Soon, she met Long Yu, the son of her father’s confidante, a mixed-race man who was the pride of heaven. Handsome, wild… Soon, she made Long Yu fall for her without hesitation, just as she had once been enchanted by Huo without a second thought… Soon, she acquiesced to Long Yu’s domineering declaration — she was his, allowing him to brand her with the mark of “Yu”… She told herself she was his… He could also make her feel fulfilled… So, she should forget about him… Perhaps this is what modern people call fast food love? It makes one lose themselves in the night, restless in confusion, eagerly wanting to be possessed or to possess, to prove they are not alone… To prove they can also be carefree… Suddenly, she realized that Xiao Yanting, her first love, had become so faint in just a few days. Qiuyu once said, “Yeye, given your personality, if you truly love someone, no one in your family could stop you. But you let them stop you, which only proves you don’t really love him…” Was it true? If not, why was she lying here now, with those deep lake-blue eyes constantly appearing in her mind? Was it the man who caught her as she leaped down in the nightclub? Was this the easily stirred heart of a teenage girl? Perhaps, the best way to forget someone is to accept someone else… And Long Yu, maybe he was the one she should accept… At least, in his arms, she felt warm…
In a castle on the outskirts of Paris, France, Dean’s tall figure was hidden in a large chair, head bowed over the documents on his computer. Stripped of his usual sharpness, his deep eyes were even more captivating as he worked diligently, with an added touch of refined dominance… A pop-up animation from the entertainment section caught Dean’s attention: The young master of the Aohua Group partying at a nightclub with friends, a red-haired beauty in his arms showing deep affection… Then, there was a photo of Long Yu holding a tall beauty. In the dim light of the nightclub, Long Yu was embracing a beautiful Eastern woman with deep red hair from behind, his head buried in the elegant curve of her neck, gently kissing… Although the woman’s eyes were slightly closed, her stunning beauty couldn’t be hidden, her graceful lines and snow-white skin blending into the chaotic lights of the nightclub like an elf, and she — was actually Ye Ye, who had escaped from him overnight!! Dean squinted his eyes, unable to suppress the inexplicable anger in his heart, but he felt the reason for this anger was that Ye Ye was the first to propose canceling the bet and mercilessly ran away from him! She disregarded his imperial dignity! Now it seems she really isn’t just any simple girl, hooking up so quickly with one of the four global giants in the food and entertainment industry, known for his wild and ruthless nature — the young master of the Aohua Group?! Dean gave a cold smile, Ye Ye, the stronger you are, the more I want to conquer you! Let you know, except for me, no woman can ever turn away from me!
[From Paris to Rome: Twenty-seven, Heading to Italy]
“President, Executive Directors Dongfang Jie and Beitan Xi have returned.” Jones entered the room with the same respectful demeanor, gently knocking and reporting slowly.
“Where are they now?” Dean looked up, setting down his gold pen and shifting his gaze from the computer screen to Jones.
“They will be here in thirty minutes.”
“Hmm, and the matter I asked you to look into…”
“I’ve checked. Miss Ye Ye has gone to Rome; today is her first day as an exchange student at the University of San Ainos.”
“University of San Ainos?”
“Yes, an institution where ‘Peak Empire’ holds a 30% stake.” Jones said.
“What department?”
“Languages. Miss Ye Ye is proficient in English, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese, six languages.” This was what Jones found in the school records.
“French?…” Dean furrowed his brows thoughtfully, recalling that morning in the room when Ye Ye acted strangely after he called Misha — so, she understood everything… yet pretended not to…
“President, should I investigate Miss Ye Ye’s family background?” Jones brought up the subject again. “I feel, Miss isn’t just an ordinary heiress…”
“No need. Investigate when I decide I want to know. Now, I just want to continue our bet…” Dean’s eyes were cold, filled with confidence and the light of a hunter…
“Jones, how is the ‘Shengshi Haoting’ project going in Italy?”
“30% of the initial capital has been secured, the approval for construction has just been issued yesterday, and we’ve sent people to start the groundwork and layout. The next steps are tendering for construction, design, and decoration.”
“Hmm, this project was originally under Lie’s responsibility, right?”
“Yes.”
“From now on, I’ll personally oversee this project. Let Lie and Xi stay at headquarters to manage operations.”
“So, the President is planning to work long-term in Rome?”
“Hmm, prepare all the materials on ‘Shengshi’. Starting tomorrow, you’ll accompany me to Rome.”
“Yes!”
A regular knocking sound came from the study.
“Come in!” Dean said coldly.
“President, we’re back!” Two tall, handsome young men entered, clearly of excellent mixed heritage.
“Hmm, sit down.” Dean looked at these friends and assistants, gesturing for them to sit.
“Why did you call us back so urgently?” Beitan Xi asked with a smile.
“I’m going to Italy. I’ll be in charge of the project there, while you two handle the headquarters and other regions. If there are crucial decisions to be made, report to Italy. Keep an eye on Reggie’s business in the Americas; he’s still a novice…” Dean instructed.
“Why the sudden move there?” Dongfang Lie asked, puzzled.
“No reason.” Dean refused to answer.
Lie and Xi exchanged a glance and smiled. It seemed Dean was deliberately avoiding the question, but this move definitely wasn’t without reason, as Dean never altered his planned work schedule!
“Well, then, after discussing business, let’s go relax.” Beitan Xi said playfully. Outside of work, they used nicknames, and they were the only ones who could call Dean “Huo,” except for Dean’s brother and grandmother.
“Okay. The usual place.” Dean stood up; he also needed to unwind.
“Let’s go change.” Dongfang Lie said.
“Hmm, I’ll go greet grandmother too.” He planned to leave tomorrow.
Dean went downstairs and entered the side hall, where he saw Misha sitting gracefully at the long table by the window, arranging flowers with his mother. “Mommy,” Dean called out softly, interrupting their task. “Dean, you’re home?” His mother was surprised; it was rare for Dean to be home at this time. Misha looked at Dean and gave a faint smile; she actually didn’t know when Dean had returned home. After the dinner that night, she was escorted back to the castle by her chaperone.
“Yes, I’ll be heading to Rome, Italy tomorrow. The construction of the property there is about to start,” Dean said. “Oh,” his mother responded with a smile, accustomed to the frequent travels of her husband and son due to their busy schedules. “Rome? How long will you be gone?” Misha started to feel uneasy. Although Dean often went on business trips and would be away for a month or more, she had a vague feeling that this time was different. “I’m not sure, it depends on how the work progresses over there,” Dean replied. “Can you come back in the middle?” Misha asked quietly, knowing she was not allowed to interfere with his work. “I should be able to,” Dean said, this being his limit as he only answered because his mother was present. “Oh,” Misha didn’t ask further, but in her heart, she recalled the scene from the dinner where her husband left her to chase after another woman…
[From Paris to Rome: Twenty-Eight, Exchange Students Appear]
