Chapter 358: Settling the Score with the Female Devil!

Lin Yuan was completely dazed; when his lips were suddenly covered by something soft, he even forgot to breathe.

Zhao Yuyan's lips carried the fresh sweetness of strawberries she had just bought, mingling with the cool, sharp perfume on her skin, creating an oddly alluring aura that left his mind blank in an instant.

Before he could react, Zhao Yuyan actively deepened the kiss, warmly and gently prying open his lips and teeth, exploring with irresistible passion, entwining him like a vine, delicate and lingering.

Lin Yuan's body first stiffened, his fingers unconsciously clutching the tablecloth, but upon touching the fine fabric of Zhao Yuyan's back and feeling her slight trembling breath, his tense nerves inexplicably loosened a bit, and he instinctively raised his hand to lightly support her waist.

The sunset outside streamed through the blinds, casting mottled light and shadow over the two of them; the food on the table still steamed, the air filled with the aroma of food and an ambiguous sweetness, as if time slowed in that moment, leaving only the mingling of lips and teeth and the thunder of heartbeats.

After an unknown amount of time, when Lin Yuan felt his breathing grow slightly hurried, his mind finally snapped back!

What am I doing?

Lin Yuan this time gently pushed Zhao Yuyan's shoulders, pulling her away from his embrace.

He lowered his gaze to the back of his hand and saw a few faint lipstick marks; looking at Zhao Yuyan, her lips were reddened from the kiss, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, making her especially moving.

Zhao Yuyan did not avoid his gaze; instead, she leaned forward, her fingertip lightly touching the lipstick mark at the corner of his mouth, her voice a little hoarse yet utterly sincere:

"At first I approached you because I indeed wanted to use you; Nine Honors International is now expanding its business territory, and I needed a reliable person to help me gain a foothold, so I deliberately got close to you."

"But after getting along with you for a while, I found I couldn't help falling for you—what should I do?" Zhao Yuyan bit her red lips, her beautiful eyes misty as she spoke.

Lin Yuan opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a word.

He looked at Zhao Yuyan before him, stripped of all dominance and showing a fragile side, his heart felt as if struck by something, tangled in a knot.

Lin Yuan sighed, "We two are fundamentally unsuitable."

Zhao Yuyan tightened her grip on his arm, rubbed her cheek against his shoulder, her voice still trembling with tears: "Why aren't we suitable?"

Lin Yuan closed his eyes, as if trying to force the words out, each syllable hoarse: "Never mind personality—you're from Nine Honors International, I'm just an ordinary person; our status and family don't match in any way."

He raised his hand and gently pushed Zhao Yuyan away, self-mocking: "I'm like a mouse hiding in the dark, while you are a phoenix soaring high—I'm not worthy of you."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuyan didn't retreat; instead, she leaned forward, grabbed Lin Yuan's wrist, her eyes shining astonishingly, her voice without a hint of hesitation: "I don't care about those things—status and family mean nothing; I just like you, Lin Yuan."

Lin Yuan still wanted to say more, but Zhao Yuyan had already released his hand, turned, and snatched the bottle of rice wine he himself had brewed from the table, the bottle still warm.

She didn't look for a cup, simply twisted off the cap, tipped her head back, and gulped a large mouthful; the sweet aroma of the rice wine mixed with alcohol instantly spread, some trickling down the corner of her mouth.

Lin Yuan instinctively tried to stop her, his hand reaching halfway then halting; he could only watch as Zhao Yuyan took another gulp, her cheeks flushing visibly fast, her eyes gradually becoming dazed.

"Don't drink anymore..." Lin Yuan's voice sounded panicked as he reached to snatch the bottle, but Zhao Yuyan tilted her head to dodge.

Zhao Yuyan set the bottle down on the table with a light thud, swayed her body, yet fixed her gaze firmly on Lin Yuan, bold from drink: "I'm not drunk... Lin Yuan, I know what you're worried about."

