Shen Luoyan vs. Chu Ruoyan

After leaving Yihe Villa, Su Qingli instructed the sales manager to hold off on selling Villa No. 6, which was considered the best in the complex. She wanted to compare it with other properties before making a final decision.

By this time, it was almost noon, and Lu Han suggested they have lunch. Accompanying women to view houses was less exhausting than shopping, but it was still tiring enough to make them hungry.

When asked what they wanted to eat, both Su Qingli and Lu Xue unanimously chose hotpot. The cold weather made it an ideal choice, but more importantly, Lu Han loved it. However, popular hotpot restaurants like Yuxiangju were bustling with customers, especially during this season, making parking spots scarce.

Lu Han had no choice but to park a bit further away and let the two women enter the restaurant first to place their orders.

As he walked back from parking the car, a seemingly attractive woman approached him for a chat. 

"Handsome, can I add you on WeChat?"

Lu Han followed her gaze to his Maybach parked nearby and understood immediately.

He gave her a half-smile. "If I told you that car isn't mine, would you still want to add me on WeChat?"

The woman hesitated, unsure if he was joking. 

Lu Han shrugged. "Really, I'm just the driver."

"Oh, so you're just a driver," she said dismissively, giving him a look of disdain before walking away.

Lu Han didn't mind, unaware that Su Qingli and Lu Xue had witnessed the entire scene from their table on the second floor of Yuxiangju.

"Xuexue," Su Qingli addressed Lu Xue by her nickname, "when your brother starts working as vice president, he'll need to attend many social gatherings and dinners. There will be women who will try to flirt with him, just like that woman earlier."

"I might not always be there to protect him, and he probably won't tell me about such incidents either."

"But you're different. As his secretary, you'll know more than I do."

"So, I'm counting on you to keep those vixens away from him."

Su Qingli thought of Shen Luoyan first, but she couldn't bring herself to hate her. It was clear that Shen truly loved Lu Han deeply, regardless of his wealth or status. Even if he were a beggar with mental issues, Shen would likely dedicate her life to caring for him.

"Don't worry, Qingli-jie. I promise to watch over my brother," Lu Xue said, clenching her fist determinedly. She shared Su Qingli's concern about protecting Lu Han from bad influences.

They exchanged a knowing smile, feeling a stronger bond forming between them.

Shortly after, Lu Han returned. Seeing Su Qingli and Lu Xue seated across from each other, he decided to sit next to his nominal fiancée. Under the table, he subtly placed his left hand on Su Qingli's thigh.

Feeling his touch, Su Qingli glanced at Lu Xue to ensure she hadn't noticed, then relaxed. She was pleased; having worn her Balenciaga tights specifically for this occasion, the intimate gesture made it all worthwhile.

After lunch, it wasn't yet one in the afternoon when they headed to the next property. Unbeknownst to them, Shen Luoyan had also set out on her own mission.

Assistant Xiaoli had efficiently contacted Chu Ruoyan and arranged a meeting, stating directly that President Shen wanted to meet her.

Chu Ruoyan was taken aback. Why would the legendary Shen Luoyan want to see her? Previously, trying to arrange meetings with executives at Qinhan Entertainment had been challenging. Often, she was only received by minor managers who provided lackluster celebrity endorsements.

Chu Ruoyan often wondered how low-quality games managed to secure big-name endorsements, particularly the infamous "渣渣辉" (Zha Zha Hui) advertisements featuring Hong Kong actors.

Realizing she couldn't keep Shen Luoyan waiting, Chu Ruoyan rushed to the agreed-upon café.

By the time Shen Luoyan arrived, Chu Ruoyan had already been waiting for over half an hour.

"President Shen, you're here," Chu Ruoyan greeted her warmly, though aware that they weren't quite equals.

Shen Luoyan briefly shook Chu Ruoyan's hand and then observed her discreetly. Chu Ruoyan appeared slightly better in person than in photos, with a pleasant demeanor.

However, her appearance seemed somewhat fatigued.

Shen Luoyan remarked, "I've heard your new game is very successful. You should be happy, but you look rather tired. Is everything alright?"

Chu Ruoyan smiled weakly, "It's nothing to laugh about, President Shen. I recently broke up with my boyfriend... well, we're having some disagreements."

Her heart ached whenever she thought of Lu Han, unsure how to win back his forgiveness.

"Your boyfriend—is it Lu Han?" Shen Luoyan asked bluntly.

"You know Lu Han?" Chu Ruoyan was surprised but realized it made sense given his prominent status.

Shen Luoyan hadn't expected such straightforward confirmation. Whether they had recently broken up or were merely arguing, it indicated that Lu Han hadn't been with Su Qingli for long.

Recalling Su Qingli mentioning a 3 billion yuan dowry and considering the Su Group's financial crisis, Shen Luoyan pieced together the truth: Su Qingli and Lu Han's marriage was likely a business arrangement.

She chuckled softly, realizing that Su Qingli was using the marriage certificate to scare people. Did they even have real feelings?

"If marriage is what you want, fine. But Lu Han himself... sorry, I can't let you have him."

"Miss Chu, I have to go," Shen Luoyan said, standing up abruptly. Her abrupt departure was disrespectful, but she couldn't afford to show weakness towards Lu Han's ex-girlfriend.

Though gentle with Lu Han, Shen Luoyan was known to be formidable in the entertainment industry. A small gaming company CEO was beneath her concern.

Left alone, Chu Ruoyan was bewildered. They hadn't even ordered coffee. What was the purpose of this meeting?

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