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Chapter 29: Chapter 29 Brother
The Blue Bay Hotel was a newly completed five-star business hotel in the past two years. It was located on the edge of a resort villa in the eastern part of Zhonghai City, nestled beside a lake. The entire color scheme was fresh and elegant, with a strong Scottish architectural style, attracting many upper-class professionals to conduct business here.
As soon as they got out of the car, Lin Ruoxi walked to Yang Chen's side and suddenly reached out to hold Yang Chen's arm, assuming the appearance of a happy little woman leaning on her man. She said lightly, "Let's go."
Yang Chen smiled, "You're such an actress. If you want people to know we're close, you should at least smile a bit. With that ice queen look, people might mistake you for a scorned woman."
"You're the one who's scorned!" Lin Ruoxi frowned awkwardly, unable to force a smile. Even holding Yang Chen's arm was a huge challenge for her. She shook her head and said, "Let's just go like this, don't make it obvious, and it'll be fine."
Yang Chen thought to himself that nobody would believe it, but he didn't say it out loud. Since his somewhat naive CEO wife wanted to act, he would just play along.
Walking into the hotel, they passed by columns and statues in the style of ancient Athens. Upon entering the lobby, various Western-style portraits and landscapes began to appear. The magnificent decoration filled the entire Blue Bay Hotel with a fashionable and classical blend of dignity. The guests passing by were all dressed smartly, with a hint of arrogance on their faces.
"I don't like oil paintings," Yang Chen muttered, "I always feel like photos are clearer and better."
Lin Ruoxi, who was admiring the paintings in the corridor while holding Yang Chen's arm, glanced disdainfully at Yang Chen and said, "If you don't have an appreciation for it, just keep quiet. No one will mistake you for a mute."
"Exactly, otherwise how would you end up selling lamb skewers?" Yang Chen grinned proudly.
Lin Ruoxi gave him a disdainful look and whispered, "Remember, when we go in, if I don't signal you to speak, don't say much."
"Got it, Boss Lin," Yang Chen nodded, suppressing his amusement.
Led by a neatly dressed hostess, the two walked to a large private room by the lake. Looking up, they noticed the room was named "Judas," with a strong sectarian style.
As the creamy white carved wooden door opened, a man in a black boss suit with slightly curly hair and untrimmed beard stood at the doorway, revealing a warm smile. He gestured politely, "Welcome, Miss Lin. My young master has been waiting for you for a long time."
Obviously, the man immediately excluded Yang Chen, who was holding Lin Ruoxi's arm, from the welcoming lineup, not even giving him a glance.
Lin Ruoxi nodded lightly, pulling Yang Chen into the spacious room. The scent of lavender permeated the air, refreshing the senses.
"Ruoxi, finally, you're here," a magnetic voice came from a man standing up from the large sofa inside the room. He was dressed in a blue shirt, with neatly cropped hair, fair complexion, and handsome features. What was rare was his innate air of respect, something that couldn't be cultivated without a noble background.
Lin Ruoxi nodded expressionlessly, "Mr. Xu, you're too polite."
Xu Zhihong wasn't embarrassed by her cold response. He walked up with a smile on his face, displaying the mature humility of a man. With some sincerity, he said, "I've invited you several times, and it's rare to have the opportunity when you're free. Your father has mentioned you to me several times, saying you're busy with work. Actually, I don't mind. I'm just content that you could join me for a meal."
It's hard to imagine what effect it would have for the CEO of a listed company, the eldest son and heir of one of Zhonghai's top five families, to say such words, "I'm content with just having a meal together." Other women might react differently, but Lin Ruoxi seemed indifferent, merely saying, "You're too kind," and not saying anything more.
Xu Zhihong didn't seem to find anything unusual either. He personally pulled out a chair for Lin Ruoxi and gestured, "Please, have a seat, Ruoxi."
From start to finish, neither Xu Zhihong nor the rough man servant seemed to acknowledge Lin Ruoxi's presence with another man. It was as if the man's existence was as inconsequential as the air.
At this moment, Lin Ruoxi realized she had underestimated Xu Zhihong's intelligence. His actions clearly showed he didn't take Yang Chen seriously at all. He must have thoroughly investigated Yang Chen's background. Who would believe that the CEO of a big company would marry a street vendor they barely knew? Xu Zhihong seemed to have known all along about Lin Ruoxi's fake marriage scheme.
Lin Ruoxi reluctantly let go of Yang Chen's hand and took her seat. Yang Chen didn't seem uncomfortable either; he had intended to pull a chair and sit next to Lin Ruoxi.
Just then, the grinning but silent man suddenly appeared in front of Yang Chen. He pushed the chair Yang Chen had pulled out back and said with a smile, "I don't know who this gentleman is. My young master has only invited Miss Lin for dinner."
Before Yang Chen and Lin Ruoxi could respond, Xu Zhihong, with a gentle smile on his face, said, "Maoqiu, don't be rude. I suppose this gentleman is Ruoxi's brother or something similar. Otherwise, why would they come together with such sibling affection?"
Brother? Yang Chen was somewhat surprised by the acting skills of this master and servant duo. He chuckled, "Oh... Impressive. You know all about it. My little Ruoxi often calls me 'big brother' in bed."
"..."
Silence! A suffocating silence!
Not only Xu Zhihong and Maoqiu, the master and servant who had just mocked Yang Chen, even Lin Ruoxi was left speechless by Yang Chen's sudden outrageous words, her throat tightening as if she wanted to strangle Yang Chen with her widened eyes! This scoundrel! How could he say such things! Although she knew it was a deliberate retaliation against Xu Zhihong and his servant, the words were just too... too...
Hearing such licentious words, Lin Ruoxi couldn't help but recall the inexplicable trip she had taken with him to Wushan a few days ago. Her beautiful face flushed red in an instant.
As for Xu Zhihong, seeing Lin Ruoxi suddenly blush with a shy, girlish demeanor, he was first intoxicated by the unexpectedly charming display. But then, upon realizing that Lin Ruoxi was shy because of this man's words, he felt a chill run down his spine... Could their relationship really be more than simple?!
His complexion instantly turned somewhat pale and ugly, and Xu Zhihong forced a smile, "Sir has quite the sense of humor. But since you're here, you're a friend. Maoqiu, no more jokes with this gentleman. Let's all sit down."
Yang Chen couldn't help but admire Xu Zhihong a bit; it seemed he wasn't just a brainless second-generation rich kid; he knew how to restrain himself.
Lin Ruoxi, true to her nature as a strong woman, though feeling irritated by the atmosphere, quickly composed herself, keeping in mind the main purpose of their visit. She said to Xu Zhihong, "Mr. Xu, let's talk about the cooperation for the autumn fashion release first. It's still early."
"Of course," Xu Zhihong no longer paid attention to Yang Chen, quickly reverting to his gallant gentlemanly demeanor. "Whatever Ruoxi says goes. Today, she's the host and I'm the guest."