She shifted her chair forward, nearly pressing herself against Lin Yuan, her warm breath full of the sweet scent of rice wine, she grabbed his hand and placed it on her chest: "You're just afraid of the Goddess Phoenix, aren't you? I don't want to wait any longer—tonight... I want to be with you..."

Lin Yuan's hand touched her warm skin, as if scalded, making him want to pull back, but Zhao Yuyan gripped it tightly, refusing to loosen at all.

He looked at Zhao Yuyan's reddened eye sockets; her gaze held no usual fragility, only the resolute determination of burning one's boats, and his heart began to race uncontrollably again.

"You're drunk, Zhao Yuyan, let's talk tomorrow..." Lin Yuan tried to pry her hand open, his voice full of helplessness, even his address unconsciously softening.

Zhao Yuyan shook her head, her other hand crawling up his arm to lightly hook his neck, bringing her face extremely close, their noses almost touching: "I'm not drunk... I'm completely sober; I just want to be with you, Lin Yuan..."

Her voice carried the slur of drink, yet each word struck Lin Yuan's heart clearly; her warm lips hovered near his corner, brimming with irresistible passion.

Lin Yuan's body froze in place, gazing into Zhao Yuyan's eyes inches away, which reflected his own flustered state; his heart felt blocked, making even breathing difficult.

The rice wine bottle on the table still swayed slightly, its sweet, heavy perfume filling the air, mingling with their hurried breaths, making the whole room feel scorching.

Seeing he didn't move, Zhao Yuyan leaned in again, her lips lightly brushing his mouth corner, voice tinged with grievance yet firm: "Do you still think I'm not worthy of you... or that you simply don't like me?"

Lin Yuan opened his mouth, wanting to say no, but realized he couldn't utter a complete sentence; he could only watch Zhao Yuyan's tears fall again, landing hot on the back of his hand.

Zhao Yuyan's hand slowly loosened from his neck, then gripped the hem of his clothes, giving a gentle tug, her drunken dependence evident: "Lin Yuan... don't push me away, okay?"

Lin Yuan watched her drunken yet fragile and bold demeanor; his inner struggle intensified—on one side, inferiority from the status gap; on the other, Zhao Yuyan's unreserved affection—leaving him torn.

He took a deep breath, attempting to help her back onto the chair, his voice extremely soft: "Please sit first; being drunk makes you uncomfortable, I'll go get you a cup of warm water..."

Zhao Yuyan, however, sprang to her feet, swayed, then lunged straight into Lin Yuan's embrace, both arms tightly clasping his waist, her cheek pressed to his chest, her voice muffled: "I don't want warm water... I just want you... Lin Yuan, I just want you..."

Lin Yuan held her swaying, almost collapsing body, feeling her warm breath seep through his shirt; his inner defenses began to crumble bit by bit, leaving only overwhelming panic and helplessness.

Zhao Yuyan's hand, which had been gripping Lin Yuan's waist, suddenly loosened; her fingertips hooked the collar of her long dress, and with a drunken boldness she pulled down hard, exposing a small patch of pale shoulder.

Lin Yuan's pupils contracted sharply; he instinctively raised his hand to stop her, his voice full of panic: "What are you doing! Don't do this!"

Zhao Yuyan turned her head to dodge his hand, her other hand reaching out to grasp the hem and pull it down; the skirt slid along her leg to her ankles, revealing the light-colored underslip beneath.

"I want you... tonight I want to become your woman..." Her voice slurred with drink, yet her eyes remained resolute as she reached again to undo the buttons of her underslip.

Lin Yuan could no longer hesitate; he seized both her wrists with force enough to make Zhao Yuyan faintly frown, his voice trembling: "Stop! Zhao Yuyan, sober up!"

Zhao Yuyan struggled hard, her wrists rubbing red marks in his palm, her voice full of resentment and obstinacy: "I'm perfectly sober! Lin Yuan, why do you always avoid me!"

