MY WIFE IS A BEAUTIFUL CEO

Chapter 421 - Chapter 430

Chapter 421 - A Trick Used on Children

 

Quite a lot of events had occurred at night, but to Yang Chen, it was just another day. People who should be punished should be taught a severe lesson, but the people who deserved recognition should be recognized, while he wouldn't care about things that didn't deserve attention.

Lin Ruoxi and Guo Xuehua, however, found it hard to fall asleep that night. Lin Ruoxi felt that her identity as a daughter-in-law had deepened significantly. She was worried about how she would continue interacting with Guo Xuehua, and how she was supposed to call her 'Mom'.

Guo Xuehua didn't need any complicated descriptions. Except excitement, all she was feeling was still excitement!

Having waited for so long, her wish had finally come true, just like a traveller on the edge of dehydration who newly discovered an oasis in front. When she thought about how her son and daughter-in-law kneeled down together and called her 'Mom', she would have no regrets even if was to die now.

At the same time, Guo Xuehua had planned much more for the lives of Yang Chen and his wife, mainly about urging Lin Ruoxi to give birth to grandchildren. She found it necessary to plan out this matter. She couldn't wait for too long, not to mention Yang Chen couldn't be left to suffer for too long.

Regarding the fact that Yang Chen was horny, she had long forgotten about it. Mothers were all selfish; their son was more important than the daughter-in-law, who was destined to suffer slightly at the end of the day.

Guo Xuehua was even considering arranging a meeting for Yang Chen and his younger brother Yang Lie, so that they could improve their brotherhood. Unfortunately, Guo Xuehua was unaware that Yang Lie had developed an intense hatred for Yang Chen. He only returned to Kunlun Sect temporarily because he wasn't able to take revenge for now.

The next morning, the long awaited vacation day for Hui Lin had arrived.

The sky was brighter than ever. Although the weather was still rather cold, it was at least a sunny day.

Early in the morning, Yang Chen was preparing to leave home, but was stopped by Lin Ruoxi. "Are the three of us the only ones going today?" she asked.

Embarrassed, Yang Chen smiled and answered, "I promised An Xin to pick her up later."

"Are you sure you want to go through with this" Little Sister Lin's gaze was obviously filled with dissatisfaction.

Yang Chen waved his hand. "Please don't be so petty. You're the CEO of Yu Lei International, while An Xin is merely a secretary. Why should you be afraid of her?"

"Humph. Your provocation won't work on me," Lin Ruoxi said as she stared at Yang Chen furiously. She felt contempt for the trick Yang Chen used. "Since there are four of us, go and get another car. It'd be packed otherwise once the stuff is loaded in."

Yang Chen was stunned. "Do you have luggages to bring?"

"Tomorrow and the day after are both weekends. If we have nothing urgent, staying in the resort for two days isn't too bad of an idea. Hui Lin will be allowed to enjoy the resort a little more," Lin Ruoxi said without allowing room for negotiations. "Go into the garage and get the Lexus SUV out."

Yang Chen didn't remember what cars Lin Ruoxi stored in her garage, because there were simply too many cars there. It was rumored that Lin Ruoxi even had a few luxury cars stored elsewhere because her house couldn't contain them all. Since Lin Ruoxi suggested to get a large SUV, there was no reason for him to say no.

After Yang Chen entered the underground garage, Lin Ruoxi summoned Hui Lin over. Hui Lin was pulling two small luggages. She looked around curiously before asking, "Elder Sister, where is Brother Yang?"

Lin Ruoxi received her own luggage from Hui Lin as she said, "I asked him to change our current car into a slightly bigger car so that we can sit more comfortably."

Hui Lin evidently had no opinions in front of her elder sister. She would never object anything Lin Ruoxi said. "Oh," she answered.

After a while, Yang Chen was still inside. Hui Lin said softly, "Elder Sister, you guys don't actually have to bring me out... I know that you're busy. I'll be fine, really."

Lin Ruoxi remained quiet as she touched Hui Lin's hair.

Hui Lin seemed to have felt something. She let out a warm smile as she looked at Lin Ruoxi.

Vroom! A loud noise of the engine resounded. Yang Chen finally got the car out of the garage.

The black Lexus LX570 was just like a beast which had broken out of a cage when it was shone upon by sunlight. It crossed a field before arriving in front of the two ladies.

The five-meter-long and two-meter-wide car made the two ladies look incredibly petite.

The car window was put down. Yang Chen said to Lin Ruoxi, "Wife, you're straight-up showing off your wealth to An Xin. This car costs around two million bucks in China, isn't it? We don't even need such a huge SUV for only four people."

The 5.7 litre, V8 engine with 381 horsepower, which was a hundred more than ordinary SUV's. This wasn't a car that could be driven just because one had money.

"Who are you to judge? I like this car. Also, how is it possible that the princess of the An clan can't afford this type of cars?" Lin Ruoxi didn't mind what Yang Chen said. She pulled Hui Lin and placed the luggage to the last row of the car.

Lin Ruoxi had originally planned to sit with Hui Lin behind. However, this would mean that she was letting the vixen An Xin sit upfront with Yang Chen? Thus, she got out of the car and before opening the front door to sit at the front passenger seat.

Yang Chen couldn't help but find it funny when he witnessed all of Lin Ruoxi's actions. However, he didn't call her out on her actions.

When he arrived at a coffee shop nearby Yu Lei where he agreed to pick up An Xin from, An Xin could be seen in a white down jacket with a pair of huge, orange headphones. On the cold streets, she appear particularly bright.

There was a small luggage in front of An Xin as well. She had evidently made preparations for this day, leaving Yang Chen to be the only one who had brought nothing.

An Xin appeared to be avoiding pissing off Lin Ruoxi. She wore no make-up at all. Possibly due to a lack of sleep recently, she had slight panda eyes, causing her to look a little more adorable.

After making sure Yang Chen was inside the huge SUV parked in front of her, An Xin opened her mouth slightly in shock, before entering the car to the middle row.

"Good morning, Elder Sister Ruoxi." An Xin greeted Lin Ruoxi first upon entering the car, and even called her in an intimate manner.

Lin Ruoxi frowned slightly. One does not give a smiling person a slap. Since An Xin behaved in such a manner, there was no reason for Lin Ruoxi to be rude in return.

An Xin had only managed to be this adaptive after becoming a stewardess for years. She had to put down her pride as the miss of a major clan to serve flight passengers. Thus, she was completely different from all the other ladies who were born in major clans.

An Xin was aware that she would never win against Lin Ruoxi, so she decided to act obedient and always take a step back when necessary. Pleasing the legitimate wife was her top priority.

"Am I very old? Why did you call me elder sister?" Lin Ruoxi asked.

An Xin seemed wronged. Softly, she asked, "Then... then do I call you Younger Sister Ruoxi?"

Lin Ruoxi instantly felt uneasy throughout her body. She remained quiet for a short while before saying, "Forget about it. Elder sister will do."

When Lin Ruoxi pouted helplessly, Yang Chen who was driving refrained himself from bursting into laughter.

An Xin who sat behind winked at Hui Lin, and made a victorious gesture.

Hui Lin covered her smile with her hand. An Xin could be considered her first true friend in Zhonghai. Although she felt slightly sorry to Lin Ruoxi, she didn't hope to see An Xin get bullied by Lin Ruoxi.

The journey to the spa resort was give or take an hour or two. The three ladies couldn't just sleep all the way this early in the morning.

At some point in the trip, An Xin had started to talk to Hui Lin about the latest drama. They discussed about how touching the dialogues were, which mother inside was evil, which actress was brave, and stuff like that...

Lin Ruoxi originally wasn't very willing to chat with An Xin. However, she soon noticed that her younger sister Hui Lin had become a betrayer, as she chatted happily away with the vixen An Xin.

To make the matter worse, the Korean drama the two ladies were discussing about was the one Lin Ruoxi loved the most, among the ones she had watched during the holidays!

Occasionally, Lin Ruoxi would eavesdrop on their conversation. When she heard something she felt wasn't right, she would almost fail to lose control over her mouth.

Finally, when An Xin discussed with Hui Lin about a problem of the story which was difficult to be understood, Hui Lin said to Lin Ruoxi, "Elder Sister, you've watched this show as well. Tell us your evaluation on whether the supporting actress was more suited for the main actor."

Lin Ruoxi blushed a little. The fact that she loved watching Korean drama had always been kept a secret. She felt uncomfortable to let An Xin know about it just like that.

However, Lin Ruoxi finally found an opportunity to join their discussion. She quickly spat out everything she had wanted to say much earlier in an energetic manner.

It didn't take long for the three ladies to start their passionate discussions, as if they were in a fan club. Lin Ruoxi had long lost control of her cold aura. Now, she was no different from another little girl gushing on her romance plots.

It should be mentioned that her current behavior finally matched her real age.

A faint smile could be spotted on the corners of Yang Chen's lips. The little vixen must've asked Hui Lin about Ruoxi's interests beforehand before making detailed preparations on the discussion topics, so that she can talk about them in the car when Ruoxi is present, he thought.

He had never heard An Xin talk about Korean drama with Hui Lin before. She had zero interest in such dramas. Evidently, this was what An Xin had prepared to improve her relationship with Lin Ruoxi.

After the car arrived at the spa resort owned by Yu Lei International, the three finally got down the car as they felt thirsty, before pulling their luggages into the guesthouse.

An Xin grasped the opportunity when Lin Ruoxi was speaking to the hotel manager. She leaned forward to Yang Chen before saying, "Hubby, the empress's mental age is straight-up younger than Hui Lin's. I swear on behalf of my woman's instinct!"

[TL note: In the Chinese imperial harem, the empress is the wife of the emperor, while the emperor's other women are called concubines.]

Yang Chen rubbed his nose as he looked at Lin Ruoxi who had turned cold and strict again upon returning to her working state. Softly, he said, "Really? I don't think so. She's just more passionate when it comes to Korean drama."

"Haven't you noticed the flame in her eyes when Younger Sister Ruoxi talked about the story of the Korean drama?" An Xin asked as she pouted.

Yang Chen smiled strangely as he asked, "Why are you calling her younger sister again? Isn't she an elder sister?"

"Humph," An Xin snorted in dissatisfaction. "It's just a trick used on children. She only deserves to be my younger sister based on her mental age. I guess she's even younger than the experienced middle schoolers. She's nothing but a little girl!"

At this moment, Lin Ruoxi had finished discussing about certain things regarding work. She turned around and said, "Don't stand there idly. Go and check in your luggages first."

"Roger that! Elder Sister Ruoxi!"

An Xin immediately held a sweet smile before obediently following behind Lin Ruoxi.

Chapter 422 - Whom Have I Married

 

Yang Chen wasn't surprised by An Xin's cunning behavior anymore. Even he himself was fooled by her cunning behaviour when he first met her.

Lin Ruoxi on the other hand was basically new to everything that is not business based. She was incredibly naive when it came to romance, which An Xin unsurprisingly was a veteran at. However, the wilful An Xin didn't aim to replace Lin Ruoxi as the wife. All she did was make small reports about Lin Ruoxi behind her back to Yang Chen, who wasn't bothered about it at all.

After coming to the lobby, Lin Ruoxi received two door cards from the manager. The two rooms should've been booked beforehand.

Lin Ruoxi passed one of them to An Xin. Since they had somewhat bonded in the car earlier, she decided to play nice. "You'll stay with Hui Lin while I'll be in the same room with Yang Chen."

Not only was Yang Chen astonished, even Hui Lin was dumbstruck.

Did Lin Ruoxi just say she wanted to stay with Yang Chen, i the same room?!

An Xin seemed to have noticed the unusual atmosphere, but didn't say much as she smilingly received the card.

Yang Chen giggled as he leaned forward to Lin Ruoxi. "Wife, are we really staying together?"

"Why? Do you have any objections? Or would you rather stay with someone else?" Lin Ruoxi asked without hesitation while her eyes narrowed and shot two icy glares back at him.

An Xin felt a little embarrassed. Even if she knows our relationship, she can't just refer to it so obviously. She's indeed a little girl who's so harsh in solving relationship problems, she thought.

Replying both 'yes' or 'no' would piss his woman off, so Yang Chen forced a laugh to survive the test.

Hui Lin felt indifferent. She originally thought she would share a room with Lin Ruoxi. Now that An Xin became her sister-like, close friend, she was fine with staying together with her. On the contrary, Hui Lin felt concerned if any problems would arise after Lin Ruoxi and Yang Chen slept in the same room.

When the four came to the highest floor of the building, Yang Chen realized both of these rooms were for VIPs. Each of them could easily house four people.

It was no wonder that Lin Ruoxi was willing to stay with Yang Chen. Even if they were inside the same room, they would be miles apart from each other.

Lin Ruoxi felt joyous to see the disappointment on Yang Chen's face.

