Chapter 26: The Aquarium’s Secret Haven

Deep in his own thoughts, Chen Lin was startled when Shihan suddenly spoke to him. A flicker of panic crossed his face.

For an instant, it wasn’t Shihan beside him, but Yan, holding a blade that had already pierced his body.

He quickly collected himself, confirming that Shihan was only concerned about him.

He adjusted his demeanor, shifting from a slightly unhinged state back to his usual composure.

“What did you just say to me?” Chen Lin asked Shihan, having been so absorbed in his own mind that he hadn’t paid her any attention.

“Oh, nothing important.” Shihan pouted a little, then turned her gaze back to the dolphin show.

Chen Lin wanted to say something to her, but the words died in his throat. It seemed unnecessary.

Since Shihan said it was nothing, it probably wasn’t important. Instead, he had his own urgent issues to deal with.

As Chen Lin was pondering, he suddenly felt someone touch him. It was a venue janitor, holding a broom, tapping him on the shoulder.

“The show’s over. Stop lingering and please leave the venue immediately,” the cleaner reminded him.

The cleaner’s words jolted Chen Lin into awareness. When had the bustling, crowded venue become completely empty?

No, where was Shihan?

He turned his head and finally spotted her standing at the exit.

So Chen Lin got up from his seat and walked over to Shihan.

Shihan stood with her arms crossed, looking extremely displeased.

Chen Lin sensed something was wrong and wore a sheepish expression. Today was supposed to be his day to accompany Shihan to the aquarium, yet he hadn’t even noticed her leaving his side.

“When did the show end?” Chen Lin asked Shihan.

“Fifteen minutes ago. I was wondering when you’d snap out of your daze, so I watched you and timed you.” Shihan showed him her phone screen — a timer app displaying 15:20.

“Sorry,” Chen Lin said to her.

“Enough, I don’t want to hear ‘sorry.’ Don’t you like the aquarium, Chen Lin? If so, why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Shihan complained at him.

“I really like the aquarium,” Chen Lin quickly defended himself.

“Liar, I don’t believe you. You spaced out during the entire dolphin show, which was the best part.” Shihan kept complaining.

Chen Lin knew he couldn’t argue. In the face of absolute facts, words were feeble.

He sighed and said to Shihan, “Actually, I’m in a bad mood today because something unpleasant happened. If I upset you, I hope you won’t be angry.”

“Oh, you could have told me that earlier. It’s not like I don’t understand.” Shihan let out a small sigh of relief.

Earlier, when she saw Chen Lin spacing out, she worried he might dislike her. Now she realized she had overthought it.

Since he was in a bad mood, Shihan knew what to do.

She took his hand and led him through the VIP express passage, bypassing the queue, into an exclusive underwater tunnel for VIP guests.

This tunnel had very few visitors, reserved only for VIPs.

Beyond the semi-cylindrical tunnel was an artificial ocean, with countless marine creatures swimming freely.

Chen Lin had never been here before during his previous visits; he had only seen the regular tunnel, which was short and packed with people.

Sunlight filtered through the water, casting mottled blue rays into the tunnel.

Still holding his hand, Shihan pulled him to sit on a bench. Without asking for permission, she leaned against his shoulder.

Though slightly surprised, Chen Lin didn’t dodge. Instead, he asked curiously, “Why did you bring me here?”

“Whenever I’m in a bad mood, I come here to sit for a while. Maybe that’s the charm of an aquarium — just watching these creatures somehow calms me down.” Shihan blinked her lively eyes at Chen Lin. “So, you should try it too.”

Shihan and Senior Meiyue came from a half-sibling family. In such a wealthy household, there were often many unpleasant things.

Repressed emotions needed an outlet for relaxation, and this was Shihan’s choice.

This secret spot in her heart, she chose to share with Chen Lin.

Perhaps she really liked him a lot. For anyone else, even her sister, for some reason, she couldn’t bring them here.

Chen Lin took a deep breath, tasting the slightly astringent scent of the sea, which unexpectedly calmed him.

And so, Shihan nestled against his shoulder, while Chen Lin closed his eyes and sat there.

They sat like that for five or six hours, skipping lunch, remaining in place.

Chen Lin didn’t feel the slightest bit bored. Staying there seemed to truly calm his mind.

Nor did Shihan feel bored. Leaning on his shoulder, she felt incredibly happy.

It wasn’t until the venue’s closing time that Shihan and Chen Lin finally left the tunnel.

“Are you feeling a little better?” Shihan leaned forward and asked playfully.

“Much better. I feel relaxed, not as tense as before.” Chen Lin sincerely thanked Shihan. This place was really wonderful.

Seeing that her help was effective, Shihan looked delighted. If she had a cat tail, it would probably be standing straight up.

But soon Chen Lin thought of something and apologized to her, “I’m sorry. Today was supposed to be me accompanying you, but somehow you ended up spending the whole day with me. All we did was sit around and do nothing.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m really glad I could help you. I don’t feel unhappy at all,” Shihan replied.

Besides, seeing Chen Lin’s vulnerable side was especially interesting.

Compared to his usual strong demeanor, it felt like some barriers had been removed. Today, she felt closer to his heart.

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