Xiao Wan reined in her delighted expression, giving the man in front of her a cold look. "Who are you?"
Ye Chen, already annoyed by her tone, snorted through his nose, shoved his hands in his pockets, and strode in. He sized her up from head to toe, raised an eyebrow, and said, "I'm Ye Chen, Chen Xin's childhood buddy. Finally meeting you—what a pain it's been, Miss Gold Digger. I thought someone who had Chen Xin wrapped around her finger would be an absolute stunner, but now that I see you, you're just… average. If I scattered some money off the Empire State Building, I'd find ten women prettier than you."
"Wow, you're so amazing." Xiao Wan clapped her hands mockingly. "But your introduction is way too long, and I don't like it. Please leave."
With that, she stepped forward, shoved Ye Chen hard toward the door, and made to close it.
"Damn it!" Caught off guard, Ye Chen stumbled back, almost falling. Regaining his balance, he quickly charged forward to block her from closing the door, gritting his teeth. "Chen Xin and I go way back, to when we were in diapers! Who the hell are you? Let me in, or I'll make you regret it!"
Xiao Wan glanced over at the three restless dogs tethered in the corner of the hall. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she loosened her grip on the door.
"Hmph!" Ye Chen glared at her, stepping confidently into the villa. A little girl like her can't stop me, he thought smugly.
But the moment he turned, he saw Xiao Wan untie the three large dogs in the corner. Pointing in his direction, she shouted, "Darlings, dinner's here!"
"Woof! Woof! Woof!" The dogs bared their teeth and charged at Ye Chen. Despite being a sturdy man, he panicked at the sight and quickly backed away. "Hey! Don't bite! Don't bite! It's me! You've seen me before! I even fed you guys! Don't you remember—"
Before he could finish, the largest golden retriever lunged, tearing his pant leg with a single bite. The other two followed suit, tackling him to the ground and pinning him down, growling menacingly.
One of the golden retriever's paws landed dangerously close to Ye Chen's crotch. He broke out in a cold sweat, frozen in fear. He could only shout, "Damn it! Lin Xiao Wan! Call them off, or I swear I'll make you pay!"
"Oh my, you know my name?" Xiao Wan strolled over leisurely, crouched beside him, and rested her chin on her hand. "I'm curious—how are you going to make me pay? Because right now, it's pretty obvious who's in trouble. Tell me, what do you think will happen if I bring a bag of dog food and scatter it all over there?"
She pointed at his crotch with an innocent look in her big, bright eyes.
This woman is ruthless! Ye Chen gritted his teeth and turned desperately to the house staff. "I'm Chen Xin's friend! Are you just going to stand there and watch? Help me out here!"
The maid, Ellie, stepped forward. "I'm sorry, sir. We'd love to help, but these three only listen to Miss Lin. There's nothing we can do. Besides, I must say, your tone and attitude toward her were quite disrespectful. Perhaps you could try apologizing?"
Even the staff are on her side! Ye Chen felt utterly helpless. Gritting his teeth, he turned to Xiao Wan. "Fine! What do you want?"
Xiao Wan blinked. "Didn't you hear Ellie? Apologize to me."
"Alright, alright! I'm sorry! Is that good enough? Now call them off!"
Xiao Wan looked at him, puzzled. "Really? That's how you apologize? So insincere. Didn't your grade school teacher teach you how to properly apologize?"
"Damn it—Fine! Fine! Just tell me what you want me to do!"
"Well," Xiao Wan tilted her head adorably, "grab a piece of paper and write 'Lin Xiao Wan, I, Ye Chen, am sorry. I apologize to you' a hundred times. Then I'll think about forgiving you."
Ye Chen let out a scornful laugh. "Write it a hundred times? You think I'm some sucker you can boss around? Dream on!"
"Alright then," Xiao Wan said, clapping her hands and standing up. "That's fine. Honestly, this idea is boring. Watching the dogs go after your crotch is much more fun. Ellie, bring me the dog food!"
As Ellie handed her the bag, the golden retriever eyeing the food began drooling. Finally, Ye Chen caved, shouting in frustration, "Alright, alright! I'll write it! I'll write it, okay?"
Xiao Wan smiled triumphantly and snapped her fingers. "Good puppies! Go over there and let Ellie feed you."
The dogs immediately released Ye Chen, wagging their tails and circling Xiao Wan affectionately before following the maid to their food. Their docile behavior was a stark contrast to the ferocious display moments ago.
Ye Chen shakily got up from the floor, glaring at Xiao Wan. She met his gaze curiously. "What's the matter, Mr. Ye? You're not going back on your word, are you?"
"Who said that!" Ye Chen snapped. "Bring me the paper and pen—I'll write it right now!"
Half an hour later, when Chen Xin returned home, he found Ye Chen sitting at the coffee table, disheveled, scribbling away.
"What are you doing?" Chen Xin asked, puzzled.
Startled, Ye Chen quickly hid the paper and waved him off. "Nothing! Don't worry about it."
"What happened to your clothes?" Chen Xin frowned, looking him over.
Before Ye Chen could make up an excuse, Xiao Wan came bounding down the stairs, throwing herself into Chen Xin's arms. "Sweetie, you're finally back! I missed you so much!"
Chen Xin hugged her gently but glanced uneasily at Ye Chen. "You two… didn't fight, did you?"
Xiao Wan pouted, her expression turning pitiful. "Not only did we fight, but your friend was so mean to me! He scared me so much!"
