[Master, are you sure we aren't heading the wrong way?] asked Luo Xue, her concern growing as she sensed they were moving further away from Evelynn and the others.
Xia Tian knew that they were indeed heading in the wrong direction, but his desire to play with Lin Ruoxi a little longer overpowered any sense of urgency to join Evelynn and the rest. Her scent was intoxicating, and he couldn't resist the temptation to indulge in some more humilia-play with her.
He cared little about the passing of time or the risk of being detected. Hundreds of years could pass, and it wouldn't affect him in the least. Moreover, Evelynn's inability to detect his aura provided him with a sense of security. If she were to use her strength in the realm, the whole place would crumble under the immense power she wielded.
For Xia Tian, the thrill of running loose and causing trouble was too much to resist. He reveled in this game of cat and mouse, where Evelynn chased him around the city in a futile attempt to find him. It wasn't just a game for him, but a genuine source of entertainment.
Xia Tian was a man of simple pleasures, content in doing simple things for simple reasons. However, his actions had dire consequences for those in the lower realm, who would suffer for his amusement.
To Xia Tian, this realm was a toy to be played with, and he was a cunning old fox, capable of consuming everything in it.
As they walked, Xia Tian impulsively grabbed onto a man, absorbing some of his memories in the process.
With this new information, he discovered the address of the cafe mentioned in the letter.
Leaving the dead man behind, Xia Tian led the way towards a slightly less crowded street. Despite the extravagance and luxury of the area, it all seemed like nothing more than mere stones and bricks to him.
His mind then wandered, wondering if this new world also had pokemon. In another random dimension in past, he had encountered beasts referred to as pokemons by the locals.
Regardless, Xia Tian pushed this thought aside and focused on finding the cafe.
------
Outside the renowned Silk Road Coffee & Co building, an air of curiosity hung in the atmosphere as an uncommon sight caught the attention of those fortunate enough to glimpse it—a sleek black Rolls Royce gracefully parked near the building's edge.
Even amidst the towering structures of the prestigious district, the presence of the luxury vehicle stirred intrigue.
The ownership of such a car wasn't merely a reflection of financial success but rather a symbol of esteemed status.
Onlookers couldn't help but wonder about the individual, shrouded in an air of snobbery, who possessed the means to indulge in such extravagance.
Meanwhile, in the private dining area atop the building, a captivating woman adorned in a lavish black coat sat alone on a vibrant red stool. Her eyes darted occasionally toward the entrance, betraying an undercurrent of unease that resonated within her.
Though her nerves churned beneath the surface, she exuded an outwardly calculated coolness.
Xia Tian arrived at the designated location and noticed the luxurious car parked outside. "A wealthy woman," he murmured under his breath before stepping in.
At the entrance, he presented a letter with an attached invitation, and was promptly escorted to the rooftop.
Xia Tian's eyes subtly lit up as he beheld the solitary woman awaiting him at the top.
A thought flickered through his mind—perhaps this woman was on the verge of leaping off the roof if he rejected her affection.
Luo Xue, having spent considerable time with her boss, could easily discern his thoughts by observing his expression.
She couldn't help but curse how shamelessly someone could behave in such a manner.
She knew all too well that Xia Tian's mind functioned differently, as if he existed in a world of contrasting thoughts and actions.
As Xia Tian took his seat nonchalantly, Lin Ruoxi's eyelids fluttered at the sight of the person standing at the door.
For a fleeting moment, her heart stirred, captivated by his strikingly handsome face.
Yet, a sigh of relief escaped her lips as she silently reminded herself, "At least he doesn't have an unattractive face." The memory of their intimate encounter from the previous day lingered, causing a mix of emotions within her.
Lin Ruoxi couldn't help but furrow her brow, finding Xia Tian's manners crude.
However, she struggled to pinpoint any specific flaw, as his movements flowed with a surprising elegance, momentarily deceiving her into perceiving him as someone of higher standing.
Yet, her scrutiny revealed that his clothing lacked any notable branding, consisting instead of inexpensive garments.
This realization provoked a sneer from Lin Ruoxi, who slid a document across the table towards him.
Xia Tian, rather than being surprised by the document, was more taken aback by her cold demeanor, an expectation he had already formed.
