Xia Wuantang pursed her lips, a flicker of sadness in her eyes.
However, facing the man before her, she felt there was nothing to hide. After all, since he could investigate her identity.
Knowing everything that had happened, he must have known it all.
She sighed and said, "It was Xia Linfeng..."
Confirming her guess, Ling Yucheng's expression turned grim. He spoke in a deep voice, "What happened? I can help you. What do you want to do?"
Xia Wuantang shook her head, unwilling to say more. This was her own business and she didn't want to trouble others.
Since everything was clarified, and this was merely an accidental occurrence due to a twist of fate, there was no need to dwell on it excessively.
Although she desperately wanted to curse the man before her for being shameless and taking advantage of her situation.
Yet, she had willingly gone to his bed herself. What could she say?
Moreover, this could be considered a form of rescue from that old man, Du Jiasheng.
Besides, it was also his first time, and they both suffered losses. There was no need to hold onto it.
Ling Yucheng felt a pang of discomfort at her repeated rejections.
It was as if the intimacy between them last night was all a lie, and this woman had no intention of him taking responsibility.
Seeing her reluctance to speak, Ling Yucheng didn't press further. Just then, a waiter arrived with the dishes.
The two then began to eat in silence.
Xia Wuantang was truly hungry. She had only had a bowl of soup last night before passing out. She woke up in the hotel past ten o'clock.
She hadn't eaten breakfast and had been waiting until this lunch.
However, she had only taken a couple of bites when her phone rang. The caller ID showed it was Xuanxuan.
She quickly answered, only to hear Wen Xuanxuan bombard her with questions:
"Where are you?"
"Didn't you say you were coming to my place?"
"Your dad just called me saying you ran away from home. What's going on with you!"
Xia Wuantang couldn't get a word in. She glanced apologetically at Ling Yucheng and said softly, "It's a long story. I'll talk to you later. I'll come over after I finish eating. Goodbye."
With that, she hung up.
Wen Xuanxuan didn't call again, but she kept sending messages, several in quick succession.
Xia Wuantang ate while looking at the barrage of messages.
Xuanxuan asked: Where are you?
Did something happen?
Why did you run away from home? What did your parents do?
I'm dying of anxiety, you idiot.
...
Xia Wuantang couldn't help but smile. She replied unhurriedly, "It's nothing. Like I said, it's a long story. I'm eating now, I'll call you later."
After sending the message, it was finally quiet.
Xia Wuantang could finally eat in peace.
She was really hungry, so hungry she could eat a cow.
Despite eating quickly, she did not gobble her food. She maintained her elegance and etiquette.
She savored the delicious food, chewing slowly, momentarily forgetting all her troubles.
Seeing her eat so heartily, Ling Yucheng found his own appetite increased.
After they finished eating, as Xia Wuantang was about to thank him and leave, she heard Ling Yucheng ask.
"You've left the Xia family now. Where will you live? What are your plans?"
Xia Wuantang didn't want to say much and was about to give a perfunctory answer when Ling Yucheng continued, "I just want to make amends. After all, I was in the wrong first."
In truth, this incident couldn't really be blamed on Ling Yucheng. The prime culprit was Xia Linfeng.
Therefore, Xia Wuantang didn't want anything from Ling Yucheng.
Before she could speak, she heard the man on the other side say, refusing any denial:
"I have an apartment near your university. You can live there. Also, I can cover all your tuition and living expenses.
Don't refuse. This is my sincere intention. If you don't let me take responsibility, nor accept my compensation, then I truly feel guilty."
Ling Yucheng knew that he couldn't rush things now. He had to take it slow.
However, if she was unwilling to let him take responsibility, he wouldn't force her.
With things having reached this point, refusing again would be ungrateful. Moreover, the man was truly sincere.
Xia Wuantang said, "Alright then. Regardless, thank you."
Ling Yucheng nodded and asked, "Where are you going now? I'll drive you."
"No need, I can take a taxi," she said, getting up to leave.
Ling Yucheng followed closely, saying, "It's hard to get a taxi here. Let me take you!"
In the end, Xia Wuantang got into Ling Yucheng's car.
The car drove towards the high-end villa complex where Wen Xuanxuan lived.
Before she got out, Ling Yucheng said, "I'll pick you up at five this afternoon."
Xia Wuantang quickly shook her head, "No need! I..."
"It's alright. I'll pick you up and take you to see your new place."
"Then... alright."
Xia Wuantang could only agree reluctantly. Before getting out, she looked back and said, "Thank you."
Ling Yucheng's thin lips curved upwards, and he nodded gently.
This smile made Xia Wuantang's heart flutter and gave her a mistaken impression that this man had fallen for her at first sight.
Han Xiao looked as if he had seen a ghost.
Was this their aloof and cold CEO? It didn't seem like him.
Indeed, things were different after he broke his abstinence. This adopted daughter of the Xia family was about to strike it rich.
Watching Xia Wuantang walk away, Ling Yucheng's expression returned to its usual impassive state. He coldly ordered Han Xiao, "Let's head back to the company."
Han Xiao immediately became serious and stepped on the accelerator, starting the car.
He thought to himself; well, that was just his illusion. His CEO was still the same CEO.
Ling Yucheng took out his phone and dialed another assistant.
The call was answered quickly, and a respectful, pleasant female voice replied.
"Hello, President. How may I help you?"
"Find a house near Nan Jia University in Kyoto. It should be quiet and upscale, fully furnished, and ready to move in."
On the other end, Su Wenwen immediately said, "Okay, I'll take care of it right away."
After hanging up, Ling Yucheng clasped his hands in front of his knees, his eyes turning exceptionally cold.
The car stopped in the underground parking lot of Teng Kong Group. Ling Yucheng took the presidential elevator directly to the top floor.
A pile of trivial matters awaited him at the company. There was also a meeting scheduled for three in the afternoon.
While he was immersed in his work, there was a knock at the door.
Ling Yucheng didn't look up and said indifferently, "Come in."
Han Xiao entered and nodded, "President, Xia Linfeng and Han Wenjuan are here."
Ling Yucheng paused his file-flipping and looked up, his icy gaze fixed on Han Xiao.
"Let them in."
Han Xiao became even more cautious. He could feel his President's pressure intensifying.
At times like these, he knew someone was about to face misfortune.
Ling Yucheng set aside the unprocessed files and clasped his long fingers, murmuring to himself.
"They're quite fast!"
He figured Xia Linfeng had already retrieved the hotel surveillance footage and probably knew it was him last night.
He just didn't know what Xia Linfeng intended to do at Teng Kong.
Blackmail?
Seek benefits opportunistically?