(Unfortunate circumstances led to a day-long power outage at 10 a.m. No writing could be done until the evening. Also, the lack of internet was an issue as I share a router with the landlord who was away. Just got it resolved now. Updating the fourth update and then staying up late to write more.)

During dinner, Li Yan, Yurong, and Yue Yao gathered together. Because of last night's events, everyone initially felt a bit awkward. However, Yurong and Yue Yao, being girls, had a mutual understanding; women are naturally adept at keeping secrets when face-to-face. Li Yan and Yue Yao would have felt even more awkward, but they had already talked once before Yurong returned, so there was no visible tension.

The dining table for Yun Country People often becomes a social venue, because it rarely falls silent during meals. Generally speaking, even if there's nothing significant to talk about, a lot of topics can be introduced starting with the food. Previously, when Li Yan and Yurong dined together, although Aunt Liu was diligent in cooking, they just ate separately. Now, with Yue Yao joining them, there was more interaction. Yurong would talk to her, and Li Yan could also join the conversation.

In this spacious home, there was finally a touch of liveliness, filled with a sense of harmony.

"I heard you applied for a transfer to the security team?" Yurong asked casually, not sure how the conversation shifted to work.

Li Yan was a bit surprised. How did she know about such a minor thing? Is she really that interested in my affairs?

"It's not that I applied. This month, I've been learning a lot alongside Wen Qianyi, very motivated. But Ye Jiahong might find it inconvenient to pursue Wen Qianyi with me around, so he wanted to get rid of me. After some negotiation, he agreed to let me stay in the Business Department while also being the deputy leader of the security team."

Being two-faced isn't a good trait, BUT, Ye Jiahong has always coveted his wife, so Li Yan didn't mind playing the slightly spiteful role here.

Yurong merely noticed it since it wasn't convenient to inquire deeply, so she didn't know the specifics. She couldn't resist asking, "How exactly did you persuade him to change his decision?"

She had heard Ye Jiahong mock Li Yan before, using him as a joke. Hearing Li Yan's account, she did believe Ye Jiahong wanted to get rid of him, but she couldn't imagine what skills or reasoning her husband possessed to convince Ye Jiahong.

"It's actually quite simple. Did you forget how I got in? Your dad asked Sun Qilin to use an excuse to arrange me here. So, I just asked him why Director Sun didn't approach Hai Fu, Wang Ziyu, or Chen Aiyuan instead, but went to him? Naturally, he interpreted it as Sun Qilin possibly wanting to support him for a vice-presidency role, so he cheerfully kept me around."

"..."

Yurong was at a loss. Ye Jiahong, a dignified business director, always did stellar work. How could he act so foolishly like a clown? However, recalling how he used Li Yan as a joke before, his character isn't that great, and it makes sense he'd be susceptible to greed.

"So you're planning to... really take on dual roles?" Yurong furrowed her brows slightly. "Being the deputy leader of the security team, while offering some training, is trivial, meaningless, and a waste of time. Staying in the Business Department is the right choice. But... are you really diligently learning now?" She found it hard to believe that Li Yan would be so motivated.

"Of course! In fact, besides learning a lot from Wen Qianyi, I'm currently responsible for a movie investment project. It just doesn't show results quickly." Li Yan slightly exaggerated on the basis of fact. In the past, he wouldn't have bothered saying this, but his mindset has changed now.

Yurong said nothing, only wondering whether it was due to Wen Qianyi's support nurturing his ambition or if his efforts were solely for Wen Qianyi.

Regardless, seeing Li Yan motivated was her wish over the past several months. Seeing him this way, she decided to support him. "Tomorrow, there's a big client. It might not lead to direct negotiations on specific projects, but it'll be a relatively high-profile meeting. I'll have Wen Qianyi join us, and you should come along too. You'll both follow up with this client afterward."

"Really? I've just started, I still need to hone my skills slowly. Such a high-level client, I think..."

Before Li Yan could finish declining, Yurong cut in firmly, "It's not like you'll be going alone! I'll be there tomorrow. On the surface, this client will be managed by Wen Qianyi. I'm confident in her abilities. How much you learn will depend on whether you truly dedicate yourself."

