The Aloof CEO’s Hidden Temptation - Chapter 3

Fu Chaoying froze, a flicker of a smile crossing her features. When did Ye Jiayuan become so warm-hearted?

In her memory, Ye Jiayuan was always the personification of cool detachment, as if nothing in the world could move her in the slightest.

Noticing Fu Chaoying’s subtle reaction, Shen Guannan’s eyes flashed with a hint of amusement. She cleared her throat. “Ye Jiayuan is a good person. Besides, she has such a good relationship with your mother and grandmother, why don’t you ask her for help?”

Fu Chaoying took a light sip of her drink, her gaze darkening slightly. She knew exactly how high Ye Jiayuan’s reputation was in their circles, exceptionally capable and upright. Ye Yi’an listened to her older sister more than anyone, if Ye Jiayuan spoke up for her, any terms would be negotiable.

But…

“Sister Guannan,” Fu Chaoying suddenly asked, her voice so soft it nearly dissolved into the bar’s background music, “Are you good to me because of my mother?”

The question seemed random, yet it followed a clear logic. Shen Guannan understood instantly. “You think that if she is kind to you, it’s only because of your late family?”

In Fu Chaoying’s impression, Ye Jiayuan had always been lukewarm toward her. Especially after a job change three years ago, that polite distance grew even more pronounced, as if she were deliberately keeping her at arm’s length.

She still remembered a time as a child when she had a fever. Her mother and grandmother happened to be away on business, so they left her at the Ye household. Ye Jiayuan hadn’t been particularly patient with her then.

Fu Chaoying nodded. “If I took the initiative to ask, she would probably help me. But she’d only do it for the sake of my family.”

Her family was gone; Fu Chaoying was the last person who wanted to exploit their memory for favors.

Shen Guannan thought back to certain past events. “Then how did you put up with Ye Yi’an before?”

In the past, Ye Yi’an would frequently and loudly commemorate Fu Chaoying’s family on social media, her ink-wash painter grandmother, her gold medal lawyer mother, and her chemist father. Between the lines, she was always hinting at her own kindness and her “devoted care” for the poor orphaned girl of the Fu family.

Fu Chaoying gave a self-deprecating laugh, a trace of coldness in her eyes. “Probably because I was a ‘love-brain.'”

Since her mother passed, her grandmother and Ye Yi’an had become her emotional pillars. After her grandmother died, Ye Yi’an became her everything. It took her a long time to accept that her “everything” could betray her and leave her.

Shen Guannan patted her shoulder. “Ying, being alone isn’t so bad. Look at me, aren’t I living just fine?”

Shen Guannan hadn’t lost any relatives to death, but it was as if she had none. During the time she decided to completely break away from her original family, she was nowhere near as calm and composed as Fu Chaoying was now.

Fu Chaoying’s eyes curved slightly, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. “I’ll find something interesting to do first.”

If there was no emotional sustenance, no love, and no hate… how was she supposed to live?

Estimating the time, Shen Guannan clinked glasses with her. “Ye Jiayuan should be arriving soon. Remember to message me when you get home.”

Shen Guannan left first.

Fu Chaoying’s vision grew increasingly hazy as she listened to the song “Tomorrow’s Gift” playing nearby. She had hummed this song countless times in the past. Back then, she had placed herself so low, thinking it was always Ye Yi’an who was putting up with her. Only after seeing the truth did she realize she was the one being patient.

She knew Ye Yi’an was using her, yet she still craved the energy and dopamine that came with her presence. She had once naively thought that those material interests could keep Ye Yi’an by her side. She never imagined that Ye Yi’an could exploit her value while simultaneously cheating on her without remorse.

Her glass was nearly empty. Fu Chaoying wanted another. But the bartender handed her a drink before she could ask. “That lady over there bought this for you.”

Fu Chaoying followed the gesture and saw a woman sitting in the light, dressed all in black. With just one glance, Fu Chaoying looked away and pushed the glass back. “Mix me a new one.”

Perhaps seeing that she didn’t drink it, the woman walked over and sat directly next to her. “Hey girl, want to have a drink together?”

