Chapter 27: Taking the Initiative to See Yan Man

Under the spotlight, Yan Man had nowhere to hide. Like the other twenty-one models, she casually struck an ending pose to showcase the jewelry she was wearing, making it easier for this “President Fang” to choose.

Yan Man didn’t dare look at Fang Hexun’s expression from the stage. Instead, she fixed her gaze on a random point in the distance, looking focused and serious—almost exaggeratedly so.

Fang Hexun, with one hand in his pocket, casually glanced in her direction. When he saw her expression, he couldn’t help but let out a quiet laugh.

He had never seen his sister look this proper before.

Pointing seemingly at random, he said loudly, “I’ll take this set.”

Tan Qishen followed his line of sight and raised his eyebrows slightly when he saw someone familiar. His gaze became unreadable.

Luo Xi smiled and said, “Excellent taste, President Fang. This set was designed by Flora, the chief designer of ‘Sanya.’ There are only two sets like it in the world—I’m sure your wife will love it.”

Yan Man could feel several gazes fall on her. She sneaked a glance downstage and, just as she suspected, Fang Hexun had picked the set she was wearing.

“…He’s definitely doing this on purpose.”

Yan Man let out a quiet sigh, thinking no one would notice—but Tan Qishen saw the whole thing.

Fang Hexun and Tan Qishen exchanged a few more words. He politely declined an invitation to dinner, saying, “No need to trouble yourself, President Tan. I do have something tonight. Next time, I’ll host.”

Tan Qishen nodded, and the two left together. They were similar in height and build.

Yan Man stared blankly at the scene—it was like seeing her brother and Tang Qingshuo walking side by side again, years ago.

---

After the show ended, the models left the stage one by one. Backstage, Yan Man changed out of the dress and took off the jewelry. Then she received several messages at once:

[Tan Qishen]: Waiting for you in the car.
[Brother]: Hurry up and come out.
[Brother]: Confess and I’ll go easy on you.

Yan Man stared at her phone in distress.

What are these two up to?

Still, she didn’t hesitate over what to do.

She replied to Tan Qishen first.

[Yan Man]: Sorry, baby, I’m joining a crew tomorrow and haven’t even packed yet. I’m heading home first—will make it up to you next time! /[heart emoji]

---

The night was still. The black Cullinan was still parked outside the company.

The orange glow from the streetlight filtered into the car, falling on the man’s handsome, brooding features. When he saw the message, Tan Qishen furrowed his brows deeply.

Yan Man had never turned him down before.

This was the first time.

Holding back his emotions, Tan Qishen typed again:

[Tan Qishen]: I’ll drive you.

Yan Man quickly replied:

[Yan Man]: No need, my driver’s already here.
[Yan Man]: You’ve had a long day too—go get some rest, or I’ll worry.

Tan Qishen read her message and let out a low, cold laugh.

Worried?

Didn’t seem like it.

Wen Bo, sitting in the driver’s seat, could feel the icy pressure radiating from his boss in the back. He carefully asked, “President Tan, should we go?”

Tan Qishen turned off his phone screen and looked out the window, spotting Fang Hexun’s car still parked on the other side of the driveway.

Since both cars had exited earlier, they’d now been parked outside for nearly ten minutes.

After a moment’s thought, seeing that Fang Hexun’s car still hadn’t moved, Tan Qishen instructed Wen Bo, “Go ask President Fang if he needs any help.”

“Yes, sir.” Wen Bo got out of the car.

He walked briskly to the Maybach, bent slightly, and knocked on the backseat window.

Inside, Fang Hexun was on the phone with Yan Man.

“How much longer?”

He was clearly running out of patience.

“Just a bit longer, ge, don’t rush me—I’m coming.” Yan Man was putting on her coat and getting ready to head down.

Just as she said that, Wen Bo arrived. Fang Hexun rolled down the window.

It was quiet around them, except for the distant honking of cars, so Wen Bo clearly heard the last part of a woman’s voice from inside the car.

He paused—was that… Miss Yan?

Recognizing Wen Bo as Tan Qishen’s assistant, Fang Hexun asked, “What is it, Assistant Wen?”

Wen Bo, thinking he was just hearing things from being overworked, respectfully said, “President Tan wanted to know if you needed any help.”

Realizing their car had been blocking the driveway for too long, Fang Hexun shook his head. “No, I’m waiting for someone.”

Wen Bo understood. “Alright, President Fang. Goodbye.”

Once Wen Bo left, the phone had gone quiet.

Fang Hexun picked it up again. “What, cat got your tongue?”

Yan Man had reached the lobby but didn’t dare step outside. She had recognized Wen Bo’s voice—he was Tan Qishen’s assistant.

“…Is he gone?” she whispered.

“He is,” Fang Hexun replied.

“…What about President Tan?”

Fang Hexun glanced outside. The Cullinan hadn’t moved. “Still here.”

“…”

Now she really couldn’t go out.

She couldn’t let Tan Qishen see her get into Fang Hexun’s car. That would be a nightmare to explain—and she didn’t even know how long it would take to calm him down afterward.

“Ge, can you drive the car a little farther away? I’ll come to you,” Yan Man said in a pleading tone.

Fang Hexun frowned. “Why?”

“…Just don’t ask, I’ll explain later.”

There was no way to explain all of this in just a few words.

How was she supposed to tell him that she’d fallen for someone who looked exactly like Tang Qingshuo?

Though puzzled, Fang Hexun still agreed and told the driver to move the car.

Wen Bo returned to the Cullinan and reported, “President Fang said he’s waiting for someone.”

Soon after, the silver-gray Maybach pulled away from the entrance.

Tan Qishen looked toward the ‘Senlai’ building. Though working hours had ended, people were still filtering out—likely the models who had only come temporarily for the show.

Neon lights shimmered through the glass, mixing with the moonlight. His face was mostly hidden in shadow, with just a sliver of light on his features. His eyes were downcast, unreadable.

Suddenly, he said, “Send the jewelry set Yan Man was wearing just now to her.”

She had looked dazzling on the runway, and Tan Qishen couldn’t take his eyes off her. That set of jewelry suited her perfectly.

There were only two sets in the world—one had to belong to Yan Man.

“Understood,” Wen Bo nodded.

With no way to see her tonight, Tan Qishen planned to return on his own. But halfway home, he abruptly changed his mind. His dark mood cleared in an instant.

“Forget it. I’ll deliver it myself later.”

His voice was as cool and magnetic as always. No one noticed the faint curve of his lips—quickly suppressed once again.

Yan Man would be joining a crew tomorrow and staying with them for at least a month. Who knew when they’d see each other again?

Since she didn’t have time… he would graciously take the initiative this time.