The Aloof CEO’s Hidden Temptation - Chapter 7

[I should have time for dinner with you when I return from my business trip.]

In just a few short hours, Ye Jiayuan had shifted from a polite refusal to actively initiating an invitation.

Fu Chaoying held a wet wipe, leisurely cleaning her hands, yet she couldn’t help but wonder. Is she a little bit special to Ye Jiayuan?

When she reached her right palm, Fu Chaoying’s movements suddenly paused. A faint smile brushed her lips as she continued to wipe away the lingering temperature and sensation of that woman’s wrist.

She then slowly typed into the chat box: [Sounds good. When are you coming back?]

Not expecting an instant reply, Fu Chaoying continued eating her late-night snack.

Sure enough, Ye Jiayuan responded an hour later, but the message read: [The shareholders’ meeting is tomorrow morning. I can probably have the contract sent to you via flash delivery by the afternoon.]

Ye Jiayuan did not answer the question regarding her return date. Vague timing seemed to be a prerogative of those in high positions.

Seeing this, Fu Chaoying didn’t press further. She simply shook her head slightly and replied with a polite “Thank you.”

To Fu Chaoying’s knowledge, as Xingye International’s overseas business had expanded in recent years, Ye Jiayuan’s main bases were in Singapore and Hong Kong. This trip to Singapore hardly even qualified as a “business trip.”

“Oh dear, if you don’t eat it soon, it’ll get cold. Careful you don’t upset your stomach,” Auntie Wu reminded her softly from the side.

Fu Chaoying turned her head with a shallow smile. Gathering her thoughts, she quickly finished her snack.

I hope I can get a good night’s sleep tonight, she thought.

The next morning, Fu Chaoying went to the law firm where her friend, Shen Guannan, worked, asking for help to review the electronic contract sent by Xingye’s legal department.

Shen Guannan flipped through it carefully for a long time before looking up. “The Ye family… is treating you quite well.”

Fu Chaoying nodded slightly and said with a smile, “But I actually don’t want the art museum anymore.”

This was within Shen Guannan’s expectations. After all, that museum carried too many memories of another person.

Shen Guannan nodded in understanding and thought for a moment. “So you just want to reclaim the agency rights to your works, and…”

Fu Chaoying’s eyes curved slightly as she said softly, “I want to give the museum named after me a dignified farewell.”

After discussing the contract, Shen Guannan prepared to go back upstairs to work.

Fu Chaoying was about to invite her for dinner when she suddenly received a call from her eldest aunt.

“Ying, are you free tonight? Why don’t you have dinner with me and your cousin?”

Fu Chaoying knew her aunt was very busy, she wouldn’t call specifically for dinner unless there was something to discuss. Although it would likely involve yesterday’s events, she felt she had to go to this dinner.

Fu Chaoying obediently agreed and then drove home.

The sun was pleasant today and the temperature was agreeable. After lunch, Fu Chaoying and Auntie Wu sat in the pavilion drinking coffee.

Fu Chaoying never used to think of herself as someone who feared loneliness. But since her important relatives had passed away one by one, she had grown increasingly afraid of being alone. Now, even when reading a book or drinking coffee, she clung to Auntie Wu’s company.

Auntie Wu understood her feelings but worried that if she stayed home all the time, she would grow bored and stifled.

She mentioned, seemingly at random, “We didn’t even keep Miss Jiayuan for tea yesterday.”

Fu Chaoying focused on the words in her book without looking up. “She had to go on a business trip today, it wasn’t convenient for her to stay.”

“Then when will she be back?” Auntie Wu asked curiously.

Fu Chaoying shook her head and replied softly, “She didn’t say.”

“A big boss like Miss Jiayuan usually doesn’t reveal her itinerary voluntarily. You have to be the one to ask her,” Auntie Wu said earnestly.

Hearing her advice, Fu Chaoying looked up helplessly. “I did ask. She didn’t reply.”

Auntie Wu was puzzled. Logically, whether based on the personal friendship with Ying’s mother and grandmother or the kindness the Fu family had shown the Ye family, Ye Jiayuan should show more care toward Ying.

Furthermore, her thoughtfulness and gentleness the other night didn’t seem like an act.

Noticing Auntie Wu’s hesitant expression, Fu Chaoying shook her head. She didn’t know what Ye Jiayuan was thinking either.