"Let's rest in the room for a while. We'll head out for lunch later," Lin Ruoxi informed before walking into her room.

The room was clean and nicely decorated. It was painted white with warm colors for contrast . A vague rose scent filled the room. There were delicate, wooden furnitures and a 43-inch television which hung on the wall, even a laptop was provided on the office table.

The room done in such a way the bedroom and living room took up most of the space. Sofas made of real leather were placed in the living room whose floor was covered by soft, wool carpet, while two single beds were in the bedroom.

Yang Chen picked the one by the window and lay down with his body facing the ceiling, before quickly starting to snore.

Lin Ruoxi frowned a little. A pink patch surfaced on her white face. In fact, the main reason she did so was to stop Yang Chen from having the opportunity to secretly have fun with An Xin, otherwise she wouldn't have dared to share a room with him.

Currently, Lin Ruoxi realized she had no clue how she was supposed to interact with Yang Chen who was in the same room as her. Ever since their marriage, they hadn't had much chance to interact intimately, let alone share a bedroom.

"Babe Ruoxi, stop daydreaming. Sitting in the car is tiring. Come and lie beside me for a while. It's so comfortable here," Yang Chen said with a wicked smile as he slanted his head to look at Lin Ruoxi.

"I'm not tired," Lin Ruoxi answered resolutely.

"Aye, what's there to be shy about? I'm your husband, not your tiger. I've never forced you to get along with me. Are you possibly afraid of me taking the bow by force?"

"Haven't you thought of doing so before?" Lin Ruoxi said as she refrained from smiling.

"Erm..." Yang Chen recalled the night where he secretly entered Lin Ruoxi's room to do just that, which he had much regretted, since it became the evidence of his 'attempted crime'.

"You shall not hold onto your husband's past mistakes all the time. You know that our mom is still waiting for us to give birth to children. If you're this shy, even I'm embarrassed to sow seeds," Yang Chen said. Since they were the only ones in the room, there was no need for him to hide anything.

Lin Ruoxi's face immediately reddened. "N—no one wants your seeds! Why are you always this rude when you speak?!"

"I wasn't raised a cultured man. I haven't even attended a primary school before. Going to work is like hanging myself. Now that I've gotten the chance to have some fun, do you still want me to put on a mask?" Yang Chen said as he happily raised his calves. Giggling, he said, "Let me tell you. I've had much more freedom to speak when I was selling mutton skewers. You haven't even heard the half of it. Do you want me to tell you?"

"You're welcome to listen to yourself." Lin Ruoxi gave him an angry stare before turning around and leaving to the washroom. Bang! She slammed the door as she left.

After a short while, An Xin and Hui Lin came to knock on their door. Yang Chen opened it for them, only to find Hui Lin who was dressed in white sportswear. Her hair was tied in a ponytail, causing her to look lively and adorable.

An Xin on the other hand changed into an extra-thick, Korean-style hoodie and a pair of tight-fitting jeans, displaying her alluring and curvy backside. She had applied a light layer of makeup on her face. Since Lin Ruoxi was nowhere to be seen, she gave Yang Chen a seductive glance.

Yang Chen felt that his sister-in-law and lover had drastically different styles. At this moment, Lin Ruoxi who had returned to normal came out from the washroom.

"Elder Sister, let's go downstairs. I have had a look at the map of this resort. There's even a lake here! I believe it's beautiful. I want to go and have a look," Hui Lin said. She hadn't been to many places before. To her, coming out for a vacation was an extremely rare event.

Naturally, Lin Ruoxi wouldn't turn her down, not to mention she had come here to let Hui Lin relax. Smiling, she said, "Alright. I'll ask someone to send cooking ingredients there. We can barbecue by the lake, so let's just have lunch there."

"Barbecue?"

Yang Chen slapped his chest. "How dare you ask another person to barbeque? You have a professional right here."

Lin Ruoxi frowned slightly. She almost forgot that her husband used to do barbeque for a living.

"Brother Yang knows how to do it? Alright, it should be fun." Hui Lin's eyes looked like they contained numerous stars, while her expression became the deciding factor.

The tools needed for a barbeque was naturally prepared by the workers there. The resort manager offered to send the four of them to the lake using a golf cart, but Lin Ruoxi turned down his offer as she had decided to walk.

In fact, being the CEO, it was rare for Lin Ruoxi to come here. Most people working at the resort were trying to get on her good side. Unfortunately, she had an aura which would reject people from miles away since young, making it hard for them to try and curry favour.

The weather was rather cold since it was the beginning of spring. There were still numerous guests in the spa resort. Yang Chen who was walking with three stunning beauties easily attracted countless gazes.

Hui Lin wanted to see the deepest part of the manmade lake. It could be said to be a small reservoir built on high grounds. They still had quite a distance to travel before arriving there.

As they walked, the trees swayed gently in the wind allowing for the yellowed leaves to float onto the ground. The conifer trees were particularly green, while the Chinese parasol trees and camphor trees were bare. This scene looked a little weird, but the fresh air made the four subconsciously slow down their footsteps.

An Xin discussed something softly with Hui Lin once in a while, causing Lin Ruoxi who was walking in front to reveal displeasure on her face. Hui Lin was her younger sister after all. She felt a little isolated.

Yang Chen smiled and whispered to Lin Ruoxi, "Little Ruoxi, if you're feeling lonely, why don't we hold hands as we walk?"

Lin Ruoxi instantly turned her head away and acted like she heard nothing.

It was noon when they finally arrived by the lake. The lake was reflective when shone upon by the sun. The oncoming wind was moist and cold, causing Lin Ruoxi and An Xin to lightly shiver. Hui Lin was completely unaffected as she practiced internal energy. She looked incredibly cute when she immersed herself in the scenery around the lake.

An Xin walked toward Yang Chen's back and whispered, "Hubby, I'm hungry now. Quickly grill some food for us."

"I believe you just want to eat," Yang Chen said before reaching out to An Xin's firm backside and pinching it.

An Xin's eyes looked like it would release water when squeezed. Lin Ruoxi was standing less than a meter away. She found it fun and exciting when Yang Chen touched her buttocks like that.

"How naughty. You're only bullying me. I dare you to touch Younger Sister Ruoxi," An Xin said as she licked her lips.

Yang Chen took a deep breath as he suppressed the flame in his heart. He glanced at Lin Ruoxi who hadn't noticed anything before clearing his voice. "Let's have lunch now. It's pretty cold here. It'll be too bad to get sick on this trip because of the wind."

Yang Chen was worried that he would fail to stop himself from touching Lin Ruoxi and An Xin together.

Since the area they were headed to was not very far, Hui Lin who was in love with the landscape wasn't against the idea. Delighted she came to the rest area with the others.

The servers had prepared a large number of barbecue utensils together with lamb, beef, sausages, and other ingredients. Yang Chen only had to ignite the coals before he could cook.

Having walked such a long distance, the three ladies were actually rather hungry. Yang Chen removed his outer coat and ignited the coals. He continuously increased the heat before placing the barbecue net on top of the coals.

The cold surrounding the stove had been dismissed. Yang Chen stood the nearest to the stove, so it didn't take long before he had started to sweat.

Yang Chen felt his upper body start to sweat too. Without hesitation, he removed his sweater as well, making him half-naked!

An Xin was rather open-minded, so she found it interesting that Yang Chen was this focused on grilling. Hui Lin was so shy that she didn't dare to look at Yang Chen's strong and lean upper body anymore.

Lin Ruoxi was shocked and annoyed. There are so many guests passing by. Who in his right mind would remove his clothing like that?! she thought.

It should be mentioned that being half-naked in public was illegal.

"Quickly put your clothes on. Are you aware of how you look right now?!" Lin Ruoxi complained in dissatisfaction.

Yang Chen smiled and explained, "I'm not trying to show off my body. My clothes will be wet if I don't remove them. It'll be extremely uncomfortable for me to stand in the wind drenched with sweat."

"That still won't do it. Everyone passing by is looking at you. How embarrassing!" Lin Ruoxi felt embarrassed for Yang Chen.

"Who the heck cares about them? No one knows me here." Yang Chen pouted. Smiling, he said, "Don't you think your husband is very masculine?" he asked before flexing his muscles.

An Xin laughed as she clapped. "Hub—erm no. Director Yang, you're great!"

Lin Ruoxi gave An Xin a furious stare. Stupid vixen, she thought, before taking a look at Yang Chen who was smiling like nobody's business and painfully shutting her eyes...

Just whom have I married...

Chapter 423 - The Serious and Crazy Woman

 

Yang Chen, An Xin, and Hui Lin all enjoyed their barbecue lunch. Yang Chen honestly felt more at home doing menial tasks like this, as he looked much more relaxed than working in the office.

Yang Chen was even considering convincing Lin Ruoxi to abandon Yu Lei International, and follow him to the market to sell mutton skewers. They could even rent a storefront. However, such a beautiful dream was in the end only a dream.

Lin Ruoxi on the other hand tasted nothing in her food.

She was contemplating about a novel she had read. The main actress was a professor who married an officer in the military. Due to the overly large difference in culture, the professor had always felt that her husband was unbearably vulgar, but failed to give up on that man. At the end of the novel, the professor was still with her husband, but she didn't manage to think of a reason to have been able to accept this 'vulgar' husband.

Lin Ruoxi used to feel that the professor was straight-up contradicting herself. Why wouldn't she divorce the man when he was so incompetent? Finally after all this time, she herself has come to the realization. When it came to matters between men and women, logical reasoning was often not the thing to turn to first.

Seeing the half-naked, farmer-looking man sitting on the wooden chair beside her who didn't even bother wiping his oily mouth with a tissue as he used his arm instead, Lin Ruoxi couldn't help but sigh deeply. She took a stack of tissue and passed to Yang Chen. "Don't use your hands. They're dirty now."

Yang Chen grinned. "I'm used to behaving this way. Even bowls were considered a luxury for me back then, let alone using tissues, so I subconsciously wiped my mouth with my hand."

Yang Chen received the tissue and vaguely wiped his lips.

Although Lin Ruoxi was curious about the life Yang Chen had lived in the past, she chose not to pry. She only knew a thing or two about him. She felt that Yang Chen would tell her if he felt the need for her to know. It should be mentioned that the fellow was a really talkative man.

Since he hasn't told me about it before, he may feel that there's no need for me to know.

Lin Ruoxi lowered her head as she smiled gently. Her goddess-like, elegant face looked particularly touching, but she was holding a half-eaten chicken wing in hand, causing her to look a little strange.

Unfortunately, no one had noticed her smile.

After having lunch, a bunch of passionate servers who had been ready to work came out of nowhere can cleaned all the trash.

Lin Ruoxi fronwed and said to one of the servers, "Ask your manager to stop sending people to follow us. This is no different from being monitored. It makes me feel uncomfortable."

The server remained quiet for a while in fear. He bowed down and lowered his head before stammering, "Bo—boss Lin, please forgive us. It's not in our intention to monitor you. We just want to serve you as you almost never come here..."

Lin Ruoxi waved her hand to signal them to leave. She had to behave in a dignified manner in front of her employees.

"Elder Sister Ruoxi is so impressive," An Xin said softly.

Yang Chen looked at her in a playful manner. "Oh is this how you view her as well?"

"Of course," An Xin said seriously, but the intention to laugh in her eyes betrayed her.

After the meal, Yang Chen put on his outer coat. He actually enjoyed being half-naked while standing in the cold wind. He often did so when on missions in Siberia. During that period, he even had to draw messy lines on his body using black ink, to camouflage himself in the dark forest. Not only did it help him avoid certain beasts, he could also secure a kill in an ambush.

These moments felt like they had just happened yesterday. However, currently, he had gotten a stunning wife and multiple beautiful lovers, not to mention he had become an office worker.

Yang Chen didn't find his current life monotonous, to go to work every day and come home for dinner. He even felt more content this way.

Of course, if would've been perfect if his wife was willing to cooperate by getting along with his lovers.

The four slowly made their way along the lake with the winds sweeping through their hair. It smelt of mud and leaves, but the smile on Hui Lin's face had never dispersed. She described to An Xin and Lin Ruoxi regarding her experiences when she lived in Emei Mountain, so the three ladies were chatting unstoppably.

Judging from the situation, the decision to bring Hui Lin out was right.

There was a small rest station nearby, mainly for weary guests to rest before continuing. The mini store was selling steaming-hot herbal eggs, dried tofu and some beverages.

However, since it was still lunchtime, the rest area was pretty much empty. Only an old man wearing a tank top was left to tend the business.

There was a mini game station outside the store which had attracted the attention of the ladies.

The stairs used as a display were filled with cartoon dolls. It was a game where if the participant managed to hit a doll down from the stairs using plastic balls, it was theirs.

