CITM - 54

Since the table here could accommodate only six people, the rest who couldn’t find a seat didn’t leave. Instead, they gathered around the screen, creating a bustling scene with people crowding around.

Bai Wenfu’s seat was directly facing Ye Yun. Through the latticed screen and the short distance, she could clearly hear the conversation from the neighboring table.

Ye Yun withdrew her gaze and set down her teacup. Her plummeting heartbeat and the oppressive proximity forced her to find something to steady herself.

She casually picked up a wine glass beside her. Zhou Zeyang glanced at her: “What are you doing with my wine?”

Before his words faded, Ye Yun had already swallowed it in one gulp. Zhou Zeyang didn’t argue with her but leaned over to whisper: “That man, people call him the Living King of Hell. In the early days of reform and opening up, he seized economic opportunities and made a fortune through trade fairs. Relying on this success, he traveled to various places to meet business partners and expand his operations. He’s a ruthless man. The industrial product fair in Xicheng left a deep impact, and the next one will be held here. Many want to ingratiate themselves with him.”

Zhou Zeyang’s words lingered in Ye Yun’s mind. She took another sip of wine; the spicy taste slid down her throat as her blood began to circulate.

Boss Yu returned after catching wind of the situation. As soon as he sat down, he said to Zhou Zeyang: “How about going over to offer a toast?”

Zhou Zeyang smiled: “Boss Yu leads the charge, and I’ll follow closely.”

Considering there was no intermediary to introduce them, approaching so boldly might provoke反感 (offense). Boss Yu temporarily suggested: “Let’s observe for now.”

As soon as these words fell, sure enough, someone came bearing drinks, but before nearing the screen, they were politely turned back.

Boss Yu muttered disappointedly: “It’s good I didn’t lead the charge. But our position is excellent for getting a close look at this figure.”

As he spoke, both Boss Yu and Zhou Zeyang simultaneously raised their heads, unabashedly staring at Bai Wenfu. Bai Wenfu sat among several people, one hand resting on the armrest, his posture relaxed and at ease. Regarding his appearance, it was quite deceptive; just looking at him, one couldn’t judge his exact age. He lacked the greasiness and sloppiness of older men and the immaturity and awkwardness of younger men. His eyes weren’t particularly gentle or kind, exuding a sense of stability and unique charm.

Boss Yu, dealing in fabrics, and Zhou Zeyang running a garment factory, were in an area where clothing mattered. Naturally, the first thing they noticed was attire.

Bai Wenfu wore a deep gray slanted-front suit. Compared to the trendy structured suits of today, his suit was particularly well-fitted and high-quality, enhancing his sharp气质 (aura).

Boss Yu said leisurely: “I heard he rose to prominence halfway through. Judging by his attire, he doesn’t seem like a nouveau riche.”

“This man roamed Hudu in his early years, following figures like Zhao Zhijing. He has seen the world.” Zhou Zeyang added.

Boss Yu raised his eyebrows: “No wonder. He has a background.”

Ye Yun sat aside, lowering her gaze to listen to their conversation. Speaking of attire, when she first met Bai Wenfu, his style was different from the men in Ertailiang Lane. While most people still wore old-fashioned black, gray, and blue coats, he had already donned a leather jacket. Even now, a leather jacket was considered a luxury item, let alone his deliberately torn jeans, which she had accidentally sewn up.

These two openly discussing Bai Wenfu surely caught his attention. He shifted his gaze towards them. Boss Yu suddenly locked eyes with Bai Wenfu. Just as he raised his glass to salute across the air, Bai Wenfu averted his head.

Zhou Zeyang steered the conversation back, saying to Boss Yu: “If Boss Yu has no issues, we can formally visit your factory tomorrow, how’s that?”

While Zhou Zeyang maneuvered with Boss Yu, Ye Yun sat silently drinking闷酒 (brooding alcohol). Several times Zhou Zeyang sent glances her way, but she appeared absent-minded.

She couldn’t settle her heart. In the short span of ten minutes, her emotions were repeatedly tormented by him. She almost forgot he was a skilled puppeteer, effortlessly manipulating people’s emotions without breaking a sweat.

Ye Yun’s gaze landed on Bai Wenfu like mist, her pupils reflecting fragmented light, drifting gently.

Bai Wenfu was speaking, lifting his eyelids and turning his gaze. His eyes resembled a dark sea.

