Chapter 710: The Person in the Dream

Lin Yuan, upon hearing this, was completely stunned……

Lin Yuan's eyes widened enormously, his face full of disbelief.

Lin Yuan instinctively opened his mouth to retort, his tone mixed with bewilderment and delight:

"Ah? Let me be promoted to brand vice president? Boss, you're not joking, are you? I… I can handle it?"

Lin Yuan had never imagined he would be promoted to such a high position; for a moment he was actually at a loss what to do.

Lin Yun'er looked at his bewildered appearance and lightly nodded.

Lin Yun'er calmly added:

"No joke, this is the decision of the company's upper management, and also recognition of your ability. Starting this month, your monthly salary will be adjusted to 50,000 per month, with performance bonuses and dividends to follow."

"50,000 a month?"

Lin Yuan instantly became excited, light shining in his eyes, the corners of his mouth involuntarily turning up.

The ecstasy in Lin Yuan's heart could not be concealed…… secretly delighted……

Great! With this 50,000 monthly salary, he could soon pay off all his online loans, no longer being entangled by them!

He had previously taken out an online loan for cash flow, and had been troubled by repayment pressure.

Now, a 50,000 monthly salary for him is undoubtedly a timely help.

Seeing Lin Yuan's excited appearance, Lin Yun'er's face…… still maintained a cool composure.

But Lin Yun'er inwardly muttered to herself:

"Miss… is too stingy, huh? Even though she promoted Lin Yuan to brand vice president, she only gives him a 50,000 salary—this is too stingy."

"Given Miss's ability, giving 100,000 or even 200,000 wouldn't be much."

But Lin Yun'er could only think these words in her heart, not daring to say them to her face.

Just then, Lin Yuan's phone, which he had placed in his pocket…… suddenly started vibrating.

The screen lit up, the caller ID showed You Nianchu.

In fact, even before Lin Yuan entered the office, You Nianchu had already sent him many messages, asking why he hadn't returned home tonight and if something had happened.

But Lin Yuan, because he needed to discuss matters with Lin Yun'er and An Yunxi, had deliberately set his phone to silent.

So, at this moment Lin Yuan neither heard the ringtone nor saw the message notification.

After vibrating a few times, the phone automatically hung up, and the screen went dark.

Lin Yuan noticed nothing at all.

Lin Yun'er cleared her throat, gathered her thoughts, and continued speaking:

"Don't get too excited just yet; after the promotion, your responsibilities will also increase. Next, our Goddess Bar plans to open a third branch."

"The company has decided to let you take full charge of managing the three stores, from preparation and renovation to staff recruitment and opening operations, all coordinated by you."

Lin Yun'er paused, looked toward An Yunxi beside her, and added:

"Moreover, An Yunxi has also been promoted to Goddess Bar brand chief executive officer; she will later assist you, together taking charge of opening the three stores. You two must cooperate well, swiftly advance the preparations for the three stores, and strive to open them as soon as possible."

After hearing this, Lin Yuan remained rooted to the spot, his eyes full of bewilderment and disbelief.

Just a second ago he was an ordinary store manager; the next second he leapt to brand vice president, having to take full charge of managing the three stores—this sudden promotion left him unable to digest it for a moment.

An Yunxi looked at his dazed expression and shook her head helplessly.

An Yunxi reached out…… lightly tapped him, her tone carrying a hint of amusement and reminder:

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and thank the Goddess Boss; this is a huge opportunity, don't just stand there foolishly."

Only then did Lin Yuan snap back to his senses, his face instantly showing a respectful expression.

Lin Yuan, hurriedly bowed to Lin Yun'er, his tone sincere:

"Thank you, Goddess Boss, for the promotion; I will surely work hard, not betray your trust, and give my all to prepare and manage the three stores!"

Lin Yun'er looked at his respectful demeanor and lightly nodded.

Lin Yun'er's face…… still bore that cool, proper composure as she slowly rose and said:

"Alright, you two get to work; I'm leaving first."

Having said that, Lin Yun'er tidied her attire, turned, and walked toward the office door.

An Yunxi quickly rose, hurriedly followed, took the initiative to open the door, and accompanied Lin Yun'er out of the office.

The two women had just stepped outside the office door, out of Lin Yuan's sight.