Such a game was basically everywhere in a playground, but Lin Ruoxi, Hui Lin, and An Xin hadn't seen it very often, so this particular one peaked their interests.

At the top of the stairs stood a snow-white, huge polar bear doll which looked incredibly eye-catching due to its round feature.

An Xin wasn't too excited, unlike the child-like Lin Ruoxi and Hui Lin. This was especially the case with Lin Ruoxi. Back then, she had taken a good interest in the dumpling back at the store, which led to Yang Chen taking part in the challenge. Now that she had noticed the huge polar bear, Younger Sister Lin's eyes illuminated.

Yang Chen knew that Lin Ruoxi was too embarrassed to suggest participating in the game, so he said, "The game looks quite interesting. Since we have time, why not we have a go at it?"

Elation filled Lin Ruoxi's eyes, but she still remained expressionless. "I'm fine with anything. Hui Lin, do you want to play?"

Hui Lin nodded her head forcefully of course. Thus, they approached the old man before Yang Chen asked, "Grandpa, how much do you charge for this game?"

The old man pointed at a small, wooden signboard. There were words written by a writing brush: Five bucks for two tries, ten bucks for five tries.

"Then I'll pay 30 bucks for now. Each of you can have five tries," Yang Chen said as he took out a fifty-yuan note from his pocket.

The old man appeared to be feeling cold. He shivered lightly as he received the money. After giving Yang Chen a twenty-yuan change, he then passed a basket to each of the ladies.

"Girls, stand behind this table to throw. Whether or not you hit one depends on your luck. I recommend you to aim for the small ones, and leave the big ones untouched. It's very unlikely that they fall even if you managed to hit one," the old man advised.

The plastic balls were hollow, so the force that it exerted when thrown was very low. In addition to that, their weight made it so that the wind was able to push it much easier. So, it was quite tough to hit a doll at the seemingly short distance.

Hui Lin was the first one who stood behind the table. She practised martial arts. Although she didn't excel in using hidden weapons, her strength and accuracy were still extraordinary.

Whoosh! The first ball she threw managed to hit a small teddy bear at the center down.

Shocked, the old man clapped and praised, "Wow, not bad at all!"

Hui Lin smiled sweetly as she waited for the old man to pass the teddy bear to her. She then threw three more balls, but missed all of them. With her fifth and final ball, she hit a doll yet another time which was a little pony. The grandpa picked it up and gave it to Hui Lin.

Yang Chen could tell that Hui Lin intentionally missed most of her attempts. Softly, he whispered to Hui Lin, "Why didn't you aim for the huge polar bear? You only had to use a little internal energy to hit it down."

Out of shyness, Hui Lin blushed when Yang Chen's hot breath hit on her ear. She carefully glanced at Lin Ruoxi who wasn't paying attention to her, before saying, "I'll leave the huge bear to Elder Sister. She seems to like it more than I do. Also, it's difficult for the grandpa to take care of a store in such a cold weather. I have the gift of martial arts. I don't want to take advantage of him."

Yang Chen revealed a so-I-see expression. He simply touched Hui Lin's ponytail and said, "Only you would be so kind."

Hui Lin felt that a deer was banging around in her heart after Yang Chen touched her hair. To her, such an action was incredibly intimate.

However, Yang Chen failed to notice her response. He was focused on An Xin who was the second one to play.

An Xin wasn't as strong and accurate as Hui Lin. She failed to hit a single doll after five tries. Pouting, she said to the old man, "Grandpa, I want five more balls," as she took out a ten-yuan note from her leather purse.

The old man was naturally pleased. After receiving the money, he passed five more balls to An Xin.

An Xin wasn't disappointed this time. She managed to hit the smallest teru teru bōzu and was satisfied enough, so she didn't plan on playing more.

"Good luck Elder Sister Ruoxi." An Xin didn't forget to put up an act to encourage Lin Ruoxi when she came down from the platform.

Lin Ruoxi hummed in acknowledgement. She wasn't bothered to reply An Xin. Taking a deep breath, she took her basket and came to the table, looking rather nervous. Her huge, watery eyes were fixed on the huge polar bear at the highest spot.

"Elder Sister is really serious," Hui Lin said.

An Xin walked over and said softly, "Her gaze doesn't look like she wants to hit the polar bear door, but shows her bloodlust for polar bears instead. Sigh... she looks more and more like a little girl."

At this moment, Lin Ruoxi had finally finished preparing her combat emotion. Taking out a plastic ball, aiming at the polar bear, she released it with all her strength!

Whoosh! The force was sufficient, but her ball flew to a different direction.

Lin Ruoxi's cheeks instantly turned as red as a mature apple. Evidently, missing her attempts in front of her love rival, husband, and younger sister was something embarrassing to her.

Lin Ruoxi chose to avoid looking at the expressions of the people standing around. She took out yet another ball and forcefully threw it at the polar bear.

Unfortunately, after throwing all of her five balls, none of them even touched the polar bear, let alone hitting it down.

Without hesitation, she took out a fifty-yuan bill from her purse and gave it to the old man. "I want 25 balls."

The old man happily accepted her money and gave her what she demanded before keeping the bank note into the pocket of his tank top.

With a basket full of balls, she continued throwing the balls forcefully at the polar bear. Unfortunately, no matter how she threw them, the balls either headed to the left or the right instead of the center. She didn't even manage to hit any other dolls.

Having thrown all 25 balls, her face wasn't red anymore, but appear a little pale instead. Her gaze revealed a frightening gaze of bloodlust toward the polar bear.

"Grandpa..." Lin Ruoxi called. Her voice was enough to freeze a person completely. Even if the weather was already cold, the old man felt the air around him fall ten more degrees .

"Gi—girl... are you actually asking for more?" The old man was actually astonished. He had never seen such an unfortunate customer before. Lin Ruoxi didn't even manage to hit the smallest doll with any of her 30 balls.

Lin Ruoxi took out a hundred-yuan bill from her purse and said, "Give me 50 balls."

The old man didn't know whether to cry or laugh. "Girl, I'm starting to feel embarrassed seeing you throw like that and I'm not even the one that's playing. Why don't you keep your money, and I'll give you a small one. Please don't get mad, just treat today as your bad day."

"No way!"

Lin Ruoxi's face was freezing-cold when she yelled. She stared right into the old man's eyes, which caused him to be horrified.

"I don't believe I can't even hit a small doll! Why is it that they can but I can't? Grandpa, don't talk about giving me one. I want to hit one myself!" Lin Ruoxi said in an agitated manner as she pointed at Hui Lin and An Xin.

Yang Chen smiled bitterly. He was well aware of Lin Ruoxi's personality, otherwise she wouldn't have worked so hard in Yu Lei just to prove that she was capable to lead the company.

Today, Yang Chen noticed he had underestimated Lin Ruoxi's desire to win. The girl was so determined just to get a small toy.

When one thought about it, Lin Ruoxi might've started treating An Xin as her enemy. She wasn't willing to lose to An Xin in any aspects. Moreover, she had never liked to admit defeat. She wouldn't give up so easily in getting the polar bear she liked.

The pitiful old man was dumbstruck. Judging from her gaze, she looks like she wants to murder someone instead of getting dolls!

However, there was not much the old man could say. Furthermore, it was more money for him. Thus, he gave Lin Ruoxi two huge baskets containing 50 balls in total while shaking his head.

Lin Ruoxi placed the two baskets in front of her as she continued launching attacks at the polar bear. She was basically firing cannons as she unstoppably tossed the colorful plastic balls.

Unfortunately, no matter how hard Lin Ruoxi tried to aim, or how much strength she exerted, the balls failed to hit the dolls.

"Girl, please don't focus your attention on the big bear anymore. It looks like an easy target, but it's also the furthest one from you. Why don't you try aiming for the small ones? They're closer and easier to get," the old man suggested. He wasn't willing to see the beautiful girl throwing tantrums anymore.

Lin Ruoxi bit her lip as her eyes looked resolute. "No, I have to hit the big bear!"

At this moment, Lin Ruoxi had used up all her 50 balls. Thus, she took out 200 yuan from her purse and said, "Grandpa, I want 100 balls!"

The old man felt helpless, but there was nothing he could do. Therefore, he delivered a hundred balls to her.

It wasn't easy to finish throwing a hundred balls. Lin Ruoxi took a short break each time after throwing around ten balls. The cycle soon lasted for more than half an hour.

Hui Lin and An Xin almost cried during their wait. They found it unbelievable. Even if one had their eyes closed, wouldn't they have at least hit something, anything?! Even the closest ones would have been struck

When Lin Ruoxi finished throwing her balls again, she took out 400 yuan from her purse to ask for 200 balls. However, the old man was so terrified that he paled.

"Little Girl! I beg you. I'll give you the big bear and all the other dolls. All of their values combined total up to less than 400 yuan!" the old man confessed. He was petrified by Lin Ruoxi. Why must there be such horrifying customers in this world?! he thought.

"Ruoxi, do you want me to help you? Treat it as a gift from your husband," Yang Chen said after approaching her. If he allowed her to play again, the sky would've turned dark before they could return to the resort.

Lin Ruoxi looked at Yang Chen with disdain. "What is it? You don't believe that I could hit one as well? An Xin could hit one, so why can't I? I refuse to lose."

Yang Chen rubbed his face as he felt speechless. He couldn't just say something like, "But you've already lost," could he?

This time, Lin Ruoxi basically snatched 200 balls from the old man. She placed them all on the table, forming a little mountain.

Lin Ruoxi stretched her arms before continuing to cause the balls to fall like rain...

Nothing is absolute in the world. Just like how a man may survive a rain of bullets, Lin Ruoxi had failed to hit a single doll after four or five hundred balls.

In this season, the daylight hours weren't very long. After Lin Ruoxi finished throwing all 200 balls, the sun had started setting...

Lin Ruoxi looked sombre. A horrifying aura exuded from her gorgeous face, especially from her black pupils which looked like they could shoot fatal blazes.

The old man had hidden himself in the store. He wasn't willing to take any money from her anymore. He only hoped that the girl could leave as soon as possible.

Yang Chen saw that both Hui Lin and An Xin had started daydreaming together. This had to stop now. He walked forward and pulled Lin Ruoxi's arm. "Let's go, there's no need to play anymore. Who gets this pissed over a toy on a trip?"

Although Lin Ruoxi was still unwilling to give up, she knew that she had gone over the line. She stared at the unwavering polar bear angrily before nodding. "Wait for me."

Soon, being gazed upon by Yang Chen, Lin Ruoxi walked to the store and placed ten bucks on the table before saying to the old man who dare not stare her in the eye, "Grandpa, I'll use ten bucks to buy ten of your plastic balls."

"Ah?"

The old man doubted his hearing. He cried, "Girl, why are you still here? I'm an old man who may get a heart attack from your antics!"

"No, I want to buy your balls and go back to practise. I'll come again after I'm done practising," Lin Ruoxi said strictly. "Keep the big bear for me. I will get it no matter what."

This time, not only the old man was astonished, even Yang Chen, Hui Lin, and An Xin were all dumbstruck.

An Xin drew a cross in front of her and said softly behind Yang Chen, "Hubby, I will behave myself in the future. I don't want to compete with a crazy woman like this for a man... She's this horrifyingly serious just to get a toy, if I snatch her husband away, someone is going to die and that person will be me."

Dissatisfied, Yang Chen complained, "What 'crazy woman' are you talking about? Don't say it like that."

An Xin stuck her tongue out before pouting her mouth. Evidently, she didn't feel guilty for putting it this way. She secretly glanced at Lin Ruoxi who was carefully choosing plastic balls. It was the first time heartfelt fear had surfaced in her eyes.

Chapter 424 - I Can Do It

 

After returning to the guesthouse, the manager of the resort had prepared a delectable meal, so Yang Chen didn't have the chance to show off his culinary skills.

An Xin occasionally poured fruit juice for Lin Ruoxi in an attempt to please her. She had truly feared Lin Ruoxi for the first time in her life.

Lin Ruoxi was still absent-minded currently. She looked like she was pondering about her inability to hit the doll. When she was peeling the shell of the prawn, she accidentally peeled some of the flesh off as well, causing the frugal Hui Lin to feel a heartache.

Yang Chen chewed on a Japanese grilled squid as he stared at the foolish-looking Lin Ruoxi. Smiling, he said, "Wife, be honest with me. When you were in school, except failing every music class, you managed to fail every physical examination class as well, didn't you? You have absolutely no talent in sports."

"How is this related to sports?" Lin Ruoxi blushed. Actually, she had indeed failed most of her physical education classes, but there was no way that she was going to reveal this in front of An Xin and Hui Lin.

An Xin blinked her eyes a few times. Out of curiosity, she asked, "Elder Sister Ruoxi, why didn't you pass your music class?"

