MY WIFE IS A BEAUTIFUL CEO

Chapter 181 - Chapter 190

Chapter 181-1: Let me settle this for you

When the movie ended, the theatre lights were turned on, and the audiences left the theatre in droves.

Yang Chen turned to look at Lin Ruoxi, and noticed that she had already finished the bucket of popcorn, without a single one remaining. He couldn't help but laugh and say, "Your appetite is bigger than I had imagined."

Lin Ruoxi knew what he was referring to, she had finished it unwittingly, so she explained with blushed cheeks, "Since you didn't want to eat, I did so that no food would be wasted."

"Who says I didn't want to eat? I was leaving it for you, I hadn't eaten either." Said Yang Chen.

"Shall we have dinner then?" Lin Ruoxi asked with a positive attitude.

"Yeah, what would you like to eat?"

Lin Ruoxi blinked, then softly said, "How about cakes?"

Yang Chen groaned from the bottom of his heart. It was shocking enough that his wife liked eating glutinous rice balls, yet she even liked having cakes for dinner like a little girl!?

Lin Ruoxi saw that Yang Chen didn't seem to agree, and felt that her suggestion that she courageously suggested wouldn't be approved of. Feeling rather dejected, she said, "I'm just casually suggesting, we can have rice or whatever."

"Let's have cake then, I remember there's a Starbucks opposite the cinema. Although it's an ordinary chain coffee shop, let's just deal with it. I think you probably never ate there before either."

Lin Ruoxi who was just a little dejected earlier immediately had her eyes shining. Holding back the joy inside, she casually nodded.

As the most ordinary coffee chain in the world, Starbucks was indeed the people's choice, but in Huaxia, many people considered it high-class, which was a rather strange phenomenon.

Lin Ruoxi had researched many famous brands like Starbucks in the past, but due to her identity, she had never been to one. Therefore, when Yang Chen suggested that they go to Starbucks, she nodded in content.

The two left the cinema, and as the cold wind blew, they headed towards the Starbucks outlet right opposite.

Lin Ruoxi wore a fashionable working suit, her hair was let loose, and it swayed with the wind. Her earthshaking beauty and cold countenance attracted gazes the moment she appeared in public.

Such attention was something that Lin Ruoxi had experienced since childhood, but Yang Chen who was beside her wasn't comfortable with it. After all, he was no different from a wild beast protecting its catch when so many people looked at his woman, it was a sad affair.

But it couldn't be helped. Yang Chen felt that if he walked on the streets with Mo Qianni, Liu Mingyu, or the others, there would be people who like to look at Mo Qianni, and people who like to look at Liu Mingyu. They each have their own charms, and were beauties that conformed to many people's tastes.

However, if Lin Ruoxi walked amongst them, everybody would have their eyes on Lin Ruoxi. This didn't mean that Qianni and the others weren't beautiful, but that people like Ruoxi innately had an overwhelming presence.

Zhonghai's downtown was a beautiful collection of bright lights of the neon signboards on the street and the headlights of the cars.

The hustle and bustle of the streets was completely different from what Lin Ruoxi was used to, this is because she didn't get out of the place alone. She had someone accompanying her.

Suddenly, while they crossed the road, Lin Ruoxi felt a scorching hot hand grab hers.

It was rough, big, warm, and hard, causing Lin Ruoxi's heartbeat to quicken.

Turning her head to look at Yang Chen, she found him winking at him.

"Be careful when you cross the road."

"This is a pedestrian crossing." Lin Ruoxi wasn't used to this, but she didn't struggle free either.

"Holding hands is a must on dates." Yang Chen laughed and said.

Lin Ruoxi pursed her lips, then silently looked down at the gravel.

Holding hands, they entered Starbucks. Lin Ruoxi curiously looked at her surroundings, for she had never entered Starbucks before. At the counter, she ordered a slice strawberry cake and hot mocha, while Yang Chen ordered an American iced coffee and two slices of chocolate cake.

As there weren't many customers at this time, their orders were quickly served. The two took their coffee and cakes to a table close to the window, sat there looking at the street outside, and begun to eat.

The coffee shop played a melodious flute version of Canon in D, and its gentle rhythm made one easily relax.

Lin Ruoxi ate the strawberry cake incredibly slowly, nibbling it bit by bit. She looked at the furnishings of the coffee shop, then asked Yang Chen, "Do you know how Starbucks was born?"

Yang Chen was in the middle of scooping a large chunk out of the cake, "I don't, is there anything special about it?"

"I've read the biography of Starbucks' founder Mr. Howard Schultz, and there was the story of him before he founded Starbucks." Lin Ruoxi slowly narrated, "When Mr. Schultz was a child, his father lost his job, and the family was poor. So as to make his father happy, when Christmas came, he stole a tin of coffee beans from a shop and gave it to his father. His father was very happy then, but as the shop owner ended up visiting them to demand payment, Mr. Schultz received a beating. After that, the relationship between him and his father became strained......"

Yang Chen put down his spoon. Seeing her expression of deep thought, he believed that she might be thinking of her own family, and that crazy dad of hers, so he couldn't help but listen carefully.

"Mr. Schultz then swore that he would buy the best coffee in the world when he becomes rich, to prove himself to his father. Therefore, he kept working hard to learn, and during their most difficult times, he used his skills in American Football to gain a scholarship. He attended college, then got into a famous company, and got a high paying job that got him over seventy thousand dollars a month.

After his success, he bought the highest quality of Brazilian coffee beans and gave it to his father, and told his father that this was for the beating he received for that tin of coffee beans all those years ago, and for him to prove himself. His father then replied, 'You did so much, just for such an insignificant matter?' Mr. Schultz was incredibly angered, he then became estranged with his father, and even told others that his father was dead......

Even when his father died, Mr. Schultz had continued to reject his family's request for him to visit his late father in the name of work. One day, when he was going through his father's things, he found that the tin of coffee beans which he stole all those years ago had been kept by his father, his father had always kept the tin, and had always cherished those memories.

At that moment, he regretted his actions and was in sorrow, because he read the words on the crumpled letter in the tin. On it, the father of Mr. Schultz wrote his biggest dream, which was to own a warm coffee shop, so he could grind coffee beans for his wife and children. Unfortunately, he was incapable, and couldn't fulfill this wish. Other than beating his child, he couldn't think of any way to make his presence as a father be known to his child......

Therefore, Mr. Schultz and his wife started Starbucks, and they continued to grow it till today."

[TL: Note that this story may not be true, for Howard Schultz wasn't actually the founder of Starbucks, according to google. Also found nothing about Howard Schultz's father, Fred Schultz's coffee tin, so it's likely untrue.]

Chapter 181-2: Let me settle this for you

"Are you thinking about your dad again?" Asked Yang Chen.

Lin Ruoxi nodded, "In the past, I had always hoped that my dad was like Mr. Schultz's father. Although he didn't treat me well, I hoped that he actually loved me deep inside his heart. However... in the end, hopes and reality is never the same."

Yang Chen knew that this was also a lesson for him, he softly said, "So there was a story like this, seems like you do read the many books you purchase."

Lin Ruoxi rolled her eyes at him, "Do you think I buy them to use them as wallpapers?"

"Hehe." Yang Chen laughed, "Don't worry. If I have the capability to be a father in the future, I'll definitely be able to grind coffee beans for my wife and children."

Lin Ruoxi blushed. Although she wanted Yang Chen to work hard towards that goal, she couldn't admit it, "Who wants you to grind beans? When did I agree to give birth to children for you?"

Yang Chen mischievously answered, "Did I say you're the wife and the children are yours? Perhaps you wouldn't want me anymore, and I'll have to find another wife? Aren't you thinking a little too far?"

"You... are speaking nonsense! Be careful or I'll skin you alive!" Lin Ruoxi glared at Yang Chen, then picked up the hot mocha and stood up, with a posture like she wanted to pour it on Yang Chen!

Yang Chen knew that she was just scaring him, but he decided to cross his arms in front of his chest in a cowardly manner, "Don't pour it on my clothes even if you're angry! The shirt deserves no harm!"

"Rogue... hoodlum......" Lin Ruoxi put down the cup with clenched teeth, then drank a mouthful of it.

On the surface of the hot mocha was a layer of milk foam. Lin Ruoxi casually drank it, and the foam got on top of her thin upper lip.

Yang Chen noticed the milky white line on her lip, and couldn't help but sigh and say, "Look at this, oh look at this... why are you women all like that? You're only prim and proper when with other women, but like to have foam on your lips when with your husband? And even pretend not to know anything?"

Only then did Lin Ruoxi realize that there was something on her lips. She was too embarrassed to lick it off, so she wanted to wipe it away. However, there was no serviette on the table, so she reached into her bag for a tissue.

"Don't bother, that's so troublesome. Let me settle this for you." Saying that, Yang Chen leaned his body forward, and closed in on Lin Ruoxi's flawless face.

As the distance between their faces shortened, Lin Ruoxi gradually realized what Yang Chen wanted to do, her eyes opened wide and her mind was in a disarray, as if the whole world had turned into blank space!

Finally, Yang Chen's lips had kissed that half a lip of Lin Ruoxi's which had foam on it. It was chilly, soft, and tasted like milk foam.

As if she was struck by lightning, Lin Ruoxi was stunned.

When Yang Chen returned to his seat, Lin Ruoxi was still sitting there in a daze, at a loss as to how to react.

Yang Chen found this expression of hers incredibly cute, "What? I did that because tissues use paper pulps which would end up harming the environment. Would you rather I use my shirt? You bought this for me, I can't bear to use it."

Lin Ruoxi finally returned to her senses. She had actually watched and let him kiss her. Although he was her husband legally which meant that he didn't actually take advantage of her, it was still a kiss!

Back when she gave him her first kiss, it was in a muddled state, so the two basically didn't feel a thing, but now, she truly felt his breath and warmth......

Thinking about that, Lin Ruoxi blushed so much that it looked like her cheeks could burst, "You're not allowed to do that again. Also, I got someone to buy the clothes, I couldn't be bothered to buy them for you."

"Such a beautiful scene was destroyed by your unromantic words, can't you just pretend that it was bought by you?" Yang Chen helplessly lectured.

"How irritating! Quickly eat(eat rice)!"

[TL: In chinese, to have a meal is called "吃饭" which is literally eat rice.]

"This is cake......"

"Then quickly eat the cake!"

Lin Ruoxi lowered her head and found it difficult for her to stop blushing. She begun to eat the cake quicker, as if the cake was her enemy, but why was it that every mouth she ate, she felt like the cake had honey added onto it, and had become a lot softer and sweeter?

Chapter 182-1: Go home with me

Once the weekend passed, Yu Lei's autumn fashion show ended.

It stands to reason that everyone would have more free time, but after that night that he stole a kiss from Lin Ruoxi, she avoided Yang Chen like she was hiding from a beast, and didn't even dare look him in the eye. She hastily ate every meal, and hid inside her study to work.

Yang Chen was helpless towards this, who could've known that his wife's skin was as thin as a cicada's wing? If he knew beforehand, he would've kissed several more times after that, so he wouldn't feel regretful of not taking advantage of that moment.

After the relaxing weekend ended, Li Muhua who was supposedly bringing his team over from Hong Kong to Zhonghai had finally arrived at noon.

According to the plan, the CEOs of the three allying companies would gather in a secret meeting place in the Di Wang Tower when night falls, and sign the final contract for the project.

The one who was assigned to receive Li Muhua at the airport was Yang Chen. Yang Chen wore a suit and tie, with a cigarette in his mouth as he stood in the airport, but ended up getting pushed out of the airport by the employees.

In the end, he had to use his phone to contact Li Muhua, and they met outside the airport.

The bodyguards and employees who came with Li Muhua were all angered, and believed that this was disrespectful towards Li Muhua, but Li Muhua instead smiled with great joy. Because, he was very clear that Yang Chen's casualness towards him meant that Yang Chen wasn't suspicious of or guarded against him. If Yang Chen suddenly treated him with courtesy, he might in turn be unable to sleep or eat well.

"Mr. Yang, it's been a while, and you're as suave as ever." Li Muhua heartily stretched out a hand to shake hands with Yang Chen.

Yang Chen wiped his hand on his pants, then held Li Muhua's, "My apologies, the fried dumpling I ate this morning was rather oily, but I suppose Junior Li wouldn't mind."

Li Muhua wryly smiled. Being called a junior in public didn't seem like a good thing in mainland China at all.