Ye Chen slammed the pen down in frustration. "Scared? My ass! If anyone's the bully here, it's you! Who let the dogs loose on me, huh? And now you're playing innocent just because Chen Xin's back?!"
Chen Xin turned to Xiao Wan. "You sicced the dogs on him?"
However, Xiaowan widened her innocent, tearful eyes and said, "That's not true! He called me a gold digger and even said I should die a horrible death! The dogs only rushed over because they were upset on my behalf. They were trying to protect me! If you don't believe me, ask Ellie—she can vouch for me!"
Ellie, standing nearby, nodded calmly.
Chen Xin frowned and turned to Ye Chen. "Didn't I tell you before? I can handle my issues with Xiaowan myself; I don't need your interference. Why did you insult her again?"
Ye Chen yelled indignantly, "But she set her dogs on me! Why aren't you talking about that? Chen Xin, don't let your feelings for her make you forget your friends! Look at my pants—completely torn by the dogs!"
Chen Xin massaged his temples with a sigh. "I know you're just looking out for me, but… I don't want to argue with you about Xiaowan anymore. If you two really can't get along, Ye Chen, I'll treat you to a meal outside."
Though Ye Chen couldn't stand this scheming woman, backing down now would make him look like a coward. He stood up and said, "Do you think I'm petty? Fine, let's eat together. I don't believe she'll set her dogs on me in front of you."
"Of course not!" Xiaowan said innocently. "But if the dogs decide to jump at you on their own, that's not my fault."
"You—"
"Enough, you two! Stop arguing and eat!" Chen Xin raised his voice, issuing a rare order. Though he usually seemed gentle and easygoing, he could be authoritative when he wanted to.
Ye Chen huffed but followed Chen Xin to the dining room. Taking advantage of his distraction, Xiaowan grabbed the long apology note Ye Chen had written and stuffed it into her pocket. Then she quickly caught up and clung to Chen Xin's arm.
At the long dining table, Ellie had prepared an exquisite Western-style feast. Chen Xin sat at one side, Xiaowan next to him diagonally, and Ye Chen across from her.
Xiaowan handed Chen Xin a freshly baked strawberry and raisin pie, saying sweetly, "This is Ellie's specialty. Chen Little Sweetie, try it!"
Just as Chen Xin reached for it, Xiaowan added, "But don't take from the middle! You can only eat the edges! The strawberries and raisins are mine!"
With a helpless smile, Chen Xin broke off a corner and tasted it. "Mmm, delicious."
Ye Chen rolled his eyes. As he reached for some chicken salad, Xiaowan swiftly pulled the bowl toward herself. "Chicken salad is my favorite! This whole bowl is mine!"
"…" Ye Chen bit back his anger. Fine, fine. A man shouldn't argue with such a petty woman.
He turned to grab some escargot, only for Xiaowan to dump the entire plate into her bowl. "This isn't enough for me. Ellie, please make more!"
Were you starved to death in your past life? Ye Chen seethed internally, glaring at her. Xiaowan batted her eyelashes innocently. "What's wrong, Mr. Ye? You look like you have something to say."
Ye Chen glanced at Chen Xin, who showed no intention of intervening, and ground his teeth. "Nothing to say to you."
"Then eat. Why are you staring at me? I'm not food."
Have you given me anything to eat? You've taken it all! Ye Chen fumed silently.
At that moment, the servants brought sizzling steaks. Ye Chen finally felt he could eat properly—until Xiaowan pointed at him and exclaimed, "Chen Little Sweetie! His steak looks so good! I want it!"
Chen Xin replied, "But you already have one."
"I don't care! I want his!"
Chen Xin sighed. "Ye Chen, could you switch with her?"
He's definitely under some kind of spell! Ye Chen reluctantly handed over his steak. Xiaowan, however, speared it from his plate, leaving him only vegetables. "You can just eat the greens," she said.
Finally, Ye Chen slammed the table in anger. "Lin Xiaowan! Don't push it!"
Xiaowan immediately cowered, her face pale as she fled into Chen Xin's arms. "He's so scary! Chen Sweetie, I'm so scared. Hold me, will you?"
Chen Xin held her and said to Ye Chen, "Just wait a moment. I'll have Ellie make you another."
Ye Chen, devastated, pointed accusingly at his best friend. "Chen Xin, fine, let this woman control you! But why drag me into your misery?"
Chen Xin sighed and looked down at Xiaowan in his arms. "Okay, don't tease him anymore, okay? Ye Chen may have a temper, but he's my best friend. I really hope you two can get along."
Xiaowan stared at him for a moment before reluctantly saying, "Fine. Since you've been so sweet today, I'll forgive him."
She then pushed her food toward Ye Chen. "Here, eat. I won't fight you for it anymore."
Ye Chen snorted and resumed eating, while Xiaowan, bored, began playing footsie under the table. Her foot crept along Chen Xin's leg, stroking his inner thigh.
Chen Xin froze mid-bite, glancing at her with panic. He gestured frantically for her to stop, but Xiaowan only giggled and pressed harder.
His face flushed crimson. Desperate, he reached under the table to grab her foot, trying to push it away. But Xiaowan resisted, their tug-of-war escalating until her foot accidentally slipped and hit Ye Chen between the legs.
Ye Chen froze, then let out a piercing scream that echoed through the dining room: "F***! F***! F***!"