Lin Ruoxi remained quiet as she acted like she heard nothing.

Yang Chen helped her out of the situation. "That's because she was too lazy to attend her classes and tests."

"Oh..." Although An Xin didn't believe that was the reason, she stopped prying further.

After the meal, the four of them didn't have plans on what they were going to do next. Lin Ruoxi silently returned to her room. When she walked upstairs, she brought a plastic container filled with plastic balls along with her. One would know what she was up to even if the toe was used to think instead of the brain.

"Hui Lin, your elder sister is horrifying," An Xin said softly as she shivered a little.

Helplessness surfaced on Hui Lin's face. Pouting, she said, "Elder Sister doesn't usually behave this way. I believe it's because you're here."

"I should've missed all my tries earlier, to prevent that from happening," An Xin said before pouting.

Yang Chen walked forward and pinched An Xin's cheek. "Stop overthinking. Go rest with Hui Lin. We'll wander about a little before going back to Zhonghai tomorrow."

After sending the two ladies back to their room, Yang Chen returned to the room shared by him and Lin Ruoxi.

Upon entering the room, Lin Ruoxi was seen stepping on cotton slippers and dressed in a thin, pink sweater as she had removed her coat. She was holding a few plastic balls while trying to shoot the small handbag she placed near the end of the bed.

Lin Ruoxi was slightly surprised to see Yang Chen enter the room. She shut her mouth tightly before quickly keeping the plastic balls into the container. She then started messing with her hair, as if nothing had happened.

Evidently, even Lin Ruoxi herself was aware that practising her throwing skills in the room was rather odd no matter how one looked at it.

"I'll go take a shower," Lin Ruoxi before taking her clothing and quickly running into the washroom.

Yang Chen didn't tease her. He sat on the sofa to watch the television. After around half an hour later, Lin Ruoxi walked out from the washroom before he asked, "Do you need me to sleep on the sofa tonight?"

Lin Ruoxi was holding a dry towel as she rubbed her soaking wet hair. Her cheeks were so pink that they looked like juice would be released when pinched. She felt curious about Yang Chen's question. "Why do you ask so?"

"I thought you would be afraid of me doing naughty things and forbid me from sleeping on the bed," Yang Chen said with a smile.

Lin Ruoxi suddenly felt a weird sourness and disappointment.

They were married, and as the husband, Yang Chen was expected to be called to sleep on the sofa, when there were clearly two beds in the room.

Have I been overly cruel to him all this time?

I have always blamed him for looking for women outside. Perhaps the reason is because I refuse to give it to him... she thought.

Lin Ruoxi slowly walked toward Yang Chen before sitting next to him on the sofa. Being shone upon by the warm-white light, she looked like an enchanting lotus born out of clear water, attracting Yang Chen's gaze.

Lin Ruoxi clenched her teeth. Resolutely, she asked, "Why don't we... try it tonight?"

Yang Chen didn't understand what she meant. "What do you mean by try it? What is it?"

Lin Ruoxi tried her best to not lower her head or voice. She blushed so hard that her neck had turned pinkish. "Try... try doing what married couples do..." she replied.

Yang Chen suddenly got it. He frowned as he found it hard to believe. He didn't know whether he should cry or laugh when he looked at Lin Ruoxi. "Babe Ruoxi, I only asked if I could sleep on the bed. I did not mean for it to be like that. You don't have to force yourself to do this. It's normal for Mom to expect grandchildren, but we don't have to give birth to one right away for her. I'll help you explain it to her, don't worry."

"No." Lin Ruoxi shook her head. "It's me who wants to try it once. Although I'm a little afraid, I can't lose to anybody..."

Yang Chen almost fell off his chair. Is she comparing herself to other women even on this aspect? Is it because she's upset today, so she wants to recover lost grounds somewhere else, so she suggested to try doing something so intimate?! he thought.

"What are you thinking about?" Lin Ruoxi asked, dissatisfied. "I'm not afraid of it as a woman. Aren't you usually very open-minded? Why are you hesitating now?"

Yang Chen slapped his thigh. "What's there for me to hesitate about? As long as you're willing to do it, I have no qualms about doing my own wife!" Yang Chen said proudly.

"You... you're really... Can you not be this rude all the time when you speak! What's that about do—doing... doing something," Lin Ruoxi complained while her cheeks flushed. Even if she had known that Yang Chen was vulgar from day one, she still couldn't help but try to change him. Unfortunately, her attempts were proven ineffective.

Yang Chen laughed before saying, "I told you I wasn't a cultured man. As my baby wife, you'll have to bear with me a little. Shall we begin?"

"Aren't you going to take a shower first?" Lin Ruoxi asked softly. Although she was nervous, she didn't overlook hygiene.

"Oops, I almost forgot that my body is still covered with the smell of lamb. I'll be back really soon. Go back to your nest and wait for me patiently." Yang Chen's heart heated up. He had never expected Lin Ruoxi to request to sleep with him tonight. He still thought he had to wait for at least six months. He suddenly felt so blessed.

Having gotten enough motivation, the time he took to shower made one wonder if he actually took a bath.

Within the next few minutes, Yang Chen rushed out of the washroom with a half-wet body. He wore a three-sided underwear because he was afraid of suddenly getting too excited.

Lin Ruoxi carefully crawled onto the bed. Dressed in only a thin layer of nightdress made of silk, her snow-white skin was vaguely exposed, while her curves looked extraordinarily alluring, especially the outline caused by her firm and rounded hip, causing Yang Chen's lower body to immediately stiffen.

Yang Chen appreciated her movement as she crawled into her nest, while the passion in his heart started getting more violent.

Lin Ruoxi turned around and noticed Yang Chen's fiery gaze before subconsciously shrinking away a little. But when she recalled that she was the one who had made the request, she clenched her teeth and spread out her body on the bed covered in a white sheet before closing her eyes.

Yang Chen inhaled a huge breath. From his point of view, Lin Ruoxi's bosom formed a pair of snow mountains when she was lying on the bed. The proud, stream-and-mountain-like curvature, her fair-skinned neck, together with her black-ink-like hair made a combination so alluring that it would make any man excited with just a glance.

Slowly, Yang Chen got on the bed and scanned her from her naked feet to her waist which didn't even contain the slightest bit of fat. At the secret area, through her moon-white nightdress, a purple, laced underwear could be seen. Her seemingly snow-covered thighs made her seductive ravine particularly obvious, causing Yang Chen to have the urge to lose his self control.

Lin Ruoxi's figure was superior to Mo Qianni's and Rose's. She could qualify as the standard among models, while her abundance wasn't less than Yang Chen's other women.

Yang Chen couldn't help but be impressed for his persistence. He hadn't forced anything but put the treasure aside instead. Whenever he thought that he was the one who had taken the woman's first time, he would get a huge sense of accomplishment.

Yang Chen slowly pressed his body against hers before nearing Lin Ruoxi's neck with her nose to inhale her lovely jasmine-like fragrance. Lin Ruoxi was only teased by Yang Chen this way before she moaned lightly while her body quivered slightly.

"Relax, there's no need to feel so nervous. This isn't our first time anyway. You'll enjoy this, I promise," Yang Chen said beside Lin Ruoxi's ear while one of his arms reached to one side of her abundance slowly.

The soft texture filled his hand, causing him to involuntarily exert more force...

"Mmh..."

Lin Ruoxi's face was like a piece of red jade. Her big, watery eyes were open, as if her entire body almost melted in Yang Chen's hand.

Yang Chen noticed the tears in Lin Ruoxi's eyes. He thought she might be suffering, so he said, "Why don't we... Nevermind. I don't think you are ready for that yet."

To be honest, Yang Chen was already impressed that she had made it this far into the process.

Lin Ruoxi, however, shook her head. "I... I can do it. You... continue..."

Yang Chen didn't say more. He kissed her deeply as he searched for Lin Ruoxi's clumsy, scented tongue. He tried to dissolve the nervousness and awkwardness of his inexperienced wife by kissing. At the same time, his other free hand moved to the gap between Lin Ruoxi's white-jade-like thighs.

He touched Lin Ruoxi's purple, laced underwear a little and immediately noticed it had gotten ridiculously soaked. Lin Ruoxi's was very sensitive. Far beyond what Yang Chen had expected

However, such things were sought after by many men. Without hesitation, he started removing her nightdress from the bottom. Slowly, the area under her waist was exposed in the air...

He reluctantly removed his lips from hers. Shocked, her delicate mouth was half open, revealing her tongue a little. When their lips separated, a crystal-like silk chain was pulled from within.

Yang Chen took a deep breath. All he could smell was Lin Ruoxi's thick scent. He finally grabbed one side of the underwear and slowly removed the innermost cover to the most mysterious area, revealing the much desired garden...

Lin Ruoxi shut her eyes while her heart rapidly throbbed in her body. Her body quivered for a bit when her most precious part was exposed in the air. The snow-white skin throughout her entire body soon dyed in an alluring pink. She could even feel mountain spring gushing out from her elegant stream...

Chapter 425 - Series

 

Yang Chen's breath became heavier and heavier as he slowly felt himself turn into an insane beast, when suddenly, a deafening noise echoed throughout the entire building of the resort!

Bweee! Bweee!

It was so loud that it could shatter a person's eardrums, which immediately notified Yang Chen and Lin Ruoxi who were in bed that something was up.

It's the fire alarm?!

Yang Chen jumped down from the bed instinctively before putting on his clothes and coat. At the same time, he threw Lin Ruoxi's pants and coat onto the bed before asking her to wear them.

The sudden turn of events made Lin Ruoxi forget what she was supposed to do. Fortunately, Yang Chen didn't panic in the disaster, and he pulled her back to reality.

This fire alarm couldn't have come at a worse time... Yang Chen smiled bitterly. What the heck is going on? I've been waiting for the past six months to finally sleep with my wife, but some part of this place suddenly caught on fire somehow?!

If it wasn't because he knew it was impossible, he might even suspect this to be a doing of the little vixen An Xin.

"Guests, please pay attention. Guests, please pay attention. A few areas have caught fire due to a short circuit in the heater of our guesthouse. Please watch out for the fires and leave in an orderly fashion..."

Lin Ruoxi quickly put on her coat. While the pink on her face was still presentt, her eyes had become clear. She didn't know why she was currently less nervous than when she was being 'attacked' by Yang Chen.

Subconsciously, she touched her chest before exhaling as she felt relieved.

It actually made sense. No women in the world would pass their body to a husband who messed around with other women outside all day.

Having worn her sports shoes, Lin Ruoxi came to Yang Chen and said, "Let's get out quickly. I bet Hui Lin and An Xin are anxious now as well."

Yang Chen naturally was aware this incident was odd. But he wasn't too worried, as Hui Lin practised martial arts. With her presence, An Xin should be safe as well.

He pulled Lin Ruoxi and walked to the door. Bang! Bang! Bang! Before he opened it, the door was knocked on.

"Sir! Sir! Please open the door! It's an emergency!"

Yang Chen opened the door before seeing a young man dressed in a uniform of the guesthouse. He seemed relieved after noticing Yang Chen and Lin Ruoxi were coming out. Hurriedly, he said, "Sir, Miss, please leave from the exit on the left. It's really dangerous here. An explosion might occur at any time."

The fire alarm shone violently in the walkway. Many of the guests staying on the same floor were running to the staircase.

Yang Chen nodded. Holding Lin Ruoxi's soft hand, he walked out of the room.

He only proceeded a few steps before suddenly pulling Lin Ruoxi's body to him.

"Ah." She didn't know why Yang Chen had pulled on her this hard.

However, before Lin Ruoxi could ask, a light suddenly stabbed through the place where Lin Ruoxi was originally standing!

It's a knife?!

Before Lin Ruoxi could think about it, Yang Chen had made his next move. He use his left arm to launch a lightning-fast strike on the server's face, caving in the face of the young man who intended to stab Lin Ruoxi.

Yang Chen then turned around to look at the face of his assailant. His heavy blow was not to be taken lightly. The face of the killer disguised as a server had sunk in, while blood flowed out from his mouth. He looked like he received a concussion, or his brain had bled from the inside, causing him to unable to stand up again.

No matter how calm Lin Ruoxi was, having witnessed this series of events, she was stunned into silence.

Frowning, Yang Chen pulled Lin Ruoxi and walked to Hui Lin's and An Xin's room without hesitation. He wanted to kick the door open, but it was opened from the inside.

Hui Lin who was dressed in a pink cotton pyjamas stood there with a messy hair. She looked rather worried as she held a long dagger in hand whose ownership was unknown.

"Brother Yang, Elder Sister, are you guys fine?"

"That's what I should ask you. Where's An Xin?" Yang Chen asked.

"I... I'm here." An Xin looked terrified as she walked out of the washroom. Pressing onto her chest, she looked like she had received some form of stimulation.

