Volume One, Chapter Three: Lovers Adrift in Paris

After entering the villa’s main gate, the courtyard was filled with blooming roses—Autumn Blush, Jenny Moro, Juliet, Titanic... It was evident that Lin Xiaoyang was a person who loved life and possessed exquisite taste.

Pushing open the door to the first floor, the interior revealed a design both stylish and elegant—modern yet retaining classical beauty. Many oil paintings adorned the walls, including one masterpiece by a renowned French painter.

Zhuang Jie asked Wang Lili, “Does Lin Xiaobing like art?”

Wang Lili nodded, “Yes, she does…”

Just as Lin Xiaoyang was about to say more, Wang Lili added, “Mainly because my son-in-law is passionate about art and has special skills in that area.”

“Specializing in oil painting?” Zhuang Jie inquired.

“Yes,” Wang Lili said, gesturing toward the paintings nearby. “These were all painted by him.”

Zhuang Jie was somewhat surprised. Having some understanding of art herself, she recognized that these paintings were remarkable in creativity, technique, and aesthetic quality. If it weren’t for the fact that this was a crime scene investigation, she might have mistaken the place for an art gallery.

Next, Zhuang Jie and Yang Chenxu conducted a thorough inspection of the first and third floors. No trace of blood, no fingerprints, no signs of a struggle—nothing at all.

On the sofa in Lin Xiaoyang’s bedroom, a brand-new Chanel suit lay casually, its tags still attached. To the left of the sofa were two large white boxes; one contained a set of skincare products from a top-tier brand, and the other held niche, high-end Swiss luxury skincare items.

Wang Lili explained that Lin Xiaoyang’s greatest hobby was shopping—clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetics, nearly every day. Because she bought so much, more than she could wear or use, some items were given to the housekeeper, while the finer pieces were kept for Lin Xiaobing.

Over the years, Lin Xiaobing had hardly spent a penny on such things but still carried an air of elegance wherever she went.

As Zhuang Jie listened, she continued to survey the surroundings.

After the inspection, she told Yang Chenxu, “Judging by the scene, it doesn’t seem like a crime took place here. Either the place was deliberately cleaned, or... Lin Xiaoyang wasn’t killed here.”

Yang Chenxu remained silent, hoping to find some clue at the scene.

But after searching for a long time, nothing suspicious was discovered.

According to Wang Lili, Lin Xiaoyang was usually at the company or home. Even when she occasionally dined out with friends, she never stayed long.

After asking some questions, Yang Chenxu inquired, “What about Lin Xiaoyang’s spouse?”

Wang Lili suddenly fell silent, lowering her head as if burdened with some unspeakable secret.

A moment later, she began to speak profusely about Lin Xiaoyang’s husband, Fang Yi.

Wang Lili described Fang Yi as not only handsome but also very capable and deeply loving toward Lin Xiaoyang. The only drawback was that he was so outstanding and remarkable that wherever he went, he invariably became the center of attention for women.

While Wang Lili introduced him, Zhuang Jie’s gaze fell on the wedding photo on the bedroom vanity. The bride was youthful and radiant, beaming with joy; the groom was fresh-faced, handsome, and dignified.

They made a perfect match.

After gaining a comprehensive understanding, Yang Chenxu and Zhuang Jie planned to return to the station.

On the way, Yang Chenxu said to Zhuang Jie, “The scene is too clean, which is a bit unexpected.”

“How so?” Zhuang Jie asked.

Yang Chenxu replied, “It looks like it was deliberately cleaned, and there was enough time to do it thoroughly, otherwise it wouldn’t be this spotless.”

“Indeed, it feels like not a speck of dust is left in such a large house,” Zhuang Jie said. “But maybe their home is just naturally very clean? After all, wealthy families often hire professionals to maintain cleanliness.”

Yang Chenxu pondered for a moment. “Hard to say.”

...

While the police were investigating Lin Xiaoyang’s disappearance, in the hallway of the Ritz Hotel in Paris, a beautiful woman dressed in a wedding gown stood at the door of a luxurious suite, gazing tenderly at her “groom” as he slowly approached.

She watched quietly as he stopped before her, their eyes locking.

The look in their eyes was filled with happiness and resolve, as if no one could ever tear them apart.

Perhaps this was the envy-inducing essence of love—a man’s ultimate devotion to a woman, willing to marry her, to share romantic moments beneath moonlit skies, and to root that romance in the ordinary fabric of daily life.

Yet, they were not truly married.

In fact, this “wedding” was merely a ceremony to celebrate their love.

Once the ceremony ended, they would each return to their previous lives, never to disturb one another again.

Thus, this wedding was both a beginning and an end.

At that moment, they embraced tightly, and as their lips met, the “bride” shed tears. The “groom” kissed her repeatedly, as if trying to dry every tear on her face.

Tonight, they were the most romantic and beautiful sight in the hotel, and passersby could not help but glance back and whisper in admiration: “Quels beaux mot et expression!” (How beautiful!)

But no one knew that they were merely a pair of wild mandarin ducks.

The groom was Fang Yi—handsome, refined, young, and accomplished.

The bride was Jiang Shishi—graceful and poetic.

They met at a large event in Province G attended by lawyers, artists, and young entrepreneurs.

Fang Yi participated as a young entrepreneur, and Jiang Shishi was there as a poet.

At first sight, Fang Yi was captivated by Jiang Shishi.

One would think that a business elite like Fang Yi, constantly surrounded by admirers, would find it easy to win her over. Yet, to his surprise, it took an entire year to court her.

Recently, Jiang Shishi finally yielded to Fang Yi’s passionate pursuit and agreed to be with him. However, her terms were unexpected: she wanted no money, no official status, and no benefits from him. She merely wished to spend one good month with him before parting ways completely, with no further contact.

Her reasons were twofold: Fang Yi was already married, and she found herself hopelessly in love with him.

Looking back, she had been pursued by many outstanding men and was accustomed to their attention.

But after meeting Fang Yi, she suddenly felt what true love and passion meant.

Though she initially admired Fang Yi’s early success, she knew little about the details behind it and could not sense his personal charm.

After spending more time with him, she learned that beyond his sharp intellect, Fang Yi was highly disciplined, action-oriented, and decisive.

He began reading entrepreneurial books as early as his freshman year, seeking knowledge in any field that interested him. By his sophomore year, he started applying the theories he learned. He spent most of his university years in the library, and whenever there was a chance to attend social events, he proactively connected with outstanding individuals, humbly asking questions and eager to learn.

He once told Jiang Shishi: “Only by starting earlier and moving faster can one surpass others within limited time. The last to arrive, no matter how commendable in spirit, is a strategic failure.”

At that moment, Jiang Shishi’s vague feelings of love transformed into admiration and reverence.

When a woman admires a man, love naturally follows.

But the most crucial factor that brought them together was Jiang Shishi’s disadvantage in her career.