"She's charming, that's why some people with clouded judgment would spill their blood and sweat for her!"
"But did you see that new face today?"
"You mean the one standing with Young Master Fu?"
"Yes, her. I heard she's the newly appointed chairperson! Don't you think she looks a bit like that other person?"
"A perfect copy and its cheap imitation."
The two of them shared a knowing smile, their unspoken thoughts perfectly aligned.
One, a female entrepreneur wielding immense wealth, the other, a clingy vine relying on men. Put together, there was no comparison!
With Lin Yan present, Yang Meng didn't pay much attention to Fu Yu Ze.
The romantic and beautiful first encounter that was supposed to happen between the male and female leads was gone.
In the original plot, he was a rising star in the business world, and she was a stunning actress. After meeting at a banquet, they left a deep impression on each other.
Subsequent chance encounters in various settings allowed them to gradually understand each other, and their feelings grew stronger.
But now, it seemed they hadn't left any impression on each other, and instead, the male lead had developed a dislike for the female lead.
Lin Yan kept track of the plot's deviations. Indeed, the progress had significantly advanced.
Without the financial backing of the male lead's family, it was uncertain if Yang Meng could achieve the success she had in the original plot.
Yang Meng tried hard to ignore the woman who resembled her, understanding that she couldn't afford to offend anyone attending this banquet just yet.
She flitted among the guests like a butterfly among flowers, trying to attract everyone's attention.
However, she didn't realize that this banquet was essentially a matchmaking event. While no one said anything about her behavior, she had unknowingly offended many people.
Fu Yu Ze stayed by Lin Yan's side. Since it was her first time attending such a banquet, he helped introduce her to the guests.
Although Fu Yu Ze wasn't involved in his family's business, he had attended such events before. Combined with his family's influence, he was well-received at these gatherings.
However, his feelings towards his intended partner in the plot were not good. While he didn't actively participate in social circles, he was quite sensitive to people's emotions.
The woman who navigated through everyone with such ease was truly not his type.
Without the sudden death of his father, the stock price plummeting, and his family's business teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, forcing him to take charge of the company, his life was actually quite simple.
He didn't like materialistic people. Yang Meng, in his eyes, was precisely that kind of person – materialistic and seeking vanity.
So, by the time Yang Meng learned of Lin Yan's and Fu Yu Ze's identities, and tried to approach Fu Yu Ze again, his gaze towards her was filled with distance and disdain.
Yang Meng was also proud. Upon sensing Fu Yu Ze's dislike for her, she abandoned her objective.
Lin Yan calmly watched the scene unfold. The first encounter between the male and female leads had now become completely unrecognizable.
"Host, why did the male and female leads' first encounter turn out like this?"
The system asked curiously, watching the two individuals who were almost at the point of disliking each other.
"It's quite normal. Yang Meng doesn't have the same spirited demeanor and radiant charm as in the original plot. Her current objective is too apparent.
The ambition in her eyes is practically overflowing! Anyone with eyes can see it, and thus no one takes her seriously.
Moreover, Yu Ze now isn't facing the same hardships as in the plot, needing someone to help him in his career.
He doesn't have any thoughts about finding a partner yet. Even if he did, he'd be looking for someone with shared ideals."
Lin Yan explained. This was the butterfly effect. With even a slight change, everything could become different.
"So they definitely won't end up together!"
"Yu Ze won't be interested in her." After getting to know Fu Yu Ze better, Lin Yan understood that there was no possibility between him and Yang Meng.
After all, Yu Ze now possessed a pure heart. He wouldn't fall for someone like Yang Meng. People with incompatible values couldn't go far together. Even if they forced themselves to be together, they would eventually end up disliking each other due to various reasons.
"She won't be able to stir up trouble for much longer. Just watch her, it's quite amusing to see her struggling like this."
Lin Yan watched Yang Meng in the hall, desperately trying to exude her charm, her efforts so calculated. She gently swirled her wine glass, a faint smile gracing her lips.
Upon learning that Lin Yan had attended a banquet with matchmaking elements, Song Ming Hao arrived at Lin Yan's office the next day.
Without saying a word, he sat on the sofa, looking at Lin Yan with a gaze full of accusation. His handsome peach-blossom eyes were filled with a sense of grievance.
Lin Yan found his aggrieved expression rather amusing and asked, "Why the long face?"
Song Ming Hao didn't speak, but his pout grew even more pronounced.
"Alright, your lip could hold a pot of oil." Lin Yan walked over to him and gently pinched his cheek.
"Sister, you're bullying me!" Song Ming Hao's voice was so full of grievance it could drip water.
"How am I bullying you?" Lin Yan asked with a smile.
"You clearly have me, so why did you go to the banquet? Are you tired of me and looking for a new boyfriend?"
"No, it was just an opportunity to show my face. This banquet was the most convenient recently," Lin Yan explained.
"Besides, other banquets clashed with your rest time. I wanted to spend more time with you!"
"You just like saying nice things to coax me." Song Ming Hao's smile was undeniable, but his tone still carried a hint of complaint.
"It's true. Plus, Fu Yu Ze helped me cover for me. I really didn't have much contact with anyone else."
Lin Yan patiently appeased her younger boyfriend.
"Really?"
"Really! Oh, and Yu Ze mentioned wanting to invite you out to play. Will you agree?"
"He's inviting me?"
"It's us together. Yu Ze is my good friend, and I want to introduce you to my friends." Lin Yan gently caressed Song Ming Hao's face.
"What do you say? Want to come?"
Fu Yu Ze inviting them out? Was Lin Yan... was she going to introduce him to her friends?
"I'm going!" Song Ming Hao's expression immediately shifted from gloom to sunshine.
His girlfriend was going to introduce him to her friends, which meant she was acknowledging his status. How could he miss such an opportunity!
Moreover, he knew who Fu Yu Ze was and understood that he and Lin Yan were close. Therefore, he had to meet him and let him know that Lin Yan was already taken.
Even though he knew Fu Yu Ze and Lin Yan had no further relationship, Lin Yan was simply too outstanding. He absolutely had to go and declare his territory!
"Then have you thought about when you're going to bring me home to meet my parents?"
Lin Yan seized the opportunity and asked, seeing, as expected, Song Ming Hao's face flush with a cute blush.