Fu Chaoying had a strong sense of safety and naturally wouldn’t clink glasses with a stranger. She turned her head slightly, her gaze sweeping over the woman with indifference. “Sorry, I don’t like women who wear black.”

The woman chuckled, reaching up as if to pull open her collar to reveal the red lingerie beneath. The movement was flirtatious and suggestive.

Fu Chaoying lowered her eyes, about to call for security, when she saw a tall, slender figure emerge from the shadows. The newcomer wore a sophisticated, well-tailored black suit, her slightly wavy long hair swaying gently with her stride. On her slender, pale wrist, a watch glinted coldly under the lights.

Ye Jiayuan reached out and caught the stranger’s wrist. The movement was elegant but firm. “Show some self-respect.”

Her voice was low and calm, but it carried an underlying warning.

Fu Chaoying turned her gaze slightly and met those deep, dark eyes. For a brief second of eye contact, her heart suddenly raced. Those eyes always hid emotions she couldn’t decipher.

The stranger froze, staring at Ye Jiayuan. “Who the hell are you?”

Ye Jiayuan didn’t say a word. Security arrived immediately.

Fu Chaoying didn’t pay attention to the commotion, she just kept drinking. With one gulp left, she raised her hand only to have it caught by another. Her heart sped up again as she turned her head, muttering drunkenly, “What are you doing…”

Ye Jiayuan gazed at her face, seeing the thick intoxication in her eyes and the deep sense of loss hidden within. “How did you get yourself into this state?”

Her tone was incredibly gentle. Fu Chaoying felt a surge of baseless grievance and stopped trying to pull her hand away. “Who are you…?”

It seemed she was too drunk to recognize her.

Ye Jiayuan took the glass away. “I’m taking you home.”

Fu Chaoying obediently let herself be led away, leaning into Ye Jiayuan’s arms. But when they reached the door, she suddenly called out to the security guard.

“Security! I don’t know her! She says she’s taking me home!”

Ye Jiayuan felt helpless. It seemed that even while drunk and confused, her safety awareness remained intact. After a brief negotiation and proving they indeed knew each other, the guard let them leave.

Ye Jiayuan brought her to the car. The back was fitted with captain’s chairs, she helped her sit and then sat on the other side. The interior was instantly filled with the scent of alcohol. Ye Jiayuan reached for the window button but hesitated and pulled her hand back. The early spring night was cold, keeping warm was the priority.

“Ye Jiayuan…” “Why would Ye Jiayuan come to pick me up?” “Are you really Ye Jiayuan…?”

Ye Jiayuan watched her lips part and close, a slight curve appearing at the corner of her own mouth.

Fu Chaoying seemed to fall asleep, but her mouth kept mumbling: “Ye Yi’an, you’re disgusting,” “How could you do this to me…” As she spoke, there was even a hint of a sob. She sounded utterly heartbroken.

Seeing tears welling at the corners of her eyes, Ye Jiayuan reached out to wipe them away. Her fingertips lingered on the girl’s cheek for less than two seconds before pulling back, as if she were restraining herself.

In her haze, Fu Chaoying felt a touch as light as a feather, ticklish and soft.

When they arrived at the Fu residence, Auntie Wu recognized Ye Jiayuan. Seeing the drunken Fu Chaoying in her arms, she cried out, “Oh my, how did she get so drunk?”

“Thank goodness she ran into you, Miss Jiayuan, otherwise who knows what might have happened!”

Ye Jiayuan frowned slightly, supporting Fu Chaoying into the house. “Which room is hers?”

Auntie Wu led them upstairs. The Fu family’s old house was decorated in a vintage style, when they moved in three years ago, it had only been repaired, not renovated. In Fu Chaoying’s room, a rare ancient painting her 18th birthday gift from Ye Jiayuan, still hung on the wall.

Fu Chaoying had loved it so much she said she wanted to see it every morning as soon as she opened her eyes. That promise had lasted six years. She really had kept it right in front of her bed.

Ye Jiayuan pulled her gaze away, helped her to the bed, and turned to Auntie Wu. “Please prepare some hangover soup.”

