Chapter 30 Are You Jealous?

Guests arrived one after another, though the banquet had yet to officially begin. Murong Yun, however, deliberately instructed her secretary, Jiang Lin, to leak news about a distinguished guest, so many attendees had already heard whispers and were discussing it in hushed tones.

“I just heard someone say that tonight’s birthday banquet will be graced by a mysterious, important figure. Even Director Cao broke his usual protocol to attend because of this person. Xiao Liang, do you know who this big shot is?” Yu Ping asked.

“No idea. Maybe it’s someone from the Murong family in the provincial capital,” Liang Kuan replied.

“But I heard this VIP’s surname is Lin, not Murong,” Yu Ping said, puzzled.

“Who cares who it is? Once the banquet begins, we’ll find out,” Liu Fuyu commented indifferently, unconcerned since such figures were far removed from their everyday lives.

“True. Such people are beyond our reach,” Yu Ping said, feeling quite cheerful. She turned to Liang Kuan, “Xiao Liang, I really must thank you! Since you and Xiao Yu are classmates, you should come over often. You’re always welcome at our home—try your auntie’s cooking sometime.”

“No need to thank me—it was nothing. Anything concerning Fuyu is my concern, and I’ll always do my best to help,” Liang Kuan responded.

“Good, good! Auntie likes young men like you,” Yu Ping said, beaming.

Liu Chengzhi was also pleased with Liang Kuan’s manners and had no objection to his friendship with Liu Fuyu.

In the lounge, Cao Keming and Murong Ze discussed work matters, which held little interest for Lin Yang. Murong Yun noticed his boredom and offered to accompany him for a stroll.

Outside the lounge, Lin Yang said, “Thank you.”

“They’re all talking official business—I find it dull too. I’ve been restless for a while now,” Murong Yun said, her intelligence shining through.

At that moment, Jiang Lin approached with a folder and respectfully greeted Lin Yang.

“President Yun, here’s this year’s list of prospective partner companies for your review. Please choose which one you prefer,” Jiang Lin said.

Murong Yun quickly browsed the document, then turned to Lin Yang, “Mr. Lin, why don’t you take a look? Which company do you think is suitable?”

“I don’t really know, but I do have a recommendation. Perhaps you could consider it,” Lin Yang said.

“Oh? Which one?” Murong Yun asked, curious.

“Sincerity Group,” he replied.

“Liu Chengzhi’s Sincerity Group?”

“That’s right,” Lin Yang affirmed.

“But aren’t you at odds with the Liu family? I saw with my own eyes how Liu Fuyu treated you the other day,” Murong Yun said, perplexed.

“There was some misunderstanding before. Uncle Liu has always been decent to me. As for Liu Fuyu, I don’t care to quarrel with her. I heard Sincerity Group is facing difficulties—maybe you could help them out,” Lin Yang explained.

“If you ask, it’s hardly a problem. But, you’re not planning to rekindle things with Liu Fuyu, are you?” Murong Yun teased.

Murong Yun pursed her lips. “Do you think that’s possible? I’m not some lovesick puppy,” Lin Yang scoffed, rolling his eyes.

“That’s more like it,” Murong Yun said, seeming relieved.

“Oh? Are you jealous?” Lin Yang teased, smiling.

“Yes, I am. What are you going to do about it?” Murong Yun arched her brows.

Jiang Lin, sensing the playful banter between Murong Yun and Lin Yang, tactfully stepped back a few paces and turned away.

“It’s simple. I have a prescription for jealousy—I’ll write it for you,” Lin Yang said, feigning seriousness.

“You’re impossible!” Murong Yun laughed, giving Lin Yang’s arm a playful slap. Then she turned to Jiang Lin, “No need to review the materials. We’ll go with Mr. Lin’s suggestion—choose Sincerity Group and announce it at the banquet.”

“Understood, President Yun,” Jiang Lin replied, quickly making her exit without daring to linger.

“You really picked Sincerity Group? Aren’t you worried about whether it’s suitable or profitable enough?” Lin Yang was surprised by her decisiveness.

“If you ask, I’ll do it—even if it’s a losing deal. No matter how great the gain, it’s nothing compared to you. I’ll never refuse anything you request,” Murong Yun said, her eyes shining.

“Cough… I think I’ll take a walk,” Lin Yang muttered, overwhelmed by Murong Yun’s charm and subtle flirtation. He quickly found an excuse to slip away, her melodious laughter trailing behind him.

Lin Yang wandered out to the garden beside the banquet hall, where clusters of guests mingled, drinking and chatting.

“Blind bastard, what are you doing here?” Qin Yanran, sitting with a group of wealthy heirs, suddenly spotted Lin Yang. She was so shocked she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her.

She got up, strode over, and sized him up.

“You’re even wearing designer clothes—where did you steal them from? How did you sneak in here? What are you up to?” Qin Yanran demanded in rapid succession.

“None of your business,” Lin Yang retorted bluntly.

“Feeling bold, are you? Talking back to me! You think just because you escaped my house, I can’t deal with you anymore?”

“Try laying a finger on me,” Lin Yang challenged.

Qin Yanran clenched her fists, ready to punch him.

“Yanran, what are you doing? Do you realize where you are?” Qin Menong appeared just in time to stop her.

“Mom, how did this blind bastard get in here? He’s definitely up to no good, here to stir trouble,” Qin Yanran complained.

“Go play with your friends—I’ll handle this,” Qin Menong said.

Qin Yanran pointed at Lin Yang’s nose, threatening, “Blind bastard, I warn you—don’t cause trouble. Otherwise, when the banquet’s over, I’ll beat you to death.”

Qin Menong eyed Lin Yang, trying to figure out how he had ended up here.

“Come with me,” she said.

Lin Yang followed Qin Menong out of the garden to a pavilion behind the house.

“How did you get in?” she demanded coldly.

Lin Yang said nothing, but instead slapped her shapely behind.

“What are you doing?!” Qin Menong was livid, terrified someone might see.

“I don’t know why, but every time I see you, I feel like spanking you,” Lin Yang said, raising his hand.

Qin Menong’s face was flush with anger, clearly furious.

“Why did you sneak in here?” she ground out through clenched teeth.

“Someone invited me.”

“Who would invite you? Do you have any idea where you are? Get out immediately!” Qin Menong felt Lin Yang’s presence was a ticking time bomb.

If he revealed, in front of everyone, what they’d done together, the consequences would be disastrous.

“You’re not the host—what right do you have to throw me out?” Lin Yang laughed.

“Lin Yang!” Qin Menong hissed, lowering her voice. “What exactly do you want? Did you come here on purpose to ruin my reputation?”

“I learned that trick from you. My reputation was ruined by you long ago. Now that it’s your turn, you can’t stand it?” Lin Yang’s feelings toward Qin Menong were complicated; whenever he recalled what she’d done, anger surged within him.

Especially after hearing Liu Chengzhi’s words earlier, Lin Yang hated her even more.

Yet amidst that hatred was something indefinable, something he couldn’t quite explain.

After all, Qin Menong had been his first woman—the one who’d taught him what it meant to be a man.

They say a woman never forgets her first man, holds a special affection for him; truth is, a man feels the same about his first woman.

Even if some men lose their virginity to professionals who must be paid, they never forget the experience.