Inviting her to dinner but not giving a set time, is that how people at the top behave?

Fu Chaoying pursed her lips slightly and continued reading.

“Tired? Do you want to take a nap?” Auntie Wu noticed her yawning repeatedly.

“A contract should be delivered soon. I’ll rest after I sign it.”

Auntie Wu didn’t ask further and sat quietly with her.

Spring brings lethargy, it’s a natural law. As she read, Fu Chaoying unknowingly fell asleep at the table.

About half an hour later, the courtyard doorbell rang. Auntie Wu, assuming the contract had arrived, hurried to open the door.

Fu Chaoying heard the commotion in a daze. She wanted to stay down for a bit longer, but then she heard a set of steady footsteps behind her, followed by a cool, calm voice.

“Xiao Ying.”

Fu Chaoying hadn’t yet realized who it was, but her heart had already reflexively accelerated. After a moment, she rubbed her eyes and slowly stood up.

The visitor… was Ye Jiayuan?

Fu Chaoying rubbed her eyes again to confirm that the person standing there was indeed Ye Jiayuan. She was dressed in a deep blue suit, holding a kraft paper envelope.

Fu Chaoying was surprised. “Sister Jiayuan? Why did you come in person? Weren’t you going on a business trip today?”

The questions tumbled out.

Ye Jiayuan nodded slightly. Looking at Fu Chaoying’s eyes, which were still misty with sleep, her lips curved into an imperceptible arc. She explained, “The flight is tonight.”

Fu Chaoying blinked and reached out to take the contract. The pen was already prepared, and she signed it immediately.

Seeing her sign so decisively, Ye Jiayuan asked softly, “Aren’t you going to look at it?”

In the gaps between signing, Fu Chaoying shook her head. “I trust the Ye family. I trust you.”

After saying this, she lowered her head to finish signing.

Ye Jiayuan watched her smooth jawline, her gaze sweeping over her slightly curved lips. Her throat moved slightly.

Once finished, Fu Chaoying put the contract back in the envelope and handed it to Ye Jiayuan. “Thank you for coming personally, Sister Jiayuan.”

Ye Jiayuan nodded but didn’t take the envelope. Instead, she turned to Auntie Wu. “Auntie Wu, is there any of yesterday’s flower tea left?”

Auntie Wu had thought Ye Jiayuan would leave immediately after the signing, so she had only offered her warm water. She hadn’t expected her to want the tea from the night before.

Fu Chaoying’s lips curved as she continued to look at her book. She tried to focus on the pages, but she couldn’t banish Ye Jiayuan’s figure from her peripheral vision.

She was far too curious about Ye Jiayuan.

Ye Jiayuan wasn’t looking at her, she was staring at the flowers in the courtyard, seemingly lost in thought.

Neither mentioned the business trip, so Fu Chaoying naturally couldn’t ask when she was coming back. After all, reporting one’s itinerary is the beginning of an intimate relationship.

And as of now, they only had the rapport of exchanging paintings. Yes, not that close yet.

“You like Andrea?” Ye Jiayuan spoke up suddenly.

Fu Chaoying didn’t look up, only offering a soft “Mm.” After a pause, she looked up and asked, “You know her, Sister Jiayuan?”

Andrea was a relatively niche female writer.

Ye Jiayuan nodded. “I’ve read two of her books.”

Fu Chaoying was about to ask more when Auntie Wu arrived with the flower tea.

Auntie Wu always liked to chat. It hadn’t been convenient during the signing, but the relaxed atmosphere now was perfect.

“Miss Jiayuan, you’re leaving tonight? Is it a red eye flight?”

Ye Jiayuan took a small sip of tea. “Yes.”

As she read, a spark of confusion crossed Fu Chaoying’s mind. Singapore isn’t that far, why take a red eye flight?

Auntie Wu continued cheerfully, “Is work very busy? How long will you stay in Singapore this time?”

Fu Chaoying slowly looked up, exchanged a glance with Auntie Wu, and then gave Ye Jiayuan a helpless smile. “Auntie Wu likes to chat, she doesn’t mean to pry into your privacy.”

There was a hint of distance in those words.

Ye Jiayuan gave her a deep look and then said in a low voice, “It’s not really a secret. I’ll be back in about two months.”

“That long?” Auntie Wu couldn’t help but exclaim.

