Chapter 265: Breakthrough

"Mr. Yang doesn't seem to be in a good mood. Did our host not treat you well?" Liu Kangbai asked with a hearty smile.

Seeing Liu Yun's somewhat middle-aged father, Yang Chen's mood didn't improve either. He shook his head briefly, intending to walk away.

"Mr. Yang, I heard there might be some connection between you and my future daughter-in-law, Anxin," suddenly spoke Liu Kangbai.

Yang Chen turned around. "Your son just warned me earlier. Are you going to have a go at me too?"

"No, no, no," Liu Kangbai waved his hand, chuckling. "I'm old now, I don't want to meddle in young people's affairs. My son Liu Yun has always been decisive. Since he's chosen to marry Anxin, as a father, I can only support him. However, I hope Mr. Yang can prioritize harmony. Although the CEO of Yulei is a significant figure, it doesn't mean I, Liu Kangbai, will show much regard."

Yang Chen's lips curled slightly. It seemed this guy thought he could challenge Liu Yun because of his reliance on Lin Ruoxi. He even showed no fear of Lin Ruoxi.

In fact, from Liu Kangbai's perspective, there was indeed some basis. Although Lin Ruoxi controlled Yulei International, her wealth was enormous, easily ranking among the top ten in Zhonghai. Even in terms of liquidity, she surpassed the Liu family by far. However, family background was crucial. The Liu family wielded not just financial power in this region, but also extensive connections and influence, making Liu Kangbai much more confident than dealing with mere business entities.

Yang Chen shrugged indifferently. "Think what you like. I was already troubled by women's affairs. But I'm not the kind to back down when pushed. I'll have to find a way to get Anxin back soon. If you and your son have any dissatisfaction, feel free to come at me."

"Mr. Yang, let's not beat around the bush. I know your background," Liu Kangbai's expression remained unchanged, but there was a hint of shadow in his eyes.

He had already had Yang Chen investigated. Despite being a returnee from overseas, Yang Chen's origins were humble, starting out selling lamb skewers in a market. Therefore, Liu Kangbai didn't hold him in high regard. To him, it was no different from crushing an ant.

Yang Chen couldn't be bothered with him anymore. He was about to walk away and have a drink alone, but unexpectedly, two of Liu Kangbai's men subtly blocked his path.

3.5

Surrounding guests began to take notice of the commotion, some out of curiosity and others ready to enjoy the spectacle. However, Lin Ruoxi and the Cai sisters had left for another part of the venue and remained unaware of the unfolding scene.

"Mr. Yang, I am the host here. If your attitude isn't friendly, I don't think anyone can keep you," Liu Kangbai said with a strained smile.

Just then, a slightly lazy voice came from the side.

"Who's being unfriendly?"

Both Liu Kangbai and Yang Chen were momentarily stunned as they turned to see an enchanting lady in a deep red pleated evening gown, holding a Bloody Mary, making her way leisurely towards them. It was Tang Wan, whom Yang Chen hadn't seen for quite some time since their abrupt parting by the seaside.

Tang Wan's long hair was lightly curled and elegantly pinned up, a few strands falling delicately over her forehead. Her alluring face bore a confident yet reserved smile, and her voluptuous figure was accentuated by the fiery red evening dress, swaying with every step, drawing attention to her mesmerizing curves.

Despite their mutual attraction and desire, both Yang Chen and Tang Wan were mature individuals who didn't cling desperately to each other. Therefore, neither found it surprising to unexpectedly meet here.

"Tang Miss, it's a pleasure to see you tonight. I'm truly delighted," Liu Kangbai greeted warmly, seeming to have a familiar relationship with Tang Wan.

Tang Wan acknowledged him and then seemed somewhat surprised to see Yang Chen. "Yang Chen, what are you doing here?"

Yang Chen inwardly chuckled at her acting skills, noting she could easily win awards as an actress. Nonetheless, she was offering him an opportunity to break free, so he accepted with a smile. "I came with my wife. Mr. Liu was just discussing matters regarding his son with me."

