Chapter 7 – Did You Have a Good Chat?

Que Jiang had seen Xiao Fang make a constipated face more than once. Right now, everyone was in the private room waiting for the big shot to appear. The scene was unusually quiet, so Que Jiang could only whisper what he wanted to say into Xiao Fang’s ear.

“Young Master Xiao, if you’re feeling unwell, you can go take care of it first.”

“Ah? No, no, I’m fine,” Xiao Fang said, mainly preoccupied with the fact that he’d been thrilled by that message.

He shouldn’t be so shameless!

Could it be that he was so captivated by the villain’s awe-inspiring prowess that he had been completely won over?

Xiao Fang whimpered internally, but still shamelessly replied to President Fei’s message.

Back at his office, Fei Xiangnan had just finished his work when he received a reply on his phone:

President Fei, please rest assured. You will always be the number one boss in my heart. Only you can inspire such an endless torrent of admiration in me!

“Heh.” Seeing this message, Fei Xiangnan’s icy face, which he had worn all day, cracked, revealing a smile that was mocking yet different from pure scorn.

The secretary standing beside him was nearly dumbfounded. Was this still her cold and ruthless President Fei?

Fei Xiangnan didn’t notice his secretary’s inner fantasizing. His mind was more focused on Xiao Fang. How had he never noticed this ridiculously dramatic side of Xiao Fang before? An endless torrent, really.

“President Fei, about the cocktail party arrangement for tonight?” the secretary asked, opening the schedule.

“Cancel it. I have something to do tonight.” Fei Xiangnan took his coat from the rack and put it on.

“This…” She had never seen President Fei cancel a business-related cocktail party before. “Where is President Fei going?”

“Lin City,” Fei Xiangnan said, and then strode directly towards the door.

Holding a stack of documents, the secretary watched her boss’s retreating figure thoughtfully. Were they expanding their business in Lin City recently?

***

“Sorry to keep you all waiting.” While Xiao Fang was engrossed in his phone, a very familiar voice came from above. He looked up in response and froze the next second.

Isn’t… isn’t this his brother-in-law?

He was dressed in a casual suit, his hair down without any gel, looking much like he did in college. His handsome features were still the same, but his narrow phoenix eyes held a sharp glint when he looked at people. The dark circles under his eyes, however, made him look a bit tired. Had he not made up with the protagonist yet?

Xiao Fang consciously put down his phone.

Yan Yunyang noticed him too, but quickly averted his gaze, pretending he didn’t exist.

Well, who would want to run into a harasser like him?

Xiao Fang very consciously lowered his presence, trying not to speak unless absolutely necessary.

Yan Yunyang was surprised by Xiao Fang’s silence, but before he could think too much about it, Director Hu came over with a hearty laugh to greet him.

“You must be President Yan. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Truly a young elite!” Yan Yunyang was now a rising star in the business world. Although his company wasn’t the largest, it was widely favored by the public.

How did he only just find out that Zhang Hang was related to him?

“Not at all, I’m just running a small business. My younger brother hasn’t been a burden to the crew, has he?” Yan Yunyang was here today to support Zhang Hang. His brother was too cunning; if he didn’t come, who knew what might happen.

Director Hu was very perceptive and proceeded to praise Zhang Hang from head to toe. He wasn’t one to stick to his guns; even if Zhang Hang was terrible, he could still praise him to the heavens.

“This afternoon, the scene between Zhang Hang and Xiao Fang was truly excellent. I haven’t seen such talent in a long time. President Yan can look forward to this drama,” Director Hu boasted, not forgetting to praise Xiao Fang while talking about Zhang Hang.

Suddenly being called out, Xiao Fang looked at Director Hu with his cheeks puffed with food, like a little squirrel.

Yan Yunyang paid no attention to Xiao Fang. After all, he was all too familiar with Xiao Fang’s acting skills. He was worlds apart from Xiao Qi, not even reaching the average level of an actor.

“Zhang Hang’s grades at the film academy were always number one every year, but that’s something a professional actor should achieve. He came to act in this without even telling his family. But it’s good for him to get some experience on his own. No matter how good the resources at home are, they can’t compare to what you achieve on your own.” Yan Yunyang’s family background was a secret in the business world, and Director Hu didn’t dare to speculate, but his respect for Zhang Hang grew even more.