After a simple exchange of words, Yang Chen brought them to a convoy of five black Mercedes-Benz S600 sent by Yu Lei. Counting the number of executives, employees, and bodyguards, this number of cars seemed about right.

Lin Ruoxi had so many cars that she couldn't drive them all, so it stood to reason that the company had many cars specifically for receiving guests. Previously, when Lin Ruoxi casually said that she wanted to give Yang Chen five S600s, he was rather shocked. The pressure was rather high having a rich wife, for millions could easily be involved, normal men wouldn't be able to keep up.

Before he left, Lin Ruoxi had even specially gave Yang Chen a map, which had the route to the hotel that Li Muhua and the others were going to being marked. On the path, they would have to pass by many areas that were marked red, and those were areas that he had to comment on.

Yang Chen was confused as he opened the map to look, and was stunned when he did. The many marked points on the map were all properties that were owned by Yu Lei International and Lin Ruoxi privately. These were all purely on this route, so one could imagine just how many she owned throughout Zhonghai, the rest of the country and even the rest of the world.

It's no wonder that she had a value of billions. Yang Chen felt that if Lin Ruoxi was willing to be evaluated by international media, she would already be in the top 100 richest people in the world. He also wondered just who her career woman grandma was, for she managed to create such a beast of a company all by herself.

Looking at it in this way, this incredibly rich chick was considerably low-key.

The intention for giving Yang Chen this map couldn't be more obvious, it was to explain to Li Muhua that this ally of his was very rich, and that he could feel completely reassured that this collaboration was totally safe.

But of course, it could also be that this female CEO who liked eating glutinous rice balls and strawberry cakes just wanted to show her queenly presence and how powerful she was.

In the spacious cabin of the car, Yang Chen held that map. According to Lin Ruoxi's request, he had to memorize what was on it, but though Yang Chen found it easy to memorize them, it wasn't so simple for him to recite them to Junior Li. After all, he had no interests in men.

After thinking about it, Yang Chen handed the map over to Li Muhua.

"What's this, Mr. Yang?" Li Muhua curiously received the map.

Yang Chen: "It's something my wife passed to me on my way out, she told me to tell you about the marked points on the map. These marks are all properties owned by the company and my wife. Actually, it's just a way of reassuring you before the signing of the contract, our company is extremely wealthy."

Li Muhua opened the map to take a look, and saw that the map was covered with red dots. Various villas, departmental stores, hotels, shopping centres, beauty salons, clubs......

"Mr. Yang... you're saying that these are the properties of the company and your wife?" Li Muhua felt a little weird inside, he couldn't believe that all of these properties belonged to Yu Lei International. He could accept it if it were the properties of Yu Lei International combined with the private properties of said company's CEO Lin Ruoxi, but Yang Chen's wife......

Yang Chen nodded, "What, even after you secretly made so many investigations, could it be that you still haven't figured out that Yu Lei International's CEO is my wife?"

A "boom" resounded in Li Muhua's mind, this was like a bolt from the blue. This wasn't because the news itself was shocking, it was instead because on that night, he said in front of Yang Chen that he wanted to get close to Lin Ruoxi or Mo Qianni, become close privately, and even said that Lin Ruoxi was his best candidate for a mate......

It's no wonder that this guy never looked at me kindly. It seems like my motive to kill him was secondary, while my desire for his woman was the main reason!

Chapter 182-2: Go home with me

Any man would have killing intent over something like that. Li Muhua finally realized that he had trespassed on one of Yang Chen's taboos. He also felt incredibly lucky that he survived after spouting that on that day!

Li Muhua's smile was even uglier than a crying face as he said, "Mr. Yang... this Li truly hadn't known that CEO Lin is your wife, if I knew......"

"If you knew, I reckon that you'd want to kill me even more, right?" Yang Chen said with a queer smile.

Li Muhua's face immediately turned ashen, and his lips pale. Yang Chen's smile made him recall the that scene where Yang Chen's arm was dyed red. He quickly waved his hands, "No no no, even if I had the courage of a lion, I wouldn't dare go against you, Mr. Yang. Mr. Yang, please don't say such a thing again, my heart can't take it."

Yang Chen shrugged, and said with an indifferent smile, "You need not be nervous, my marriage is currently still a secret, so it's fine as long as you know it. Don't make a mistake at a critical juncture, I have high hopes for you. At the very least, you're a truly insignificant person in my eyes, and that is more pleasing to my eyes than a hypocrite."

You don't say? After being seen through by you, it goes without saying that I can only be an insignificant person! Li Muhua silently cursed, but had no choice but give Yang Chen a fawning smile.

However, the fact that Yang Chen was actually Lin Ruoxi's husband made Li Muhua even more curious as to what Yang Chen's true identity was. After all, Lin Ruoxi secretly had some special connection to the government. In the upper echelons of the top families, they all have some understanding of this. He wouldn't believe that Yang Chen could become Lin Ruoxi's husband just by having outstanding combat prowess.

After a short rest, at six in the evening, Yang Chen brought Li Muhua and the others to the sealed meeting place in the Di Wang Tower. In there, Lin Ruoxi, Zeng Xinlin, and several core members of Yu Lei and Changlin were waiting.

When Li Muhua entered the place, Lin Ruoxi and Zeng Xinlin walked up to receive him. To be exact, it was the first time that they had met as the leaders of their respective companies.

However, they were all highly intelligent and had done incredible amounts of homework. They were well aware of many things, and so the talks went on without a hitch.

Yang Chen watched the three begin to speak with pleasantries, and found it boring. Since his work here was complete, he planned to slip away as there were many entertainment facilities in the Di Wang Tower. By the time this contract signing is complete, it would at least be 10PM as these people wanted to conduct their talk while having dinner.

While he was choosing between having a foot massage or having a pretty girl for a body massage, his phone suddenly vibrated.

Checking it, it turned out to be a text message from Mo Qianni. This woman was incredibly sticky when they were in Hong Kong, but when they returned, she kept her distance, showing that she had high endurance.

"Exit and turn left, meet at the corridor, we need to talk."

Yang Chen glanced at Mo Qianni who was in the middle of chatting with the executives of Muyun Corporation. He was surprised by her skill in typing text messages so covertly, then walked out of the place first.

Only after approximately ten minutes of waiting did Mo Qianni who wore a white suit elegantly walk over. Today, she had put on some makeup which made her eyebrows looked picturesque, and wore a pair of fashionable azure loop earrings, which made her lovely face all the more splendid.

Seeing that Yang Chen was already waiting, Mo Qianni apologetically spoke, "I hope you didn't wait too long, those people are too friendly, I had to lie to get out."

"It's fine. For my little Qianqian to invite me to talk after returning to Zhonghai, even waiting for a day would be worth it." Said Yang Chen.

"You're angry? Don't be so petty, you're also aware that Ruoxi is very sensitive. So many things happened in our business trip, how could she not be worried...... I don't want our relationships to turn sour because of us." Mo Qianni bitterly said.

Yang Chen pretended to think, then said, "It's possible for me to not be angry." While saying that, he pointed at his right cheek.

Mo Qianni pouted, then looked around to make sure that there was nobody else in their surroundings, then went up to him and leaned her head forward with closed eyes.

But before she could kiss his cheek, Yang Chen turned his head and kissed her lip-to-lip!

"Wu!"

Feeling the back of her head being clamped on, Mo Qianni realized that she couldn't budge, her tender lips were invaded, and a scorching tongue wreaked havoc and pried her mouth open.

For a moment, Mo Qianni felt so weak that she could only make "wuwu" sounds, and she was only released when she felt like her soul was going to leave her body.

As she delicately panted, Mo Qianni's face was peach colored. She grudgingly hit Yang Chen on the chest, and when he continued to show a complacent naughty smile, she couldn't resist hitting him several more times to vent her anger, "I still have important things to talk about! All you know is to take advantage of me!"

"This is also important, but since you've served upon me well, let's hear what you have to say." Yang Chen spoke with an honorable face.

Mo Qianni pretended not to see his courteous expression, and sternly said, "Go home with me."

Chapter 183-1: Seductive figure on a high floor

"Go home?"

"Yeah, to my home."

Yang Chen looked at the excited Mo Qianni, and shyly said, "Isn't that a little too fast? I know that a great man like me is one in six billion, but you shouldn't be in such a hurry for me to go to your house...... I was just there a while ago, going there again so soon is embarrassing. 

Actually, if you want to do it, we could also go to a hotel...... But of course, I'm very open, if you want to do it in the wild, I also wouldn't mind, don't the ancient people do it on the ground with the open sky above them all the time? 

With cold winds blowing at the butt, their battle prowess can last even longer! However... going to your house isn't a bad choice either, I just don't know if the bed in your room is big enough. Your figure is considered well-developed amongst women, if the two of us roll about, a small bed might not be able to take it......"

Mo Qianni was able to follow what he said at the start, but as she listened, the words spoken became a little strange. In the end, she blushed and clenched her teeth, then said, "Yang Chen... who said I wanted to put out for you!? I'm telling you to accompany me to my hometown in Sichuan! I hope that you can come with me, and help me bring my mother to Zhonghai."

Yang Chen's jaw dropped, he murmured, "Speak clearly then, how am I supposed to know which home you are referring to?"

"Do you get it now?" Mo Qianni unhappily asked.

Yang Chen nodded, he remembered that back then when he dealt with her stepfather, Zhang Fugui, Mo Qianni had mentioned bringing her mother to Zhonghai then. Baffled, he asked, "I recall you mentioning that, but why do you suddenly want to bring me along?"

Blushing, Mo Qianni slyly said, "The last time I called my mother, she said that if I can present my boyfriend to her, she would consider coming to Zhonghai. In a few more days, things in the company would pretty much be done, so I plan to bring my mom here from my hometown."

Yang Chen immediately understood. Her mother was worried about Mo Qianni remaining single. Mo Qianni wasn't getting any younger, as her mother, it was natural that she was worried about Qianni marrying into a good family.

This problem could be big or small depending on how it's being looked at. In the worst case scenario, if Yang Chen went with Mo Qianni, it would be bluntly telling Lin Ruoxi that his relationship with Mo Qianni, and their marriage might come to an end. The friendship between the two ladies might also collapse. However, it was also possible that with Ruoxi's character, she might not even have much of a reaction, and might just coldly snort.

Mo Qianni apprehensively looked at Yang Chen, this was undoubtedly a difficult choice to make.

The thoughts of a woman can sometimes be very complicated, she knew that this could cause irreparable damage, but when love and friendship interweaves, she still desperately hoped that Yang Chen wouldn't abandon her.

These were the feelings of this woman.

"Since that is the case, I'll go with you." Yang Chen didn't think much of it, and agreed.

Mo Qianni's thumping heart relaxed, she covered her mouth with a hand, and her eyes reddened as she smiled, "How do you intend to tell Ruoxi?"

"I'll say it as it is, there's nothing disgraceful about it."

Yang Chen knew that some things couldn't be kept hidden forever. Whether it was Mo Qianni, Rose, An Xin, or Liu Mingyu, he couldn't make these beauties which he considered his hide in the darkness forever. He also didn't think about hiding them. Perhaps people theoretically wouldn't allow him to have so many wives, but when someone breaks free from the shackles of normality, this wasn't something he'd care about much.

Mo Qianni rubbed her eyes, pursed her lips into a smile, then said, "I don't even need to guess to know how Ruoxi would react."

"How would she react?" Yang Chen curiously asked.

"She would definitely agree, and would never ask about our relationship." Mo Qianni confidently said.

Yang Chen creased his brows, "Why?"

"Because, as long as she doesn't ask, you won't take the initiative to tell her. If you don't tell her, then no matter how much our relationship progresses, it wouldn't be publicized. She would forever be your only legal wife, and the queen of the house. You'd have to place her first in your heart." Mo Qianni wryly smiled and said, "To be blunt, if she doesn't say a thing, then a mistress will forever be a mistress, and will never show in front of her."

"But this isn't something that she has a final say on, I am the one who makes the decision." Said Yang Chen.

Mo Qianni slanted her head and looked at him, then lightly laughed and said, "But would you divorce her for me?"

Yang Chen was stunned, this was clearly impossible. Although there was more than one woman in his heart, after all this time had passed, he was already used to treating the ice-cold Lin Ruoxi as his wife, and considered the villa at Dragon Garden his home. He also considered Wang Ma who took care of them as family. He was even mentally prepared to live this way forever. In a situation where Lin Ruoxi doesn't say a thing, he wouldn't even think about divorcing her for other women!

