Chapter 32

The Blue Bay Hotel is a newly completed five-star business hotel that has only been open for two years. It is located next to a resort in the eastern part of Zhonghai City, nestled by a lake. The overall color scheme is fresh and elegant, with a strong Scottish architectural style that many upper-class workers enjoy for conducting business.

As soon as they got out of the car, Lin Ruoxi walked up to Yang Chen, suddenly reached out, and held his arm, putting on a sweet and dependent look. She said softly, "Let's go."

Yang Chen smiled, "You're not acting right. If you want people to know you're close to me, you should at least show a smile. Looking like an ice queen, they'll think you're a grudgeful woman."

"You're the grudgeful one!" Lin Ruoxi frowned, struggling to put on a smile. Actually, even holding Yang Chen's arm was a huge challenge for her. She shook her head and said, "Just like this. Don't make any big mistakes, and it'll be fine."

Yang Chen thought, no one would believe it, but he didn't say it. Since this somewhat naive CEO wife wanted to act, he would just play along.

As they walked into the hotel, they were surrounded by ancient Greek-style columns and female statues. Once inside the hotel lobby, various Western-style oil paintings of people and landscapes began to appear.

The luxurious and grand decorations of the Blue Bay Hotel created a perfect blend of modern and classical elegance. The guests were well-dressed, and their faces carried a hint of arrogance.

"I don't like oil paintings," Yang Chen said, smacking his lips. "I think photos are better and clearer."

Lin Ruoxi, who was slowly admiring the paintings in the corridor while holding Yang Chen's arm, gave him a disdainful glance. "If you don't have any taste, just keep quiet. No one thinks you're mute."

"True, otherwise why would I be selling lamb skewers?" Yang Chen said with a smug look.

Lin Ruoxi rolled her eyes and whispered, "Remember, when we go in, don't speak unless I signal you to."

"Understood, Ms. Lin," Yang Chen nodded, suppressing a smile.

The two were led by a neatly dressed receptionist to a large private room overlooking the lake. The name of the room, "Judas," had a strong religious flavor.

The white wooden door was opened, and a man in a black boss suit, with slightly curly hair and an untrimmed beard, suddenly appeared with a hearty smile at the door, making a "please" gesture. "Welcome, Miss Lin. My young master has been waiting for you for a long time."

Clearly, this man had immediately excluded Yang Chen from the welcome, not even giving him a glance.

Lin Ruoxi nodded indifferently and pulled Yang Chen into the spacious private room. The air was filled with the scent of lavender, which was just right to refresh the spirit.

"Ruoxi, I've been waiting for you," a magnetic male voice said. A man in a blue shirt stood up from a large sofa inside the room. He had a clean-cut short haircut, a fair complexion, and a handsome face. What was rare was his innate noble aura, which could only be cultivated in a prominent family.

Lin Ruoxi nodded expressionlessly, "Mr. Xu, you're too kind."

Xu Zhihong didn't seem embarrassed by such a cold response. He walked forward with a mature and gentle smile, saying sincerely, "I've invited you several times, and it's rare to have the chance to meet you. Your father has mentioned you to me several times, saying you're busy with work. I really don't mind. I'm very content just to have a meal with you."

It was hard to imagine the effect of a listed company's general manager, the eldest son and first heir of one of the top five families in Zhonghai, speaking so warmly and almost flatteringly to a woman. Other women might react differently, but Lin Ruoxi seemed unimpressed, only managing to say, "You're too kind," and then said nothing more.

Xu Zhihong didn't seem to find anything amiss, personally pulling out a chair for Lin Ruoxi and gesturing for her to sit. "Please, Ruoxi, take a seat."

Throughout the entire time, Xu Zhihong and the rough man seemed to ignore the fact that Lin Ruoxi was holding a man's hand, as if his existence was like air.

Lin Ruoxi realized she had underestimated Xu Zhihong's intelligence. His approach clearly showed that he didn't take Yang Chen seriously, likely having thoroughly investigated Yang Chen's background. Who would believe that a CEO of a large company had married a lamb skewer vendor? Xu Zhihong must have known about Lin Ruoxi's fake marriage.

Lin Ruoxi had no choice but to let go of Yang Chen's hand and sit down. Yang Chen didn't seem uncomfortable and was about to pull a chair to sit next to Lin Ruoxi.

At that moment, the man who had been smiling all along suddenly appeared in front of Yang Chen, pushing the chair back and still smiling. "May I ask who this gentleman is? My young master only invited Miss Lin for dinner."

Before Yang Chen and Lin Ruoxi could speak, Xu Zhihong, with a gentle smile, said, "Moqiu, be polite. I think this must be Ruoxi's brother. Otherwise, why would they come together with such brotherly affection?"

Brother? Yang Chen was surprised by the acting skills of this master and servant. He laughed, "Oh... not bad, you know this. My little Ruoxi often calls me 'big brother' on the internet."

"..."

Silence! A suffocating silence!

Not just Xu Zhihong and Moqiu, who had just been mocking Yang Chen, but even Lin Ruoxi was taken aback by Yang Chen's sudden shocking words, her eyes wide as if she wanted to strangle him. This rogue!! How could he say such things!! Although she knew it was a deliberate counterattack against Xu Zhihong and his servant, the words were too... too...

Hearing such bold words, Lin Ruoxi couldn't help but recall the mysterious night they had spent together a few days ago. Her beautiful face turned a deep red, looking delicate and charming.

Xu Zhihong, seeing Lin Ruoxi's sudden shy and delicate demeanor, was first captivated by her sudden charm. Then, realizing that Lin Ruoxi was blushing because of this man's words, he felt a chill... Could their relationship really be that close!?

Xu Zhihong's face turned pale, but he managed to smile. "Sir, you have a good sense of humor. Since you're here, you're a friend. Moqiu, don't joke with this gentleman. Everyone, please sit down."

Yang Chen couldn't help but respect Xu Zhihong a bit more. He seemed to be more than just a brainless rich second generation, knowing how to be patient.

Lin Ruoxi, being a strong woman, although feeling annoyed by the atmosphere, quickly remembered the main purpose of her visit. She calmed herself and said to Xu Zhihong, "Mr. Xu, let's discuss the autumn fashion fabric cooperation. It's still early."

"Sure, sure," Xu Zhihong, no longer paying attention to Yang Chen, quickly resumed his gentlemanly smile. "Whatever Ruoxi says, today the host follows the guest's lead."