Ye Liuyun's initially restless heart gradually began to settle.
That's right—on his own, he couldn't possibly defeat Zhao Shen.
However, he wasn't without allies!
"Speaking of which, I'm currently short of people!"
"Short of people?"
Zhao Shen was slightly puzzled by this sudden remark.
"Yes!"
Qu Yingmeng didn't hesitate, turning slightly to glance at Ye Liuyun, who was nearby.
"Just in time—I think Liuyun is quite capable. Why don't you come with me?"
"No!"
The one who objected wasn't Zhao Shen but Zhao Haoqian.
After all, Zhao Haoqian wasn't stupid—he was well aware of Ye Liuyun's abilities. Such a talented person should obviously be kept close!
"Don't overthink it. I just want Liuyun to be my driver, driving me around daily. For the most part, he'll still be here with you!"
"Oh, that's fine, then."
With that, Zhao Haoqian sat back down.
At this moment, Qu Yingmeng noticed Ye Liuyun's gaze and deliberately raised an eyebrow.
[This woman!]
[A driver? Is this some kind of trap?]
[But if it's you, I wouldn't mind driving your car at all!]
Ye Liuyun was already picturing the possibilities in his mind.
His thoughts made Qu Yingmeng blush. She lowered her head slightly, trying to hide her expression.
What a shameless man!
…
Zhao Shen, on the other hand, was unaware of these silent exchanges.
Seeing his son nonchalantly continuing his meal, he shot him an annoyed glare.
He hadn't expected Qu Yingmeng to show interest in recruiting Ye Liuyun. Was she impressed by his abilities?
"But don't you already have Ah Cai by your side? Why are you suddenly short-staffed?"
Zhao Shen knew that Ah Cai was one of Qu Yingmeng's trusted aides.
She had relied on Ah Cai for many things.
Otherwise, Zhao Shen wouldn't have secretly bought Ah Cai over.
"Oh, you mean Ah Cai?"
At this, Qu Yingmeng smiled, her expression showing faint regret.
"Some time ago, Ah Cai was accidentally hit by a car while crossing the street. He's still in the hospital."
…
Zhao Shen fell silent.
[A car accident?]
[What the hell?]
[Could the plot have changed again?]
Although Ah Cai wasn't a major player, he played a significant role.
And now he's gone?
"I see. That's unfortunate."
Zhao Shen finally spoke, his tone filled with apparent regret. But the way he looked at Qu Yingmeng had subtly changed.
So, does she already know that I had bribed Ah Cai?
Zhao Shen didn't believe that it was just a random accident.
Unexpected!
But as the head of a powerful family, he couldn't afford to let his emotions show too much.
"In that case, let Liu Yun be your driver. But most of the time, he should stay here with Haoqian."
Eventually, Zhao Shen agreed.
"Liu Yun, what do you think?"
He even asked for Ye Liuyun's opinion.
"Uh, I have no objections!"
After all, he was just a salaried worker—as long as the money was good, he was in!
"Good!"
Zhao Shen nodded approvingly, as if this arrangement didn't concern him much.
After finishing the meal, Zhao Shen set down his utensils.
"I'll be in the study for a while. Liu Yun, come see me when you're done eating. There's something I want to discuss with you."
He spoke in a seemingly casual manner, like an elder wanting to have a word with a younger one.
[So, there's more to this after all.]
Ye Liuyun had some guesses but still nodded.
"Understood, Boss!"
[So what if Zhao Shen is a villain? I have nothing to fear!]
Once Zhao Shen left, the atmosphere in the dining room relaxed noticeably.
Zhao Haoqian quickly finished his meal and left in high spirits, leaving only Ye Liuyun and Qu Yingmeng behind.
Ye Liuyun noticed that, although Qu Yingmeng was looking at him, she made no move to speak.
[Is there surveillance?]
He realized it immediately.
His keen awareness made Qu Yingmeng smile slightly.
She liked how perceptive he was.
Soon, Ye Liuyun set down his utensils and headed toward the study.
…
Meanwhile, in the study, Zhao Shen sat calmly in front of his computer.
On the screen was the surveillance footage from the dining room.
He was curious whether Ye Liuyun and Qu Yingmeng had interacted before.
However, from what he had seen, there seemed to be nothing suspicious.
Hearing a knock on the door, Zhao Shen closed the laptop and smiled faintly.
"Come in."
"Boss."
The visitor was none other than Ye Liuyun.
"I admire you, Ye Liuyun."
Zhao Shen didn't bother hiding his thoughts and spoke directly.
"I wonder—are you willing to do something for me?"
He was confident that Ye Liuyun was intelligent enough to understand the meaning behind his words.
"If you're willing, I'll give you a commercial street owned by the Zhao Group. It's quite a valuable asset."
…
[Damn!]
[This is what it means to be a top villain!]
[Others hand out money, but you're giving away an entire commercial street?!]
[Such power! Such dominance!]
On the other end, Qu Yingmeng hadn't expected Zhao Shen to make such a generous offer.
But it didn't matter.
This would be a great opportunity to observe his next move.
…
"Ahem!"
Ye Liuyun was momentarily taken aback.
Then, without hesitation, he responded.
"If you need anything, Boss, just ask!"
"Good!"
Zhao Shen nodded approvingly.
Before getting to the main topic, he asked another question.
"How did you meet Qu Yingmeng?"
He wanted to see whether Ye Liuyun would tell him the truth.
[He's asking about Qu Yingmeng?]
On the other end, Qu Yingmeng also became more serious.
Sure enough, this matter was about her.
Ye Liuyun showed no hesitation and answered naturally.
"I met her at a bar last night. We chatted briefly."
"A bar?"
Zhao Shen frowned slightly.
"Did she go alone?"
"Yes."
From Zhao Shen's perspective, although he had married Qu Yingmeng, it was purely to conceal his hidden health issues.
But in name, she was still his wife.
Moreover, over the years, he had been searching for a cure—who knew what the future might hold?
If Qu Yingmeng is involved with another man…
Wouldn't that mean I'm being cuckolded?!