Chapter 183-2: Seductive figure on a high floor

In this moment, Yang Chen seemed to have understood something, "It's no wonder... she had never asked me about my relationship with other women, as if she doesn't care about that at all. I didn't expect there to be a reason like this."

"Don't assume that Ruoxi is a fool at romance and don't understand a thing. Perhaps she doesn't know engage in romance, but she definitely is a successful businesswoman, and a brilliant manager. Anybody who has underestimated her because she was a woman, because of her age, and because of her inexperience have all ended up with regrets." Mo Qianni earnestly said.

Yang Chen ruefully smiled, "Being described in this manner by you, my family's Ruoxi sounds like a schemer."

"Ruoxi has always been a schemer. Furthermore, she also has tools which other schemers do not possess." Mo Qianni wore a mysterious smile.

"What kind of tools?"

"You'll understand what I mean soon enough." Mo Qianni wittily blinked at him.

Yang Chen didn't have the habit of getting to the bottom of things, though he was curious, he didn't continue questioning Mo Qianni.

Mo Qianni still needed to participate in the banquet and talk, so she left first. Before leaving, she reminded Yang Chen again to inform Ruoxi about the matter of going to Sichuan.

Yang Chen who was once again alone didn't stay idle. He looked at the directory of the building, and planned to go a floor down for foot reflexology.

Huaxia people are definitely amongst the top when it came to enjoying life. On a typical street, a few dozen to a hundred dollars was all it took to have a young lady caringly massage their feet and body. Even at a high-end mall like the Di Wang tower, all it took was less than a thousand. To the rich people who visited this place, an expenditure like this was nothing.

Yang Chen didn't want to take the elevator, so he just opened the fire exit and walked down the empty staircase.

However, before Yang Chen walked down the stairs, he was surprised to find that past the window right in front of him was a living person climbing up the window from the other side!

The large amount of surface area of the Di Wang Tower was covered with glass, and the complicated structure was built with cement and stainless steel.

This person was using equipment that resembled those of rock climbing, and was likely using the pinion equipment on the top floor of the building. Along with her climbing capabilities, she slowly climbed up towards the floor above.

Yang Chen naturally couldn't watch and do nothing. After all, if it was a villain who wanted to create trouble, the lives of people he cares about might be implicated. Therefore, he walked over to the window, and immediately pulled the glass window open!

"Don't move!"

A clear voice was heard along with the night winds, a shiny pistol was pointed at Yang Chen's head.

Yang Chen was stunned, and the person who held the gun was also dumbfounded.

"It's you!?"

"Why are you here!?"

The two practically spoke with the same tone at the same time.

This woman was no other than the woman whom gave Yang Chen headaches and that he had bumped into several times, the policewoman, Cai Yan.

Cai Yan was currently wearing a black spandex suit, causing her sexy figure to be properly outlined. A rope was tied around her waist, along with some equipment for climbing. Her head of short black hair seemed valiant and agile under the cold winds.

This scene made Yang Chen absent-minded for a moment.

Sometimes, the charm of a man contains traces of the femininity of a women, so shouldn't it make sense that the beauty of a woman may contain the valiance of men?

Cai Yan slowly lowered her gun, then unkindly looked at Yang Chen and asked, "You speak first, why are you here?"

"Today is the day where Yu Lei signs an agreement with other companies, I am one of the people in charge, so it's only natural that I'm here." Yang Chen playfully looked at Cai Yan, "But you, Bureau Chief Cai, are you playing a thief or practising how to climb up glass?"

Cai Yan deduced that Yang Chen wasn't lying, so she immediately said, "If nothing's the matter then quickly leave, I am investigating an important case. If anyone discovers me, all my efforts will go down the drain, and my life will be in danger. Quickly leave now!"

Yang Chen stretched his head out of the window, and looked up at the floor above where a room was brightly lit. Evidently, Cai Yan wanted to use this unusual method to investigate the situation up there.

"Bureau Chief Cai, let me kindly give you a suggestion. You should quickly come in, if the rope breaks, you'll fall dozens of storeys, and your bones will shatter." Yang Chen pointed down at the emptiness below Cai Yan.

The Di Wang Tower was at least sixty storeys, if she fell down, this beauty would just become unlucky.

[TL: In mandarin, play of words here, 美女(beautiful girl) sounds like 霉女(unlucky girl), meinu.]

"I don't need your advice!" Cai Yan defensively said.

"You think I said that because I care about you? The main reason I advised you is because you're my wife's friend. No matter how capable you are, you're a lady, some tasks can be delegated to your male subordinates. By jumping into the frontlines like this, you're not taking your life seriously. Do you think this is what a leader should do? If something happens to you, what are your subordinates going to do? This is not being brave, this is being stupid!" Yang Chen frankly said.

Cai Yan had actually become aware that she had been overly impulsive in this raiding mission, but being criticized by Yang Chen like this made her stubborn against giving up, "Whatever, if you continue to obstruct me, I will charge you for hindering the police in the course of duty!"

After saying that, Cai Yan continued climbing up, and ignored Yang Chen's presence.

Yang Chen frowned. He was rather angered inside, for this woman truly didn't know her place. He also pondered over whether he should follow her.

It was at this moment that the curtains of the room above was opened. In front of the sealed window, a man stepped forward and looked at the climbing Cai Yan with a nefarious smile!

Chapter 184-1: Wait for you to pounce

Cai Yan was now in a disastrous position that was neither here nor there. She was at least two meters away to the floor upstairs, and a meter away from the window where Yang Chen was!

That short-haired man suddenly pulled out a silver Desert Eagle, and his thick arm bulged in his suit, one could imagine how strong his arm had to be to wield a Desert Eagle with one arm.

The man looked at her in amusement, then aimed at Cai Yan's safety rope outside the window!

All it would take is one accurate shot to break the rope, which would in turn cause Cai Yan's bones to shatter into pieces if she fell dozens of floors!

Cai Yan simply didn't even have the time to regret, other than hanging in midair and waiting for death, there was simply nothing else she could do!

"Undo the rope! Quickly!"

Underneath, Yang Chen's shout quickly made Cai Yan return to her senses. Glancing downwards, she saw Yang Chen lean forward with open arms, ready to catch her!

To catch a person at an angle like this with just a pair of hands was definitely no easy task even though he was catching a lady who was this light. Perhaps even a world-class weightlifting athlete wouldn't be able to catch a falling woman in a position like this where their usable strength was limited due to their waist being pressed against the window sill.

Cai Yan hesitated, because she knew that even if Yang Chen manages to grab hold of her, she may very well implicate him in this.

He should understand this very well, but why does he still want to catch me without any hesitation!?

Is he doing it on purpose? Impossible, everything that's happening here is definitely under watch of that person upstairs, there's no reason for him to trick me into jumping. Also, do I even have a choice!?

However, Cai Yan didn't want to receive this unexpected favor...... Although she never had a good impression of this man, Cai Yan didn't want to implicate him.

*Bang bang!"

The man who stood by the window had already fired two gunshots, but they were off the mark due to the window which had thwarted the bullet's trajectory. He didn't hit Cai Yan's rope, but managed to shatter the reinforced glass window.

Yang Chen noticed Cai Yan's hesitation, so he angrily scolded, "If you still don't jump, you're a sow!"

"What did you say!?" Cai Yan was flushed with anger.

"I said you're a sow! You dare not let me know how much you weigh!" Yang Chen shouted.

Cai Yan nearly burst with rage, this fellow had dared to insult her like this. Fine, I'll jump, at the worst we'll just die together, before I die I'd even be getting rid of this guy for the good of the people!

When the short haired man changed his mind to take aim at Cai Yan herself, Cai Yan released the buckle at her waist, and her body fell straight down!

It was at this moment that Cai Yan suddenly realized one thing; this decision of hers had without a doubt put her life into Yang Chen's hands!

A pair of large hands easily held Cai Yan's body. Before she thought anything of it, she was already carried into the corridor.

However, the way Yang Chen held her was rather ambiguous, Cai Yan felt a warm hand gripping her butt tightly. Feeling her sensitive butt being pinched like this, she couldn't help but moan, though... she knew this wasn't the time.

Yang Chen didn't think about such things at all. After placing Cai Yan down, he didn't even have the mood to look at Cai Yan's flushed face, and immediately said, "Their people have definitely noticed us. In all likelihood, they'll rush here, so I'll stop them here while you go downstairs."

Just as he said that, running sounds were heard from the corridor upstairs, and several figures in black opened the door and charged out!

Cai Yan simply didn't have an opportunity to refuse as she was pushed away by Yang Chen. Staggering, she nearly fell off the stairs, but the strength behind Yang Chen's push was actually just right as she managed to lean against the wall by slightly turning her body.

"If you have brains, go get help. If you become a burden we'll both die!"

While he spoke, he was already running up the stairs to face the two closest black-clothed men, and they were repelled by Yang Chen's two fists!

Cai Yan didn't express any discontent towards Yang Chen's roughness, when she saw Yang Chen charge up to face the flood of thugs, Cai Yan felt her eyes scorching.

She had always suspected him, ridiculed him, and even tried to arrest him as a suspect without any hesitation. But why would he help her after all that, and even go up to stop these fiends without any reason!?

Is it worth it for him to put his life on the line just because I'm Ruoxi's friend!?

These thoughts only lasted for a moment in Cai Yan's mind, for she knew that what Yang Chen said was the truth. If she didn't flee, she'd just be a burden, so at the quickest speed possible, she was practically jumping down flights of stairs!

When Cai Yan had finally arrived at a floor where she had reinforcements positioned, she heard a series of clamorous gunshots from above!

Cai Yan felt her heart tighten, and quickly ran towards eight policemen and shouted, "Pick up your guns! Go upstairs with me now! Everybody else maintain order in the building! Seal off the building's entrance!"

Obviously, the sound of gunshots would make people within the building uneasy. As a police chief, her first and foremost priority is to ensure that no innocent people get hurt.

The target of this investigation had already opened fire, so whether they had evidence or not, they could arrest them!

Chapter 184-2: Wait for you to pounce

Bringing along a bunch of police officers who were prepared for a battle, Cai Yan led the way as they charged back upstairs. Only one thought was on her mind; is he okay!?

When they arrived at the floor where she ran down from, Cai Yan and her subordinates were shocked.

There were corpses all over the stairway! Their fresh blood had dyed the ground red, and the men dressed in black had all died with queer expressions, as if they had seen something incredibly terrifying right before their deaths.

Cai Yan didn't see Yang Chen amongst these people, which made her relieved. She directed them to the floor above, opened the fire exit, looked inside, and was once again shocked.

On the carpet of the corridor were bodyguard-like figures dressed in black lying disorderly on the ground. These people all held their guns to their deaths, and every single one of them had a bullet hole on their heads! Blood and white viscous liquids flowed out from them.

Amongst them, there was also a man who Cai Yan would never forget, it was the man who attempted to shoot her rope with a Desert Eagle. At this moment, he also laid on the ground lifelessly.

Yang Chen wasn't here either!

There was only one goosebumps-inducing explanation left in Cai Yan's mind. In the gunfight earlier, that man had actually killed all of these people by himself!?

Cai Yan had no way of understanding how a person could actually achieve this, for he had practically faced them empty handed, what they possessed were real bullets......

At last, Cai Yan understood why her secretive sister was so serious in warning her not to provoke this man......

"Chief! What should we do now?" A subordinate asked Cai Yan, they were already at a loss as to what to do in this situation.

Cai Yan sighed, calmed her mind down, then said, "Cordon off this area, send people to immediately clear the scene. What happened here today is confidential. We will tell the public that these people died from infighting."

The policemen were bewildered by this, but since Cai Yan had always shown proper leadership and had a powerful background, they tactfully chose not to ask any further. They then carried out her instructions.

Cai Yan gazed at the corridor filled with bodies, thought about the perilous scenes that they went through, and before she knew it, she was smiling and said to herself, "Scoundrel, you didn't even let me know before you left, I was so worried for nothing......"

At the same time, Yang Chen whom had taken the elevator down to a spa center in the middle of the building was being led to a private room by the boss who wore a red cheongsam and had a good figure.

Ever since he had become a millionaire, Yang Chen had also become rather casual about his expenses. Although he was alone, he still chose to book a double room. The reason was because a single room would be too small, while he wouldn't be comfortable with others around.

Although that battle seemed rather easy for Yang Chen as those people were just thugs who weren't even at the standard of special forces, he had killed over a dozen people after all. Feeling jittery inside, he decided it was best if he called a girl in to give him a massage.

