The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 400 - 402. I refuse

Chapter 400: 402. I refuse

Han Yi looked at Yu Xiaoxuan with adoration, then turned to the elder, "Grandpa Fu, you just gave her a perfect excuse to indulge."

"I don’t overeat," Yu Xiaoxuan muttered, she had been controlling her portions just fine.

Old Sir Fu laughed heartily, "Xiaoxuan doesn’t eat much, I can vouch for that. Here, Xiao Xuan, try this soup. Xiao Zhao’s soups are also delicious. It’s just Qinglan who doesn’t like soup, acting like she’s going to the gallows every time she has to drink it." The old man recalled Shen Qinglan’s reaction to soup, his aged eyes brimming with a smile.

Yu Xiaoxuan was curious, "Qinglan actually has something she’s afraid of?" This was indeed fresh news. Having known Shen Qinglan for so long, Yu Xiaoxuan had never seen anything that could stump her.

"Not at all. The two siblings from the Shen Family, they are so different in temperament, but similar in this aspect. Jun Yu is also not fond of soup. When he was a child, whenever he came over for dinner, if Xiao Zhao served him soup, he’d sneakily give it to the family dog." Recollecting the younger generation’s childhood mishaps, Old Sir Fu told their stories with great relish, airing all the embarrassing moments of Fu Hengyi and Shen Junyu.

Yu Xiaoxuan couldn’t contain her laughter, not expecting the seemingly composed Shen Junyu and Fu Hengyi to have such down-to-earth moments in their childhood. Han Yi internally breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily, he had met Jun Yu and the others in junior high, otherwise, it would have been embarrassing to have Old Sir Fu expose his own embarrassing moments in front of his wife.

As Han Yi listened, he mentally lit a candle for those two unlucky fellows, genuinely curious about those stories himself.

"Who would have thought that Brother Shen and Mr. Fu could have been so naughty as kids?" Yu Xiaoxuan remarked.

"Hengyi was alright. Jun Yu as a child, now he was a real monkey. If it weren’t for..." Old Sir Fu paused, then added, "Nevermind, let’s eat, let’s eat. Pretend this is your own home, don’t be shy."

"What was it, Grandpa Fu?" Yu Xiaoxuan asked curiously, but then Han Yi gave her a playful twist at the waist, not hard. Yu Xiaoxuan glared at him, and he was looking right at her, which made her suddenly realize the meaning behind Old Sir Fu’s unfinished sentence.

A touch of chagrin showed on her face; she really could be quite slow not to have figured it out.

Han Yi placed a bowl of soup in front of Yu Xiaoxuan, "Drink up."

Yu Xiaoxuan acknowledged with an "Oh," and began to drink her soup quietly. Mmm, Aunt Zhao’s soup was indeed delicious.

"Grandpa Fu, Aunt Zhao’s soup is really tasty. I feel like I’m going to miss the food here every day from now on."

Old Sir Fu chuckled, "Haha, if you like, come over for meals every day. We don’t have many people at home, and I would be more than happy if you decide to come." With the household not being very large, Shen Qinglan was getting her postnatal meals separately, and Fu Hengyi was eating with her, leaving Old Sir Fu and Aunt Zhao to dine mostly on their own, which could be a bit lonely.

"Sure, I’m just worried that if I come too often, you’ll start to think I eat too much," Yu Xiaoxuan quipped, enlivening the atmosphere once more.

In the bedroom, Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi listened to the faint sounds of merry laughter coming from the dining room.

"Your friend has a good nature. She’s a great match for Han Yi," Fu Hengyi commented.

Shen Qinglan nodded in agreement. Han Yi’s own experiences meant he wouldn’t do well with a wife who was too calculating. He had no interest in playing guessing games, and Yu Xiaoxuan was straightforward—her thoughts could be read on her face, and no guessing was needed. A relationship between two such people wouldn’t be too draining.

Yu Xiaoxuan, for her part, wasn’t one to dwell on things, had a big heart, and never brought up old grievances. Perhaps she was a bit sensitive now, but Shen Qinglan felt confident that Han Yi could help her return to being the bright, optimistic, carefree Yu Xiaoxuan of the past.