“Of course, of course. With Zhang Hang’s ability, he could achieve great things even on his own!”

Yan Yunyang’s disregard for him didn’t bother Xiao Fang at all. Seeing that it had nothing to do with him, he lowered his head and continued to eat. Free food just tasted better!

A dinner of flattery and hypocrisy officially began.

Que Jiang had investigated the affair between Xiao Fang and Yan Yunyang, so he frequently watched the two of them during the meal. However, Xiao Fang didn’t seem to be as infatuated with Yan Yunyang as the report suggested. They didn’t even make eye contact, as if they didn’t know each other.

Was Xiao Fang deliberately keeping his distance to guard against him?

“Brother Que, why aren’t you eating? This is the Sandalwood Hotel. You should try this stir-fried shrimp, it’s simply…”

“How do you know it’s simple?”

Uh oh. Xiao Fang, who had gotten carried away, pitifully placed all the shrimp he had picked up into Xiao Ma’s bowl.

His resentful little eyes looked like those of a wronged wife.

“Huh? Brother Xiao, don’t you like shrimp the most? Why aren’t you eating?” Xiao Ma asked, confused, as he looked at the extra shrimp in his bowl.

Que Jiang watched Xiao Fang dutifully.

Xiao Fang wiped the non-existent sweat from his forehead. “I suddenly feel that chicken soup with rice is quite delicious. Shrimp would ruin its flavor.”

“Oh~ As expected of Brother Xiao, you have such refined taste!” Xiao Ma immediately ate all the shrimp in his bowl without a second thought, not forgetting to throw in a compliment.

Xiao Fang smiled on the outside but was cursing on the inside.

He didn’t want this kind of taste at all, okay?

This was so hard, wasn’t it?

From the corner of his eye, Yan Yunyang watched the interaction between Xiao Fang and his assistant, and his doubts grew. This really wasn’t like Xiao Fang. If it were the usual him, he would have already stuck to him like glue.

However, Yan Yunyang’s aversion to Xiao Fang was too strong to support any investigation into his affairs. Besides, he was currently worried about Xiao Qi. Ever since their fight, he hadn’t contacted him, and at the same time, Fei Xiangnan had stopped his financial attacks on their company.

There could only be one explanation.

At this thought, Yan Yunyang’s eyes couldn’t help but darken.

“President Yan, don’t you think so? President Yan? President Yan?” Director Hu, halfway through his flattery, realized Yan Yunyang wasn’t paying attention and cautiously prompted him.

“Oh, I was a bit distracted. I apologize, please continue,” Yan Yunyang said, suppressing his anxiety and maintaining his best demeanor.

…

Was it really because of Xiao Qi? Well, in a scum-and-submissive novel, how could they reconcile so easily? It seemed he, the great matchmaker Xiao, would have to help.

Xiao Fang didn’t look up, pretending to be focused on his food, but his ears were pricked up, having heard everything.

The dinner lasted until nine o’clock. At the entrance, Xiao Fang decided not to hide anymore and said directly to Que Jiang and Xiao Ma, “You guys wait for me in the car. I need to talk to President Yan about something, about my brother.”

Xiao Ma naturally had no objections, but Que Jiang looked at him with suspicion. Xiao Fang knew that Que Jiang was definitely not here just to take care of him.

“If you’re worried, you can watch from a distance. It won’t be long, just a few words,” Xiao Fang said generously.

“Then I’ll watch from a distance. It’ll be convenient if you need to call me for anything.” Que Jiang didn’t feel the slightest bit embarrassed to refuse, calmly stepping into the circle Xiao Fang had drawn.

Xiao Fang smiled and said nothing. After all, he had expected this.

Xiao Ma, on the other hand, looked unhappy. Was this person a killjoy? Was being a third wheel so much fun?

When Yan Yunyang came out, Xiao Fang walked up to him. Xiao Ma took the opportunity to snort heavily on the side. It was obvious who that was aimed at.

