Chapter 31 Yoho, they're coming for me!

"No, Liu Ruyan... it's just your business exchange. I'll just find a corner to hunker down and eat when the time comes."

"Was it really necessary for me to dress like this?"

Standing before the full-length mirror, Chen Yan felt rather uncomfortable looking at himself in a suit and tie. Especially the necktie, which gave him a strong sense of confinement.

Back when he was a 996 corporate drone, he already hated things like neckties. Now, having just escaped that life for a few days, he was forced to wear one again. It felt incredibly awkward.

"Then just take it off. And unbutton the top button, isn't that enough?"

Liu Ruyan glanced at Chen Yan, who looked quite dapper in his suit, and said calmly.

"Really??? Wouldn't that seem too casual?"

Hearing this, Chen Yan's eyes immediately lit up.

"Of course it's true... but then you'd have to return half of the fifty thousand yuan to me."

Liu Ruyan seemed to have anticipated Chen Yan's reaction, speaking with a playful tone.

The moment he heard about money being deducted, Chen Yan's expression changed instantly. After all, in his eyes, there were three things a man couldn't afford to lose: first, lifespan; second, the height of his 'big treasure'; and third, money.

So, he instantly backed down.

"Hehehe... come on now... CEO Liu, the great beauty Liu. You transferred the money, I accepted it. The agreement is already in effect; there's no such thing as returning half now."

Then, he spoke with an ingratiating smile.

"Hmph! Then you just endure it obediently. From six to ten, that's exactly four hours. For fifty thousand yuan, no matter how uncomfortable, you bear with it for me."

After saying that, Liu Ruyan picked up her bag and left. Outside the door, a driver was already waiting in a white alphard.

"Young Master, go on. For the sake of fifty thousand yuan, don't make the young lady angry. These days, money is hard to earn, and shit is hard to swallow."

Glancing at the door to make sure Liu Ruyan had walked far enough not to hear their conversation, Butler Fu covered his mouth and whispered. It was unclear whether it was a reminder or a warning.

"Chen Yan, hurry up. We're running out of time."

Walking to the car and noticing Chen Yan still hadn't caught up, Liu Ruyan couldn't help but call out.

"Coming."

"Butler Fu, I understand."

Though unsure why Butler Fu suddenly said such a thing, Chen Yan still nodded and quickly followed. After all, what ill intentions could an old man in his sixties possibly have?

Soon, the white alphard sliced through the night sky, carrying the two toward the appointed hotel.

"Today, your identity is my assistant. I've already arranged everything. You don't need to stay too close to me later."

Inside the car, Liu Ruyan watched the scenery rapidly receding outside the window and suddenly spoke meaningfully.

However, when she said this, Liu Ruyan didn't look back at Chen Yan sitting on the other side. It was more like a murmured thought to herself.

In truth, while standing by the car door earlier, although Liu Ruyan hadn't heard what Butler Fu said, she had vaguely guessed a bit—it was likely just a well-intentioned reminder.

"Sigh. What's wrong with me?" Liu Ruyan sighed softly in her heart. Actually, she could have completely avoided bringing Chen Yan tonight. It was only because she thought of Qin Shi also being there that she ultimately made the request.

As for the fifty thousand yuan, it was compensation born from her sense of guilt.

"Hmm?"

Hearing this, Chen Yan's eyelid twitched.

Ever since they were about to leave, he had felt something was off. Butler Fu spoke in half-veiled terms, and Liu Ruyan was also evasive and unclear. Could it be that something was about to happen?

Feeling a rather bad premonition, Chen Yan turned his head, his gaze falling on Liu Ruyan. Looking at her profile, he had to admit, a great beauty was indeed a great beauty. Her skin was as delicate as a freshly peeled egg, seemingly flawless.

Liu Ruyan also sensed Chen Yan's gaze, but at this moment, feeling somewhat guilty, she didn't dare to look back.

Chen Yan's lips moved slightly, but in the end, he said nothing. Since he had taken her money, he should just stay put quietly.