Yang Chen felt at ease. He looked inside the room, and noticed a man dressed in a server's uniform lying on the ground unconsciously. He was dealt with by Hui Lin already, but it wasn't known if he was still alive or not.

"When the fire alarm rang, we wanted to leave the room, but that guy suddenly rushed in with a dagger and wanted to kill us. So I resisted and ushered An Xin into the bathroom. Brother Yang, why is there a murderer out of nowhere?" Hui Lin had had experience in a couple of violent battles, so she managed to calm herself down very quickly.

Yang Chen turned to look at Lin Ruoxi. "They must've been sent by one of your opposition parties. If they wanted to come for me, there's no way they would have done it like so. They would at least get something other than a single knife."

Lin Ruoxi's cheeks turned cold. The shyness and panic in her beautiful eyes earlier in her room had dispersed. Currently, she behaved like she was filled with a violent snowstorm, even the way she talked revealed darkness.

"There's an ambush after a fire alarm. I guess they're not done yet. This should be a planned conspiracy," Lin Ruoxi said as she frowned. "Their objective should be complicated. We'll return to Zhonghai now and pass this to the police to take care of."

Yang Chen was naturally fine with it. All he wanted was the safety of his family. Hui Lin and An Xin obeyed Lin Ruoxi as well. All of them quickly packed their luggages.

Yang Chen followed Lin Ruoxi back to her room to get her luggage. No matter how urgent the situation was, they couldn't afford to panic now.

"How did you know the person was a murderer?" Lin Ruoxi asked as she felt curious.

"Everyone from the guesthouse knows you're the CEO. He called me 'Sir' first, before calling you 'Miss'. Furthermore, the fire alarm only rang for such a short while but there was already a server knocking on our door. They have made flaws on the fundamental level," Yang Chen said with a vague smile. "Most importantly, he's a low-level killer. His killing aura was extremely prominent."

A strange light flowed through Lin Ruoxi's eyes. "How are you so sensitive to killing aura?"

Yang Chen smiled and answered, "Do you really want to know?"

"Yes. I feel that if I want to pass everything to you, perhaps I should understand more of your past," Lin Ruoxi replied. In fact, she had avoided talking about Yang Chen's past since the day Zeng Xinlin and Xu Zhihong were killed. However, she couldn't stay away from mentioning it now.

She felt that this was the final barrier that obstructed her from connecting with Yang Chen.

Yang Chen squinted as he seriously gazed upon Lin Ruoxi. After a short while, he said, "When we have time, I'll bring you to a place. Treat it as a vacation while I tell you about my past."

"Alright then," Lin Ruoxi answered in an indifferent manner.. After she finished packing, she walked toward the door alone.

"Wait!"

Yang Chen walked closer to her. Dissatisfied, he said, "What are you getting mad for? Walk beside me obediently at such a moment. Do you only think that they had sent twol killers to kill you?"

After being pulled forcefully by Yang Chen, Lin Ruoxi bit her lower lip as she felt discontent for Yang Chen's rough movement. But he was just trying to protect her, so there was nothing much she could say.

Lin Ruoxi informed the important details to the manager of the resort, before leaving to her giant Lexus with the others.

Yang Chen took out his phone before turning on the engine as he made a phone call home.

The phone rang for a very long time, but the call wasn't picked up by anyone.

"Are you making a call home?" Lin Ruoxi asked.

Yang Chen nodded. "Why isn't anyone picking up the call?"

He didn't think that the people at home were under attack. If that was the case, the members from Sea Eagles in charge of the safety of the house should send him a notice.

"Have you forgotten that Wang Ma will contact a moving company to carry the stuff back to the old house?" Lin Ruoxi asked.

Yang Chen finally thought of it. Hurriedly, he asked, "What's the phone number of the old house?"

"I already called them. Wang Ma said she was fine, and asked us to take care of our own safety." Lin Ruoxi rolled her eyes. "You even forgot about moving home. I think you certainly didn't intend to go back."

As soon as she finished speaking, her phone started ringing. It was a call from her assistant Wu Yue.

"Boss Lin, this is bad." Wu Yue sounded impatient. She usually behaved like Lin Ruoxi as she didn't talk or laugh often, but she currently couldn't hold herself back anymore.

Calmly, Lin Ruoxi said, "Speak slowly."

"A few of the processing plants in Zhonghai owned by Yu Lei are all on fire simultaneously. Quite a number of employees working the night shift had died in the fire. The police have requested a representative from out company to aid in their investigations. I heard it was a safety problem with our factories, but I feel that this was planned by someone. All our factories are kept strictly under review. They wouldn't catch fire so suddenly at the same time. Also, these workers all died in their departments. How is it possible that none of them escape..."

Lin Ruoxi's eyes turned cold. "Are they the factories that manufacture the new material?"

"Yes, Boss. I feel that someone is trying to delay us from launching the new material into the market, and thus messed up our supply chain. And... it looks like they have a strong hatred for us that they had even taken lives this time round. They obviously want to go against us face-to-face. But... but I really don't know whom we're faced with," Wu Yue said, worried.

Lin Ruoxi looked dull. Indeed, she had no clue who tried to harm her company. She had too many enemies, while a lot of them were influential and powerful. Under such a fierce competition, she found it hard to strike back effectively.

As Lin Ruoxi wanted to inform Wu Yue about certain solutions, An Xin who was at the back seat shouted.

"Be careful!!!"

Lin Ruoxi violently turned her head to look to the front, only to find a huge truck rushing directly towards her car with its headlights on high beam!

It was a single lane. This truck was going in the wrong direction.

Lin Ruoxi's eyes were widened to maximum as she got anxious, while Yang Chen who was on the driver's seat didn't look relaxed anymore. With his eyes squinted, they exuded a thick killing aura...

"Yang Chen! Turn around now!"

Lin Ruoxi shouted as she looked at Yang Chen remove his seat belts.

"Wh—what are you trying to do?"

At this critical moment, all Yang Chen did was turn his head to give a soothing smile to Lin Ruoxi. It even looked a little mischievous. He then pushed the door open!

Chapter 426 - Hidden Undercurrent

 

The bone-piercing wind of the night blew violently into the car, causing the three ladies to shiver in their seats.

Remaining quiet, Yang Chen calmly and forcefully stepped on the brake before changing the transmission to the parking gear and pulled the handbrake!

Screech!

The enormous tractive force generated by the Lexus caused it to slide down the road quite a bit before finally coming to a halt. White smoke then covered the entire car.

The oncoming truck was only 50 meters away. Under the cover of the night, it looked like a monster coming to devour the four of them.

At this moment, Yang Chen left his driver's seat. He flashed before appearing 5 meters in front of the Lexus.

He stretched his arms out as he raised his head to look at the sky, as if he was enjoying the moment, just like the classic scene from Titanic. However, the person who did this in the movie was a woman, while the one currently posing this way was a man.

"Yang Chen!!!"

"Brother Yang!!!"

The three ladies in the car shouted in unison. Lin Ruoxi tried to stretch her arm out to stop Yang Chen, but she failed to even get a hold of his shirt.

They stared at Yang Chen who was standing in front of a truck like a suicidal martyr as he planned to block the steel monster with only his body.

Shocked and petrified, they tried but failed to understand the situation that was before them!

Is this man crazy?!

Hui Lin understood Yang Chen the best. But even she didn't think a person could stop a truck with only their body. It was something only made possible by using cinematic special effects. She clasped her hands so tight that her fingers had turned pale!

Whether or not they would be crushed by the truck after Yang Chen was run over was no longer their concern.

Vroom!

Following the roar of the diesel engine, deafening sounds of explosions echoed in the sky!

Bang! Bang! Clunk! Boom!

Dust was kicked up from the ground. At the moment the truck collided with Yang Chen's body, it appeared to have crashed into an invisible wall. Following closely, it received an enormous blow back, which crushed the entire truck like a tin can!

The thick and heavy metal plates got violently distorted while various parts of the truck's body were bent and broken. The gear-grinding-like sound could damage one's eardrums, while the noise that followed was the blast of the engine and the rupturing of the magnetic belts!

Due to the overwhelming impact, the rear of the truck was thrown up, flipping in the sky together with its front before falling into the green belt by the road!

[TL note: Green belt: an area of open land around a city, on which building is restricted.]

The metal plates and the part fragments together with shattered glass and the truck body gave rise to a huge crack on the ground.

The soil and plants were smashed beyond repair, as if an excavator had gone berserk, making it a sight for sore eyes.

Having noticed that nothing dangerous had taken place, the three women carefully poked their heads out to take a look at the aftermath. The truck somehow ended up by the road and appeared crushed.

On the other hand, the man who had frightened them was walking toward the crushed truck as if he was walking in the park. Dust and smoke filled the place, while the charred smell of the soil was sharp.

Expressionlessly, Yang Chen stretched his arm out to remove the heavily bent door before throwing the half-dead driver out whose head was full of blood.

He was a rather well-built man. As he was being pulled out of the car by Yang Chen, his breath was coincidentally cut off.

"How unlucky," Yang Chen murmured. He was too lazy to take care of the aftermath, so he walked back to his car.

An Xin and Hui Lin were fine. They didn't find it hard to accept what they had observed, since they had witnessed Yang Chen's extraordinary background before. Lin Ruoxi however, was different. Although she had seen him kill before, she would never expect a human being to be able to block a truck with just their body.

Thus, when Yang Chen boarded the car, Lin Ruoxi subconsciously shrank away her body a little.

Yang Chen noticed her reaction, and felt a hint of bitterness in his heart.

After reaching Full Cycle of Endless Resolve Restoration Scripture, he was able to restrain his post-killing headache, so he didn't have to take the medication provided by Jane to prevent himself from going insane.

However, this didn't mean his killing aura was going to disperse that easily. Every time he took action, he wasn't able to control the cruel soul in his body, which resulted in him exuding the horrifying aura of his killing intent.

Yang Chen was aware that his chronic illness hadn't fully recovered yet. In other words, his body was no different than that of an atom bomb. He didn't know if he would turn into a bloodthirsty monster one day.

He tried his best to retract his killing aura before forcing a smile. "Did I frighten you?"

Lin Ruoxi was rather regretful. She had seen the sorrow revealed on Yang Chen's face earlier. Shaking her said, she answered, "I... I was just not used to it then. I'm fine now."

Yang Chen nodded. He then started the car engine before remaining in silence for a while. "I hope that you'll never have a chance to get used to it, even if... it isn't very possible."

Lin Ruoxi stayed quiet, while Hui Lin and An Xin had felt something unusual as well, so they decided not to speak.

They didn't face anything else on their journey home. Lin Ruoxi's phone kept ringing and each and every one of them was about news regarding the fires. The police had also gotten involved in the investigation. This case had costed the lives of more than ten people after all.

Lin Ruoxi contemplated over an issue before making a call to Mo Qianni. "Qianni, where are you now?"

"I've been in the company for quite a while already. I was going to call you soon if you didn't call me first. The situation is terrible now." Mo Qianni sounded busy. Shouts and other noises could be heard repeatedly. Orders were being thrown left right centre.

Lin Ruoxi took a deep breath. "Wu Yue told me about what had happened in the factories. Leave them aside for now. I suspect our enemy this time is just trying to distract us on the factories' side. They sent killers after me. I believe they might send someone after you and the other core members as well. Take care of your safety. Gather the security team immediately..."

"Killers?!" Mo Qianni exclaimed. Hurriedly, she asked, "Then... then are you guys fine?"

"Yeah..." Lin Ruoxi glanced at Yang Chen who was quietly driving. "We're fine, don't worry. Look into finding out the responsible party first."

Mo Qianni answered, "I believe... I can't get away now."

"Why?" Lin Ruoxi frowned.

"Five minutes ago, there was suddenly an influx of overseas buyers purchasing our stocks like crazy. Our branch in the USA is occupied now. I'm trying to remotely give orders for us to cooperate as well as we can. If this continues, we have to move funds from other sources. They're deliberately suppressing us economically and physically, to cause a crash in the stock market and make our stocks suffer..."

Lin Ruoxi shut her eyes. Coldly, she asked, "Are we still holding up now?"

"It's really dangerous..." Mo Qianni talked to her subordinates for a while, before coming back to the phone call. "Ruoxi... I think... we should ask for help from Athena Team. I believe we're faced with top-notch traders. They may even turn out to be well known traders. We're now having troubles internally and externally, I don't think we can afford anymore losses. If Athena Team takes action, we can focus on moving funds to fight back."

The Athena Team mentioned by Mo Qianni was the group which had defeated Changlin Media and the Xu clan back then. They were a team directly controlled by Lin Ruoxi. All of them were world-class actuaries and traders, so the cost to hire them was incredibly high, as a result, they were only used in very significant business battles. Since the team would only listen to Lin Ruoxi's command, Mo Qianni had to ask her first.

