Kempinski, the highest-end five-star hotel in Beijing, is a place where only the rich and powerful come to indulge. When Xiao Yufan was dragged here, he finally understood what life among the wealthy truly looked like.
“Your dad and stepmom must be loaded if they’re holding a family dinner here. Mind giving me a heads-up? That way I can prepare myself accordingly!”
Xiao Yufan had no idea what to expect. Choosing Kempinski for a simple family dinner clearly indicated that this was no ordinary household.
“You’ll see when we get there. Don’t worry, just act natural. Leave the rest to me!”
Hu Yingluo refused to say more, leaving Xiao Yufan frustrated. After all, he was here to help, yet he didn’t even know who they were dealing with. As the saying goes, knowing yourself and your enemy ensures victory in every battle. How could he succeed without even understanding the opposition?
She pulled out a shiny golden membership card and handed it to him. “Use this later. My stepmom can be quite snobbish—I’m afraid she might give you a hard time.”
Xiao Yufan hesitated briefly but accepted it. Sometimes, knowing how to spend a woman’s money is a skill—and especially when that woman is as beautiful as her.
Approaching the hotel reception, Xiao Yufan presented the golden card. The two receptionists immediately broke into fawning smiles, revealing just how prestigious the card was.
The interior was exquisitely elegant. In the lobby downstairs, many women in dazzling outfits mingled with handsome men holding glasses of wine. Their sole purpose was to chase after wealth and status.
Xiao Yufan and Hu Yingluo immediately drew many curious glances. With Hu’s careful styling, Xiao Yufan now looked every bit the successful man. The pair, looking like a perfect match, naturally became the center of attention wherever they went.
He subtly squeezed her slightly cold hand due to nervousness, his lips curling into a sly smile. Gazing at Hu Yingluo’s blushing face, a sense of conquest surged within him.
“Shall we get even closer? After all, I’m your boyfriend now. If I’m going to play the part better, I guess I’ll have to sacrifice my good looks…”
“Sure!” Hu Yingluo lowered her eyes and then glanced up, meeting Xiao Yufan’s mischievous gaze. Her delicate hand landed on the soft flesh at his waist. “But if you get too carried away, don’t blame me for what happens next!”
Xiao Yufan inwardly sighed, annoyed. Women’s hearts were indeed as hard to fathom as needles at the bottom of the sea.
What Hu Yingluo did next made Xiao Yufan’s heart race even more. The softness of her chest pressed tightly against his arm. Looking down, all he could see was a sea of white and a tantalizing cleavage.
Before Xiao Yufan could react, he inhaled sharply in pain as her hand twisted the soft flesh mercilessly—luckily, she let go just in time.
“Stop staring, you big pervert! Next time it won’t be this easy!”
Blushing, Hu Yingluo had never been this physically close to a man before. Her girlish shyness was fully exposed, making her appear even cuter than Xiao Yufan had ever seen.
“Come on, Miss, you’re the one putting on such a tempting pose, yet you won’t let me look? Aren’t you forcing an innocent man into sin? No—forcing a sinner into innocence!”
“Alright, alright. If we don’t go now, we’ll be late. My dad hates tardiness the most!”
Knowing she could never win an argument with him, Hu Yingluo decided not to continue. No matter how she tried, she always ended up the loser.
They finally made their way toward the private dining room. Feeling Hu Yingluo’s hand trembling slightly, Xiao Yufan held it tighter, though his own nerves were even worse.
At last, standing before the door of the private room, Xiao Yufan took a deep breath and pushed it open with determination. The faint fragrance wafting from inside somehow calmed him a little.
Inside, two people awaited. One was a man in his forties, his sharp gaze occasionally flashing with intelligence, giving him an air of depth. Though dressed simply, there was something undeniably unique about him.
The other was a stunning woman—Hu Yingluo’s stepmom, apparently quite young. Her beauty exuded a rare charm, the kind only mature women possess. Her tight-fitting outfit accentuated her perfect figure.
The only flaw was the arrogance in her eyes, and the disdain she cast toward Xiao Yufan.
“You’re here. Please, have a seat…” The man spoke first. After all, this was their first meeting with Xiao Yufan—rudeness would be awkward.
Nodding, Xiao Yufan and Hu Yingluo chose a seat near the door. He had already forgotten everything Hu had told him earlier. Under the woman’s piercing gaze, even the usually eloquent and clever Xiao Yufan found himself tongue-tied.
“So you’re Xiao Yufan, my daughter’s boyfriend?”
Hu’s father had a calm gaze, yet his imposing presence made Xiao Yufan too nervous to look up. Talking to such a man made him feel uneasy. For a moment, he regretted agreeing to Hu Yingluo’s request.
“Yes.”
Xiao Yufan replied respectfully. Encouraged by Hu Yingluo’s gaze, he reluctantly answered, his nervousness fully exposed. Both Hu’s father and stepmother exchanged knowing smirks…
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