Chapter 21: Silence Falls...
Yun Xinyu said she needed to use the restroom, so after Ruo Huanhuan told her the room number, she went in first.
After emerging from the restroom, Yun Xinyu quickly located the room Ruo Huanhuan had described.
Adjusting the hem of her gown, she pushed the door open gently and entered.
The space was filled with men in business suits accompanied by female companions, resembling a social gathering more than a formal "business meeting."
At the far end sat Ruo Huanhuan beside a portly, rosy-cheeked man gazing at her with suggestive eyes—undoubtedly the "powerful CEO" she'd mentioned.
Noticing Yun Xinyu, Ruo Huanhuan signaled with her eyes to find a seat.
Only one vacant chair remained—back to the door and nearest to her. Yun Xinyu settled into it.
The "CEO" beside Ruo Huanhuan spoke just loud enough for all to hear:
"Huanhuan, is this your friend? What was her name again? Yun... Yun something?"
"Yun Xinyu," Ruo Huanhuan murmured.
"Ah, yes! Quite the beauty...
Why didn't you mention you had such a—"
The man beside Yun Xinyu—silent until now—cleared his throat. Instant silence fell.
The interrupted CEO showed no irritation, instead donning an obsequious smile.
Clearly, Yun Xinyu's neighbor was the gathering's focal point—the enigmatic tycoon Ruo Huanhuan had referenced.
His seat also faced away from the door, obscuring his features. Heeding Ruo Huanhuan's warning, Yun Xinyu kept her gaze forward.
Yet after the CEO's remarks, she felt an intense stare burning into her. Imagination?
As Yun Xinyu sipped water, the CEO stood:
"I'm Guo Renyuan. As you know, this gathering welcomes CEO Luo after his travels. CEO Luo—"
CEO Luo?
It couldn't be...
Yun Xinyu's scalp prickled. Clutching at denial, she turned to study the throat-clearer's profile.
Oh no.
That jawline.
It was him.
As Guo Renyuan continued, Luo Fan turned to acknowledge the room with a polite nod.
The sight made Yun Xinyu choke. Unable to swallow, she spat water into the gap between seats, coughing violently.
Dead silence.
She kept her head lowered, sensing Luo Fan's searing gaze—anger? Whatever it was, she wouldn't look up.
Guo Renyuan broke the hush:
"What's this?
Where are your manners?
Apologize to CEO Luo at once!"
Apologize? He startled me! Money doesn't buy manners... Fine, money buys everything.
Luo Fan shot Guo Renyuan a warning glance, silencing him immediately.
All eyes fixed on Yun Xinyu's lowered head as Luo Fan observed her predicament with amusement.
He'd wait to see how long she persisted.
After an eternity of neck strain, Yun Xinyu surrendered. Hands covering her face, she straightened and turned.
She propped elbows on the table, left hand maintaining a casual face-shielding angle while her right hand rested. Luo Fan sat to her left.
Clutching the frail hope he hadn't recognized her, she reached for her water with her right hand.
Luo Fan chuckled at her antics but didn't expose her.
Ever-meddlesome Guo Renyuan, noting Luo Fan's interest, seized his chance:
"Miss... Miss Yun! Pour wine for CEO Luo! Now!"
Yun Xinyu blinked. Couldn't he pour his own drink?
Guo Renyuan fawned at Luo Fan, who neither refused nor spoke, merely smirking at Yun Xinyu.
Encouraged, Guo Renyuan pressed:
"Stop dawdling!"
Yun Xinyu shot Ruo Huanhuan a pleading look, met with helpless resignation.
Her glare retorted: Look what you've dragged me into.
Ruo Huanhuan's expression replied: It's just pouring wine. Will it kill you?
Grudgingly, Yun Xinyu reached for red wine.
"Not drinking red," Luo Fan stated.
Not drinking red? I'm doing you a favor!
She grabbed white liquor instead.
"Trying to make me drive drunk?"
Yun Xinyu threw Guo Renyuan a pointed look: His choice.
Guo Renyuan forced a laugh, salvaging the moment:
"Everyone, enjoy yourselves!"
Released from pressure, Yun Xinyu exhaled and helped herself to dishes.
Silence again.
What now?
Guo Renyuan stayed quiet this time. Yun Xinyu looked to Ruo Huanhuan for answers.
Ruo Huanhuan hissed across the room:
"CEO Luo hasn't started eating yet!"
Fine. Yun Xinyu withdrew her chopsticks and resumed drinking water.
Conversations gradually resumed.
When the teapot emptied, Yun Xinyu eyed the nearby red wine—rich hue, fragrant bottle. Irresistible.
Just one sip...
As she reached, someone snatched the bottle.
Thought you didn't drink red?
Before she could resume covering her face, Luo Fan murmured:
"Yun Xinyu, your arm must ache."
It did.
So he'd recognized her.
Luo Fan poured two centimeters of wine into his glass, then slid it before her.
For me? This paltry amount?
After internal debate, she downed it and pushed the glass back, smacking her lips for more.
Luo Fan massaged his temples under her expectant stare and poured again.
The room froze.
Heavens—CEO Luo serving a woman? From his own glass?
Must be mistaken. Chatter resumed... until he refilled her glass again.
Absolute silence.
This frosty CEO?
This untouchable titan?
An imposter?
Reading the crowd's shock, Luo Fan coldly declared:
"Not a word of tonight leaves this room."
The group startled—yes, this was their CEO.
(End of Chapter)