Lin Yuan looked at her half-exposed shoulder and reddened eye sockets, his heart both anxious and chaotic, knowing anything he said now would fall on deaf ears; he could only grit his teeth and swiftly raise his other hand.

His fingertips, though hesitant, still pressed precisely onto Zhao Yuyan's cervical acupoint; the motion was light yet firm, and her body instantly stiffened, unable to move an inch.

He sealed her acupoint, rendering Zhao Yuyan immobile.

"What... did you do to me?" Zhao Yuyan's beautiful eyes lost focus; she could only emit faint sounds, her gaze filled with confusion and grievance, tears welling again in her sockets.

She realized her body could not move at all—how strange.

Lin Yuan released his grip on her wrists, looked at the long dress fallen to the floor, bent to pick it up; his fingertips touching the fabric still retained Zhao Yuyan's warmth.

He approached Zhao Yuyan, carefully lifting her arm and slipping the long dress back onto her, his movements as gentle as handling fragile porcelain.

The hem slid down her body; Lin Yuan reached to zip the back, his fingertips occasionally brushing her spine, feeling her stiffness and slight tremors.

"Sorry." Lin Yuan's voice was soft as a sigh; he reached to tidy her disheveled collar, covering the exposed shoulder again.

He bent sideways and lifted Zhao Yuyan into a horizontal hold; her body went limp against him, she could only look at him with her eyes, tears finally tracing her cheeks and dropping onto his arm.

Lin Yuan carried her toward the bedroom, his steps extremely light, fearing any jostling would discomfort her; the living-room light fell on them, casting long shadows.

He pushed open the bedroom door, gently laid Zhao Yuyan on the bed, pulled over a thin blanket and covered her chest, then carefully brushed her hair free from the covers.

Zhao Yuyan lay on the bed unable to move, only able to watch Lin Yuan, emitting soft whimpering sounds, as if accusing him of "cruelty."

Lin Yuan stood at the bedside, silently gazing at her for a few seconds, then reached to gently wipe the tears from her cheeks, his voice so soft it could drip water: "Miss Zhao, you're drunk; calm down. You can sleep here tonight, and you'll be fine when you wake tomorrow."

He slowly straightened up, lingered no longer, turned and left the bedroom.

Only Zhao Yuyan lay alone on his bedroom bed……

……

After closing the door, Lin Yuan leaned against the cold door panel, hands propping his forehead, his heart still pounding; the image of Zhao Yuyan undressing just moments ago lingered in his mind, impossible to shake.

The rice wine bottle still sat on the table in the living room, its sweet, cloying aroma drifting through the air, yet it made Lin Yuan feel a tightness in his chest, his breathing growing heavy.

Occasionally, Zhao Yuyan's muffled sobs came from the bedroom; Lin Yuan clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms, yet he never pushed the door open.

He knew that indulging now would only make things worse between them, and that he could never bridge the gap of their statuses; he could only use this "ruthless" approach to let her calm down.

……

The next day, Zhao Yuyan slowly opened her eyes on the bedroom bed; the hangover headache still carried a slight numbness, she moved her fingers and found her body could move freely, the stiffness from last night's acupuncture seal long gone.

She sat up, the thin blanket slipping from her shoulders to reveal the neat undershirt beneath; instantly, the scene of last night—her undressing, Lin Yuan stopping her, and sealing her acupuncture points—flashed in her mind, her cheeks flushing crimson.

She lifted the blanket, got out of bed, walked to the bedroom door, and gently cracked it open, seeing Lin Yuan sitting on the living-room sofa, elbows on knees, head buried in his hands, as if he hadn't slept all night.

Zhao Yuyan took a deep breath, adjusted her long skirt, made sure her attire was neat, then gently pushed open the bedroom door, her steps light, fearful of disturbing Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan heard the movement, lifted his head, his eyes rimmed with obvious red veins; upon seeing Zhao Yuyan, a flicker of panic crossed his gaze before he regained composure and stood: "You're awake?"

