An invitation

He started walking out of the warehouse without a second glance. Ye Feng stepped out of the warehouse. Without a glance back, he strode toward his BMW X5, got inside, and started the engine. The low hum of the powerful machine filled the silence as he pulled onto the road, driving toward his house.

The city lights flickered past his window, but Ye Feng remained unfazed, his thoughts as calm as still water. Arriving home, he locked the door behind him and immediately sat down to cultivate. For the next three hours, he immersed himself in deep meditation, refining his energy and sharpening his mind.

Once satisfied with his progress, he finally allowed himself to rest.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. It was a holiday, and Ye Feng took his time preparing breakfast. The aroma of sizzling eggs and freshly brewed coffee filled the air as he moved efficiently through the kitchen.

Just as he was about to sit down and eat, his phone buzzed on the counter. He glanced at the screen and raised an eyebrow in mild surprise—Bai Shuang was calling him this early in the morning.

He picked up the call. "What's the occasion?" he asked lazily, bringing the coffee cup to his lips.

Ye Feng took a slow sip of his coffee, his expression indifferent as he answered the call.

On the other end, Bai Shuang's voice was warm but slightly hesitant. "Ye Feng, are you free for lunch today?"

Ye Feng raised an eyebrow. "You don't usually invite me for meals. What's the catch?"

Bai Shuang chuckled. "It's nothing like that. My aunt, Bai Lian, just arrived from Beijing with my little cousin Bai Ling. She specifically wants to meet you."

Ye Feng's lips curled into a smirk. "Bai Lian? That name sounds familiar."

"You saved Bai Ling from an accident three years ago," Bai Shuang reminded him. "My aunt has been looking for you ever since, but then you disappeared. Now that she knows you're back, she came all the way to Shanghai just to meet you."

"She came just for me?" Ye Feng let out a light chuckle. "Quite persistent."

"She just wants to thank you properly," Bai Shuang said. "So, will you come?"

Ye Feng took another sip of his coffee, contemplating. A lunch with two beautiful women? That didn't sound bad at all.

"Where?" he asked casually.

"The Blue Lotus Restaurant. 12:30 PM," Bai Shuang informed him. "Don't be late."

"Tsk, am I someone who needs reminders?" Ye Feng smirked. "Fine, I'll be there."

By the time Ye Feng arrived at the Blue Lotus, the place was already bustling with high society figures. The restaurant was an epitome of luxury, with chandeliers casting a golden glow and elegant classical music playing in the background. A waiter guided him to a private dining room where Bai Shuang and Bai Lian were waiting.

Bai Shuang wore a simple yet elegant white dress, her hair neatly tied back, while Bai Lian exuded an air of mature beauty in a form-fitting navy blue dress. Her long black hair cascaded down her back, and her refined features carried a subtle charm that made her seem untouchable.

Little Bai Ling, sitting beside her mother, immediately lit up upon seeing Ye Feng. "Big brother!" she called out cheerfully.

Ye Feng smirked and ruffled her hair. "You still remember me, huh?"

"Of course!" Bai Ling giggled, causing Bai Lian to clear her throat lightly.

"Ye Feng, it's been a long time," Bai Lian said with a polite smile. "Please, have a seat."

Ye Feng took his seat, his sharp gaze subtly trailing over Bai Lian's figure before settling on Bai Shuang. "So, what's for lunch?"

Bai Shuang rolled her eyes. "At least act a little more interested in meeting my aunt instead of just the food."

Ye Feng chuckled. "I'm very interested—just not in the way you expect."

Bai Lian studied Ye Feng calmly. "I heard about your return, but seeing you in person... You've changed."

Ye Feng smirked. "For better or worse?"

Bai Lian took a sip of her tea before replying. "That remains to be seen."

The conversation flowed smoothly as they ate, Bai Lian occasionally stealing glances at Ye Feng, studying him. She had been grateful to him for saving Bai Ling's life, but she hadn't expected him to be so... different. He had an undeniable confidence, a dangerous allure that made her to think again about his personality.

As the meal neared its end, Bai Lian placed her chopsticks down and met Ye Feng's gaze. "Ye Feng, I have a request."

"Oh?" He raised a brow. "And what might that be?"

"Bai Shuang has told me a lot about you," Bai Lian said softly. "I know she trusts you, and… she cares about you. I only ask that you take care of her."

Ye Feng glanced at Bai Shuang, who shifted uncomfortably. A knowing smile played on his lips. "Of course. I always take care of what's mine."

Bai Lian frowned slightly at his wording, but she didn't comment.

Bai Lian gently placed her teacup down, her elegant fingers tracing the rim as she glanced at Bai Shuang. "Shuang'er, would you mind giving Ye Feng and me a moment alone? There's something I'd like to discuss with him privately."

Bai Shuang hesitated for a moment, looking between her aunt and Ye Feng, but she ultimately nodded. "Alright, Aunt. I'll wait outside." She cast Ye Feng a glance before stepping out of the private dining room, leaving the two alone.

As the door clicked shut, silence filled the space. Bai Lian adjusted her posture, crossing one leg over the other, the slit in her qipao slightly revealing her fair, toned thigh. Ye Feng's sharp eyes caught the movement, and a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

"You wanted to talk to me alone, Miss Bai?" His voice was smooth, laced with amusement, as he leaned back in his chair, lazily.