Chapter Nine: The Ambition of the Xia Family Patriarch

In the blink of an eye, it was five o’clock in the afternoon, right outside the gates of Meiting Group.

Chen Fan stood waiting for Xia Xin, dressed in a sharp black suit and holding a bouquet of fresh flowers in his hands. He was handsome, charming, and elegant, shining like a movie star. Passersby couldn’t help but glance his way, some even snapping photos.

Chen Fan had once been known as the Young Master of East City, not merely because he belonged to the Chen family, but because he was a strikingly attractive man in his own right. He radiated an irresistible charm, the kind that made men jealous and women swoon.

At that moment, several young, beautiful women approached him. One of them waved her phone playfully and said, “Hey handsome, we’d all like to get to know you. How about adding us on WeChat?”

She smiled alluringly as she spoke.

Chen Fan smiled apologetically and waved his hand, “Sorry, but I’m about to get married.”

“What? You look so young—why take the plunge so soon?” another teased.

“Besides, just because you're married doesn't mean you can't have some fun. We’re not bad girls, just friends, right?”

“Exactly. We’re pretty open-minded, and if mistakes happen, you won’t have to take responsibility for them!”

“It’s fine, your girlfriend won’t know. We won’t interfere with your relationship,” they continued, each taking turns to pester Chen Fan, as if determined to convince him to add them on WeChat.

“I’m too old for you young folks—I can’t keep up!” Chen Fan said with a bitter smile.

“Pfft, so timid! Your girlfriend must be a real tiger. Are you sure you dare to get married?”

“Whatever. Anyway, sorry!”

Seeing that Chen Fan refused to agree, the girls’ friendly smiles quickly turned into expressions of disdain. They shot him dirty looks and left.

Chen Fan was unbothered, turning to look toward the entrance of Meiting Group, where he saw Xia Xin standing with a dark expression, her gaze as sharp as a blade. He gave her an awkward smile.

“Here, these flowers are for you!” Chen Fan walked over and offered the bouquet with enthusiasm.

Xia Xin refused to take them, her tone sarcastic, “A tigress doesn’t deserve flowers. You should give them to those girls from earlier. Even after all these years away from East City, you’re still as irresistible as ever.”

Chen Fan smiled as if on stage and replied, “I did exactly as you asked. They wanted me to add them on WeChat, but I didn’t. After all, I’m about to get married.”

She scoffed, “Why explain to me? If you want to add them, go ahead—we’re not married yet!”

Xia Xin let out a cold laugh but finally accepted the flowers, aware that many employees inside were watching. If she didn’t take them, they wouldn’t look like a couple.

She led Chen Fan toward the parking lot, criticizing him as they walked, “You say you’re following my instructions, but I told you we’re meeting my parents. You’re showing up empty-handed—aren’t you afraid they’ll throw you out?”

“Whether I bring gifts isn’t important. What matters is that they’ll try to persuade you not to marry me. After all, someone like me—a faded rich heir—is far from their ideal son-in-law.”

Chen Fan spread his hands and shrugged. “This so-called family meeting is really just a chance for me to be scolded. Gifts won’t make any difference to them.”

His words made Xia Xin stop in her tracks, her brows furrowing slightly. “You can guess that much?”

If things turned out as Chen Fan predicted, the meeting would be anything but easy. She’d need to mentally prepare herself.

Suddenly, Chen Fan gave Xia Xin a meaningful smile. “Of course. Don’t be fooled by my time working outside—I understand human nature perfectly well. The only reason you want to marry me is to use me as a cover for your ambition to seize the Xia family’s leadership.”