If it wasn't because he had to participate in the contract signing later, Yang Chen would have gone over to Rose for some physical and speech interaction. That chick who trended more towards violence would definitely love to hear him narrate what he had done.

But before he walked out to the corridor, there was someone familiar who stood in the way.

With a loose silk shirt and black flax trousers that looked old fashioned but high quality, this man's dressing gave the impression of a classical Chinese. With a smile on his face, he looked like a random grandpa.

The man that appeared was none other than Zhou Guangnian whom he had met once. This person was the boss of Dongxing who had to leave the event early because of Zhou Dongcheng.

"Mr. Yang, you're also here for a massage! You seem to be in great spirits?" Zhou Guangnian was very amiable as he spoke with a wide smile.

Yang Chen didn't intend to greet him. Truthfully, his presence here was practically a confirmation that he was connected to that bunch of people earlier, but Yang Chen didn't care about that, that was the police's business, he was only here for a massage.

"Mr. Zhou, aren't you going to collect the corpses?" Asked Yang Chen.

Zhou Guangnian seemed to be bewildered by this question, "Corpses? What corpses?"

"Oh, my mistake." Yang Chen smiled and turned to leave.

"Hey," Zhou Guangnian called out to Yang Chen, and with an indifferent expression he said, "Mr. Yang, there's something I'd like you to hear."

"What?"

Zhou Guangnian moved a little closer and said, "Leave some leeway in everything, everyone should just mind their own business."

"These words of yours don't rhyme and can't connect." Yang Chen feigned distress as he spoke.

"It's fine as long as its meaning is conveyed." Zhou Guangnian calmly said.

Yang Chen showed a slight smile, "I thought you'd say something like becoming a dog recklessly pouncing due to desperation."

"That isn't impossible either." Zhou Guangnian's expression turned slightly sour.

"Then I'll wait for you to pounce."

Done speaking, Yang Chen turned away and left.

A man who stood beside Zhou Guangnian with a malevolent expression asked, "Chairman, that brat doesn't know his place and ruined our business. He even killed our client and dared to treat you like this. Chairman, why won't you let me get rid of him with my gun!?"

"Are you able to get rid of him?" Zhou Guangnian expressionlessly asked.

The man stayed silent, for he knew that he was indeed incapable of that.

"This young man isn't simple, to deal with him, it must be done in one fell swoop." Zhou Guangnian grimly smiled and said, "Let's go downstairs, the ones who died were all foolish swines, and isn't worth thinking about. We should just cooperate with the police investigation. I, Zhou Guangnian am a businessman who abides by the law.

Chapter 185-1: Extremely odd

Once Yang Chen had his two stinky feet massaged, he put a pair of fresh socks on, and when returned to the top floor of the Di Wang Tower in his cotton slippers, the three parties' collaboration talks was already finished.

However, the number of bodyguards surrounding the place had at least doubled. Evidently, the shooting incident earlier had spread throughout the building, but due to the blockading by the police, they could only continue their talks here.

When Lin Ruoxi saw Yang Chen return with a peasant-like appearance with rolled up trousers and slippers, she had the urge to strangle him!

Li Muhua and Zeng Xinlin both grinned towards Yang Chen.

"Mr. Yang, it's a pity that you didn't participate in our talks." Li Muhua spoke to Yang Chen very politely in public despite the fact that Yang Chen was merely an employee of Yu Lei.

Yang Chen waved to disagree, "I wouldn't understand even if I participated. Have you all finished the talks? I haven't had my dinner, and still want to have it."

Speaking in such a casual manner in front of all these executives made many people "admire" Yang Chen. Luckily, no one bickered with him over this, and just laughed it off like he was a clown.

Zeng Xinlin cordially said to Lin Ruoxi, "Ruoxi, since we're done with the talks, how about we move on to the final contract signing?"

"I don't mind, is that fine with you, Boss Li?" Lin Ruoxi asked Li Muhua.

Li Muhua said with a smile, "I've been ready for it for a while now, haha."

The three clapped, and their assistants immediately brought over the contracts that had all edits included and put them on the desk for signing. The people of the three companies stood behind their respective CEOs with smiles and anticipation. After all, they were all clear that this collaboration would bring about unpredictable amounts of profit.

Mo Qianni brought out a pair of new leather shoes from god knows where and urged Yang Chen, "Quickly put these on. It isn't good to be wearing slippers here."

"We'd be going back soon, why bother changing into shoes?" Yang Chen indifferently smiled. He had thrown away his shoes because they were stained with blood.

Mo Qianni rolled her eyes at him, "It hasn't ended yet, once the contract is signed, we'll still have to go to one more place."

Unable to understand what she meant, Yang Chen scratched his head, "There's still more activities to attend? Dinner has been served, the contract has been signed, yet we still aren't going to bed?"

"I told you to wear it so just wear it, why are you saying so much rubbish?"

Yang Chen had no choice but to obediently put on the leather shoes, and then stood behind Lin Ruoxi with Mo Qianni.

They signed page after page, and it took almost five minutes for them to finish signing all of them. All details had been confirmed, and this contract which required a gargantuan amount of funds was effective immediately.

Now, the executives of the three companies shook hands with each other with smiles, even Yang Chen shook hands and greeted some people who he didn't know, and the only one he recognized was Changlin's fat Vice-CEO, Lu Tao.

Lin Ruoxi also shook hands with Li Muhua and Zeng Xinlin, then expressionlessly said, "According to the contract, Yu Lei International will transfer five billion in Huaxia currency into the shared Switzerland bank account by noon tomorrow."

"Changlin will also transfer five billion in. Along with Boss Li's Muyun Corporation's two billion and technology, I believe that in half a year's time, the product using this new material can be released." Zeng Xinlin laughed and said.

Li Muhua confidently said, "The great support from your companies will definitely help our product reach completion even faster. When that happens, despite the Xu Family having the Green Laboratory, they wouldn't be able to compete with our twelve billion investment. Whoever enters the market first would hold the first move advantage, please be rest assured and be ready to reap the rewards."

After a series of pleasantries, the people of the three companies bade each other goodbye, and went off to prepare for the start of the project tomorrow.

As the host, Yu Lei was the last to leave. Guided by Mo Qianni, Yang Chen arrived at the underground car park, and met up with Lin Ruoxi a little later.

Lin Ruoxi seemed slightly tired. She gracefully walked over, and white fair skin seemed almost transparent under the lights. Seeing Yang Chen and Mo Qianni stand together, she indifferently said, "Let's get in the car. Qianni, you drive."

After saying that, Lin Ruoxi got into the back seat of her own car.

This way, Yang Chen was forced to decide whether to sit shotgun to Mo Qianni, or seat alongside Lin Ruoxi.

This girl is forcing me to express my loyalty huh. Yang Chen felt helpless inside, and looked towards Mo Qianni.

Mo Qianni blinked at him with a smile to express that she didn't mind.

Yang Chen didn't dillydally. He sat beside Lin Ruoxi, then asked, "It's already so late, where are we going if not home?"

With her eyes half open, Lin Ruoxi seemed to want to catch some rest, "To one of my resorts."

"Why are we suddenly going to a resort for no reason?" Yang Chen became increasingly confused, these all seemed strange.

"To sleep." Lin Ruoxi said that and spoke no more.

Chapter 185-2: Extremely odd

Mo Qianni drove the car at normal speeds. Although there was very little traffic on the highway, she still took forty minutes to reach the resort Lin Ruoxi referred to.

After entering the resort, Lin Ruoxi's secretary, Wu Yue, who had arrived much earlier led the attendants out to receive them.

"Boss Lin, Department Head Mo, your rooms have been prepared, you may rest at any time." Wu Yue's expression was as cold as ever, as if she was another Lin Ruoxi.

"Help Yang Chen arrange dinner, and give him a room too." Said Lin Ruoxi.

Wu Yue looked at Yang Chen with slight astonishment, she didn't understand why Yang Chen had come, but she still nodded, "Alright."

Yang Chen found this even more ridiculous, it had to be known that though Wu Yue helped Lin Ruoxi with official matters, she wasn't personally called in to do everything. Since Wu Yue had arrived at this resort a long time ago, she definitely hadn't come here just to arrange rooms for them.

However, though Lin Ruoxi remained taciturn on the journey, she didn't forget that he hadn't eaten. This showed that she cared about him, which made Yang Chen satisfied.

After resting for a night in the neat and clean room, Yang Chen walked around the resort early in the morning.

The resort was quite a distance from Zhonghai's downtown. Close by was a small village which was on the other side of the lake from the resort. There were short hills surrounding the resort, which made it scenic and secluded.

What made Yang Chen find odd was that the resort had very few cars and not many rooms. Rather than calling it a resort, it could even be called a vacation home, as the number of customers coming in was so few that it was pitiful.

When Yang Chen was planning to return to his room, a server called out to him from behind, "Mr. Yang, Boss Lin has invited you to breakfast."

Yang Chen didn't expect Lin Ruoxi and Mo Qianni to get up so early. When he arrived at the dining room, the two ladies were already seated face to face, eating salad and drinking vegetable juice while discussing something. Seeing Yang Chen come, the two ladies simply nodded.

Yang Chen grabbed a plate of rice noodles, then pulled over a chair to sit between them. With a smile, he asked, "You guys can't truly be here for a vacation, right?"

"You're someone who's a part of this important project and have made great contributions to it, so I'm allowing you to watch a show." Said Lin Ruoxi.

"What show?"

"You know the core contents of this collaboration, right?"

Yang Chen nodded, "Yu Lei and Changlin each invest five billion, while Muyun invests two billion and their research facility's technology. The three parties will make use of a shared bank account to develop a new material. The set funds mustn't be used for any other purpose, and can only be used to develop the product. When the product hits the market, Yu Lei is in-charge of marketing, and take sixty-five percent of the profits, while Changlin and Muyun will take twenty-five percent and twenty percent respectively."

Lin Ruoxi casted a glance at him with a dull smile, "Sixty-five percent of the profits, which was privately agreed with Muyun. Although I'm very curious as to how you achieved such an outcome, I'd still say you've done very well.

"Is this considered a praise from a wife to a husband, or praise from a boss to an employee?" Yang Chen asked with a smile.

"Is there a difference?" Lin Ruoxi frowned, she had a premonition that Yang Chen was going to make use of his glib tongue again.

"Of course there's a difference. When a wife praises a husband she gives him a kiss, while a boss gives their employee a bonus." Yang Chen seriously said.

Lin Ruoxi blushed. Mo Qianni was right opposite her and this fellow had begun to flirt. Clearing her throat she said, "Quickly eat, Xu Zhihong should be coming soon."

"Hey, why did you suddenly change topics...... Wait, did you just say Xu Zhihong?" Yang Chen became even more perplexed, "Why is Xu Zhihong is involved too?"

Before Yang Chen could continue inquiring, a candid laugh was heard from the entrance of the dining room.

"Haha. Mr. Yang, when there's such a fascinating show going to happen, this Xu definitely can't be missing out." Xu Zhihong who wore a white suit and red tie appeared. He looked like a handsome prince charming, and was followed by Hairy Ball whose hair was like a bird's nest. They walked towards the three.

Chapter 186-1: Something horrible happened

Xu Zhihong's arrival made Yang Chen wonder what on earth Lin Ruoxi was actually thinking, while Mo Qianni had an expression which implied "I don't know anything," which made Yang Chen feel vexed inside.

It had to be known that yesterday night, Lin Ruoxi had just signed an alliance with the two companies to deal with the Xu Family's Donghua Science and Technology. Xu Zhihong was basically an enemy through and through, so why did she make plans for her enemy to come here for breakfast with her?

"Mr. Yang, are you puzzled?" Xu Zhihong sincerely laughed.

Just like before, Yang Chen didn't like the expression of this man, rolling his eyes he said, "I am puzzled, but I don't need you to tell me the answer."

Xu Zhihong laughed, and spoke no more.

Lin Ruoxi and Mo Qianni exchanged glances, they could see how displeased Yang Chen was, and slightly smiled because of it.

It was at this moment that Ruoxi's assistant, Wu Yue, hurried over with a laptop in her hands. She reported to Lin Ruoxi, "Boss Lin, five minutes ago, after Changlin Media had confirmed that we have transferred five billion in funds, they also transferred five billion. Adding on the two billion which the Muyun Corporation had already put in last night, the shared Swiss bank account is now properly filled by all parties involved."

