Lin Xue stepped out of the elevator, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as she made her way to the reception area. Her composure was intact, but the faint flush on her cheeks betrayed her lingering embarrassment. She spotted Xiao Yan standing near the entrance, his hands casually in his pockets, exuding an air of effortless confidence. His eyes met hers, and he offered a faint, knowing smile that made her grit her teeth.
"Mr. Xiao," Lin Xue said briskly as she approached. "What brings you here so suddenly?"
Xiao Yan tilted his head slightly, feigning surprise. "Miss Lin, you were the one who publicly declared me your boyfriend last night. Shouldn't I check in to ensure you're not announcing it to others today?"
Lin Xue's jaw tightened, her voice dropping to a hiss. "That was a misunderstanding, and you know it."
"Ah, but misunderstandings often lead to interesting stories, don't they?" Xiao Yan replied smoothly, his gaze sharp yet teasing. "Besides, I did save you. A cup of tea is hardly a steep price."
Before Lin Xue could retort, a familiar voice called out from behind her.
"Sister, don't forget your manners." Lin Hua appeared, her steps hesitant but her face flushed. Her eyes flicked between her sister and Xiao Yan, clearly trying to mask her own nervousness. "Mr. Xiao, I see you're still as bold as ever."
"Miss Lin Hua," Xiao Yan greeted with a slight bow of his head, his tone laced with amusement. "I didn't expect to see you here. Still recovering from last night's race?"
Lin Hua cheeks turned a deeper shade of red. "I... wasn't expecting to see you either," she stammered, then quickly recovered, adding with forced bravado, "But if you think I was scared, you're wrong."
Xiao Yan chuckled, the sound low and deliberate. "I never said you were scared. Just... cautious, perhaps?"
Lin Hua's lips pressed into a thin line, but she couldn't meet his gaze. Lin Xue, sensing her sister's discomfort, stepped in.
"Mr. Xiao, if you're here for tea, let's not waste any more time," she said, her tone clipped. "The cafeteria is on the fifth floor."
Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow. "Cafeteria tea? Miss Lin, I expected better. Surely the great Lin Xue can offer something more... refined?"
Lin Xue's patience was wearing thin, but she managed a strained smile. "Fine. My office, then. Follow me."
In Lin Xue's office, Xiao Yan seated himself comfortably in one of the plush chairs while Lin Xue prepared the tea. Lin Hua lingered awkwardly near the door, clearly unsure of her role in the unfolding scene.
As Lin Xue placed a steaming cup in front of Xiao Yan, he leaned back and observed her with an inscrutable expression. "Last night was quite the event," he began, his tone casual but with an edge that made Lin Xue pause. "You have a knack for getting into trouble, don't you?"
Lin Xue stiffened. "I appreciate your help, Mr. Xiao, but I assure you it won't happen again."
"Good to hear," Xiao Yan said, lifting the cup to his lips. "Though, trouble seems to follow your family, doesn't it?" His gaze shifted to Lin Hua, who flinched slightly under his scrutiny.
"I—I don't know what you mean," Lin Hua stammered, trying to regain her composure. "Last night was just a misunderstanding too."
"Misunderstanding?" Xiao Yan echoed, setting the cup down. "You invited me to a race and ended up hiding your tail between your leg. Hardly a misunderstanding."
Lin Hua's face burned with humiliation, and she shot a pleading look at her sister. Lin Xue, to her credit, stepped in.
"Mr. Xiao," she said firmly, "you've made your point. If this is some form of payback for last night, consider it done."
Xiao Yan smiled faintly. "Oh, Miss Lin, I'm not one to hold grudges. I'm simply enjoying the company. Though," he added, his gaze sliding back to Lin Hua, "if your sister wants a match, perhaps on a proper racetrack this time, I'd be happy to oblige."
Lin Hua's mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. Xiao Yan's amused chuckle filled the room, cutting through the tension.
"Think about it," he said, rising to his feet. "For now, I'll leave you ladies to your lunch. Thank you for the tea, Miss Lin Xue."
As he made his way to the door, he paused and glanced back. "Oh, and Miss Lin Hua," he added, his voice low but pointed, "if you ever decide to challenge me again, make sure you're ready to lose."
With that, he exited, leaving both sisters in stunned silence.
Lin Hua finally broke the stillness, her voice barely above a whisper. "Sister... who is he?"
Lin Xue let out a long sigh, rubbing her temples. "Someone I wish I'd never met."
But even as she said it, a part of her couldn't shake the lingering sense of intrigue.
"Sister I have something to do..Eat lunch by yourself...",Lin Hua sound disappear
Lin Xue stood frozen in her office, the faint echo of her sister's hurried footsteps fading down the corridor. Her hand hovered over her phone, the temptation to call Lin Hua and demand her return almost overwhelming. But as memories of last night's chaos resurfaced—of the gangsters' terrified screams and Xiao Yan's commanding demeanor—she hesitated. A shiver ran down her spine.
"I can't believe her," Lin Xue muttered, sinking into her chair. "What does she think she's doing?" She pinched the bridge of her nose, her sigh heavy with exasperation. "This is going to end in trouble."