Chapter 63: Hungry

"You... you will keep your promise and not spread this around, right?" Minister Ma asked cautiously, his voice barely a whisper due to lingering fear, as he covered his bruised cheek with his hand.

"As long as you behave, I have no interest in playing games with you," Yang Chen replied.

Minister Ma sighed in relief, but to be extra sure, he added, "Next time I get a chance, I'll definitely put in a good word for you with the HR department and the higher-ups to get you promoted sooner."

Yang Chen chuckled, "That doesn't matter to me. But I suggest you and your woman leave here quickly. I'm not keen on seeing you again. And take all your equipment with you."

Minister Ma shuddered, quickly picking up his clothes from the floor and putting them on.

As the two hurriedly dressed and prepared to leave, Yang Chen reminded, "Leave the money for the room. I'll check out later."

Minister Ma stumbled, hastily taking out several large bills and placing them on the bed. He gave a forced smile before he and the woman fled, as if they couldn't stand to stay a moment longer.

After they left, Yang Chen tidied up the room a bit before sitting at the bedside where Liu Mingyu lay. He chuckled softly, "Mingyu Jie, you can stop pretending to sleep now. Your face is so red, anyone who didn't know better would think you had a high fever."

Liu Mingyu slowly opened her eyes, her lashes trembling slightly with embarrassment. Her radiant and delicate face looked particularly endearing.

She slowly sat up, leaning weakly against the headboard, too embarrassed to look directly at Yang Chen. Tilting her head, she whispered, "You knew I was awake all along?"

"The scene just now wasn't suitable for you to wake up to, so I made them leave quickly. Otherwise, I was afraid you'd hold it in too long," Yang Chen answered truthfully.

Liu Mingyu bit her lip, then suddenly smiled charmingly, "You're really bad. They were practically begging for mercy, screaming like pigs being slaughtered."

"If I don't play them, they'll find ways to play you. I don't think you're selfless enough to sacrifice yourself for others, are you?"

"What sacrifice... don't talk nonsense!" Liu Mingyu rolled her eyes at Yang Chen. "But still, thank you. I had resigned myself to my fate, but I didn't expect you to show up suddenly."

For Liu Mingyu, everything had changed so abruptly. Yang Chen's appearance had pulled her from the depths of despair back to a state of relief and gratitude. If not for her recent experiences in the business world toughening her, she might have broken down in tears. There was no doubt that her gratitude towards Yang Chen was immense.

Yang Chen shrugged. "It's no big deal, but I'm curious, Mingyu, what do you think about the shoot just now?"

Seeing Yang Chen's strange expression, Liu Mingyu's heart raced, feeling a bit peculiar. She lowered her head and brushed her disheveled hair. "I only saw a little bit. I don't know anything."

"But I clearly remember that not long after they started kissing, you opened your eyes. Are you selectively forgetting this, Mingyu?"

Liu Mingyu couldn't stand the ambiguous topic any longer. She leaned forward and slapped Yang Chen's back a few times, her cheeks flushed. "Yes! I watched! So what? It's all your fault, you rascal!"

"Mingyu, let's get things straight. It was Director Ma who put you in that situation. I came specifically to rescue you out of concern."

"You knew I was awake but still let them do those... those indecent things. You must have had bad intentions!" Liu Mingyu complained, but then her eyes sparkled as she asked, "You're married, but you behave so inappropriately. Do you play like that with your wife too?"

Yang Chen was at a loss for words. The thought of doing those thrilling things with Lin Ruoxi gave him a shiver. Wouldn't that get him castrated? He awkwardly laughed a few times and said, "Let's drop this topic. Mingyu, tidy up, and let's head back to the company."

Liu Mingyu, feeling she had won this round, didn't continue the conversation. She wrinkled her nose and nodded. "The smell here is awful. Let's get out of here quickly."

By the time they left Liuyun Hotel, it was already lunchtime. Having narrowly escaped a bad situation, Liu Mingyu, despite her lingering fear, was more relieved and happy. She glanced at her watch, hesitated, and then said to Yang Chen, "Yang Chen, I really want to thank you properly. How about I treat you to lunch?"

"Sure, but I have a big appetite. Did you bring enough money, Mingyu?"

Seeing Yang Chen agree, Liu Mingyu happily gave him a coquettish look. "I'll make sure you're full and satisfied."

As they got into Yang Chen's car, Liu Mingyu was a bit surprised. "I didn't realize you drive a BMW every day just to buy breakfast for the office ladies. It must be hard for you, rich young master."

"I'm not some rich young master. This car is actually my wife's," Yang Chen replied without feeling embarrassed. "Just think of me as a gigolo being kept by a wealthy woman."

"You don't look like a gigolo," Liu Mingyu giggled. "And you're much more useful than one."

Laughing and joking, Yang Chen started the car. Once they were on the road, Yang Chen asked, "Mingyu, what do you plan to do with the recorded video and photos?"

Liu Mingyu was silent for a while before she said, "You keep them, or throw them away."

"You don't want them?"

"What's the point? I think after this incident, Director Ma won't dare to try anything again. I'm just an ordinary company employee. I don't want to cause trouble. As long as no one tries to hurt me again, that's enough." Her tone carried a hint of helplessness but also truthfulness.

Yang Chen, having guessed her thoughts, nodded without much surprise and didn't pursue the topic further. Instead, he asked, "So, my beautiful lady, where are we going for this thank-you lunch?"

Liu Mingyu, looking a bit weary, rubbed her forehead. "Drive towards Mingsheng Road. There are a few nice restaurants there."

"You seem really tired. Are you feeling sleepy?" Yang Chen noticed her small gesture.

"Hmm... it seems the effects of the drug haven't completely worn off," Liu Mingyu admitted openly, indeed feeling drowsy again.

Yang Chen frowned. "Let's skip lunch then. I'll take you home so you can rest."

"Thank you..." Liu Mingyu felt a warmth in her heart, suddenly realizing that the man beside her had a thoughtful and caring side. "But let's still go for lunch. I'm a bit sleepy, but I'm also quite hungry."

Following Liu Mingyu's suggestion, they soon arrived at a tastefully decorated Cantonese restaurant. It looked like a chain establishment, not particularly high-end, but fitting for the fast-paced urban dining scene.

Shortly after they sat down, the dishes were swiftly brought to the table. Yang Chen, having skipped a proper breakfast and then dealing with Liu Mingyu's predicament, was starving and began devouring the food voraciously.

"Can't you be more mindful of your manners? You look like you haven't eaten in three years," Liu Mingyu couldn't help but laugh.

"Manners are for those who are still looking to impress. I'm married; manners aren't worth much to me," Yang Chen said, munching on his food.

As they were chatting, a man and two women approached from behind Liu Mingyu. The women were dressed strikingly and fashionably, with petite figures. The two men in suits following them clearly deferred to the leading woman's authority.