34.losing composure

After reconciling, their days passed quickly and sweetly. In the blink of an eye, it was mid-May, and the weather was growing hotter.

On a weekend afternoon, Xiao Wan sat by the villa's pool on a lounge chair, sipping fruit juice prepared by Ellie while watching a group of workers installing a small diving platform on the other side of the pool.

She was wearing a flowing light pink floral dress, half-reclining on the chair with her fair, smooth legs and dainty feet exposed. Her toenails were painted a soft pink, drawing occasional glances from the workers.

It was scorching hot, and the workers were shirtless, their labor-toned muscles glistening in the sunlight like diamonds from their sweat. Xiao Wan sipped her juice and secretly rated the men's appearances in her mind. "Hmm, nice muscles, but the face is lacking—can't compare to my Xiao Guai. This one has a decent face but not enough muscle—still can't beat my Xiao Guai. And this one—"

Wait! Her gaze stopped on the tallest worker in the group. With blond hair, a hint of stubble, and a classic handsome American face, he had both the physique and looks worth appreciating. Xiao Wan couldn't help but glance at him a few more times. The blond man noticed her gaze and responded with a charming smile.

Before Xiao Wan could react, the sound of a car horn interrupted her. She turned to see a very familiar supercar pulling into the driveway—a Bugatti belonging to Ye Chen.

Xiao Wan's expression immediately soured. That annoying guy was here again! Actually, "again" wasn't quite right. She hadn't seen him since she smeared cake on his face at his birthday party. But to Xiao Wan, even if an annoying person showed up once in a century, it still felt like constant torment.

She turned her head back, ignoring him, but the Bugatti stopped right beside her. Ye Chen got out of the car and approached her, looking at the workers by the pool. "What's going on? Is Chen Xin tearing down his pool?"

Xiao Wan took a sip of her juice and began taking selfies, acting as though Ye Chen didn't exist.

"…" Ye Chen paused, then repeated, "Lin Xiaowan, is Chen Xin tearing down his pool?"

Xiao Wan hummed a tune and continued snapping pictures, completely ignoring him.

Frustrated, Ye Chen glared at her. "Hey! I'm talking to you, Lin Xiaowan! How can you just ignore someone like this? I'm your boyfriend's best friend, after all!"

Finally, Xiao Wan responded lazily, "Who you are doesn't change the fact that I don't like you. I'm ignoring you on purpose, so go ahead and get mad."

"You—!" Ye Chen fumed. "Last time, you ruined my birthday party and smashed cake in my face. I was magnanimous enough to let it go, and now you're treating me like this?"

"So what? I could do it again if I wanted." Xiao Wan raised her voice, calling toward the villa. "Ellie! Bring me a piece of cake—someone's face here is begging to be smashed!"

"You! Fine, fine, you win!" Ye Chen glared at her angrily before turning to walk toward the villa.

After he left, the blond worker approached Xiao Wan hesitantly and asked, "Ma'am, are you okay? Do you need help? That man just now seemed quite rude to you."

Admiring his chest muscles, abs, and the faint lines of his V-cut, Xiao Wan was about to ask why someone this good-looking wasn't a celebrity when Ye Chen, now some distance away, turned and shouted back at her, "Lin Xiaowan! Try flirting with someone else, I dare you! Stay away from that blond oaf!"

After the two reconciled, time flew by sweetly and swiftly. In the blink of an eye, it was mid-May, and the weather was growing hotter.

On a weekend afternoon, Xiao Wan lounged on a beach chair by the villa's pool, sipping the fruit juice that Aili had prepared while watching a few workers install a small diving platform at the pool's edge.

Dressed in a flowing, light pink floral dress, she lay half-reclined, showing off her smooth, fair legs and dainty, adorable feet. Her toenails, painted a soft pink, resembled tiny seashells, catching the attention of the workers, who couldn't help but sneak glances her way.

The heat was stifling, and these workers had stripped off their shirts while working, exposing muscles honed from years of labor. Beads of sweat on their skin sparkled like diamonds under the sun. Xiao Wan, sipping her juice, silently rated the men in her heart. "Hmm, nice muscles, but the face doesn't cut it—still not as good as my little Chen Xin. This one has a decent face but lacks the build—also no match for Chen Xin. And this one—"

Wait a second! Her gaze finally landed on the tallest worker, a blond man with a standard American heartthrob look—chiseled features, a light beard, and a well-toned body. Xiao Wan couldn't help but take a few more glances. The blond man noticed her gaze and responded with a charming smile.

