Both of them didn't seem to be burdened by any worries, as if it didn't matter whether or not Ye Wenxuan would show up. They were truly enjoying the time they were spending in each other's company.
However, as the clock needle struck seven, the door to their private dining room was pushed open. It was Ye Wenxuan. Despite showing up in the end, it was obvious that Ye Wenxuan wasn't in the best of moods. His expression was extremely sour. It was understandable though. Nobody liked being told what to do in their own territory.
But since he was here, Ye Wenxuan forced a smile and said, "Do forgive me, I was caught up with something that I couldn't be here on time."
Even though Huang Ruobing was aware that Ye Wenxuan was helping He Dong in his quest to keep her under restraints, she maintained a smile on her face as she replied, "No, it's fine."
The atmosphere between both of them was awkward but there was still some sense of diplomacy when they spoke. In contrast to them, Ye Yang was quite ardent. "That's alright, that's alright. For President Ye to make time for me despite your busy schedule, it is truly an honor for me to appear before you. You have to eat and drink your fill today, President Ye. There's no need to hold back with me."
Huang Ruobing was on the brink of bursting out in laughter when she heard that. This was Ye Wenxuan's territory but Ye Yang was acting as if he was the actual host. Ye Wenxuan's expression turned degrees darker. It was as if there was a layer of ice on his face from how cold and hostile he looked.
Ye Wenxuan said nothing. After he took a seat, Ye Yang handed him the menu and began introducing the restaurant's specials with great enthusiasm.
Huang Ruobing could no longer contain herself. She turned away to stifle her laughter with much difficulty. Too many times she had seen other wealthy young masters do what Ye Yang was currently doing. Though, such behavior was usually reserved for treating those who were below them on the pecking order.
Although Huang Ruobing and Ye Wenxuan were at odds with each other, Ye Wenxuan managed to remain well-composed.
When both men were done ordering the dishes, this peculiar atmosphere finally eased up a little.
Ye Wenxuan was definitely not just here for the meal. Instead, he was here for what would come after dinner. Although Ye Yang hadn't been clear over the phone, Ye Wenxuan knew that Ye Yang's leverage over him could never be exposed. Otherwise, it would only spell trouble for him.
No person could beat the circumstances. Ye Wenxuan needed some clarification as to what Ye Yang's bargaining chip was.
In the years when the economy was booming, many people took advantage of such policies and methods. Ye Wenxuan was no exception.
When it came to profit-making, to discreetly increase one's own profits was something every businessman did, including Ye Wenxuan. Back then, Ye Wenxuan didn't pay much attention to who his subordinates were.
Ye Wenxuan ended up being criticized for his actions. But as time passed, Ye Wenxuan managed to take care of most of it. Many people gradually forgot about the incident. Hence, for Ye Yang to casually bring up the topic startled Ye Wenxuan.
Not only were his actions during the time considered shameful, but it was also unlawful. If this incident was exposed, Ye Wenxuan was most likely going to spend some time behind bars.
"How did you know about this?" Staring at Ye Yang, Ye Wenxuan asked without hesitation.
Huang Ruobing was here together with Ye Yang so Ye Wenxuan assumed that Huang Ruobing was aware of this as well. But in truth, Huang Ruobing had no idea what both of these men were talking about as they spoke between the lines.
Ye Yang would talk about such secrets to random people. Mainly because information like this would only bring about tragedy and needless suffering.
While the leverage on Huang Xudong wasn't considered huge, but it was enough to put Huang Xudong's life in danger. On the other hand, what Ye Yang had on him was enough to have him killed many times over. Hence, Ye Yang would never tell these secrets to Huang Ruobing in fear of attracting danger to her.
Ye Yang didn't respond to Ye Wenxuan's question but focused on enjoying his meal instead. Phoenix Villa did indeed produce decadent dishes and it was nice to be able to try them all out.
Huang Ruobing had to admit that Ye Yang was incredibly charming at that very moment. Their time spent together had been brief but Ye Yang managed to do everything she loved to see a man do. Even while they were fighting a war today, he still cared enough to order the food that she loved.
As Ye Yang enjoyed his meal, he was mindful enough to keep serving food on Huang Ruobing's plate. It seemed as if they were truly here only to have an enjoyable meal.
Having been threatened, Ye Wenxuan was clearly not in the mood to eat. However, since both of them were enjoying their meals and it didn't seem like this was the right time to squeeze the information he needed out of them. Thus, Ye Wenxuan decided that he should at least have a couple of bites. Even as he chewed his food, Ye Wenxuan kept his eyes glued onto Ye Yang.
He was expecting a reply from him after all.
Ye Wenxuan felt like he was wrestling with a slippery snake. No matter how powerful he was, it was essential that he acted with utmost caution.
Ye Yang had commendable table manners. Although he kept on chewing, it didn't feel like he was going overboard. Instead, his movements were refined and dignified.
About ten minutes later, the food on the table was mostly gone. Ye Yang finally looked up from his empty plate and smiled at Ye Wenxuan. "President Ye, what did you think of the food?"
Ye Wenxuan took a deep breath to keep himself from cursing out loud. Ye Yang was aware of what kind of question he was asking but refused to acknowledge the topic his counterpart was trying to steer the conversation towards.
"President Ye, no discord, no concord," Ye Yang said leisurely. "It's thanks to fate that we got to meet today so shouldn't we let go of the minor conflicts we had between us?"
Ye Wenxuan didn't expect Ye Yang to be so straightforward. In fact, he was aware that things between Huang Ruobing and him couldn't be nullified so easily.
Even if Huang Ruobing decided to give in and obediently return to He Dong's side, their relationship from that day onwards was destined to only go downhill.