Chapter 63: Zhao Ying’s Fiancé

When the auction concluded, Zhao Ying shot Lin Fan a glare and said, “Aren’t you going to retrieve your items?”

Lin Fan chuckled and, seizing a moment when Fei Fei wasn’t paying attention, whispered into Zhao Ying’s ear, “Tonight, you owe me a proper reward.” Then, grinning, he hurried off to make his payment, leaving Zhao Ying blushing and Fei Fei completely bewildered.

Wei Liang, who had just been “played,” stood not far away, trembling with rage as he watched Lin Fan leave. The promise Jin Million had made to help pay for him had vanished into thin air, and if Wei Liang could still manage to keep his gentlemanly composure, he might as well not be a man at all.

All of this, in Wei Liang’s mind, was Lin Fan’s fault. If not for Lin Fan’s unexpected arrival, Zhao Ying would never have turned her affections elsewhere; if not for Lin Fan, perhaps Fei Fei would already be in his bed. Wei Liang’s hatred for Lin Fan was no less than Jin Million’s, but he knew that ordinary street thugs couldn’t hope to beat Lin Fan. Sensing the odd looks from those around him, Wei Liang cast a lascivious glance at Fei Fei, a sinister smirk on his lips, then turned and left.

After making his payment, Lin Fan handed the Blue Dream Glass, which Fei Fei had coveted, to her. “Brother, this is too valuable... I...” Fei Fei felt overwhelmed by the worth of the gift.

Rolling his eyes, Lin Fan replied, “I’m your brother. What’s the big deal about a brother giving his little sister a necklace? If you don’t want it, I’ll just throw it away.” He made as if to toss it aside.

“No, don’t!” Fei Fei instinctively protested.

Lin Fan grinned, then placed the Blue Dream Glass around Fei Fei’s neck. Under the lights, the necklace shimmered with dazzling blue brilliance, making Fei Fei look just like a princess. Even Lin Fan couldn’t help but marvel inwardly, “She’s grown more beautiful these past few years.” But no matter how lovely Fei Fei became, Lin Fan’s feelings for her had always been, and would always remain, those of a brother for his sister.

On one side was Zhao Ying, a beauty of rare elegance; on the other, the playful and adorable Fei Fei. Coupled with Lin Fan’s performance at the auction, he’d drawn many curious glances, but no one dared approach. With Jin Million’s reputation, most people kept their distance, clearly marking their boundaries.

Yet someone was willing to strike up a conversation with Lin Fan—a middle-aged man approached him slowly.

Zhao Ying reacted quickly, immediately introducing him to Lin Fan. “He’s Fu Tian, the leader of the Hong Gang in SH City. His influence there rivals that of the Hai Tian Group.”

Lin Fan looked at Zhao Ying in surprise, clearly puzzled as to how she knew someone from the underworld, but he silently memorized the name.

Fu Tian drew near and laughed softly. “A young man of such flair—spending extravagantly just to win a smile from two beauties. Little brother, you truly are talented and promising!”

“Uncle Fu, don’t tease. You’re always surrounded by beautiful women yourself,” Zhao Ying joked, suggesting a close relationship between her and Fu Tian.

“You’re always making fun of me, Ying’er,” Fu Tian replied, a trace of embarrassment on his face as he looked at Zhao Ying. “How’s your father?”

“He’s doing well! He’ll be back soon, and I’ll have him invite you over for tea.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t dare! I’ll pay him a visit instead. Young man, are you interested in working with me? Don’t worry, as long as you follow me, Jin Million won’t dare touch a hair on your head.” Fu Tian spoke confidently to Lin Fan.

Earlier, Fu Tian had learned that Lin Fan was merely a security guard, yet he’d repeatedly challenged Jin Million—a boldness Fu Tian admired. Coupled with Zhao Ying’s connection, Fu Tian genuinely wanted to recruit Lin Fan.

Zhao Ying’s heart stirred. With Fu Tian’s help, Lin Fan’s career could soar. She gave Lin Fan a meaningful glance.

