Chapter 17

C17 – Sweet Trap

A man who looks like a driver and a bodyguard comes in and speaks to the pretty girl just now.

Miss Yaru? President Chen?

Although Zhang Xiaoloong didn’t know the connection between these two individuals, he sensed it might not be the right moment for him to intrude. In the same breath, he cast a glance at Yaru, thinking that if such a stunning girl... it would be a waste to uncover the secrets of being a boss!

His eyes flickered briefly, but there was no hiding it from Chen Yaru, who had been attentive.

“This isn’t what you might think. The President Chen he mentioned is my father. My name is Chen Yaru,” Chen Yaru hastened to explain, worried the other person might misinterpret, “I... I’m my father’s biological daughter.”

“Cough...” Zhang Xiaoloong also cleared his throat awkwardly. “I apologize, Miss Chen. I didn’t mean it that way. I was just wondering if we could arrange for a custom-made glass greenhouse here. If today isn’t convenient, I can return tomorrow.”

“Alright then.” Chen Yaru, too, found herself behaving strangely, as if somewhat infatuated. Yet she was a very forthright girl. If she felt that hint of affection in her heart, she didn’t want to let it slip by. “Could you leave a contact number? I could call you tomorrow.”

“Sorry, I don’t have a phone, but I’ll come back tomorrow,” Zhang Xiaoloong apologized and turned to leave.

Chen Yaru watched Zhang Xiaoloong, who was about to exit, and suddenly took a few quick strides toward him. “Wait...”

Zhang Xiaoloong was momentarily baffled. He had already mentioned that he would return tomorrow. What else was there to wait for?

“Miss, President Chen is urging you to hurry over. He’s expecting you,” the driver interjected.

“Please tell my dad to proceed without me. Inform him that I have some matters to attend to and will join him shortly,” Chen Yaru instructed before the driver could say more. She added, “You can leave the car here. You can head back now.”

“No, no way. I can’t act. I don’t know you at all. Plus, I’m just a humble farmer. It’s crystal clear to anyone. Even if you tell them, nobody’s gonna buy it,” Zhang Xiaoloong waved his hands vigorously as if he were fending off a swarm of bees.

“Did I become someone you know after I mentioned it?” Chen Yaru shot him an eye roll. “The guy’s family is well-known in Qingyang City’s business circles. If I ignore him completely... it might create quite the hassle for the company. But honestly, I can’t stand him. And I’ve heard from my dad that this guy is the textbook definition of a playboy. He preys on honest folks who are all hearts. Can you bear to watch me get bullied?”

“It’s not that I don’t want to help, but I’m really not cut out for pretending,” Zhang Xiaoloong sighed, feeling caught between a rock and a hard place after being labeled as such. If he refused, it would imply there was more to him than met the eye. “Isn’t there anyone else who can do it?”

“Yeah, like I mentioned earlier, that guy’s quite famous in Qingyang City. Since he publicly declared his interest in pursuing me, not many folks dare to approach me anymore. That’s why I need your help,” Chen Yaru confessed sincerely. She wasn’t feigning her distress. This was genuinely troubling her.

Though, she had to admit, the idea of recruiting Zhang Xiaoloong as her faux boyfriend at the last minute had a touch of brilliance to it.

Weren’t there plenty of stories in novels and dramas where fake relationships turned into genuine ones?

Chen Yaru, despite having worked alongside her father in managing the company for quite some time now, was still a young woman at heart. Occasionally, she entertained romantic daydreams, much like any young girl.

“Alright,” Zhang Xiaoloong finally agreed. “But no matter how this ends, you have to promise me a discount.”

“Absolutely, no problem,” Chen Yaru agreed readily. “Let’s not waste any more time. My father must be getting anxious.”

Zhang Xiaoloong couldn’t help but feel like he was walking into a trap as he watched her take the lead so confidently. Nevertheless, it was a sweet trap, set by a beautiful woman no less. Besides, he needed to play his part for the sake of his greenhouse.

Settling into the car, Chen Yaru sped off and eventually pulled up in front of a high-end clothing store.

Gazing at the storefront, Zhang Xiaoloong asked with curiosity, “Is the party really going to be held in a clothing store? You city folks sure know how to have fun.”

Puchi...

Chen Yaru laughed out loud, “Who told you a party is held here? I have to buy you some clothes. Otherwise, no one would believe you are my boyfriend if you go to a party in your such current state.”