"Fu Hengyi," Shen Qinglan suggested, "after the baby’s full month celebration, let’s go on vacation with Han Yi and the others. Let’s go to that small town we visited last time."

"By the time you’re out of the postpartum period, it’ll already be July," Fu Hengyi voiced his concerns rather than opposing the idea of a vacation. "Won’t it be too hot to go out by then?"

Shen Qinglan had forgotten that she was supposed to go through a longer postpartum recovery. Hearing this, she felt a bit disappointed. "Then let’s forget about it." The baby is still too young, and we can’t go to places too far away.

Fu Hengyi gave a slight smile, not saying much, but he kept the matter in mind.

After dinner, Han Yi took Fu Hengyi aside for a private conversation in the study that lasted quite a while, after which Han Yi left with Yu Xiaoxuan.

When Fu Hengyi returned to the bedroom, Shen Qinglan had just finished feeding Anan and was softly lulling the child to sleep. Fu Hengyi went to take a shower, and when he came out, Shen Qinglan was still awake, obviously waiting for him.

"Do you have something to ask me?" Fu Hengyi asked gently.

Shen Qinglan nodded, "Are you and Han Yi, along with my brother, planning something?" She had sensed this earlier but had never asked.

Fu Hengyi never intended to keep it from her and told Shen Qinglan about his plans in detail. After listening carefully, Shen Qinglan finally spoke, "It seems like you still need a chief operator."

"I’ve already discussed this with Jiang Chenxi, and I’ve entrusted it to him," Fu Hengyi said nonchalantly.

Shen Qinglan raised an eyebrow, "Does Jiang Chenxi understand economics?"

"Yes, even though he teaches history and literature, his real strength lies in economics. Do you know Mike Lee from Wall Street? That’s him. Lee is his mother’s surname."

Although Shen Qinglan was not involved in that industry and didn’t have a deep understanding of it, she had heard about Mike Lee through Jin Enxi before. He was a legend on Wall Street; it was said that he stood out amongst many operators at just 20 years old and caught the attention of some major American capitalists. However, he refused their invitations and fought alone. To say he fought alone is not quite accurate; more accurately, he formed his own team. Despite having few members and not a robust fund, every time he operated, his funds would grow exponentially, making impressive waves in the capital markets.

Many people had spent a fortune trying to uncover his true identity with the intent to poach him, but no one succeeded. Then, about three or four years ago, this Mike Lee suddenly vanished, and aside from the sporadic news from the occasional operations he conducted, there was no further trace of him.

Those who sought him eventually gave up after a while, and now it was unexpected that this person turned out to be Jiang Chenxi.

"He’s kept himself well-hidden," Shen Qinglan remarked with some admiration.

"He doesn’t like being controlled by others, and besides, those are just some of his hobbies."

Quite the hobby it is, Shen Qinglan thought to herself.

"Was it your idea to register the company in Xiao Xuan’s name?" Shen Qinglan inquired.

Fu Hengyi didn’t deny it. Some things could be done quietly without letting one’s wife know, but there are matters that should be shared. How else to ask for credit from one’s wife?

"Yes, it was my idea. Wife, do I get a reward?" Fu Hengyi earnestly sought his prize.

Shen Qinglan gave him a silent look, "Fu Hengyi, have you been switched at birth?"

Fu Hengyi frowned and shot her a glance before looking away, murmuring with a wry tone, "When it comes to spoiling the mood, wife, you’re quite the expert."

Qinglan chuckled lightly and leaned down to kiss him on the lips, "Thank you, husband!"

Fu Hengyi gave her a sidelong glance, "All done?"

"Mm-hmm." Her eyes twinkled with laughter, and the corners of her mouth lifted as Fu Hengyi raised his hand to pull her in a little closer and unceremoniously kissed her lips.

After a long, passionate kiss, Fu Hengyi spoke, still yearning for more, "Indeed, the old saying goes ’If you want it done right, do it yourself.’"

Qinglan was speechless, turning to glance at the baby’s crib, thinking her son was lucky to have already fallen asleep.

