The Aloof CEO’s Hidden Temptation - Chapter 17

“Right?”

Ye Jiayuan was slightly startled. Her gaze lingered on Fu Chaoying’s face for a moment before she gave a soft hum of affirmation.

Satisfied with the answer, Fu Chaoying stepped back slightly to give her some space, but Qu Jingyuan’s voice drifted over lazily once more: “Where are you going to eat?”

Fu Chaoying’s mind raced as she prepared to make up the name of a restaurant they had visited before. However, Ye Jiayuan’s cold, clear voice spoke first, naming a restaurant Fu Chaoying had never heard of.

The smile on Qu Jingyuan’s face froze instantly. She dropped an awkward “OK, go ahead then” before the driver timely closed the door and drove out of the underground garage.

The car fell silent, with only the flickering lights of the streetlamps passing by the window.

“Why did she react so strongly?” Fu Chaoying asked curiously.

Ye Jiayuan raised an eyebrow, her tone as calm as water: “That is her ex-girlfriend’s restaurant.”

Fu Chaoying burst into laughter. “Sister, you’re wicked.”

The corners of Ye Jiayuan’s lips curled up slightly, but she remained silent, simply giving the driver a new address.

When the car came to a stop, they were in front of a secluded restaurant surrounded by greenery, feeling like a hidden paradise. Fu Chaoying couldn’t help but feel a flutter in her heart, this was her first time having a private dinner alone with Ye Jiayuan.

After being seated, Ye Jiayuan invited her to order first and then added two specialty dishes herself.

“These happen to be exactly what I like,” Fu Chaoying’s eyes lit up, her tone cheerful.

Ye Jiayuan nodded slightly. “Then it’s settled.”

As the server poured them lemon tea, Fu Chaoying suddenly remembered something. “Sister, you like Zhuyeqing tea best, don’t you?”

Ye Jiayuan looked slightly surprised and gave a small nod.

“Grandma Bai asked me to bring a tin for you. Assistant Liu should have collected it for you.”

Ye Jiayuan hummed softly and smoothly changed the subject: “I have a forum tomorrow. If you need anything, you can contact Liu Xin directly.”

Fu Chaoying obediently agreed and added: “I have plans tomorrow too. Grandma Bai invited me over to her house.”

Ye Jiayuan’s expression remained calm, appearing to lack much interest in the topic.

Fu Chaoying wondered privately and asked tentatively: “Are you and Grandma Bai very close, Sister?”

Ye Jiayuan avoided the direct answer: “We met through your grandmother.”

Fu Chaoying pursed her lips, took a sip of her lemon tea, and asked nonchalantly: “So, did you put in a word for me with Grandma Bai?”

The cooperation had progressed too smoothly, which was suspicious.

Ye Jiayuan’s gaze fell on her, her voice cool: “My words likely wouldn’t play a decisive role.”

If she hadn’t specifically asked her aunt that afternoon, Fu Chaoying might have actually believed her. To do a good deed and remain anonymous. Ye Jiayuan was truly one of a kind.

Suppreing a smile, Fu Chaoying raised her glass to lightly clink against the other’s. “Regardless, thank you, Sister!”

Ye Jiayuan replied simply: “No need for politeness.”

As she spoke, a hint of an undetectable smile flickered in Ye Jiayuan’s eyes.

The next day, Fu Chaoying stayed at Bai Youqing’s house until evening, meeting several painters who had also settled in Singapore.

They talked so pleasantly that Fu Chaoying felt a bit dazed when she returned to her empty home. Ye Jiayuan had a banquet tonight, so she naturally wouldn’t be home yet.

While Fu Chaoying was stargazing on the balcony, she suddenly received a phone call.

It was from Assistant Liu: “Miss Chaoying, is it convenient to talk?”

Fu Chaoying said warmly, “Yes, please go ahead.”

The other end sounded slightly anxious: “My girlfriend is unwell and I need to take her to the hospital. Could you please help me pick up President Ye?”

“Of course, send me the address.” Fu Chaoying agreed without hesitation and quickly contacted the driver.

Upon arriving at the rendezvous point, Fu Chaoying saw Ye Jiayuan standing at the hotel entrance from a distance, surrounded by a group of middle-aged female elites.

Under the entrance lights, Fu Chaoying noticed her footsteps were slightly unsteady.

