen Jun draped his arm around Wen Nian’s shoulders and guided them towards the elevator. With a tired sigh, he spoke, “It’s already so late, and I haven’t had a proper rest. Don’t you have any sympathy for me? Let me stay for the night.”

Observing the weariness in Shen Jun’s eyes, Wen Nian couldn’t bear to add to his exhaustion. She chuckled softly and said, “Well then, don’t press the elevator button just yet. I’ll arrange another room for you at the front desk.”

After Wen Xing and Zhou Mei returned to Hai City, Wen Nian felt uncomfortable staying alone in such a large and expensive room. She decided to make a change and requested a single room with a separate living area, opting for a more cozy and suitable accommodation.

Upon hearing this, Shen Jun swiftly guided her into the elevator. “I don’t mind sleeping on the sofa and saving Director Xu some money. He’s been through a lot as well.”

At that moment, Wen Nian couldn’t help but see through Shen Jun’s intentions. She smiled mischievously and replied, “Alright, it’s settled then. But remember, you can only sleep on the sofa. No weird thoughts allowed.”

Shen Jun playfully teased, “Why do I get the feeling that it’s you who has the crooked thoughts? Otherwise, why would you bring up such things out of nowhere? I wasn’t thinking about anything like that.”

Wen Nian playfully reached out and pinched Shen Jun’s arm, a hint of coyness in her gesture. She then turned her attention to the floor display inside the elevator.

Since it wasn’t convenient to talk outside, Wen Nian only asked about the situation at the parking lot earlier when they were in the room.

Shen Jun proceeded to provide Wen Nian with an explanation of the animosity between himself and the individuals in question. “The person who approached me is Zhang Lin, and the one standing beside him is Peng Can, his military advisor. Don’t underestimate Peng Can just because he appears unremarkable. When it comes to launching attacks, he can be incredibly sly and cunning.”

“The Zhang family is another prominent family in the capital, but Zhang Lin is actually an illegitimate child. The true eldest son and grandson of the family is Zhang Feng. For families like ours, smuggling is considered a major taboo. However, Zhang Lin developed crooked ambitions for making money and got involved in smuggling. When Zhang Feng discovered this, he approached me to help investigate the dealers involved. Eventually, we managed to dismantle the entire smuggling operation. As a result, Zhang Lin harbors intense resentment towards me now.”

Shen Jun and Zhang Feng didn’t have a particularly close relationship; they were merely friends. He didn’t help Zhang Feng for free. He did this in exchange for capital. It was the reason why he was involved.

Wen Nian nodded in comprehension. Cutting off someone’s financial resources could be likened to severing their lifeline, and it was a matter of significant gravity. She acknowledged that the situation held serious implications and potential consequences.

As Wen Nian contemplated the situation, a sense of worry crept into her thoughts. “By involving Jin Ting today, is there a risk that she might face danger?”

Shen Jun responded with a nonchalant tone. “The Jin family’s power is not inferior to that of the Zhang family. Even though Jin Ting’s family is a branch of the Jin family, their strength is comparable to the direct branch of the Zhang family. As long as Jin Ting doesn’t personally provoke Zhang Lin, she should be safe from any trouble caused by me.”

The relationships among these aristocratic families were indeed intricate and multifaceted. It was due to Shen Jun’s involvement that Wen Nian had the opportunity to delve into their world.

Shen Jun gently pinched the tip of Wen Nian’s nose, his playful gesture accompanied by reassurance. “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. Now, go and take a shower. Remember, you have to be on set before n tomorrow.”

Observing the situation, Wen Nian decided not to say anything further. She realized that this circle of aristocratic families had completely departed from the people and things she was accustomed to. She acknowledged her limited ability to offer any assistance at this point.

After both of them freshened up, Shen Jun settled in to sleep on the living room sofa. As he glanced at the closed door of Wen Nian’s room, his mind wandered to Zhang Lin’s ominous disposition. Ultimately, he couldn’t shake off his worry and decided to arrange for two individuals to discreetly monitor and protect Wen Nian.

As the Lantern Festival passed, the filming for Wen Nian was nearing its conclusion. In less than two weeks, she would be the first among the main cast members to complete her part in the production..