As Xiao Yufan was pondering how to keep Liu Hua around, his phone suddenly rang. It was Qing Luan calling.
“Lu’er, is it that idiot from the Bai family again?”
Xiao Yufan’s guesses were usually spot-on. If it wasn’t someone from the Bai family, Qing Luan wouldn’t have disturbed him at this hour. However, the timing of the Bai family’s arrival was indeed inconvenient.
“It’s Bai Xiaozhuo, and he specifically asked for you!”
Qing Luan’s gentle voice came through the line. Clearly, just knowing Xiao Yufan was around brought her great peace of mind. Since the Bai family had already sent someone, she naturally wanted Xiao Yufan back.
“Bai Xiaozhuo, heir of the Bai family—it really is him…”
Although the Bai family had more than one young master, one was in politics, another in the military, and only one in business. It was said that this particular fellow had an extremely high IQ, otherwise he wouldn’t have earned the title of “Prince of the Bai Clan.” In the north, Bai Xiaozhuo’s reputation was no less impressive than that of the Northern Three Young Commanders.
“So when are you coming back?”
“I’ll return tonight. I’d like to see what makes this Bai family young master so special.”
Xiao Yufan could detect the longing in Qing Luan’s voice and couldn’t help but smile faintly and shake his head. She’d already started missing him after only two days apart—how endearing.
After hanging up, Xiao Yufan sighed helplessly. It seemed like he wouldn’t be able to carry out his plan today. But giving Liu Hua a bit more time wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. After all, if he pushed too hard too soon and left a psychological scar, how could he ever pluck this blooming, alluring flower in the future?
“I also need to return to Linjiang tonight, since I have some matters to handle there…”
Turning around, he glanced at her stunning beauty, his heart racing. Every move she made exuded a captivating charm. Any man would struggle to suppress his desires in her presence.
“Mm, I understand…”
Nodding slightly, Liu Hua could tell from the phone call that the caller was a woman. For some reason, she suddenly felt a pang of disappointment, yet also a sense of relief—finally, she could escape this big lecher.
“Don’t miss me too much—I’ll be off then…”
Xiao Yufan feared that if he stayed any longer, he might really give in and take her right there, so after a brief hesitation, he chose to leave. Letting Bai Xiaozhuo wait a night might be fine, but letting him wait a full day would be pushing it.
“As if anyone would miss you!”
Before Liu Hua could react, her enticing lips were gently covered by his, and then Xiao Yufan vanished from her sight.
Stamping her foot in frustration, Liu Hua couldn’t help but feel annoyed. That lecher had taken advantage of her one last time before leaving. It seemed like the women around him had spoiled him too much. Indeed, every woman in Xiao Yufan’s circle, including Yu Yihan, had been overly indulgent toward him.
With nothing else to do in Guan Gang, Liu Hua returned to the capital. The next morning, Xiao Yufan arrived in Linjiang.
Inside the top-floor office of Hualong Enterprise…
Qiao Chuxi, Qing Luan, and Tian Xuan were already waiting. Seeing Xiao Yufan return, their faces lit up with joy—especially Qiao Chuxi, who was visibly excited. With the Bai family issue resolved, Qiao Group wouldn’t be in such a difficult position anymore.
“Shall I call Bai Xiaozhuo in? He’s been waiting all night…” Qiao Chuxi was eager to resolve her family’s troubles and looked at Xiao Yufan as she spoke.
“Don’t rush. Since he’s already waited all night, a few more minutes won’t hurt. Let him wait a bit longer.”
Since the Bai family had come to them, Xiao Yufan felt it necessary to give Bai Xiaozhuo a taste of humility. Otherwise, he might think Huisheng Enterprise and Xiao Yufan himself were easy targets. Of course, if the Bai family hadn’t shown up, Xiao Yufan would have taken action against them in a few days anyway.
“Brother Fan just got back—he must be tired. Let Bai Xiaozhuo wait a little longer…”
Qing Luan chimed in. She knew exactly what Xiao Yufan was thinking. The Bai family had made the first move to compromise, so naturally, they deserved to be kept waiting.
“Hey, Xiao, no matter how you look at it, I’m a guest. Isn’t this a bit rude of you?”
At that moment, a figure appeared at the door. His eyes carried a strange gleam, and his tone was clearly annoyed. After all, who wouldn’t be upset being kept waiting like this?
“So the Bai heir has such sharp hearing that he can hear everything we say in here? Don’t tell me you’re a peeping tom…”
It could only be Bai Xiaozhuo. Judging by his tired appearance, he looked even more exhausted than Xiao Yufan, who had just completed a long journey overnight.
“I…” Bai Xiaozhuo wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words. He thought his verbal skills were sharp enough, but in front of Xiao Yufan, he could only admit defeat. After all, he was on the other man’s turf.
“I didn’t properly greet you upon your arrival, Bai heir. My apologies. Why don’t you rest for a day and we’ll discuss things tomorrow?”
Shaking his head with a smile, Xiao Yufan was a bit surprised. Bai Xiaozhuo wasn’t nearly as serious as he had imagined—he seemed rather casual. Was this really the Bai heir who had clashed with him several times?
“Thank you for the offer, but I’d prefer to get straight to business.”
Bai Xiaozhuo replied bitterly. His earlier move against Qiao Group had merely been to provoke Xiao Yufan into action. He hadn’t expected Xiao to remain completely unfazed, forcing him to make the first move this time.
To the Bai family, the Qiao Group wasn’t particularly significant. Bai Xiaozhuo had acted mainly to restore his dignity. In truth, there wasn’t much real enmity between them.
“Fine then, let’s get down to business. I need some sleep after this!”
Letting out a long yawn, Xiao Yufan appeared even more laid-back, making Bai Xiaozhuo secretly want to punch him. But he could only think it—he remembered Xiao Yufan’s terrifying combat skills, and a chill ran down his spine.
“I admit that the Bai family has been targeting the Qiao Group recently…”
Bai Xiaozhuo got straight to the point, not thinking his actions were wrong. After all, he was the boss of those people. When his subordinates were humiliated, he couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.
“I know that already. I just haven’t decided to retaliate against the Bai family yet.”
Xiao Yufan didn’t sound arrogant at all. Even without the Situ family’s support, he alone was more than enough to bring the Bai family to ruin. He had simply chosen not to act yet, giving them a chance to back down gracefully…
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