On the way back, Han Yi thought for a long time and finally, just before arriving home, he told Yu Xiaoxuan about everything on the internet. Yu Xiaoxuan listened and showed a calm face, a reaction so unexpected it caught Han Yi by surprise. He looked at her with a hint of unease, "Xiao Xuan, don’t you want to say something?"

Yu Xiaoxuan, holding her phone and playing some game, didn’t even lift her eyes, "Say what?"

"The news about my dad announcing my upcoming engagement to the daughter of Shuangcheng, you heard it and have nothing to say? Aren’t you a bit sad, upset, or angry?"

Yu Xiaoxuan finally put down her phone and turned to look at him, "As you said, it was your dad who said it, not you. What’s there for me to be sad or upset about? Though, I am a little angry, but more so, I’m happy."

Han Yi was genuinely confused; it was normal to be upset and angry about such matters, but happy? What was she talking about?

"Han Yi, I’m happy you chose to share this with me and let me share the burden. Thank you for trusting me that I am a woman who can stand shoulder to shoulder with you, not a delicate touch-me-not who needs your protection."

Han Yi’s gaze held an emotion that Yu Xiaoxuan couldn’t understand, a bittersweet feeling within, "Yu Xiaoxuan, you’ve grown up."

Yu Xiaoxuan’s face darkened, "Han Yi, do you even know how to speak? I clearly became more mature."

Han Yi laughed, "Yeah, right, my girl has matured."

"That’s more like it. But that woman’s post, that whatever tweet, is so annoying. Should I fight back a little, let everyone see the heartbroken me?" Yu Xiaoxuan’s eyes roved cunningly as she spoke with ill intentions.

"What do you want to do?" Han Yi was curious.

Yu Xiaoxuan grinned mischievously, "Husband, how about we take a photo together?"

Han Yi laughed lightly, the sparkle in his peachy eyes momentarily dazzling Yu Xiaoxuan and causing her heart to skip a beat. Annoyed, she thought to herself, ’This seducer, using his looks again, that’s cheating, you know?’

Watching Yu Xiaoxuan’s stunned expression, the smile in Han Yi’s eyes deepened. Huh, for the first time, he found having a pretty face that could make his wife swoon to be quite a delightful thing.

He leaned down and kissed Yu Xiaoxuan’s lips, click, the moment was captured.

The photo was taken with Yu Xiaoxuan’s phone, which Han Yi then used to log into her Weibo and post a new status – "Late-night dog-abuse wave." The picture was the one they just took.

Before Yu Xiaoxuan could react, Han Yi had already posted it. She looked at him dumbfounded, and after a moment realized, "Ah ah ah, Han Yi, that’s not the kind of photo I meant." She was thinking more along the lines of a photo where he was holding her, with them in a more intimate pose.

Han Yi smiled faintly, "This effect is the best. It will definitely infuriate certain people and blow off your steam." Then he took out his own phone, didn’t hesitate for a second, and reposted Yu Xiaoxuan’s Weibo with the caption – "We’re doing great, thanks everyone for the concern. Wife, I love you, heart."

Everyone was already following Yu Xiaoxuan’s updates, and they were blindsided by the sudden dose of ’dog food’. Seeing the couple’s smiling faces in the photo, their happiness was almost overflowing—directly contradicting any engagement rumors.

Of course, some people thought this was all an intentional show, proposed by Yu Xiaoxuan to save face. After all, no one knew when the photo was taken, right?

Regardless of the rumors, none of it affected Yu Xiaoxuan and Han Yi. After getting home, they took a bath and went to sleep.

The next day, the situation took another twist—Ning Ke deleted her Weibo posts, which seemed to only confirm that Han Yi breaking up with Yu Xiaoxuan and getting engaged to a rich heiress was just a rumor.

"Mr. Han, Miss Ning would like to meet with you. What do you say?" The assistant walked into Han Yi’s office and asked softly.

Han Yi looked up from his files, frowning, "Ning Ke? Who’s that?"

The assistant felt a headache coming on, "She’s the daughter of Shuangcheng International."

Oh, Han Yi understood, "Not seeing her." Didn’t she see the pile of documents on his desk needing attention? He had no time to meet with irrelevant people.

"Alright, I’ll let her know." The assistant turned to leave but was interrupted by a commotion outside.

