Chapter 8 How Dare You Accuse My Boyfriend of Being a Thief?

Lin Yang had no desire to discuss such personal matters in front of outsiders, but Murong Yun continued to state her position.

“With your current abilities, dealing with Qin Monong would be effortless. I’d be more than happy to offer whatever help I can,” she said.

“I’m not in a hurry. It’s far more interesting to take my time and play along,” Lin Yang replied, a trace of amusement curling his lips.

Murong Yun sighed inwardly. “Qin Monong, you and I are equally renowned. In terms of skill and beauty, I may not surpass you. But in the end, you are still inferior to me—you lost to me! You missed out on Lin Yang, the greatest treasure, while I managed to forge a friendship with him. Otherwise, with your status as his godmother, I fear the Murong family would eventually be trampled under your feet.”

Over the past year, Qin Monong’s power had grown ever more formidable, and she was beginning to overshadow Murong Yun. In the circles of Luo City, a new opinion had emerged: though Murong Yun was beautiful, she lacked the mature allure and charm possessed by Qin Monong, making her somewhat less impressive.

Moreover, Murong Yun owed her standing to her privileged birth and family background, while Qin Monong had managed to expand the Xingyao Group even after the death of the Lin family couple—a testament to her greater capability.

As the two most celebrated beauties of Luo City, Murong Yun naturally felt competitive upon hearing such remarks, secretly pitting herself against Qin Monong. Now, however, she felt thoroughly vindicated. Regardless of anything else, her relationship with Lin Yang allowed her to reclaim her pride.

“Mr. Lin, is there anything missing at home? Make a list for me, and I’ll have everything delivered. And if you need a housekeeper, I’ll arrange it—guaranteed to meet your satisfaction,” Murong Yun offered, determined to maintain her bond with Lin Yang.

“I prefer to handle things myself. I’m used to being alone. No need to trouble you,” Lin Yang replied. Having endured betrayal from Qin Monong and her daughter, he always kept his guard up, unwilling to trust others easily.

Murong Yun, understanding boundaries, was not overly forward. “Very well. If you need anything, just let me know.”

Lin Yang wandered through the villa, upstairs and down. The renovations were complete throughout, except the garden, which retained its original appearance.

“Mr. Lin, it’s getting late. May I have the honor of dining with you this evening?” Murong Yun asked.

“How could anyone refuse such a delightful invitation from Miss Murong? It would be my pleasure,” Lin Yang responded. Although he was cautious with her, he couldn’t deny she left a favorable impression, and Murong Yun possessed a charm that was difficult to resist.

Lin Yang was no ascetic; faced with a beautiful woman, he was as susceptible as any other man.

Murong Yun drove Lin Yang to the city’s largest mall.

“Weren’t we going to eat?” Lin Yang asked.

“The restaurant is on the top floor. I’ve already booked a table. We’re a bit early, so why don’t we stroll through the mall and pick up a few outfits for you?” Murong Yun suggested thoughtfully.

“Very well, I’ll rely on Miss Murong’s expertise,” Lin Yang agreed. He was wearing cheap, worn clothes that had faded after many washes; he definitely needed new attire.

“Relax and leave yourself in my hands. I promise you won’t be disappointed,” Murong Yun said with a rare playful wink.

She led Lin Yang to the Gucci boutique. Just as they were about to enter, Murong Yun’s phone rang.

“Sorry, I need to take this call. Go ahead and have a look inside—I’ll be right there,” she said.

Lin Yang nodded and stepped into the boutique, where a sales associate immediately greeted him.

“Welcome to Gucci, sir,” a young female clerk said warmly.

“Is there anything you’re looking for? I can recommend something tailored to you,” she offered, without a hint of disdain despite Lin Yang’s shabby appearance.

“I’ll just browse for now,” Lin Yang replied.

“Lin Yang?” came a surprised voice from another clerk.

“Feng Yujiao?” Lin Yang recognized her—it was his high school deskmate, who had once pursued him. She was reasonably attractive.

“I heard you got arrested for drug use. When did they let you out?” Feng Yujiao asked with undisguised contempt.

Lin Yang felt her scorn but didn’t bother to explain. “It’s none of your concern,” he said coolly.

“What’s with the attitude? Addict, degenerate gambler—you think you’re still the young master of the Lin family?” Feng Yujiao sneered.

Several idle clerks approached, asking Feng Yujiao what was happening. She immediately launched into a vivid account.

“He was my high school classmate—used to be a rich kid, so arrogant. A couple of years ago, his parents died. Without them, he’s nothing. Drug addict, gambler, squandered his family fortune,” she gossiped.

The other clerks listened, eager for drama.

“What are you doing here today? This is Gucci—can you even afford anything? Or are you here to steal? Degenerate gambler,” Feng Yujiao jeered.

Lin Yang smiled faintly. “So all this is because you once pursued me and I turned you down? Is it really worth holding such a grudge?”

“I must have been blind back then. Look at you now, wearing trash, daring to walk into our shop—shameless! Get out!” Feng Yujiao demanded.

“Feng, he’s still a customer. You can’t just throw customers out. Be careful, you might get reported,” whispered Chen Xiaoling, the clerk who had first greeted Lin Yang.

“You shut up! Do you think I’m afraid of complaints?” Feng Yujiao retorted arrogantly.

“That’s right, how could a degenerate gambler afford Gucci? Feng is the manager, her boyfriend’s the supervisor—complaints won’t matter,” the other clerks chimed in, supporting her.

“Did you hear that? I’m the manager now, my boyfriend’s in charge. And you? Just a fallen gambler, a rat scurrying across the street, hated by all!”

“Get out! Don’t dirty our floor, or I’ll call security,” Feng Yujiao threatened, relishing her moment to finally lord over Lin Yang and avenge her humiliation from years past.

Outside, Murong Yun was still on the phone but had been watching and overheard everything. Anger flashed in her eyes.

She quickly finished her call and strode into the boutique.

“A mere manager, and you dare to slander and drive out a customer—who gave you the nerve?” Murong Yun’s presence commanded the room, instantly silencing everyone.

“Please don’t misunderstand, madam. We’re only targeting this person. He’s not a customer, but a thief trying to steal clothes,” Feng Yujiao said. Despite being the manager, she was shrewd enough to recognize Murong Yun was no ordinary person from her attire and bearing—she dared not offend her lightly.

“You slander my boyfriend as a thief, then ask me not to misunderstand?” Murong Yun’s words struck like thunder as she boldly took Lin Yang’s arm, catching him completely off guard.