Que Jiang wasn’t angry. In his many years as a professional, he wouldn’t get angry over such things. Instead, he found the little assistant quite amusing. If it were anyone else, seeing his size, they wouldn’t dare to be so bold no matter how dissatisfied they were. But this one dared to pluck the tiger’s whiskers, and repeatedly at that.

Maybe he should bully him someday. He wondered if he would cry.

Que Jiang raised an eyebrow. The fuming Xiao Ma on the side had no idea that someone was already brewing up mischief.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated. The word “Boss” was particularly eye-catching.

Where are you now?

Que Jiang suddenly felt a headache coming on.

“President Yan, do you mind if we talk alone for a moment? It’s about Xiao Qi.” Xiao Fang deliberately added the last part.

Zhang Hang, standing next to Yan Yunyang, raised an eyebrow. He had a rough idea of his cousin’s love life, but this Xiao Fang was a bit different from the one his cousin had described. He was really curious what he would say to his cousin now.

“You go to the car first,” Yan Yunyang said to Zhang Hang, turning his head.

Tch~

Zhang Hang disappointedly stuck his hands in his pockets and returned to the car. He still didn’t dare to defy his cousin’s wishes. After all, this person was truly terrifying.

Looking at Xiao Fang’s face, Yan Yunyang found it displeasing no matter how he looked at it. However, in front of Xiao Fang, he didn’t put on the same act as he did at the dinner. He shed his false politeness, leaving only endless indifference and fatigue.

“What do you want to say?”

Facing the future business tycoon, Xiao Fang showed twelve-tenths of his respect, not daring to be the least bit negligent.

Clearing his throat, he said, “I think you must be curious about how your company survived the financial crisis.”

This was undoubtedly hitting Yan Yunyang where it hurt. His face instantly darkened. “You can shut up now.” After saying that, he turned to leave.

Xiao Fang reacted quickly and grabbed Yan Yunyang. The signature move of scummy gongs these days was to cause trouble for no reason and collect a harem.

“It’s not what you think!”

Yan Yunyang’s anger reached its peak, and he actually laughed, shaking off Xiao Fang’s hand. “What? When did you become a good brother, defending your little brother? You don’t resent him for ruining your family’s happiness anymore?”

“It’s different from before. Now, my family’s happiness needs him. My dad needs him, and so do I,” Xiao Fang said earnestly, trying his best to gain some favor with the righteous protagonist.

Unfortunately, Yan Yunyang had no intention of listening anymore. If it weren’t for this cousin of his, he wouldn’t even want to leave his house.

“Xiao Qi didn’t go to Fei Xiangnan. I did.”

Yan Yunyang’s steps stopped abruptly.

He turned back in shock. “What do you mean? You went? Why would Fei Xiangnan give him up so easily?”

He felt that this cannon fodder version of himself was really looked down upon by too many people!

But this protagonist was really something. His own wife was in this state, and he didn’t take any action. Was his pride really more important than his partner? If it were him, pride would be nothing but a fleeting cloud.

“That’s between me and Fei Xiangnan. It has nothing to do with you. But as for my brother, if you still like him, you shouldn’t be willing to torture yourself over your pride rather than ask him a single question.” This was what Xiao Fang had really wanted to say to this main gong when he read the original story. He was too much of a scumbag, wasn’t he?

Yan Yunyang stood there without a word, his fists clenched tighter and tighter.

Oh no, did he hit a nerve? Was he going to hit him? Xiao Fang’s small frame suddenly panicked. He still had a baby in his belly. One hit would mean two lives. It was not worth it.

Xiao Fang took a step back, ready to run at any moment.

“This is between him and me. As for this matter, I owe you one. But you’d better not meddle in other things. I don’t know if your feelings for Fei Xiangnan are real, but the next time you interfere in my relationship with Xiao Qi, I won’t be as lenient as before.” Yan Yunyang was always someone who refused to back down on the surface.

But based on Xiao Fang’s understanding of the protagonist, the two of them would probably make up soon. When that happened, they would remember his good deed. Maybe he could even gain some favor with them while making his escape. The thought was a little exciting.

After Yan Yunyang drove away, the smile on Xiao Fang’s lips didn’t fade.

“It seems you two had a good chat,” a voice that had dropped to freezing point came from behind. Xiao Fang couldn’t help but shiver.