Excellent! He wasn't provoking her, and now with Lan Jiu pressing upon Ning Yunhuan’s heart, she truly hadn't had the inclination to seek out trouble with Ning Yuncheng herself. But since he had delivered himself right to her door, the Great Demon King couldn't do much to him for the moment, but towards Ning Yuncheng, she didn't need to be polite; it was natural to deal with him along the way. Ning Yunhuan’s eyes darted around, and she smiled sweetly at Father Ning:

“Dad, I heard Eldest Brother isn't in school anymore. Besides, he’s working at the company. I worry that you and Mom get bored at home sometimes, so why don't we have Eldest Brother move back? Not only could he fulfill his filial duties for me, but it would also make it convenient for you to teach him about the company whenever you like!”

The moment Ning Yuncheng heard this, his face immediately soured, and he almost jumped up: “Who wants to fulfill filial piety for you!”

If he hadn't spoken up, Father Ning would have been reluctant to trouble his son. After all, although his exterior suggested he was severely disappointed in his son, deep down, his love for him was no less than Mother Ning’s. But upon hearing his son explicitly state he didn't want to be dutiful, even the Buddha would get angry, and Father Ning was no exception. He let out two cold laughs and slammed the table, finalizing the decision: “It’s settled! You’re not a child anymore, stop fooling around all day long and causing trouble that makes me lose face. You associate only with those riff-raff friends, treating the family company like it’s your own brothel. You have the nerve to act this way, and I’m embarrassed to even speak to you about it. Even a rabbit won’t eat the grass near its own burrow, yet you’re worse than a mere beast. You will honestly pack your things and move back home, or don't blame me for cutting off your cards and leaving you nowhere to turn!”

Watching Ning Yuncheng being scolded to the point of near collapse with malicious glee, Ning Yunhuan felt an unparalleled sense of satisfaction. After finishing his tirade, Father Ning’s expression changed when he turned to his daughter:

“Huanhuan, do you have enough money? Dad’s card is with you; if it’s not enough, just swipe it. Don’t deprive yourself of anything you want to eat…”

Madam Ning also felt reluctant to part with her daughter and wanted to give her instructions, but Father Ning had left no room for her to interject. She could only seize a moment to briefly advise her daughter before cheerfully pulling her grimacing, gritting-teeth son aside.

Framing Ning Yuncheng one last time as they left, Ning Yunhuan was truly delighted. For Ning Yuncheng, living with a rigid man like Father Ning was the absolute worst thing he could stand; one could only imagine the suffering he was about to endure! He deserved every bit of it!

When Lan Lingyan came to pick her up, he saw her beaming face.

Under the dim streetlamp, the girl who had seemingly been waiting outside the villa complex for quite some time now held her head down, a subtle smile playing on her lips. The usually anxious cast of her eyes was illuminated by the lamplight with a gentle glow, and the upturned corners of her mouth revealed a hint of playfulness. A shadow beneath her sharp, delicate chin deepened the allure of her face.

Lan Lingyan’s heart tightened as his car stopped in front of her.

Had the car window not slid down to reveal half of Lan Lingyan’s profile, Ning Yunhuan might not have even known he had arrived. Lan Jiu seemed to change cars often; this time, he was driving himself. The sleek lines of the sports car and its aggressive stance were somewhat different from his usual elegant and reserved demeanor. It was the first time Ning Yunhuan had seen him drive personally, and she paused momentarily. Seeing his face, she reflexively turned her head back to check the car’s emblem. Beneath the small, oval, red badge resembling a rugby ball, she only caught a glimpse of a few English letters. Although Ning Yunhuan also came from the Ning family and possessed a small fortune, she recognized this distinctive emblem of a Bugatti sports car. However, this particular model was one she seemed to be seeing for the first time. A quick estimation put its price well over tens of millions.

“In a good mood?” Lan Jiu didn’t get out of the car, merely gesturing for her to get in herself. Ning Yunhuan had never seen such an expensive car before. The door opened like a wing, and she moved somewhat cautiously, fearful that her purse or something might scratch the paint, prompting Lan Lingyan to demand compensation. Only after hearing his soft chuckle did Ning Yunhuan settle beside him, her face flushing slightly: “Why did you come yourself?”

The Lan family was, after all, a syndicate, likely with numerous enemies. Lan Lingyan usually traveled with several burly bodyguards, men highly skilled in combat, who were always by his side. This was the first time she had seen him drive out alone.

“Didn't I say I was your boyfriend? It’s a good chance to take you out for a spin. Where do you want to go?” As Lan Lingyan spoke, he smirked faintly, casually resting an arm on the steering wheel, tilting his face, his phoenix eyes fixed intently on Ning Yunhuan.

In truth, it was an impulse. The moment he uttered the word "boyfriend," he had driven out in a daze. This car didn't match his personality; he usually never touched it himself. But thinking that a girl her age would surely enjoy the envious looks of others, he acted rashly. Naturally, Lan Jiu would never admit to such a foolish act that risked his image; thus, he deftly steered away from her question.

Ning Yunhuan was stunned for a moment before finally realizing he was addressing her. She recalled the torrent of words she had unleashed earlier to avoid having to stay at the Ning residence for the night, and her face immediately burned with shame. She opened her mouth but couldn't speak. After saying so much, she still hadn't escaped the fate of being caught by him—how utterly tragic!

Now, being pinned down by her own words, Ning Yunhuan’s complexion shifted between pale and flushed. She desperately wanted to act like the female leads in novels, turning to beg and plead with the male lead when faced with such awkwardness, but she dared not. She couldn't be sure if Lan Lingyan would gently console her if she behaved that way, perhaps leading to a passionate encounter, which was possible. But as for the comforting part? Don't even dream about it. It was far more likely he’d have someone examine her brain. She knew this well from her past life—his research institute was filled with all sorts of talented people!

Considering this, Ning Yunhuan’s expression changed slightly, and she lowered her head, remaining silent.

She had reverted to that look of slight fear! Lan Lingyan’s expression became shadowed and inscrutable as he stared at Ning Yunhuan for a long time. A tightness developed in his chest. This girl was afraid of him, and she knew his surname was Lan and that he was the ninth child. Why was she so frightened of him? One day, he vowed, he would unearth the reason!

Lan Lingyan’s demeanor grew colder. He couldn't bear to see her afraid of him. He pulled her into his embrace, hooked her chin, and kissed her lips, entwining his tongue with hers for a moment. Sensing her attempt to pull away, he wouldn't release her, only letting go when she was gasping for breath. Then, tracing the line of her delicate jaw, he buried his face in her neck! He longed to devour this woman, to chew her up and swallow her whole, so she would no longer fear him and would belong to him forever! Lan Lingyan’s breath was perilous. Recalling her expression just moments ago, he nipped her tender neck, and as he felt Ning Yunhuan’s body stiffen, hearing the slight, pained gasp escape her lips, the punishment was not for her, but only for himself!

[bookid=3122889,bookname=《》] C