My back and shoulders ached terribly after finishing the coding for this chapter; I could barely stay seated! I really can't write anymore; let’s stop here for today!
After signing the agency contract, Yang Ru officially became the new owner of Yingying Yanyan.
This trick Little Xu played was quite clever. The girls he managed were all transferred under the guise of entertainment companies; they could sign agreements, execute contracts, and even issue invoices to state-owned enterprises for reimbursement.
Now, Yingying Yanyan’s new agent was Yang Ru instead of Little Xu. Unlike merely “bringing girls out,” Yang Ru didn't have to worry about them running away because these girls already had established identities and backgrounds. They weren't just "out selling themselves"; whether it was with someone else, with Little Xu, or with Yang Ru, they were ultimately destined for a comfortable life—either becoming the kept woman of some powerful figure or the mistress of a young master. Either way, it was far better than the women who worked officially at the “Huabi” nightclub.
This path differs somewhat from the top courtesans of ancient times. While famous courtesans sold their art, not their bodies, they could still interact with the outside world and earn money. Although Yingying Yanyan were groomed from the start for influential men, they rarely had contact with men, meaning they wouldn't be swept away by a poor scholar like a famous courtesan might be.
To put it bluntly, a famous courtesan might be forced into her situation, but in this morally bankrupt contemporary society, Yingying Yanyan are acting voluntarily. They yearn for a life of decadent luxury, desire unearned wealth, and crave entry into high society. Thus, they sacrifice their dignity and bodies, betting their youth on tomorrow.
If they encountered a man who was both rich and powerful, yet also cultured and righteous, it would be like hitting the jackpot! Wasn't that how it happened for so-and-so? That person has now been propelled into a huge star, and so-and-so even managed to become the official wife, displacing the original partner and truly becoming a wealthy madam!
The relationship between Yang Ru and Yingying Yanyan was truly a case of mutual need. However, the two million “training fees” Yang Ru paid to Little Xu, the separate, much larger “finder’s fee” Little Xu had previously paid to someone else, and the “signing fee” that person had paid to Yingying Yanyan’s parents, were all just roundabout ways of reselling Yingying Yanyan as a kind of resource, passed down the chain.
Yingying Yanyan didn't care about the transfers. The higher the price, the better—it was a symbol of their own worth as sisters!
Reality is often stranger than fiction. Wang Zhuo never dreamed that Yang Ru would go to such great lengths to procure a pair of beautiful twin girls for him.
That’s right, they were “gifts”—factory sealed, for him to dispose of as he saw fit.
Yang Ru was supremely confident in the sisters. If they wanted to secure a good future, they absolutely had to use every skill they possessed to serve Wang Zhuo. If Wang Zhuo was satisfied and kept them, then everything would be fine. If, afterward, Wang Zhuo simply waved his sleeve and walked away without a trace, the girls would face a massive devaluation and would have to find another path.
...
After meeting with the siblings Yang Jian and Yang Ru, Wang Zhuo’s life settled into a routine.
In the United States, the situation surrounding the Arks of Life was overwhelmingly positive. The media was fiercely debating the matter; the once one-sided criticism had turned into intense arguments. Facts were undeniable, and truth emerged clearer through debate. The Arks of Life had become famous through this very controversy.
On the other hand, the auction for the British vessel Royal Princess was fast approaching. The first step involved traveling to the UK in late February to inspect the ship. Wang Zhuo had already arranged for several dedicated military enthusiasts and hired two maritime experts to form an inspection team, and they were currently finalizing the necessary procedures.
Four days after meeting with the Yang siblings—three evenings later—Wang Zhuo was chatting long-distance with Gan Lin, who was in Hong Kong for business activities, when a text message from Yang Ru arrived.
“Wang Zhuo, this is Yang Ru. Can we schedule a time to meet and talk?”
The text displayed directly on the phone screen. Because Yang Ru was using a number unrecognized by Wang Zhuo’s phone, it only vibrated slightly, not even daring to issue a notification sound.
By the time Wang Zhuo finished his call, more than ten minutes had passed since he received the message. Seeing the text, Wang Zhuo was slightly surprised. Recalling Yang Ru’s alluring figure and a face that strongly resembled the Snake Demon from the Calabash Brothers animation, he shook his head, smiled, and dialed the number back.
Once connected, he asked languidly, “Miss Yang, is there something inconvenient to discuss over the phone that requires a meeting?”
“I think it’s better to say things face-to-face,” Yang Ru replied, trying to maintain a sincere tone. “If you don’t have time, I can wait.”
“Oh?” Wang Zhuo was surprised by her submissive posture. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Then come to my office here in BD now. Do you know where it is?”
Yang Ru paused before asking, “Could we meet at a hotel? You book a room so the environment is quieter.”
“That’s not out of the question…” Wang Zhuo glanced out the window. “Then let’s use the Harbor Grand Hotel; it’s very close to my company.”
After saying goodbye to Fu Xinran, Wang Zhuo put on his jacket and hummed a little tune as he headed downstairs. As the saying goes, skill breeds courage. He wasn't afraid of Yang Ru plotting anything devious, and the Yang family now dared not use any unconventional low tactics. On one hand, the Qin faction was watching them intently, and on the other, did they think the top leader who had shaken Wang Zhuo’s hand was merely a decoration?