Fu Chaoying closed her book and smiled. “It was always like this. Sister Jiayuan is busy, it’s rare to see her even a few times a year.”

“Domestic policies have been good lately, the company’s focus is shifting,” Ye Jiayuan said, looking at the large clouds in the blue sky.

Fu Chaoying couldn’t help but yawn again.

Ye Jiayuan noticed. “Didn’t sleep well last night?”

Fu Chaoying nodded. “My stomach was feeling a bit uncomfortable.”

After all, she hadn’t eaten dinner yesterday and then ate nearly cold fried food late at night.

Hearing this, Auntie Wu looked full of self-reproach.

Ye Jiayuan glanced at the coffee cup on the table and said to Auntie Wu, “Next time her stomach is upset, don’t let her drink coffee.”

As soon as she spoke, Fu Chaoying quickly added, “I’m already better.” It was just a bit of diarrhea, she had already taken some medicine.

Ye Jiayuan gazed at her face as if confirming the truth. Meeting her gaze, Fu Chaoying saw her slowly stand up.

“Get some rest first.”

“If you go to Singapore for work or travel, you can contact me.”

Fu Chaoying stood up to thank her, walking her to the door with Auntie Wu and waving. “Safe travels, Sister Jiayuan.”

Ye Jiayuan nodded. “When I get back, I’ll take you to dinner.”

Fu Chaoying was momentarily stunned, thinking to herself. Did she mean she originally intended to take me to dinner tonight? But because my stomach was upset, she postponed it until next time?

But before she could think deeper, Ye Jiayuan had already gotten into the car and left.

Next time is two months away.

That’s too long, Fu Chaoying thought.

In the evening, Fu Chaoying returned to the old family residence to have dinner with her aunt and cousin.

The first half of the dinner was spent reminiscing about her and Ye Yi’an, including her aunt’s harsh scolding of Ye Yi’an and her pity for Ying.

“You silly child, you should have told us sooner.”

Fu Chaoying smiled. “I was afraid of causing trouble for you all.”

“Family is meant for bothering each other!”

Fu Chaoying smiled again. “Next time, for sure.”

“What ‘next time’? Next time you must keep your eyes open!”

Fu Chaoying didn’t disagree. She certainly agreed with that.

As the dinner progressed, her aunt began to ask about her future plans. This was the real topic of the night.

Fu Chaoying was very direct this time: “I plan to start an art brokerage company, handling exhibitions, collaborations, and auctions.”

Her aunt was a bit confused. “Isn’t that overlapping with some of the museum’s functions? Are you giving up on the museum?”

“I don’t want it anymore.” The decisiveness in Fu Chaoying’s voice was clear.

Her aunt didn’t press that point, shifting focus to the new idea. “You want to sign old school painters?”

“Old-school artists usually have professional teams. I won’t limit myself to ink wash painters, nor just to the domestic market,” Fu Chaoying said, shaking her head gently.

Her aunt suddenly understood and praised her. “Expanding your horizons is a good thing. I happen to have many connections in the international art world.” She patted her daughter Fu Chaohua’s arm and smiled at Ying. “Your cousin isn’t interested in this, you should make use of these resources so they don’t go to waste.”

Fu Chaoying blinked and smiled shyly. “Then I’ll have to rely on your guidance, Auntie.”

Her aunt waved it off. “Don’t say that, we’re family.”

After discussing some specific ideas, her aunt suddenly said, “There’s an artist’s reception in Singapore next week. Why don’t you come with me?”

Fu Chaoying was startled. Ye Jiayuan’s face immediately flashed through her mind. Singapore… isn’t that where she is?

However, such an opportunity was rare. Fu Chaoying immediately nodded in agreement.

On the plane to Singapore, the assistant reported to Ye Jiayuan, “President Ye, President Qu is pressing us again.”

Ye Jiayuan’s expression remained calm. “Didn’t you tell her to change it to a video conference?”

“I did, but she insists on a face to face meeting.”

Before the assistant could finish, Ye Jiayuan’s phone rang. Upon answering, a boisterous female voice came from the other end.

“President Ye! Weren’t you on the afternoon flight? Why did you change it to the evening?”

“I had something to handle,” Ye Jiayuan’s voice remained steady.

“What could be so important that you had to go yourself?” the other party asked curiously.

“Important private business,” Ye Jiayuan said flatly.