Before she could react, the sound of a car horn interrupted her. She turned to see a very familiar sports car pulling into the villa—Ye Chen's Bugatti.

Xiao Wan frowned in annoyance. What was that annoying guy doing here again? In fairness, "again" wasn't quite accurate; she hadn't seen Ye Chen since she smashed a cake in his face at his birthday party. But to Xiao Wan, an annoying person could make even a single meeting feel like daily torment.

So, she turned back and ignored him. But to her surprise, the Bugatti parked right next to her. Ye Chen stepped out, walked over to her side, and looked at the workers by the pool. "What's going on here? Is Chen Xin demolishing his pool?"

Xiao Wan took a sip of her juice and pulled out her phone to snap selfies, pretending Ye Chen didn't exist.

"…" Ye Chen paused, then repeated, "Lin Xiaowan, is Chen Xin tearing down his pool?"

Xiao Wan hummed a little tune, snapping pictures left and right, ignoring him completely.

Frustrated, Ye Chen growled, "Hey! I'm talking to you, Lin Xiaowan! Do you have to be this rude? I'm Chen Xin's best buddy, after all!"

Finally, Xiao Wan spoke lazily, "So? That doesn't stop me from disliking you. I just don't feel like talking to you. Does it piss you off? Good."

"You—" Ye Chen fumed. "You ruined my birthday party last time and smashed cake in my face. I let it slide, and now you're treating me like this?"

"I don't see why I wouldn't. I could do it again, you know." Xiao Wan raised her voice toward the villa. "Aili! Bring me a cake! Someone's face here looks like it needs smashing!"

"You! Fine, fine! Have it your way!" Ye Chen glared at her, turned on his heel, and marched toward the villa.

As he left, the blond worker approached Xiao Wan with concern. "Miss, are you alright? Do you need help? That man was pretty aggressive just now."

Xiao Wan admired the man's chest, abs, and the hint of a V-line under his waistband. She was about to ask why someone so handsome hadn't gone into acting when Ye Chen turned and shouted from a distance, "Lin Xiaowan! Don't even think about flirting! Stay away from that blond giant!"

Xiao Wan flinched at his roar, rolled her eyes, and thought, What does it matter to you if I flirt? But still, she waved off the blond man, who reluctantly returned to his work.

Meanwhile, Ye Chen stormed into the villa, found Chen Xin in his study, and launched into a tirade. "Chen Xin, have you lost your mind? If you're renovating your pool, fine, but why hire workers who look like runway models? Do you even realize how much trouble that little fox outside can cause? You'd better go check on her before she gets swept off her feet by that blond musclehead!"

Chen Xin paused, then chuckled. "She won't. Besides, I'm not tearing down the pool. It's just getting a small diving platform installed so Xiao Wan can host pool parties later."

"You really let her do whatever she wants. If she asked you to commit crimes, would you agree too?" Ye Chen glared at him. "And you're not even worried? A woman like Lin Xiaowan could just stand on the street doing nothing and still have men throwing themselves at her!"

Chen Xin smiled confidently. "Why should I worry? Those workers, handsome as they may be, still fall short compared to me. If anything, they make me look better by comparison."

Ye Chen was speechless. This guy is way too confident. But then again, Chen Xin had always been this way—polite and gentle on the outside but firm and ambitious within.

"Anyway, why are you here all of a sudden? Something up?" Chen Xin asked.

Ye Chen coughed awkwardly. "It's been a while, so I thought I'd invite you to lunch. And, uh… maybe your girlfriend could join us too."

Chen Xin raised an eyebrow. "You want Xiao Wan to come along?"

"Yeah." Ye Chen scratched his nose and avoided Chen Xin's gaze. "She's your girlfriend, after all. I don't want to keep things tense between us."

Chen Xin was surprised but then laughed. "I never thought you'd be the one to break the ice after what happened at your birthday party. I honestly thought you two would never speak again."