"Miss, you can’t go in. Our president is busy. Please don’t go in there." That was the secretary’s voice.

The door to the office was pushed open and a person strode in, followed by the helpless secretary who, seeing the person had already entered, looked at Han Yi apologetically, "President, I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop her."

"You are dismissed; this is not your concern." Han Yi’s tone was somewhat cold as he glanced at the assistant, who immediately understood.

The secretary thought Han Yi wasn’t bothered and left. Seeing her leave, the assistant sighed inwardly; this secretary was always too scheming, unable to discern who she really worked for and liked to presumptuously speculate on her superiors’ thoughts. If she guessed right, they might compliment her; unfortunately, she had goofed this time.

"Would you mind stepping out for a bit?" Ning Ke directed at the assistant.

Hearing this, the assistant looked at Han Yi and, upon receiving his nod, left the room.

Now it was just the two of them. Ning Ke faced Han Yi, and the cold expression on her face was instantly replaced by sorrow, "Han Yi, why won’t you agree to be engaged to me?"

Han Yi set down his pen, leaned back in his chair, and regarded her leisurely, "Who are you to me, and why should I get engaged?"

Ning Ke’s face turned pale, "You don’t recognize me?" Her eyes held a look of deep grievance as if staring at a faithless lover.

Han Yi’s heart tightened—could it be one of his numerous frivolous debts? He looked at Ning Ke again, but truly had no recollection of this woman.

Ning Ke saw that Han Yi really didn’t remember her and was on the verge of tears. "Han Yi, how could you be like this? You used to call me your ’little liver’."

Oh, so she was indeed one of his many debts of philandering. Han Yi figured it out and felt even more regret for his past debauched life. If only he had known he would meet Yu Xiaoxuan, he should have stayed out of trouble. Now what, was this what they called ’asking for trouble’?

No matter what he thought inside, Han Yi’s face showed no unusual signs. "So what if I did? I’ve said that to many women, not just you."

"But you said you would marry me," Ning Ke said sorrowfully. "It was because of what you said that I returned as soon as I finished my studies."

Han Yi frowned. "Miss, did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Although my past private life was frivolous and I spouted sweet nothings easily, I never talked about marriage or taking a woman as my wife. Tell me, don’t you have some kind of delusion?"

"Han Yi, do you remember the business trip you took to Country F four years ago? You visited me at school, and we went to the bar together. You said you’d marry me after I graduated."

Han Yi laughed. Ning Ke’s eyes lit up, thinking Han Yi had remembered. "Han Yi, you remember, don’t you?"

Han Yi nodded. "Yeah, I remember. You’re that girl with the glasses. Big sister, I suggest you see a psychologist; you’re quite sick."

Ning Ke’s face turned pale as she stared blankly at Han Yi. "What do you mean?"

"I mean exactly what I said." Han Yi’s leg rested on the office desk, and with a pen in hand, he flicked it around his fingertips. The whole person emanated a carefree air, but damnably charming.

Ning Ke’s eyes flickered, and the rage in her eyes vanished in an instant. A fascinated expression appeared on her face. "Han Yi, you’re still the same as before. The air about you may seem despondent, but it’s like an addictive poison that one cannot give up."

Han Yi shuddered and exaggeratedly touched his own arm. "Please, speak normally. The way you talk makes me question if there’s something wrong with you," he pointed at his head.

Looking at him with sadness, Ning Ke said, "Han Yi, must you treat me this way? Can’t you talk to me nicely, like you used to?"

Upon hearing this, Han Yi immediately put his leg down and adopted a serious demeanor. "Do you have anything else? If not, please leave; my time is precious."

"Han Yi, getting engaged to me is only advantageous to you. Although you’re the president of Han Group now, you only have 35% of the shares. This may seem like a lot, but if other shareholders unite against you and call for your dismissal, you’d be powerless. However, if you married me, the 18% of the shares that the Ning Family holds would fall under your name. Your share in Han Group would become 53%, giving you absolute control. Plus, I am the sole heir to Shuangcheng International, which means eventually Shuangcheng International will be mine, or rather, our children’s. And me, personally, I don’t consider myself unattractive, and I have a high degree of education; I’d be a good match for you, right? Why won’t you agree to get engaged to me?"

