Chapter 48.2

Just as Qi Yangyan was about to leave, Xie Yin, who had been keeping a close watch, stopped him.

“Sir, I’m Xie Yin. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and put on a shy expression.

Xie Yin believed no one would refuse her olive branch.

Besides, Qi Yangyan was impeccably dressed, and everything he wore was of high value. With several well-dressed bodyguards in tow, his background must be exceptional. Not to mention, he was very handsome and perfectly suited to her.

Ruan Mingfu watched the scene and shook her head.

Her brother could discuss international economic affairs with a blind date… Xie Yin really had guts.

As expected, Qi Yangyan didn’t even spare her a glance.

His bodyguards, understanding the situation, promptly escorted Xie Yin out. She tried to chase after him, but was blocked by the bodyguards and could only watch as Qi Yangyan walked further away.

Disheartened, she dropped her shoulders but her eyes lit up when she saw Ruan Mingfu.

Since he was her brother, she must know all about him. But as she took a step forward, Professor Hu, who had rushed over, stopped her.

“This is not your home. How long are you going to keep causing trouble?”

Professor Hu was exasperated with her.

The whole day had been nerve-wracking for him, and nothing seemed to go right. When he saw Gu Qingsong, he felt a sense of relief that everything was settled.

No matter how Xie Yin pleaded, he was determined to get rid of this troublemaker.

Suppressing his anger, Professor Hu said, “Come with me.”

“I don’t—”

Before Xie Yin could finish her words, she saw Professor Hu staring at her fiercely. Perhaps because his attitude was not very good at the beginning, Xie Yin was somewhat afraid of him.

With so many onlookers, Xie Yin, though reluctant, dared not cause a scene.

Her father had told her to behave and not cause trouble. The exhibition was very important, and her actions would affect him as well.

Thus, Xie Yin reluctantly followed Professor Hu.

Before leaving, she cast a final look at Ruan Mingfu.

Xie Yin’s departure was a relief to everyone, and they all sighed with relief. Luckily, not many people were around during her disturbance. Otherwise, it would have been quite embarrassing on an international scale.

With Xie Yin gone, things went smoothly.

The tea factory representative collected many orders and had a beaming smile. After the exhibition ended, he eagerly wanted to personally see Ruan Mingfu off.

Seeing this, Ruan Mingfu quickly made her escape.

Today’s total orders amounted to twelve thousand pounds, which was very exciting for them.

As she exited the door, she saw Xie Yanzhao leaning against a car and was about to approach him when a blonde man suddenly appeared in front of her.

Ruan Mingfu almost collided with him.

He held a large bouquet of roses and gazed at her with deep affection, “Beautiful lady, I have thought it over. Without you, my life would be meaningless. Therefore, I hope you will accept me.”

The blonde man had also managed to find a group of people to sprinkle flower petals from above.

He looked at her with deep, tender eyes and said, “Beautiful lady, please give me a chance.”

Unlike in later times, no one was causing a commotion at this moment.

In an era where even holding hands could make people shy, the actions of the young blonde man were considered quite bold. However, since this was the Shanghai International Trade Fair, which is known for its tolerance, people wouldn’t make a fuss as long as his behavior wasn’t extreme.

“Comrade Andre, I am already married,” Ruan Mingfu said.

The young blonde man remained earnest, “I understand, beautiful lady. Please rest assured, I don’t mind.”

Ruan Mingfu was not pleased.

The young blonde man had been speaking to her in Chinese, and everyone around could understand him. His words left people around him feeling quite shocked.

“… Foreigners are really different.”

“This is too open.”

“That comrade is upright and principled, surely she won’t agree to this blonde’s advances…”

Ruan Mingfu could vaguely sense the compliments.

Upright and principled?

She never imagined that these words could be used to describe her.

She was about to turn around to see who was praising her, but before she could, someone pulled her into an embrace.

Smelling a familiar scent, Ruan Mingfu looked up, “You’re here?”

The young blonde man looked confused by the scene before him, scratching his head and showing a puzzled expression.

“Beautiful lady, who is this…”

Before Ruan Mingfu could respond, Xie Yanzhao’s deep voice interrupted, “I am her husband.”

With a ‘thud,’ the young blonde man’s heart shattered.

He dramatically clutched his chest, looking at Ruan Mingfu with a blend of sorrow and affection, “Beautiful lady, please tell me this isn’t true.”

Xie Yanzhao shielded Ruan Mingfu, showing no mercy in crushing the young man’s hopes.

“It’s true.”

“Oh no!”

The young blonde man had assumed that someone as beautiful and young as Ruan Mingfu couldn’t possibly be married. Although Chinese people get married early, Ruan Mingfu looked like she was not even 20 years old. Marriage… must be an excuse to evade him.

To his dismay, it was true…

The young blonde man’s heart was truly broken.

