NOVEL WEB Chapter 17 - Sweet Trap
A man who looks like a driver and a bodyguard comes in and speaks to the pretty girl just now.
Miss Yaru? President Chen?
Although Zhang Xiaoloong didn't know the connection between these two individuals, he sensed it might not be the right moment for him to intrude. In the same breath, he cast a glance at Yaru, thinking that if such a stunning girl… it would be a waste to uncover the secrets of being a boss!
His eyes flickered briefly, but there was no hiding it from Chen Yaru, who had been attentive.
“This isn't what you might think. The President Chen he mentioned is my father. My name is Chen Yaru,” Chen Yaru hastened to explain, worried the other person might misinterpret, “I… I'm my father's biological daughter.”
“Cough…” Zhang Xiaoloong also cleared his throat awkwardly. “I apologize, Miss Chen. I didn't mean it that way. I was just wondering if we could arrange for a custom-made glass greenhouse here. If today isn't convenient, I can return tomorrow.”
“Alright then.” Chen Yaru, too, found herself behaving strangely, as if somewhat infatuated. Yet she was a very forthright girl. If she felt that hint of affection in her heart, she didn't want to let it slip by. “Could you leave a contact number? I could call you tomorrow.”
“Sorry, I don't have a phone, but I'll come back tomorrow,” Zhang Xiaoloong apologized and turned to leave.
Chen Yaru watched Zhang Xiaoloong, who was about to exit, and suddenly took a few quick strides toward him. “Wait…”
Zhang Xiaoloong was momentarily baffled. He had already mentioned that he would return tomorrow. What else was there to wait for?
“Miss, President Chen is urging you to hurry over. He's expecting you,” the driver interjected.
“Please tell my dad to proceed without me. Inform him that I have some matters to attend to and will join him shortly,” Chen Yaru instructed before the driver could say more. She added, “You can leave the car here. You can head back now.”
The driver, sensing that Chen Yaru had made up her mind, put down the car keys and glanced at Zhang Xiaoloong before departing, somewhat puzzled.
“Your name is Zhang Xiaoloong, correct?” she inquired after waiting for the man to leave.
“Why does my name seem to be a concern?” Zhang Xiaoloong asked, his curiosity piqued.
It sounded like this girl was the daughter of Yuanbo company's boss, but he couldn't fathom why she had referred to him in that manner.
“No, no,” Chen Yaru quickly changed the subject. “I overheard you mention the desire for a customized glass greenhouse. Not only can our Yuanbo company meet that need, but we specialize in crafting such structures. I'm confident that in Qingyang City, nobody does it better than us. So, you've made the right choice.”
“That's wonderful,” Zhang Xiaoloong responded, his face brightening. “However, it seems like you're quite busy today. I'll return tomorrow to discuss my requirements in more detail.”
“No, I have some free time today. Besides… I'd like to ask you for a small favor first,” Chen Yaru thought of a brilliant idea. “We could talk about the greenhouse while strolling, if you'd be willing to assist me. In return, I can offer you the most discounted price and have our company's top-notch designer work on your project. Are you… available tonight?”
When these words left her lips, Chen Yaru felt a touch of embarrassment. It was as if this marked the first instance she'd ever taken the initiative to invite a man out for the evening.
Was this what love at first sight felt like? She felt her heart flutter as she gazed at him, fearing rejection.
The intensity of his gaze left Zhang Xiaoloong somewhat unsettled.
He had already found it somewhat unusual when he was with Lu Xiaoya. Who would have imagined that Chen Yaru's eyes seemed even more potent than Lu Xiaoya's?
But considering he hadn't brought much money with him, if he could secure a substantial discount and the favor wouldn't be too demanding, there was no reason not to lend a hand.
“I am free tonight. However, I'm not sure how I can be of assistance?” Zhang Xiaoloong was genuinely puzzled. He had just arrived in the city, and it seemed implausible that she would require his help.
“Of course, you can help, and only you can,” Chen Yaru blinked her captivating eyes. “I'm attending a party tonight, and there's a guy there who won't stop bothering me. I want you to accompany me and play the role of my boyfriend.”
“No, no way. I can't act. I don't know you at all. Plus, I'm just a humble farmer. It's crystal clear to anyone. Even if you tell them, nobody's gonna buy it,” Zhang Xiaoloong waved his hands vigorously as if he were fending off a swarm of bees.
“Did I become someone you know after I mentioned it?” Chen Yaru shot him an eye roll. “The guy's family is well-known in Qingyang City's business circles. If I ignore him completely… it might create quite the hassle for the company. But honestly, I can't stand him. And I've heard from my dad that this guy is the textbook definition of a playboy. He preys on honest folks who are all hearts. Can you bear to watch me get bullied?”
“It's not that I don't want to help, but I'm really not cut out for pretending,” Zhang Xiaoloong sighed, feeling caught between a rock and a hard place after being labeled as such. If he refused, it would imply there was more to him than met the eye. “Isn't there anyone else who can do it?”
“Yeah, like I mentioned earlier, that guy's quite famous in Qingyang City. Since he publicly declared his interest in pursuing me, not many folks dare to approach me anymore. That's why I need your help,” Chen Yaru confessed sincerely. She wasn't feigning her distress. This was genuinely troubling her.
Though, she had to admit, the idea of recruiting Zhang Xiaoloong as her faux boyfriend at the last minute had a touch of brilliance to it.
Weren't there plenty of stories in s and dramas where fake relationships turned into genuine ones?
Chen Yaru, despite having worked alongside her father in managing the company for quite some time now, was still a young woman at heart. Occasionally, she entertained romantic daydreams, much like any young girl.
“Alright,” Zhang Xiaoloong finally agreed. “But no matter how this ends, you have to promise me a discount.”
“Absolutely, no problem,” Chen Yaru agreed readily. “Let's not waste any more time. My father must be getting anxious.”
Zhang Xiaoloong couldn't help but feel like he was walking into a trap as he watched her take the lead so confidently. Nevertheless, it was a sweet trap, set by a beautiful woman no less. Besides, he needed to play his part for the sake of his greenhouse.
Settling into the car, Chen Yaru sped off and eventually pulled up in front of a high-end clothing store.
Gazing at the storefront, Zhang Xiaoloong asked with curiosity, “Is the party really going to be held in a clothing store? You city folks sure know how to have fun.”
Puchi…
Chen Yaru laughed out loud, “Who told you a party is held here? I have to buy you some clothes. Otherwise, no one would believe you are my boyfriend if you go to a party in your such current state.”
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