An Yunxi then lowered her voice, her face showing a hint of worry, and asked softly:

"Secretary Lin, are you really sure about opening three stores? And you want Lin Yuan to take full charge?"

Lin Yun'er's steps paused, she turned sideways to look at An Yunxi.

"Lin Yun'er's tone was calm…… yet carried an unquestionable firmness, and she lightly nodded:"

"This is Miss's decision, beyond doubt."

An Yunxi's brows furrowed tighter, her worry intensified in her voice, and she lowered her voice even more:

"But Secretary Lin, you also know that the location chosen for the three stores is extremely complicated; it's actually the core territory of the New Faction. If we rashly open a branch there, it's tantamount to directly opposing the entire New Faction, and we will surely invite big trouble!"

An Yunxi, having followed Qin Bore for many years, deeply knows the ruthlessness of the New Faction.

An Yunxi, genuinely worried…… this move could bring disaster upon herself.

Lin Yun'er looked at her nervous appearance and lightly shook her head.

Lin Yun'er's tone carried a hint of reassurance:

"What's there to panic about? With Miss around, even if the sky falls, she'll hold it up; there's no need for us to worry."

Lin Yun'er paused, then continued speaking, her tone becoming somewhat more serious:

"Your current task is to cooperate well with Lin Yuan, jointly prepare the opening of the three stores, and just get the necessary work done. Rest assured, nothing will happen."

Having said that, Lin Yun'er reached out, lightly patted An Yunxi's shoulder, and gave her a reassuring glance.

Lin Yun'er then turned around, stepping in her delicate high heels, her posture graceful as she walked toward the bar entrance……

Lin Yun'er's high heels tapped on the floor, producing a clear sound that gradually faded away.

But after Lin Yun'er walked out of the bar, her heart…… she secretly complained:

Goodness, Miss, this step is too risky—opening a branch so rashly on the New Faction's turf will surely cause a major uproar in the martial world… Although Lin Yuan is capable, the New Faction is numerous and powerful, their methods ruthless; I really don't know how he'll handle this crisis.

Lin Yun'er let out a soft sigh, a flicker of complex emotion crossing her eyes; she silently thought: "Hah, I hope you can hold up, Lin Yuan. If you can't even withstand this little wave, you'd disappoint Miss's high regard for you, and you wouldn't be able to bear the burden of the Goddess Bar's three branches."

Well then, everything, leave it to fate.

Lin Yun'er left the bar…

…

Lin Yun'er had just stepped out of the Goddess Bar.

An Yunxi also planned to return to the office.

Suddenly, An Yunxi's phone vibrated once.

An Yunxi picked up her phone and saw it was a WeChat message from Qin Bore.

The message was brief…… yet carried an unquestionable command: 【Lin Yuan got promoted tonight; find a way to drain his savings—by no means let him become too rich, I still want to keep him under my thumb.】

An Yunxi looked at the message, helplessly shook her head, a hint of a bitter smile flashing in her eyes.

She knew Qin Bore's intentions all too well—seemingly promoting Lin Yuan, but actually manipulating him at every turn, not allowing him enough confidence to break free from control.

An Yunxi's fingertips quickly tapped the screen, replying: 【Understood, my Eldest Miss.】

After replying, she put her phone away, turned around, and headed back to the office.

At that moment, Lin Yuan was still immersed in the joy of his promotion and his plans for the future; seeing An Yunxi return, he hurriedly rose and asked:

"Miss An, has the boss left?"

An Yunxi's face broke into a smile, she stepped forward, patted Lin Yuan's shoulder, and said in a light tone:

"He's gone; the boss specifically told us to properly prepare for the three stores. Lin Yuan, congratulations—you've been promoted to Vice President tonight. Such a big joy, shouldn't we celebrate? Tonight's late-night snack must be on you—don't even think of getting out of it."

Lin Yuan, upon hearing this, quickly waved his hands, a bit embarrassed, and said:

"Of course, of course—it's just a late-night snack, no problem."

Having just been promoted and given a raise, he was in a good mood, didn't think too much of it, and simply took An Yunxi's words as pure congratulations, wanting to liven things up.

But he hadn't expected that An Yunxi had already planned everything.

Without letting him say more, An Yunxi grabbed his arm and briskly walked out of the office.

An Yunxi headed toward the dance floor downstairs in the bar:

"Just eating the late-night snack isn't enough; everyone at our bar knows you've been promoted, and they all want to share in the good fortune—tonight, all staff consumption will be on you, Lin Zong."

