Chapter 709: Promoted Again!

Lin Yuan saw the situation, slowly pushed open the car door and got out.

Lin Yuan's aura…… instantly became tense, and he spoke in a cold tone:

"Miss Le, you stopped my car—what's the matter?"

Lin Yuan's right hand…… slipped into his sleeve, his fingertips already gripping a Silver Needle, staying on guard.

Lin Yuan well knew the strength of Le Tian Group, and also understood that Le Wei'er mobilizing like this certainly wasn't a mere coincidence.

Le Wei'er walked slowly up to Lin Yuan, the corner of her mouth curling into a charming…… and slightly provocative smile.

Le Wei'er crossed her arms, speaking casually:

"Nothing wrong with wanting to see you? Mr. Lin, I see you just got off work—you're free, so let me treat you to dinner; we can have a good chat, how about that?"

Le Wei'er's eyes swept up and down Lin Yuan, hiding a barely perceptible calculation in their depths.

Lin Yuan's vigilance didn't lessen at all; hearing that, he didn't even think before shaking his head.

Lin Yuan's tone was firm:

"No time."

Having said that, he turned and headed back to his car.

He didn't want to get overly involved with Le Tian Group, nor did he want to attend such a shady dinner gathering.

Seeing Lin Yuan turn and walk away, Le Wei'er's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a cold sneer.

Le Wei'er's tone…… carried an unquestionable threat:

"Oh? No time? Mr. Lin, I advise you to think it over clearly—if you don't have this dinner, then there's nothing left to discuss between us. And if there's nothing to discuss, I'll have no choice but to act against you."

As her words fell, Le Wei'er slowly lifted her head, glanced around, and signaled with her eyes.

Lin Yuan sensed her movement, his heart tightened, and he quickly followed her gaze.

Lin Yuan's face changed instantly——

He saw that every corner of this secluded street was actually filled with dozens of black sedans.

The doors of those dozens of sedans were tightly shut.

And in the shadows at the corners and roadside, a group of tall men in black suits stood silently, each with a stern expression and sharp eyes.

They were precisely the bodyguards of Le Tian Financial Group.

They emanated a cold aura, always on alert, obviously prepared in advance.

Lin Yuan instantly realized he was being surrounded by Le Wei'er.

He knew that if he continued to refuse, Le Wei'er needed only give the order and these bodyguards would rush forward to attack him.

Le Wei'er watched Lin Yuan's tense expression, the corner of her mouth curling up again with a teasing smile.

Le Wei'er's tone softened a bit, yet still held a hint of provocation and suggestion as she spoke slowly:

"Don't be nervous, Lin Yuan—I just want to have a meal with you. This tiny request, you're really going to refuse? Between us, we've at least shared intimacy—how can you be so heartless to turn me down?"

As she spoke, a flicker of ambiguity flashed in her eyes.

She deliberately brought up their past entanglement, trying to break down Lin Yuan's defenses.

Lin Yuan heard the four words "skin-to-skin intimacy," and his face sank slightly.

In Lin Yuan's eyes, a flash of complex emotion passed.

He indeed had a relationship with Le Wei'er.

But Lin Yuan never imagined Le Wei'er would use that to threaten him.

Lin Yuan took a deep breath, suppressing the anger and resentment welling up inside.

Lin Yuan knew that if he didn't agree today, he'd likely find it hard to get away.

Weighing the pros and cons, Lin Yuan could only nod: "Fine, I agree—you lead the way."

Seeing Lin Yuan reluctantly agree, Le Wei'er's smile…… instantly turned radiant.

Le Wei'er's eyes…… were full of smug satisfaction.

Le Wei'er lifted her chin at Lin Yuan, her tone light:

"That's more like it—if you'd done this earlier, everything would've been fine."

Saying that, Le Wei'er turned…… and hurried toward her Ferrari.

She opened the door, got in, and started the engine.

The car let out a low rumble and sped off first……

Its headlights sliced through the night as it raced ahead.

Lin Yuan watched the Ferrari's receding back, helplessly furrowed his brow, turned, and returned to his Tesla sedan.

Lin Yuan started the car and slowly fell in behind……

On the dark street, a Ferrari sped ahead while a Tesla followed closely, their headlights intertwining as they drove toward the unknown dinner venue……

And Lin Yuan knew in his heart that this dinner would certainly not be simple……

Le Wei'er seeking him out must have another motive.

……

Half an hour later, the two cars entered one after another the parking lot of a luxuriously decorated Western restaurant.

