Chapter 199: Sacrificing One for the Other

For men, women are masterpieces bestowed by heaven. Although Xiao Yufan never claimed to be a sage, he still understood what it meant to cherish and care for a delicate beauty…

After their passionate encounter, Xiao Yufan quietly gazed at the woman beside him, a faint, serene smile tugging at his lips. With her softness and warmth close by, a sense of tenderness stirred in his heart.

As if sensing his gaze, Qin Menglu stirred slightly, a wince crossing her face as a dull ache reminded her of their intimacy. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly—unsurprisingly, as she was still adjusting to this new experience.

“Still sore?” Xiao Yufan asked knowingly, feigning innocence, though his concern was genuine. Though Qin Menglu often appeared carefree, Xiao Yufan knew well that those who seemed the strongest often had the most fragile hearts, needing constant care and affection.

“Just a little… I’m fine,” she shook her head insistently, draping her delicate arm over his shoulder. Her thin lips curved into an alluring smile as she softly replied, her breath sweet and gentle.

“Don’t go to work these next couple of days. Rest at home. I don’t want our little miss showing up at the company like that…”

His finger gently traced over her delicate nose, his eyes softening. As their eyes met, he noticed a flicker of hesitation in hers.

Obediently nodding, Qin Menglu’s soft body brushed lightly against his, and the mood between them continued to intensify…

Xiao Yufan’s life had become quite peaceful. Huisheng Enterprise was steadily growing, unaffected by many external pressures. Its financial resources and leadership team were more than sufficient to carry it through any rough patches.

Additionally, the other two sports cars were delivered three days later, leaving Xiao Yufan no choice but to reluctantly become the test driver. Otherwise, he couldn’t be sure what kind of trouble those three girls might stir up…

Outside the villa, in a separate estate, Xiao Yufan quietly basked in the afternoon sun. Though an ordinary life, it was one he found deeply appealing—this was, after all, the kind of peaceful existence he had once only dreamed of.

Just as he was drifting off in contentment, the phone rang beside him…

“You still remember to answer my calls? Why have you been ignoring me these past few days? Did I offend the young master of the Situ family, or are you just not happy to see me?”

Before Xiao Yufan could even speak, a rapid-fire barrage of words hit him. He finally snapped out of his drowsy state, though he remained puzzled—why was Qing Luan so upset?

“Miss, when have I ignored you? You want me to revolve around you all day?” Xiao Yufan groaned, unsure what was going through her mind. Yet, reflecting on the past few days, he realized their relationship had indeed become a bit distant.

“Who said I want you revolving around me… but still, you can’t neglect me completely either. I saw how cozy you’ve been with Vice President Yu…”

Speechless, Xiao Yufan could only marvel at the illogical nature of women. Everyone knew about the close relationship between Yu Yihan and Xiao Yufan, so surely Qing Luan wasn’t completely unaware? Her words made him sound like he was playing favorites.

“Well, Vice President Yu lives with me every day. If you can do the same, I’d be more than happy to give you equal attention…”

He chuckled dryly, amused and slightly mischievous. If she saw his expression, the girls would surely glare at him in disapproval.

“What? You’re living together?” Qing Luan clearly didn’t believe him at first. But then, recalling their closeness, a wave of disappointment washed over her—though it quickly faded.

“Living together?” Xiao Yufan’s lips twitched, his eyes warming with amusement. If cohabitation meant simply living under the same roof, then indeed, he and Yu Yihan shared a rather special bond.

“Hmph, pervert,流氓, shameless…”

(Note: The term “流氓” is translated as “rascal” or “rogue” to maintain the context of mild reproach or teasing, which fits common usage in such expressions.)

Final translation:

“Hmph, pervert, rascal, shameless…”

Without thinking, Qing Luan vented her inexplicable anger. But before Xiao Yufan could react, her tone suddenly softened, “My brother wants to invite you out. Do you have time?”

“My brother… wants to see me?” His mind spinning, Xiao Yufan still clearly heard her words. He began to wonder what Qing Luan’s brother could possibly want with him.

“You don’t have time?” Misreading his hesitation, Qing Luan’s voice dropped with disappointment. Though she didn’t know why her brother wanted to meet him, just seeing Xiao Yufan again was a pleasant thought.

“Of course I have time. Is this like a parental inspection? Should I dress up extra nice to pass your brother’s test?”

“Ugh, nonsense! My brother definitely has other things to discuss. You’ll understand when you come!”

With a soft pout, Qing Luan sounded both embarrassed and excited. Yet, thinking about the possible tension between the two men, she felt a strange unease.

“Just tell me the time and place. I’ll be there on time,” Xiao Yufan replied simply, shaking his head slightly.

“Eight o’clock tonight, at Boyaxuan. Don’t be late!”

Xiao Yufan could almost picture Qing Luan’s expression at that moment. How could he not be moved by such a beautiful and enchanting woman? Yet, no matter how much he felt, what could he really do…

After hanging up, Xiao Yufan noticed Tian Xuan had appeared beside him. He placed his hand gently on her delicate, supple frame and pulled her into his arms.

“Why aren’t you out playing with them anymore?” He smiled, gently wiping a bead of sweat from her nose.

Since leaving the Tian Group, Tian Xuan had gradually revealed her true self. Perhaps due to a year of constant companionship, Xiao Yufan understood her well—beneath her icy exterior beat a passionate heart, though that warmth was reserved only for those closest to her.

“Wouldn’t you be upset, Boss Xiao?” Her gaze wavered slightly under his gentle smile.

“Why would I be upset?”

“I… I told Sister Yihan everything without asking you first…”

“I was going to tell her eventually. It’s better coming from you than me…”

Xiao Yufan smiled, not overly concerned. Letting Yu Yihan know about the past might not be a bad thing after all.

“Oh, I almost forgot to mention—people from the Tian Group have already arrived in Beijing…”