Chapter 0345

Everyone turned their heads in confusion, unable to understand why Chen Buhui wanted to meet these two people privately—it went against protocol.

Moreover, if word got out, it would send a signal to the outside world.

Even though the three major families had collapsed, there was still the South China Chamber of Commerce among the bidding candidates.

But faced with a heavyweight like Chen Buhui, no one dared to oppose outright—they could only try to persuade her gently.

"Elder Chen, isn’t this a bit inappropriate?"

"There’s nothing inappropriate about it. After all, I don’t control the final bidding results, and I’ll avoid dealing with these businessmen afterward. The reason I called them here is simply to chat and teach them how to behave."

Everyone fell silent.

When it came to scientific contributions, Chen Buhui’s achievements were indeed significant, and the authorities went out of their way to protect her.

But as a person? She was practically useless.

She had offended more than a few people.

And no matter who she was dealing with, she always acted like a teacher, lecturing anyone she disapproved of—regardless of their industry or whether they were in research.

Ah, well. Who could argue with a big shot like her?

By the time Lin Ran and Luo Yao returned to the villa estate, the direction of the bidding had become clear.

Now, their only remaining opponent was the South China Chamber of Commerce.

But just as Luo Yao had predicted, internal problems had begun surfacing within the Chamber. The specifics didn’t matter enough to waste words on.

The real reason was that the allied companies were terrified of Luo Yao.

Faced with the madwoman who had brought down the three major families, everyone was on edge.

So, let’s focus on the daily lives of our protagonists instead.

On the way back to the estate, Lin Ran, ever the gossip lover, pulled out his phone to check online reactions.

【Two Purple Grapes】: At this point, I’m convinced Luo Yao was behind the downfall of the three families. Terrifying.

【Li Chifen Backwards】: Why blame Luo Yao the moment something happens? If they hadn’t done those things, how could she have exploited them? Support Luo Corporation—the Li family deserves a thousand cuts.

【World, Just End Already】: This is insane. The Lu family smuggled and dealt drugs, the Li family organized prostitution, child trafficking, and treason, and the Wang family evaded taxes while their disgraceful son became a teacher… Every single one of these scandals is explosive. I’ve been binge-reading gossip nonstop these past two days.

【Speechless People Just Laugh】: I don’t even know what to say. I know Luo Yao wasn’t wrong, but I still feel physically uncomfortable. Of course, my soul is even more disturbed by what actually happened. Is this what the world is really like? Why does it feel like I’ve never known it at all?

Putting his phone down, Lin Ran let out a bitter chuckle.

"From today onward, you’re officially the world’s greatest villain in their eyes."

"And what am I in yours?"

"In my eyes, you’re the most beautiful angel."

Liu Meng lowered her head, lips moving in a silent mutter.

"Oho, the most beautiful angel…"

Luo Yao: "What are you mumbling about?"

Liu Meng: "Huh? I—I didn’t say anything."

Shortly after returning to the estate, Liu Meng received updates and reported them to Luo Yao.

"President Luo, Lu Youqi, the head of the Lu family, has invited you and Young Master Lin to the Lu estate for tea."

"President Luo, Chen Buhui from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has also invited you and Young Master Lin to the Shanghai branch for tea."

"President Luo, representatives from the South China Chamber of Commerce have invited you to their temporary alliance headquarters for tea."

Luo Yao’s expression turned icy.

"Do I look like someone who enjoys tea?"

Lin Ran, massaging her legs, chimed in, "These people are a mixed bag—who knows if they’re good or bad? I don’t think we should go."

Luo Yao: "Hear that? A-Ran has spoken. Reject them. If they invite us again, don’t even report it to me—just refuse outright. Tell them if they have business, they can come to the estate and pay their respects. I won’t go to them."

"Because they’re not worthy."

Lin Ran backed his wife up. "Exactly. Who do they think we are? Just because they invite us, we’ll go? Are our feet worthless or something? Wait—actually, why would they invite me? It makes sense for Yao Yao, but what do they want with me?"

Liu Meng replied matter-of-factly, "You’re our boss’s husband—the palanquin bearer in President Luo’s hands. Who would dare overlook you?"

Luo Yao gave Liu Meng a surprised glance.

"You’ve suddenly become eloquent. Keep it up."

Suddenly, Lin Ran frowned.

"Wait, who did you say invited us? Isn’t Chen Buhui Elder Chen?"

Luo Yao’s eyes flicked toward him. "You want to go?"

"No, but isn’t Chen Buhui the organizer of this bidding process? Is it really okay to refuse like this?"

"The government is the organizer. Chen Buhui is just their representative. If it weren’t her, someone else would be. Zhang San could represent them, Li Si could too—don’t think anyone is irreplaceable."

Lin Ran gazed at Luo Yao intently. "In my world, you’re irreplaceable."

Moved to tears, Luo Yao responded with a passionate kiss.

Liu Meng waited until they were done before speaking up. "Miss, brushing off others is one thing, but with Chen Buhui… Wouldn’t our response seem disrespectful to the government?"

Lin Ran actually agreed—after all, Chen Buhui represented the authorities.

"Respect? If the Chinese Academy of Sciences invited us, I might grant that respect. But you said it yourself—it’s Chen Buhui of the Academy inviting us. That’s a personal request. Why should I humor her?"

Luo Yao’s logic was airtight, leaving even Lin Ran momentarily speechless.

Noticing his silence, Luo Yao added, "A-Ran, actually, Chen Buhui has some connection to you."

Lin Ran blinked. "What, is she from the Chen family too?"

Luo Yao nodded.

"Yes. But I don’t like her, and I don’t want you to meet her—because it would make you unhappy."

"Why?"

"Because she loves lecturing people. You’re my husband. No one but me gets to lecture you."

Lin Ran laughed and shook his head. "So that’s the only reason you don’t want to go? That’s my wife for you."

"Mm!"

Lin Ran sighed. "Sometimes I really admire these elders—thinking their age gives them the right to lecture others, never considering whether people want to hear it."

"Honestly, they’re exhausting. Not that I deny their past achievements, but that doesn’t make them entitled to preach."

He knew if he voiced these thoughts publicly, he’d be met with a storm of criticism. But this was how he truly felt.

"A-Ran, I love this side of you. So let’s not meet them, okay?"

Lin Ran flashed an OK sign. "Deal. No meetings, no lectures."

Little did they know—while they avoided Chen Buhui, she would soon come to them herself, ready to unleash her full force.

"Miss, how many more days until we return to the capital?"