Le Wei'er got out first and waited at the side.

Watching Lin Yuan park his car and walk over.

Le Wei'er's face…… still bore a smug smile as she led the way into the Western restaurant.

This Western restaurant is of extremely high rank, its decor refined and elegant.

Inside the Western restaurant, the coming and going…… are all dressed in fine clothes, notables and dignitaries, everywhere exuding understated luxury.

Le Wei'er, familiar with the place, led Lin Yuan…… to a private dining room.

The private room was elegantly decorated, with soft lighting and extremely strong privacy.

After the two sat down, the waiter handed over the menu.

Le Wei'er did not ask Lin Yuan's opinion and directly ordered a large pile of lavish and expensive dishes.

Especially several portions of top-grade wagyu, which were not cheap.

Obviously, this was specially prepared by Le Wei'er to entertain Lin Yuan.

It also subtly showcased the strength of her Le Tian Group.

While waiting for the dishes to be served, the private room fell into a brief silence.

Le Wei'er picked up the lemon water on the table and took a light sip.

Le Wei'er's gaze fell on Lin Yuan, and she casually opened the topic:

"Lin Yuan, I have a question for you: do you still not have a girlfriend?"

Lin Yuan lifted his eyes to look at her, his gaze showing a hint of wariness.

Lin Yuan showed no extra emotion, lightly shook his head, and replied coldly:

"No, why are you asking this?"

He really didn't understand why Le Wei'er suddenly asked this; what was she up to?

Le Wei'er smiled, a hint of cunning flashing in her eyes, and said cheerfully:

"Nothing much, just a bit of concern and curiosity. After all, you're so capable and good-looking, how could you not have a girlfriend?"

Le Wei'er said this, her eyes carrying a deliberate hint of ambiguity, trying to close the distance between them.

Before Lin Yuan could speak, Le Wei'er shifted the conversation, her gaze becoming a bit more serious.

Le Wei'er stared directly at Lin Yuan and slowly asked:

"Then have you ever considered marrying me?"

Lin Yuan had just lifted the red wine on the table and taken a sip when he heard this, and instantly choked.

Lin Yuan coughed violently, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

Lin Yuan abruptly lifted his head to look at Le Wei'er, as if he had heard something fantastical:

"What did you say? Marry you? Don't joke."

Le Wei'er watched his flustered appearance, the corner of her mouth curling into a playful smile.

"What, you're not willing?" Le Wei'er asked with a light laugh.

"Of course not." Lin Yuan flatly rejected.

Le Wei'er did not press further, merely watching him silently.

Lin Yuan recovered, picked up his knife and fork, and lowered his head to eat the wagyu that had just been served.

Lin Yuan's tone returned to its coldness, and he got straight to the point:

"Le Wei'er, if you have something to say, say it directly; don't beat around the bush—I don't have time to waste with you."

He knew Le Wei'er would not ask these things for no reason; her true purpose lay ahead.

Le Wei'er wiped the smile from her face, her tone……gradually becoming stern.

Le Wei'er's eyes……held a hint of dominance and calculation as she lightly spoke:

"Lin Yuan, I invited you out not to chat, but to give you a chance to survive."

"If you stay in Hangcheng, with your abilities you will only pose a threat to our New Faction. Coincidentally, I also know that the core technology of the Su Group's market‑shaking X Vaccine is related to you, and our Le Tian Financial is also very interested in this project."

Lin Yuan's hand holding the knife and fork paused slightly, and he lifted his eyes to look at Le Wei'er.

Lin Yuan's eyes were icy, and he asked calmly:

"Then what? What do you want to say? Say it clearly."

Le Wei'er leaned her body slightly forward, her gaze fixed tightly on Lin Yuan.

Le Wei'er's tone……carried an unquestionable dominance as she slowly stated her purpose:

"It's simple: help our Le Tian Financial obtain the cooperation rights for the X Vaccine, facilitate our collaboration with the Su Group, so we can also participate in the X Vaccine's research and production."

"As repayment, I can let you……join our Le Tian Group, directly make you a shareholder, enjoy generous dividends, and thereafter in Hangcheng, with our Le Tian Group backing you, no one will dare to move against you."

After hearing this, Lin Yuan slowly put down his knife and fork.

Lin Yuan's fingertips……lightly tapped the tabletop, the coldness in his eyes deepening.

In Lin Yuan's tone……there was not the slightest wavering, and he spoke slowly, word by word:

"I could never join your group; just give up on that idea."

