Chapter Seventy-Three: The Great Shaolin Approaches from the East!

“What?” Upon hearing this, Lan Ruoxue’s eyes widened. “I’ve already given the core formula to Wushang, and you still want my sister to apologize?”

“You wretch, don’t push your luck—”

Slap!

Lan Ruoshuang, enraged, was about to retort, but An Lan, swift as lightning, delivered a fierce slap across her face.

“Right now, I’m only asking for an apology,” An Lan said coldly. “If you dare make trouble again, do you believe I won’t kill you?”

Though she was known as a domineering CEO, her methods were anything but gentle. Anyone who clashed with her interests and went too far would not be spared, at least not in words. Given her formidable presence and her connection to the An family, it was not out of the question that she could make good on her threats.

“Ruoshuang, bear with it,” Zheng Yiren whispered, fearful of An Lan. She wasn’t entirely sure of the woman’s background, but as someone adept in social circles, she could sense that An Lan was no ordinary figure. Besides, with the An family’s banquet about to begin, it was hardly the time for more trouble.

“But she hit me, and still wants me to apologize…”

“If you hadn’t spoken out of turn, she wouldn’t have acted out,” Lan Ruoxue shot her a look, lowering her voice. “I’ll say it again: the family’s interests come first.”

“I know your temperament. You say the most unpleasant things. If you run into someone good-tempered, perhaps it would be overlooked. But if you provoke someone with a bad temper, not just you, but the whole Lan family could be dragged down.”

“Just apologize—for the sake of our family.”

“Your grievances, I’ll deal with later.”

At these words, Lan Ruoshuang trembled with rage, her gaze venomous as she glared at the two of them, wishing she could tear them apart. But her elder sister’s orders were clear, and for the family’s sake, she could only swallow her pride. Enduring the humiliation, she walked forward, bowed deeply to Ye Wushang, and said respectfully, “I’m sorry, Ye Wushang. I was wrong.”

“I shouldn’t have spoken to you so rudely. Please, be magnanimous and forgive me this once.”

Ye Wushang’s expression remained indifferent as he replied coldly, “I know a dog can’t change its ways. This apology isn’t sincere. But it doesn’t matter—if you have a problem, come at me. As long as you don’t hurt my sister or my friends, do as you please.”

An Lan smiled. “But if you want to come after him, you’ll have to reckon with me first.”

“If she wants to deal with you, she’ll have to get past me.”

“Let’s go, Wushang. The banquet is about to begin. I’m looking forward to your performance tonight.”

With that, she took Ye Wushang’s arm, and, with Ye Wuyou in tow, walked straight into the hotel.

Watching the two of them so intimately entwined, Lan Ruoxue felt an unexpected stab of pain in her heart. She didn’t know if she was jealous of their closeness, or simply pitying Ye Wushang.

Women like that in high society—weren’t they just after his looks, wanting a bit of fun? And yet, he was taking it seriously?

“Damn it.”

“Bastard!” Lan Ruoshuang muttered through clenched teeth, her face ashen.

Lan Ruoxue sighed, patted her on the shoulder, and comforted her, “Let it go, Ruoshuang. You need to restrain yourself in the future. Especially control your mouth. They may be over the line, but you’re not without fault.”

“As for this matter, I have my own plans—you don’t need to—”

“Yiren!” she was interrupted by a sudden shout.

From a luxury car nearby stepped a young man in a tailored suit, tall and handsome, exuding the air of an aristocrat. Seeing him, Zheng Yiren’s face lit up with joy. She slapped Lan Ruoshuang’s arm in excitement. “Ruoxue, don’t worry. Now we have hope for revenge.”

She hurried forward to the young man’s side, affectionately taking his arm. With a teasing smile, she introduced him, “Dong, let me introduce you. This is Lan Ruoshuang, my best friend. This is her elder sister, Lan Ruoxue—CEO of Lan Group, famed as the Belle of Jinghan.”

Hearing this, Lin Dong raised his brows as he looked them over. The woman before him was stunning, her figure perfect, her skin snow-white, her features exquisite and her bearing elegant—enough to set any man’s heart racing. He’d long heard of her, and now, seeing her in person, he was instantly captivated. How could there be such a beautiful woman in this world? And with such impeccable qualities? Next to her, Zheng Yiren seemed plain and ordinary, as did the other women he’d once fancied.

At that moment, he felt a powerful urge to make her his own.

“Miss Lan, it’s a pleasure,” Lin Dong said, taking her delicate hand. Its smooth softness sent a thrill through him.

