Lin Ran, from beginning to end, was never the protagonist of this world.
He didn’t possess extraordinary combat skills, no cheat-like abilities or systems, nor a razor-sharp mind—he was just a somewhat useless freeloader.
Devoid of the halo typical of protagonists in novels, he couldn’t turn the tide at critical moments, nor did he have any earth-shattering talents.
He was just an ordinary person in an ordinary world, with all the joys and sorrows of an average man.
Could someone like this really be a protagonist?
Yet in Luo Yao’s world, he was the one and only lead.
Just then, an unexpected figure appeared.
It was Zhang Xiaolong, who had brought his younger sister here.
The siblings didn’t try any of the thrilling rides because Zhang Xiaonuan wasn’t in the best health.
Dressed in denim, her face was slightly pale, but her eyes sparkled with curiosity about everything around her. They had come simply to enjoy the lively atmosphere, and Zhang Xiaonuan found that watching others scream was far more entertaining than experiencing it herself.When Lin Ran had been screaming earlier, she had stared unblinkingly, her eyes alight with excitement.
"Senior Lin Ran!"
Her voice, clear and bright, stood out sharply amid the noisy amusement park.
Zhang Xiaolong froze, then took a closer look—it really was his boss. He turned to Zhang Xiaonuan in surprise.
"You could recognize him from this far? That’s impressive, little sis."
He gazed at her admiringly, thinking he hadn’t even noticed.
"Of course! Maybe I wouldn’t recognize others, but Senior Lin Ran is too dazzling—anyone who isn’t blind could spot him," Zhang Xiaonuan declared proudly, her eyes brimming with adoration for Lin Ran.
Zhang Xiaolong: "So, am I blind? I didn’t even recognize my own boss."
He shook his head helplessly. Besides, Lin Ran was wearing a mask and a hat—how could she have identified him?
Lin Ran, still dizzy, rested for a while before faintly hearing someone call his name. Puzzled, he lifted his head and glanced around.
Luo Yao frowned and shot a look at Uncle Fu, who immediately understood and sent someone over.
Zhang Xiaonuan: "What are you doing? Why are you stopping me?"
She glared angrily at the person blocking her path, sparks of fury flashing in her eyes.
Little Tong: "Apologies, miss. Young Master Lin and President Luo don’t wish to see anyone right now."
His expression remained stoic—his duty was to protect Lin Ran and Luo Yao’s privacy.
Zhang Xiaonuan stiffened: "Luo Yao is here too?"
A complicated mix of emotions flickered in her eyes—surprise, disappointment.
Zhang Xiaolong’s eyes widened, and he quickly covered Zhang Xiaonuan’s mouth.
"Sorry, sir. I’ll take my sister away now." He knew things had taken a bad turn—offending Luo Yao would bring no good.
Once he had dragged Zhang Xiaonuan away, Zhang Xiaolong stared at her incredulously.
"Little sis… you’re not in love with Lin Ran, are you? He’s Luo Yao’s husband! And how could you just call Luo Yao by her name like that?" His voice carried both worry and reproach.
Zhang Xiaonuan tilted her head in confusion: "Aren’t names meant to be called? As for whether I like Senior Lin Ran—of course I do. I’ve never thought loving him was something to be ashamed of."
Her gaze was unwavering, refusing to back down.
Zhang Xiaolong gaped at her: "Little sis, you…"
He was stunned by her boldness and determination.
"Of course, I know Senior Lin Ran is married. I don’t plan to be a homewrecker. I just want to talk to him—after all, he saved my life once. I would never interfere in their relationship, so you really don’t need to worry, brother."
Tears welled in her eyes, her voice thick with grievance. Zhang Xiaolong was completely dumbfounded.
"But if you really don’t want to ruin his relationship, shouldn’t you stay away from him?" he tried to reason, not wanting his sister trapped in a hopeless infatuation.
Zhang Xiaonuan fell silent for a moment before tears suddenly spilled down her cheeks like broken strings of pearls.ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ɴovᴇl(F)ɪre.ɴet
"Brother, do you know? When I found out Senior Lin Ran was with Luo Yao, it felt like my world collapsed. I truly want him to be happy, but I can’t stop thinking about him. I don’t even understand what’s wrong with me."
Her voice trembled with sobs, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably.
Zhang Xiaolong hurriedly wiped her tears, heart aching for her. He didn’t know how to comfort her, resorting to empty platitudes.
"Little sis, don’t cry. Everything will get better." It sounded no different from the hopeless words of unrequited lovers.
He didn’t understand this kind of love—he had never even been in a relationship himself—so all he could offer were these hollow words to ease her pain.
Back at the amusement park, Lin Ran frowned. "Did someone just call me? I thought I heard my name."
He rubbed his temples, trying to clear his head.
Luo Yao replied coldly, "No one. You misheard." A trace of icy detachment flickered in her eyes, barely noticeable.
"Maybe. Even if someone did, I wouldn’t bother. The most important thing right now is being with my wife."
Lin Ran grinned, oblivious to Luo Yao’s shift in mood, simply tightening his grip on her hand. He was used to her sudden coldness—his wife’s expressions changed as swiftly as the weather.
But he knew that saying the right thing would bring her smile back.
Sure enough, Luo Yao soon returned to her usual self, looping her arm through his as they left the amusement park. From a distance, Zhang Xiaonuan could only watch their happiness with sorrowful eyes, tears brimming with reluctance.
"What’s wrong? Done already?" Lin Ran asked, glancing at Luo Yao.
Luo Yao wrinkled her nose. "I’m done. Too many people. I don’t like it."
Disdain flashed in her eyes—she hated noisy, crowded places.
Lin Ran felt something was off but couldn’t pinpoint what.
Still, if his wife didn’t want to stay, he had to listen.
As the saying went: Listen to your wife, and you’ll have smokes, drinks, and money to spare.
Chuckling, he shook his head and followed Luo Yao out.
Seated in the luxury van, his dizziness hadn’t fully subsided, so Lin Ran rested his head on Luo Yao’s lap.
Her legs were soft and comfortable, like the world’s best pillow. As her unique fragrance enveloped him, he slowly closed his eyes.
When he woke again, they were still in the same position.
"How long was I out?" he mumbled groggily.
"Two hours and twenty-one minutes," Luo Yao answered, watching him.