The owner of Villa No. 8 was rumored to be an incredibly powerful and mysterious figure—someone far beyond Zhao Linyong's ability to provoke.
Seeing the drastic shift in Zhao's attitude, Chen Fan was slightly surprised himself.He hadn't realized that simply owning Villa No. 8 was such a big deal.
Who exactly was the previous owner of this villa?They must have been someone truly formidable to leave behind such a legacy.
"Oh? You're not insisting I apologize to your 'son' anymore?"Chen Fan asked with a faint smile.
"President Chen, it was my fault—entirely my fault!"Zhao Linyong bowed repeatedly. "A man of your stature, how could you be expected to apologize to… that? I was wrong to walk my dog off-leash. I was blind to your identity. I offended you. It's all on me."
Chen Fan didn't respond directly. He simply turned to glance at Xia Ruoshui beside him."I'm not particularly upset. But your dog frightened President Xia."
"Oh—!"Zhao Linyong immediately understood and pivoted his attention.
He bowed deeply to Xia Ruoshui."President Xia, it was entirely my fault. You were right to scold me. I take full responsibility. I sincerely apologize to you."
"I promise, from now on, I'll never walk my dog in the villa area again. I swear I won't ever disturb you again!"
He was stumbling over his words in an effort to please.
Then, trying to curry further favor, he added:"President Chen, you're dashing and distinguished. And President Xia, you're stunning and graceful. You two are truly a perfect match—a couple destined for each other! It was foolish of me to interrupt your lovely date."
"I'll personally come by to apologize again another day."
He mistakenly assumed that Chen Fan and Xia Ruoshui were a couple out for a romantic walk.
Xia Ruoshui opened her mouth to correct him, but Zhao Linyong was already speaking again.
"President Chen, this is my business card. Please accept it."
He took out a gold business card—crafted from over 20 grams of pure gold—and handed it over with both hands.
Just the raw gold in that card was worth over 10,000 yuan.
Chen Fan glanced at the card.
Zhao Linyong, Chairman of Qianbai Industrial Group, Jiangzhou.
"Qianbai Industrial Group…"Chen Fan remembered the name. The group's assets were around ten billion yuan—significantly less than Xia Ruoshui's Xia Group.
The reason Zhao Linyong had dared speak so arrogantly earlier was because of his family ties—he was the brother-in-law of Sun Yongtai, a major figure in Jiangzhou with immense influence.
Few dared cross him in this city.
"President Chen, if there's anything you ever need, I'd be honored to be of service,"Zhao said flatteringly, hoping to build a connection with this powerful man.
"Alright," Chen Fan replied, taking the card.
"Oh, and when the two of you get married one day, I'll prepare a lavish wedding gift!"Zhao added with a wink.
"I'll leave you two lovebirds alone now—enjoy your evening!"
With that, Zhao turned and hurried away, dragging his dog behind him.
Only after he disappeared down the path did Xia Ruoshui finally breathe a sigh of relief.
"Thank you for earlier, President Chen."She turned to Chen Fan, her tone sincerely grateful.
That aggressive dog had terrified her. If Chen Fan hadn't been there, she didn't know what she would've done. Not to mention her fall—he had caught her just in time.
"No need to thank me."Chen Fan waved it off.
"You seem especially afraid of dogs?" he asked.
Xia Ruoshui gave a slightly embarrassed smile."When I was a child, I got bitten by one. It left a psychological scar. I've been afraid of dogs ever since—especially large or aggressive ones."
"I see."That explained her earlier panic.
"Um… President Chen," she said quietly. "Could you keep that a secret?"
It was quite embarrassing—for the powerful CEO of the Xia Group to be afraid of dogs.Only her family knew about it. Chen Fan was the first outsider she'd ever told.
"Of course."Chen Fan agreed readily.
"Shall we head back, then?"Xia Ruoshui turned and started walking, but after only a single step, she suddenly gasped and stumbled.
Chen Fan immediately reached out to steady her.
"President Xia, are you okay?"
"My heel broke earlier, and I think I twisted my ankle,"she said, looking down at the swelling around her ankle.
"Want me to take you to the hospital?"
"No need. I have a first-aid kit at home. Some anti-inflammatory cream should do the trick."
"In that case, let me help you back."Chen Fan offered his arm.
They walked a couple of steps—but Xia Ruoshui winced, her face contorted in pain.She couldn't walk properly.
The two of them froze awkwardly.
"…If you don't mind, President Xia… should I carry you back?"Chen Fan asked carefully. It really did seem like the most practical option.
"That's… not appropriate…"Xia Ruoshui's face flushed a deep red.
She had never been carried by a man in her life.
"Can you manage on your own?" Chen Fan asked gently.
She fell silent.
The injury wasn't serious, but if she forced herself to walk, it could worsen. If that happened, she'd have to take time off work—and she couldn't afford that.
They were only a few hundred meters from her home.
"…Alright. Sorry to trouble you," she finally murmured.
She closed her eyes in embarrassment.
Chen Fan lifted her gently into a princess carry. Her delicate figure felt like soft jade in his arms. A subtle fragrance filled the air.
Xia Ruoshui's heart pounded wildly in her chest. Her cheeks were burning.
This was the first time she had ever been this close to a man.
Back in school, she had only focused on her studies. After graduation, she immediately entered the business world. She had never dated.
Now, in Chen Fan's arms, her mind went completely blank.
Chen Fan carried her toward Villa No. 9.
A few minutes later, they arrived.
Still in his arms, Xia Ruoshui reached out and entered the password to unlock the front door.
Chen Fan stepped inside.
Just as he was about to set her down on the sofa, a sudden scream came from upstairs.
"Ahhh!!!"
A pretty young girl stood on the second-floor landing, her mouth wide open in shock.
She looked just like Xia Ruoshui, only younger—probably her younger sister.
She stared at them in disbelief.
Her sister… being carried into the house by a man?!Was this something someone her age was even supposed to see?!
So spicy!!