Volume One, Chapter 27: Pursuing Yu Mo!

An undeniable aura swept over them, drawing both Yu Mo and Lin Hua’s gaze in the same direction.

A pair of glossy, high-end leather shoes appeared within sight. Though they made no sound as they stepped onto the luxurious carpet, the force of the man’s every stride was palpable, echoing in the air in a way that stunned those who watched.

Raising their eyes to the owner’s face, they were met with an unruly countenance touched by a faint, mischievous smile. The corners of the man’s lips curled slightly to one side, a wicked yet captivating grin that seemed to command attention.

Lin Hua, almost involuntarily, called out, “President Lin.”

Lin Xing cast her a fleeting glance from the corner of his eye, then turned his intense gaze toward Yu Mo. He was tall and lean, hands tucked nonchalantly into his pockets, exuding all the careless arrogance of a young scion from a prominent family.

He spoke with leisurely indifference. “Yu Mo, do you still like it?”

As he spoke, he leaned closer to her, inclining his body forward and lowering his head just enough to scrutinize her delicate features, awaiting her reply with unhurried poise, completely ignoring Lin Hua’s presence.

Seeing Lin Xing’s clear interest in Yu Mo, Lin Hua felt a surge of resentment. Could it be that he, too, was drawn to Yu Mo…?

Yu Mo offered Lin Xing a polite smile. “It’s fine, I quite like it. Thank you. But next time, don’t bother with such pointless things.”

Her smile faded as she took a step back, widening the distance between them.

A hint of disappointment flickered across Lin Xing’s face as he straightened up, but his gaze never left Yu Mo. His tone was still irreverent. “What can I do? Someone’s trying to take you from me. Yu Mo, I’m not going anywhere. As long as you’re willing, I’ll follow your every command.”

Yu Mo’s lips twitched. For all his good looks, this privileged son of an official probably had enough girlfriends to circle the globe. She would never get involved with someone like him.

“You’re joking, President Lin. How could I ever dare to order you around?”

Knowing she would have to work with him in the future, Yu Mo didn’t make things too awkward, but her voice was cool, drawing a clear line between them as mere professional partners.

Lin Xing raised an eyebrow and finally reined in his bold gaze.

Lin Hua, anxious to defend herself, blurted, “President Lin, didn’t you promise to let me know? Why did you approve Yu Mo’s application?”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you—your application was rejected,” Lin Xing said blandly.

The truth was plain for all to see now.

Director Huang faced Lin Xing with the utmost respect, his expression eager to please. “President Lin, I knew you’d appreciate Yu Mo’s abilities. I admire her as well…”

“That’s enough. I’m here for Yu Mo, not for your celebration,” Lin Xing interrupted, turning his attention back to Yu Mo. His features were deep-set, his eyes narrowing slightly in evident good humor. “Yu Mo, aren’t you going to treat me to dinner?”

Yu Mo refused him outright. “I have other matters to attend to. I’ll be sure to invite you another time, President Lin.”

With that, she made to leave.

Lin Xing stepped into her path, a touch of grievance in his voice. “You’re really going to turn me down like this?”

Lin Hua tried to approach Lin Xing again, only to be stopped by Manager Yao. “Miss Lin, please cooperate. The celebration can’t go on. Calm down and don’t make things worse.”

Lin Hua stood frozen, unable to accept what had happened. She had no time to dwell on it, as the others in the room began to react to the news.

People from the pharmaceutical company looked at Lin Hua with a strange mix of emotions; some faces were openly disgusted. Clearly, her attempt to take credit for Yu Mo’s work had left a bad taste.

“How can someone with such questionable character be a manager at the factory?”

“Exactly. I’d rather have Yu Mo in charge. With her close ties to the young master, the factory will be better off in her hands than anyone else’s. I don’t want to lose my job.”

“I think Yu Mo and President Lin get along well—are they friends?”

“Can’t you see? President Lin is clearly interested in her, he’s pursuing her.”

“Oh…”

Whispers rippled through the crowd as people began to file out. In moments, the once bustling banquet hall became barren and desolate. A few empty wine glasses rolled across the floor, a chilly draft blowing them to rest at Lin Hua’s feet, emphasizing her isolation.

The staff had already started cleaning up, the clatter of dishes sounding jarring in the vast, empty space.

Lin Hua stood transfixed, staring at the scene. She couldn’t understand it. Today was supposed to be the crowning moment of her life. How had it all come to this?

She hurried after Director Huang. “Please, give me another chance.”

“Lin Hua, don’t bother coming to the office tomorrow,” Director Huang replied, leaving her with those words.

Biting her lip, Lin Hua turned and headed backstage.

Fu Yanting was sulking as well. He was no less than Mu Shaozhou. Mu Shaozhou was just lucky to be born at the top of the pyramid. If only he’d been born with a silver spoon, he’d be even more accomplished than Mu Shaozhou. Who cared about Mu Shaozhou, anyway? At least Yu Mo liked him.

If he sincerely apologized and asked for another chance, Yu Mo would surely agree. He would go to her tomorrow!

The door to the lounge opened, and Lin Hua rushed in, collapsing into Fu Yanting’s arms. Her tears flowed uncontrollably.

“Brother Yanting, I didn’t mean to take credit for Yu Mo’s work, I swear…”

Fu Yanting’s mood, which had barely improved, was immediately soured again. He impatiently pushed her away.

Frowning, he asked, “What happened this time?”

Through her sobs, Lin Hua recounted the events.

Fu Yanting’s frown deepened, and his tone was no longer gentle. “Why didn’t you clarify things before claiming you’d closed the deal? You’ve embarrassed me as well!”

“Please, Brother Yanting, I didn’t do it on purpose. Can’t you talk to Director Huang for me? I’d do anything to stay at the factory, even as an intern. You know I graduated with a degree in pharmaceuticals—this is the perfect place for me.”

Fu Yanting pushed her away. “What could I possibly say to the board? This is your own fault, and you need to face the consequences. I’m not in charge of the Fu Group anymore—my words mean nothing.”

Lin Hua’s sobs only grew more desperate. That wretched Yu Mo—she would never let her get away with this.

Fu Yanting grabbed his coat and left the lounge. Lin Hua hurried after him in small, anxious steps.

The desolate scene outside only deepened Fu Yanting’s irritation. He pulled out his car keys, ready to head home and sleep.

Lin Hua tried the passenger door, but it was locked tight. Her eyes, red from crying, looked pleadingly at Fu Yanting in the driver’s seat.

He didn’t unlock the door for her, only rolled down the window. He looked weary, his voice listless. “Lin Hua, go back home for a few days. I need some time to myself.”

With that, he drove off, leaving her standing there.

Lin Hua watched as the car disappeared from sight, her pent-up grievances finally erupting in loud, unrestrained sobs.

—

Yu Mo left the hotel and walked to her car. The pretty boy was nowhere to be seen. Confused, she pulled out her phone to call him.

Lin Xing trailed after her, about to open the passenger door and climb in. But Yu Mo quickly released her grip on the door and locked it securely with her key.

“Yu Mo, what’s this supposed to mean? You really won’t treat me to dinner?”

Lin Xing withdrew his hand, studying his palm as though puzzled by her aversion to him. In twenty-six years, he had never pursued a woman before. He hadn’t expected it to be so difficult.

Yu Mo had no interest in speaking with him and strode away toward a nearby shop. Perhaps the pretty boy was wandering somewhere close by.

A Cullinan trailed her at a measured pace. Before long, Yu Mo noticed the car following her. She stopped and moved closer to get a better look.

The rear window slowly rolled down, and a familiar face appeared before her eyes.