Through the screen, their eyes met, and they exchanged silent glances. Ye Yun lowered her eyelashes and lifted her slender wrist, handing the wine glass to Xiao Fu beside her: “Pour some wine.”

Xiao Fu took the glass, stood up, busied himself pouring wine, brought it back to her, and obediently sat beside her again. True to his role as an assistant, his eyes followed his boss, ready to act on her command.

Ye Yun accepted the wine, took a sip, and refrained from looking at him again.

Bai Wenfu narrowed his eyes slightly, his lips pressing together.

Boss Yu, changing his previously agreeable attitude, hesitated: “Boss Ye, Factory Manager Zhou, to be honest, our factory is relatively tight on funds this year. Handling such a large volume of goods indeed strains us. How about I release part of the goods to you first?”

Ye Yun wasn’t surprised by Boss Yu’s sudden change in attitude.

On the other hand, Zhou Zeyang frowned: “What do you mean by part of the goods? We can’t possibly tell our partners that we’re delivering only part of the order. Once the goods are out, they go in full batches. Besides, didn’t we just finalize everything?”

Boss Yu showed a troubled expression: “Brother Zhou, I also want to cooperate with you for mutual benefit. However, while talking to you earlier, I overlooked some risks, like the funding issue. If you delay even slightly, I’d have to stop operations too. This isn’t a small matter; we need to carefully consider it.”

Ye Yun turned her head, scanning the hall and fixing her gaze on Yan Shihua. Yan Shihua noticed Ye Yun looking at him and gave her a provocative glance.

Seizing the opportunity, Ye Yun looked at Boss Yu and said: “Last month, I met with Boss Yan and discussed cooperation. He agreed to supply us with goods, but he proposed a condition: he wants me to become one of his own.”

After Ye Yun’s words, not only did Boss Yu’s face change slightly, but even Zhou Zeyang raised his eyebrows.

She continued: “I naturally refused. We conduct business properly, selling goods, inspiration, and designs, not people. Boss Yu, don’t you agree?”

“Yes, yes,” Boss Yu echoed.

“After rejecting Boss Yan, he became furious and threatened to use his connections to prevent other factories from supplying us. I told our people that Boss Yan wouldn’t be so petty. In our industry, there are still many upright individuals. But look, you were just discussing everything smoothly with our Factory Manager Zhou, and upon returning, you changed your mind.”

This straightforward speech placed Boss Yu in a difficult position. If he admitted being influenced by Yan Shihua, he would be labeled as unrighteous. He hurriedly distanced himself.

“Don’t misunderstand. I reconsidered and realized our risk tolerance is insufficient. It has nothing to do with Boss Yan.”

Ye Yun held her wine glass, her slender neck slightly raised, exuding an untouchable, cold elegance: “Honestly, if we don’t work with you, we aren’t without options. There are plenty of factories waiting to take orders. At worst, we can go to distant places to source goods, accepting lower profits. But Boss Yu, do you value business or personal favors more? A single word from Yan Shihua makes you willingly abandon a big order. Those unaware might think he saved your life.”

The same speech, if delivered by Zhou Zeyang, would likely result in a confrontational atmosphere between men.

However, coming from Ye Yun, it had the opposite effect. She used Yan Shihua’s impure intentions to portray herself as the victim, then subtly prodded at business interests and reputation, making her originally sharp statement appear soft yet cutting, striking at Boss Yu’s weak spot.

If Boss Yu rejected this collaboration, he would inevitably be grouped with Yan Shihua, risking an undeserved sullied reputation. Reputation was crucial in their business. Although he knew Yan Shihua, he didn’t need to sacrifice business and credibility for his words.

After weighing the pros and cons, Boss Yu proposed: “Let me suggest something. What do you think?”

Ye Yun and Zhou Zeyang exchanged glances, seeing a glimmer of hope.

“Find a middleman to act as a guarantor. Given the payment terms are unfavorable to me, I need some assurance.”

Both Ye Yun and Zhou Zeyang fell silent. Boss Yu’s proposal wasn’t unreasonable. Previous bosses they contacted had backed off after hearing their payment terms. At least Boss Yu was willing to take a risk.

But the critical question remained: where to find a guarantor at this moment? It wasn’t as simple as pulling someone off the street. They needed someone with some influence and a recognizable name, otherwise, Boss Yu likely wouldn’t budge.

