71: Luckily I have a plan B!

"I don't like used things; I prefer new ones..."

These words struck Gao Xuewei like a bolt from the blue, leaving her stunned on the spot.

Her pupils trembled slightly, and an inexplicable complexity surged within her like a tide.

"Used... new..."

These words echoed repeatedly in her mind. Although she didn't know what Lu Chen was referring to, nor what topic they were discussing, Gao Xuewei subconsciously connected them to herself.

In other words, wasn't she a "used item"?

Gao Xuewei lightly bit her lip. At this moment, many thoughts crossed her mind.

Her heart was filled with all sorts of complex emotions, like a tangled mess, impossible to unravel, leaving her bewildered.

An inscrutable and complex expression inevitably appeared in her eyes, containing loss, self-mockery, and more profoundly, a bitterness hidden deep within her heart.

Gao Xuewei's head was slightly bowed; her face seemed calm, but her heart was churning with intense emotional waves.

Her gaze slowly shifted downwards, seeing her chest, which appeared even fuller due to the cheongsam's form-fitting design. This was once a source of pride for her.

But at this moment, it only brought her more sadness.

She let out a soft sigh, as if burdened by much helplessness and melancholy.

The hem of her skirt, gently swaying in the breeze, also seemed to have lost its former liveliness, becoming heavy and cumbersome.

She moved with light, lotus-like steps, slowly turning and departing.

Her retreating figure appeared somewhat forlorn, each step seeming so difficult, as if her legs were filled with lead.

The two maids standing by the door watched Gao Xuewei leave and couldn't help but exchange glances.

Their eyes were full of confusion, not understanding why Gao Xuewei's mood had suddenly become so low.

Inside the room,

Liu Ruyan looked at Lu Chen with a stunned expression, her hand holding the handkerchief frozen in mid-air, her lips twitching slightly, her heart filled with speechlessness.

She felt like she had a million complaints to voice but didn't know where to start.

"It was you, Lu Chen, who kept saying you liked the original scent! That's why I used that excuse. Now, only a day has passed, and you don't like it anymore. Aren't you just deliberately teasing me?!"

Liu Ruyan felt a slight irritation in her heart.

"This damn scoundrel!"

She was extremely anxious because the handkerchief was sprayed with an aphrodisiac, and she couldn't hold it in her hand for too long; she had to get it to Lu Chen as soon as possible.

At this moment, even her breathing became cautious; she held her breath, afraid of any mishap.

Lu Chen looked at Liu Ruyan with a playful smile and said indifferently, "However, seeing your good intentions, I'll accept it."

Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyan's heart rejoiced, and she secretly felt smug.

She knew it!

Lu Chen couldn't resist. He was even playing hard to get; what a cunning man!

Liu Ruyan then smiled charmingly, like a blooming, vibrant flower, her eyes sparkling, and said, "Then I thank you, President Lu."

With that, she prepared to place the handkerchief in front of Lu Chen, a hint of expectation in her eyes.

As long as the aphrodisiac scent took effect, it would make Lu Chen reveal his true nature!

At that time, she could use the miniature camera in her eyes to capture all of Lu Chen's embarrassing moments!

However,

Lu Chen did not reach out to take the handkerchief as she wished. Instead, he unhurriedly said, "Put it on the table next to you."

Liu Ruyan was slightly taken aback. Her gaze followed the direction Lu Chen pointed, and she found the table was quite far away.

Her delicate brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

At such a distance, the aphrodisiac perfume on the handkerchief would likely be ineffective.

But Liu Ruyan dared not say more, afraid of revealing her intentions. She could only reluctantly walk towards the table and gently place the handkerchief down.

Her movements were slightly slow, her eyes revealing a hint of unwillingness and helplessness. As she placed the handkerchief down, her fingers unconsciously lightly caressed it.

But it was fine; she had also prepared a Plan B!

Liu Ruyan secretly congratulated herself. It was a good thing she had made multiple preparations in advance, otherwise, today's efforts might have been in vain again.

Liu Ruyan took a gentle breath, readjusting her mindset.

Soon, she took out a gift box from her bag again.