Auntie Wu didn’t leave immediately. She lingered at the door for a moment, watching as Ye Jiayuan’s black shirt was wrinkled beyond recognition, and how she unhesitatingly helped the girl take off her shoes. Shocked for a second, she then felt relieved and went downstairs to cook.

Ye Jiayuan settled Fu Chaoying into bed and tucked her in carefully. Just as she was about to turn away, the girl sat up and wrapped her arms around her waist. “Is Sister leaving already?”

The warmth and strength at her waist were impossible to ignore. Ye Jiayuan raised her hand slightly, letting it rest on the girl’s hair. “I’m going to check on the soup.”

Fu Chaoying ignored the excuse, simply tightening her grip. “Sister, don’t go…”

Looking at those hazy, pleading eyes, Ye Jiayuan looked away and said helplessly, “I won’t leave yet.” She stopped moving and let the girl hold her.

Feeling safe, Fu Chaoying gradually relaxed her grip. A moment later, Auntie Wu brought the soup up and was startled by their posture. Ye Jiayuan patted Fu Chaoying’s shoulder and asked, “Is the temperature right?”

Auntie Wu realized the girl was just acting spoiled in her drunken state. “It’s just right.”

Ye Jiayuan sat on the edge of the bed, pulled her into her arms, and took the bowl. Auntie Wu noticed how gentle her movements were and glanced at the pink-cheeked girl nestled in her embrace. An idea suddenly struck her.

“I’ll have to trouble you to look after her, Miss Jiayuan. I think I forgot to turn off the stove.”

Ye Jiayuan didn’t look up, only giving a soft “Mhm” as she gently blew on the soup.

Fu Chaoying’s head was cradled in something soft. When she opened her eyes, she saw Ye Jiayuan’s smooth jawline and her red lips slightly pursed to blow on the spoon. Her throat moved, and then a spoon was at her lips.

“Be good.”

Ye Jiayuan’s voice was too gentle, like she was coaxing a child. Fu Chaoying blinked, opened her mouth, and swallowed the soup. Halfway through, she turned and hugged Ye Jiayuan’s waist again, burying her face in the woman’s softness. “It doesn’t taste good…” she grumbled.

Ye Jiayuan sighed, set the bowl down, and tried to move her back onto the bed, but was caught off guard when the girl rose up to hug her.

Fu Chaoying whispered, “Sister, give me a hug…”

Ye Jiayuan froze, hesitating whether to respond to this small request. But in the next instant, those eyes were right in front of her, and then…

Fu Chaoying kissed her.

In that moment, the air seemed to solidify.

Ye Jiayuan’s entire body went rigid. She felt the soft, moist warmth of Fu Chaoying’s lips pressing against hers, carrying the scent of alcohol and a hint of a test. She wanted more than just a hug.

Ye Jiayuan’s breathing grew ragged, and the pressure of her palms against the girl’s shoulders inadvertently tightened. The contact brought a strange, tingling sensation.

It wasn’t until Fu Chaoying deepened the kiss, her tongue nimbly brushing against her teeth as if seeking permission, that Ye Jiayuan snapped back to reality. She gripped Fu Chaoying’s shoulders, attempting to push her away, yet she feared the girl would fall, so her strength remained light.

“I’ll ask Auntie Wu to take care of you.” Her voice was still steady, but it carried an undetectable low rasp and a slight tremor.

Watching her back as she left, Fu Chaoying’s lips curled into a smile. Perhaps, if she wanted Ye Jiayuan’s help, there was another possibility. After all, she had never seen this eternally composed woman look so… dazed.

This reaction was much more interesting than the calculated “affection” her sister used to perform.

The Next Morning, CEO’s Office

“Also, the junior President Ye said she wants to transfer 2.5% of the shares to Miss Chaoying and wants you to preside over the shareholders’ meeting.”

As the assistant finished the report, Ye Jiayuan slowly shook her head. Her long fingers tapped lightly on the keyboard, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile flashed in her eyes.

“Don’t proceed with the next step yet.”

The assistant was confused. “Is there a problem?”

“The numbers are wrong.” Ye Jiayuan looked out the window at the cloudless sky, her tone indifferent.

“Only 2.5%? That’s far too little.”