Lin Yuan momentarily felt dazed, wanting to decline, but An Yunxi gave him no chance.

An Yunxi, while pulling him forward, waved at the surrounding staff and shouted:

"Everyone come over—our new Vice President Lin Yuan is treating tonight; all consumption is on him, so enjoy yourselves!"

Upon hearing this, the staff instantly cheered, gathering around Lin Yuan to congratulate him.

Immediately afterward, the crowd pulled him along to drink and have fun.

An Yunxi, meanwhile, kept stirring things up from the side, at times handing over Western liquor, at times mixed cocktails…

An Yunxi kept saying:

"Lin Zong, you must drink this glass—to celebrate your promotion! This glass too must be drunk—to wish the opening of the three stores great luck!"

Lin Yuan actually has a good alcohol tolerance; he rarely gets drunk in daily life.

But he couldn't withstand An Yunxi's deliberate arrangements.

The staff took turns toasting him, pouring various Western liquors and mixed drinks alternately…

Even if Lin Yuan's tolerance were excellent, he gradually began to find it hard to hold up…

Lin Yuan's consciousness began to blur, his cheeks flushed red, and his gaze grew somewhat unfocused.

Soon, Lin Yuan was completely drunk, only able to passively accompany the drinking, letting An Yunxi have her way with him.

Lin Yuan only focused on coping with the revelry, having long forgotten about home… and there was still someone desperately waiting for him—

…

Late night, at the entrance of Shidai Gongyu.

You Nianchu waited from evening until deep night, but never saw Lin Yuan return home.

You Nianchu's worry grew heavier and heavier; she never put her phone down.

She called Lin Yuan over and over, dozens of times back and forth, but no one answered on the other end, or it showed "in a call" (accidentally hung up by An Yunxi).

You Nianchu then sent hundreds of WeChat messages…

From initially asking "Lin Laoshi, when will you come home?" to later worrying "Lin Laoshi, did something happen to you?" and finally becoming anxious "Lin Laoshi, please reply when you see this message—I'm so worried about you"…

But Lin Yuan, because he was drunk, had left his phone aside…

He saw neither a single message nor a call, let alone replied.

You Nianchu sat outside Lin Yuan's home.

The night grew darker, and her worry deepened…

Yet she never gave up waiting, occasionally taking out her phone to check for any reply from Lin Yuan.

…

The clamor inside the bar…… lasted for a long time.

Lin Yuan was drunk to the point of stupor, his consciousness completely blurred, he could barely muster the strength to lift his hand.

Finally, An Yunxi, seeing that he truly couldn't hold up, reminded him it was time to go home.

Lin Yuan, in a daze, fumbled out his phone, difficulty dialing the driver service, slumped onto the bench outside the bar, dazedly waiting for the driver to arrive…

At this time, Lin Yuan was stinking drunk; he had already flung the You Nianchu waiting at home and their agreed tutoring session into the clouds.

When the designated driver arrived, he carefully helped the drunk Lin Yuan into the car.

Lin Yuan leaned against the car seat; his head lolled and he slipped into a semi-conscious state, occasionally muttering incomprehensible words, his eyes closed the whole time.

All the way, the designated driver drove steadily, avoiding the late-night traffic...

Only at 2 a. m. did the designated driver slowly bring the car to a stop downstairs of Lin Yuan's residential compound.

The designated driver helped Lin Yuan out of the car and paid the driver fee for him.

He then supported him step by step to the unit building entrance before turning and leaving.

Lin Yuan swayed his head drunkenly, rubbed his blurry eyes.

He groped his way toward his own door by instinct.

Lin Yuan's steps were unsteady, his body swaying from time to time, he could barely stand.

But just as Lin Yuan reached his front door, ready to pull out his phone to unlock the password lock,

Under Lin Yuan's foot, he suddenly kicked something soft.

Lin Yuan staggered, almost falling.

Lin Yuan was instantly startled awake a jolt, and his drunkenness faded a bit.

Lin Yuan steadied himself, bent over, and, using the hallway light, took a close look...

He saw a slender figure curled up on the ground by the front door.

Her long hair was scattered beside her cheeks, and she was still wearing the clothes she had on for today's tutoring.

