Their eyes met, and Xiao Yufan did not flinch. Perhaps others might fear Qing Yuanfeng deeply, but as the leader of Glory, would he fear this man? The answer was naturally no.
“This is a matter between men, and I hope we can resolve it in our own way. Qingluan has never experienced love before, and I don’t want her to be hurt because of us. Furthermore, I don’t believe you are capable of giving her a complete love…”
In the end, it was Qing Yuanfeng who first chose to yield, because he dared not gamble with his sister’s happiness. He would rather give up everything than let his only sister suffer even the slightest harm.
“Love isn’t something one person decides alone. I won’t deny that I have strong feelings for Qingluan, which is why I can only try my best to keep my distance. As for other things, they are beyond my control…”
Xiao Yufan’s voice was no longer so rigid. He found it hard to reject Qing Yuanfeng’s plea outright, for he could understand the feelings of an older brother. Indeed, he could not offer Qingluan a full, complete love.
A fleeting expression of self-mockery passed across his face. Even Xiao Yufan himself wasn’t sure how to deal with every woman around him. Even if they were willing to stay by his side now, what about the future?
“You only need to stay away from her. With time, this feeling of hers will surely fade.”
Speaking of Qingluan, a faint smile appeared on Qing Yuanfeng’s lips. Who would have thought that this man, who seemed cold and distant to outsiders, could also show such tenderness? Beneath his aloof mask lay a passionate heart.
“I hope it turns out as you wish…”
His lips twitched slightly, and Xiao Yufan felt unexpectedly calm. If he and Qingluan were not destined to be together, what difference would any amount of interaction make? But if fate willed it, even Qing Yuanfeng’s interference wouldn’t keep them apart.
Some connections cannot be forced; some feelings cannot be avoided. Accustomed to going with the flow, Xiao Yufan believed that every relationship was predestined. Therefore, he could wait…
“I trust the leader of Glory, and I believe you will keep your word. But if one day we must face off, I promise I won’t destroy you completely.”
Qing Yuanfeng hadn’t expected Xiao Yufan to agree so easily. It seemed as though the latter’s emotions hadn’t shifted even slightly throughout their conversation. He even began to wonder whether Xiao Yufan truly had feelings for Qingluan at all.
“Oh, you didn’t fight after all. I thought I’d get to see an exciting show. Sigh, you’ve disappointed me again. I’ve never even seen my brother getting beaten up…”
Just when neither of them knew what else to say, the door to the private room opened again. Qingluan’s voice, filled with playful laughter, floated in, and her words nearly made Qing Yuanfeng stumble.
“Ah, so you really hoped to see us fighting, so you could stir up more trouble…”
He tapped her forehead lightly, gazing at Qingluan with deep affection. He didn’t know what he was thinking, but his eyes kept drifting toward Xiao Yufan, trying to catch any change in his expression.
Soon, however, Qing Yuanfeng felt disappointed. Even after Qingluan reentered, Xiao Yufan’s calm profile showed no reaction whatsoever. Thus, Qing Yuanfeng couldn’t figure out what Xiao Yufan was truly thinking.
“Am I really that bad? Doesn’t seem like it. It’s just that the thought of my brother losing makes me so excited…”
Qingluan smiled sweetly, but in Qing Yuanfeng’s eyes, she was a mixture of angel and devil. Thinking of all her endless tricks, even he, who feared neither heaven nor earth, felt a chill down his back.
“Behave yourself. We still have a guest here. If you want to act up, do it at home!”
“Yufan isn’t a stranger. So, are you already starting to dislike me? If you find a sister-in-law in the future, will I be mistreated every day?”
Though she clearly knew her brother had no intention of scolding her, Qingluan still looked very wronged. Her glossy lips curved into a beautiful arc, like a proud princess.
“Fine, it’s all my fault. Do whatever you want, I don’t care anymore…”
With Xiao Yufan’s assurance, Qing Yuanfeng felt much more relaxed. Although he wasn’t sure whether this was too harsh for Qingluan, from an older brother’s perspective, he didn’t think he had done anything wrong.
“Then can I choose to continue working at Glory? After all, I’ve already worked there for two years. If you suddenly take me back, I won’t adjust easily. So, to avoid troubling my brother…”
“No way. Stop being silly. Which department in Lingyun can’t accommodate you? Why must you insist on going to Glory? What would others think if they found out!”
Before Qingluan could finish speaking, Qing Yuanfeng interrupted her, clearly trying to quash her idea before it could take root. He knew full well that Qingluan wanted to stay at Glory only because of Xiao Yufan.
“You’re lying! Just now you said I could do whatever I wanted, and now you won’t even grant me this tiny request…”
Her pouting tone made Xiao Yufan feel amused, but he said nothing. He only wanted to be a spectator, quietly watching their exchange. Watching Qing Yuanfeng struggle, he felt a strange sense of satisfaction deep inside.
“My dear little miss, can you tell me what difference there is between Glory and Lingyun? Earlier, I repeatedly left you at Lingyun, but you just ran off to Glory…”
“I just don’t like working under your watchful eyes. You didn’t even notice how everyone beneath you treats me like a plague, too afraid to even breathe loudly. It’s not nearly as fun as working at Glory!”
Qingluan glanced at Xiao Yufan sitting nearby and couldn’t help feeling a little displeased. This guy hadn’t even spoken up for her. Could it be that he really wanted her to leave Glory? Even if that were the case, she wouldn’t leave…
“That’s only because you’ve tormented each of them before. Do you even think about what you’ve done?”
Qing Yuanfeng was completely speechless. This girl had a notorious reputation at Lingyun—perhaps some didn’t even know who ran the company, but everyone knew who Qingluan was…
“I just won’t go to Lingyun. If you don’t let me work at Glory, I’ll stay home and bother you all day, and then let’s see if you dare to break your promise!”
Sticking out her tongue playfully, Qingluan looked slightly embarrassed, but she remained stubborn. No matter what, she had to stay at Glory, because the person she cared about most was there…
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