In the evening, Ye Yang and Huang Ruobing went out for dinner together.
With Huang Ruobing's status, the restaurants she visited were all of considerable class. Hence, when the couple had dinner, they ran into quite a few acquaintances.
One could hardly keep secrets from their social circle. In fact, most people had already heard about Huang Ruobing and Ye Yang's affair come next morning. Although they didn't approach the couple and disturb their peace, there was still quite a bit of gossip going on.
At first, everyone had been discussing whether the rumor about Huang Ruobing getting a boyfriend was true. But after an entire noon's worth of germination, they no longer questioned the authenticity of Huang Ruobing having a new beau.
Their discussion included questioning how Ye Yang managed to get so far with his background.
Ye Yang was not surprised to find himself being at the center of their discussion. It was as if he was used to hearing people talking about him behind his back.
"Still can't fully get used to it?" Feeling uneasy, Huang Ruobing asked Ye Yang. It wasn't because she was new to being scrutinized. Likewise, being such a popular figure meant that Huang Ruobing had long grown used to having so much attention on her.
"I'm good. It wouldn't make me lose a limb anyway." Indeed Ye Yang wasn't bothered by this, but he knew that Huang Ruobing meant well.
"Since we're done eating, let's leave," said Huang Ruobing to Ye Yang.
Ye Yang agreed readily. Though Huang Ruobing expressed her concern for him, Ye Yang knew that this was merely an equivalent exchange on her part for his help.
However, just as they were getting ready to leave, a voice held them back. "Well if it isn't President Huang? Leaving already?"
Ye Yang and Huang Ruobing turned at the same time to see a woman latching on to a man as they leisurely strolled over to their table.
Liang Hongyan.
'Doesn't take much to recognize you,' Ye Yang mused.
"President Liang," Huang Ruobing politely greeted.
In fact, it was widely known within their circle that Liang Hongyan and Huang Ruobing had never been fond of each other.
Unlike Huang Ruobing who came from a good background, in her earlier days, Liang Hongyan worked in public relations and relied on this strength of hers to get where she was today.
Be it capabilities or tactics, Liang Hongyan was considered quite competent. Also, with her experience in dealing with public relations, Liang Hongyu had built up quite a huge network so she was currently doing quite well.
Nonetheless, both women still managed to be at odds with each other. Although Liang Hongyan was a capable person, her heart was filled with envy.
Logically-speaking, these women were not of the same social circle, however, the business projects of both their companies always seemed to overlap with one another.
To overlap constantly meant that there was an intense competition. While Liang Hongyan did have a huge network which she built up with her own hard work, Huang Ruobing's family's influence in South River City was not to be taken lightly as well.
For this reason, whenever competition sparked between the two women, not many people were willing to risk offending the Huang family to help Liang Hongyan.
Liang Hongyan ended up losing quite a few lucrative projects because of this and this ultimately ticked her off. So of course she wasn't fond of Huang Ruobing.
"President Huang, are you here for dinner? Why didn't you buy your little lover here some appropriate clothing?" Liang Hongyan asked, trying to nitpick.
She had first studied Ye Yang's attire. As someone with a public relations background, Liang Hongyan was very knowledgeable in fashion. One look at Ye Yang was enough for her to tell that his clothes were bargained pieces.
At this, Huang Ruobing finally became aware of what Ye Yang was wearing. Rather than her being negligent, when they first met today, it was Ye Yang's manner of speech and overall demeanor that made Huang Ruobing overlook his outfit.
As a man, Ye Yang thought nothing of his attire. But now that Liang Hongyan had pointed it out, he did feel that something was off.
"My, President Huang and I are merely in a relationship so how could I ask her for stuff? But you, on the other hand, god knows how many nights you've spent trying to coordinate your outfit for tonight?" Before Huang Ruobing could answer, Ye Yang struck first.
It was because she thought nothing of Ye Yang which made Liang Hongyan come up with such a remark.
Their confrontation had already caused quite a commotion so when the onlookers around heard what Ye Yang had said, they let laughter escape from their mouths.
With her background in PR, many people recognized Liang Hongyan. It was also this reason that many looked down on her because such a background wasn't considered glamorous after all.
When faced with so much discontent, Ye Yang had no decent words to speak. What he said could be taken as an insult to Liang Hongyan's history.
And of course, Liang Hongyan didn't expect Ye Yang to say something like that either. "You… How could you utter such things?"
"What's wrong with it? You're making money with your capabilities. I don't find it shameful at all." Ye Yang's tone sounded like he was irritated. "But President Liang, what's with this hobby of yours?"
Liang Hongyan's fashion sense had always been quite bold. While Ye Yang had no opinions about it, this was the prime opportunity to annoy her to death. Like a predator that had sunk its teeth into its prey, Ye Yang wasn't going to let go.
"Big sister, in public and before the eyes of so many people, I'd advise you to put on a bra."
Indeed, there were many pairs of eyes on Liang Hongyan's curvaceous figure. Upon hearing this, she finally covered her chest, her face flustered.
Having not anticipated Ye Yang's sharp tongue and blatant disrespect, Liang Hongyan was infuriated and embarrassed. Moreover, her companion of the evening was a very important individual to her so Liang Hongyan didn't wish for his impression of her to change.
It was also for this reason that Liang Hongyan didn't prioritize her rivalry with Huang Ruobing. First, she spoke to her companion for a bit and gave him a brief explanation, before turning to Ye Yang and said, "I say, just who do you think you are to speak to me in such a vile manner?"