Chapter 38: What’s Wrong With You?

Tang Rui’s renewed silence, in Xiang Wei’s eyes, was naturally her tacit agreement with the implications of Lin Fan’s words.

The fury and resentment in his heart tore at him violently. Biting his lip, Xiang Wei forcefully suppressed his anger, then put on a look of “sincerity” and said, “How could I have any objection? No matter what, I’m still Rui’s brother. That she’s found someone as accomplished as Mr. Lin makes me truly happy for her.”

Lin Fan wouldn’t believe that for a second, not even if his life depended on it. Yet to Tang Rui, Xiang Wei’s words seemed to come entirely from the perspective of a caring brother. So when she heard them, her face immediately bloomed with a smile. “Brother, you scared me! I thought you’d be angry.”

Tang Rui’s words were a provocation to Xiang Wei, fueling his urge to transfer all his pent-up anger onto Lin Fan. Silently, he thought, “Don’t get so smug, kid. When I get rid of you, Rui will still be mine.”

Seeing Tang Rui looking his way, Xiang Wei forced a smile and said, “Heh, now that someone will be looking after you, just don’t forget about your brother.” One had to admit, Xiang Wei played his part exceedingly well. At least to Tang Rui, he gave nothing away. If not for Lin Fan’s sharp intuition, he too might have believed Xiang Wei to be an open-minded and generous man.

Seeing that Xiang Wei hadn’t gotten angry at her rejection, Tang Rui’s mood improved greatly. She gave a sweet smile. “Of course not, brother.”

Listening to Tang Rui’s words and seeing her sincere, joyful smile, Lin Fan couldn’t help but smile wryly to himself. “What man would watch his woman be snatched away and remain indifferent? Perhaps only a ‘naive’ woman like Tang Rui would believe what Xiang Wei just said.”

“By the way, the board members will be here soon. It’s about the cooperation with IBM. Get ready, let’s go together,” Xiang Wei said with gentlemanly grace.

If Tang Rui weren’t present, Xiang Wei would have already gone over to give Lin Fan a beating. If it weren’t for Lin Fan’s sudden appearance, Xiang Wei might have already won Tang Rui over. But to maintain the image of the “good brother” in Tang Rui’s eyes, he had to keep up the act—at least in front of her, he would have to endure!

Immediately after, Xiang Wei turned to Lin Fan, his eyes full of provocation. “And since Mr. Lin is President Lin’s younger brother, you must also be an extraordinary talent in the business world. Now that you’re Rui’s boyfriend, you’re hardly an outsider—why don’t you come along as well?”

Lin Fan naturally understood that Xiang Wei had no sincere intention of inviting him. “Extraordinary talent”—not even a ghost would believe that, never mind a person. Lin Fan knew Xiang Wei wouldn’t target Tang Rui, so all his anger would be directed at Lin Fan himself. Who knew what tricks he was brewing up inside, but one thing was certain: he wanted Lin Fan to make a fool of himself at the board meeting. Was Lin Fan afraid? Of course not. There probably wasn’t anyone yet born who could frighten the “Reaper Lin Fan.” But Lin Fan guessed wrong this time—Xiang Wei hadn’t planned to deal with him so soon.

“Very well, I shall accept your invitation,” Lin Fan replied with a faint smile, and the hand resting on Tang Rui’s shoulder began to gently caress her.

Tang Rui’s face changed instantly at Lin Fan’s action, looking at him in shock—she never expected Lin Fan would dare such a bold move in front of Xiang Wei. She wanted to say something, but in the end held her tongue. She didn’t want all her efforts to go to waste. Of course, Xiang Wei saw everything, but he had to pretend not to notice in order to maintain his “noble” image. He could only grit his teeth and endure it. In his mind, there would be plenty of opportunities to deal with Lin Fan in the future; this was not the time to care.

Seeing Lin Fan agree so readily, Xiang Wei didn’t linger. “Rui, review the software development proposal for now. I’ll go make some preparations.” With a meaningful glance at Lin Fan, he turned and left.

“Could you please take your hand off me?” As soon as Xiang Wei left, Tang Rui immediately spoke, her look toward Lin Fan clearly unfriendly. It was only because of her good temper—and the fact that Lin Fan had inadvertently helped her—that she didn’t make a fuss about his behavior.

Lin Fan chuckled, withdrew his arm from her shoulder, and said, “Wife, it looks like Xiang Wei is really interested in you.”

“Who’s your wife? Watch your mouth.” Even with Tang Rui’s usually good temper, she was starting to lose patience with Lin Fan. This guy was shameless beyond belief, daring to say anything. If she didn’t say something to stop him, who knew what shocking things he might say next?

In Lin Fan’s mind, Tang Rui’s reaction was only natural. Every woman had her boundaries, and Lin Fan had been testing Tang Rui’s limits just now. Sensing it was enough, he grinned without saying anything more, but his eyes still followed Tang Rui’s swaying hips as she walked, emitting appreciative clicks of his tongue. It was worth noting that, while in some respects Tang Rui was not as well-endowed as Zhao Ying, her hips were truly exceptional: round and firm, unmatched in their appeal.

Though she kept hearing Lin Fan make strange noises behind her, for Lin Yan’s sake, Tang Rui simply turned a blind eye. Sitting down at her desk, she looked at the cooperation proposal. “I’ve known Xiang Wei for many years. When his father was alive, he was very kind to me. Although I don’t like Xiang Wei, I just can’t bring myself to reject him outright…”

“So it seems I helped you fend him off just now. How will you thank me?” Lin Fan interrupted before she could finish.

Unexpectedly, Tang Rui seemed not to hear Lin Fan at all, her eyes still fixed on the thick stack of documents on the desk. Lin Fan pursed his lips and didn’t press her further.

One had to admit, a serious man was attractive—but a woman focused on her work was equally so. Watching Tang Rui bent over her desk, working intently, Lin Fan felt this girl was quite appealing in her own way. At the very least, she had a kind heart. Though such a temperament could easily put one at a disadvantage, he figured he could “look after” her a little more in the future. If only he could have both at once… But as the thought developed, Lin Fan realized he was getting carried away. After all, Tang Rui had nothing to do with him. If Zhao Ying ever found out about his indecent musings, she’d probably finish him off!

Such thoughts could only remain as thoughts, Lin Fan reminded himself repeatedly. But it was useless—he couldn’t help picturing both Zhao Ying and Tang Rui, each with their own unique charms.

“What’s wrong?” Lin Fan asked, seeing Tang Rui suddenly frown deeply, his expression turning serious.