Chapter 712: Entangled

Not long after, Hong Wenyan drove her Lamborghini, accelerated, and steadily blocked in front of Lin Yuan's car.

This forced Lin Yuan to brake urgently.

The Tesla came to an abrupt stop.

Lin Yuan looked at the Lamborghini blocking ahead, his expression turning cold.

He felt helpless inside, knowing he couldn't avoid this.

Hong Wenyan pushed open the car door and stepped out with an icy demeanor.

She wore a sexy black OL outfit, exuding a strong presence.

Hong Wenyan stepped step by step toward Lin Yuan's car.

Her face showed no expression, her eyes icy, exuding a sense of oppression.

She stopped, raised her hand, and knocked hard on the window.

Hong Wenyan's tone was icy and forceful, carrying an unquestionable command:

"Lin Yuan, get out!"

Lin Yuan took a deep breath, slowly lowered the window, and poked his head out.

Lin Yuan's tone carried a hint of detachment and vigilance as he coldly asked:

"Hong Wenyan, what exactly do you want? I have nothing to say to you. Move aside quickly; I have things to do."

He still thought Hong Wenyan had come for revenge, and his tone inevitably carried a hint of impatience.

Hong Wenyan looked at his guarded expression, a flicker of mockery flashing in her eyes.

Hong Wenyan's tone remained icy, yet carried a barely perceptible reminder as she spoke word by word:

"I'm not here to settle scores with you; I'm here to give you a friendly warning. Under no circumstances should you meddle in the affairs of the Goddess Bar's third outlet, or you'll die a miserable death."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yuan froze instantly, the wariness and impatience on his face gradually fading.

On Lin Yuan's face, replacing it was a hint of doubt.

Lin Yuan furrowed his brows, looking at Hong Wenyan.

Lin Yuan's tone full of confusion, he pressed further:

"Why? What does the Goddess Bar's third outlet have to do with you? Why can't I get involved?"

Lin Yuan simply couldn't fathom why Hong Wenyan would suddenly come to warn him and issue such a serious warning.

Hong Wenyan warned coldly, "Don't you realize? You're making an enemy of our New Faction!"

Lin Yuan frowned, puzzled, and asked: "Hong Wenyan, what do you mean? I'm just helping prepare a bar outlet; it's just a job. What does it have to do with your New Faction? I haven't interfered in the slightest—do you really need to give such a solemn warning?"

Lin Yuan still didn't realize the seriousness of the matter, merely thinking Hong Wenyan was making a fuss over nothing.

Hong Wenyan's face grew even graver as she stepped forward, the pressure emanating from her intensifying.

Hong Wenyan's tone carried an obvious warning as she spoke slowly, word by word:

"You have no idea how serious this is! The Goddess Bar's third outlet is far from an ordinary branch; its planning is on a huge scale, intended to become Hangcheng's largest flagship store—whether in décor specifications or operational scale, it's top-notch."

Lin Yuan asked, "How so? Does this make us enemies? Are you being overly petty?"

Hong Wenyan paused, her gaze becoming even more solemn.

Hong Wenyan emphasized her tone, adding:

"Moreover, it's set to open inside New Union Square!"

Hearing this, Lin Yuan furrowed his brows, somewhat suspicious.

Hong Wenyan said coldly,

"New Union Square is the core territory of our New Faction; all the land and shops there are under our control. Outsiders dare not set foot there, let alone open a store and do business."

"Qin Bore somehow pulled strings, managed to secure a core plot in New Union Square, and insists on opening her bar there on our turf."

Hong Wenyan's tone carried a hint of anger and helplessness,

"This isn't just opening a branch; it's a blatant provocation against us, aiming to oppose our entire New Faction!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yuan's whole body froze on the spot.

The doubt on Lin Yuan's face was completely replaced by shock.

He couldn't utter a word for a long while.

Lin Yuan stared blankly at Hong Wenyan.

He really hadn't expected that the Goddess Bar's third outlet would be this troublesome.