"It's not that serious. I'm a grown man; I don't hold grudges." Ye Chen waved it off. "Just ask her. If she doesn't want to come, fine, no big deal."

Chen Xin was pleased. He'd tried to mediate between the two before but had given up when Xiao Wan showed no interest. Now that Ye Chen was making the first move, he thought it was worth trying again.

He went downstairs, found Xiao Wan by the pool, and said, "Are you hungry? Ye Chen's inviting us to lunch. Want to come?"

Xiao Wan glanced at Ye Chen behind him and snorted. "Lunch? More like an excuse to set you up with some pretty girls, I bet."

Chen Xin cupped her face and smiled gently. "That won't happen. And I promised you, didn't I? I'll never do anything to make you misunderstand again. Besides, Ye Chen's generous—he'll pick a place with amazing food. Don't you want to try it?"

Caught between her dislike for Ye Chen and her love of good food, Xiao Wan hesitated for a while before finally giving in. "Fine, I'll go. But you're coming upstairs with me to pick out clothes!"

"What? Why do I need to change clothes?"

"I don't care, just come with me!"

Left alone by the pool, Ye Chen glared at the workers, especially the blond man. "Hey! You! Yes, you! Put on a shirt! If you're here to work, then work—stop flexing your muscles like you're the only one who has them!"

The blond man, confused but obedient, put on his jacket.

Upstairs, in the bedroom, Xiao Wan pulled Chen Xin into the walk-in closet and unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his toned physique. Chen Xin felt a surge of anticipation. Though they'd been sleeping in the same bed again, Xiao Wan had been playing hard to get, leaving him frustrated.

Could it be that she was finally ready? He placed his hands on her shoulders, only to hear her murmur, "Yep, my little Chen Xin still has the best body. Even better than that blond guy's."

Chen Xin blinked. "Who?"

"That blond worker outside." Xiao Wan snuggled against his chest. "Luckily, you're so good-looking. Otherwise, I might have been tempted to switch sides."

Chen Xin laughed softly and stroked her hair. "You wouldn't."

"Wow, confident much?" Xiao Wan teased before handing him some clothes. "Alright, get changed."

As Chen Xin turned to change, Xiao Wan suddenly hugged him from behind, her hands slipping below his waistband. Chen Xin stiffened, his breathing uneven. "What are you doing?"

"Just checking if you really measure up to 18 centimeters," Xiao Wan teased. "I've guessed before, but hands-on measurement is more accurate—wow, reacting so quickly already?"

Lin Xiaowan trembled slightly when Chen Xin raised his voice. She helplessly pouted, thinking to herself, What business is it of yours if I flirt with someone else? Why do you care so much? Still, she waved at the blond hunk in front of her, signaling him to return to work. He left with a look of regret on his face.

As for Ye Chen, the moment he entered the villa, he stormed into Chen Xin's study, where Chen was working. He angrily tattled, "Chen Xin, have you lost your mind? If you're tearing down your pool, couldn't you find a regular crew instead of hiring a bunch of guys who look like runway models? Especially when you know how much trouble that little temptress by your side can cause! Go take a look—your Lin Xiaowan is about to be stolen by that blond hunk with the massive pecs!"

Chen Xin paused for a moment before realizing what Ye Chen was talking about. He chuckled and shook his head, replying calmly, "She's not going anywhere. Besides, I'm not tearing down the pool. It's getting hot, and Xiaowan wanted to install a small diving board by the pool so we can host pool parties for friends later."

"You're spoiling her too much. If she told you to set something on fire, would you just do it?" Ye Chen glared at him in frustration. "And you're really not worried? A woman like Lin Xiaowan, even if she just stands by the roadside doing nothing, would have men falling over themselves to get to her. I think you should replace those workers, just to be safe."

Chen Xin smiled confidently. "Why replace them? That's the best renovation team in N City. So what if they're a little good-looking? Compared to me, they don't even come close. Having them around just makes me look even better by comparison."

This guy was really confident. Ye Chen gave him an exasperated look. Then again, it was true. Chen Xin had always been like this—seemingly modest and gentle on the outside but unshakably confident and ambitious at heart.

"Anyway, why are you here? Something on your mind?" Chen Xin asked.