Zhao Yuyan didn't answer, merely walking to the dining table, eyeing the unfinished water cup and the rice wine bottle half-empty, she fell silent for a few seconds before turning her head to Lin Yuan; her eyes held no trace of last night's grievance or agitation, only calm.

"I'm sorry about last night." Zhao Yuyan spoke first, her voice soft yet earnest, no longer the slur of drunkenness: "I was too impulsive."

Lin Yuan startled, not expecting her to apologize first; he opened his mouth, but all he could say was: "It's fine, you were just drunk."

Zhao Yuyan looked at him, her gaze growing resolute; she walked up to Lin Yuan, stopped, lifted her eyes to his, and said word by word: "Lin Yuan, I know your reservations, and I know you think we're unsuitable."

Lin Yuan wanted to explain, but Zhao Yuyan raised a hand to cut him off; her fingertips were slightly cool, yet they didn't touch his skin, merely hovering in midair: "But I won't give up."

"What Zhao Yuyan wants, she has never failed to obtain." Her voice carried unquestionable determination, her eyes shining astonishingly: "Lin Yuan, I will surely win you over—I swear."

Lin Yuan looked at her resolute expression, his heart jolted; the words he wanted to say lodged in his throat, and he could only stare at her, unable to utter a rebuttal.

Having said that, Zhao Yuyan lingered no longer, turned and left the apartment……

……

Over the next few days, after Lin Yuan's promotion, his work became busier.

After assuming the position of Deputy Director of the Wind Control Department, Lu Chengyu would assign him all sorts of miscellaneous tasks each day.

Lin Yuan went to work under pressure.

On the surface Lin Yuan had been promoted and given a raise, but what he faced…… was the constant risk of being fired.

Because Lu Chengyu and the entire Wind Control Department had been targeting Lin Yuan.

As long as Lin Yuan was slightly careless, he would fall into a trap, make a mistake, and be dismissed; thus he now goes to work each day, extra cautious.

……

After a full day's work at the company, only toward evening did Lin Yuan stretch, preparing to leave work.

His phone in his pocket suddenly rang.

He pulled out his phone, saw the name "Bai Lu" on the screen, hesitated for two seconds before pressing answer, his voice tinged with after‑work fatigue: "Hello, Teacher Bai?"

"Lin Yuan, are you off work?" came Bai Lu's unusually enthusiastic voice from the other end.

Lin Yuan leaned against his desk, fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of his coat, and replied offhand: "Just about to leave, what's up?"

"It's about DaShu—the barbecue‑shop owner you met last time, DaShu, you remember? His son has leukemia and has been hospitalized. His son XiaoRui was discharged today." Bai Lu's voice brimmed with excitement: "XiaoRui saw my earlier wall painting and wants to learn to draw, so DaShu called me."

Lin Yuan gave an "mm," recalling the earlier barbecue‑shop owner DaShu…… worrying over his son's illness, and his own heart eased: "That's great, as long as the kid recovers."

"Yeah! I'm heading to DaShu's barbecue place tonight to teach XiaoRui to draw; I thought if you're free, you might want to join." Bai Lu shifted tone, extending the invitation: "It's perfect—you know DaShu too, let's all have a lively time. Miss Hong Wenyan will also be there tonight."

Lin Yuan's voice cut off abruptly; his previously relaxed body tensed instantly, and his brow involuntarily furrowed.

That barbecue joint, however, is the turf of the female demoness, Hong Wenyan's domain.

DaShu is also a member of the K Group.

I never expected Hong Wenyan to be going tonight as well?

Lin Yuan didn't want any involvement with the K Group, and even less did he want to meet the female demoness.

Lin Yuan gripped the phone and replied: "I…… I might not be available tonight."

"Not available?" Bai Lu's tone showed surprise, her speech slowing: "Is there still unfinished work? If later is fine, I can wait."

Lin Yuan took a deep breath, walked to the window to watch the traffic below, and spoke gently: "It's not about work…… it's…… I don't really want to go to DaShu's barbecue place."