Lin Ruoxi pondered for a while. "I'll be heading to the Athena Team's base at the resort. Qianni, take over my position for now and deal with the recent, important tasks. Let Mingyu work with you, and bring the other department heads together to stabilize our situation. We must not panic in situations like this. I'll also pass problems regarding finance to Wu Yue. She's closer with the banks. Oh yeah, don't delay the bidding for the new material taking place tomorrow and the day after. Based on our estimations, we should have enough funds to buy over those factories. Don't lose this opportunity just because we're in a bad position."

"Understood. I won't back down on the bidding and negotiations," Mo Qianni answered before ending the call. She had had enough headaches just by dealing with the troubles in the company, so she felt rather stressed out.

Soon, Lin Ruoxi immediately made a phone call to gather the members of Athena Team to their base at the resort before asking Yang Chen to drive there, so the others weren't able to go home for now.

Judging by the current situation, the person who was behind this was most likely Ning Guodong. But he didn't appear to have such a large influence. Even if the Ning clan had enough power and funds, they wouldn't give everything to him just to go against Yu Lei International. Who else would it be then?

Lin Ruoxi had more candidates in her heart, but she failed to identify any of them who would actually do something so drastic, so she decided not to voice them out for now.

Hui Lin and An Xin listened to Lin Ruoxi pass down a bunch of orders, and understood how and the situation was. An Xin was in contemplation, while Hui Lin had no clue about business operations. Worried, she asked, "Elder Sister, did something bad happen? Can... can I be of your help?"

Lin Ruoxi turned her head around to look at Hui Lin's naive and kind face. She immediately felt warmth as she looked at her eyes. Smiling, she answered, "Everything is under control, trust me."

Hui Lin nodded her head obediently. She knew that she actually couldn't help Lin Ruoxi much, but she couldn't help but feel anxious.

"If you're having trouble gathering finance, the An clan can help," An Xin suddenly said.

Lin Ruoxi was slightly surprised. She gave An Xin a complex gaze before saying, "Thank you."

An Xin smiled. "What are you thanking me for? You're my elder sister, not to mention I'm one of Yu Lei now."

Lin Ruoxi subconsciously shut her lips together as her gaze met with An Xin's. She looked like she had something to say, but certain things didn't have to be stated to be understood.

As the car approached the base of the Athena Team, Wu Yue called over again. However, the news that she had brought over had caused further distress to Lin Ruoxi...

Chapter 427 - I Am

 

"Boss Lin, this situation is unlike anything we have seen or heard of before. I've made calls to five bank presidents, but they either refused to pick up the call, or gave us various absurd reasons. They're not willing to fork out a single cent to us at all, despite us having no issues with our past records," Wu Yue said, frustrated.

Lin Ruoxi stroked her hair quietly. It couldn't be seen from her look how she was currently feeling. "Understood. Continue calling the other banks that we have a partnership with, and at the same time withdraw some cash from the few major funds under our company."

"Yes, Boss Lin."

Wu Yue wanted to end the call, but Lin Ruoxi suddenly asked, "Has Muyun Corporation been informed about this yet?"

"I sent them the news half an hour ago. Actually, they must've realized that something is wrong. A lot of people have started paying attention to us since Yu Lei is majorly affected by the American stock exchange. I bet Muyun Corporation will ask us about it as well. Vice President Li Minghe is having a discussion with their CEO Li Muhua. By my estimations, we should be getting an answer to all this soon"

"Alright. Muyun Corporation has a share in the launch of our new material as well. It's impossible for Li Muhua to step aside from this. Ask Vice President Li to directly contact me after the discussion is done."

At this moment, the car had entered the resort where the Athena Team was based at. Similar to the last time they came, there was basically no one in the resort, as if it was an abandoned place. Only a handful of people were aware that this place was built for the internal operations of Yu Lei.

After exiting the carr, Lin Ruoxi asked the manager to bring Hui Lin and An Xin to rest.

"It's very late now. You guys may rest at the guest rooms for now. I'll send someone over to ensure your return by tomorrow morning" Lin Ruoxi said to the two ladies.

Hui Lin shook her head. She begged, "Elder Sister, please let me follow you. I want to be by your side."

"Kid, you're not supposed to be worried about stuff like this. What you have to do now is take care of your own safety, and go home tomorrow morning... I know that you can fight well. Mom and Wang Ma will need you," Lin Ruoxi advised coldly.

Hui Lin still looked rather reluctant. An Xin pulled her arm gently and said, "Hui Lin, your elder sister is right. You won't be of much help in the world of business. I only found out today that you're so good in martial arts. Can you stay with me? I'm really afraid now."

Hui Lin pouted her mouth. Although she knew that An Xin's fearful look was only an act, she was aware that she indeed couldn't help Lin Ruoxi on anything in the business world. Thus, she nodded and said, "Then I'll make my return by dawn. Elder Sister, I'll take care of the house. Don't worry."

"Alright. Someone will send you home tomorrow." Lin Ruoxi then looked at An Xin before sighing slightly. "Miss An, I didn't expect the situation to turn out this way when we're out for a trip. Regardless of what happened between us, I don't hope that you're harmed because of me. If you want, you may call the bodyguards of the An clan to come over to grant you protection and send you back. This isn't a secret place."

An Xin smiled as she shook her head. "No need. Their target is Yu Lei, not the An clan. I'll be fine as I return to Zhonghai City tomorrow morning."

Lin Ruoxi had nothing else to say. At last, she turned her head to look at Yang Chen in doubt.

Yang Chen waved his hand with a strange smile. "Do you possibly want to get rid of your husband? I'll smack your butt if you suggest that."

"I don't have time to joke around now," Lin Ruoxi said coldly.

"I also am not joking around," Yang Chen said innocently.

Lin Ruoxi opened her mouth and looked like she wanted to say something, but gave up. She turned around and walked toward the building Athena Team worked in before saying, "Do whatever you want."

Yang Chen felt rather helpless in times like this. Why can't she learn to ask for my help, and say something like 'hubby I'm really afraid'. If she does that, both of my two legs will soften, while the middle 'leg' will harden to shoot all the bad guys to death with my missiles, he thought.

Yang Chen turned around with a smile and said to Hui Lin and An Xin, "Don't look so solemn. Everything will be fine with me here. Babe An Xin, I think you should listen to Ruoxi and ask your dad to send bodyguards to escort you back. You never know what might happen next."

An Xin looked at Lin Ruoxi who was walking away. Smiling, she said, "Is Athena Team a specially built group by Lin Ruoxi? I've never heard of such organization in Yu Lei. I really want to have a look, but it seems to be heavily guarded."

Yang Chen pinched An Xin's cheek. "Stop thinking nonsense. She's not your enemy. You won't gain anything by looking into her."

"Who says she isn't..." An Xin stuck her tongue out. She gazed upon Yang Chen resentfully as she said, "You're the only one who's this petty. I'm not even allowed to guess your wife's secret. Alright, I'll leave in the morning. You're here anyway, I don't think anything will happen with you around."

"I'm glad that you know," Yang Chen said before taking out a cigarette from his pocket and putting it in his mouth. He then slowly walked to the direction Lin Ruoxi went.

He had come to the base of Athena Team before, so he was familiar with the place. After taking a few turns, he stepped into an office guarded by bodyguards.

Lin Ruoxi must've informed them before, so Yang Chen wasn't stopped from entering the place.

A dazzling display of calculators and screens could be found there. Different types of sounds that one could hear in an office filled the place. There were around seven to eight young elites from all over the world typing incredibly fast on their keyboards.

Since they were urgently summoned, two of the western ladies were wearing silk pyjamas. Fortunately, the heater in the office was turned on, so they wouldn't catch a cold while working.

"Damn it. We encountered the enemy," a man with messy hair said with an Irish accent. Pushing his spectacles up, he said to Lin Ruoxi who was looking at the screen which displayed the stock market, "Boss, this is bad. Not only are they very experienced, have executed their plan so perfectly that there is nowhere for us to counter their attacks. Their speed is similar to ours."

"I spent a lot of money to hire you to work, not to state the obvious," Lin Ruoxi said without turning her head.

The Irish young guy made a stupid face, but continued to busy himself with the task happily. Evidently, he was used to Lin Ruoxi's personality, and was extremely confident in his ability.

Lin Ruoxi was immersed in looking at the data displayed on the screen. She suddenly detected the smell of smoke which was getting stronger. Frowning, she turned her head to look behind, only to find Yang Chen who was seated on a swivel chair, leisurely smoking a poor-quality cigarette with both his legs placed on the railing.

"Who allowed you to smoke in here?" Lin Ruoxi had been in a bad mood from the start. She couldn't help but get frustrated to see Yang Chen calmly smoking in the workplace.

Yang Chen was focused in seeing the large number of data in red and green. After he was called by Lin Ruoxi, he noticed that he had subconsciously lit up a cigarette. Smiling awkwardly, he pinched on the cigarette end before keeping it in his shirt pocket. He wasn't bothered that the ash had gotten into it. "I'm sorry Babe. It wasn't intentional. I only wanted to put it in my mouth, but I accidentally lit it up."

Lin Ruoxi refrained her anger as she took a deep breath. She didn't have energy to get mad anymore. "My mind is in a mess right now. If you want to be with me, please don't behave this way. At least don't make me feel that you're watching a movie."

"I'm not watching a movie." Yang Chen pointed at the screen which was repeatedly changing. "I'm analysing the situation."

Lin Ruoxi felt a little better now. She asked, "Enlighten me then, what do you think of the situation?"

"I don't know," Yang Chen replied.

"Aren't you looking at the data?" Lin Ruoxi asked as she frowned.

Yang Chen waved his hand. "I am, but I fail to understand a single thing."

"You..."

Lin Ruoxi had the urge to take a few bites off Yang Chen's meat, but the situation was critical now, so she decided to leave him aside. She had long gotten used to this man's senseless behavior. She murmured, "I have to stay calm... I have to stay calm..." as she looked away.

At this moment, Yang Chen stood up smilingly and walked to Lin Ruoxi's back. When she wasn't paying attention, he used one of his arms to hug her waist.

Lin Ruoxi felt that the skin of her waist had been covered by a warmth. She shivered a little in shock. She looked behind and noticed Yang Chen's weird gaze.

Although it wasn't enough to be noticed by the other people in the room, Lin Ruoxi was still really nervous. She flushed as she tried to struggle off Yang Chen. Softly, she said, "Let me go. Why are you doing this suddenly..."

Yang Chen said beside her ear, "I can tell that you're nervous, so I want to help you relax."

"I told you I don't have time to joke around." Anger filled Lin Ruoxi's eyes. She was trying to come up with a solution for Yu Lei's difficulty, but this man was still playing games. He wasn't trying to relax her, but was pissing her off instead.

"You should be most aware that anger won't solve the problem," Yang Chen said with a smile.

"Can you solve the problem by messing around?" Lin Ruoxi asked as she stared at him angrily.

Yang Chen held a complex expression. He contemplated for quite a while, before finally opening his mouth. "Miss Lin Ruoxi, I'm now offering you a deal, not as your husband, not as your employee, not as your family, but merely as a man called Yang Chen. What do you think?"

Chapter 428 - Maiden

 

As dawn broke, the American Nasdaq stock market had finally come to a close.

Yu Lei International was in a really difficult predicament and it was only due to the Athena Team's unwavering effort that they managed to stabilize the situation and haven't yet lost the fight.

Even so, anyone came to the same realization that Yu Lei would once again be given fresh new challenges the next day when the stock market had reopened. If Yu Lei wasn't able to gather enough capital to join the fight, then they would have truly been considered to have lost the fight with the last of their defences torn apart.

The war without smoke and jolting metal projectiles had only just begun.

Within one of the presidential suites of a five-star hotel in Zhonghai through the wide glass doors and the mist, the rising sun could be seen.

The gentle light of dawn gently and gradually covered the busy city.

An energetic old man with whitening hair, clad in white silk pajamas, stood in front of the window. He had just finished his morning wash up routine.

The old man turned back and sat by a round glass table, on which a large basket of fruits was placed, as well as a cup of steaming-hot milk and a few slices of garlic-flavored toasts.

Before the old man could pick up a piece of bread, someone had knocked on the room door and reported, "Master, Mr Gao is here."

The old man furrowed his brow, annoyed that his breakfast had been disrupted. But still he said, "Let him in."

Through the door came a smart-looking man in a suit . However, he wore a sleazy smile as he bowed and said, "Apologies for disturbing your meal, Elder Mao. I, Guoxiong, really shouldn't have done so. Perhaps I should come back at a better time."

The old man known as Mao put his bread down and placed his hands against his arm rest. With an expression that bordered on a smile, he looked at Gao Guoxiong and said, "You sound like you bring good news."