He knew well that the Le Tian Group's backing New Faction was involved in illegal activities.

Therefore, Lin Yuan never associates with such factions.

Moreover, it would have him betray Su Monong and leak the relevant cooperation opportunities of the X Vaccine.

Le Wei'er seemed to have anticipated his refusal all along, her face showing no surprise.

Instead, Le Wei'er's face curled into a mocking cold smile, and she said in a flat tone:

"I knew you didn't want to get involved in the shady business, nor did you deign to associate with us. Hah, it's fine; I won't force you."

The conversation shifted, and Le Wei'er's tone……became forceful again.

Le Wei'er's gaze……locked tightly onto Lin Yuan.

She, threw out another condition:

"Then……as long as you help us……secure the cooperation rights for the X Vaccine and facilitate our collaboration with the Su Group, you may subsequently choose to leave Jiangnan."

"As repayment, I can give you a large sum of money, starting at ten figures, enough to keep you clothed and fed for the rest of your life."

Le Wei'er's beautiful eyes were deep and mysterious as she continued:

"Moreover, I can guarantee your safety, letting you take this money securely and leave Jiangnan alive. Out there, with this money, even a casual investment in some business could make you a person above others—why would you need to stay in Hangcheng and get tangled in these disputes?"

Lin Yuan heard the words, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, then he immediately regained his coldness.

He raised his eyes…… and looked toward Le Wei'er.

Lin Yuan's voice…… carried a hint of doubt and mockery, he slowly asked:

"Your Le Tian Group has always been in the black‑market business, fighting and killing, monopolizing the gray zones—that's your line of work. When did you also become interested in this kind of medical project?"

Lin Yuan truly didn't understand—why would the black‑market forces…… set their sights on the X Vaccine, a legitimate medical project?

Le Wei'er heard this, a greedy smile appeared on her face.

In Le Wei'er's voice…… there was nothing but blatant calculation:

"Lin Yuan, you're too naive. Our New Faction never picks projects—if it can make money, we get involved. Moreover, Su Monong's this X Vaccine is no ordinary drug—it can completely eliminate high blood pressure and high cholesterol, cure all kinds of 'three highs' diseases, its efficacy is heaven‑defying."

Le Wei'er paused, then continued speaking, the greed in her voice even stronger.

"Once this drug goes into full production, the market will be monopolistic—no competitor can rival it. And its profits are excessive, even surpassing heroin. Such a huge piece of meat, how could we possibly let it go? So, no matter what means we use, we must obtain the cooperation rights to this vaccine."

After hearing that, Lin Yuan's mouth curled into a cold sneer.

Lin Yuan's eyes were full of contempt, staring straight at Le Wei'er.

Lin Yuan asked word by word: "What if I refuse? What can you do to me?"

The smile on Le Wei'er's face…… vanished instantly, replaced by bone‑chilling coldness.

In Le Wei'er's voice…… there was an undisguised threat, she let out a cold laugh and said:

"If you don't agree? Hah, then our New Faction Group will certainly not let you go."

"Moreover, we will act soon, letting you know the consequences of offending us. Tonight's meal is both an invitation and a challenge."

"If you agree, you can walk away with the money; if you refuse, you bear the consequences—the decision is entirely in your hands."

Lin Yuan looked at Le Wei'er's icy eyes.

Lin Yuan showed no hesitation, his tone still firm, he refused word by word:

"No need for nonsense—I could never agree to any of your conditions, whether helping you obtain the cooperation rights or leaving Jiangnan, it's impossible."

There was no hesitation in his eyes; even facing the New Faction Group's threat, he would absolutely not betray Su Monong, nor would he collude with the black‑market forces.

Le Wei'er heard this, the coldness on her face intensified, she let out a mocking cold laugh.

In Le Wei'er's eyes, there was full of contempt and ruthlessness:

"Good, very good! Since you refuse the toast and will be forced to drink the penalty, get ready for your coffin!"

After saying that, Le Wei'er no longer looked at Lin Yuan, turned…… and walked toward the private room door.

Her high heels tapped the floor, producing a crisp and urgent sound, full of anger and reluctance.

But just as Le Wei'er reached the private room door, about to pull it open, her foot slipped badly, her high heel twisted slightly……

Le Wei'er's body instantly lost balance, she toppled to the side.

Lin Yuan instinctively stood, strode forward, and grabbed her arm to support her.

He steadied Le Wei'er, who was about to fall.

