Chapter 96 – Riding a Tiger, Hard to Dismount

Ding—

As the elevator chimed softly, Ye Nan impatiently pressed the "Open" button, urgency written all over his face. Stepping out of the office building, he spotted a luxury car idling by the roadside. The woman inside waved at him.

"Miss Xia!"

Ye Nan strode forward in haste, suppressing his excitement and greeting her with a smile.

"I've heard people in your line of work often skip meals."

"Mr. Ye, have you eaten?"

"Shall we have lunch together?"

Ye Nan's smile froze. He had just returned from eating.

Noticing his silence, Xia Kelan's sweet smile faltered ever so slightly. Her rosy lips pouted gently in mock grievance.

"Don't tell me… you've already eaten?"

"I should've called you ahead of time."

"It's all my fault—careless as always…"

She tapped her forehead lightly, as if genuinely regretful.

Ye Nan quickly caught her wrist to stop her gesture.

"No, no, I haven't eaten yet."

"How could I possibly say no when Miss Xia invites me?"

Xia Kelan's eyes lit up like crystal-clear spring water, pure and untainted. She subtly withdrew her hand, letting her fingertips graze his palm in passing, then gently pulled away. The unintentional touch left Ye Nan's thoughts in disarray.

"Hop in."

"Alright."

As soon as they got in and the door closed, Xia Kelan leaned over. A faint citrus fragrance enveloped Ye Nan—sweet and delicate, like her.

Her hand brushed past him to pull the seatbelt, buckling it for him.

"Be careful, Mr. Ye. I drive pretty fast."

Ye Nan instinctively swallowed, brushing off her warning.

How fast could such a petite woman possibly drive?

Xia Kelan straightened up, a glint of mischief flashing in her innocent eyes. Then, without warning, she slammed the gas pedal down. The car shot forward like a bullet down the wide avenue.

Ye Nan's heart leapt into his throat. Wind roared past his ears, turning his hearing into a muffled blur. Eyes wide, he didn't even know where to grab onto as cars whipped by in a blur.

Screech—

Xia Kelan yanked the wheel, barely grazing another vehicle, leaving a distinct scratch along its side.

Inside the car, Xie Cheng scowled at the reckless blur zooming past him.

"Is she rushing to her own funeral?"

He stepped on the gas and gave chase.

When the car finally came to a screeching halt, Ye Nan stumbled out and doubled over, retching violently. His carefully styled hair had been blown into a tangled mess, and he looked utterly disheveled.

"Mr. Ye, are you alright?"

Xia Kelan approached, full of concern, handing him a bottle of water.

Ye Nan wished he could disappear on the spot. The stench of vomit hung faintly in the air.

"Sorry... I didn't know you got carsick," Xia Kelan said with a hint of grievance in her tone.

But deep down, she smirked.

Good thing she'd picked up a few tricks from Wanwan—today's mission to deal with this scumbag might just be a success.

Ye Nan's lip twitched. Every word of rebuke vanished when he looked at her sweet, innocent face.

"It's fine…"

"Come on then, let's head in. I'm starving."

The two of them entered the restaurant and were seated in a private glass room on the second floor, offering a perfect view of the scene below. A waiter brought over two menus.

Ye Nan glanced at the prices and couldn't help but click his tongue.

Heavens...

His usual spending was already above average—he hadn't expected this place to be this extravagant.

"Miss Xia, you order first."

Xia Kelan let out a soft hum, somewhat shy.

"I eat quite a lot, Mr. Ye. Please don't laugh at me."

Ye Nan looked at her petite frame and chuckled.

"Eat as much as you want. Today, it's on me."

Her eyes sparkled mischievously.

"Then I won't hold back!"

She lowered her head, pointing at the menu with her finger.

"This one, this one… oh, and this one too."

Watching her order, Ye Nan breathed a small sigh of relief.

As expected, she wouldn't eat much.

But then—

"Cancel only those few. Bring out everything else."

The waiter blinked, thinking he must have misheard.

"Are you expecting more guests to join?"

"No, just the two of us."

"Miss, that's far too much food for two people…"

"It's fine. I have a big appetite."

Ye Nan's heart skipped a beat, and he stammered,

"M-Miss Xia, perhaps we shouldn't waste food… best to only order what we can finish."

"No problem. If you think I'm spending too much, I'll pay for my share. That should settle it, right?"

She rested her chin on her palm, her words striking at his pride.

Caught between pride and politeness, Ye Nan found himself in a dilemma.

Riding a tiger, and now unable to dismount.

He was too prideful to lose face in front of a little heiress.

No pain, no gain.

Ye Nan clenched his jaw and gave in.

"Miss Xia, it's just a meal—I can afford that much."

"I'm just worried you might not be able to finish it, and it'd go to waste."

The waiter, hearing his response, left to place the order.

"No worries! If I can't finish it, you'll help me, won't you?"

Ye Nan forced a smile.

Downstairs, a car pulled up.

Xie Cheng stepped out and glanced at the luxury vehicle parked nearby. Slowly, he made his way inside.

But the moment he reached the second floor, his steps halted.

"Isn't that Ye Nan, Su Wanwan's ex?"

His brows furrowed tightly.

Why is Xia Kelan with that man?

Avoiding their line of sight, he sat at a nearby table, silently observing their every move.

"This foie gras is exquisite—try it."

Xia Kelan cut a small piece and placed it on Ye Nan's plate, smiling sweetly.

Still queasy from the car ride, Ye Nan's stomach churned. The sight of rich food didn't help, but he forced himself to take a bite.

The flavor was indeed excellent, but in his condition, no taste could stir his appetite.

"This soup is delightful too."

"And the steak…"

Xia Kelan enthusiastically recommended one dish after another, piling food onto his plate.

Before long, Ye Nan's stomach began to rebel.

He wiped his mouth, forcing a smile.

"I don't think I can eat any more."

"Aww… but there's still so much left. I'm full too."

Her pearly teeth bit gently into her lower lip.

"Didn't you say we shouldn't waste food?"

She cut another piece of steak and offered it to him.

Ye Nan clutched his stomach, barely holding it together.

"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."

As soon as he left, Xie Cheng stood and approached with a frown.

Just what was this woman up to?

Why was she being so nice to Su Wanwan's ex?

What exactly was her agenda?