"Has Changlin's financial status been verified?" Asked Lin Ruoxi.

Wu Yue opened a document on her laptop, looked at various charts, then said, "According to the Athena Team's analysis, after both parties have transferred five billion in Huaxia currency, Changlin Media would be facing a severe shortage of funds. For the next three months, they would face an extremely low working capital, unless the Zeng Family of Yanjing grants assistance."

"What is the Athena Team?" Yang Chen asked Lin Ruoxi.

Lin Ruoxi didn't answer him, while Mo Qianni kindly explained, "It's a team that Boss Lin personally put together after taking office. They include actuaries and traders of the various industry markets from all over the world, and their main responsibility is to analyze a competitor's financial situation in detail."

Xu Zhihong also happily added, "Although Ruoxi's small team have less than ten people, it still makes me green with envy, haha."

Lin Ruoxi responded, "Hmm, the Zeng Family in Yanjing couldn't possibly assist them. The Zeng Family has multiple establishments, and is also involved with the government. The Zeng Family doesn't dare to make any rash moves...... Wu Yue, execute the next phase of the plan."

"Roger, Boss Lin!"

Wu Yue bowed, and left the dining room.

Looking at these people who had just said things that he couldn't understand, Yang Chen couldn't help but ask, "Can anyone explain?"

Lin Ruoxi sipped on her orange juice, then said, "Before this collaboration, I have already spent three months selling dozens of unimportant factories and some shares of other companies, amassing eight billion in funds. Five billion have been put into the Swiss Bank account, and there is three billion remaining, I've decided to use it to suppress the shares that Changlin Media has in Hong Kong's stock market."

"Suppress Changlin?" Yang Chen suspected that he misheard. Didn't they just become allies!?

"You didn't mishear." Mo Qianni continued to explain, "Our company, Yu Lei, has already planned for all subsidiary newspapers and magazines under us and the rest of the industry to begin spreading news that would be detrimental to Changlin. This way, Changlin Media's shares would be dumped by their shareholders, while we will buy them. 

When we amass enough shares, we would once again dump all of them back at even lower prices, causing panic in all shareholders, which would cause even those shareholders who had been passive to dump what they have...... All we need to do is to repeatedly buy and sell. In a situation where Changlin doesn't have enough cash reserves, they would have no options but to let their shares be beaten to a pulp by us. In less than a day, Changlin Media would crash."

[TL: I believe that in financial terms, to dump stocks/shares means to sell at prices lower than its actual value.]

Without even mentioning the specifics of the plan, Yang Chen already felt that this seemed too simple, "Changlin is also a large company worth tens of billions, can such a simple move truly kill them off?"

"Changlin's decision to break into Zhonghai was a mistake from the very start. Although such a move would bring them long-term benefits, for the short-term they would need to do enormous amounts of foundational work and would require enormous spending. Yet, at a time like this, Zeng Xinlin dared to brazenly use this alliance of three companies to stabilize his position. Unfortunately, he has oversimplified the ways of the business world." Said Mo Qianni.

With a smile, Xu Zhihong clapped in approval and said, "The business world is a battlefield, companies are at each other's throats with blades and soldiers, who even gives a damn about friendship?"

Yang Chen glanced at the icy and expressionless Lin Ruoxi, then turned to the beaming Xu Zhihong and asked, "Well then, Boss Xu, why are you here?"

Xu Zhihong laughed and said, "How about we first move to the computer room to watch the stock market war, and I'll slowly explain it to you, Mr. Yang?"

Chapter 186-2: Something horrible happened

......

Zeng Xinlin who came to the office early in the morning hadn't had any coffee, which was rare. He only steeped a cup of green tea, because what he needed wasn't more energy, but a serene state of mind.

Because, Zeng Xinlin felt that his emotions weren't stable.

Half an hour ago, the finance department had confirmed that there was seven billion in the shared Swiss Bank account, so Zeng Xinlin ordered the whole five billion that they had raised to be transferred in.

In this way, this collaboration is set in stone, and nobody can back out. After all, it was written in the contracts that the twelve billion in funds may only be used for researching and producing the new product.

However, it's exactly because everything had gone so smoothly that Zeng Xinlin began to feel restless.

He wasn't an idiot, and more so wasn't a reckless fool. He knew what he was doing, but he supposed that this investment was too big and felt like he couldn't get over it.

Sitting back at his big leather chair, Zeng Xinlin began to look at the business contracts on his computer. He was full of confidence towards the future.

The family had put a large establishment like Changlin into his hands, and he resolutely chose to move and develop in Zhonghai. Although he expended a lot of human and financial resources to take root, the future prospects in this move couldn't be overlooked.

Changlin Media was different from other companies who were in the fashion industry. Even Yu Lei International who was the biggest in Zhonghai didn't have government connections like Changlin Media, this was a phenomenal advantage.

Zeng Xinlin firmly believed that as long as this collaboration succeeds and produces a profit, Changlin Media's future growth would definitely surpass Yu Lei International.

Lin Ruoxi may be a remarkable businesswoman, but in Zeng Xinlin's eyes, she was just regarded as a beautiful woman, a woman that should ultimately be conquered by him......

He had nearly succeeded in college. Although she was now with another man, Zeng Xinlin believed that with what he had, he could take her back.

Besides, he had already find "flaws" about that man.

Therefore, Zeng Xinlin wasn't in a hurry. What he needed to do was to plan every step properly and uprightly. He was Lin Ruoxi's senior, and in the future, he would also be superior to Lin Ruoxi in the business world!

Right at this point, urgent knocks were heard from the door.

"Come in."

Lu Tao's plumped body rushed in, and he anxiously said, "Boss, I just received information that Huaxia Weekly, Zhonghai Daily, Jiangnan News and at least twenty other media outlets have all reported negative news of companies under our Changlin Media, and are all scandals about dirty rules and things happening behind the scenes!"

Zeng Xinlin immediately trembled from fright, but he wasn't too agitated. He knocked the desk and asked, "Have you investigated the source?"

"Those media outlets have suddenly broke off all connections with us, but we could hold a press conference to clear off these matters as they do not have enough evidence, how... however......"

"However what?"

"Our shares have fallen to the lowest it has been this month, and are in the middle of being indiscriminately purchased by unfamiliar companies. There are also individual buyers purchasing large amounts of shares...... I feel like something isn't right." Lu Tao cowardly whispered.

It isn't right!? Of course it isn't right!

Zeng Xinlin felt his scalp go numb, he gradually became aware of what the problem was, and shouted, "Immediately raise funds from all subsidiaries, amass all funds possible, do it now!!"

"Roger!"

Lu Tao cowardly ran out of the office as if he was thoroughly frightened by Zeng Xinlin.

Zeng Xinlin could no longer sit still, he stood up and paced back and forth for he knew that this was a premeditated war of capital reserves.

A battle like this only had three outcomes, either you die, I die, or we both suffer grievous wounds!

An enemy that would initiate such an attack is definitely one that plans on fighting to the death!

Who is it!?

Changlin barging into Zhonghai had without a doubt offended many other companies in the same industry. Those who want to deal with Changlin could be found everywhere, but the only one who could actually do something about it was Yu Lei!

It's Lin Ruoxi? That cold and quiet woman who looked like she wouldn't even hurt a fly!?

That junior who stuck onto me during studies!?

Zeng Xinlin couldn't believe that a woman like this who seemed keep away from any conflict would be the one to swing the executioner's blade at him......

After his imagination ran wild, Zeng Xinlin had the impulse to call Lin Ruoxi and ask if she knew about this and whether she was behind it, but after he picked up the phone, he put it back down.

He knew that as long as he asked, no matter what the answer was, he would never be able to attain this woman in this lifetime; he couldn't ruin his chances of that!

"Boss!"

Lu Tao's shout broke the silence in the office, the fatty entered with his forehead covered in sweat, and sullenly said, "Boss, something horrible has happened!"

Chapter 187-1: Crash

"No matter how big the matter, don't lose your calm." Zeng Xinlin said with a deep voice.

Lu Tao took deep breaths to forcibly calm his state of mind, and said, "I've just received reports that in Hong Kong, large quantities of our shares have been dumped at low prices, which have also caused individuals to also begin dumping them. Right now, the same people who sold those shares earlier are buying more than double of what they had before, if this goes on......"

Zeng Xinlin's expression became as sharp as the edge of a knife. He picked up a phone, and immediately called the finance department's manager, Liu Musheng. Liu Musheng had been a part of Changlin Media for many years, and was an internationally renowned stock trader. He has held the helm of the ship named Changlin Media's shares for a long time.

"Uncle Liu, what's the status?" Zeng Xinlin tried his best to ask calmly.

A thick and low voice replied, "Xinlin, the shortage of funds is too great, I've already ordered people to buyout the shares being sold, but there is too little capital to hold them down. If this goes on, we'll crash!"

Crash!?

This piece of news was enough to make Zeng Xinlin form a fist in his other hand, he had to urge to smash the phone.

"Okay... I will try to raise money as soon as possible......" Replied Zeng Xinlin.

Hanging up the call, Zeng Xinlin immediately instructed Lu Tao, "Immediately get all subsidiaries to send money to headquarters, all expenditures will only be talked about after this crisis!"

"Yes boss!" Lu Tao knew that he couldn't waste any time in a life and death moment like this, so he immediately ran out.

Zeng Xinlin took a deep breath, and made a phone call.

"Oh, Brother Zeng, it's rare that you would call, I really miss ya!" A crisp voice was heard from the other side.

Hearing such warm words made Zeng Xinlin relax a little, "Chief Wang, I'm really vexed right now. This morning, so many media outlets reported negative news of us Changlin Media. The state administration of radio, film, and television is ruled by you, you've got to help me on this, it's too late for what's already out there, but at least stem the wound."

"What? Have those media outlets eaten too much and become constipated!? Don't worry bro, I'll go take a look at it for you now."

"Many thanks then." Zeng Xinlin put down the phone and exhaled. That's right, I still have connections, and still have the Zeng Family's status in the government!

However, that naturally wasn't enough, the most important thing was to fill the shortage in funds.

Zeng Xinlin once again picked up the phone, and this time, it was a lady who answered.

"Sir Zeng, how did you find the time to call me?" The lady on the phone had a mature charm.

Zeng Xinlin cursed her as a seductive fox inside, but flattered on the surface, "How could an angelic bank president like you, Boss Zhuang, have the time to pay a small fry like me attention?"

"Kekekeke...... Sir Zeng's mouth is as sweet as ever. Speak, what matter made you look for me?"

"It's like this, there's an emergency at Changlin Media, so I hope Boss Zhuang could allow me to take a loan." Zeng Xinlin was feeling anxious so he laid out his thoughts frankly.

Boss Zhuang maintained silence for a while, then said, "Sir Zeng, it isn't that I'm stingy, you also know of the bank robbery recently, right? Our bank is currently quite messy, and many matters have become inconvenient. Without a mortgage, we can't lend you beyond a hundred and fifty million, will that be okay?"

"Then I will mortgage! All subsidiaries and estates under be can be used!"

"If you choose to mortgage, the money cannot be transferred immediately." Said Boss Zhuang.

Damn it! You're toying with me!?

Zeng Xinlin sighed with clenched teeth, "Alright then, a hundred and fifty million it is!"

A dollar is a dollar, after Zeng Xinlin continued to call over a dozen banks and managed to raise over a billion, but once he went online to check the stock market trends, he realized that this still wasn't enough. To hold off this horrific assault, he still needed more money!!

After thinking for a good while, Zeng Xinlin dialed a number that he wouldn't ever dare to dial unless he had no other choice.

The call was only picked up after ringing for some time, and an elderly voice was heard, "Xinlin, I already know of the situation you're in."

"Grandfather, I was too careless, but I've already borrowed enough funds, all I need is another billion, and I believe I can turn the tides! We are the bankers in this game, and have the natural advantage, I believe that we can do this!" Zeng Xinlin earnestly said.

Chapter 187-2: Crash

Grandfather Zeng maintained silent for some time, then asked, "How much money did you ask for earlier?"

Zeng Xinlin became overjoyed, he knew that despite the fact that the position of Patriarch had been passed onto his father's generation, the true authority was still in the hands of his grandfather who lived reclusively. As long as he said the word, Zeng Xinlin would be able to attain funds from all establishments of the Zeng Family.

"One billion! I just need one billion. Once this crisis is cleared, I will definitely be able to earn it all back!" Zeng Xinlin nearly choked when he spoke.