Soon, the alphard stopped at the hotel's VIP entrance. Chen Yan and Liu Ruyan got out.

"Chen Yan... remember what I just told you."

As they were about to enter the venue, Liu Ruyan's heart grew increasingly tangled. Still, the words that reached her lips were altered.

"OJBK. Just stick to your plan. As long as there's food, drinks, and money to be made, I promise I'll huddle in a corner and wait for you to finish."

Although he didn't know why Liu Ruyan kept emphasizing this point, he still nodded obediently.

*Ding*

Soon, the elevator chimed, and the two stepped out. Chen Yan consciously slowed his pace, letting Liu Ruyan walk ahead, so they looked more like a boss and her assistant to others.

They hadn't walked far when they saw several elegantly dressed young women hurrying out from the venue.

Chen Yan had seen these young women once before—they were the ones from the club that night.

Seeing Liu Ruyan arrive, they quickly rushed over and surrounded her.

However, upon seeing Chen Yan, the young women unanimously froze for a moment, each face showing a hint of unease.

"Ruyan... you... this..."

The one who walked faster even gave Liu Ruyan a meaningful look.

The women were all somewhat surprised by Chen Yan's appearance because Qin Shi would also be attending tonight. He was the crown prince of the Qin Group and also Liu Ruyan's white moonlight. But here was the problem: Chen Yan was Liu Ruyan's legitimate husband, the one with the marriage certificate. For him to be present in this setting—wasn't that just asking for trouble?

"Chen Yan is my assistant. We might discuss business later."

Liu Ruyan had clearly anticipated this. She simply nodded unhurriedly and explained in a muffled voice.

After speaking, just as Liu Ruyan was about to walk inside, she saw another person emerge from the venue.

He was tall and looked quite handsome, though his complexion was slightly pale, giving an impression of kidney deficiency.

Instantly, the two came face to face.

However, Chen Yan distinctly sensed a hint of hostility from the other party directed at him.

What was going on? Everyone attending this exchange was wealthy, involved in business. Why would a big shot like him have hostility toward a small fry like me?

Chen Yan, who had fallen a few steps behind, was still puzzling over this when the man who had just emerged gave him the answer.

"Ruyan, you've finally arrived."

A standard smile appeared on the man's face as he spoke softly.

After saying that, he quickened his pace.

The man strode forward, his gaze fixed intently on Liu Ruyan, the tenderness in his eyes almost overflowing.

As for Chen Yan, who was a few steps behind, he didn't even spare him a glance.

The moment she saw the newcomer, Liu Ruyan's steps faltered slightly.

And Chen Yan keenly caught that momentary stiffness—it wasn't disgust, but more like the nervous flutter of a young girl in love.

Interesting.

A playful smile curled at the corner of Chen Yan's mouth.

So this was the white moonlight mentioned in the Original Owner's diary, the crown prince of the Qin Group, Qin Shi.

"A Shi." Liu Ruyan's voice was three parts softer than usual. "Long time no see."

"Almost half a year." Qin Shi smiled. "I've been keeping track."

The words carried a strong hint of ambiguity. Under the lights, Chen Yan immediately noticed a blush spread across Liu Ruyan's cheeks, yet she neither refuted nor explained.

Standing behind, watching this scene, Chen Yan felt an inexplicable discomfort in his heart.

But then he thought, he had taken her fifty thousand yuan; he was just a temp worker, not the Original Owner. Why bother meddling in such matters?

"And this is?"

Finally, Qin Shi's gaze fell on Chen Yan. His tone was gentle, but Chen Yan clearly saw a flash of coldness and disdain in his eyes.

"This is... my assistant." Liu Ruyan replied quickly, almost too quickly, as if deliberate. "I brought him today to discuss some business."

"An assistant." Qin Shi raised an eyebrow and extended his hand. "Hello. Qin Family, Qin Shi."

"Chen Yan." Chen Yan reached out and shook his hand.

This handshake grip...

Oh ho, aiming for me.