Volume Two: First Signs of Brilliance Chapter 41: Warning

Night had fallen. The workday was over, and he was about to go downstairs to buy something, when unexpectedly, he ran into a familiar face.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, looking at the Enchantress.

Nowadays, whenever he saw a woman, he instinctively braced himself, secretly wondering if the Enchantress wanted him to pretend to be her boyfriend as well.

“The abandoned factory in the suburbs, and the Feng family incident—was that your doing?” The Enchantress was dressed all in black, blending seamlessly with the night, her features hidden. Only her crimson lips trembled in the darkness, letting him know she was speaking.

He furrowed his brow; he hadn’t expected that, despite his thorough cleanup, he’d still caught the attention of the Dragon Team. “Ha, Enchantress, what kind of joke is this? I’m a law-abiding citizen, so please don’t pin anything on me without evidence.”

“You—” The Enchantress was furious, clearly dissatisfied with Qin Yang’s response. “Hmph, apart from you, no one else has a grudge against the Feng family. The other families lack any motive. Only you.”

“Enchantress, you may be beautiful, but let me repeat: if you have evidence, you’re welcome to arrest me anytime. But if you’re just fishing for a confession, you’re out of your depth.”

“Fine, fine, fine,” she said, repeating the word thrice, her anger palpable. “Qin Yang, you’d better not let me catch you slipping, or I’ll personally see you behind bars.”

“Hmph!”

She gave a cold snort, her figure melting into the night, vanishing without a trace.

He rubbed his nose, realizing he’d been too high-profile lately. It seemed wise to keep a lower profile.

Otherwise, with this madwoman tailing him, life would hardly be enjoyable.

Moreover, the Enchantress’s words had hidden meaning. Though she spoke for herself, she represented a government agency. If he acted out of line, the authorities would take ultimate measures.

Going head-to-head with the state’s machinery was tantamount to courting death.

He shrugged, returned to his dormitory, and began his cultivation routine.

The next morning.

He hadn’t even gotten out of bed when the door swung open, leaving him utterly astonished.

“Suying, what are you doing in the boys’ dorm so early?” He guarded himself, staring at Suying in surprise.

Seeing his bewildered expression, her anger surged. “Hmph, what haven’t I seen before? You think covering yourself will stop me from seeing anything?”

“Here, today you’re accompanying me to a gathering. Dress up nicely, don’t embarrass me.”

Suying was formidable in the room, but as she left, her face turned crimson, like a ripe apple.

He glanced at the suit on the bed—a brand that wasn’t cheap, easily costing tens of thousands.

Suying had really splurged this time; a smile curled at his lips.

He touched his nose. Was this the benefit of being a boyfriend?

Work was leisurely—napping, playing games, passing the time.

Through the curtains, he noticed a car parked outside the company all day. He deduced it must be someone sent by the Enchantress to keep him under surveillance.

“Heh, interesting.”

Saint Luxury Holiday Hotel

Jin Yu was driving, ferrying Qin Yang to their destination. Suying, meanwhile, had already gone ahead.

Seriously, is that all boyfriends get? He looked at Jin Yu and asked, “Jin Yu, do you have a girlfriend?”

“Don’t you think it’s a bit rude for me to go in empty-handed?”

“Brother Yang, look, there’s a flower shop over there. Buy a bouquet and bring it in—sets a romantic mood.”

“Heh, you’re quick-witted,” Qin Yang’s eyes lit up. Suddenly, he remembered he was just pretending to be Suying’s boyfriend. If he bought her flowers now, his expenses would rise.

Right—after the gathering, he’d ask for reimbursement. She was the company’s financial powerhouse; he couldn’t let this chance slip by.

With that thought, his earlier gloom vanished, replaced by excitement.

“Jin Yu, no need to wait for me. Head back.”

Jin Yu nodded. “Alright, Brother Yang. If anything comes up, give me a call.”

Saint Luxury Holiday Hotel

This was a five-star establishment, its chefs all hired from abroad, and reservations were hard to come by.