"Xinlin, give up. Don't even mention one billion, I can't even give you five hundred million. Besides, according to what I know, even if I gave you two billion, you still might not be able to survive this crisis." Grandfather Zeng sighed and said.

Zeng Xinlin's face became ashen. Feeling unresigned, he asked, "Why... Grandpa, you've definitely investigated who did this, it's Yu Lei, isn't it!?"

"That's right, from the intelligence I have right now, it's Yu Lei's Lin Ruoxi."

"Then you should be very clear to the fact that Yu Lei had also just invested a whole five billion. No matter how rich they are, they can't possibly pull out another five billion at once!" Receiving confirmation that Lin Ruoxi was responsible, Zeng Xinlin felt jittery inside.

Grandfather Zeng asked, "What if we add on Donghua Science and Technology, add-on the Xu Family's Xu Zhihong?"

This news was like a clap of thunder, and made the hand which Zeng Xinlin hold the phone tremble!

Xu Zhihong!?

Xu Zhihong, which the three companies are collaborating to fight against is Lin Ruoxi's ally!?

All of the fog in Zeng Xinlin's mind had cleared, but at the same time, he became more chilly and frightened than ever before.

This woman... just what kind of horrifying thing has she just done!?

"Xinlin, you're too young, and have overestimated your capabilities and charisma. In the business world, there is no gender disadvantage, and no deep or shallow friendship. All there is is mutual deception, as long as there are benefits to be had, a successful businessman would never give up any opportunity." Grandfather Zeng said, "You've completely failed this time, because Lin Ruoxi didn't use any means that were illegal or endangered society. She won beautifully. Even I can't help but admire this girl's wise judgement and methods."

"Grandfather...... I can't give up, I...... I took great pains to make Changlin stand firm in Zhonghai. Furthermore, I just obtained such an important deal, how... how can I just give up like this!?" Zeng Xinlin couldn't contain his agitation.

Grandfather Zeng replied in a deep voice, "If you lost then you lost, opportunities will always arise. If you want to defeat your enemy, then never fear defeat!"

Zeng Xinlin's hand froze, after some time, he sighed and said, "Yes. Grandfather, I understand now."

At the same time at Lin Ruoxi's private resort, there was a different atmosphere in the concealed computer room.

Dozens of computers were in the middle of processing at high speeds, nine staff members who wore casual clothing were in the middle of typing at lightning speeds.

On the big screen, Changlin Media's shares dipped up and down, but trended downwards as a whole, destined for death.

Lin Ruoxi silently stood on a stage at the back with her arms crossed as she expressionlessly stared at the big screen.

Behind her, Yang Chen, Mo Qianni and Xu Zhihong sat by a round table and also watched as Changlin Media's empire faced their fate of being toppled over.

Wu Yue walked up the stage, pushed up her glasses, and reported to Lin Ruoxi, "Boss Lin, Changlin Media can no longer buy any more of their shares, in a few hours, all investors will stop buying shares and continue dumping them, and Changlin Media will crash."

"I got it, let the Athena Team continue keeping an eye on the situation. Once this ends, I will bring them to a celebration feast." Lin Ruoxi spoke with a clear voice.

She brought down a practically evenly matched opponent with one move, but this woman didn't seem to be happy at all.

A young female member of the Athena Team turned around. She was a European redhead with a lollipop in her mouth, and beaming with smiles she spoke Chinese with an English accent, "Boss, we've worked so hard for this job, give us a vacation please?"

Lin Ruoxi revealed a rarely seen slight smile, "Sure, I'll give all of you a month of rest along with a vacation bonus of two hundred thousand each."

"Oh yes! Praise my goddess!!!" Several foreign male members happily clapped.

Yang Chen who watched this scene unfold frowned, he asked Mo Qianni, "She gives wages just like that?"

"It's just two hundred thousand, the salary and bonuses of Athena Team members are at least three million each. You think talents are cheap?" Said Mo Qianni before rolling her eyes at him.

Yang Chen discontentedly grumbled, "Why am I only earning a hundred thousand a year? This isn't fair, I'm also a talent."

Xu Zhihong who sat beside them laughed, "Mr. Yang, demanding your own wife for pay isn't a good thing."

"You're just being blatantly jealous." Yang Chen paid him no more attention after that, and said to Lin Ruoxi, "My wife, asking for money doesn't seem right, we can privately discuss living off you later. Tell me why this happened."

After watching all this time, Yang Chen only understood the fact that Changlin had fallen, but as one of the people responsible for the alliance between the three companies, he simply couldn't wrap his head around why this happened!

Chapter 188-1: I'm a businesswoman

Lin Ruoxi didn't answer Yang Chen directly. She instead glanced at the Vacheron Constantin watch on her snow-white wrist and said, "The celebration feast will be starting soon. Although the participants are mostly our staff, we shouldn't be late. Let's go."

"You aren't going to explain?" Yang Chen gloomily asked.

"I'll explain it to you along the way."

The four then left the small resort. Xu Zhihong sat in the car driven by Hairy Ball, while the car behind was as it was yesterday where Mo Qianni drove, while Lin Ruoxi and Yang Chen sat behind.

Lin Ruoxi gave Yang Chen a rough account of what happened, and Yang Chen finally understood.

Changlin Media's forced entry was unfavorable for Yu Lei International as a business. Furthermore, due to the Zeng Family's power, there was no doubt that if Changlin continued to expand in Zhonghai, it would spell a calamity for them.

Therefore, ever since Zeng Xinlin visited Lin Ruoxi for the first time as her senior and brought up collaborating with Yu Lei and Muyun for a large project, Lin Ruoxi had already thought of seizing this opportunity to drive Changlin Media out of Zhonghai.

Once the plan started taking shape, Lin Ruoxi began to amass funds from the company and from loans, and prepared way more funds than what was required in the contract.

Using the stock market to defeat Changlin was something she thought of from the very start, but everything had to be kept a complete secret, so it wasn't just Yang Chen who didn't know, even Mo Qianni had been kept in the dark till two days ago.

The outcome of this plan wouldn't affect the collaboration with Changlin and Muyun. Which meant that even though they put Changlin Media down, due to the profit sharing of the new product. Changlin would still receive large amounts of profit. However, trying to surpass Yu Lei with that would be nothing but a dream.

The biggest factor was the sixty-five percent profit Yang Chen negotiated which surprised Lin Ruoxi. This was practically a boost that left Lin Ruoxi with no hesitation in initiating the plan to cut Changlin down.

As for Xu Zhihong, they had conspired together from the very start. With a contract he signed with Lin Ruoxi privately, they put out funds to deal with Changlin together.

The Xu Family wouldn't suffer any losses. Conversely, they would have one less opponent who possesses connections with the government in the battle of the new product, so Xu Zhihong happily took part.

But of course, Yu Lei also set a condition that when Donghua Science and Technology's new product hits the market, they would use Yu Lei's powerful sales network. This was a factor in the market chain which the Xu Family lacked, so it was a condition which was actually advantageous to Xu Zhihong.

Yang Chen looked at Lin Ruoxi with a queer expression, "You just sold out that senior of yours just like that?"

"I am just doing what I should." Lin Ruoxi frowned, for she didn't like the words 'sold out.'

"I thought you thought of him with great importance, so it turns out that you had cheated him like he was a pitiful fool." Yang Chen was rather pleased inside.

Lin Ruoxi looked out of the window, and said, "He is my senior, but that has no relation to this matter."

"But you didn't need to fool me too, right? Why did I only find out at the very end?" Yang Chen felt rather discontented.

Mo Qianni who sat in front looked at Yang Chen's vexed expression from the rearview mirror, so she chuckled and answered, "If she can't hide it from you, how could she hide it from others?"

Lin Ruoxi nodded in agreement.

Yang Chen was speechless, he realized that he had to take a fresh look at his wife, he mustn't judge her by her reactionless cold and silent countenance. It was precisely because she was this way that nobody could understand just what was on her mind.

This scamming skill was already at the level of perfection, because she didn't need to cover for her lies, it didn't make a difference whether she lied or not!

Yang Chen finally understood what Mo Qianni meant yesterday when she said that Lin Ruoxi had an "innate advantage!

However, after Yang Chen thought over it carefully, he realized that something didn't seem right. Frowning, he asked, "Since you'd already talked things over with Xu Zhihong beforehand, why did he still send hitmen after us in Hong Kong?"

Lin Ruoxi turned her head towards him, and pursed her lips apologetically, "I apologize for that matter, Xu Zhihong had only mentioned providing some obstruction to make Zeng Xinlin more determined in the collaboration. I didn't know that he would truly send hitmen."

Mo Qianni who was driving was afraid that Yang Chen would flare up, so she tried to ease the situation, "Yang Chen, Ruoxi truly didn't know. Xu Zhihong took this advantage to kill you because to him, there could only be advantages and no harm no matter who died. However, aren't we all fine? We'll just find a chance to punish Xu Zhihong in the future, don't blame Ruoxi."

Yang Chen felt indignant inside. Mo Qianni was a silly lady who nearly died, yet she still spoke well of Lin Ruoxi to him. With a slight smile, he said, "I don't really mind, my life isn't so fragile. However, if it just so happened that a bullet from the hitmen sent by Xu Zhihong managed to hit you, would you still be here driving?"

Mo Qianni was at a loss for words. She knew that she had been lucky at that time.

Lin Ruoxi's head was lowered in silence. This was a lapse in her calculations, she had considered general situation, but didn't consider Yang Chen and Mo Qianni's safety.

"The next time you think of defeating your enemies, don't forget your own people. People are more important than victory, not to mention the people who care and aid you." Yang Chen released some of the discontent he had, "Qianni doesn't blame you because she's kind. The next time you want to play such a dangerous game, you had better think it through. Is Xu Zhihong a simpleton that you can toy around with?"

Hearing Yang Chen speak up for her made Mo Qianni feel warmth, but seeing Lin Ruoxi downcast from the rearview mirror also made her sad, "Alright Yang Chen, Ruoxi isn't an immortal, how could she predict everything accurately?"

Yang Chen pouted, and shook his head in silence.

Chapter 188-2: I'm a businesswoman

Lin Ruoxi raised her head, and stared straight at Yang Chen, "Be rest assured, Xu Zhihong will pay the price for his deeds."

"That can't be true, right? You just brought down Changlin, and immediately want to deal with Xu Zhihong?" Yang Chen nearly jumped in his seat, for this woman was too frightening.

Lin Ruoxi blinked at him, "You'll know in a moment."

As they spoke, the car stopped outside a building with a Baroque style. They were surrounded by lush greenery, and were received by neatly dressed bodyguards.

The three stepped off the car, while Xu Zhihong was already waiting on the red carpet at the entrance.

"This is a small manor under my name. There aren't that many here to celebrate, so this is the most suitable place, please come on in!" Xu Zhihong said and made a welcome gesture.

When they entered the hall, there were already many people carrying cocktails and champagne, and sounds cheery conversations were heard. Practically everyone was invited to this place at the last minute, and were from Yu Lei International or Donghua Science and Technology.

There was joy on everyone's faces, whether it was because of the profitable contract, or defeating Changlin Media who forced their way into Zhonghai. To both parties, there was a reason that was worthy of a celebration.

Seeing Lin Ruoxi and Xu Zhihong enter, the scene erupted with applause. Evidently, they had already received news of what happened in Hong Kong's stock market. Before the market closes, Changlin was definitely going to crash.

Lin Ruoxi and Mo Qianni chatted with the executives of Donghua Science and Technology, so Yang Chen had nothing to do.

Picking up a glass of red wine, Yang Chen who stood at a corner saw someone waving at him. Looking carefully, it was Zhang Cai, while the beautiful Liu Mingyu and Zhao Hongyan stood beside her.

After that matter happened with Liu Mingyu, not much had changed in her. The way she looked at Yang Chen was as gentle as ever. A mature woman like her was great at exercising control over her own emotions.

"Congratulations, you've made great contributions." Zhao Hongyan clinked glasses with Yang Chen.

Yang Chen smiled and said, "You need not tease me, I only found out the whole story a while ago, and can only be considered an unknowing contributor."

Liu Mingyu drank a sip of amber-colored liquid and said, "The CEO's plan this time is simply too fascinating, after signing such a scary contract, she immediately tore Changlin Media into pieces."

Zhang Cai and Zhao Hongyan nodded in agreement, their adoration for Lin Ruoxi had evidently reached new heights.