Fu Chaoying got out of the car decisively, but as she approached, she heard the women teasing:

“President Ye is so young and capable, won’t you really consider my daughter?”

“Oh, my niece is also incredibly beautiful. Would you like to meet her, President Ye?”

Wasn’t this a business forum? How did it turn into a matchmaking agency?

Fu Chaoying couldn’t help but quicken her pace. Then she heard another middle-aged woman’s voice

“Or, what kind of person do you like, President Ye? We will definitely help you find the best candidate.”

The moment the words fell, Fu Chaoying frowned and pushed through the crowd.

Just as she squeezed into the middle of the women, a familiar voice came from behind.

“A-Ying.”

Fu Chaoying didn’t look back. She continued forward until she reached Ye Jiayuan.

The middle-aged women were too busy talking to notice the intruder, only to see her directly grab the wrist of Ye Jiayuan, the CEO of Xingye International.

“And this is…?”

The women who were talking incessantly froze. They watched as Fu Chaoying naturally supported Ye Jiayuan’s arm, smiling calmly. “I’m here to pick up President Ye.”

Ye Jiayuan paused for a moment, then gave a slight nod and cooperatively walked away.

After taking a few steps while supporting Ye Jiayuan, Fu Chaoying heard a voice behind her again: “A-Ying.”

It was Ye Yi’an.

Fu Chaoying pretended not to hear, but she heard the footsteps following them and the whispers of the middle-aged women behind.

“Has President Ye already found someone?”

Someone who recognized Fu Chaoying shook their head. “Probably not. That’s her sister’s… ex-girlfriend.”

“Then why is she only supporting Ye Jiayuan and not Ye Yi’an?”

“It is indeed strange…”

Fu Chaoying’s heart remained undisturbed. She helped Ye Jiayuan into the car and then turned to ask, “How is Little President Ye getting back?”

Ye Yi’an walked straight to the passenger seat and pointed. “There’s an empty seat here.”

She said it as if it were a matter of course.

The driver clearly recognized Ye Yi’an and immediately opened the door for her.

Fu Chaoying fell silent, unable to refuse for a moment, after all, this was Ye Jiayuan’s car. She, Fu Chaoying, had no right to drive anyone away, especially when the person was her “sister”…

As the door closed, the cabin fell into darkness.

Ye Jiayuan leaned against the soft cushion with her eyes closed, resting. Ye Yi’an surprisingly didn’t make a scene, only casting occasional probing glances.

Fu Chaoying treated her like air and closed her eyes as well.

The car was filled with a mixture of alcohol and perfume, and an indescribable, subtle atmosphere.

Ye Jiayuan has so many ‘peach blossoms’ (admirers) even at a forum, people are trying to set her up… Thinking of this, Fu Chaoying suddenly opened her eyes to glance at Ye Yi’an, and an idea flashed through her mind.

Arriving at the hotel, Fu Chaoying helped Ye Jiayuan out of the car when she heard Ye Yi’an call her.

“Can you take me off the blacklist? I’ll only send you one message and won’t disturb you again.” Ye Yi’an’s voice carried a hint of a sob, sounding exceptionally pitiful.

Ye Jiayuan slowly turned her head to glance at her sister with a cold gaze, then pulled her eyes back to fix them on Fu Chaoying’s face.

Fu Chaoying chose to ignore her and walked straight toward the elevator with Ye Jiayuan.

Inside the elevator, Ye Jiayuan’s body suddenly swayed, nearly losing her balance.

Fu Chaoying quickly held her waist, her palm feeling a sense of softness and warmth.

In an instant, the scent of faint magnolia mixed with alcohol lingered at the tip of her nose, inexplicably intoxicating.

Fu Chaoying’s throat moved slightly. She took a deep breath and said softly, “We’re almost there. Don’t fall asleep yet, Sister.”

There was a hint of an undetectable rasp in her voice.

Feeling the person in her arms nod slowly, Fu Chaoying couldn’t help but look at her, only to see her dark hair, the pink-white earlobe hidden within, and a shimmering earring.

Fu Chaoying’s heart beat faster and faster, as if it were about to jump out of her chest.

The elevator finally reached the top floor. The butler was waiting. “Miss Chaoying, the sobering soup is ready.”