Ye Chen cleared his throat. "It's been a while since we last met. I, uh… I was thinking of inviting you out for a meal. Maybe… your girlfriend could join us too."

Chen Xin raised an eyebrow in surprise, looking at his best friend with curiosity. "You want Xiaowan to come, too?"

"Yeah," Ye Chen said, rubbing his nose and avoiding Chen Xin's gaze. "She's your girlfriend, after all. I don't want things to stay so awkward between us."

Chen Xin stared at him for a moment before chuckling. "I never thought you'd be the one to extend an olive branch after what happened at your birthday party. I thought you two were going to avoid each other for the rest of your lives."

"It's not that serious. I'm a grown man; I don't hold grudges," Ye Chen said dismissively. "Just ask her. If she doesn't want to come, it's fine. I don't care either way."

Chen Xin was naturally pleased by this development. He had been hoping for a chance to reconcile the two of them, but Xiaowan had always shown resistance whenever he brought it up. He didn't want to force her. Now that Ye Chen had taken the initiative, he thought it was worth a try.

Chen Xin went downstairs to the pool area and approached Xiaowan. "Are you hungry? Ye Chen wants to take us out for lunch. Do you want to come?"

Xiaowan glanced at Ye Chen, who was standing not far behind Chen Xin. She huffed and said sourly, "Lunch, huh? Let me guess—someone's planning to use the opportunity to introduce you to some pretty girls, right?"

Chen Xin stroked her cheek gently and said, "Of course not. If you're worried, just come with me. And I promised you, didn't I? I'll never do anything to make you feel insecure again. Besides, Ye Chen's quite generous. The restaurant he picks is bound to have great food. Don't you want to give it a try?"

Caught between her dislike for Ye Chen and her love of good food, Xiaowan wavered for a while. Eventually, she gave in and stood up, feigning indifference. "Fine, I'll graciously accompany you. Let's go. You're coming upstairs with me to change clothes."

Chen Xin was confused. "You can change on your own. Why do I need to change?"

"I don't care! Come with me!"

Chen Xin had no choice but to let her drag him inside. Meanwhile, Ye Chen was left standing by the pool, glaring at the shirtless workers across the way. He pointed at the blond hunk from earlier and barked, "Hey, you! Yeah, you! Put on your shirt! You're here to work, not to show off your muscles. What, do you think no one else has them?"

The blond hunk looked baffled but obediently put on a shirt.

In the bedroom, Xiaowan pulled Chen Xin into the walk-in closet and swiftly unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his well-defined muscles. Chen Xin couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Though they had been sharing a bed again recently, Xiaowan had become an expert at "playing hard to get," leaving him endlessly frustrated.

Could she have finally decided to let go of her teasing? Though surprised, Chen Xin felt ready.

But just as he placed his hand on her shoulder, Xiaowan smirked and said, "Ah, as I thought, my darling's physique is still the best. Even his abs and V-line are more attractive than that guy's."

Chen Xin blinked in confusion. "Who?"

"The blond construction worker outside," Xiaowan replied, snuggling into his chest. "It's a good thing you're this handsome. Otherwise, I might've been tempted to stray."

Chen Xin chuckled, stroking her hair. "You wouldn't."

"Oh, confident, are we?" Xiaowan teased, flashing him a mischievous grin before handing him some clothes. "Hurry up and change."

As Chen Xin changed into a new outfit, Xiaowan suddenly hugged him from behind and slipped her hand into his boxers. Chen Xin stiffened, his breathing quickening. "What are you doing?"

"Measuring to see if you're really 18 centimeters," Xiaowan replied cheekily. "I've eyeballed it before, but nothing beats hands-on verification—oh my, reacting already?"

Before Chen Xin could respond, a familiar voice interrupted them from outside:

"Hey, are you two planning to take all day? I'm starving over here—"

Ye Chen's words died in his throat as he accidentally caught sight of the scene inside.

Chen Xin sighed and quickly covered Xiaowan with her dress, turning to block her from view. He calmly said to Ye Chen, "Wait downstairs. We'll be right there."

Ye Chen stammered, "O-oh! Okay, I'll just… wait outside!"

As he scrambled away, Xiaowan fumed, grabbed her shoe, and hurled it at him, shouting, "Interrupting someone's fun deserves a lifetime of impotence! Impotence, impotence, impotence!"

