Chapter 0143

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?