Chapter 50

“If you’re really that worried that I’ll steal Ji Xiaonian from you, then, don’t you think that 10 million is a bit cheap for a big boss like you?” Since there was money right before him for the taking, it would be a waste for Yu Shengjie to reject it.

Realistically speaking, would Yu Shengjie choose money over Niannian?

No, as long as Niannian had still kept him in her heart, Yu Shengjie would never leave her, even if Bai Yan had offered all the wealth within his family.

However, now that he was certain that he had no place in the girl’s heart, and that he was destined to never be with her, Yu Shengjie saw no reason to refuse the man’s offer, especially since he was willing to fork out a fortune just for the girl.

“Hmph, you certainly have a large appetite.”

While he continued to lock gazes with Yu Shengjie, Bai Yan snorted coldly. “Give me your price. How much do you want?”

Yu Shengjie was surprised. ‘Did this man actually agree to my counteroffer?’

Initially, when Yu Shengjie had learned that Bai Yan was the President of Shengtian Group, he was actually quite impressed with him. He was certain that Niannian had liked him due to his superb qualities.

However, Yu Shengjie now felt that that was not the case.

After all, was Bai Yan not just the same as those who thought they were the king just because they were wealthy? Was he not the same as those who attempted to obtain everything with their wealth?

Even though Yu Shengjie knew that he was no match for him, there was still pride coursing through his bones. He refused to show any weakness, and answered, “I want the wealth of your entire family, would you give it to me?”

“…”

Bai Yan glared at Yu Shengjie with a hawk-like gaze. It was cold and terrifying, and it had sent chills running down Yu Shengjie’s spine.

Yu Shengjie felt as if he was facing a powerful force, strong enough that it was making him gasp for air.

Yu Shengjie thought to himself, ‘I bet that he wants me dead!’

However, to Yu Shengjie, death was nothing to be feared of.

With a chuckle, he answered in a light-hearted tone, “To me, Niannian is a priceless jewel. Unless you’re willing to give up everything you have for her, then, you should stop pretending to act like a king, giving orders to others as if you own them.”

Yu Shengjie smirked. “We live in a society governed by laws. Moreover, since I’m an Australian, even with all the money in the world, how are you going to force me away from Niannian if I decide to stay?”

No one had seen it, but at that moment, Bai Yan’s face was as dark as an abandoned museum. There was palpable bloodlust surrounding him as if he would take Yu Shengjie’s life at any moment. The cold and arrogant aura that he radiated would freeze anyone in their tracks.

Despite that, Bai Yan had continued to sit still. He did not speak a single word.

On the other hand, Yu Shengjie took another jab at Bai Yan, “It looks like you’re one of those people who wants everything, including money, status, and women.”

“In that case, then, how about we settle this in a fair fight. Don’t try to oppress me with your status and wealth because that’s… Useless on me.”

Yu Shengjie rose to his feet, and when he spotted the breakfast that Bai Yan had taken a bit out of, he sneered and continued, “President Bai, I had specially prepared that breakfast for Niannian. However, since you’ve eaten it, and in view of our status as relationship rivals, let me give you a ninety percent discount. You only need to give me nine million bucks. Make sure to transfer that money to me before you leave. I believe that as a big boss of a major corporation, you should be able to afford breakfast, right?”

“Enjoy your meal, I’ll be washing the dishes.”

With that, Yu Shengjie pushed back the chair and headed towards the kitchen with a smile.

Bai Yan who was left behind in the dining room was unbelievably furious. However, there was nothing he could do because everything Yu Shengjie had stated was right on the mark.

This was the very first time that he had ever been rendered speechless by someone’s rebuttal, and worse still, he needed to fork out his wallet as well.

‘What kind of trash breakfast is this. To think that it costs nine million bucks.”

‘If I don’t pay, then I’ll seem stingy. However, if I do pay him, then wouldn’t I be playing right into his palm?”

‘This brat’s pretty smart. To think that he would lay a trap on me.’

‘Does he really think that it’s enough to stop me?’

With a cold snort, Bai Yan rose to his feet, tossed down his name card, and headed upstairs.

Bai Yan had already offered him money, but it was not enough to make Yu Shengjie leave. As such, all that remained was for Bai Yan to take the girl away with him.

He returned to Ji Xiaonian’s room once more. Without even knocking the door, Bai Yan immediately barged into the room.

Ji Xiaonian had just finished changing her clothes and showering when it happened. Due to the despair that she felt, she had been constantly lying in her bed and zoning out while hugging her knees.

She constantly replayed Bai Yan’s words from the previous night and realized she truly did not understand that man.

The more she recalled the scene, the sadder she got, and as a result, she felt like crying.

Just as her tears began to flow, however, she heard someone barging into her room. She raised her head, and upon noticing that it was Bai Yan, Ji Xiaonian was slightly surprised. She hurriedly wiped off her tears and avoided his line of sight.

Despite her speedy reaction, Ji Xiaonian was still unable to escape Bai Yan’s fiery eyes and golden gaze[1].

He rushed over to her side, and from his towering position, he asked, “What’s the matter?”

Ji Xiaonian was crying earlier. He had seen it clearly.

She lowered her head and tried her best to make her voice sound normal. “it’s nothing. Weren’t you off to work? Why did you return?”

“Let’s go, I want you to accompany me.”

He extended his hand to pull her to his side.

Ji Xiaonian raised her head, and when she saw his large palm appearing right in front of her, she almost grabbed it and happily trot along with him, had it not been for the pulsating heartache that was plaguing her.

With the words from the previous night still echoing in her mind, Ji Xiaonian gritted her teeth and refused. “I don’t want to.”

‘I don’t want to…’

Those 4 simple words alone were enough to make Bai Yan’s expression darken. He furrowed his brows, and a crushing sensation manifested in his chest.

He looked at her and asked, “Why not? Didn’t you always wish to be by my side? So, why are you refusing my offer to head to the office now?”

In his view, the little girl before him had loved him to death. No matter the time or place, as long as he gave the word, she would definitely follow his orders without an ounce of hesitation.

However, her sudden rejection had caused Bai Yan to feel a never-before-experienced sense of discomfort.

“I don’t want to means I don’t want to. Why do I need a reason to refuse you?”

Ji Xiaonian raised her head and stared vehemently at the towering man in front of her. Although it felt as if her chest was being ripped to shreds, she continued to throw her tantrum and shouted, “Also, why should I be the one to go? Don’t you have Fang Miaoling too? Why don’t you call her instead? After all, my presence there will only interrupt your work. Wouldn’t I just add more to your plate of troubles?”

‘He clearly mentioned it last night. He told me not to follow the steps of whores who constantly try to seduce him and fill their minds with men.’

‘So now, I’ll no longer try to seduce him, and I’ll stay as far from him as possible!’

“What’s the matter with you, Ji Xiaonian? I’m inviting you to the office, so why mention someone else’s name? Are you coming with me or not?”

Once Bai Yan got mad, he could not control himself, and as a result, he had gotten fierce with Ji Xiaonian.

However, when Bai Yan got fierce with her, Ji Xiaonian felt even more aggrieved. She pouted her lips as if she was about to break out in tears again.

“I said I don’t want to! I don’t want to! Why should I head to the office? I don’t want to!” Ji Xiaonian shouted at him with tears streaming down her face.

[1] A reference to the eyes of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. It was said that Wukong could identify all forms of evil. In this case, however, the author is describing Bai Yan’s sight as all-seeing.