Downstairs, Ye Chen sulked while Xiaowan dragged Chen Xin out for lunch. Over the meal, she got her revenge by ordering the restaurant's entire supply of lobster, leaving Ye Chen speechless and his wallet significantly lighter.

Here is the translation of the text you provided:

Ye Chen knew that Lin Xiaowan, that damn woman, was using this opportunity to get back at him for disturbing her and Chen Xin's good time earlier. He knew he was at fault, but still couldn't help but glare at Xiaowan.

Upon receiving his gaze, Xiaowan raised an eyebrow and coldly said, "What's wrong? Mr. Gu, can't even afford this little meal?"

Ye Chen cursed under his breath, took out his black card from his wallet, and slapped it on the table, saying, "Fine, fine, here's the card! Eat whatever you want today, are you satisfied now?"

Xiaowan happily shook her head, grabbed the card and said, "You said it yourself, oh, I just realized I forgot to order shark fin soup…"

On the side, Chen Xin, feeling a bit embarrassed, hugged Xiaowan and said, "Alright, babe, don't bully him. He didn't mean it."

"Who's bullying him? I know you like red wine, so I ordered Romanée-Conti for you," Xiaowan winked innocently at him.

Chen Xin smiled helplessly, shook his head, and said to Ye Chen, "Sorry, you know how she is. I'll pay you back for the meal later."

"No need, we're like family," Ye Chen rubbed his nose. "Well, I admit I messed up, and this meal is my way of apologizing. Also… Lin Xiaowan, I know we've never gotten along, maybe in the past, I had some misunderstandings about you, but no matter what, those things are in the past. I… still hope we can get along peacefully from now on, otherwise, it's hard for Chen Xin to be in the middle, don't you think?"

Upon hearing this, Xiaowan showed an astonished expression and suddenly acted, quickly and lightning-fast grabbing Ye Chen's face and twisting it hard.

Ye Chen wasn't prepared for this, and immediately winced in pain, pulling back and angrily shouted, "Damn it! What are you doing?"

"I was checking if you're a fraud impersonating someone," Xiaowan said seriously. "Isn't this how it's done in movies? They put a face mask on and can pretend to be someone else. Tell me, who are you really? Has Ye Chen already been done away with?"

Ye Chen grumbled, "What do you mean 'done away with'? I'm myself, okay! What fraud impersonation? And what's with that smug, gloating look on your face, huh? It's like you're happy I'm being deceived."

"Really? I'm not," Xiaowan said, smiling brightly at him.

That smile was really annoying!

Seeing the two were about to start arguing again, Chen Xin quickly stepped in to mediate, "Alright, alright, Xiaowan, I've known Ye Chen for so many years, and I know him well. He's not someone who easily lowers his head to others. Since he's trying to make peace today, could you… try to be more tolerant of him?"

Xiaowan glanced at him, sighed helplessly, and said, "Fine, fine, I promise you. I'll try not to bully him anymore. So… let's get along, okay?"

Saying that, she extended her hand to Ye Chen.

He reached out and shook her hand, but Xiaowan suddenly pressed his hand hard onto the table, shouting, "Chen Xiaoguai, come help me catch this big fraud! Tell me honestly, where have you hidden the real Ye Chen?"

"…Are you crazy?"

A moment later, a large, plump lobster was brought to the table by the waiter. Xiaowan grabbed the salad dressing and wrote "Ye Chen" on the back of the lobster, then stabbed it with her fork a few times, creating a big hole in the lobster.

As she stabbed, she narrowed her eyes dangerously, staring at Ye Chen.

Ye Chen felt his spine shiver from her actions, and finally couldn't take it anymore. He lowered his head and begged, "Miss, is it not enough that I've apologized and given you the black card? What else do you want from me?"

Xiaowan continued violently tearing the lobster's head in half, saying, "Hmph, it's not impossible for me to forgive what you did before. Don't you have a racing team?"

"Ah, yes, what about it?"

Xiaowan pointed at Chen Xin and said, "Let my little Guai join, I want him to race against Nathan."

This translation reflects the original tone and structure while making it more understandable in English. Let me know if you need any further changes!