"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. What's the boss doing?"

Yun Hanrui glanced at Ling Feng. "Why do you have time to drop by?"

"What do you mean, 'why am I here?' Half of this company is yours, but the other half is mine!" Ling Feng replied with a laugh. "Now that the company's 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 Hanrui's brow with his hand. "Don't frown so much—constant frowning will make you age faster! I want my woman to always wear a bright, happy smile, not this gloomy expression!"

Listening to Ling Feng's tender words, Yun Hanrui's face broke into a smile. Although Secretary Lin's stance was becoming increasingly clear, Ling Feng's words instilled her with newfound determination.

"Come on, you haven't eaten yet. Let's head out for dinner!" Ling Feng said with a cheerful smile as he took Yun Hanrui's hand.

"How about we go back home?" Yun Hanrui tiptoed and planted a soft kiss on Ling Feng's lips. "Let me tidy up first!"

Ling Feng shook his head. "No dinner at home tonight. Let's 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. It's just that Lin Feng and Chen Gui are having dinner tonight at the Gentleman's Pavilion in Junyue Grand Hotel. Since Lin Feng blew off your meeting, why don't we crash their dinner? I'm sure he won't mind!"

A glimmer sparked in Yun Hanrui's eyes. "Alright, I'll 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.

"Let's 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 down—what if someone sees us?"

"Work hours are over; who's still around to see?"

...

The rounds of drinks flowed, and the dishes piled high! At the Gentleman's 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, I'm 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 we're involved in the Biotech Park project and receive the government's strong support, I believe our Asia-Pacific Biotech Group can elevate Huaxia's 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 company's strength. Plus, you're patriotic overseas Chinese, which gives us even more reason not to turn you away. As for the Biotech Park project, it's become Yanjing's flagship initiative, and it requires an even more capable group to lead and maximize the project's advantages."

With exchanged knowing glances, the two clinked glasses and drained their drinks.

Just then, the door to the Gentleman's Pavilion swung open with a loud bang. A playful voice followed, "Oh my, looks like we're late. Didn't realize you'd 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 Lin's 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 you're hungry, feel free to order something downstairs. The bill's 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 couldn't afford a simple meal? Sure, your Asia-Pacific Biotech Group might be rich, but our Chaoyang Group isn't exactly down on its luck."

At that moment, David couldn't suppress his rage. Seeing Ling Feng and Yun Hanrui strolling in together, hand in hand, he was consumed with fury.

According to Bana's 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. "You're seriously shameless! Can't you tell how unwelcome you are here?"

Turning his gaze to Yun Hanrui, he sneered, "Don't assume that by latching onto President Yun, you suddenly qualify to strut around in our presence. Because you don't!"

With a sharp smack, before David could finish his tirade, Yun Hanrui's hand landed firmly on his cheek, delivering a fierce slap.

David stared at Yun Hanrui in utter disbelief. He hadn't expected her to stand up for this man—enough to slap him in public!

How could this be happening? Was Bana's sorcery truly ineffective? David's face turned beet red, flush with humiliation and seething anger.

"Hmph! You're 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 Gui's 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 I'm rather disappointed."

"What's 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?"

"What's 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, I'm afraid we cannot comply with your request."

"What do you mean, 'cannot comply'? Care to explain!" Chen Gui's face darkened further, his anger visibly boiling.

Ling Feng took a step forward, his expression amused. "Allow me to clarify: it's 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?"

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