As she spoke, her gaze held a calmness, nowhere near her previous lovesick demeanor.

Han Yi clapped his hands. "Good, well said. That looks much more pleasant to the eyes. The way you acted before was truly unnerving. Miss Ning, here’s a piece of sincere advice: If you want to pretend you’re in love with someone, at least make it convincing, like with your gaze."

Ning Ke’s expression stiffened. "I don’t understand what you’re talking about. I really like you, it’s not an act."

"Ts, ts, the moment I said you’re not pretending, you start again. Miss Ning, you may not know, but although I am a playboy accustomed to the business world, I prefer people not to play smart and pretend with me. Now, knowing this, are you sure you want to continue this act? If you can’t be more sincere, I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave."

At his words, Ning Ke’s facial expression tightened, and she sat down in the chair opposite Han Yi. "Alright, since Mr. Han is being straightforward, I’ll be direct too."

Her expression was now serene, as if her previous deep and undeniable affection had been an illusion.

Han Yi’s eyes revealed a trace of "as expected," "This is indeed more comfortable. Tell me, what do you want to do?"

Ning Ke smiled, "Mr. Han, my suggestion about announcing the engagement is serious, and so is giving you the shares, but the marriage is fake."

Han Yi raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

Ning Ke continued, "I know Mr. Han and Miss Yu are in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, and you’ve been together for a while, with strong feelings for each other. I, too, have someone I like, but you understand, in families like ours, we can’t decide who we marry. My family is the same, my parents don’t approve of my boyfriend, and they’ve tried several times to separate us. However, my boyfriend and I are deeply in love and can’t be without each other. My parents have said that if I choose to be with him, I must give up my inheritance as the successor of Shuangcheng International and leave the Ning Family. If I agree to their demands, they will immediately hand over Shuangcheng International to me."

Han Yi seemed to understand, the lady before him wanted both love and inheritance. She really was greedy.

"Shuangcheng International and Han Group have always enjoyed a pleasant cooperation, with Shuangcheng being the second-largest shareholder in Han Group. The influence Shuangcheng has within Han Group is clear even without me mentioning it, Mr. Han. An ambitious emperor wouldn’t allow others to sleep soundly beside his couch. I believe someone like Mr. Han would also want to seize the chance to take back that 18% of shares," Ning Ke stated her thoughts straightforwardly, without revealing her true intent.

"Hold on, let me interrupt you for a moment," Han Yi cut off Ning Ke’s speech, "Miss Ning, my time is very precious, please be direct and state your purpose."

Ning Ke’s face stiffened momentarily, she had never encountered someone like Han Yi who didn’t give her face, but she quickly regained her composure, "Alright, I’ll get straight to the point then, so as not to waste Mr. Han’s precious time." She emphasized the words "precious time," her tone more like a taunt.

Han Yi’s face remained unchanged.

Ning Ke organized her thoughts before speaking, "I need Mr. Han to marry me, and then we’ll divorce after a year. As compensation, I’ll give you those 18% shares."

Pfft! Han Yi, who was drinking water, sprayed it out directly onto Ning Ke’s face upon hearing this. Ning Ke’s face darkened.

"My apologies, I got too excited," Han Yi said insincerely, passing her a tissue from the table. Ning Ke, with a wooden expression, wiped her delicately made-up face, which only smeared her makeup more.

Han Yi pointed towards the resting room; Ning Ke went inside and came back out with her makeup looking as immaculate as when she had arrived.

"I didn’t quite understand what Miss Ning meant just now. I hope you can explain it to me," Han Yi said.

Ning Ke sat back down, intending to take a sip of water, only to realize that since her arrival, no one had poured her any. She frowned, "Mr. Han, may I have a glass of water?"

Han Yi checked his watch, and Ning Ke’s face turned green. This man.