Lan Ruoxue, a bit embarrassed, instinctively withdrew her hand and smiled. “Mr. Lin, to be a shareholder of a top-tier building at such a young age is truly impressive. I’m glad to meet you.”

“That’s only part of it,” Zheng Yiren chimed in, beaming. “Being a building shareholder is just his side business. His main enterprise is running a listed company focused on advanced nanomaterials manufacturing, with deep ties to the An family’s business. He’s also an invited guest at tonight’s An family banquet, seated in the front row—his word carries weight with the An family.”

Lan Ruoxue’s heart stirred at this. Only the most influential figures in Jinghan sat in the front row; even the Sun family could only claim the second row. Clearly, Lin Dong’s relationship with the An family was significant.

“Sis, there may be hope for that agency deal,” Lan Ruoshuang whispered excitedly, pulling her sister aside. “Lin Dong is Yiren’s boyfriend—practically one of us. With his connections to the An family, if he puts in a word for us and helps maneuver things, we might secure the agency deal.”

“That little tramp’s relationship with the An family can’t compare to Lin Dong’s, can it? If he can also help deal with that loser, all the better!”

At this, Lin Dong frowned. After some prodding, Lan Ruoshuang laid out both requests: she wanted his help to secure the agency deal, and she wanted him to take care of Ye Wushang.

A few minutes later, after hearing them out, Lin Dong relaxed, hands in his pockets, and replied nonchalantly, “So that’s it? I thought it was something serious. These are trivial matters.”

Lan Ruoxue raised her brows, suppressing her excitement. “Mr. Lin, do you mean you can help us secure the An family’s agency?”

“Of course.”

Lin Dong’s own family was only second-tier, about on par with the Sun family. The so-called listed company was more smoke and mirrors than substance, with little real turnover. But his father was adept at currying favor, and had some rapport with the head of the An family. A single phone call might do the trick. Besides, with the Belle of Jinghan personally requesting his help, Lin Dong was hardly going to pass up the chance to enjoy such a beauty.

As for that loser—he was probably just a reckless fool. Getting someone to rough him up would be easy enough. As for the woman with him, she was no threat. So what if she’d arranged for security? The An family outsourced all such services; a little money and a few connections, and anything was possible.

“I’ll call my father in a bit and have him contact the An family. Securing the agency should be almost guaranteed.”

Hearing this confirmed, Lan Ruoshuang was beside herself with joy, nearly jumping up. “That’s wonderful! If we get the agency, the family’s business will soar!”

“Ruoshuang, didn’t I tell you?” Zheng Yiren added, standing on tiptoe to plant a kiss on Lin Dong’s cheek. “My darling is more than capable. If he takes action, nothing is impossible.”

Lin Dong waved her off, brow furrowed. “But this will require some maneuvering from my uncle. He owns a hotel called Mona. He’s too busy to attend the banquet tonight, so afterward, I’ll need you, Miss Lan, to come with me to meet him. Whether it’s to thank him or just to get acquainted, I think it’s necessary. Don’t you agree?”

He fixed Lan Ruoxue with a sly, suggestive gaze. Getting her alone at the hotel, coaxing and seducing her—it would just be a matter of time before he got her into bed. And after that, once the deed was done, what could she do?

“Um…”

At the mention of the hotel, Lan Ruoxue grew inexplicably wary. But considering his status and his ability to help secure the agency, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse.

After a brief pause, she asked, “Mr. Lin, are you sure you can get the agency?”

“Ninety percent sure,” Lin Dong replied, his eyes roaming over her, already fantasizing about what might follow.

Lan Ruoxue took a deep breath and nodded. “Very well. If you can secure the agency, I’ll personally thank your uncle.”

“And what about that loser Ye Wushang?” Lan Ruoshuang pressed, still nursing her grudge. She wanted revenge as much as she wanted to help the family.

“That’s easy enough,” Lin Dong sneered. “I have my people at the hotel. I’ll give him a warning first, and when he leaves, I’ll have someone on the inside and out teach him a lesson.”

“Offending you is offending me. I’ll make sure he pays the price!”

Lan Ruoxue instinctively wanted to object, but just then, a staff member called for the guests to enter the hall. Helpless, she had to let it go for now.

Though Ye Wushang had gone too far, he was still her husband. Lin Dong was powerful—if he really sent someone after him, she feared Ye Wushang would be in serious trouble. She resolved to find a chance later to talk him out of it, no matter what.

…