Suying was chatting with a few close classmates, her face radiant with smiles.

Duanyu—a name straight out of the classic “Heavenly Dragon,” chosen by his father from the famous novel. Compared to the playboy in the TV series, this Duanyu was even more notorious.

During school, who knows how many girls he’d dated. Now in Bincheng, immersed in the bustling city’s temptations, he’d become unstoppable, his family’s influence ensuring no one dared provoke him.

Duanyu’s arrival instantly made him the center of attention. He scanned the room, his eyes glittering as if searching for tonight’s target.

Suddenly, his gaze landed on Suying not far away, and his eyes shone. He’d pursued Suying back in school, but her aloofness thwarted his efforts—his greatest regret. Now, seeing her again, he resolved not to let her slip away this time.

He walked over with a warm smile, like a spring breeze. “Suying, I’ve invited you so many times, but you never came. Finally, I’ve caught you.”

The people around heard this and their smiles deepened.

Suying, now a businesswoman in Bincheng, knew her old classmate’s capabilities well—impressive, especially after he’d forged ties with the Bai family, making him even more formidable.

“Duanyu, you’re exaggerating. We’re all busy making a living. Friendship is precious, but life comes first.” Suying took a sip of her drink, smiling.

Her every gesture seemed to tug at Duanyu’s heartstrings, her ample curves drawing his gaze. He guessed Suying was still untouched.

These days, maintaining one’s purity was no easy feat.

“Hey, Suying, how about I keep you? What do you think?”

The girls nearby brightened instantly, knowing Duanyu’s family background.

“Who’s this, wanting to keep my girlfriend? Such nerve.” A languid voice sounded, and everyone turned to the entrance, where a strikingly handsome young man walked in.

Dressed in a black suit, with a handsome face and a physique of perfect proportions, his lips curled in a devilish smile. His hair was slightly long, just brushing his brows, and his eyes were sharp as blades. In his hand, he held a bouquet of red roses, mischief dancing on his features.

At that moment, Suying rose, her cheeks tinged with shyness as she took Qin Yang’s arm. Smiling, she said, “Duanyu, sorry, I already have a boyfriend.”

Duanyu’s face darkened, but then he smiled, dispersing the gloom. He was, after all, a seasoned playboy. Chuckling, he said, “Well, who would’ve thought? Our class beauty has been claimed. Looks like I have no chance.”

He put on an exaggeratedly heartbroken expression.

Qin Yang observed the group, noting the flicker of hostility in Duanyu’s eyes, which he silently marked. He handed the bouquet to Suying. “For you.”

“Wow, so romantic!”

“Yes, he’s handsome and romantic. But I wonder what his family background is?”

Suying hadn’t expected Qin Yang to buy her red roses. Her cheeks flushed.

Did he not know what red roses meant? Or was he hinting at something?

The thought made her heart flutter. Did he really like her?

Qin Yang hadn’t anticipated that a simple bouquet would make Suying think so much. He leaned in and whispered, “This cost me two hundred. Be sure to reimburse me.”

Uh!

Their exchange was discreet, but everyone else thought they were sharing sweet nothings. Especially Duanyu—though he feigned indifference, the stiffness in his face betrayed him.

The waiter began serving dishes.

Now everyone had arrived, more than twenty people in all, most with their families. Many didn’t know each other, but quickly mingled.

Qin Yang and Suying sat together. Nearby, six crates of white liquor were brought in. Qin Yang narrowed his eyes, pretending not to notice, and continued chatting.

“A gathering of old friends isn’t complete without drinks. Tonight, we won’t leave until we’re drunk,” Duanyu said cheerfully. “There are guest rooms here, so if anyone gets drunk, they can sleep upstairs. I’ll cover the costs.”

Duanyu was generous, his smile broad.

For some reason, seeing that smile made Qin Yang feel a deep aversion. He was even more certain that trouble was brewing tonight.