The Duke’s Affair -Part One

“A Frenchman bought 200 hectares of land in the western district of Rome and planned a high-end community. In this bidding auction, he is auctioning off the commercial areas along the main roads of the planned community. And I, I bid for two plots. One is intended for the 218th branch of the Ao Hua Tower, and the other was bought together with SKY and others to establish the first branch of the ‘Five Elements Plaza’ entertainment complex in Rome,” Long Yu whispered to Ye Ye. “Who is this person, so capable of buying 200 hectares of land at once?” Ye Ye was puzzled. “It’s a Frenchman…” Long Yu was about to elaborate when the music suddenly stopped. Long Yu hugged Ye Ye back to the buffet table, picked up two glasses of red wine, and handed one to Ye Ye: “By the way, I’ll be heading to Dubai in a few days. The Five Elements Plaza there is about to open, and SKY and I will be there for the ribbon-cutting. Would you like to come along?” “But I have classes!” Ye Ye said regretfully. “Hmm, that’s true,” Long Yu nodded. “How many days will you be gone?” Ye Ye asked. “Not sure, might stay for a few days. Then I have to go to America. Can’t bear to part with me, huh?” Long Yu chuckled. “I don’t miss you at all! You’re so full of yourself!” But honestly, she did feel a bit reluctant, as she had grown accustomed to having Long Yu to lean on during lonely and sad times… For Ye Ye, who was in a foreign land, Long Yu was not just an ambiguous lover but also family and a friend! Ye Ye frowned awkwardly and changed the subject: “I’m worried about you leaving after securing the land here. What about the matters here?” “Don’t worry, Si Yan is here. If anything happens when I’m not around, you can also find Si Yan,” Long Yu knew Ye Ye’s insincere words. He understood that what they had might not be true love, but there was definitely mutual attraction, and they were very important to each other… As Long Yu spoke, he tightened his grip around Ye Ye’s waist, pulling her into his embrace. Truth be told, he was reluctant to leave too, but with such a vast business to manage, he couldn’t afford to be sentimental. Besides, he had promised Ye Ye freedom; if he held on too tightly, he feared he wouldn’t be able to let go when she wanted to be free… “Hmm…” Ye Ye leaned against Long Yu’s chest, listening to his heartbeat. “When the host arrives, we’ll greet them and then leave. There’s a gambling game waiting for me at the club. Want to go play for a while?” “Of course, let’s go! Call Qiu Yu and SKY too,” Ye Ye said. “They might already be there!” Long Yu laughed. “Those two, always sticking together, it’s embarrassing!” Ye Ye frowned and pouted. “Are you jealous?” Long Yu teased Ye Ye: “You could stick with me all the time too! I could tolerate it!” “In your dreams!” Ye Ye laughed, pulling out of Long Yu’s embrace and playfully hitting his chest. Suddenly, Long Yu looked at Ye Ye and said, “The host is here, baby…” “Where?” Ye Ye looked around. “Behind you…” [From Passion to Ardor: Fifty-Two, Don’t Come Back 2] Ye Ye turned around to meet a pair of icy blue eyes, silver-black hair standing up rebelliously, and a tall, imposing figure! Ye Ye froze—it was Huo! And Jones beside Dean also looked surprised to see Ye Ye, who should have been at the villa, appearing at the cocktail party… Dean watched Ye Ye step out of Long Yu’s embrace with a smile, catching her surprised look. The fire in his heart began to burn… Couldn’t she just stay home for a moment? And now she’s here with Long Yu! Since Long Yu was facing away, he didn’t notice Ye Ye’s unusual reaction. He stepped forward, holding Ye Ye close, smiling at Dean: “Hello, President Vulcan.” In business, everyone called Dean the president. “Hello, President Long,” Dean’s voice was cold and indifferent, his blue eyes showing no emotion. Only sharpness and depth… Ye Ye, who was secretly observing, felt a chill… “When the land development starts, we’ll need President Vulcan’s cooperation in all aspects!” Long Yu said in a business-like tone. “Of course, it’s an honor for the Empire Group to have a tenant like President Long, who is both capable and reputable, join our Grand View Garden!” Dean responded in a formal manner, his eyes scanning Ye Ye, who was awkwardly smiling in Long Yu’s arms. That damned woman, doesn’t she know to move away? “We both benefit,” Long Yu replied politely. “By the way, I have some matters to attend to, so after greeting President Vulcan, I must leave. Please excuse me!” “That’s truly unfortunate; I was hoping to have a few drinks with you, President Long…” Dean raised his eyebrows, looking at Long Yu and Ye Ye, his deep eyes hiding what no one could decipher. Ye Ye felt uneasy. Someone of Dean’s status and breeding would not do anything rude in any setting, so even if he was angry, his regal demeanor would not allow him to show it! “There will definitely be opportunities after the project starts!” Long Yu smiled, shaking Dean’s hand: “Then, I’ll take my leave. I’ll definitely invite President Vulcan to my Ao Hua Tower for a gathering to make amends for leaving early today!” “Alright, President Long, please go ahead!” Dean did not insist, perhaps he didn’t care about Long Yu’s coming or going, he only cared about… Dean glanced at the unusually quiet Ye Ye, then turned away. He calmly said goodbye to Long Yu. Long Yu escorted Ye Ye out, but behind them, Dean watched their retreating figures with eyes aflame with anger. Actually, from the moment Ye Ye and Long Yu entered the banquet hall, he had seen them from the second-floor surveillance room. He watched them laugh, dance, and… Then, unable to quell his anger, he walked into their line of sight. He wanted to see how this woman, who was in his arms the night before, could now be so absorbed in another man’s embrace! “Sir, should I check into Miss Ye Ye’s relationship with Long Yu?” Jones whispered. “No need!” Dean coldly turned away, entering the venue. He wouldn’t let a woman affect him. Since she chose not to listen, then he… Ye Ye, feeling uneasy, followed Long Yu out the door. After getting into the car, Long Yu finally noticed Ye Ye’s unusual behavior: “What’s wrong, baby?”