Just as the atmosphere grew tense, Bai Wenfu shifted slightly and instructed someone beside him. Soon, a burly man in navy blue clothes approached their table and said something utterly unexpected.

“Our Mr. Bai says he can act as the guarantor.”

Everyone at the table simultaneously looked toward the neighboring table. Bai Wenfu lowered his head, holding his teacup, his features serene.

Boss Yu, caught off guard, asked Zhou Zeyang: “Do you know him?”

Zhou Zeyang was equally surprised but maintained a calm facade, giving Boss Yu the illusion of inscrutability.

The man in navy blue addressed Boss Yu: “If this boss agrees, we can sign an agreement with you.”

“It’s an honor. Can we go offer Mr. Bai a toast?” Boss Yu looked at Zhou Zeyang, who felt something was amiss and didn’t respond.

Sure enough, the man in navy blue continued: “No need for a toast. Mr. Bai wishes to invite this lady for a dance. We hope you’ll oblige.”

Ye Yun, her heart unsettled, raised her eyes. Seeing Bai Wenfu already standing and heading outside the screen, all eyes in the room focused on her.

Zhou Zeyang stood up and leaned toward Ye Yun, lowering his voice: “Although this is a rare opportunity to connect with him, if you’re unwilling, we can decline.”

Bai Wenfu’s steps halted outside their screen. Whether she accepted or refused, from the moment he extended the invitation, he had pulled Ye Yun into the spotlight, leaving her nowhere to hide. At this moment, countless eyes were on her. Refusing would make everyone lose face, including herself.

Ye Yun drank the last sip of wine and gracefully stood up: “It’s just a dance.”

Her words were light, whether directed at Zhou Zeyang or herself.

Boss Yu had already stood up to clear the way for Ye Yun to exit.

The crisp sound of high heels approached slowly. Bai Wenfu turned to look at her, his pitch-black pupils like ink, unfathomable.

As she met his gaze, he extended his hand. Ye Yun lowered her eyes, gazing at the familiar, broad palm, momentarily dazed.

The person controlling the music seemed astute. At this moment, the music in the hall changed to a mellower tune, flowing notes filling the air. Bai Wenfu’s low, magnetic voice resonated, vibrating against her heart: “Take your time to consider. I can wait.”

The long-forgotten yet familiar voice sank into her heart, the rhythm of her heartbeat pounding against her eardrums. The shimmering light danced brilliantly. He stood before her, extending his hand, creating a scene that made Ye Yun feel as if she were dreaming.

Holding her breath, she lifted her wrist. The moment her hand fell into his palm, Bai Wenfu tightened his fingers. His other hand gently grasped her supple waist, enveloping her in his cool presence. The warmth from his fingertips instantly seeped through her skin into her heart, causing her to tremble slightly.

Her body’s sensitivity to him once again confirmed those uncontrollable physiological reactions. Past extreme madness and endless entanglement had left an indelible experience ingrained in her bones, making her body send signals she couldn’t explain. Once he approached, the marks he left immediately surfaced, controlling her nerves, senses, and every cell in her body, making them leap.

He noticed her subtle reaction, a barely visible curve flickering across his lips, vanishing in an instant.

There were many rumors about Bai Wenfu lately. Regardless of how the stories spread, everyone knew he had been disabled in the past, with mobility issues. Despite seeing his figure at the ball, no one expected him to dance.

But here he was, inviting a lady. Naturally, curious gazes followed, eager to see which beauty had moved Boss Bai to disregard his condition and invite her to dance.

The spotlight descended, and the velvet gown Ye Yun wore, which initially appeared matte, now shimmered softly. The cascading fabric gained a luxurious visual effect under the lights.

The tailored fit showcased her exquisite proportions perfectly. Murmurs erupted in the crowd, people inquiring about the identity of the woman in the center.

However, these murmurs were automatically filtered out by Ye Yun. She neither heard nor saw them. The man’s presence overwhelmed her senses, focusing all her attention on him. The tension of dancing with him still transcended time and space, lingering in her heart.

His appearance hadn’t changed much—clear contours, an upright figure. Even in a suit, his inherently rebellious aura was like an inescapable net.

Their first dance was in that small dance hall. Bound by ethics and moral constraints, his hand always hovered lightly at her waist. This time, without asking if she was single, he grasped her waist in full view, creating a suffocating situation that left Ye Yun feeling slightly panicked.