Lin Yuan's heart tightened; he hurriedly crouched and gently brushed aside the hair blocking the figure's face.

The moment he saw her face clearly, Lin Yuan went completely blank.

"You Nianchu? How did this girl end up here?"

Only now did Lin Yuan suddenly recall that he had promised You Nianchu earlier today to tutor her in a new Chinese medicine technique tonight...

But Lin Yuan, having been plied with drink after his promotion, had completely forgotten about it!

Lin Yuan looked at the sleeping You Nianchu on the ground, then at the tightly shut front door, and instantly realized—

You Nianchu had neither the passcode to his home nor a key, so she couldn't get in.

So she could only wait for him at the doorstep, and she waited all night.

Guilt and self-reproach surged into his heart.

Lin Yuan gently reached out and touched You Nianchu's arm, feeling her body icy cold.

Obviously she had been waiting at the door too long and caught a chill.

At this moment, You Nianchu's eyes were tightly shut, her long lashes slightly lifted, and her face still bore undisposed worry.

You Nianchu's brows were slightly furrowed, the corners of her mouth lightly pressed, as if she were still murmuring his name in her sleep.

You Nianchu curled her body, arms tightly clasped in front of her chest, obviously exhausted...

She couldn't hold out, so she fell asleep directly on the cold floor, her small frame wrapped in thin clothing, looking especially pitiable.

Lin Yuan squatted there, watching You Nianchu's sleeping form, his eyes full of astonishment and guilt.

Lin Yuan muttered to himself, 'This girl, how can she be so stupid… she actually waited for me at the door all night, not even thinking to find a warm place?'

Lin Yuan raised his hand and gently brushed the dust from You Nianchu's hair, his movements tender, fearful of disturbing her sleep, his self-reproach growing stronger.

It was already 2 a. m. by then...

The hallway wind… carried a chill, making You Nianchu's body tremble slightly.

Lin Yuan hesitated no more, carefully reaching out to gently scoop You Nianchu up in a horizontal hold.

Her body was light, curled in his arms like a wronged little kitten.

Lin Yuan moved gently, afraid to wake her...

Lin Yuan held her and rose slowly, intending to first take her downstairs, then send her home.

So she could sleep soundly and not catch a chill.

But just as Lin Yuan reached the unit building elevator entrance, You Nianchu in his arms stirred, her long lashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.

You Nianchu, just awakened… still a bit dazed, her gaze unfocused.

But when she made out… the person holding her was Lin Yuan…

You Nianchu, she also recalled the grievance of having waited at the door all night…

She instantly sobered up; the haze in her eyes was replaced by anger and grievance, and she immediately kicked up a fuss.

"Where did you go?!" You Nianchu struggled, her voice hoarse from just waking, mixed with uncontrollable sobs.

You Nianchu cried and fussed at the same time, her tears falling like broken beads,

"I waited for you at your front door all night! From dusk till dawn, you didn't reply to a single message or call! You big jerk, deadbeat scumbag!"

She said this, raising her little hand and wildly pounding Lin Yuan's chest, the blows light but full of grievance and anger...

You Nianchu cried so hard she could barely catch her breath, a pear blossom in the rain; seeing this, Lin Yuan's guilt deepened, and he couldn't even muster a rebuttal.

Lin Yuan quickly tightened his arms, holding her securely in his embrace, gently patting her back, his tone full of remorse and apology, constantly soothing her:

"Sorry, sorry, Nianchu, I'm sorry, it's my fault—I had an urgent matter at the bar tonight, after my promotion the staff kept toasting me, I got drunk and absentmindedly forgot you, I'm truly sorry…"

"Forgot?" You Nianchu shoved his chest away, tears streaming, glaring at him.

You Nianchu's tone… was full of accusation and grievance,

"Is my place in your heart really this low? You casually promised my tutoring, then just as easily forgot me? I froze at your door all night, worried about you all night, yet you were drinking and carousing at the bar, never giving me a thought!"

Seeing You Nianchu's eyes red from crying, Lin Yuan's heart overflowed with self-reproach.

Lin Yuan lowered his head, apologizing over and over:

"It's my fault, all my fault—I shouldn't have forgotten our promise, shouldn't have let you freeze at the door, and certainly shouldn't have ignored your feelings, Nianchu—please don't be angry, give me another chance, okay?"

His tone was humble, full of guilt, with no trace of his usual dominance.