Li Yan gave a wry smile; sometimes talking too much can lead to complications.

...

After dinner, Yurong and Yue Yao were having tea in the living room. Although Li Yan wasn't used to it, he enjoyed the atmosphere. However, he couldn't find a way to join the conversation as Yue Yao had brought some fashion magazines, and the two were absorbed in them on the sofa. Still, he thought it was a good start to see his wife interested in something beyond finance and business magazines. Finally, she seemed more like a woman and not just a CEO at home.

In fact, Yue Yao wasn't an expert in these either. She just had some prior knowledge compared to Yurong, and the two were eagerly learning and exploring the magazines together.

Seeing them engrossed, Li Yan took a break and headed upstairs, determined to spend more time working out. During the holidays, he only maintained basic physical exercise; now he aimed to get back to a more rigorous routine.

Just as he got into his workout in the gym, a call came from Yu Xiaodi. She didn't ask him to come over but just talked about school things. Li Yan placed the phone on the treadmill, chatting casually while jogging. He wondered how she could keep talking non-stop.

"...Hey, I asked Bai Feijin in detail. Red-brown hair! The one he saw last time was definitely Teacher Wen. Last night, I gave you a perfect opportunity. Did you... hmmm, with Teacher Wen?" Yu Xiaodi asked playfully.

Li Yan chuckled, "Nothing happened. My relationship with your Teacher Wen is as pure as white paper. I've only stayed over at her place once, but it wasn't last night..."

"Ah! You actually...?" Yu Xiaodi gasped quietly. She was confident enough to be this candid because Wen Qianyi's character had earned her respect, and she sensed Li Yan and Wen Qianyi weren't that close.

"I actually just slept on her living room couch, believe it or not." Li Yan didn't continue teasing her.

Yu Xiaodi laughed, "I believe you! Otherwise, you would have stayed over last night too."

"Glad you understand. Okay, let's hang up. I'm still running."

Yu Xiaodi suddenly lowered her voice, teasing, "Yan gē gē, your breathy voice while running is quite sexy..."

"..." Li Yan felt a bit dizzy.

"Hehe... Why are you running at night?"

"What are you on about?! I consistently work out in the evening!" Li Yan firmly denied any rumors.

"Poor uncle." Yu Xiaodi stifled a laugh as she spoke.

The phone indicated another incoming call; it was from Wen Qianyi. Li Yan quickly wrapped up, saying, "This time it's a real call, I need to hang up."

Yu Xiaodi didn't want to delay him either, so she obediently ended the call.

When Wen Qianyi answered, she immediately noticed Li Yan's slightly labored breathing. Her voice turned curious, "Why, am I interrupting you? Joyously celebrating this early?"

"No way! I'm working out, running." Li Yan laughed.

"I see. Feeling frustrated about the security team transfer? Don't brood alone, come out! I'll treat you to drinks," Wen Qianyi invited cheerfully.

Li Yan had always known her to be forthright since meeting her. Although he didn't really need to drink away his woes, he was grateful for her kindness. "Alright! Is it that bar from last time? I'll head over, just not too late."

"OK, I'll wait for you. Whether you're running or on a date, take a shower before you come! Don't come stinking of sweat," Wen Qianyi chuckled.

Then another call came in, this time from Hai Fu, at almost the same moment.

"Getting into the security department isn't pleasant, is it? Want to go out for a drink? I'll go with you," Hai Fu offered, empathetic and understanding, not pushy.

Li Yan felt sweat forming. How could one person accompany two? Moreover, he suspected that drinking with Hai Fu might not just end there. So he said, "How about the weekend! I'll treat you then. Let's forget about tonight, there's work tomorrow."

The moment he hung up, the gym door opened. Yue Yao entered and said, "Brother-in-law Li, Sister Yurong said you always go out drinking and having fun without taking her along. How about taking us out for a drink tonight?"

Li Yan: "..."

(The monthly pass competition is heating up. I implore any brothers with votes to lend a hand!)(To be continued. For more details about what happens next, please visit www.qidian.com. Support the author and genuine reading!)

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.