"I see," Tang Wan had actually noticed Yang Chen earlier and knew about his wife being Lin Ruoxi. Though she found it somewhat incredulous, upon seeing Yang Chen apparently troubled by Liu Kangbai, she couldn't help but step in. "Chairman Liu, Yang Chen and I are friends. It's been a while since we last met. Could you spare him for a moment?"

Liu Kangbai was inwardly surprised; Tang Wan was no ordinary businesswoman. The connections she had were not to be underestimated, comparable to Lin Ruoxi. Unwilling to clash openly with her, he pretended nonchalance. "Miss Tang's presence is an honor. How could I mistreat such a guest? Please, both of you, enjoy yourselves. I'll attend to other guests."

With that, Liu Kangbai swiftly departed with his entourage, offering smiles to other guests.

Surrounding onlookers, expecting a dramatic confrontation, instead found themselves surprised that Yang Chen had connections beyond Lin Ruoxi. They had assumed he was merely a kept man reliant on her.

Little did they know, Tang Wan was a coveted figure in Zhonghai's upper echelons, with a background that was both alluring and mysterious. Her Maple Group was undoubtedly a treasure trove for the wealthy, though not publicly listed, its assets far exceeded those of many publicly traded companies.

Tang Wan approached after seeing Liu Kangbai leave with his entourage, giving Yang Chen a sly smile. "Not bad, the dream goddess of countless men in Zhonghai has long been in your arms."

"Who?" Yang Chen asked innocently.

"Don't play dumb with me. I saw it myself. So your wife is Lin Ruoxi," Tang Wan glared at him.

Yang Chen sighed inwardly. He wasn't a one-woman man, and besides, he hadn't even stepped into Lin Ruoxi's bedroom. "I thought the dream goddess for men was you."

Tang Wan blushed coyly, mixing mischief with embarrassment. "Aren't you afraid your wife will find out we're getting close and give you trouble?"

Yang Chen chuckled inwardly. He was already fed up with her; what more could she do? "Facts are facts. I can't just treat other women like disposable shoes in front of my wife. That would be heartless, right?"

"Is that a cunning argument for being a womanizer?" Tang Wan asked with a light laugh.

"I don't like the term 'womanizer.' It sounds pretentious. I'm just the type who appreciates beauty and isn't quick to turn down someone I like," Yang Chen said wryly.

Tang Wan gave him a strange look. "Are you and Lin Ruoxi fighting?"

"How did you know? Though it's not exactly a fight, I'm just a bit frustrated," Yang Chen admitted.

Tang Wan took a sip of her cocktail and remarked, "It's obvious. You're a young man troubled by love."

Yang Chen grinned. "Women always like to claim they're young. Why do you insist on acting old in front of me?"

"You seem to like it," Tang Wan teased with a smirk.

Yang Chen shrugged. It was true he had developed a preference for it, possibly due to his past experiences with mature Western women.

"Anyway, thanks for helping me out with those surnamed Liu. They don't seem too friendly towards me," Yang Chen said.

"How did you offend them? The Liu family in Zhonghai isn't someone ordinary can afford to offend," Tang Wan asked, her brow furrowing.

Yang Chen scratched his nose and briefly explained the situation with Anxin.

Tang Wan was stunned, then burst into laughter. "You even went after Liu Yun's fiancée? I'm truly impressed by you."

"You find it funny? Aren't you even a little jealous?" Yang Chen said, somewhat displeased.

"Why should I be jealous? I'm not some immature girl who can't handle things. I'm a married woman myself. Should I care if you, a bad boy, have one or two other women?" Tang Wan lowered her voice, about to continue when she suddenly noticed someone approaching. Her expression changed immediately, and she swiftly changed the subject. "I have something urgent to attend to. I'll call you later!"

Yang Chen was left puzzled as Tang Wan hurriedly disappeared into the crowd, as if escaping from someone.