"I’m pregnant, but my family doesn’t approve of me marrying my boyfriend. They think highly of you and want our families to form an alliance. Plus, I don’t want my child to be born out of wedlock. So, I want to marry you. Don’t worry, I won’t demand any spousal responsibilities from you. My only requirement is that you be my husband in name. After a year, I’ll divorce you on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, the child will be mine, and all other marital assets will be yours. Plus, you’ll gain those 18% of shares, along with the profits from the increasingly close cooperation between Shuangcheng and Han Group. Now, do you understand what I’m saying?"

Naturally, Han Yi understood. His face was all smiles, while a glimmer of a glint flashed in Ning Ke’s eyes. She knew no man could refuse such an offer, especially a man like Han Yi who was ambitious and competent; one only needed to look at the scale he had grown Han Group to in just a few years, a feat neither his ancestors nor his father had achieved. Moreover, she knew that Han Yi had his own enterprises in secret.

Such a man was indeed a highly suitable match for an alliance, so it was no surprise her parents had set their sights on him. If she hadn’t already been in love, she might have seriously considered the proposal to marry Han Yi.

"Well, I apologize, Miss Ning, but I have no interest in your proposal. I don’t yearn to play the role of a sudden father. You might want to seek someone else for your plan," Han Yi said with a beaming smile.

Ning Ke’s smile froze on her lips as if she hadn’t understood Han Yi’s words, staring at him, "What did you say?"

Han Yi’s expression was indifferent, "I’ve made myself very clear, you can leave now. Take your time; I won’t see you out, Miss Ning."

Ning Ke looked stunned, her face full of disbelief, "Han Yi, I think you might not have grasped my meaning."

"No, I have, but I refuse. You got one thing right, that is, I, Han Yi, have ambition and capability. So, I can expand my own territory without a woman’s charity; I eat all kinds of meals, but I draw the line at soft rice."

"Han Yi, do you understand what you’re rejecting? All you need is to give a title, and you can get all this without giving anything in return, don’t you want it?" Ning Ke genuinely couldn’t understand, as any man would accept under such generous conditions.

"I’m not stupid, but for me, this title is the most important thing. I spent the first half of my life in folly, but I managed to keep this one thing pure. I want to reserve it entirely for the person I wish to give it to, not as a commodity to be sold in a transaction. I’m a businessman, but I am also a man, with people I want to protect and cherish." What’s more, he wouldn’t let Yu Xiaoxuan bear the stigma of a mistress or second wife, nor would he let his children become illegitimate.

Han Yi spoke with utmost seriousness, contrasting strongly with his usual carefree demeanor.

Ning Ke watched him intently, followed by a prolonged silence, before she finally spoke in a faint voice, "Han Yi, you’re different from what I expected."

"Oh? What kind of person did you think I was?" Han Yi asked with interest.

Ning Ke chuckled, "Previously, the rumors about you..." She didn’t finish her sentence, but Han Yi understood her meaning, smiled, "Everyone has a period of youthful folly, right? You didn’t choose me because of that, did you?"

The atmosphere between them unexpectedly grew more amiable, and at last, a sincere smile appeared on Ning Ke’s face, "Not entirely, but I won’t deny that it was partly the reason. My parents do admire your abilities and genuinely want a strong alliance. If I was willing to marry you, getting past my parents would be easy. And your reputation... *cough*, being what it is, even if we divorced later, it wouldn’t affect you much."

"So now I suppose I’ve disappointed Miss Ning."

"There is some disappointment, but more than that is surprise. I never expected Mr. Han to be such a devoted person. I once heard a saying when I was studying: the more unfeeling a man appears to be, the deeper he can love when he’s sincere. This saying seems quite fitting for Mr. Han. The girl that Mr. Han has fallen for is very lucky." Admiration flickered in Ning Ke’s eyes; she too wished to choose the one she loved, like Han Yi.

Han Yi chuckled lightly, "Miss Ning, you’re really flattering me too much, I’m not that great. It just so happened that I met such a person, and to say someone is lucky, in fact, I am the fortunate one." It was Yu Xiaoxuan who taught him about love, family, and warmth.

Ning Ke observed Han Yi curiously; he raised an eyebrow at her, and she chuckled, "I’m a bit curious how you figured out that I was faking. Did you know that we didn’t know each other before?"

Han Yi shook his head; he had dated so many girlfriends before, he couldn’t remember them all. When he first met Ning Ke, he really thought he had left some romantic debt in his past.