Lin Fan looked at her in confusion, not understanding why Zhao Ying wanted him to accept, but he smiled and replied, “I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you. I’m used to my freedom, and besides, Ying’er wouldn’t want me moving to SH.”

Lin Fan’s reply was neither arrogant nor humble, politely declining Fu Tian’s offer. Not knowing the full situation, he wasn’t about to say anything that might offend, especially since Fu Tian was clearly close to Zhao Ying and was an elder; addressing him as “you” was perfectly appropriate.

Fu Tian assumed Lin Fan, having offended Jin Million, would need a powerful ally and thus wouldn’t refuse, but Lin Fan’s response surprised him.

As an old hand in the underworld, Fu Tian didn’t believe Lin Fan’s words. Though he couldn’t fathom Lin Fan’s refusal, Fu Tian said, “If you ever need anything, just call me. If I can help, I won’t hesitate!” With that, he handed Lin Fan a business card, his smile bright as sunshine after the rain.

Lin Fan accepted it courteously.

“I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t intrude. Ying’er, when you have time, come visit Uncle’s house. Bing Bing still talks about you often! I’ll be going now.”

Fu Tian nodded slightly to Lin Fan, then headed out.

Lin Fan found Fu Tian likable, but he didn’t believe the man was truly interested in his abilities. Old foxes like Fu Tian never did anything without benefit.

“Uncle Fu and my father are lifelong friends. Why did you turn him down?” Zhao Ying asked, a bit confused.

“What’s the matter—so eager to push your husband away? Are you upset I’m just a security guard?” Lin Fan teased her, eyeing Zhao Ying up and down.

She knew Lin Fan was joking, but his gaze still made her feel uncomfortable.

Just as she was about to speak, Jin Million strode over, his face dark with anger.

Lin Fan shot Fei Fei a glance, signaling her to stay out of it.

“Zhao Ying, I hope you remember this: I don’t care what you and he have between you, but you need to remember I’m the man your mother chose for you—I’m your fiancé...” Jin Million pointed at Lin Fan, but Zhao Ying interrupted him, “Shut up. I’ll never marry you. Forget it.”

Since Zhao Ying broke things off with Wei Liang, her mother, for business reasons, hoped she’d marry Jin Million—a union of power. In upper society, children’s marriages were always sacrifices, meant to strengthen alliances.

“He’s just a security guard. There’s no way your mother would approve. Just look at his net worth...” With the auction crowd gone and only Lin Fan and his friends remaining, Jin Million dropped any pretense of gentlemanly behavior, waving his finger at Lin Fan. Anyone would find this intolerable—having your fiancé stolen away without doing anything would be shameful.

So Jin Million was Zhao Ying’s fiancé—that explained his fury, Lin Fan thought with a wry smile. Anyone would react similarly, but Jin Million dared to point at him, and that demanded consequences. Lin Fan’s eyes flashed coldly; he grabbed Jin Million’s finger, a crisp crack echoed, and then Lin Fan kicked Jin Million, sending him flying.

“Get lost,” Lin Fan spat.

“You dare hit me, you little...” Jin Million lay on the ground, clutching his finger, sweating in pain.

“Try finishing that sentence,” Lin Fan’s eyes burned, staring Jin Million down. If he dared curse, it wouldn’t end with just a kick.

Sensing Lin Fan’s shift in demeanor—especially those beast-like, savage eyes—Jin Million felt a deep fear. The insult on his lips was forcibly swallowed.

Enduring the pain in his finger, Jin Million staggered upright and hurried out. He knew he couldn’t defeat Lin Fan physically, so retreating was the best option. Yet as he turned, his eyes brimmed with murderous rage—near madness. As heir to the Hai Tian Group, he’d grown up surrounded by glory, never denied anything he desired. But tonight, Lin Fan had humiliated him before everyone. Losing money was minor; losing face was intolerable. There was no way he’d let this go.

“Actually, I wasn’t trying to hide it from you,” Zhao Ying quickly explained, afraid Lin Fan would be angry—clearly referring to Jin Million being her fiancé.

ps: Readers and authors, please add this book to your favorites and bookshelf. Wu Xie needs your support!