This outlet? It's actually going to open in the New Faction's core territory?

And to directly oppose the entire New Faction—this is undoubtedly jumping into a fire pit!

Lin Yuan felt shocked inside.

"How could it... open in New Union Square? Open in the New Faction's core territory... Qin Bore, what on earth is she trying to do?"

Only now did Lin Yuan truly understand An Yunxi's earlier worry.

Lin Yuan also realized that taking charge of the third outlet's preparations had dragged him into such a major conflict.

Hong Wenyan looked at his shocked expression, her tone growing icier.

Hong Wenyan reiterated her warning:

"I don't care what Qin Bore wants, Lin Yuan—I only advise you to withdraw immediately from preparing the Goddess Bar's third outlet and stop meddling. You're just an outsider; there's no need to risk your life for Qin Bore or a bar; it's not worth it."

In Hong Wenyan's tone, rare as it was, lay a barely perceptible note of advice.

After all, she had some understanding of Lin Yuan's strength and didn't want to lightly become his enemy.

Lin Yuan fell silent for a moment, took a deep breath, and lifted his gaze to Hong Wenyan.

Lin Yuan slowly said, "Sorry, I can't withdraw. I've already taken charge of preparing the third outlet, so there's no reason to quit halfway."

"Moreover, since I've promised Qin Bore and An Yunxi, I will see it through to the end; as for the grudge between your New Faction and Qin Bore, it has nothing to do with me."

Hong Wenyan was so angry, 'You...'

After saying that, Lin Yuan no longer looked at Hong Wenyan, slowly rolled up the window, and started the car.

Lin Yuan jerked the steering wheel, swerving around the Lamborghini blocking the road ahead; the car shot forward like an arrow released from a bow, quickly disappearing into the evening rush‑hour traffic……

Lin Yuan didn't hesitate at all, using his actions to clearly reject Hong Wenyan's warning.

Hong Wenyan stood where she was, watching Lin Yuan's retreating back, a flash of cold anger crossing her eyes,

Hong Wenyan's mouth corner…… curled into a sneering arc.

She knew that Lin Yuan's character was always stubborn; once he decided on something, no matter what, he would not change it.

Her persuasion was ultimately in vain.

Hong Wenyan slowly turned around, got back into the Lamborghini, started the car, and drove toward her family's villa……

Along the way, Hong Wenyan's expression was solemn.

She already knew in her heart that an unavoidable conflict was imminent.

……

Half an hour later, Hong Wenyan drove back to the Hong family villa.

The villa interior was brightly lit, the decoration luxurious and grand.,

The patriarch of the Hong family, Hong Baiquan, was sitting on the living room sofa, holding a cup of hot tea.

Hong Baiquan waited for his daughter with a steady expression.

Seeing Hong Wenyan walk in, Hong Baiquan immediately set down his teacup and lifted his gaze to her.

Hong Baiquan asked anxiously, 'Wenyan, how did it go? Did you succeed in persuading Lin Yuan? Did he agree to withdraw from the preparations for the three Goddess Bar outlets?'

Hong Baiquan knew very well that Lin Yuan's strength should not be underestimated.

If they could persuade Lin Yuan to withdraw, they could both avoid a conflict and preserve the New Faction's prestige and interests.

Hong Wenyan walked over and sat beside the sofa, her face showing a hint of weariness and helplessness.

Hong Wenyan gently shook her head and spoke in an icy tone:

'It wasn't successful; Lin Yuan refused. I already made the seriousness clear to him and warned him, but he remained adamant, unwilling to withdraw, and even drove off directly, giving me no chance to persuade him further.'

Hong Baiquan heard this, heaved a heavy sigh, and a hint of solemnity appeared on his face.

Hong Baiquan's tone was full of helplessness and resolve:

'It seems there's really nothing left to discuss. This guy Lin Yuan is too stubborn; he doesn't realize that taking over the preparations for the three outlets has already touched all the core interests of our New Faction—this time there truly is no room for compromise.'

