Shi Nanci couldn’t possibly admit that he had just been humiliated by Lin Ran—he had his pride to maintain.
Liu Ruxue was puzzled by Shi Nanci’s stuttering but nodded anyway.
With that, Shi Nanci took Liu Ruxue’s delicate hand and led her toward the lounge area of the hotel lobby, while she blushed and kept her head down.
"Welcome, sir. Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes, I booked a table in the lounge…"
Shi Nanci reveled in the feeling of superiority.
Once seated, he asked, "Ruxue, how have you been lately?"
"Not well," Liu Ruxue burst into tears. "I’ve been harassed by some lunatic who keeps bullying me."
"Who dares to be so bold? Tell me, and I’ll deal with him."
Liu Ruxue: "!@#$%…"
Not long after Liu Ruxue and Shi Nanci entered, a young man emerged from the shadows with a grim expression—none other than Lin Jian, who hadn’t been seen in a while.
He had originally planned to contact Liu Ruxue to get back at Lin Ran.
But to his surprise, Liu Ruxue wasn’t answering his calls.
The Liu family now despised the Lins even more, so Lin Jian had to rely on old connections to track Liu Ruxue’s whereabouts.
When Huo Haini mentioned that Liu Ruxue had plans at the Pangu Hotel, Lin Jian was furious.
I’m suffering like this, and you’re out there having fun?
So, he arrived early and waited for her.
When he spotted Lin Ran earlier, he didn’t dare approach and could only hide.
This was the first time he’d seen Lin Ran and resisted the urge to provoke him.
There was no helping it—Lin Ran’s recent demeanor had left a terrifying impression on him.
After Lin Ran left, he saw Shi Nanci leading Liu Ruxue inside, hand in hand.
Watching them, Lin Jian’s eyes could have carved out a knife.
This bitch, after just a few days apart, she’s already latched onto another man.
Does she even care about me?
Fine. If that’s how it is, don’t blame me for what comes next.
With that, he strode into the lobby and approached the front desk…
Meanwhile, Lin Ran was holding court at the company’s team-building dinner.
Wang Bao shot him a meaningful look.
"Everyone, the future belongs to me—and to you. This month’s bonuses will be doubled. After this toast, I’m heading home to my wife."
When it came to motivating employees, money spoke louder than empty promises.
No matter how grand the vision, people would just laugh and curse you as a capitalist pig behind your back.
But hand out cash, and they’d sing your praises.
Chen Qingtian piped up, "Cousin, you have to get your wife to teach me how to make money."
"What, the contract I gave you isn’t enough?"
"That barely covers… mmmph!" Her agent clamped a hand over her mouth again.
Lin Ran chuckled but didn’t respond. His cousin’s mind seemed to harbor some… unconventional thoughts. The contrast was amusing.
"Boss, you’re the best!"
"Boss is legendary!"
"The world’s full of distractions, but tonight, our boss outshines them all."
"Damn, if you’re gonna suck up like that, then I’ll one-up you: As employees, we should wish our boss smooth sailing, wealth, good looks, and status!"
The rest of the team downed their drinks. Lin Ran smiled and left the banquet hall. The youthful energy here was infectious, but he didn’t belong—he belonged with Luo Yao.
"What’s up?" he asked as soon as he stepped outside.
"Lin Jian arrived at the hotel early and just booked a room—1801."
Lin Ran paused, his gaze sharpening.
"What’s he planning?"
"Not sure, but while he was heading upstairs, I had someone stall him for half a minute. Planted a hidden camera."
Lin Ran immediately gave Wang Bao a thumbs-up.
"Good work. I’ll have Luo Yao give you a raise."
"Thank you, sir."
Wang Bao nearly wept with relief. After so many penalties, he was finally getting rewarded.
Back in the lounge, Liu Ruxue’s phone lit up.
She frowned at the screen.
[Lin Jian: Pangu Hotel, Room 1801. Waiting for you.]
"Ruxue, what’s wrong? You look pale. Need me to take you home to rest?" Shi Nanci made sure to flash his Mercedes key.
Liu Ruxue forced a smile. "I’m fine," she said, though her mind was in turmoil.
Lin Jian was here, in the same hotel, with a room already booked.
Had he been following her?
Was he angry because she’d ignored his calls?
That had to be it.
She’d only avoided him because of the gossip online, afraid their relationship would be exposed. She hadn’t meant anything by it.
Had he misunderstood?
"Nanci, I have to go. Something came up. Enjoy your meal."
"What’s so urgent? Ruxue, I went through so much trouble to get you here."
"It’s… my cousin. His family’s going through a hard time. I need to comfort him."
"Cousin? Lin Jian or Lin Ran?"
"Lin Jian."
Shi Nanci relaxed. He had no idea about the recent Lin family drama.
"Oh, Jian? Haven’t seen him in ages. Let me drive you!" He dangled his keys again.
Liu Ruxue’s frown deepened. His pretentiousness was grating.
"No need. I’ll go alone. Take your time."
She stood, leaving Shi Nanci looking like he’d swallowed a lemon. Just as he was about to protest—
"Next time, okay? I’ll make it up to you."
Instantly, Shi Nanci transformed into the picture of understanding.
"Ruxue, don’t say that. I just worry about you. If you don’t want me to come, I won’t."
Once Liu Ruxue left, Shi Nanci mournfully attacked the expensive dishes on the table.
Seven-star hotel food was something else.
Didn’t matter if it tasted good—it was expensive.
Liu Ruxue made sure Shi Nanci wasn’t following before stepping into the elevator.
At least she didn’t have to change locations.
Soon, Room 1801 went from one occupant to two.
Lin Jian looked rough, his body covered in untreated injuries.
When Liu Ruxue tried to hug him, he dodged.
"Still hurt. Not healed yet."
His evasion stung.
"Lin Jian, what did you want to talk about?"
He asked a question that made her flush.
"Do you love me?"
"Of course I do! You’re the one I love most!"
"Good. Prove it."
Without another word, he reached for her.
Liu Ruxue eyed his battered state with concern.
"Are you sure you’re okay like this?"
"Of course. Don’t you know me by now?"
Unbeknownst to them, every move was being watched.
Elsewhere, Lin Ran leisurely opened an app on his phone.
The moment the feed loaded, he squeezed his eyes shut.
What the actual hell.
Liu Ruxue, you're despicable. How can anyone stoop to such a level?
Have you completely abandoned your dignity?
Or even your humanity?