After chatting with the three ladies, Liu Mingyu suddenly frowned and pointed towards the entrance, "Look over there, isn't that Changlin Media's Boss Zeng?"

Yang Chen turned his head to look, and sure enough, it was Zeng Xinlin. He had come alone with his head raised and his posture upright, and entered the banquet hall with a cool smile.

The whole place became silent in moments, and everybody's gaze moved towards to the main stars here.

Yang Chen quietly walked over to the entrance while drinking his wine. He wanted to see what Zeng Xinlin had come here for, but from what he could see, Zeng Xinlin seemed to be in a fine mood.

"Boss Lin, Boss Xu, I, Zeng Xinlin had come without an invitation. I hope I'm not turning your good mood sour?" Zeng Xinlin reached his hand out to the two while keeping distance.

Lin Ruoxi shook her head, and calmly shook hands with him, while Xu Zhihong received him with a smile as if they were best friends.

"Boss Zeng also had the time to come here for a drink?" Asked Xu Zhihong.

Zeng Xinlin bitterly smiled and said, "Never mind the drink, this sublime move the two of you have executed has left me hard-pressed. However, as a form of respect to the two of you and to conform with my style of being able to accept defeat, I made the decision to come here to congratulate you. In the next ten years, I reckon that Changlin wouldn't be able to hold a candle against your two companies.

"It won't need ten years, just eight." Lin Ruoxi coldly said, "Changlin will still receive a cut of the profits, and will grow quickly."

Zeng Xinlin waved at her, "Ruoxi, I'd just address you this way. You have fooled me through and through, I'd never have thought that the junior of those days would make such a move on me."

"I apologize, I'm a businesswoman." Said Lin Ruoxi.

This sentence felt like it was a part of a movie's script, and it sounded very grim from Lin Ruoxi's mouth.

Zeng Xinlin's smile became rigid as he replied, "That's right, businessmen have always pursued their own interests. I still can't get over it as easily as you, but I will treasure this lesson."

With that said, Zeng Xinlin turned around and found Yang Chen. With a nefarious smile, he said, "Mr. Yang, I won't forget you. Our competition hasn't ended."

"If you still don't leave, I'll grab a knife to burst your car's tires." Yang Chen directly replied.

Competition!? Compete your ass, she's already my wife, yet you still want to act as a bandit king stealing women!?

Zeng Xinlin looked at him profoundly, then sneered and walked out charismatically.

Only when that unruly figure had walked out of the front door did Xu Zhihong turn to look at Lin Ruoxi, "He was a great adversary, it's a pity that he lacked experience in the business world. Ruoxi, are you sure that you want to let him take a part of the profits in the new product? That is literally inviting trouble by nurturing a tiger."

"Tigers aren't scary, they're fine as long as there's a beast tamer." Lin Ruoxi indifferently replied, "I will work in accordance with the contract."

Xu Zhihong nodded in understanding, "Seems like our companies will soon be at each other's throats when the new product hits the market."

Lin Ruoxi shook her head, "We won't, our product will definitely hit the markets first, and will be much quicker than yours."

"That isn't definite. I know that Muyun has Professor Li Guangxun, but our Donghua has Professor Green, and they're evenly matched experts." Xu Zhihong confidently said.

Lin Ruoxi turned around, and sarcastically asked, "From next week on, Professor Green will be leaving your laboratory and researching alongside Professor Li Guangxun in Hong Kong, who do you think will be faster then?"

Chapter 189-1: Truly venomous

When Lin Ruoxi revealed this explosive piece of news, everyone was stunned. Evidently, no one had expected the situation to develop in this direction!

Xu Zhihong's expression paled, he forced a smile, "Ruoxi, don't make a joke like this, I am the Green Laboratory's boss. If Professor Green wants to leave, he'd definitely inform me beforehand."

"He doesn't need to inform that to you at all, because you've already personally signed to have Professor Green leave your research facility and join Muyun's. If you don't believe me, you can go ahead and ask Professor Green, I believe that he should have seen the dismissal document you signed by now." Said Lin Ruoxi.

"That's impossible! I have never signed such a thing!" Xu Zhihong raised his voice a little. He received a phone from Hairy Ball, and made a call.

When the call connected, Mandarin which had an American accent was heard, "Mr. Xu? I'm surprised that you'd actually give me a call at a time like this."

Hearing Professor Green's slightly sarcastic tone, Xu Zhihong's felt a chill down his back. With a rigid smile, he asked, "Professor, what do you mean, have I done something wrong?"

"You didn't do anything wrong, it was my work that has left you dissatisfied, and I feel guilty about it. Since you've decided to dismiss me from the research facility, then I shall accept my classmate, Professor Li Guangxun's invitation, and work with him at Muyun."

"What!? Professor, when have I ever said that I want to have you fired!?" Xu Zhihong was practically shouting.

Green was rather astonished, "It was a lady from your company who handed me the document. It was clearly written there that the research facility would be handed over to my assistant, Gols. I have to leave by the end of next week, and can recognize your signature. To be honest, this made me rather disappointed, after all, I've helped you to build up this research facility all these years. Since you no longer need me, I've chosen to quietly leave, but I'm very grateful that you're still willing to give me a call at a time like this."

What the hell!? What on earth is going on!?

Xu Zhihong contained his emotions, and hurriedly said, "Professor, listen to me, it's a conspiracy! I've never wanted to dismiss you from the research facility!"

"My apologies, Mr. Xu. I don't know why you'd suddenly say that, but I have personally verified that it was signed by you, and I've already booked an air ticket to Hong Kong, where my fellow professor is waiting for me to join. I feel that this is a good ending. Muyun Corporation's Boss Li has been good to me, and has already brought my family to Hong Kong. I've decided that I will work for him. If you insist on your confusing statement, then all I can say is sorry, Mr. Xu. Like one of your Chinese sayings, our predestined affinity has come to an end. Goodbye, Mr. Xu."

Green said his piece and cut the call.

Xu Zhihong smashed the custom-made phone onto the ground, and it broke into pieces!

"Why? I want to know why?" Xu Zhihong's eyes began to turn red. Even though he was facing the woman he had been chasing after, he was at a point where it was difficult to contain his anger.

Lin Ruoxi was completely unfazed by him, "What happened was very simple, I gave you a document for firing Professor Green, and you happily signed it, so this happened."

"You've never given me such a document! You must've forged it!" Xu Zhihong said with a low voice.

"Did you really not? Think about it carefully." Lin Ruoxi pursed her lips into a slight smile.

Xu Zhihong began to rack his brain over this, then he remembered that day where Lin Ruoxi suddenly paid him a visit, and mentioned to him about collaborating to beat down Changlin Media who just entered Zhonghai.

Xu Zhihong raised a trembling finger and pointed it at Lin Ruoxi, "It's... it's that stack of contracts!?"

That day, when Lin Ruoxi proposed to take advantage of the alliance with Muyun and Changlin to deal a fatal blow to Changlin, Xu Zhihong was very much in favor of it.

He was very clear that as Yu Lei's CEO, Lin Ruoxi surely didn't like a powerful company like Changlin Media who was in the same industry taking root here, so it was normal that she would want to beat Changlin Media down.

Lin Ruoxi had also said that although Zeng Xinlin was her senior, at a time like this she had to consider the big picture, and consider the employees under her......

After hearing that, Xu Zhihong naturally wouldn't have any suspicions. Add on to that, he also really wanted to suppress Changlin Media. He wanted to kick the Zeng Family's powerful establishment out of Zhonghai before they could take root. Therefore, he accepted Lin Ruoxi's suggestion to join forces and take down Changlin.

However, Lin Ruoxi was afraid that Xu Zhihong would renege on this deal and do nothing when the stock market war begins, so she took out a stack of contracts that were dozens of pages long, and made Xu Zhihong sign them so that the secret partnership could be set in stone.

In that situation, seeing how Lin Ruoxi was being careful and sly about this plan, Xu Zhihong didn't think much of it. He casually flipped through a few pages, then carefreely signed on the papers. He hadn't expect that within that stack, there was a page with extra contents......

Xu Zhihong viewed Lin Ruoxi the same way Zeng Xinlin did. They thought of her as a girl with a cold character with capabilities, but thought that she definitely wasn't the type to use poisonous schemes. Therefore, both of them didn't put enough guard against Lin Ruoxi!

Zeng Xinlin underestimated Lin Ruoxi's cold-hearted side, while Xu Zhihong underestimated Lin Ruoxi's crafty and incredible acting skills.

He simply didn't expect that this woman who always spoke with a poker face, who never joined any social events would brew such a sinister scheme which would kill two birds with one stone!

What hurt Xu Zhihong even more was that Lin Ruoxi's scheme was a gamble that she had no way of losing!

Lin Ruoxi gambled, gambled that he wouldn't be wary of her, and that he would casually sign the contract without taking a proper look at the it.

Furthermore, even if he realized that something was wrong with the contract, Lin Ruoxi wouldn't suffer any losses. At the worst case, she would just have to settle for lesser profits with the two companies, and the direction of the war as a whole wouldn't change!

In the end, it was his stupidity that truly allowed Lin Ruoxi emerge victorious in her gamble!!

Chapter 189-2: Truly venomous

Xu Zhihong gripped his wine glass tightly, to the point that it shattered!

"Ruoxi... this move of yours is... truly venomous." Xu Zhihong didn't fly into a rage. After thinking it through, he just looked at Lin Ruoxi with a grim smile.

Lin Ruoxi sighed, "I don't like to do such things, but like earlier, I can only tell you that I'm sorry, I'm a businessman."

"Well said, you're a businessman, I'm a businessman, victories and defeat are commonplace in business." Xu Zhihong shook his head with a bitter smile, "By laying low for so long and being so cold, you managed to make us forget that you're a businessman. We were too careless, and ended up receiving this fatal strike from you. Congratulations, it seems like for the next ten years, Yu Lei would be the absolute leader in the market for this new product."

"Thank you, if there's nothing else, we're leaving now."

Lin Ruoxi casually placed the wine glass on a table, then leisurely walked towards the exit as if nothing had happened.

Yu Lei's executives saw that their CEO have left, while Donghua Science and Technology's people began to angrily glare at them, so they also followed Lin Ruoxi out of the banquet hall.

Like before, Yang Chen followed Lin Ruoxi and Mo Qianni into the car.

In the car, the three didn't speak. Mo Qianni drove, Lin Ruoxi stared at the scenery outside, while Yang Chen reflected on the many abrupt changes that happened on this day.

In a single day, Lin Ruoxi had shocked him quite a number of times, blowing away his impression of her over and over!

Yang Chen saw this woman's decisiveness to kill and her cold schemes. Her cold countenance which didn't need to be faked had become her most effective acting skill, which she used to fool outstanding intellectual peers like Zeng Xinlin and Xu Zhihong.

No one would have expected that Yu Lei who was just a participant in this new product would have progressed into becoming the greatest profiteer of it!

While gaining sixty-five percent of the profits, they beat Changlin Media into a trench, and made Donghua Science and Technology receive and enormous setback!

Yang Chen found it difficult to look at this woman as the same one who adorably held a glutinous rice ball with two hands and secretly nibbled on it......

"Why aren't you saying a thing?" With a poker face, Lin Ruoxi suddenly turned around and asked Yang Chen.

Yang Chen rubbed his head, "I don't know what to say."

"Do you find that I'm a venomous woman?" Asked Lin Ruoxi.

"I don't know, perhaps I just find you different, and haven't become accustomed to it." Yang Chen honestly answered, "But I definitely don't think you're venomous, that was just a battle of wits for business. When you capitalists battle, there's no such thing as venomous."

Lin Ruoxi softly said, "Even if you think I'm venomous, I'd still do what I did. Granny told me that if it wasn't because she had become an outstanding entrepreneur, she wouldn't have been able to survive. In this world, defeating opponents of the same level is necessary to survive. Even if there's no way to defeat them, you mustn't give them any chance to eat you up. I just want to protect myself, and protect what my granny left for me. If you were in my position, I believe that you'd do the same."

Yang Chen thought of the time back at the hospital, where he met Lin Ruoxi's grandfather, Lin Zhiguo. According to their conversation then, Lin Zhiguo seemed very apologetic towards Ruoxi's grandmother. Although he didn't know what actually happened in detail, it was obvious that Lin Ruoxi's grandmother was a pitiful woman.

Looking at this woman who had melancholy in her eyes, Yang Chen felt jittery inside, the many things he had no knowledge of was eating at him, and made him feel irresolute.

"Qianni, stop the car ahead, I want to go out for a stroll."