Fu Chaoying thanked him and brought Ye Jiayuan inside. The lights illuminated the room, allowing her to carefully examine this woman who was usually so calm and self-possessed.

Currently, Ye Jiayuan was hazy with drink but looked peaceful, though her features held a rare touch of vulnerability.

Fu Chaoying’s heart tightened for no reason.

Gently helping her into the room, Fu Chaoying only realized something when she saw the bed. On the night of her own breakup when she was drunk, she had also embraced Ye Jiayuan intimately like this.

Except this time, she was the sober one, and Ye Jiayuan was the one being held.

Fu Chaoying placed her gently on the bed, but looking at her clothes, she ran into a dilemma and fell into a brief hesitation.

Suddenly, she heard a cool voice tinged with intoxication: “I’ll just lie down for a bit.”

Fu Chaoying turned around and found that although she was drunk, her eyes were still clear.

“I’m not muddled.” A faint smile tugged at Ye Jiayuan’s lips; her voice was gentle, unlike the vigorous President Ye of usual days.

Fu Chaoying nodded slightly and moved toward the sofa by the window. “Then I’ll sit here and wait for you. Call me if you need anything.”

This sofa was the same style as the one in the study, with no backrest.

Fu Chaoying looked out at the night through the floor to ceiling window. Outside was heavy traffic, but there was no sound behind her.

Following an instinct, Fu Chaoying looked back and was caught off guard, meeting her gaze. In the next instant, she saw the other slowly close her eyes.

There seemed to be a thin layer of sweat on her neck, and her hair curled at her collarbone.

Fu Chaoying silently averted her gaze, but then felt the phone in her dress pocket vibrate.

It was a “long essay” from Ye Yi’an, since WeChat and SMS wouldn’t go through, she had created a new email account to message her.

Fu Chaoying had no interest in her regrets or explanations and deleted it immediately. When she looked up, she heard the doorbell ring.

The first person Fu Chaoying thought of was Ye Yi’an. She instinctively looked at Ye Jiayuan, only to see the latter slowly open her eyes. “Go see who it is.”

Fu Chaoying saw on the monitor that it was the butler and immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

“Miss Chaoying, these are flowers Miss Yi’an sent to the front desk, saying they are for you.”

Fu Chaoying nodded slightly. “Please help me dispose of them. Thank you.”

Closing the door and turning around, Fu Chaoying saw Ye Jiayuan leaning against the doorframe, quietly gazing at her.

The emotions in those eyes were too complex for Fu Chaoying to understand for a moment.

“Does she disturb you like this often?” Ye Jiayuan asked in a deep voice.

Fu Chaoying shrugged, pretending to be relaxed: “It’s okay, not too frequent.”

Ye Jiayuan nodded slightly, but as she moved toward her, she swayed.

Fu Chaoying took a few quick steps to support her. “Sit on the sofa for a while.”

The warm yellow light hit Ye Jiayuan’s slightly drunken face, adding a touch of dreaminess.

Fu Chaoying poured two glasses of warm water and sat down beside her, saying seriously: “First, she sent many letters to my house, which I asked Aunt Wu to help me destroy.”

“Later it changed to texts and WeChat, so I just blocked her.”

“Now she’s started sending emails and flowers… she’s quite persistent.”

Ye Jiayuan took a sip of warm water and said deeply: “I will talk to her.”

Fu Chaoying gave a slight, bitter smile. “But she has always done things her own way. Talking to her might only treat the symptoms and not the cause.”

Fu Chaoying looked at Ye Jiayuan as if she were looking at a piece of exquisite landscape painting.

Ye Jiayuan leaned back against the sofa and gestured for her to continue.

Fu Chaoying changed the subject: “Sister, you have so many ‘peach blossoms’ that you can’t even avoid them all.”

Ye Jia-yuan narrowed her eyes slightly, asking with interest: “Then what do you think would be a complete solution to the problem?”

Fu Chaoying leaned forward slightly, their warm breaths brushing against each other’s cheeks. “Maybe… we could cooperate?”

Fu Chaoying blinked, a flash of mischief in her eyes.

“Cooperate?” Ye Jiayuan repeated the word with a hint of playfulness. “How should we cooperate?”

“Be my contract girlfriend.”

Fu Chaoying boldly made the suggestion. Her gaze inadvertently swept across the other’s red lips, her heart beating like a drum.