On the other end, Bai Lu paused, then said: "I understand—you're afraid of running into Miss Hong Wenyan, aren't you?"

Lin Yuan offered no explanation, tacitly admitting it.

On the other end, Bai Lu said: "I've interacted with Miss Hong a few times; I think she's a nice person—maybe there's some misunderstanding between you two."

Lin Yuan blinked at her words: "You two have been in contact?"

On the call, Bai Lu nodded and said, "You didn't know, huh? Miss Hong has been liking and interacting with my social‑media posts lately, occasionally commenting on painting topics; we've chatted quite a bit recently."

"You've chatted a lot?" Lin Yuan exclaimed, incredulous, gripping the phone tighter: "What have you talked about?"

Bai Lu didn't notice his shock, continuing on her own: "At first we talked about painting; she said she was quite interested in color coordination, and mentioned she'd like to study with me when she has time."

Lin Yuan's brows knotted tighter, his doubts surging like a tide.

But before he could speak, Bai Lu's tone shifted lightly: "However, Miss Hong deliberately mentioned to me that I should stay away from you, and even said…… that you're a scumbag."

"A scum‑bag?" Lin Yuan was speechless.

Lin Yuan opened his mouth to retort, to press further, but suddenly shook his head, a thought he'd never had before flashing into his mind—could Hong Wenyan possibly be a lesbian?

His heart clenched suddenly, his hand gripping the phone trembling a bit, his voice gaining urgency: "Bai Lu, hear me out—when you've been in contact with Hong Wenyan lately, have you felt she's been…… overly enthusiastic toward you?"

Bai Lu blinked, her tone doubtful: "Enthusiastic? I think it's fine; she's just been pretty keen when we talk about painting—what's up?"

"Don't brush it off!" Lin Yuan's voice rose unintentionally, full of worry: "I suspect she might like women; she's been clinging to you to learn painting, possibly with ulterior motives—you really ought to keep your distance from her!"

On the other end, there was a few seconds of silence, then Bai Lu uttered a soft "oh……", revealing little emotion, as if she hadn't fully grasped Lin Yuan's meaning.

Lin Yuan still wanted to add a few more words when Bai Lu's voice sounded again, tinged with a hesitant request: "Um…… Lin Yuan, I know you don't want to go, but could you still accompany me?"

Lin Yuan frowned, about to refuse, but Bai Lu hurriedly added, "I've already driven to the entrance of your company's building, right at the parking lot entrance. If you don't come out, I'll be alone facing Hong Wenyan, and I'm a bit nervous… After all, you just said she likes women…".

Lin Yuan sighed helplessly, looked downstairs, and sure enough, Bai Lu's BMW sedan was parked there.

"All right, I'll come down, let's go together," Lin Yuan could only agree.

Lin Yuan and Director Su took leave, saying he had a date with Bai Lu tonight, so he couldn't drive Director Su home.

Su Mo Nong immediately approved when she heard Lin Yuan was going on a date.

After Lin Yuan went downstairs, Bai Lu enthusiastically opened the car door for him.

It was exactly the time to get off work.

Many coworkers at the company entrance saw this scene.

The coworkers were shocked and envious.

How does Lin Yuan keep getting new beautiful women to pick him up?

His luck with women is just too good!

This scene was also seen by the young miss Su Zhiyuan. Su Zhiyuan had just driven out in her sports car, saw this scene, and it made her half‑dead with anger; she was jealous!

At the entrance, Gu Shiyan and Zhao Tian had just gotten off work and also saw this scene.

The two women had some self‑awareness; their eyes showed a hint of dimness and loss, but neither said anything.

Lin Yuan got into Bai Lu's BMW and drove off…

……

Twenty minutes later, Lin Yuan and Bai Lu arrived at DaShu's barbecue stall.

As Lin Yuan followed Bai Lu into the barbecue shop, DaShu was waiting at the door holding XiaoRui's hand; the six‑year‑old boy wore a soft washed‑blue jacket, his face still a little pale, but when he saw them come, his eyes lit up and he instinctively hid behind DaShu, his body still showing the weakness after illness.

