Chapter 33: Let's Fall in Love

“That’s Yun’s decision—she must have her reasons, beyond my understanding,” Jiang Lin said.

“What about that Mr. Lin? Who is he, really?” Qin Monong pressed.

“I’m not sure. If I find out more, I’ll let you know.” Seeing things were already settled, Qin Monong could only give up, shifting her focus to Mr. Lin. “Help me find a way to get close to him. I’ll reward you handsomely.” Jiang Lin nodded and left.

The Liu family was the happiest of all. Not only did they secure a partnership with Prosperity Group, but they also won themselves a future son-in-law worth his weight in gold. They had struck it rich.

“Where’s Yang? Didn’t I tell him to wait outside?” Liu Chengzhi asked.

“What do you need him for? He’s got a wealthy patron now. He doesn’t need you to worry about him,” Yu Ping said, curling her lip.

“Dad, you’re not still thinking of marrying me off to him, are you?” Liu Fuyu interjected.

“No way! Don’t worry, Yu. Even if your father had that idea, I wouldn’t agree. Liang Kuan is my future son-in-law. Lin Yang, that good-for-nothing, isn’t worthy of you,” Yu Ping declared.

Liu Chengzhi added, “Liang Kuan is indeed more suitable. I know where my priorities lie—I won’t get muddled about this. I just want to look after Yang a bit more. After all, how could I face Brother Lin otherwise?”

“Dad, Mom, Liang Kuan invited me out shopping. I’m going now,” Liu Fuyu said after taking a phone call.

“Behave yourself and come home early,” Liu Chengzhi reminded.

Yu Ping shot her husband a glare and said to Liu Fuyu, “Don’t listen to your father—he’s just old-fashioned. Go and enjoy yourself. You’re an adult now, so make your own choices. I won’t meddle much. But remember—always protect yourself, understand?”

“Mom, what are you saying? I’m not that kind of person,” Liu Fuyu replied, her cheeks flushing as she hurried off to find Liang Kuan.

After she left, Yu Ping turned to Liu Chengzhi. “Let me warn you: if you dare bring Lin Yang to live with us, don’t blame me for turning against you.”

“I just want to give him a chance at the company, help him build something for himself,” Liu Chengzhi said.

“No way! That boy is hopeless, nothing will come of him!” Yu Ping declared, marching straight to the car.

Liu Chengzhi was left in a quandary. He truly wanted to look after Lin Yang, but putting that into practice was proving difficult.

Meanwhile, Murong Yun drove away from the hotel and called Lin Yang.

“Mr. Lin, why did you slip away so suddenly? Tonight, you were supposed to be the star.”

“I don’t want to reveal my identity too soon. Drawing too much attention isn’t wise. Go take care of the banquet—I’ll be fine.”

“But I just want to keep you company. Where are you? I’ll come find you.”

Murong Yun’s voice was smooth and soothing, a melody to the ear.

“I’m thinking of finding a place to have a drink,” Lin Yang replied.

“Drinking alone? How dull—and not good for the heart or the body. What if I join you?”

“With a beautiful companion? I couldn’t ask for more.”

“I’ll send you the location. I’ll go change first—see you in half an hour.”

The place Murong Yun chose was an elegant lounge by the Luo River. Lin Yang found a window seat, and before long, Murong Yun arrived.

She had changed out of her classic cheongsam, which had accentuated her grace, and now wore a low-cut, short dress that revealed an enticing sweep of cleavage. Black stockings hugged her long, shapely legs. Light makeup highlighted her features, transforming her aura from classical elegance to sultry sophistication—a true chameleon queen.

“This isn’t how you usually dress,” Lin Yang observed.

“Do you like it?” Murong Yun asked with a playful smile.

“I do,” Lin Yang answered honestly.

“Do you like it on me?” Murong Yun leaned in, resting her chin on her hands, her eyes as clear and enchanting as a mountain lake.

Lin Yang hadn’t expected her to be so direct from the start. “Of course I do.”

The fire within him, only suppressed and not extinguished by the medicinal bath, was instantly stoked by her teasing.

Murong Yun smiled, seemingly satisfied with his answer. For a while, the two simply gazed into each other’s eyes, as if trying to etch the other’s image deep into their souls. Only when the server brought the drinks did their gaze break.

Lin Yang cleared his throat and raised his glass. “Thank you for everything tonight.”

Murong Yun’s cheeks colored as she took a sip to steady herself. “Just saying thank you isn’t enough.”

“What do you want me to do, then?”

“Date me,” Murong Yun said.

“What?!” Lin Yang choked, staring at her in disbelief. Was she really being this straightforward? Was this a confession?

Murong Yun truly did things her own way, never following the rules.

“Did I scare you?” Murong Yun laughed.

“No, not at all. It’s just… you’re being unusually bold tonight,” Lin Yang replied.

“I always go straight for what I want. So, are you willing or not?”

“Uh…yes…”

“Good! You said it yourself, Mr. Lin, and you’re a man of your word, aren’t you? You won’t regret it, will you?” Murong Yun cut in before he could finish. Lin Yang could only smile wryly. “I wasn’t done talking.”

“Too late—you already agreed. Wan’er will be thrilled. I’ve helped her achieve a dream, so as her sister, I can finally stop worrying.”

“Wait…what did you say? Wan’er?”

“Yes! Wan’er likes you, but she’s too shy to confess. As her sister, I had to play matchmaker.”

Lin Yang was speechless; he realized he’d been skillfully maneuvered by Murong Yun.

“Maybe you should worry about your own love life first, instead of meddling in others’,” he retorted.

At that, Murong Yun’s gaze dimmed, and she drained her glass in one swallow. “My own future is probably not mine to decide.”

“You’re facing an arranged marriage too?” Lin Yang asked, curiosity piqued.

“Let’s not talk about me. What about you and Wan’er?”

“Nothing to speak of,” Lin Yang replied flatly.

“Is she not pretty enough for you?”

“It’s not about looks. I just don’t feel that way about her. If it were you, that might be a different story,” Lin Yang teased in return.

“You’re terrible.” Murong Yun gave him a playful shove.

At that moment, Lin Yang spotted Liu Fuyu and Liang Kuan entering the bar together, laughing and chatting with evident closeness.

“What’s Liu Fuyu doing here with Liang Kuan?” Lin Yang thought, recalling how, back in high school, he had once beaten Liang Kuan up. Back then, Liu Fuyu had followed him everywhere, calling herself his fiancée.