Chapter 32: Have a Drink with Me

Ye Zehong adjusted the rearview mirror with natural ease, making sure he could see Lu Yao in the back seat at all times.

Lu Yao looked up and met his gaze in the mirror. Afraid that Qiao Wan’er in the front passenger seat would notice, she immediately dropped her eyes, feeling as though she were sitting on pins and needles.

Qiao Wan’er feigned innocence as she spoke. “Miss Lu, you’re a practicing lawyer, after all. Why don’t you own a car?”

“I…” The words “I can’t drive” were barely on her lips when Qiao Wan’er burst into mocking laughter. “I’ve heard that you so-called pseudo-career women working in the CBD love to put on airs. Earning tens of thousands a month, and yet you’ll still eat pickled vegetables just to be able to share a high-rise apartment near the CBD. Some of you even buy last season’s designer clothes secondhand online—tsk tsk—aren’t you afraid of catching something?”

“You all try so hard to keep up appearances, but isn’t it just to snare some rich fool?”

“Lawyer Lu, do you need me to introduce you to a forty-year-old coal boss on his third marriage?”

Lu Yao’s eyes dimmed slightly. She was well aware that Qiao Wan’er’s words were meant to provoke her, to force her into an angry retort and make her look like a fool in front of Ye Zehong.

Suppressing her anger, she donned her professional smile and played along. “Thank you for your kindness, Miss Qiao. I haven’t had enough of pretending yet. Maybe after a few more years of playacting, I’ll come to trouble you.”

Qiao Wan’er was instantly at a loss for words. She hadn’t expected Lu Yao not only to remain unruffled, but to turn her own words against herself.

All the sarcastic barbs she’d prepared had no chance to be unleashed. She felt as if she’d swallowed a fly—utterly stifled and uncomfortable.

Round one: Lu Yao’s victory.

Ye Zehong glanced approvingly at Lu Yao in the rearview mirror. As expected of the woman he’d taken a liking to—she played this game of agreeing outwardly while defying inwardly to perfection.

In contrast, Qiao Wan’er’s sulky expression grew colder in his eyes.

Sensing Ye Zehong’s gaze, Qiao Wan’er felt a pang of resentment. Dissatisfied, she pressed on with her mockery. “Lawyer Lu, has anyone ever told you that your ingratiating way of speaking is terribly dull?”

“As a matter of fact, yes.” Lu Yao lifted her eyes to Qiao Wan’er’s profile, her smile only growing brighter. “You’re one of them.”

“You—” Once again, Qiao Wan’er was rendered speechless. She glared out the window, lips pressed tight in frustration, saying no more.

The atmosphere inside the car became unbearably cold and awkward.

Fortunately, half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of the Qiao family residence.

Qiao Wan’er took the initiative to link her arm through Ye Zehong’s and coquettishly said, “On the way here, my father messaged to ask if you’d come in for a bit. He has something to discuss with you in person.”

Ye Zehong expressionlessly pushed her hand away, his tone indifferent. “Another time.”

At his words, Qiao Wan’er’s face fell, her disappointment clear.

Unwilling to give up, she tugged at the hem of his jacket, lowering herself. “Father wants to talk about the details of our engagement party. It won’t take long. Please come in with me.”

“For the engagement party, talk to Ms. Yang. I have no opinion.” As he spoke, Ye Zehong pressed a button, and the car door on the passenger side opened automatically.

He glanced at her, signaling for her to get out.

His gaze was so cold that Qiao Wan’er didn’t dare say another word. Swallowing her grievance, she got out of the car.

As soon as the door closed, Ye Zehong slammed his foot on the accelerator and sped away.

Lu Yao gripped her seatbelt nervously, tentatively asking, “Isn’t it a bit much to leave your fiancée behind like that?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he abruptly said, “Have a drink with me.”

It was not a request, but a command.