Gao Guoxiong seemed as if his eyes flared up. "That's right. The stock market had just closed and the southeast-asian brokers we hired got the initiative. Yu Lei would have lost about three billion by now."

"This time, you have managed to catch Yu Lei off guard. That isn't anything worth gloating about," the old man said, as if speaking to himself, "The real fight will begin in two days. In terms of capital, the tycoons from Singapore and Malaysia you contacted are definitely better than the financially tight Yu Lei. Additionally, I've already applied some pressure, so Yu Lei will find it hard-pressed to borrow funds from the bank. If nothing goes wrong, that little girl Lin Ruoxi's surrender is at hand. It is only a matter of time."

"Elder Mao truly is wise. That really is the key. Otherwise, I would still be behind bars thanks to that sinister woman Lin Ruoxi. And even if I were able to borrow enough funds, competing with her would still prove to be a difficult task," Gao Guoxiong said with a savage look, "Don't worry, Elder Mao. Even if Lin Ruoxi has any other business tricks up her sleeve, she wouldn't have enough capital to execute them. There is nothing left that she can do. Additionally, this is only part of our strategy on the stock market. We still haven't used our other trump cards yet. When we successfully bury that mine in Yu Lei, there's no way that Lin Ruoxi will be able to hold on."

"Why, aren't you a harsh one..." Elder Mao laughed coldly as he looked at the thick stack of documents not far away and sighed. "I didn't think that Lin Ruoxi would have that kind of background. It's pretty impressive for you to have been able to obtain that information. While those things might not be too useful usually, they would be able to deal her a fatal blow at a crucial time like this."

Gao Guoxiong snickered and thought, Lin Ruoxi, I will make sure that retribution will be served for the humiliation that you have caused me... I will make you suffer. I will make you beg for death's sweet release.

Right at that moment, the bodyguard outside the door gave another knock. "Master, Mr Ning Guodong of the Ning clan wishes to see you."

"Ning Guodong?" Elder Mao revealed a doubtful look. "Let him in."

Ning Guodong looked handsome and gentle clad in a suit by Versace. He stepped into the room unhurriedly without giving the slightest look at Gao Guoxiong, as if he couldn't be bothered to spare him even a look.

"Elder Mao, you really are unpredictable. You've come to Zhonghai all of a sudden from Beijing and even secretly drummed up chaos in the process," Ning Guodong said with a sinister smile.

The old man drummed on the chair with his fingers. "Child of the Nings, I'm truly curious. Even though Premier Ning hasn't said a word, you were able to realize the problem so soon. What in the world is going on?"

"It's simple," Ning Guodong said as he picked up a small banana from the table and peeled it, "Recently, I've taken an interest in Yu Lei International's Lin Ruoxi. So, I began to take note of the things surrounding her. When the war took place at the American stock exchange yesterday night, I sent my people to check the situation out and someone reported to me during dawn that Elder Mao was pulling some strings in the background. Oh, it was also reported that there was a mess of people involved.

"After that, I checked out why you would do something like that and I only just realized that Lin Ruoxi actually had that kind of grudge with your family. Elder Mao, you're still a senior in every regard. How could you bully a weak girl like her? This is not appropriate for someone in your standing."

"Stop wasting your words with me. You're no different from that father of yours," said Elder Mao as he shook his head, "Tell me the real reason you came."

Ning Guodong bit into his banana and laughed. "Well, there's nothing, really. It's something I have to deal with, but it's nothing too serious. Yu Lei is being suppressed right now because they lack any political backing. Right now, the banks are being pressured by you to not lend them any funds. But, you should be well aware that the face of the Ning clan is worth more than yours."

Something flashed through that old man's eyes. "So?"

"I don't really care who runs Yu Lei or whether it's destroyed or not," said Ning Guodong as he took a few steps forward. "All I want now is that woman to be the mistress of the Ning clan. So, I can't let anything happen to Lin Ruoxi. However, I want to make her submit to me completely."

Elder Mao gave it some thought and shot a glance at Gao Guoxiong.

Gao Guoxiong didn't hesitate at all and obediently moved to the side and brought Ning Guodong the copied documents.

Ning Guodong received them and gave them a casual flip-through. At first, he looked doubtful, before he froze completely.

Elder Mao squinted and said, "If it hadn't been for this, I wouldn't have come to Zhonghai all the way from Beijing. It's because of this that I can truly be considered vitorious. I came here only with the aim of harvesting my fruits of triumph. But since you like that girlie so much, I'll leave that with you. You may hold her life in your hands when the time comes."

Ning Guodong's hands shivered as he rolled up the document.

......

At the old, western district of Zhonghai beside a quiet river stood a rather old row of villas.

Those villas were decorated with 19th-century-style, floral-patterned gates. Beyond the gates were all sorts of overgrowth and bushes with some small red flowers amidst them and beyond them was a patch of grass that was just greening as well as some other small plants.

Within one of the villas at a corner of the river, Guo Xuehua woke up early in the morning and went to the yard to start trimming the branches there.

Even though the villa was cleaned regularly, the plants which bordered the house were seldom tended to. As Wang Ma and Zhenxiu were preparing breakfast in the kitchen, Guo Xuehua stepped out alone to help with the work.

When she walked on the path beside the neighboring villa, Guo Xuehua saw that there was a girl of a tender age bending down to water some plants.

She looked to be around 23 to 24 years of age. Her skin was fair and clear and her long, wavy hair glistened under the first light of dawn. Her curvy figure could be seen vaguely underneath the loose, flowy cotton dress she wore.

Guo Xuehua looked at the young girl amidst the dawn and could feel her slightly laid-back aura. She couldn't help but stare for a little longer.

At that moment, that girl seemed to have noticed someone's gaze on her. She looked up and met Guo Xuehua's eyes.

She had no makeup on. Her quiet, elegant look carried a sense of grace and charm like beautiful mountains in the distance, ever so attracting.

She truly is a beautiful young lady, thought Guo Xuehua with awe. She smiled in a friendly fashion and said, "Good morning."

The girl seemed rather surprised, but she still bowed and said, "Good morning to you too."

"We've just moved here not long ago. Looks like we're neighbors," said Guo Xuehua with a smile.

The girl widened her eyes with realization and casually said, "Actually, I've just moved here not long ago too. This is my old home, but I haven't lived here for quite a while. I have only decided to move back into this house after I had someone to accompany me."

"Is that so? It seems we have a rather fateful connection," said Guo Xuehua. The more she looked at the girl, the more she found herself liking her. For some reason, she thought about her cold daughter-in-law. If my son Yang Chen had married this girl before Ruoxi, I would probably have a grandchild by now, huh? She's so well-kempt and sincere. Even though the girl was far from comparison to Lin Ruoxi in terms of looks, she gave off a familiar aura and didn't make others feel the need to distance themselves.

However, Guo Xuehua then mocked herself, Haha, a mother who has no right to speak, shouldn't be criticizing my son's choice of a partner.

Right at that moment, outside the iron gates of Guo Xuehua's villa, a motorcycle spulled up. A slender middle-aged man dressed in a large green overcoat took out a stack of letters from his sack and shouted, "Delivery! Please come collect your letters."

There wasn't anybody else on the streets right then. The postman's voice rang clear.

Guo Xuehua gave the postman a look and furrowed her brow before she complained, "Can't he just put it in the mailbox? Seriously..." However, she still put her cutters down and stepped towards the gate.

The woman in the other yard looked at the postman before her brows twitched. An odd look could be seen in her eyes.

Guo Xuehua soon arrived at the gate and unlocked it. She pushed the latch of the old-style gate aside and pushed it open.

"Why are there so many letters? I've only just recently moved in not too long ago," asked Guo Xuehua as she looked suspiciously at the thick stack of papers in the postman's hand.

The postman lowered his head without saying a single word. He took two steps forward to approach her and leaped all of a sudden!

A white handcuff appeared in the 'postman's' hand and he sent it straight for Guo Xuehua's nose!

Guo Xuehua paled in shock. Though she wanted to evade it, she wasn't able to keep up with the speed of that man!

Bam!

A loud sound rang out as the man leaping for Guo Xuehua was knocked back and sent flying into the gates before he passed out.

"Madam, are you alright?"

The girl had appeared beside Guo Xuehua before she noticed and sent that man flying!

Guo Xuehua almost fell to the ground and she was supported by that girl all this time. After being dazzled for a while, she snapped out of it and looked at the girl with horror.

"Madam, he's already out cold. You're fine," said the girl with a warm smile.

Guo Xuehua breathed out in relief. Looking at the fainted postman, she wondered why someone had suddenly tried to attack her. But she was even more awed by the mysterious appearance of that girl beside her that saved her from her predicament. Thankfully, she patted on that girl's slender arm and said, "Thank you, Miss. I haven't asked for your name yet."

"I'm Rose," said Rose with a flowery bright smile.

Chapter 429 - Is He Even Reliable

 

At the eastern business district of Zhonghai, which was often referred to as the section of the city with the highest class, the world's top 500 companies and finance firms operated there.

That place wasn't the same as the western district of the city center where Yu Lei International's building was located at. In fact, it was an economic zone that stood for the rich even more than the western district.

As the core economic center of China and one of the largest economic cities in the world, there was only a small handful out of the many that weren't well known. There were only those that customers couldn't recall, but never any that customers couldn't find.

In the dense concrete forest of skyscrapers was a rather aged dark-yellow-toned building of about twenty stories or so. It was located at the very border of the economic zone, standing tall and ever so silently.

That building was much much smaller when compared to the other skyscrapers that easily surpassed 80 stories, thus making it the least eye-catching building in the district.

Outside at the front of the parking place of that building were a few sedans as well as a few bicycles, which were really rare in the city.

It was rather stale in comparison to the other busy and magnificent buildings. It was as if no customers visited the building at all.

However, at its entrance stood two caucasian guards who meticulously watched over the building with a prideful look.

It was indeed a rather odd scene, but those who knew the true purpose of the building would understand the necessity. Because, on the flower bed outside that building stood a large granite block with gold symbols etched into a black platform. They depicted three english letters, 'UBS', and a logo of three keys.

That stood for Union Bank of Switzerland in English, and it was one of the most mysterious banking institutions in the world.

Nobody knew how much the bank was truly worth, nor did they know how many priceless treasures they kept safe from the past to present. There were none who doubted their secrecy and prestige, because they were the one and only.

It was said that when a tycoon went there to make a deposit, he was asked by a staff member how much he would like to bank in. The tycoon quietly said that he wanted to deposit five million US dollars.

That staff member smiled warmly and replied, "Mister, you don't have to be so shy about it. Even though many people here are really rich, being poor is not your fault."

Even though it was merely a casual conversation, It was enough for the people to truly realize the worth of the UBS.

The UBS branch in Zhonghai was the headquarters for all UBS operations in China. However, an amazing and established institution like that was actually based in such a nondescript building. It was just like the CIA branch in Washington; the place didn't match the reputation of the institution at all.

Not long had passed since the bank started operations for the day. The dawn sunlight shone on the building, covering it with a golden sheen that seemed to enrapture others.

A red Bentley drove slowly to the parking spot outside that building. One of the guards quickly took notice of it and politely made his way beside the car door and waited for the owner to step out.

Lin Ruoxi was slinging a white Hermes bag as she stepped elegantly out of the car. She turned to look at the bank she had only visited once before with a complicated expression.

"Please allow me to perform an inspection, Madam," said the guard with a smile. Though he was stunned by Lin Ruoxi's looks, he still returned to his duties politely and promptly.

Lin Ruoxi handed her bag to the guard. She truly hated the security protocols of UBS. That was the reason she never went there ever again after opening a savings account there.

After the guard did his check, he motioned for Lin Ruoxi to enter. She then stepped up the platform and was directed through a body scanner at the entrance. There was no reaction, and she was finally allowed into the building.

"Madam, how can I help you?" asked a manager who came out of the hall and walked up to her with a polite smile.

As there were very few customers, each person who entered the bank was a VIP and was treated to personal service.

Lin Ruoxi hesitated for a bit, but she still forced herself to say it. "I'm here to take a loan."

The manager was a pleasant-looking lady in her thirties. Even though she had been rather surprised by the sheer beauty of Lin Ruoxi, she wore a weird expression when she heard what she said.

"Madam, are you one of our customers?" asked the manager.

Lin Ruoxi nodded and flipped her big for a black and silver credit card. "I have a bank account here."

The manager was taken aback as she knew what that credit card stood for. It was only given to people who had minimum savings of 200 million US dollars. The young woman before her looked only to be in her twenties, yet she was already one of the richest tycoons in the whole of China that owned hundreds of millions of dollars!

The manager's attitude became respectful. With a smile, she said, "Apologies, Madam. You might have misunderstood, but our bank doesn't provide loans."