The Harbor Grand Hotel was located in the heart of the BD business district, so business was naturally booming. Since Wang Zhuo frequently hosted business partners, he was a top-tier member of the hotel, enjoying the best discounts. Furthermore, certain premium suites were not available for external booking, but he could occupy them whenever they were vacant upon arrival.
It was the time for an afternoon nap. He requested a two-room interconnecting VIP suite. After entering, he habitually swept the area with his clairvoyance, confirming there were no concealed precision electronic devices. He then lay on the bed, browsing news on his phone, and gradually drifted off into sleep.
About an hour into his nap, his phone rang; it was Yang Ru calling.
“I’ve arrived. Which room are you in?”
Wang Zhuo sat up and looked down. Through the walls and rooms, he could see Yang Ru standing outside the hotel lobby entrance, talking on the phone.
Today, she wore a red plaid shirt layered under an orange vest, paired with a black pencil skirt, thermal leggings that mimicked silk stockings, and tall high-heeled boots. On her head, she wore a small, handkerchief-sized white knit netting hat. The mixed style was both unique and cutting-edge, brimming with fashion consciousness.
That woman certainly knows how to dress... Wang Zhuo stretched, then replied, “Take the hotel elevator to the top floor, and just tell the corridor attendant you’re looking for me.”
“Don’t you have a room number?” Yang Ru asked, frowning.
Wang Zhuo chuckled, “I do, but I forgot it.”
In reality, he could have seen the room number just by glancing toward the door using his X-ray vision, but he was too lazy to look and was intentionally creating minor inconveniences for Yang Ru as a subtle form of pressure.
“Alright then,” Yang Ru reluctantly hung up the phone and walked into the hotel.
The building had eighty-eight floors. After Yang Ru took the elevator to the ninth floor—the hotel’s top floor—an attendant greeted her the moment she stepped out of the elevator.
Having grown accustomed to high-end hotels, Yang Ru was well aware of such procedures. She calmly instructed the attendant, “Please lead me to Mr. Wang Zhuo’s room.”
Wang Zhuo’s small attempt at asserting dominance was smoothly neutralized. Aura is something unseen and unfelt, but it can be distinctly perceived. Yang Ru’s calm instruction made the attendant obediently lead the way, completely foiling Wang Zhuo’s expectation that the attendant might mistake the elegant Miss Yang for an escort.
This frustrated Wang Zhuo, who was observing the scene through his clairvoyance. He’d made a rare attempt to play a petty trick only to have it dismissed so effortlessly—it was underwhelming!
After being seated in the designated places, Yang Ru felt somewhat awkward about her position. The light coming from the window behind Wang Zhuo was intensely bright, creating a strong backlighting from her angle, allowing her to see only the outline of his face, not the fine details of his expression.
She couldn't help but feel a sudden chill. This was one of the classic techniques used in negotiations; though crude, it was effective. Wang Zhuo had finally utilized the home-field advantage!
“Why did you come alone? Where is your brother?” Wang Zhuo asked.
“He’s in Beijing handling some important matters,” Yang Ru explained calmly.
Wang Zhuo merely grunted, seemingly unconcerned, indicating it was just a casual inquiry.
Truly overwhelmingly dominant... Yang Ru sighed inwardly, then said earnestly, “I came today to apologize to you.”
“Huh?” Wang Zhuo looked extremely surprised, blinking a few times, asking with a mixture of laughter and tears, “Did I hear that correctly? What did you just say? You’re here to apologize to me?”
“That’s right, I’m here to apologize,” Yang Ru said with a self-deprecating curl of her lips. “The time Liu Jieming targeted you last year—we acted very wrongly. I am here representing him, and myself, to offer you a sincere apology.”
Did the sun rise in the west today? Wang Zhuo studied her incredulously, then a sudden thought struck him: “Liu Jieming wouldn’t come?”
“Yes,” Yang Ru nodded silently.
With a cold laugh, Wang Zhuo asked, “If he lacks even that much sincerity, do you think I’ll accept your apology?”
“I know that’s unlikely,” Yang Ru met Wang Zhuo’s gaze calmly, saying with self-mockery, “So, I brought you a gift, hoping it can express my regret.”
A gift? Wang Zhuo laughed without warmth. “You really surprise me. You actually brought a gift for me. Where is it? Let me see it.”
After assessing Yang Ru, Wang Zhuo couldn't immediately figure out what gift she could possibly have. A slightly wicked thought crossed his mind: Could she herself be the gift?
He quickly dismissed the idea. His own nephew had been driven to schizophrenia by him; even if the situation forced her to submit and apologize now, she wouldn't offer herself to an enemy like him!
However, this Snake Demon exuded a strong, alluring aura. Sampling her would probably be quite an experience.
Seeing the interested look on Wang Zhuo’s face, Yang Ru stopped wasting time. She took out her phone, dialed a number, and instructed clearly, “Come up to Suite Number Five on the ninth floor. If an attendant asks, just say you are here to see Mr. Wang Zhuo.”
Who is she calling? Wang Zhuo felt a flicker of confusion. It sounded like the person was already in the hotel. It seemed Yang Ru had made some arrangements during his nap!