“Beautiful lady, why did you marry him?” He clutched his chest, looking mournful. “I have power, influence, and money. I can fulfill all your romantic ideals about marriage. Please reconsider.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Xie Yanzhao’s fists clenched tightly.

His eyes were as dark as ink.

If looks could kill, the young blonde man would have been torn to shreds.

“I am married,” Ruan Mingfu continued, “and my husband can fulfill all the fantasies you mentioned.”

Xie Yanzhao felt his chest swell with emotion.

His rough hands gripped Ruan Mingfu’s delicate ones tighter and tighter.

Those around them who were eavesdropping spoke up:

“That young couple has a good relationship. Why is this blonde trying to interfere?”

“Look at this couple, handsome man and beautiful woman. They’re well-matched.”

“Both are good-looking. I wonder how beautiful their children will be…”

Ruan Mingfu: “…”

Being married means being pressured to have children, help!!!

The young blonde man felt distressed, but kept a calm demeanor. He shrugged and said, “Alright, I respect your choice. If you ever get divorced, feel free to find me.”

Xie Yanzhao: “…”

If he weren’t a soldier, he’d have given the young blonde man a piece of his mind.

Why was it that a man was so eager for them to divorce?

He pursed his lips, his eyes showing a hint of menace.

The young blonde man, however, was quite bold.

“Beautiful lady, beautiful flowers are innocent,” the young blonde man said provocatively, “I would like to give this bouquet of beautiful flowers to the most beautiful you.”

It had to be said, the French did have a way with words.

Ruan Mingfu smiled, “Thank you.”

The roses were vivid and dewy, each petal flawless.

In this place, such roses were indeed rare.

Ruan Mingfu was about to take the bouquet, but Xie Yanzhao pulled her hand back.

“Thank you, but my wife is allergic to pollen.”

Ruan Mingfu blinked.

Who… who is allergic to pollen? This dog man is making up rumors!

Before she could express her dissatisfaction, Xie Yanzhao had already pulled her into the car.

He quickly got in and drove away, leaving the problematic scene behind.

Ruan Mingfu settled into her seat, observing Xie Yanzhao’s tightly pressed lips. She curiously leaned in, a hint of amusement in her eyes, “What’s wrong, are you jealous?”

“I’m driving,” Xie Yanzhao’s deep voice sounded, “stop messing around!”

She pouted and then sat back.

Hmph!

She knew without being told that the dog man was definitely jealous.

Ruan Mingfu felt a pang of satisfaction.

She remembered how decisive he had been when rejecting her before.

Now, he had become her subordinate.

Ruan Mingfu lifted her chin, growing more pleased by the minute.

Soon, the car arrived at the military base. As soon as Ruan Mingfu entered the house, she collapsed onto the soft sofa.

She was exhausted after the whole day.

If she had known, she wouldn’t have agreed to Professor Hu’s request. However… the benefits were considerable.

Ruan Mingfu touched the envelope given to her by the representative from Yunwu Tea, feeling rejuvenated.

Looking at the thickness of the envelope, even Ruan Mingfu was surprised.

How much did the Yunwu Tea representative give her…

After counting the money, Ruan Mingfu was a bit stunned.

There were two thousand!

When Xie Yanzhao entered the room, he saw her staring at the pile of money in shock. His deep gaze inevitably fell on the money as well. “What’s going on?”

“This is…”

Ruan Mingfu explained, “I thought it would be at most seven or eight hundred, but they gave me this much.”

“Then keep it.”

Given the more than a hundred thousand dollars they had received, two thousand really wasn’t much.

Since they had given it, and it was clear they had no ulterior motives, there was nothing to worry about.

Ruan Mingfu touched her forehead. “What if the other party gave this money with the intention of targeting you?”

She had quite the imagination sometimes.

A tea factory and a military regiment commander—there was no connection between them, so it was unlikely they had such motives.

“If you’re really worried, you can ask Professor Hu tomorrow.”

Ruan Mingfu agreed and started putting the money away.

Just as she was about to speak, a voice came from the door.

“Sister-in-law, are you there?”

Xie Yanzhao looked up through the window and saw Hu Wanning standing outside. Since no one answered, she felt awkward about entering uninvited.

“Sister-in-law, come in,” Ruan Mingfu quickly went over and welcomed Hu Wanning inside.

She changed into slippers.

Since Hu Wanning was a frequent visitor, Ruan Mingfu had prepared a pair of slippers just for her.

Xie Yanzhao stood up, his tall figure making the spacious room feel a bit cramped.

“You two chat. I’ll go feed Wangcai.”

Hu Wanning sat down.

Fortunately, Xie Yanzhao had already cleared the table, so there was nothing inappropriate left.

“Sister-in-law, I haven’t seen much of you these past few days. You’re out early and back late. If it weren’t for me specifically looking for you, I wouldn’t know when I’d see you again.”

Wangcai had been staying with her for the past few days.

Xie Yanzhao had only taken him away in the evening.