"Have you finished reading it?" she inquired, her desire to engage in small talk evidently lacking.
Xia Tian raised his hand with an air of seriousness.
"No," he replied firmly, his response catching Lin Ruoxi off guard.
Her eyes fixated on him, Lin Ruoxi couldn't help but examine his demeanor from head to toe as he read through the document meticulously, as if his life depended on it.
Eventually, Xia Tian nodded, pretending to have finished reading, though he had understood the contents long before.
His act of pretense was a deliberate attempt to provoke her.
His gaze lingered on the woman, a playful glint in his eyes.
Lin Ruoxi found herself unable to explain or converse further, yet this fleeting encounter was sufficient for Xia Tian to form a preliminary understanding of her personality.
He had learned from experience that those who talk excessively or feel compelled to overexplain often suffer from the trauma of being ignored or having their opinions disregarded.
Lin Ruoxi's current reticence and arrogance were telling enough to reveal that she was accustomed to an environment where others blindly followed her commands.
Unfortunately for her, she had fallen into Xia Tian's hands.
"As you've read, our agreement will span three years, and at the end of the third year, I will grant you ten million yuan," she stated indifferently, her words directed at a silent Xia Tian.
Purposely feigning ignorance, Xia Tian questioned her, "Why should I adhere to your demands, woman? Even if you have fallen in love with me, isn't it too hasty?"
Lin Ruoxi nearly choked on her tea, attempting to maintain composure.
Biting her lip, she responded, "... Yesterday was entirely your fault—you took my innocence. If you wish to make amends, it's best to abide by this arrangement."
The agreement was straightforward: Xia Tian would marry her for three years, a union bound only until the specified date, and in the end, she would provide him with the agreed-upon sum of money.
Yet Xia Tian remained puzzled by the urgency to marry.
He nodded and voiced his concerns, "I am apprehensive. Miss Lin, if you intend to threaten me, I would first like to understand the purpose behind this agreement."
As he spoke, Xia Tian leisurely sipped the tea left by the waiter.
"That's none of your concern," Lin Ruoxi retorted, her face radiating in the light.
Despite claiming to be frightened, she couldn't shake the feeling that Xia Tian was mocking her instead.
Frankly, Xia Tian believed he should teach her a lesson, but he yearned for more information before doing so.
"Very well, then I shall take my leave," he stated, pretending to rise from his seat.
Lin Ruoxi's eyes widened, panic flickering within her as she hastily grabbed his hand to stop him.
Xia Tian turned around, a mischievous smirk on his face.
Lin Ruoxi suddenly became conscious of her actions and quickly released his hand in a flustered manner.
Xia Tian chuckled before resuming his seat. "If you please..."
Lin Ruoxi let out a deep sigh, realizing it was her only way out. Reluctantly, she began to divulge the truth.
She belonged to the powerful Lin Group, with the shares held under her name.
However, these shares were subject to conditional transfer, dictated by her late grandmother before her passing.
Should Lin Ruoxi fail to marry before reaching the age of twenty-five, the shares would be transferred to a foundation, leaving her penniless.
Although she didn't explicitly state it, Xia Tian discerned the underlying meaning behind her words.
Now, having taken her virginity, Lin Ruoxi was employing him as a means to ensure the shares remained under her control.
The weight of this predicament burdened her greatly, leading her to seek solace in a bar.
Never could she have predicted that events would unfold in this manner.
Xia Tian grasped the gravity of the situation, but he adamantly refused to acknowledge its relevance to him.
Whether she was a virgin or not, it held no sway over him.
If she sought a scapegoat, she could find another man.
His resolute refusal left Lin Ruoxi wide-eyed, her surprise evident.
"100 million!" she gritted her teeth, uttering the figure with a hint of animosity, perceiving him as excessively greedy.
Xia Tian finally smiled, yet he shook his head and let out a deep sigh.
"What do you want? Spit it out! A house? A credit card?" Lin Ruoxi's impatience grew, her voice sharp with annoyance.
Xia Tian raised his hand, signaling for her to calm down. "Miss Lin, do you know what I desire most?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of playfulness.
Lin Ruoxi paused, unsure of what response to offer.
"Your company."