The manager was quite confused. Why would a woman like that require any loans? How much would she need anyway? One billion dollars?

Given that Lin Ruoxi studied industrial management and was quite an avid reader, how could she not know such a simple fact that the UBS didn't offer loans?

However, that man insisted that he could borrow loans from that place!

Lin Ruoxi touched the nondescript ring that Yang Chen put on her middle finger. It shone like black jade, but it was of a metal construction. She didn't understand the engravings on the ring at all.

She recalled the moment when she talked to Yang Chen during dawn at the resort they were at.

"Miss Lin Ruoxi, can you agree to my conditions?" asked Yang Chen as she looked earnestly into her eyes.

Lin Ruoxi's eyes didn't show the slightest tension. It was as if the conditions Yang Chen brought out weren't of much importance at all.

After a moment, she asked, "If I agree, do you really have a way to provide Yu Lei with the five billion dollars of yuan it needs to continue its fight?"

According to Athena Team's accurate calculations, it would be the safest if she could secure that amount of funds to defeat her well-prepared enemies when Nasdaq started trading again on the next day.

Usually, that amount of money wouldn't be hard for Yu Lei to gather from their own available funds and some bank loans. However, the banks had cut off their working relationship for some unknown reason during the time when the company needed the money most. Lin Ruoxi had no other way to procure five billion within a single day.

"Even if I have done things to anger you in the past, I have never lied to you, have I?" said Yang Chen with a laugh.

Lin Ruoxi narrowed her eyes, making her lotus-like beautiful face carry a slight look of annoyance. But she still nodded and said, "I promise you that I'll follow your orders to the dot if you can return me a promise for your word."

Yang Chen, seemingly relieved, couldn't help but say, "I know this is extremely cruel and unfair to you. But I only need one year. If you really can't take it, I'll give up for good."

"Then tell me your plan," said Lin Ruoxi, seemingly uninterested in Yang Chen's proposition at all.

Yang Chen smiled and took out an intricate, yet ancient-looking ring and slowly fitted it over Lin Ruoxi's middle finger.

"Don't over think this. This isn't a wedding ring, so I won't put it on your ring finger," said Yang Chen as he winked to Lin Ruoxi, "When we wed formally, I'll give you a diamond ring the size of a cow's eye as a wedding ring."

Lin Ruoxi's beautiful face flushed red. She had almost gotten the wrong idea and thought that the ring that was procured was for the same reason she was told it was not.

"And what's this supposed to be? Is it worth five billion yuan?" Lin Ruoxi gave Yang Chen a dissatisfied glare to stave away her awkwardness.

Yang Chen shrugged. "It's hard to say how much this is worth exactly. However, if you bring this to UBS and request for a loan, you'll be able to get five billion."

"Don't you have any common sense? The Union Bank of Switzerland? Are you not aware that they do not offer a loan service?" snapped Lin Ruoxi angrily.

Yang Chen laughed relaxedly and said, "Calm down. Of course they don't offer normal loans. However, they will consider special cases. Trust me. There's no reason for me to joke around with you on matters such as this. I too realize the importance and urgency of the matter. Also, you have no choice but to trust me anyway, right? It's not like you have any alternatives to this."

After some thought, Lin Ruoxi admitted that she could only try the weird method Yang Chen taught her and sighed as she looked at the ring around her finger.

Within the bank, Lin Ruoxi's expression changed completely. However, she raised her head in the end and said plainly, "I know you don't offer loans, but I have this."

Lin Ruoxi raised her hand and flashed the ancient, ink-colored metal ring.

"What is this?" The manager was confused and didn't know what Lin Ruoxi was up to at all.

Lin Ruoxi cursed, Darn that fellow! Did he make this up?!

"I want to request an audience with your president," said Lin Ruoxi with grit teeth.

The manager replied helplessly, "Madam, we really don't offer loans. Even though I'm not sure why you're so adamant on getting a loan here, at the end of the day, you will be disappointed with the result. Even if I call the president over, you'll still be given the same reply."

"I want to see your president." Lin Ruoxi really didn't know how to explain it, so she could only repeat her request.

The manager had no choice. That was a customer she couldn't afford to offend. So, after she read Lin Ruoxi's name off her credit card, she used a nearby phone to call the president's office's number.

"Mr Stephen, there's a lady here that is insisting to meet you. She's here for a loan... Yes, I've already told her that, but she insisted to meet you. Oh, and she's one of our VIP-level customers. Yes, alright..."

After a few moments, Stephen, who had just started work not long ago, made his decision and allowed Lin Ruoxi to go up to his office for a chat.

Though Lin Ruoxi let out a sigh of relief, her worries had only increased. What if the president doesn't recognize that weird ring? Would she have to request meeting the director of the main headquarters of UBS?

She followed the manager to the top floor and eventually arrived at the president's office. Lin Ruoxi took a deep breath and tried to be more alert.

No matter what happens next, all she could do was trust Yang Chen and follow through. She hoped that the ring in her hand really had that mysterious function he promised her.

Chapter 430 - Persephone

 

Stephen, the President of Union Bank of Switzerland, was British. More accurately, he was an inheritor of an old British clan.

Other than his competence, he had become the president of UBS in China because he had a slight Chinese bloodline, not to mention he had taken an interest to the eastern culture since young. He even graduated from a university in Hong Kong.

Thus, Stephen could speak Mandarin better than he could in English, which as a result made a lot of people find him weird.

"It's such an unexpected morning. You must be Boss Lin from Yu Lei, am I right?" Stephen asked as he made the gesture of a gentleman to welcome Lin Ruoxi, instead of shaking her hand like what others would do. With grey hair and a slender face, he looked surprisingly energetic.

In fact, when a man first meets a woman, the female was to initiate the hand shaking, but it was rude if the male took action instead. It was a cheap act that could represent the intention to take advantage. However, when it came to such a western etiquette, most people in the country only understood half of it.

Born in a royal family, Stephen naturally had a grasp on etiquettes.

Lin Ruoxi actually didn't pay much attention to his behavior. She was still thinking contemplating about the situation before her.

She followed Stephen to the old sofa made of redwood before putting down her handbag. She revealed the smile of a professional, but still appeared cold as ever.

"Mr Stephen, do you know me?" It was her first time meeting this man, so she asked out of curiosity to break the ice.

Embarrassed, Stephen smiled and said, "I feel rather guilty mentioning this. I attended the banquet held by Yu Lei at the Imperial Tower last year. At that time, I only managed to see Boss Lin from afar. I swear I only held the look of admiration. Boss Lin is a really attractive lady, so I managed to remember you after only a glance."

Stephen talked really calmly, but Lin Ruoxi still couldn't refrain from blushing. It should be mentioned that the British man was at least fifty years old. When she was 'admired' by a man who was old enough to be a father, she felt rather uncomfortable.

"Really? Since the banquet is organized by our public relations department, I don't usually memorize the guest list. I apologize on my part," Lin Ruoxi said. Since she had a favor to ask, she had to speak respectfully. "I presume Mr Stephen was informed about my objective of coming here today."

Stephen's smile remained as he said, "I had a look at your company earlier when you were coming up. I know that Boss Lin now requires a huge sum of cash. But I believe Boss Lin is aware that we don't provide loans at UBS. Also, being one of the Fortune 500 companies, why don't you use the name of Yu Lei International to borrow money with your partner banks?"

Stephen used so many words to actually only mean one thing—you're Lin Ruoxi, but you're also not an exception.

"Yes, I'm very well aware of your policies," Lin Ruoxi said as she rubbed the ring on her right hand finger. "I have no reason to lie to you. Mr Stephen, possibly due to the number of enemies I have, the people I'm facing this time are so powerful that they have an influence in the government, so all of the major banks we're partnered with have chosen to avoid this battle."

Stephen remained quiet for a while. Frowning, he asked, "But what has made Boss Lin come here? Whether or not we're afraid of your enemy isn't the problem here. It's impossible for us to provide loans. Boss Lin should be aware of our rule."

Lin Ruoxi gathered her courage before slowly raising her right hand, displaying the ink-colored ring on her middle finger.

"Someone told me that, with this ring, UBS will make an exception for me and provide me with the funds."

Stephen was shocked. Having lowered his head for a while in contemplation, Stephen stood up from the sofa and said, "Will you allow me to closely analyse your ring?"

"Of course." Lin Ruoxi removed the ring and passed it to Stephen.

"Boss Lin, I need to verify certain data with our headquarters. Please wait a moment," Stephen said before walking to his office with the ring.

Lin Ruoxi felt rather strange. Stephen said he had to verify some information. In other words, if the verification was successful, UBS did provide loans! However, this would also mean that this information was not something that was common knowledge to the banks customers. Also, there might also be many hidden meanings.

Can Yang Chen possibly be right? As Lin Ruoxi found hope, the figure in his heart became more and more foggy.

Stephen looked extremely strict and solemn when he returned to his office table.

Using his mouse and keyboard, he opened the software of UBS. Stephen keyed in his information to access the internal operations.

After briefly reading through the page, Stephen clicked on the option 'Unconventional Clients'.

Then, Stephen took out an electronic scanner equipment from the safe box behind and connected it to the computer, before conducting iris, voice, and fingerprint tests.

Lin Ruoxi was surprised to see Stephen undergo the series of tests. What information is he trying to access? Why would it need to be so complicated?! she thought.

Stephen raised his head and let out an apologetic smile. "Boss Lin, the situation you have bestowed unto me is a rather unique one. Please wait for a while more."

Stephen had entered the next page as he finished speaking. It was a silver page filled with words of Ancient Rome.

In the entire Union Bank of Switzerland, there were less than ten people who could understand these series of words, while Stephen happened to be one of them.

He murmured something as he dragged the alphabets on the screen to rearrange them. Having spent around three minutes, the alphabets formed a poem... "Whew, I have to look into having a replacement for my position in a few years time. I won't be able to remember these for long."

As Stephen muttered to himself, there were changes on his computer screen.

The screen had turned dark completely. After three seconds, a white line appeared at the center. Soon, the page opened from the center, displaying the true information inside.

There were three and a half pages of pictures and descriptions. Each picture was a delicate item. There were necklaces, rings, bracelets, and a few weird items like a golden signboard, an old tobacco pipe, etc.

Stephen started reading from the third page. There were around ten minutes in that page. After looking through the page, he shook his head before going to the second page.

There were only five items on the second page. Stephen carefully looked at the two pictures containing a ring, then at the ring placed on his table before once again shaking his head.

Taking a deep breath, Stephen turned to the first page. There were a total of two items on this page... At that exact instant, Stephen's pupils shrank violently.

Even if he knew that this was going to happen eventually, he refused to believe what he observed. Currently, he was stunned to see the picture on the screen displaying the exact same ring!

This... is really that thing?!

Lin Ruoxi couldn't help but feel worried to see Stephen's expressions of astonishment and agitation. There were only so many things in the world that could have shocked this old man into silence.

Stephen used around five minutes to analyze the ring he was holding and the one in the picture. He had read through the description again and again, amounting to more than ten times in total.

Finally, he had made sure the the inner side of the ring had the exact same alphabets 'PLUTO'. Drawing a cross in front of his chest, he prayed before closing the system on his computer.

"Mr Stephen, what have you found out from your testings?" Lin Ruoxi didn't usually ask someone for results as she had a calm personality, but she really couldn't hold herself back anymore.

Solemnly, Stephen held the ring with both of his hands as he walked toward Lin Ruoxi slowly before showing it to her. "May I ask who the person who gave Madam Lin this ring is?"

Stephen had already ignored Lin Ruoxi's identity as a CEO.

Lin Ruoxi bit her lips. Although she was rather shy, she still looked at Stephen right into his eyes. Clearly, she said, "He's my husband."

Stephen's body shivered before staggering backward and kneeling on the ground!

"Madam Persephone, it's an honour to have been able to serve you." Stephen's eyes were filled with awe.

Persephone? Lin Ruoxi felt a headache. What is that?

Before she could think of something, Stephen had stood up, while he appeared to be getting on Lin Ruoxi's good side, looking completely different from his gentleman's smile earlier.

"Madam, may I ask how much cash you need now? I'll obtain it for you immediately," Stephen said while he bowed down partially.

"Wait." Lin Ruoxi found it weird that she was now referred as 'Madam'. "Mr Stephen, who is Persephone? Why are you... calling me this way?"

Stephen was stunned at her question, but soon thought of something. Gently smiling, he answered, "Madam, since you husband, the respected being has not yet explained it to you, I have no right to say anything. Please give me your order. You're now the holder of the Ring of Pluto. You may obtain 100 billion euros of cash anytime you want. May I ask how much is it you're looking for?"

Lin Ruoxi could no longer process the situation. Her eyes widened to their max. There was only one thing in her mind. What?! 100 billion... euros?!