Super Zoo

One does not slap a smiling face, and at this moment, Ren Chen's courteous demeanor took Suming by surprise.

It was completely off-script! The normal plot progression would involve Ren Chen ranting and raving, trying to oppress others with his wealth, actively seeking his own doom by coming over to humiliate himself, revealing an odious nouveau riche ugliness that even the gods would despise, and then, with a light smile, using his "spiritual power" cheat to harshly teach this guy a lesson!

Could it be the wrong approach? Or was this guy in front of him actually a decent fellow?

Clearly, Ren Chen was no good fellow, despite the polite tone of his speech, which contained no attacks on Suming. Yet, Suming could still sense a very restrained arrogance in his attitude.

It was like the feeling one gets when government leaders meet petitioning citizens—the words are impeccable, the attitude sincere and warm, and the manners considerate, but deep down they don't really take the other party seriously.

After extending his hand, Ren Chen looked at Suming with a beaming smile. He was hoping Suming would not reciprocate the amiability, better yet to say something sharp and sarcastic, or even punch him in the face. Then it would be clear to see which of the two men was superior, who had more cultivation and magnanimity.

Suming was thinking the same.

The two men stared at each other for a few seconds, then chuckled simultaneously. Suming extended his hand and lightly shook hands with Ren Chen, saying with a smile, "Actually, we met a while ago. One evening, when I was taking her home, I saw you sitting in your car downstairs."

When that night was mentioned, Ren Chen felt a tingling illusion on the left side of his face, gave a forced laugh, not wanting to discuss that night and said to Nangong Yan, "It's a coincidence to meet you here, an unexpected encounter is better than a planned one, let me invite you both to lunch."

Although he mentioned 'inviting you both,' while speaking, Ren Chen never glanced at Suming, his gaze remained constantly on Nangong Yan, obviously without any intention of seeking Suming's opinion.

Now was the time for lunch, and the three of them were getting along 'harmoniously.' Under normal circumstances, such invitations are rather difficult to refuse, and even if one does, a polite excuse is generally offered.

However, to everyone's surprise, Nangong Yan shook her head and straightforwardly said, "I don't think it's necessary."

Ren Chen was taken aback, about to say something, when Nangong Yan stepped forward, looped her arm through Suming's, and, with an expressionless face, told Ren Chen, "My boyfriend and I are quite happy by ourselves; we don't want to be disturbed by irrelevant people."

Seeing Nangong naturally wrap her arm around Suming, Ren Chen couldn't help but twitch. He had never been so directly rejected before, no matter how composed or patient he was.

Men must save face when speaking to each other, considering status and propriety, sometimes smiling through gritted teeth even when desiring the other's downfall. But women are different; Nangong Yan's tone and demeanor left no room for Ren Chen to save face.
Your next chapter awaits on empire

One does not slap a smiling face, but this approach seemed not to work with Nangong Yan.

Nangong Yan's embrace made Suming's heart swell with sweetness. He turned to her with a slight smile. This girl was good; she really saved their face!

"Cough cough..." Faced with Nangong Yan's rebuke, Ren Chen coughed awkwardly, and said, "You're not right, Nangong. No matter what, we are friends, aren't we? Since you have a boyfriend now, let's all have a meal together to celebrate..."

This time, Nangong's response was even more decisive; before Ren Chen could finish, she coldly cut him off, enunciating each word, "Akihito Ren, it seems you're mistaken. First of all, we aren't exactly friends; you've done business with the TV station, and we've met a few times, at best we're merely acquaintances. Even if there's any direct business interaction in the future, it will be strictly professional. Apart from that, there is no personal relationship. Secondly, I have no interest in any personal relationship with you, so there's no need for us to have a meal together."

Finished speaking, she turned to Suming and said, "Honey, let's go."

How domineering! Such a queenly manner! It seems my time as the underdog wasn't in vain, Suming chuckled, shrugged at Ren Chen, and then walked away with Nangong Yan.

Nangong Yan had only taken one step forward when she suddenly turned back and said calmly to Ren Chen, "Akihito Ren, also, if there's no work-related matter in the future, please don't bother me again, and no need to send flowers or anything; it disrupts my work."

After delivering her final words, Nangong held Suming's arm, and the two walked down the slope, chatting and laughing.

Ren Chen stood frozen in place, his face alternating between shades of blue and red, his handsome countenance rapidly shifting, finally contorting into something rather ferocious.

The area around the Wishing Tree was crowded with tourists hanging their wishes, and the place was bustling with people. Nangong Yan's voice had been quite loud, and the surrounding tourists had heard everything loud and clear. People who enjoy a spectacle don't mind exacerbating matters, and seeing a love triangle and the upbraiding of a handsome man unfold only captivated their attention more, prompting many to pull out their phones and take pictures with glee.