Le Wei'er was already furious, and being helped by Lin Yuan made her feel utterly humiliated.

Le Wei'er shoved Lin Yuan's hand away, her voice full of anger and petulance:

"Don't touch me! Who asked you to meddle?"

Le Wei'er staggered to her feet, rubbed her twisted ankle.

The anger in her eyes grew stronger, her complexion turned even uglier.

Just as Lin Yuan was about to turn and sit back down, Le Wei'er suddenly called out to stop him.

Le Wei'er's tone carried a hint of unwillingness, plus a faint probe.

"Wait! I still have a path for you—the third path, also your last chance."

Lin Yuan's steps halted, he slowly turned around.

In Lin Yuan's eyes…… there was a hint of doubt and vigilance, he coldly asked:

"What path?"

He really couldn't figure out what other conditions Le Wei'er could propose.

Le Wei'er took a deep breath, suppressed the anger in her heart, raised her eyes and stared straight at Lin Yuan.

Le Wei'er's voice…… carried a hint of dominance, plus a secret anticipation.

"Be my man, marry me, our two families will be united by marriage. If you agree, I can let you go—I won't let the New Faction Group move against you, and I'll have the Le Tian Group fully support you, even stop insisting on the cooperation rights for the X Vaccine. How about that?"

After hearing that, a flicker of surprise flashed in Lin Yuan's eyes, then he returned to his coldness.

He shook his head without hesitation, firmly refusing:

"Impossible. I will never marry you, nor ally with your Le Tian Group through marriage—just give up on that idea completely."

Le Wei'er's anticipation…… was instantly shattered.

Le Wei'er was completely enraged, she pointed at Lin Yuan, her whole body trembling.

In Le Wei'er's voice…… there was pure ruthlessness:

"Fine! Lin Yuan, remember this! Since you won't even take the last path, then just wait to die! I mean what I say—the New Faction Group will definitely make you pay the price!"

After saying that, Le Wei'er lingered no longer, enduring the pain in her ankle, she staggered to pull open the private room door and stormed out angrily……

The sound of her high heels…… faded away gradually.

Only the chill filling the room and Lin Yuan's solitary figure sitting in the private room remained.

Lin Yuan sat in the private room, his fingertips pinching his brow, his eyes full of heaviness.

Le Wei'er's threat is by no means empty talk……

The New Faction strikes ruthlessly; he must quickly prepare his defenses.

He must not only protect himself, but also safeguard the core technology of the Su Group and the X Vaccine, leaving no opening for those with ulterior motives.

……

Late night, by the Qiantang Jiang.

Inside a riverside luxury flat, before the floor-to-ceiling window…… a huge round bathtub was placed.

In the warm water…… floated large patches of gorgeous rose petals.

Steam blurred the river view outside the window.

Qin Bore lay lazily in the bathtub, her black long hair scattered over her shoulders, her skin white as jade.

Her fingertips…… lightly played with the petals in the water, her pretty face calm, her whole body exuding a cool and mysterious aura.

Secretary Lin Yun'er…… tiptoed into the bathroom, holding a report in her hand.

Lin Yun'er stood respectfully beside the bathtub, reporting softly:

"Miss, just received word from the informant—tonight…… Lin Yuan and Le Wei'er of Le Tian Group met at the Elk Western Restaurant in Chengxi. Their talk was most unpleasant; Le Wei'er proposed a cooperation request and a marriage alliance, both rejected by Lin Yuan, and before leaving Le Wei'er threatened Lin Yuan, saying the New Faction Group would not let him off."

Qin Bore heard this, and the corner of her mouth curled into a faint, meaningful smile.

Qin Bore spoke in a tranquil tone, carrying a touch of composed omniscience:

"It seems the New Faction truly intends to act, to get rid of Lin Yuan."

Qin Bore's fingertips…… picked up a rose petal, lightly placing it under her nose to sniff.

In her stunning eyes, a hint of depth flashed.

Qin Bore slowly opened her mouth and said,

"If that's the case, then let's give Lin Yuan a promotion—make him the manager of the third branch, which happens to be preparing to open."

Lin Yun'er's face flashed with surprise, and she hurriedly asked:

"Miss, are you really planning to open the third branch? And do you really intend to open it at that location?"

Lin Yun'er was full of doubt.

That location has long been firmly controlled by the New Faction; to rashly open the third branch there……

This is undoubtedly a direct confrontation with the New Faction.