"It was your gaze that betrayed you. Though your face was full of passion, there was no emotion in your eyes. The way you look at someone you love is not like that," said Han Yi.

Ning Ke paused, then laughed, "So that’s how it is. I thought I performed pretty well, but little did I know I gave myself away with a glance. That must be what they call ’piercing through the act.’ It’s a good thing I didn’t become an actress; otherwise, I could probably be drowned by people’s spittle," Ning Ke joked about herself.

Han Yi smiled, "Drowning you is unlikely, but having a bunch of haters is indeed true."

"Who was that girl with glasses you were calling out, you didn’t mistake me for one of your past flings, did you?"

Han Yi shrugged, "I don’t even know who it is, I just said it on the spur of the moment."

Ning Ke suddenly realized she had misled herself.

"Now that Mr. Han truly wishes to protect someone, I’ll consider my previous proposal null and void. Pretend I never said anything, Mr. Han. Here, I wish you and Miss Yu blessings for an early birth of a noble child and a life together till old age. As for the situation on Weibo, rest assured, I will go clarify it. In fact, today wasn’t without its gains; at least I’ve come to know you again. Indeed, rumors can’t be trusted."

Han Yi offered a slight smile, one that caused Ning Ke’s eyes to flicker. She had to admit, Han Yi’s appearance was devastating to most women - he was irresistibly charming. No wonder his past life was so reckless, changing girlfriends every three days without stirring much trouble. It was probably his face alone that could drive countless women mad, willing to be just one among his many conquests.

"The rumors were not entirely untrustworthy. Those things from before were true, but now I’ve turned over a new leaf."

"Well then, congratulations to Mr. Han for the prodigal’s return. Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Ning Ke from Shuangcheng International." Ning Ke extended her hand.

Han Yi stood up and shook her hand politely, "I am Han Yi."

"Mr. Han, it’s almost time for dinner, may I have the honor of inviting you to a meal?" Ning Ke extended the invitation.

Han Yi shook his head, "Let’s skip dinner. Maybe some other time."

Ning Ke also remembered - they were currently at the center of public opinion. It really wasn’t sensible for them to be seen in the same place. If they were photographed together at a meal, who knows what kind of uproar it would cause.

"My apologies, I wasn’t being considerate. Let’s make plans some other time then." She took out a business card from her bag and placed it on the table, "This is my business card. You can contact me using this number. Perhaps, if there’s an opportunity, bring your girlfriend along for a meal. I’m curious to see what kind of girl managed to turn the infamous Mr. Han around."

"You must have seen her before."

"That was on television, I haven’t met her in real life."

"Alright, next time I’ll bring her along." Han Yi didn’t decline.

"I won’t take up any more of your precious time, Mr. Han. I’ll take my leave now."

"Wait a moment," Han Yi spoke.

Ning Ke paused her steps towards the door, "Miss Ning, I have a sincere piece of advice for you. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. You should think carefully about what is most important to you. Once you figure that out, you won’t find yourself in such a predicament."

"Thank you," Ning Ke said.

When Ning Ke walked out, she happened to run into the secretary who had previously tried to stop her from entering the office. The secretary was carrying a cardboard box, eyes red with tears – a clear sign of being dismissed. Upon seeing Ning Ke, the secretary looked at her with a pitiful gaze.

Ning Ke’s expression flickered and then she withdrew her gaze, turned into the elevator. If she were Han Yi, she wouldn’t keep such a person at the company either. Actually, when she had barged into the office earlier, despite her fierce demeanor, anyone could have stopped her. But that secretary didn’t seem to have any real intention of stopping her, perhaps out of regard for her being the daughter of the second-largest shareholder of the Han Group, or maybe for some other reasons.

Back in the office, Han Yi leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. After a moment, he made a phone call to his assistant, "Prepare some things... Yes, by tomorrow, everything must be in place. If it can’t be done, you’re fired."

The assistant, with a strained laughter, accepted the task. His footstep initially set to head for a meal immediately changed direction, heading towards the door instead. With limited time and so much to prepare, he decided it was best to complete the task assigned by his boss first.