Hong Baiquan paused, a flash of ruthlessness crossing his eyes, then said slowly:

'Since persuasion didn't work, we can only deal with Lin Yuan. We must not let him continue interfering with the three outlets, nor let him ruin our New Faction's plans; otherwise, our New Faction's reputation in Hangcheng would be completely ruined.'

Hong Wenyan silently nodded, without refuting.

She also knew that, given the circumstances, aside from dealing with Lin Yuan, there was no better option.

Just then, Hong Wenyan recalled something.

Hong Wenyan lifted her gaze to look at her brother Hong Wuquan sitting beside her.

Hong Wenyan asked, 'Wuqian, how's your pursuit of Zhao Yuyan going? Any progress?'

Hong Wuquan heard this, and a hint of embarrassment and helplessness appeared on his face.

Hong Wuquan gently shook his head and spoke in a low tone:

'Sis, there's been no progress at all. Zhao Yuyan has consistently avoided me; no matter how I try to please or pursue her, she remains unmoved, not even replying to my messages—I see that there's simply no chance between us.'

Hong Wenyan heard this, heaved a heavy sigh, and a hint of disappointment appeared on her face.

Hong Wenyan fell silent for a moment, a flash of determination crossing her eyes.

Hong Wenyan said to Hong Wuquan slowly:

'Since there's no hope with Zhao Yuyan, don't waste any more time. Immediately stop pursuing Zhao Yuyan and turn your efforts to pursuing You Nianchu.'

'You Nianchu?' Hong Wuquan blinked, a hint of confusion appearing on his face,

'Sis, why her? You Nianchu may be the heiress of the Chi Dao Group, but isn't she still young?'

Hong Wenyan shook her head and spoke firmly:

'If our Hong family could merge with the Chi Dao Group, it would greatly strengthen our New Faction's power, enough to handle future conflicts. You Nianchu has a simple nature, making her easier to pursue than Zhao Yuyan—seize the opportunity, be sure to win her over, and secure this advantage for our Hong family and the New Faction.'

Although Hong Wuquan still harbored some doubts, seeing his sister's resolute gaze, he dared not object.

Hong Wuquan could only nod and speak respectfully:

'Okay, sis, I understand. I will immediately stop pursuing Zhao Yuyan and turn to pursuing You Nianchu—I will surely not disappoint you.'

Hong Baiquan sat to the side, listening to the siblings' conversation, and nodded slowly.

Hong Baiquan spoke solemnly:

'Wenyan is right; right now, winning over allies and strengthening our New Faction…… is the top priority. Wuquan, you must put your heart into it—don't just go through the motions like you did with Zhao Yuyan; be sure to win You Nianchu, to facilitate the merger of our Hong family with the Chi Dao Group. As for Lin Yuan, we should also quickly devise a plan to resolve this trouble as soon as possible.'

Hong Wuquan quickly straightened his posture, his tone becoming even more respectful,, he nodded heavily and replied: 'Sis, Dad, rest assured, this time I will give it my all, absolutely not going through the motions again—I will definitely win You Nianchu and not disappoint your expectations.'

Hong Wuquan's heart……%although he felt a bit unwilling, having failed to pursue Zhao Yuyan,.

But Hong Wuquan also knew…… family interests come first; moreover, You Nianchu, as the heiress of the Chi Dao Group, is outstanding in appearance and simple‑natured, and is therefore not unacceptable.

……

In the following days, Hong Wuquan mobilized all his resources and began pursuing You Nianchu.

Hong Wuquan prepared 9,999 fresh red roses, filled three luxury cars to the brim, and mightily drove toward Zhijiang University.

As soon as the car stopped at the school gate, it attracted the attention of every passing student, with murmurs rising and falling.

Hong Wuquan, dressed in a custom‑tailored suit, held a bouquet of the brightest red roses, standing tall amidst a sea of roses.

This drew many female students to glance over repeatedly, feeling envy.