A glimmer of hope reignited in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth curved upwards slightly, carrying a hint of anticipation and confidence.

She held the gift box with both hands and gently shook it, producing a faint sound, attempting to attract Lu Chen's attention.

Then, she gracefully walked towards Lu Chen, her swaying waist like a willow branch in the wind, delicate yet full of allure.

She bent slightly, offering the gift box to Lu Chen. The alluring sight of her chest was faintly visible, yet she seemed completely unaware, her eyes only on Lu Chen's figure, and she softly said:

"President Lu, this is another small gift I prepared for you. I hope you like it."

Her voice was as gentle as a trickling stream, and her eyes were full of flattery and expectation.

Lu Chen looked at the gift box in Liu Ruyan's hand, the playfulness in his eyes deepening.

He didn't immediately take it but first scrutinized Liu Ruyan's expression, noticing her flickering eyes, which held a hint of nervousness and excitement.

Lu Chen's lips curved into a faint smile, and he deliberately teased, "What surprise has Secretary Liu prepared? It wouldn't be something with a hidden agenda, would it?"

Liu Ruyan's heart skipped a beat, but she still feigned composure, a sweet smile on her face, and replied,

"President Lu, you're joking. This is just a small token of my appreciation that I carefully selected. You'll know once you open it."

Her hand trembled slightly as she tried to hide her inner panic, yet her eyes were fixed on Lu Chen without blinking, full of anticipation.

Lu Chen slowly reached out and took the gift box, deliberately weighing it in his hand, feeling its weight.

Liu Ruyan's heart was also in her throat with his movements; she nervously watched Lu Chen's expression.

He gently opened the gift box, revealing an exquisite tie inside.

Lu Chen raised an eyebrow and said, "Secretary Liu has good taste; this tie is very exquisite."

Liu Ruyan breathed a sigh of relief, a relieved smile appearing on her face, and said, "As long as President Lu likes it. I think this tie really suits your temperament."

Her eyes were filled with flattery, and her body unconsciously moved closer to Lu Chen. She softly said, "How about I help you put it on to see how it looks?"

Saying that, she reached out her hand, intending to help Lu Chen put it on.

She had also sprayed some aphrodisiac perfume on this tie; as long as she could put it on Lu Chen, it would have the same effect!

To Liu Ruyan's surprise, this time Lu Chen did not refuse. Instead, he actively sat up, appearing very cooperative.

She was secretly delighted in her heart.

It seemed her plan today was bound to succeed!

Liu Ruyan held the tie with both hands, trembling slightly as she approached Lu Chen.

Her delicate body slowly leaned forward, and her breathing, quickened by nervousness, caused her prominent chest to rise and fall slightly, almost brushing against Lu Chen.

Her hair, like ink, fell down, lightly touching Lu Chen's face, and a faint fragrance wafted around him.

Her slender fingers tried hard to remain steady as she wrapped the tie around Lu Chen's neck, but her slightly reddened ear tips betrayed her inner panic.

Liu Ruyan's heart was pounding like a startled deer, because she had never been in such close contact with a man before.

This time, if it weren't to get leverage over Lu Chen, she wouldn't have made such a great sacrifice!

Lu Chen had a faint, ambiguous smile on his lips, and a hint of amusement in his eyes. He actively straightened his body, making it easier for Liu Ruyan to maneuver.

Liu Ruyan carefully crossed and tied the tie, each movement appearing somewhat clumsy yet incredibly earnest.

The occasional light touch of her fingers made her heart beat suddenly faster, and her eyes unconsciously darted away, yet she had to force herself to remain calm and continue her actions.

Finally, the tie was fastened.

She retreated a few steps as if relieved, only then daring to breathe deeply, afraid she might have inhaled some of the aphrodisiac scent just now.

Her face was already flushed, like peach blossoms blooming in spring.

But none of that mattered anymore!

Liu Ruyan looked at Lu Chen, who was wearing the tie, her lips unconsciously curving upwards, a cunning, triumphant smile flickering in her eyes.

The plan had reached this point, and it was already eighty percent successful. Next, she just needed to quietly wait for the show to begin!

...