On the ride back, Lin Han leaned back in the rear seat, eyes closed, resting.
Truth be told, this obligatory visit had been exhausting. All the forced smiles, polite laughter, and feigned warmth were wearing on him. Keeping a stiff grin long enough can leave your face aching.
He wondered where Ye Fan was now, and what scheme he might be plotting.
"Young master, regarding Su Wanqing in the U.S., our contacts just sent word—she has submitted her resignation and should be returning to China in about seven days," Lao Liu reported.
Lin Han nodded."Keep tracking her. I need her exact flight information, down to arrival time. I want it all verified."
"Yes, young master."
"By the way, how is that little girl, Shen Ningning? Is she doing all right?" Lin Han asked.
"She was acting up almost all of yesterday," Lao Liu replied. "Today she's calmed down slightly, but still refuses to eat anything. She looks pretty worn out."
Lin Han stroked his chin thoughtfully. The plan would need to be moved up. Shen Ningning's hidden personality traits had already started surfacing.
The problem was Ye Fan. He was no longer just a guard; if he got lucky and stumbled across Shen Ningning's predicament, the meticulously orchestrated plan could collapse.
All the female leads had to be secured—no exceptions.
After a moment of thought, Lin Han settled on the day after tomorrow for his next move. That would be the perfect time to "rescue" Shen Ningning.
For now, his focus remained on Luo Bingyan and Wang Chuxue.
Since Liu Ya had specifically instructed him to take care of Chuxue, he had no choice but to comply.
A sly smile curved Lin Han's lips, the kind of expression a classic villain would wear. He opened WeChat and began chatting with Wang Chuxue.
Lin Han: [Sister Chuxue, are you there?]
Wang Chuxue: [Yes! 😄 Lin Han-gege, is my dad going to be okay?]
Lin Han: [I can't be certain, but don't worry too much.]
Wang Chuxue: [Okay… 😔]
Lin Han: [(Patting her head) Are you free this weekend? I want to teach you something a little… different.]
Wang Chuxue: [Sure! Different how? 😯 But what if my mom won't let me go? 😞]
Lin Han: [Don't worry, I'll handle your parents 😎. As for the "different thing"… it'll be a surprise 😆.]
Wang Chuxue: [Yay! I'll be waiting, Lin Han-gege! 😃]
Lin Han: [Ok.]
After the chat, Lin Han grinned mischievously. The system had previously given him a few cosplay outfits and a small leather whip… probably quite the thrill.
But there was no need to rush—first, the relationship needed nurturing. When the time was right, the full set of "tools" could come into play. He planned to let the girl indulge her instincts.
Lao Liu caught a glimpse of the smile from the corner of his eye and couldn't help but feel excited.
The young master had certainly changed recently—more serious, yes—but that look on his face… he was still just as shamelessly mischievous as ever. Haha.
This familiarity was comforting; it banished any awkwardness.
After closing WeChat, Lin Han called Luo Bingyan.
As soon as she picked up, he grinned, voice teasing."My dear, haven't seen you all day… missed me?"
From the executive office of her cosmetics company, Luo Bingyan snorted."Miss you? Ha! Busy or not? I'm annoyed enough already."
Since the whole Ye Fan incident, she'd been on edge.
Some mysterious man had been secretly lurking in her company as a mere security guard, and she had no clue what his intentions were. When he was finally caught, he slipped away.
For someone she couldn't control, her anxiety flared.
"Don't worry, it's because of Ye Fan. I'll deal with him soon enough," Lin Han said, smiling innocently, utterly unfazed by her attitude.
It was all strategy—the saying goes, endure hardship to rise above. Survive this, and the balance of power would tip in his favor.
Or maybe, he'd let her lead while he followed. Either way, he planned to experiment.
"Just you? Ha!"
Luo Bingyan rolled her eyes, dripping with scorn.
"If Grandpa hadn't shown up last time, who knows what would have happened? And now this guy still dares to talk big?!"
Lin Han chuckled."If worse comes to worst, I'll be the bait! He's coming after me anyway. Can't catch the wolf without risking yourself. If it keeps you from being bothered, I don't mind putting my life on the line!"
"Humph."
Luo Bingyan snorted, utterly unconvinced. She knew he loved his life too much to ever take such a risk.
"Anyway, tell me—what is it this time? I've got a meeting soon. Don't waste my time."
Lin Han cleared his throat."Dinner tomorrow. You and me."
Luo Bingyan instinctively declined."No, I'll eat alone. There's food at my office."
Lin Han didn't get angry."Don't forget our status. How many times do I have to remind you? If we don't put on a front in public, how will anyone know? Still planning to cancel the engagement?"
"I haven't forgotten! But dating doesn't mean you just agree to meals. You have to show restraint—it's authentic. Besides, you didn't even invite me properly. No sincerity! I'm not going!"
A faint blush of frustration crossed her face. Even if she had forgotten, she would never admit it. Logic, no matter how twisted, was her defense. At least in front of Lin Han, she refused to lose face.
Lin Han exhaled, a hint of helplessness in his tone."Fine, my dear Miss Luo Bingyan, I sincerely invite you to lunch tomorrow. Do you have time?"
She kept up her proud, playful tone."I won't go. You sound so half-hearted, like someone's forcing you to say it."
"…."
Lin Han ground his teeth in frustration. If she weren't the heroine, he might have lost his temper entirely.
He took a deep breath and switched tactics. The old trick: a little pressure, then a sweet reward. Make her feel controlled, but also fearful of pushing too far.
He feigned mild anger."Luo Bingyan, don't be so unreasonable!"
Her eyebrows knitted, lips pursed coldly."What? You get mad before I've even done anything? A couple can't handle a little female temper? If we go out like this, you'll definitely be exposed! Hmph."
Lin Han instantly transformed into a pleading, humble expression."Please, my lady, I'm scared of you! Begging you—come eat with me."
"Hmm, that's more like it."
Satisfied with the compromise, Luo Bingyan allowed it. She didn't want to truly push him to anger—this lunch benefited them both. Later, it would smooth over any future engagement complications.
"Where shall we eat?"
Lin Han smiled."Where people like us go—the Lipuska Grand Hotel. Sound good?"
"Fine," she said, nodding.
"Great. I'll see you tomorrow. I'll pick you up."
Hanging up, Lin Han rubbed his forehead, thinking, Go ahead and act spoiled, Luo Bingyan… wait until I reel you in. Then let's see how much I can torment you.