Qin Bore slowly opened her beautiful eyes, her depths calm, she extended her jade hand and lightly played with the rose petals in the bathtub.

Qin Bore's tone was flat…… yet carried an unquestionable firmness:

"Of course we must open."

Lin Yun'er still didn't understand, her tone tinged with worry, she continued:

"But Miss, that location is the New Faction's turf; if we open our store there, we might invite much trouble, even suffer suppression from the New Faction, which would be more loss than gain."

Qin Bore gave a light smile, her tone full of confidence, she said slowly:

"What's there to fear? With Lin Yuan and An Yunxi here, I trust their abilities. Moreover, my conflict with the New Faction will inevitably erupt; rather than passively respond, it's better to take the initiative, letting them gain experience beforehand—this is not necessarily a bad thing."

As Qin Bore spoke, her fingertip motion paused slightly.

In her gaze…… a hint of complex emotion flashed, her tone grew softer, yet carried an undeniable resolve:

"What's more, my identity—it's about time he knew……"

As her words fell, Qin Bore lightly tossed the rose petal in her hand back into the water.

Her gaze…… turned toward the dark river outside the window, her depths hiding unknown thoughts……

……

In the blink of an eye…… it was the next day.

Lin Yuan, as usual, finished a full day's work at the Su Group.

After work, Lin Yuan packed up his things…… preparing to go home.

Just as he arrived at the parking lot, opened the car door…… about to get in, his phone suddenly rang,

The caller ID showed…… it was An Yunxi.

Lin Yuan's heart stirred; he hurriedly pressed the answer button: "Hey, An sis, why are you suddenly calling me?"

On the other end, An Yunxi's tone was unusually stern, with no extra pleasantries, she said directly: "Lin Yuan, you're off work now, right? Come straight to Nvshenjiubaerdian; I have an important matter to instruct you—be sure to come quickly, don't delay."

On the other end, An Yunxi's tone…… carried an unquestionable seriousness, with no hint of joking.

Lin Yuan, hearing this, was momentarily stunned, he instinctively asked: "An sis, what happened? Is something wrong at the bar?"

He thought Nvshenjiubaerdian had had an accident; otherwise An Yunxi wouldn't be so urgent in calling him over, and his tone inevitably carried a hint of urgency.

"We'll talk when you get here; you'll know then—don't ask more, hurry over." In the call, An Yunxi gave no further explanation, and after speaking she hung up directly.

Hearing the busy tone from the phone, Lin Yuan's doubts grew stronger.

But Lin Yuan didn't dare delay; he immediately put away his phone, started the car, and sped toward Nvshenjiubaerdian……

……

Ten or so minutes later, Lin Yuan drove to Nvshenjiubaerdian.

At this moment, the bar…… was still brightly lit and bustling.

Compared to the first branch, the second branch is larger in scale and its decor is more luxurious.

Lin Yuan parked his car and quickly entered the bar.

Just as he stepped inside, he saw An Yunxi standing by the counter waiting.

Beside An Yunxi…… stood a slender, stunningly beautiful woman.

The woman was dressed in an exquisite gown, her aura cool and aloof—none other than the goddess Lin Yuan had mistaken for, Lin Yun'er——

But at this moment, Lin Yun'er emanated a goddess-like cool aura all around her.

Obviously, Lin Yun'er had deliberately dressed up, playing the role of a 'false goddess'.

Lin Yuan quickly stepped forward, looking dubiously at the two: "Miss An, Miss Lin, why did you look for me? Is something wrong?"

Lin Yuan's gaze swept back and forth over the two, still unable to grasp the situation.

Lin Yun'er stepped forward, her face bearing a composed and cool smile, and spoke calmly:

"Lin Yuan, don't rush, nothing happened; there's just something important I need to tell you—come to the office with me."

After saying that, Lin Yun'er turned and walked toward the office behind the bar...

An Yunxi lifted her chin at Lin Yuan, gesturing for him to follow.

Lin Yuan's doubts grew heavier, yet he hurriedly followed their steps into the office.

The office was tastefully decorated and highly private.

Lin Yun'er gestured for An Yunxi to sit aside, then she walked to the desk and slowly sat down.

Lin Yun'er's beautiful eyes were solemn; she gazed directly at Lin Yuan and slowly spoke:

"Lin Yuan, given your proactive and diligent work at the Goddess Bar over this period, using your own abilities you've helped the bar resolve many troubles."

"So, after discussion by the company's senior management, I have decided to formally promote you to—Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Goddess Bar brand."