After settling her troubles, Ma Lan happily took the cash to the bank to deposit it.


Ye Chen returned straight home.


As soon as he entered, he noticed his wife Xiao Churan’s shoes neatly placed by the door, signaling that she was already home. He headed directly to the bedroom.


Upon entering, he saw Xiao Churan hanging up the phone, her face full of excitement and joy.


Curious, Ye Chen asked,

“Who were you just talking to, honey?”


Xiao Churan replied excitedly,

“It was my best friend, Dong Ruolin! Do you remember her?”


“Of course,” Ye Chen nodded.

“She used to study at Jinling University with you. You two were pretty close. Wasn’t she the daughter of a prestigious family in Yanjing?”


“Yes,” Xiao Churan smiled.

“Her family is quite influential in Yanjing.”


Ye Chen grinned,

“So, is she coming to visit you in Jinling?”


“Not just visiting! She’s coming to work here!” Xiao Churan said excitedly.


Ye Chen was puzzled,

“Why would a wealthy heiress from Yanjing come all the way to Jinling to work instead of managing her family’s business?”


Xiao Churan shook her head,

“I’m not too sure. She said she’s going to work at Emgrand Group, but I don’t know why she chose to come all the way here.”


Ye Chen nodded but felt something was off.


The Dong family isn’t as powerful as the Ye family, but they hold considerable influence in Yanjing. Why would Dong Ruolin abandon her family business to work at my Emgrand Group? Could she have another motive?


This thought lingered, but he couldn’t figure it out immediately.


Better have Wang Dongxue investigate her once she joins the company.


Just then, Xiao Churan seemed to recall something, patting her forehead,

“Right! Ye Chen, I have a meeting with Emgrand Group tomorrow and can’t make it to the airport. Can you pick up Ruolin for me and arrange a welcome dinner?”


Ye Chen agreed,

“Sure, I’ll take care of it.”


Xiao Churan added,

“Pick a nice place. Don’t worry about spending money—here, take my card.”


She was about to hand him her wallet.


Ye Chen quickly declined,

“No need. I know someone who owns a good restaurant. I’ll make the arrangements.”


He pulled out his phone, initially planning to text Chen Ze Kai from Shangri-La to set up a banquet.


But thinking it over, Shangri-La was part of the surprise he was planning for his wife. It wasn’t suitable for hosting Dong Ruolin.


So, he decided to message Hong Wu instead:

“I need to host a banquet for a friend. Arrange a high-end venue, but not at Shangri-La.”


Hong Wu quickly replied:

“Rest assured, Mr. Ye! I own Tianxiang Mansion, a top-tier restaurant in Jinling, as prestigious as Shangri-La. I will prepare the best diamond suite and the finest dishes for you tomorrow. We await your arrival!”


Ye Chen casually responded:

“Okay.”


The next day, Xiao Churan was busy all day handling partnership matters at Emgrand Group.


Ye Chen called Wang Dongxue to inquire about Dong Ruolin’s employment.


Wang Dongxue was surprised that Ye Chen knew and explained that Dong Ruolin applied for the Administrative Director position—a mid-level management role. Given her impressive resume, she had already been hired and would join in a few days.


Ye Chen instructed Wang Dongxue to observe Dong Ruolin closely and report any suspicious behavior.


Having settled this, Ye Chen left in the afternoon to catch a taxi to the airport to pick up Dong Ruolin.


As he was about to enter the arrivals hall, a black Mercedes-Benz G-Class suddenly screeched to a halt in front of him.


Xiao Hailong stuck his head out of the window, frowning,

“Ye Chen, what are you doing here?”


“I’m here to pick up Churan’s friend. What about you?”


Looking into the car, Ye Chen saw familiar faces: Xiao Hailong, Wang Yunfei, and Xiao Weiwei.


With disdain, Xiao Hailong sneered,

“Oh, you’re here for Miss Dong? With us here, she doesn’t need you. Get lost!”


Ye Chen coldly replied,

“Then you leave.”


Ignoring them, he strode into the arrivals hall.


Xiao Hailong fumed, ready to curse, but Xiao Weiwei quickly reminded him,

“Brother, focus! Grandma told you to make a good impression on Miss Dong. If you can win her over, your status in the family will skyrocket. Don’t bother with that loser now.”


Xiao Hailong snapped back to his senses.


He almost forgot why he was here.


His real goal wasn’t just to welcome Dong Ruolin but to charm her. If he could win her over, he’d rise to power, and the Xiao family would prosper.


Suppressing his anger, Xiao Hailong and his group hurried into the hall.


Soon, a stunning young woman emerged from the crowd.


She had chestnut hair cascading over her shoulders, wearing a white suit that accentuated her graceful figure.


Though she wore sunglasses, her fair, porcelain skin and red lips made her captivating.


Her beauty rivaled Xiao Churan’s, each with their own charm.


Instantly, all eyes in the arrivals hall were glued to her.


Xiao Hailong was utterly mesmerized.


Even Wang Yunfei couldn’t help but sigh,

“Truly worthy of being a prestigious heiress from Yanjing. Her aura is unmatched.”


Spotting them, Dong Ruolin waved,

“Hailong, Weiwei, and Ye Chen, long time no see!”


Heart racing, Xiao Hailong quickly stepped forward,

“Ruolin, you’re even more beautiful than before!”


Ye Chen smiled calmly,

“Long time no see.”


Xiao Hailong eagerly offered,

“I reserved a private room at Tianxiang Mansion, the finest restaurant in Jinling, just to welcome you. Let’s go now!”


But Dong Ruolin glanced at Ye Chen and politely declined,

“Sorry, Hailong. I already arranged to meet Churan and Ye Chen. Let’s catch up another time.”


Xiao Hailong burned with rage.


Damn it! This loser ruined everything!


Trying to recover, he smirked,

“Ruolin, I booked the most luxurious diamond suite at Tianxiang Mansion—the minimum spend is 300,000 yuan!


I wonder where my dear brother-in-law booked his dinner? Wouldn’t want to treat you poorly!”


His condescending tone was unmistakable.