reezy rom-com) Good news: Jiang Liu is quite the ladies' man. Bad news: He’s lost his memory. Lying in a hospital bed, Jiang Liu listens to a parade of goddesses spouting "absurd claims," feeling like the world is one giant game of Werewolf. "Jiang Liu, I’m your first love." "Jiang Liu, you’re my boyfriend—she’s your ex." "Jiang Liu, we’re close friends who’ve shared a bed, remember?" "Jiang Liu, I want to have your baby." The now-lucid Jiang Liu is convinced this must be some elaborate scam... until someone drops the bombshell: "The day before you lost your memory, you confessed your feelings—and got into a relationship." Jiang Liu is utterly baffled. So... who the hell is his actual girlfriend?! ... Before recovering his memories, Jiang Liu must navigate this minefield of lies and sincerity, fighting to protect himself from these women’s schemes. But things spiral even further out of control as more people show up at his doorstep—each with increasingly unhinged antics. On the bright side, the memories he lost due to overwhelming trauma seem to be resurfacing. Great news, right? So why are they all panicking now?

agon king storylines. At the start, I obtained the "Ultimate Lackey System" - the more I act as a lackey, the stronger I become. What else could I do? I chose to become the personal henchman of the ultimate villain, Su Muwan. I provoke all sorts of chosen ones, snatch away their opportunities, and commit every evil deed imaginable. You ask who's behind me? Hmph! You're not worthy of knowing my lady's name! ...... ....... I am Su Muwan, the eldest daughter of the Su family. Since childhood, I've possessed extraordinary talent in martial arts, which led to my arrogant and domineering personality in my past life. I was even foolish enough to repeatedly challenge those favored by heaven, ultimately resulting in a tragic death. In this life, I must behave and absolutely cannot walk the same path again!! However... SLAP!! "So you're the Dragon King, huh?!" When I saw my little lackey swagger over and viciously slap the Dragon King who was hiding his identity, I felt my heart sink. Su Muwan's suspended heart finally died as she watched Qin Luo, her utterly loyal lackey, standing before her. She fainted on the spot from shock. Heaven is determined to destroy me!! (Pure love 1v1, light-hearted, no angst, single female lead, villain, reincarnation, lackey)

u Chenyuan transmigrated into a female-oriented novel about a real and fake heiress, becoming the CEO elder brother of both. Unfortunately, the entire Lu family—including himself, the CEO—were mere cannon fodder in the story. Determined to save himself, Lu Chenyuan took action. The spoiled, attention-seeking fake heiress? Thrown into the harsh realities of the working class to learn humility. The love-struck real heiress? Pushed toward academic excellence, so lofty goals would blind her to trivial romances. As for the betrayed, vengeful arranged marriage wife… the plot hadn’t even begun yet. There was still time—if he couldn’t handle her, he could at least avoid her. "CEO Lu, are you avoiding me?" Mo Qingli fixed her gaze on Lu Chenyuan. For the first time, the shrewd and calculating Lu Chenyuan felt a flicker of unease.

ts me of treason?" "Correct. The host must return to the capital and gradually build up influence." "Wait—I have half a million soldiers, and you want me to go back to the capital to 'build influence'?" "Host, you are currently the Northern Garrison General, loyal to the Great Xia Dynasty." "Of course I am loyal to Great Xia! Absolutely loyal!" "But you keep referring to yourself as 'We'..." "Never mind the details! Summon all the regional commanders and military officers! We suspect treacherous officials are manipulating the court! They shall march with Us to the capital and purge the corrupt!" "......"