You Nianchu continued to cry and scold, venting the grievance in her heart.

But just then, a clear 'gurgle' suddenly sounded, breaking the atmosphere in the hallway—it was You Nianchu's stomach growling.

You Nianchu froze for a moment, and her crying instantly softened.

A blush rose on You Nianchu's cheeks, her eyes showed a hint of embarrassment, she lowered her head, and could no longer afford to cry and make a fuss.

Lin Yuan also froze, instinctively lowering his gaze to her stomach, his tone full of surprise and concern: 'You Nianchu, you…… you haven't eaten yet?'

Only then did he realize that You Nianchu had been waiting for him since evening, surely she hadn't had time to eat dinner, and had been hungry all night.

You Nianchu lifted her head, looking at him with tearful eyes, her voice full of resentment, she muttered softly:

'What else? I was waiting for you to come, hoping to eat something together and then study, but I waited all night and didn't even get a bite, and I've been freezing at the doorway for so long…'

As she spoke, You Nianchu couldn't help but tears fell again.

Lin Yuan's guilt intensified, and he hurriedly ruffled her hair:

'It's my fault, all my fault, I shouldn't have let you suffer this grievance. Come on, let's go upstairs; I'll make you dinner, I'll make whatever you want.'

Having said that, he once again scooped You Nianchu up in a horizontal hold and turned toward his own door.

This time, he no longer thought of sending her home; he only wanted to first let her eat something to warm her up.

Lin Yuan unlocked the door, carried You Nianchu inside, first placed her on the sofa, and covered her with a blanket.

Lin Yuan then quickly went into the kitchen, lit the gas stove, and began to busy himself.

In the kitchen at 3 a. m., the light was soft; Lin Yuan skillfully washed vegetables and cooked, his movements swift, only wanting to let You Nianchu eat hot food as soon as possible to make up for his mistake.

Not long after, a bowl of steaming hot noodles was ready, topped with a golden fried egg, sprinkled with scallions and cilantro, the aroma wafting.

Lin Yuan carried the noodles to the sofa and gently woke the dazed You Nianchu:

'You Nianchu, eat quickly, it's hot; you won't be hungry after you finish.'

You Nianchu looked at the steaming hot noodles in the bowl, and her stomach couldn't help but growl again.

She took the bowl and chopsticks, eating small mouthfuls, but tears kept falling into the noodles—there was grievance, grievance, and also a faint warmth not easily noticed.

Lin Yuan sat beside her, quietly accompanying her, occasionally handing her a tissue.

After finishing the noodles, You Nianchu put down her bowl and chopsticks and looked at Lin Yuan.

You Nianchu's face still bore wet tear tracks, yet she spoke in a spoiled way:

'I'm not leaving; it's so late, I'm scared to go home alone, and besides, I froze all night and feel uncomfortable all over.'

You Nianchu said she was scared, but a hint of slyness lurked in her eyes—

She just wanted to stay at Lin Yuan's house, to spend more time by his side.

Lin Yuan looked at her flushed cheeks and weary appearance, his heart full of reluctance…

At 3 a. m., it really wasn't convenient to let a young girl go home alone.

Moreover, having endured the cold all night, she also needed proper rest.

Lin Yuan helplessly shook his head, his tone tinged with indulgence:

'Fine, then you can stay here tonight; I'll sleep in the master bedroom, you sleep on the living room sofa, and I'll get you a blanket.'

Having said that, Lin Yuan turned and walked into the bedroom, took out a thick blanket, and spread it in the guest room.

He also found a loose T-shirt of his own for You Nianchu to change into, to avoid getting cold.

You Nianchu obediently complied, changed into the T-shirt, and lay down in the guest room to sleep.

She pulled the blanket over herself, watched Lin Yuan's silhouette, a flicker of smile flashed in her eyes, and soon closed her eyes…

Perhaps she was really exhausted; You Nianchu didn't take long… and fell into a deep sleep.

Lin Yuan settled You Nianchu, then returned to the master bedroom, lay wearily on the bed, tossed and turned for a while before gradually falling asleep.

In the deep night, all was silent.

After an unknown period, Lin Yuan was sleeping soundly when suddenly… in his dream, he felt… a soft thing burrowing into his embrace…

Carrying a faint fragrance and a hint of cool temperature, it lightly rubbed against his chest…