A Twisted Love Affair-Chapter 97: President Zhou, your love debt (3)_1

VIP lounge.

A Zitan wood censer, shaped like an ancient bronze tripod with a subtle blue-green hue, wafted fragrant smoke upwards.

In the center stood the Pearwood Council Platform, echoing with ancient charm, around which sat seven or eight heirs from prominent families.

Zhou Luchen occupied the main seat on the sofa, a bronze tripod and Qi’nan Wood placed before him. His slender, well-defined fingers manipulated the incense tongs, slowly roasting the incense back and forth, unhurried and leisurely, until the sweet, rich aroma of the Nan wood was released.

Wenxin stood directly behind him, her hand resting on the armrest, her gaze fixed on his every move.

Still so fond of Bai Qinan.

So loyal, yet so fickle.

It all depended on the subject.

For incense, only the finest, most precious Bai Qinan would do.

For cigarettes, only the absolute best.

As for female companions—he could switch from one to another.

Wenxin circled the intricately carved pearwood sofa and, as she always had, sat down beside Zhou Luchen. Her long, pale legs were crossed, her posture exuding elegance no matter how she sat.

"Did you give her candy?"

"Do you want some too?"

He fanned gently, wafting the fragrant mist towards himself to inhale, his movements distinct, noble, and elegant.

Wenxin stared at him, slightly entranced. When Zhou Luchen was serious, his handsome face exuded a polite demeanor, reminiscent of the clear moon and gentle breeze—a sight she found captivating. She tried not to stare, especially with everyone else around, but the surging longing in her heart was difficult to suppress.

Feeling she had lost her composure, Wenxin looked down and fiddled with the delicate watch on her wrist, her voice calm as she said, "I’m not interested in such childish games."

"While I’m here, don’t you dare bring anyone like that around," Wenxin said, a lazy smile playing on her lips as she joked, "If I bully her to tears, I won’t be taking responsibility."

Her voice, cool with a hint of laughter, was like a chilling drizzle.

Zhou Luchen turned to glance at her, speaking deliberately, "Are you planning to make trouble for her?"

"I’m not that bored," Wenxin smiled. "I just don’t like sharing a room with strangers."

Nearby, Chen Yao silently opened a cake of aged tea, just delivered from the auction house. It wasn’t fragrant enough; Zhou Luchen wouldn’t touch it.

He had to be catered to; Zhou Luchen was particular.

Chen Yao vaguely recalled the night Zhou Luchen and Wenxin had broken up.

At the club, bottle after bottle of wine had been opened. Zhou Luchen had poured it down his throat, slurring, "That bitch! Does she like my status, or does she like being Zhou Luchen’s girlfriend?"

Chen Yao had merely drunk with him then, unable to get a word in.

Wenxin had used Zhou Luchen’s influence to secure numerous benefits for the Wei Family. Zhou Luchen, fully aware of her intentions, had still pampered her and given in to her requests; whatever the Wei Family wanted, he provided. Even after their breakup, he, Zhou Luchen, could afford to give her anything.

Truly the proud and aloof princess of the Wei Family from the Shanghai Circle, with Zhou Luchen as her unwavering, unconditional supporter.

To Chen Yao, Wenxin had always seemed ice-cold, power-hungry, and ambitious, reserving her gentle smiles exclusively for Zhou Luchen.

She also loved Zhou Luchen desperately, often talking about sending out wedding invitations, and he always let her talk.

But her ambition for the Wei Family had gone too far.

Her schemes had provoked the Zhou Family in Beijing, but Zhou Luchen had shielded her, ensuring she escaped unscathed.

The Wei Family owed its survival to Zhou Luchen’s protection.

Wei Wenxin had become so arrogant and willful precisely because Zhou Luchen couldn’t shirk responsibility—he was the one who had spoiled her.

With someone doting on her like that, how could she not be proud?

Now that Shen Jing had seemingly captivated him, she was growing restless again.

As proud as she was, she had only returned to the country ostensibly for the banquet.

