Chapter 10: Thawing Tensions

Xin Wen watched in frustration as the car lurched forward like a tottering old man, its occupants craning their necks as if trying to make out his figure.

Damn it, Wang Ke! he cursed under his breath. What kind of speed demons did he hire? They all seem to have the brains of a pig!

Xin Wen reluctantly took out his phone and was about to send a warning text when, unexpectedly, a slender, smooth hand of fair skin snatched it away.

"Mr. Xin, for such a trivial matter, there's no need to call the police. We don't want to waste your precious time," Lan Nian said softly. With a snap, she closed the phone and handed it back to her boss. At the same time, she didn't forget to give him a reassuring smile.

Alas, such a captivating, enchanting smile that could topple kingdoms was truly a rarity for this cold-blooded girl.

However, Xin Wen was in no mood to appreciate it. The sedan behind them came to a halt, and four young people with distinctive appearances stepped forward.

"Hey, what's your deal?"

The ringleader squinted in surprise. After sizing Lan Nian up and down, he carefully studied Xin Wen's expression before shouting arrogantly.

Damn it! I was making such obvious eye signals, gesturing for them to retreat, and they didn't even notice?! These idiots! It's bad enough that they have brains like they've been splattered with manure, but are they blind too?!! Xin Wen felt a mix of frustration and disbelief.

"What's going on? I think I should be the one asking that question." Lan Nian let her hands drop and leisurely reached into the back pocket of her jeans with an air of elegance. A clear smile lit up her face.

"?" The man was taken aback by the question, and his eyes darted around evasively.

"Boss, this girl clearly doesn't take us seriously. How about we teach her a lesson?" One of the lackeys beside him coaxed wickedly.

"Shut up!" The man addressed as the boss rebuked his lackey irritably. Then, puffing out his chest and holding his head high, he asked haughtily, "What do you do? Why are you showing off your driving skills for no reason?!"

Lan Nian turned her head in disdain and began to admire the scenery by the roadside...

After a moment, she leisurely drawled, "With just your mediocre driving skills, you actually have the nerve to show yourselves in public. I really admire your audacity!"

"You! I'm asking what you do. Don't change the subject!" The man's face flushed instantly, and he shouted in a fit of pique.

Good grief! Sensing that the situation was turning sour, Xin Wen had no choice but to step out of the car. The panic he'd felt earlier had long since vanished. He leaned languidly against the car door with his tall frame, exuding an aura of sternness and chill that commanded involuntary respect. "If you're looking for someone to have a drag race with, find someone else. Don't interfere with our work!"

"No, we need to settle this today!" the young men shouted, their eyes red with anger. "Who does she think she is, looking down on us like that?!"

They'd never been so humiliated—utterly dominated by a mere girl. How would they ever show their faces in the racing scene again?

"Lan Nian scoffed silently, her complex gaze flickering between amusement and mockery as it locked onto Xin Wen's face.

The unsettling feeling of being seen through ignited an unreasonable irritation in him. He waved dismissively at the ungrateful, obtuse youths. "Scram if you don't want to embarrass yourselves further."

Perhaps Xin Wen's overwhelming presence finally intimidated the quartet. He didn't bother with further words, slumping back into the car with uncharacteristic weariness. "Let's go," he muttered.

Lan Nian complied wordlessly, sliding back into the driver's seat to resume driving with unruffled calm.

"Thank heavens," Xin Wen exhaled silently, relief washing over him at avoiding public humiliation.

"Not bad driving, Lan Nian," he remarked dryly, his praise thinly veiled.

"Indeed," she replied sweetly, her smile innocent. "Next time, Mr. Xin, you should hire real professionals. That's when the fun begins."

"Haha, there's that rare, genuine smile again," Xin Wen noted, sounding amused. Oddly enough, despite being caught red-handed, he wasn't nearly as flustered as expected. Instead, he nodded relaxed agreement, his eyes lingering on Lan Nian with an unexpected warmth.

"Impressive," he said sincerely, his voice straightforward.

"Same to you," Lan Nian replied nonchalantly, whistling sharply as her eyes sparkled with barely contained excitement.

"I was complimenting your sharp instincts," Xin Wen clarified, his voice unexpectedly warm. She saw through my little setup so easily. His breathing eased imperceptibly as he met her clear, delighted gaze.

"I was complimenting yourploy to test your subordinates," Lan Nian replied, her eyes sparkling with triumph as her lips curved into a knowing smirk. "Too bad your lackeys failed to deliver."

Their gazes locked, both freezing in unexpected synchronization. After a breathless moment, they shook their heads in unison, laughter bubbling up—a shared amusement that warmed the air, spreading contagiously…