NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 81
Chapter 81
The girls burst into laughter, having clearly enjoyed a few drinks and getting bolder.
“Zhu Yeqing, aren’t you supposed to protect me?”
“Young Master, stop being so tense. Today, I’m happy. Can’t we just enjoy it?”
No, I don’t want to “enjoy” it. I want to be the resentful villain who hates the protagonist!
“Hold on. You haven’t even cut the birthday cake yet or made a wish.”
A cake was wheeled in. Zhu Yeqing gazed at the candles, pausing for a moment before blowing them out, making a silent wish.
From now on, Chen Fan is my only family. I’ll make sure he lives. I’ll grow stronger to protect him.
Chen Fan stared at her, surprised. Since when did you get this emotional? You were supposed to be the tough one. Are you just trying to gain my trust so you can betray me? Truly, the mind of a female lead runs deep.
“Young Master, today, no stressing over things. No thinking about that annoying Ye Aotian either.”
“Fine, today we’ll just have fun.”
Zhu Yeqing nodded happily, and everyone spent the evening laughing and celebrating.
On the other side, Ye Aotian, now able to sit up straight, received fantastic news: Zheng Shaoyang had decided to join his side. Ye Aotian couldn’t be happier. Without breaking a sweat, I secured the Zheng family’s support. The black-market industry in Qincheng will soon be under my control.
“I also have another piece of news—kind of a joke. Want to hear it?”
“What’s that?”
“People are saying … Chen Fan’s a virgin.”
Ye Aotian burst into laughter. “That guy? A virgin? So, Lin Qingyue lied to me? She was forced by him all along! Damn you, Chen Fan. I’ll make you pay for this!”
Nearby, Ling Yuyan shot Ye Aotian a look of disdain.
“Miss Yuyan, why are you looking at me like that?”
“Want to know why?”
“Yes. I don’t get why you’re always so against me. I’ve already agreed to cancel our engagement.”
Ling Yuyan replied, “Let’s be clear: you might look down on Chen Fan for being a virgin, but to women, that shows he’s honorable. At least he respects himself. Better than some people who sleep around like a stallion, chasing after every woman they see.”
Ling Xiaoyun coughed awkwardly. “Watch how you speak to Ye Aotian. Have you forgotten the family’s instructions?”
“Doesn’t matter. Goodbye, I’m leaving. I’d rather be at work.”
Ye Aotian turned to Ling Xiaoyun. “Do you think she’s right?”
“I don’t know. My job is to keep you safe. The rest is none of my concern.”
Of course she’s right. She’s my sister, and my sister is never wrong.
***
Despite his plans to party through the night, Chen Fan had overestimated his drinking ability. By the time evening rolled around, he was already too drunk to continue, so the group headed home. Zhu Yeqing, who’d had more than a little herself, fell asleep leaning against Chen Fan in the car.
Anna, sitting in the front seat, turned and asked, “Chen Fan, know anyone in real estate?”
“Why don’t you go to the Lin family? That’s their specialty.”
“Good point. I want to open a gym. Any tips?”
“Get some pretty trainers. Thanks.”
She burst out laughing. “Has anyone told you that you’re cute when you’re grumpy?”
Cute? What’s wrong with this woman?
“While you may be of noble blood, let me remind you that you represent the Duke’s face in here. I’d hate for you to embarrass him.”
“No worries! The Duke introduced me to the woman he cares about—a hardworking girl I quite like. We’re friends now.”
“Oh really? Then do yourself a favor and stay away from Ye Aotian. The Duke despises him.”
“I won’t.”
“Fine. You can deal with the Duke’s anger yourself.”
“Bleh.”
This … this nerve! Absolute lunacy.
When they arrived at Chen Fan’s house, Anna parted ways with him, intent on finding her own place. She’d grown tired of simply spectating from the sidelines. Plus, it was obvious Chen Fan didn’t really welcome her presence.
Back at home, Chen Fan gently laid Zhu Yeqing down, covering her with a blanket. She curled up next to him, holding onto his arm as if she were a cat. It wasn’t a scene from the original plot, but he figured letting her stay close wouldn’t disrupt things too much.
In the novel, his relationship with Zhu Yeqing wasn’t fleshed out in much detail—just a few rushed sentences. In the end, Zhu Yeqing fell in love with him and carried his body to a remote village to live in peace. During his repeated reincarnations, they’d sometimes drink together, and after having too much, Zhu Yeqing would inevitably end up seeking his comfort, seeking protection and solace.
This character was created solely to paint the Chen family in a bad light, just to intensify the readers’ hatred for them. The tragic story of Zhu Yeqing served to make Ye Aotian’s takedown of the family even more satisfying.
Lost in thought, he heard a click sound and saw Tao Xiaoyao holding up her phone, snapping a picture.
“What’s your problem? Why are you taking pictures?”
“Just thought it was a beautiful moment. Mind if I ask you something?”
“Go ahead.”
“All of Qincheng now knows you’re a virgin. What’s your plan?”
“Are you just trying to be annoying?”
“Yes, very much so. I’m bored and lonely. Why don’t we … I don’t know … make some noise? Just the two of us. It’ll be fun!”
“Get lost. I’m not interested in old women.”
I swear, I could strangle her right now. But Tao Xiaoyao quickly brushed it off.
“Alright, alright. I’ll keep my youthful spirit intact. Wrinkles are the last thing I need.”
“Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask—what exactly is ‘ancient martial arts’?”
“They’re still human, remember that. That’s all you need to know.”
Chen Fan was shaken. “Wait, are you saying …?”
“Yes. I may be old, but my skin and physique are better than anyone half my age. I’m sure you understand what that means.”
“I do.”
“I’m only at the 3rd rank, but that’s more than enough to handle those old codgers. If you ever meet someone above the 1st rank, don’t hesitate—just surrender.”
“What about guns?”
“Useless. Even a cannon blast might only injure them; it wouldn’t be enough to kill.”
What kind of novel setting has this kind of power balance?
“And what about lightweight techniques?”
“People don’t fly, genius. What are you thinking?”
Got it. I’ll just pretend I didn’t ask.
“I’m heading to my room. Spend some time with your little beauty, and don’t hold back. It’s better for your health to ‘relax.’”
Why is this lunatic here instead of with Ye Aotian? Once Tao Xiaoyao left, Chen Fan checked his company’s stock on his phone.
Right about now, the crash should begin. I wonder how Ye Aotian and Zheng Shaoyang are getting along. With everything that’s happened, they’re practically brothers by now.