Greed itself wasn’t necessarily wrong, but coveting Zhou Luchen’s heart—that was her folly.

It was a fool’s errand; Chen Yao knew Zhou Luchen’s true nature all too well.

Chen Yao pulled his thoughts back, pressing down the teapot lid to pour tea. "You’re back in the country and not hosting a welcome-back party?" he asked Wenxin.

"You name the place."

As she spoke, Wenxin leaned in from Zhou Luchen’s side, her radiant, fair fingers hooking his tie, and played with it tenderly. "Achen will pay, won’t he?"

Chen Yao glanced at Zhou Luchen from the corner of his eye; he was composed and collected as he retrieved his tie from Wenxin’s hands.

The chemistry between the two of them was undeniably palpable. They had been together before, after all.

Chen Yao naturally dared not agree.

Wenxin didn’t mind their subtle interaction and instead asked Chen Yao, "Who’s the young lady you added to the group chat?"

Chen Yao smirked. "My girlfriend."

Wenxin had never seen Chen Yao act like such a playboy.

She was surprised by his choice. "What about Liang Yingning?"

"A shield to deal with the family," Chen Yao said. "We have an agreement."

"You’re so bad," Wenxin whispered in Zhou Luchen’s ear, her tone teasing, "Achen is even worse. While I’m away, he goes from one to another. There’s just no one to keep him in check."

Wenxin had a cool, refined beauty. When a woman like her flirted, the contrast was indeed devastating.

Men are so perverse; they love it when an aloof beauty whimpers and melts in their grasp. It’s just that kind of thrill.

Zhou Luchen chuckled, his tone playful, "What’s it to you?"

Wenxin picked up her teacup. "I’m not leaving just yet. I want to see how you two carry on right under my nose. What? You didn’t take her back to Night Mansion but had her stay at Yunding instead. Do you think I don’t understand what you mean by that?"

Night Mansion was his true sanctuary, his home.

Women he was involved with externally were kept external.

Only she had ever stayed in Night Mansion.

Shen Jing probably didn’t even know he usually resided at Night Mansion.

Chen Yao merely focused on brewing tea, saying nothing. No matter how close their friendship, he wouldn’t dare comment on Zhou Luchen’s private affairs.

Someone in the group chat shared photos of Liang Yingning in a gown. Chen Yao glanced at them briefly before deleting the message and exiting the chat.

Chen Yao picked up his teacup and clinked it against Zhou Luchen’s. "From now on, I’m a man with a wife in name."

Zhou Luchen merely sipped his tea, cold and taciturn.

The dinner banquet dishes were served by waiters.

Zhou Luchen remained leaning back on the sofa, replying to messages.

Shen Jing: "I’m heading back. Will you be home before midnight?"

Zhou Luchen slowly typed: "Did you drink?"

Minutes passed, but Shen Jing didn’t reply. Zhou Luchen twirled his phone, raised an eyebrow, then grabbed his car keys and stood up.

At the dining table, Wenxin put down her small dessert spoon. "Aren’t you going to eat? How can you just leave Chen Yao’s engagement banquet like this?"

The door was promptly closed by the attendant.

Wenxin scoffed.

Chen Yao glanced at Wenxin. "He’s usually very busy. There’s probably an urgent matter at the company requiring his decision."

Wenxin looked up, leisurely picking at her food. "As expected of Second Young Master Zhou’s friend. Don’t you blush covering for him like that?"

She had seen right through it.

Chen Yao chuckled and lowered his head. This woman was no pushover. "Are you going to eat or not? Did you come for my engagement or to watch Brother Chen with his little girlfriend?"

"Don’t try to elevate Shen Jing’s status," Wenxin said calmly. "Does he even acknowledge her as his girlfriend? From what I see, she’s nothing special. The fish in his sea are hardly remarkable."

Chen Yao didn’t argue with her.

Within their circle, most had known each other for at least three or four years. Chen Yao and Wenxin’s relationship was indeed quite good. Back when Zhou Luchen first brought her into their circle, who would have dared to slight her?