Chapter 943: Chapter 943 Looking for Trouble
"Why the long face?" The office door swung open, and Ling Feng entered with a grin. "The employees have clocked out, yet here you are, still stuck in the office. Whatâs the boss doing?"
Yun Hanrui glanced at Ling Feng. "Why do you have time to drop by?"
"What do you mean, âwhy am I here?â Half of this company is yours, but the other half is mine!" Ling Feng replied with a laugh. "Now that the companyâs facing trouble, how could I bear to let you handle it all on your own?"
As he said this, Ling Feng walked over and gently smoothed the furrowed lines on Yun Hanruiâs brow with his hand. "Donât frown so muchâconstant frowning will make you age faster! I want my woman to always wear a bright, happy smile, not this gloomy expression!"
Listening to Ling Fengâs tender words, Yun Hanruiâs face broke into a smile. Although Secretary Linâs stance was becoming increasingly clear, Ling Fengâs words instilled her with newfound determination.
"Come on, you havenât eaten yet. Letâs head out for dinner!" Ling Feng said with a cheerful smile as he took Yun Hanruiâs hand.
"How about we go back home?" Yun Hanrui tiptoed and planted a soft kiss on Ling Fengâs lips. "Let me tidy up first!"
Ling Feng shook his head. "No dinner at home tonight. Letâs go eat at Junyue Grand Hotel instead!"
"Why there specifically?" Yun Hanrui asked, puzzled. "Is today a special occasion?"
Ling Feng chuckled. "Not exactly a special occasion. Itâs just that Lin Feng and Chen Gui are having dinner tonight at the Gentlemanâs Pavilion in Junyue Grand Hotel. Since Lin Feng blew off your meeting, why donât we crash their dinner? Iâm sure he wonât mind!"
A glimmer sparked in Yun Hanruiâs eyes. "Alright, Iâll go along with your plan!"
Since Ling Feng had decided to step in, Yun Hanrui felt no need to worry anymore. At moments like these, learning to rely on her man was exactly what she should do.
"Letâs go! Time to feast off the fat cats!" Ling Feng exclaimed, suddenly picking Yun Hanrui up into his arms with a grin.
"Ah! Put me downâwhat if someone sees us?"
"Work hours are over; whoâs still around to see?"
...
The rounds of drinks flowed, and the dishes piled high! At the Gentlemanâs Pavilion, Secretary Lin and Chen Gui were in an animated discussion, drifting from topics like astronomy and geography to life philosophy, from urban development to plans for the construction of the Biotech Park.
"Secretary Lin, Iâm not one to boast, but when it comes to research and development capability, our Asia-Pacific Biotech Group is a multinational corporation with immense strength. Once weâre involved in the Biotech Park project and receive the governmentâs strong support, I believe our Asia-Pacific Biotech Group can elevate Huaxiaâs position in biotech research to a whole new level!"
Chen Gui, cheeks flushed, continued, "At that time, I imagine it might pave the road for your own climb up the ranks as well, Secretary Lin?"
Secretary Lin smiled. "The city government has always been optimistic about your companyâs strength. Plus, youâre patriotic overseas Chinese, which gives us even more reason not to turn you away. As for the Biotech Park project, itâs become Yanjingâs flagship initiative, and it requires an even more capable group to lead and maximize the projectâs advantages."
With exchanged knowing glances, the two clinked glasses and drained their drinks.
Just then, the door to the Gentlemanâs Pavilion swung open with a loud bang. A playful voice followed, "Oh my, looks like weâre late. Didnât realize youâd eaten so quickly! Server, clear all these dishes away and bring in a new set!"
"Who are you!" Secretary Lin and Chen Gui, their tempers flaring, turned their gazes toward the doorway.
At the entrance, Ling Feng had entered hand-in-hand with Yun Hanrui. Spotting the people inside, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Secretary Lin felt uneasy; the way this man looked at him carried a hint of mockery, as though Lin stood exposed in front of him without a single shred of clothing.
"President Yun, what is the meaning of this!" Secretary Linâs face darkened at the sight of Yun Hanrui, his displeasure apparent.
Chen Gui, equally irritated, said, "President Yun, this is a private gathering between me and Secretary Lin. I ask that you leave. If youâre hungry, feel free to order something downstairs. The billâs on me, how about that?"
"Pfft, the Chen Family really knows how to flaunt their wealth!" Ling Feng shook his head with mock exasperation. "Did you really think we couldnât afford a simple meal? Sure, your Asia-Pacific Biotech Group might be rich, but our Chaoyang Group isnât exactly down on its luck."
At that moment, David couldnât suppress his rage. Seeing Ling Feng and Yun Hanrui strolling in together, hand in hand, he was consumed with fury.
According to Banaâs so-called Curse Techniques, Yun Hanrui should willingly become his woman within three days. Yet here she was, still clinging to Ling Feng. It made David feel utterly humiliated, like being slapped in the face.
"Ling Feng, who the hell do you think you are?" David rose from his seat and strode toward him, scowling. "Youâre seriously shameless! Canât you tell how unwelcome you are here?"
Turning his gaze to Yun Hanrui, he sneered, "Donât assume that by latching onto President Yun, you suddenly qualify to strut around in our presence. Because you donât!"
With a sharp smack, before David could finish his tirade, Yun Hanruiâs hand landed firmly on his cheek, delivering a fierce slap.
David stared at Yun Hanrui in utter disbelief. He hadnât expected her to stand up for this manâenough to slap him in public!
How could this be happening? Was Banaâs sorcery truly ineffective? Davidâs face turned beet red, flush with humiliation and seething anger.
"Hmph! Youâre nothing more than an overprivileged heir. What right do you have to shout at my man like that?" Yun Hanrui retorted coldly. "Is this the kind of propriety the Chen Family practices? Director Chen, it seems your skills at raising children fall far short of your business acumen!"
Chen Guiâs expression soured. His son being slapped publicly was akin to slapping the reputation of the Chen Family itself.
"You all seem awfully hot-tempered tonight," Ling Feng said with a laugh. "I came here solely to see what sort of person Secretary Lin deemed important enough to blow off my dear Xiao Rui. But judging by what I see now, I must say Iâm rather disappointed."
"Whatâs that supposed to mean!" Chen Gui demanded, standing abruptly. "Waiter! Waiter! Where are you!"
A server hurried in. "Director Chen, how can I assist you?"
"Whatâs going on here?" Chen Gui barked, pointing at Ling Feng. "Why are unrelated people allowed to barge in the middle of our meal? What kind of incompetence is this from your security staff? I want these two thrown out immediately!"
The server shot a glance at Ling Feng before offering a wry smile. "Director Chen, Iâm afraid we cannot comply with your request."
"What do you mean, âcannot complyâ? Care to explain!" Chen Guiâs face darkened further, his anger visibly boiling.
Ling Feng took a step forward, his expression amused. "Allow me to clarify: itâs quite simple, really. The Junyue Grand Hotel is part of my business holdings. If I put it that way, perhaps it makes more sense, yes?"