The girls were all speculating…… this generous young master, which lucky lady was he courting.

Soon after, You Nianchu, carrying her schoolbag, walked out of the teaching building together with her classmates.

As soon as You Nianchu reached the school gate, Hong Wuquan blocked her path.

Hong Wuquan put on a gentle smile and, with both hands, offered the roses to You Nianchu.

Hong Wuquan spoke earnestly, with a hint of showing off:

"Nianchu, these 9,999 roses are specially prepared for you, representing my wholehearted love for you—will you be my girlfriend?"

You Nianchu stared at the……sea of roses before her……and the surrounding crowd of onlookers.

You Nianchu's brows knit tightly, her face showing no joy at all, only impatience.

You Nianchu said coldly:

"Sir, I don't know you; please move aside. Besides, I won't accept your roses, nor will I be your girlfriend."

Having said that, she tried to go around Hong Wuquan and leave straight away.

But Hong Wuquan had been prepared and quickly stepped sideways to block her.

Hong Wuquan's smile remained unchanged, and his tone grew even more earnest:

"Nianchu, I'm Hong Wuquan—you know me. I've actually liked you for a long time. Will you be my girlfriend? If our two families marry, we'll surely make the clan stronger. Just give me a chance, okay?"

While speaking, Hong Wuquan gestured to his subordinates……to move the roses closer to You Nianchu.

Hong Wuquan showed a posture of not giving up unless she accepted.

You Nianchu's pretty face grew ever more unpleasant, and her tone turned even icier:

"I've said it—I don't know you, I don't like you; please stop bothering me, or I'll call security."

You Nianchu has always despised people who rely on their family background and forcefully fawn over others.

Moreover, her heart belongs only to Lin Yuan, making it impossible for her to accept anyone else's pursuit.

Seeing You Nianchu's firm attitude, Hong Wuquan was not discouraged.

Hong Wuquan had long expected rejection; after all, a campus belle like You Nianchu has many suitors and would not easily agree to anyone.

Hong Wuquan gathered the roses, his tone still gentle:

"It's fine, Nianchu—I won't pressure you; I'll wait for you until the day you accept me."

……

And from then on.

Hong Wuquan then launched a frenzied pursuit, employing one tactic after another.

He would send You Nianchu expensive breakfasts, flowers, and various luxury goods every day.

No matter how You Nianchu refused, Hong Wuquan never grew tired of it;

He would also wait outside the classroom where You Nianchu had her lessons, approaching her after class to strike up a conversation.

Even if You Nianchu ignored him completely, Hong Wuquan persisted;

Hong Wuquan even used his connections to hang a banner on Zhijiang University's campus that read "Hong Wuquan likes You Nianchu," sparking widespread discussion among faculty and students.

Faced with Hong Wuquan's relentless pursuit, You Nianchu felt increasingly troubled.

She refused him sternly each time, yet Hong Wuquan acted as if he hadn't heard, continuing to do as he pleased.

Later, Hong Wuquan……began frequently inviting You Nianchu out for meals, movies, and shopping trips.

Whether it was a high-end restaurant or a private cinema, he arranged everything meticulously.

Yet every invitation was bluntly rejected by You Nianchu.

Seeing that he couldn't secure a date with You Nianchu, Hong Wuquan changed his strategy.

Hong Wuquan, every evening after school, would drive his luxury car to the gate of Zhijiang University on time and wait quietly for You Nianchu.

Hong Wuquan never missed a day, rain or shine.

Whenever he saw You Nianchu come out, Hong Wuquan would step forward, invite her into his car, and drive her home.

Yet each time, You Nianchu refused him.

……

Thus, Hong Wuquan waited at the school gate for a full half month.

During that half month, You Nianchu could no longer tolerate the disturbance.

Whether in class or after class, she could hear her classmates gossiping about her and Hong Wuquan.

Some even mistakenly believed she had already agreed to Hong Wuquan's courtship.