"Stop taking pictures! Scram!" Ren Chen finally couldn't hold in his fury, veins bulging on his forehead as he bellowed at the people around, then stomped off down the hill in a different direction.

While it's true that a fierce lady fears an insistent suitor, the precondition is that the suitor can persist; Nangong Yan's stance left no room for sentiment, decisively cutting off the possibility of further interaction.

Actually, if she were to continue shamelessly persisting, it wouldn't necessarily be a hundred percent impossible. The ways of the world are unpredictable, and no one knows what future calamity might occur. But to do so would be too difficult. It wasn't simply a matter of hot love meeting a cold backside anymore, but rather self-degradation, enduring insults while still offering a smile in return.

This way, Ren Chen's previous plan of relentless pursuit completely fell through, with no possibility of being carried out anymore.

Ren Chen indeed had a wealth of experience in chasing women and was very patient, but he had never encountered a scenario like this. With his personal attributes, looks, and wealth, even if he was rejected, it would be done kindly. No one had ever rejected him like Nangong Yan, leaving not the slightest shred of courtesy.

This was simply the kind of treatment that according to the legends, only those 'wildly stubborn' would encounter. Ren Chen could never have dreamt that such an event would happen to him.

In the beginning, everything was under control. How did it suddenly take such a drastic turn? Could it be that his approach was wrong?!

...

"You were just too cool! Come on, give me a kiss!" Suming laughed heartily, wrapping an arm around Nangong Yan and planting a kiss on her cheek.

Nangong's recent furious demeanor, full of a commanding aura, was like that of a queen—completely different from her usual style.

But honestly, Suming hadn't expected Nangong Yan to say such resolute words to Ren Chen at first.

There are many ways to reject someone. A beautiful girl like Nangong, who has been pursued by countless people since her youth, would have learned a whole set of methods to reject others without hurting their feelings. Yet, Nangong chose the most ungracious and seemingly low-class method without hesitation.

As soon as she uttered those words, she had completely offended Ren Chen, not only leaving no chance for him but also not giving herself any leeway.

"Ew, that's disgusting, all saliva." Nangong Yan shrank back like a little rabbit, raising her hand to wipe the saliva from her cheek, before looking seriously at Suming and saying, "You trust me, and I won't let you down. Anyway, I don't want to deal with him at all. Better to let him give up hope once and for all; there's no need to keep a spare tire for ambiguities. It's not good for everyone."

"Looks like I can't always see you as a little girl anymore." Suming stopped joking and stroked her long hair upon hearing Nangong Yan's sincerity, saying, "This time you've really offended him. If you encounter any difficulties at the television station, tell me, I'll handle it."

Sometimes, Suming could be thick-skinned, but at other times, he was incredibly attentive. The last time at Amber Garden, when he first saw Ren Chen's car, although Nangong Yan was reluctant to engage with Ren Chen, she did say 'better not to burn bridges unless necessary,' indicating that Ren Chen had some clout, at least as one of the television station's major clients.

Working at the television station and having offended Ren Chen, Nangong could potentially face a negative impact on her career. Her decisive and uncompromising rejection of Ren Chen was partly because of her distaste for him, but more importantly, it was for the sake of Suming.

At this moment, Suming certainly needed to step up, ready to bear any negative consequences that might arise for Nangong.

"It won't come to that. I go to the television station to work, not to ingratiate myself by debasing myself." Nangong Yan had the temperament of a young lady, she tilted her head up and huffed, "Even if I did piss him off, worst comes to worst, I'd just quit. I'm not desperate for that salary! If my dad doesn't support me, you'll have to!"

In various industries, unspoken rules exist, but in most cases, those who have something to gain are the ones who encounter such rules. Someone like Nangong, who didn't want to climb up by unscrupulous means and could even say 'I don't need this job,' coming from a somewhat influential family, wasn't someone others could easily manipulate.

"Absolutely, I'll support you and your dad too!"

Suming was not worried about whether Nangong Yan could become famous or anything like that. Even if Nangong Yan spent her life as a low-level clerk or not working at all, he could afford to support her. He was just concerned that any career setbacks might dampen her mood. Seeing that Nangong Yan didn't seem to take it seriously at all, Suming felt relieved.

"But still, that guy did say something that really resonated with me!" Nangong Yan suddenly said earnestly to Suming.

"Ah? What did he say?" Suming was taken aback.

"It's mealtime, I'm hungry!" Nangong puckered her cheeks and said playfully, tugging on Suming's arm, "Take me out to eat!"

"Pick any restaurant in the city!" Suming declared with great enthusiasm, slapping his chest.

"After eating, we're going shopping!"

"We'll shop, of course! From head to toe, buy whatever you like! Two dresses, one to wear and one to gaze at, two pairs of shoes, wearing one and tossing the other! If we don't max out the card, we won't come back!"