Chapter 10: If Not Playing Hard to Get, Then What Is It?

Gu Yancheng sprang to his feet, standing protectively in front of Ye Yaoyao. His gaze was sharp as he stared at Shen Yan. “What are you doing?”

When needed, he would never shrink back! If anyone tried to bully Yaoyao, he would defend her with his life—a decision he had made the moment he first laid eyes on her.

Yet Shen Yan paid him no heed, instead sweeping a glance across the room.

A table covered in alcohol, male models, shirts cast aside, dancing wildly to the music. In the midst of it all, Ye Yaoyao sat calmly, laughing and chatting with other men.

Excellent. Wonderful.

The girl who once blushed at a mere glance from him now navigated a throng of men with ease, treating him as if he were a stranger of no consequence.

The thought fanned the nameless fire in Shen Yan’s chest. His grip tightened unconsciously.

Hearing the commotion, Yu Wanjing approached, sizing Shen Yan up before mocking with a smile, “So you must be the one who can’t see what’s in front of him? Handsome, but unfortunately not too bright.”

Of course, Yu Wanjing knew full well who Shen Yan was, but none of their families were pushovers. Power plays meant nothing here.

Shen Yan shot Yu Wanjing a cold glance, the knot in his chest loosening slightly.

So this woman had mentioned him, after all.

“Shen Yan, if you have something to say, let’s go outside. Don’t disturb them here.”

Ye Yaoyao’s expression was icy. The ring was still in Shen Yan’s hand, and besides her friends, there were others present. She didn’t want to make a scene.

At her words, Shen Yan yanked her forcefully, so suddenly that she nearly stumbled.

“Yaoyao!”

Gu Yancheng moved to follow, but Yu Wanjing blocked his way, speaking with the air of someone who understood everything. “Don’t be hasty; wait until their business is settled. Then it’ll be your turn.”

...

Shen Yan strode ahead, his steps brisk. Ye Yaoyao had to jog to keep up. He flung her onto the sofa in the neighboring suite, looming over her—only to be stunned by a slap.

“Shen Yan, could you stop making a scene?”

Ye Yaoyao straightened, smoothing her clothes. “I truly don’t understand you. You never showed such passion for me before, but now that we’ve broken up, you keep making a fuss. What is this? Do you still have feelings for me?”

“Still have feelings?” he echoed. When had it ever come down to just lingering feelings between them?

Shen Yan pressed his tongue to the cheek where she’d slapped him, folded his long legs, and sat on the sofa, placing the ring on the coffee table. “Ye Yaoyao, you made such a commotion to find this ring. Is it that important to you?”

“Please me, make me happy, and I’ll give the ring back.”

Ye Yaoyao laughed in disbelief. It was the first time she’d met someone so shameless! Not only did he fail to return what wasn’t his, he actually tried to lord it over her, issuing commands?

Truly, he was taking advantage of her situation.

“If you want someone to make you happy, go find Qin Miao.”

“Qin Miao isn’t in good health. She can’t handle much.”

Shen Yan spoke coolly, “But you, with more than a dozen male models, so wild and full of stamina—show me how impressive you are.”

A knot tightened in Ye Yaoyao’s chest. Compared to Qin Miao, she really seemed like someone who played around recklessly. So, in his eyes, this was what she’d become?

She thought she no longer cared, but at this moment it felt as if a fist had slammed into her heart, making her past self seem all the more laughable.

“Sorry, I can’t oblige,” Ye Yaoyao replied steadily. “If you want the ring, keep it. At worst, I’ll wait for my next birthday and let my next boyfriend give me another.”

The more she showed she cared, the more Shen Yan pressed his advantage. She was gambling—gambling that Shen Yan would let go.

The relationship no longer mattered, but the ring held a different meaning for her.

“Ye Yaoyao!” Shen Yan’s face was cold and stern, his entire being exuding a chilling indifference.

Her next boyfriend? She was already thinking of the next one? What did she take him for?

“I can only seek death if I’m alive. Not like you—always just seeking to live…”

Always dead inside.

Ye Yaoyao rolled her eyes, completely unfazed by his words.

They stood at an impasse until Shen Yan’s phone rang. He answered, murmured a single “okay,” and hung up.

“A few days from now, come home with me. Grandma wants to see you.”

“What does that have to do with me?”

Ye Yaoyao frowned. “Shen Yan, if your mind is already muddled, don’t drink.”

“Let me repeat myself. Our relationship is over. Don’t come looking for me again.”

With that, she strode out, her steps crisp and unwavering, not slowing for the ring left behind.

Outside, Qin Miao clenched her hands, glaring resentfully at the scene before her.

Why? She had already returned, and Ah Yan still loved her—yet he still cared about Ye Yaoyao… Clearly, Ah Yan had promised her he would take responsibility.

After being upset at the party, Qin Miao had drunk too much and called Shen Yan in tears, asking him to pick her up. She’d intended to use her drunkenness to cement their relationship and climb higher.

Who could have predicted that, at the sight of Ye Yaoyao, Shen Yan would lose his senses, toss her “drunken” self into someone else’s arms, and go after Ye Yaoyao!

If she hadn’t excused herself to use the restroom, she’d never have seen this scene.

Shen Yan would rather force himself on Ye Yaoyao than touch her?

Weren’t the two of them—wasn’t it always Ye Yaoyao who clung desperately to Shen Yan?

Clearly, Ye Yaoyao was using underhanded tricks. Disgusting!

...

Because of this little episode, all three lost interest and soon went home to rest.

Ye Yaoyao didn’t dwell on it. After a good night’s sleep, she threw herself into work.

As the general manager, she had to review project applications daily and seek out profitable ventures for the company.

Ye Corporation was a large firm, a coveted partner for many others. Three years ago, the company focused mainly on foreign markets, but thanks to Ye Yaoyao, they shifted direction. Under Ye Shen’s capable leadership, they thrived even in the domestic market.

But domestically, the Shen Corporation’s roots ran deepest.

Coincidentally, Shen Corporation had a project open for bidding. If she could secure it, Ye Corporation’s position would be even more stable.

Love and hate paled beside business—after all, only profit was eternal.

Ye Yaoyao submitted her letter of intent and waited for a response from the Shen Corporation.

She had vision, but Shen Yan was petty—she doubted her chances.

But it didn’t matter; as long as she tried her best.

To her surprise, the Shen Corporation replied within an hour, requesting a meeting.

So fast? The person in charge probably wasn’t Shen Yan.

That suited Ye Yaoyao just fine—not having to see Shen Yan was a blessing!

Her mood instantly lighter, she crafted a brilliant proposal.

The meeting was set for the next day. Ye Yaoyao arrived early at the café to wait.

An hour past the appointed time, she finally heard footsteps.

Looking up, she saw Shen Yan.

Why him?

Was he late on purpose?

Shen Yan sat opposite her, clearly displeased at the shift in her gaze.

Didn’t she submit the proposal just to see him? Now she glared at him as if she hated him, yet still vied for opportunities to meet—wasn’t this simply playing hard to get?

“You’re late,” Ye Yaoyao stated plainly.

“So?” Shen Yan replied indifferently.

“President Shen has always been known for his punctuality.”

“Miss Ye knows me well, does she?” Shen Yan retorted.

Ye Yaoyao rolled her eyes, thinking herself mad for trying to reason with such a tyrant.