At this time, the car was in the downtown of Zhonghai, so Yang Chen decided that a stroll would do him good.

Mo Qianni didn't ask why, she just complied, and looked for an open parking lot to drop him off.

When Yang Chen got off, he lit up a cigarette for himself, and waved goodbye to the ladies, "I'm going out for a stroll, don't wait for me to have dinner."

Watching Yang Chen slowly walk into the distance, Lin Ruoxi asked, "Qianni, does he hate me now?"

"I think he just isn't used to you being like this. He actually cares about you, which is why he reacted this way." Mo Qianni felt rather sour inside as she also liked this man, but had to console his woman."

Lin Ruoxi suddenly stroked Mo Qianni's hair, "I'm very happy that you'd choose to console me at a time like this."

"We're besties, of course I have to stand on your side." Mo Qianni

"In a few days, you can go to your hometown with Yang Chen, and bring your mother back."

Mo Qianni's eyes widened, "Ruo... Ruoxi, how did you know that I want to... I want to bring Yang Chen to my hometown?"

Lin Ruoxi had a depreciating smile as she said, "Don't worry, though I plot against others, I definitely wouldn't do that to you...... It was Auntie who told me that you're going to see her with your boyfriend."

"My mother?" Mo Qianni covered her mouth with shock.

"She was very concerned as to what kind of person your boyfriend was, while the only person she could contact about you was me......" Said Lin Ruoxi.

Mo Qianni immediately began to panic, for what she was doing was practically a confession, her cheeks felt scorching hot.

"Then... Ruoxi, how did you describe Yang Chen?" Mo Qianni's heart thumped and beat quickly. She felt that it was shameful to ask, but she couldn't help it!

Chapter 190-1: Looking for another man

Lin Ruoxi didn't answer Mo Qianni's question immediately.

After keeping silent for a while, Lin Ruoxi shook her head, "I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"That's right. That day when Auntie asked me, I thought about it for a long time, but I didn't know how to describe Yang Chen, so I'll let Auntie see for herself."

Many thoughts cropped up in Mo Qianni's mind, "I guess so, actually, I don't know how to describe him either. That's just how liking someone is like, you don't know what merits the person has, though you can pinpoint the faults the person has. However, you can't bring yourself to actually hate those faults, and always feel that if that person changed those faults, it would feel weird. But if that person doesn't change, he would make others feel anxious. It's all so vexing."

Lin Ruoxi looked at Mo Qianni who was thinking deeply with a smile that wasn't a smile, "Qianni, you seem to have very deep understanding of it."

"Ah?" Mo Qianni suddenly realized just who she was talking to regarding Yang Chen, and her face became so flushed like it could burst, "I... I'm just casually mouthing off, Ruoxi you meanie, why are you looking at me like that! I... I'm not the type who is hoes before bros! Besides, that fellow isn't that handsome, it's better to leave him to you! You'll have a horrible headache!"

With that said, Mo Qianni turned away and pretended to be concentrating on driving, and drove towards the company.

Lin Ruoxi turned towards the direction Yang Chen left, and softly sighed.

Yang Chen's mood hadn't improved since he smoked while strolling alone, he still felt stifled.

Looking around, he unwittingly found himself in Zhonghai's famous shopping district. There were rows and rows of huge signboards and deafening music, all to attract customers go in to spend money at their stores and restaurants.

In the middle of the street was an area filled with green plants, and alongside them were dark red tables and chairs made of wood for pedestrians to rest at.

Yang Chen wasn't interested in buying anything, and planned to take a seat to arrange his thoughts. However, right as he was about to take a seat on a red stool, a petite and cute figure charged over!

"Uncle!"

Wearing a yellow tank top, white jacket, and washed ripped jeans, this young lady looked like a delectable little doll. She leaped into Yang Chen's embrace, and hooked her arms around Yang Chen's neck. She was practically hanging on Yang Chen's body!

Seeing the beautiful face that he hadn't seen for a while this closely, Yang Chen couldn't help but blink his eyes several times, he doubted his own eyesight, "Tangtang?"

Tangtang nodded with the both emotions of anger and joy. Releasing her fair arms, she cutely drummed on Yang Chen's chest with her little hands, "How mean! Uncle you're so heartless, you haven't called me out to play for so long! If I hadn't I bumped into you today, do you plan on never contacting me again in this lifetime!?"

"What are you talking about? Aren't you studying hard for your finals? I figured that you're busy, so I didn't disturb you from your studies, it's for your own good!" Said Yang Chen.

"Excuses!" Tangtang stuck her tongue out, "Those are just excuses. Do you hate me, hold me in contempt, and no longer consider me a friend!?"

Yang Chen forced a smile, this brat had begun spouting gibberish, "Can you not overthink things? I was just busy with my own matters, and knowing how strict your mother is with you, I didn't contact you. Besides, I'm not all that great, on what basis could I hold you in contempt?"

"But you can't stop meeting me for such a long time still......" Tangtang resentfully spoke like a hurt little flower.

Yang Chen casually tossed away the cigarette butt, and counted with his fingers, "I don't think it has been that long? It hasn't even been a month."

"A month isn't considered long!? Do you know just how many months there is in a year, and how many months a person can experience in a lifetime!? Even if a person lives till a hundred years old, that's just a mere thousand and two hundred months, what you're doing has thoroughly hurt my fragile and youthful heart......" Tangtang angrily said.

"Stop right there!" Yang Chen gestured her to stop with his hand, "In the end, what I owed you in my previous life, I will never be able to pay back in full in this life. My dear boss, please bluntly tell me what you actually want."

Yang Chen didn't even need to guess that this brat was thinking of a way to make him do what she wanted.

Tangtang laughed out loud, "Uncle you truly understand me. It's nothing much, I just forgot to bring my wallet out today. Uncle, would you please treat me to a meal? I'm really hungry......"

Yang Chen couldn't help but laugh and rubbed Tangtang's head, "After beating around the bush so much, all you wanted was a free meal. Why not just say that from the start?"

"I actually really miss you, Uncle, but as a girl I have to be more reserved. I never expected that you'd be such an ungrateful and disloyal man that wouldn't even take the initiative to contact me......" Tangtang grudgingly said.

"Alright alright, I was ungrateful to whom? Let's go eat, what do you want to eat? Just say it, I haven't had lunch either."

Tangtang rubbed her chin and pondered, "Let's have McDonalds then."

"Can we have something else? They're both burgers, but I think the local roujiamo is tastier." Said Yang Chen.

[TL: Roujiamo is a type of burger from china, it typically uses steamed buns and pork, a popular street food 

Tangtang stared at Yang Chen with an expression like she was looking at an alien, "If you can find a place nearby that sells roujiamo, then we can have that."

"Let's just go to McDonalds then......"

Chapter 190-2: Looking for another man

The two entered a nearby McDonalds. Yang Chen ordered four McSpicy burgers for himself, while Tangtang ordered a chicken wrap and a beverage. The two sat by a window, and started eating.

Yang Chen watched as Tangtang annihilated the chicken wrap in a minute, and curiously asked, "Why not eat more? You seem very hungry."

"Even if I'm hungry, I have to maintain my figure, otherwise I'd be unattractive to people." Tangtang earnestly said.

"You're so young, yet you care so much about that?" Yang Chen helplessly shook his head.

Tangtang stood up, and stuck out her developing chest. She didn't seem to care about the gazes of surrounding customers and said, "So what if I'm young? I already have all I need to have, there are those older than me who can't even compare with me in terms of size!"

To be honest, it may be due to this brat's fortunate family circumstances that she was able to eat food that was of higher quality compared to children of other families. Her front and back were both well developed and beautifully shaped, yet she also had the charm of a teenager.

But Yang Chen couldn't bear this brat's brazenness, he didn't know whether to laugh or to cry as he urged her to sit, "Don't always be so deranged, let's talk about what on earth you're actually doing, why did you leave house without a wallet?"

Hearing this question, Tangtang became like a deflated ball, she limply sat back down, "What else could it be? I got into an argument with Jie, My wallet got confiscated and I was grounded, but I still sneaked out of home."

Yang Chen took some effort to recall, and remembered that Tangtang's "sister" was actually her mother.

"Why argue with your mother? Besides, since you snuck out without a wallet, are you intending to become a beggar if you didn't bump into me?" Yang Chen said with a frown.

Tangtang pouted, "What is there to be afraid of? This lady is born beautiful, would I be afraid that there wouldn't be a rich man who would sugar me?"

"What drivel are you spouting" Yang Chen couldn't help slamming the table, "You're so young, yet you spout such nonsense! Do you know what being sugared means? If other people hear this, do you know what they will assume you are!? Are such words to be casually spoken!?"

Tangtang lowered her head in a pitiful manner, "Don't be so angry, Uncle...... I was just speaking thoughtlessly, I'm just in a bad mood......"

Seeing that the young lady was about to cry, Yang Chen didn't choose to continue harping on that subject, "Tell me, why did you argue with your mother?"

"I don't want to say......" Tangtang pinched her clothes and mumbled.

Great, after chatting for so long, I ask about the crux of the issue, but this brat refuses to say it!

Yang Chen finished his final burger in vexation. Right as he was about to take out a cigarette, he realized that this place didn't seem to allow smoking. While cursing how rigid this Western fast food restaurant was, he was at a loss as to how to continue the conversation. This brat seemed to have run away from home, and had argued with her family.

According to prior experience, Tangtang didn't seem to be safe alone, and could be found by people with bad intentions, so he couldn't just leave her here alone.

"Uncle." Tangtang saw that Yang Chen was silent, so she softly inquired, "Have I brought trouble to you? Actually, if you're busy you could just leave first, I can stay over at a classmate's house."

"Can your classmate deal with the people trying to kidnap you?" Yang Chen asked with a smile.

Hearing the word "kidnap," Tangtang's face paled, "Nothing happened recently, I think the dangerous period has passed."

"That's because you've been very well-behaved recently and haven't come out to play, that doesn't mean that this matter is completely over." Yang Chen sighed and said, "I think that it's better if I send you back, what is there that you and your mother can't talk over? Minor quarrels will just pass after a while, can the two of you actually end up becoming enemies?"

Tangtang creased her brows tightly together. With an unwilling face, she said, "I don't want to see her, Jiejie is too much."

"What did your mother do that was too much?" Yang Chen couldn't understand.

"She... she looked for other men behind my back!" Tangtang finally couldn't help but blurt out, with a sobbing tone she said, "She would look like she's in love sometimes, and even dress up like she was a teenager. Last night, she asked me if I would like it if she found me a daddy......"

"How did you answer her?"

"I said that unless it's my biological father, I would firmly decline!" Tangtang angrily said, "My Dad has chased her for over twenty years, and she never agreed. How could she treat my father so heartlessly and get together with another man!?"

Yang Chen finally understood, and asked with a smile, "Which means that you've not seen your mother with another man?"

"I indeed haven't seen that, but do I even need to!? I'm already this old, yet for the first time she asked me whether it's okay if she found me a daddy, she's definitely been committing adultery outside!"

"What adultery? How unpleasant, you're not allowed to say such a thing about your mother. No matter what reason there is, do you think it's easy for her to give birth to you and raise you as a single mother?" Yang Chen unhappily lectured.

Tangtang refused to accept this, "That's not the case! Without her, I still have Daddy! Because of the two of us, Daddy still hasn't married someone else. Daddy has sacrificed so much, how is it fair that he has to face an ending like this!?"

"Which means that you're crying out a grievance for your father?" Yang Chen felt that this matter was rather complicated.

Tangtang pondered over this for a while, then shook her head, "Actually that isn't true. Uncle, don't assume that just because I'm young, I don't know a thing. The matter of love cannot be forced, but... but for Jie to suddenly become like this and be unwilling to tell me whether she has a man or not, it makes me feel like she no longer loves me......"

"Therefore, you decided to use your dad's matter to argue with her?"

"Yeah... I just casually made that remark, and we ended up quarrelling......" Tangtang said with embarrassment.

Yang Chen smiled, for this quarrel was way too insignificant, "Such a small matter made you run away from home!?"

"No, it's not that......" Tangtang hesitated for a moment, then said, "The main reason is because I feel really tired these days, other than going to school, I'm grounded at home. I feel like I'm being treated like a prisoner, so I haven't been happy at all."

Yang Chen looked at Tangtang like he was deep in thought, "That is what you are truly unable to accept, right?"

Maintaining silence, Tangtang obediently nodded in agreement.