That evening after school,

You Nianchu walked out of the school gate, seeing Hong Wuquan still waiting there as before.

You Nianchu said wearily: "I'll go eat with you, but you must promise that after this meal you'll stop harassing me like this."

Upon hearing this, Hong Wuquan was instantly overjoyed.

Hong Wuquan quickly nodded and said: "Okay, okay, okay—I promise you, as long as you go eat with me, I'll agree to anything."

Hong Wuquan secretly gloated, feeling that his persistence had finally paid off; as long as he could let You Nianchu give her a chance, he was confident he could win her over.

Afterward, Hong Wuquan drove You Nianchu to a luxuriously decorated Western restaurant.

……

This Western restaurant offered extreme privacy and was of the highest class.

After they sat down, Hong Wuquan skillfully ordered a tableful of lavish and expensive dishes.

Hong Wuquan attempted to use this to move You Nianchu.

During the meal, Hong Wuquan kept serving her dishes and pouring drinks.

Hong Wuquan's tone was earnest and gentle, continuously expressing his feelings.

Hong Wuquan also produced the flowers he had prepared earlier……and a large diamond ring, offering them to You Nianchu.

Nianchu, this diamond ring I had specially made for you represents my sincerity; please accept it, will you be my girlfriend? I will definitely treat you well and give you everything you want.

You Nianchu looked at the flowers and diamond ring before her, showed no reaction, and gently shook her head.

You Nianchu said coldly:

Mr. Hong, I've said before, I won't be your girlfriend; take these things back, I don't need them. Besides, after this meal we'll be even, and I hope you won't pester me again.

Hong Wuquan's smile froze for a moment.

Hong Wuquan didn't get angry; instead, he put the flowers and diamond ring aside.

Hong Wuquan's tone remained gentle:

Nianchu, I know you're still testing me; it's fine, I can wait, no matter how long, I'm willing to wait for you to change your mind.

Hong Wuquan had already made up his mind; no matter how many times You Nianchu refuses, he will not give up.

After all, winning You Nianchu would not only bring home a beauty but also facilitate the merger of the Hong Family and the Chi Dao Group, a win-win for him and the Hong Family.

Seeing You Nianchu still unmoved, a flicker of urgency flashed in Hong Wuquan's eyes.

Hong Wuquan took out his phone, called his subordinate, and ordered:

Spread the word: I, Hong Wuquan, am pursuing You Nianchu of Zhijiang University; let all the young masters of the jianghu give up pursuing her—anyone who dares to compete with me for her is opposing my Hong Family and the entire New Faction.

After hanging up, Hong Wuquan looked at You Nianchu, a hint of pride appearing on his face.

Nianchu, look, I'm willing to offend all the jianghu's young masters for you; I truly like you—give me a chance.

Hong Wuquan thought this way, no one else would dare pursue You Nianchu, leaving her only able to choose him.

Upon hearing this, You Nianchu's face instantly darkened, her disgust intensifying.

But she also knew Hong Wuquan kept his word; if he really spread the word across the jianghu, probably no one would dare approach her again.

You Nianchu suppressed her anger and quietly took out her phone.

She took the moment when Hong Wuquan lowered his head to drink water to send a WeChat message to Lin Yuan.

【Lin Laoshi, I've had a drink; can you come pick me up tonight? How about we study at your place?】

After sending the message, You Nianchu clenched her phone, her heart full of anticipation.

She knew that although Lin Yuan usually treated her strictly, he still cared for her and would surely come to pick her up.

Sure enough, not long after, her phone vibrated.

Lin Yuan's WeChat reply was short and simple: 【Okay.】

Seeing Lin Yuan's reply, You Nianchu's tense nerves finally relaxed.

You Nianchu's mouth unconsciously curled into a faint smile.

She quickly opened her phone's map and sent the restaurant's location to Lin Yuan.

Immediately after, she sent another WeChat: 【I'm at the luxurious Western restaurant in Chengxi; hurry up, I'm waiting for you.】