"Lin Yuan, Miss Bai Lu, you're finally here!" DaShu hurried over, smiling as he patted Lin Yuan's shoulder, then lowered his head to ruffle XiaoRui's hair, softly coaxing, "XiaoRui, quickly call Bai Lu teacher; from now on she'll be teaching you to draw."

XiaoRui gripped DaShu's shirt hem, shyly lifted his eyes to look at Bai Lu, moved his little mouth, and finally uttered a soft, "Bai… Bai Lu teacher."

Bai Lu immediately bent down, her eyes smiling like crescent moons, gently touched XiaoRui's cheek, and said in an extremely soft voice, "XiaoRui, you're so good; shall we first draw the little dog you like?"

XiaoRui nodded firmly, a faint smile appearing on his pale little face; DaShu, seeing his son's look, felt his eyes redden, turned and went to the back counter: "You sit first, I'll get the prepared drawing paper and crayons out, Miss Bai Lu, the money for the drawing lessons…"

"DaShu, please don't mention money again!" Bai Lu waved him off before he could finish, pulling XiaoRui to sit at the window‑side table, "Drawing with the child makes me so happy I can't even think straight—how could I take money?"

DaShu still wanted to say something, but Lin Yuan also urged, "DaShu, since Bai Lu said that, don't stand on ceremony—just leave us two skewers of grilled meat from now on."

Those words made DaShu laugh, and he no longer insisted; he turned into the back kitchen, and shortly emerged carrying a stack of drawing paper and a set of colorful crayons, also lugging a big bag of fresh seafood: "I specially picked live shrimp and shellfish at the market today for us to grill; Miss Bai Lu, don't stop me—this isn't a 'tuition fee' for the teacher, just a token of friendship between us."

Bai Lu looked at the bag overflowing with seafood, jumped up anxiously: "DaShu, this is too much, how expensive! We two can't eat all of this—quickly keep some for yourself to sell!"

"Hey, just eat if I let you eat!" DaShu said, walking to the grill and skillfully lighting the fire: "XiaoRui just left the hospital, he also needs some nourishment—perfect, let's eat together."

Bai Lu still wanted to persuade him, but XiaoRui had already picked up a yellow crayon, looked up at her, and asked, "Bai Lu teacher, shall we start drawing now?"

Bai Lu immediately stopped talking, smiled, sat beside XiaoRui, and hand‑in‑hand taught him how to hold the crayon: "Let's first draw the puppy's ears, like little triangles, lightly…"

Lin Yuan sat in the chair beside them, watching Bai Lu patiently teach XiaoRui to draw, and DaShu's busy silhouette at the grill; the air was filled with the warmth of the charcoal fire, his inner tension gradually eased, even his earlier worries about Hong Wenyan faded a bit.

But before this warm atmosphere could last long, a harsh engine roar suddenly came from outside the barbecue shop; one after another, black BMW 7 Series pulled up along the roadside, their bodies glinting coldly under the streetlights, dozens of cars lined up, blocking the road in front of the shop completely.

Lin Yuan's heart sank; he had just stood up when he saw a mass of black‑clad people pouring out of the cars—several hundred of them, dressed in identical black suits, moving in unison toward the barbecue shop, their footsteps heavy on the ground, making his heart feel uneasy.

The crowd parted to make a path; Hong Wenyan walked forward in a sharply tailored black dress, black stiletto heels, her skirt swaying slightly with each step, expressionless, her eyes cold as she stared straight into the shop.

It's Hong Wenyan! She's here!

Lin Yuan instantly tensed his body, instinctively stepping in front of Bai Lu.

Lin Yuan quietly clenched his fist, a few silver needles instantly appearing in his palm.

Lin Yuan's mind held only one thought…… This Hong Wenyan, she really is coming for me!

Looking at tonight's showdown, is she here to settle the score with me?!