©Novel Buddy
My Virtual Girlfriend-Chapter 448
Chapter 448: Chapter 448
"Doot...doot...doot..."
The phone was answered after just a couple of rings.
But it wasn’t Yu Qiao Qiao’s voice that rang from the other end; instead, it was the voice of that simpleton, Zhao Ying.
"Hello? Chen Yan?"
Upon hearing Zhao Ying’s voice, Chen Yan’s first reaction was to think he had dialed the wrong number.
He lowered his phone to take a look.
He hadn’t made a mistake.
So, he asked, "Why are you the one answering the phone?"
Zhao Ying cheerfully replied, "Qiao Qiao left her phone with me. I saw it was you calling, so I picked up."
After finishing, she naively asked, "Have you eaten?"
Chen Yan was somewhat bemused.
He thought Zhao Ying was really an optimist.
His own situation was dire, with the backyard on fire, yet talking to her felt like running into a neighbor in the village.
So he coughed once and bluntly shifted the topic to Yu Qiao Qiao, "What is Qiao Qiao doing right now? How... how is her mood?"
....
Zhao Ying turned to look at Yu Qiao Qiao who was sitting on the bed with her face streaked with tears, being hugged by Yang Nuannuan, and said, "Oh. It’s nothing."
"She just returned a while ago in a bad mood. She cried."
"But after we found out, we started comforting and explaining things to her."
....
Chen Yan was taken aback, "She cried just now?"
"After you all comforted her, how is she now?"
Zhao Ying said, "She’s still crying."
Chen Yan: ....
’Your comfort and consolation did nothing!’
After learning about Yu Qiao Qiao’s current mood from Zhao Ying, Chen Yan grew increasingly restless.
He was pretty sure his suspicions were correct.
Zhao Qingtian must have also made a move against Yu Qiao Qiao.
Actually, Zhao Qingtian’s tactics were nothing special; they were simply meant to deliberately disrupt Chen Yan.
Chen Yan speculated that Zhao Qingtian must have investigated the women close to him and concluded that this was his vulnerability.
So he devised plans tailored to these women’s circumstances, to create conflicts and divisions between them and him.
To make him distracted by these issues during this critical time.
After all, the Zhao Family was watching him like a tiger eyeing its prey, even sending over a lawsuit, who knew what other plans they had.
Thus, if Chen Yan’s domestic affairs became chaotic,
it would give the Zhao Family more room to maneuver.
Whether it was a direct or stealthy approach, targeting any industry, Chen Yan wouldn’t be able to respond for the time being.
Moreover, although it was a conspiracy, once it unfolded, it became an overt scheme.
Even if Chen Yan guessed Zhao Qingtian’s intent, he would still have to expend effort to deal with these issues.
While continuing to curse Zhao Qingtian in his mind, Chen Yan took a deep breath, and then said to Zhao Ying, "This is what we’ll do. I’ll come over to see Qiao Qiao later."
"You all help me take care of her for now."
Upon hearing Chen Yan’s words, Zhao Ying, ever the optimist, said, "No need~"
"Don’t worry. Nuan Nuan is here today."
"She’s currently persuading Qiao Qiao."
"Although I don’t understand what they’re saying, Qiao Qiao’s mood has obviously improved a lot."
Hearing Zhao Ying’s words, a lump formed in Chen Yan’s throat.
Yang Nuannuan was there too?
Chen Yan felt the situation was even more troublesome.
He hadn’t forgotten that Yang Nuannuan had always had designs on him.
Who knows, she might add fuel to the fire.
With that thought, Chen Yan said, "I still think I should see for myself."
Zhao Ying tried to reassure him, "It’s really fine."
"You have to trust me and also trust Nuan Nuan."
"I swear on my next life’s gossip!"
"If there’s a problem, I’ll never hear any gossip again in my next life."
As she spoke, Zhao Ying casually added,
"Besides, we’re going to go out to eat later, and after eating, we have classes."
"We don’t have time for you to come see Qiao Qiao."
"If you want to see her, wait until tonight when you get home."
Saying this, she added, "Alright then. That’s it for now. I still have to go cheer up Qiao Qiao."
"Bye-bye then~"
After finishing, the sound of "doot doot doot..." came from the receiver.
Chen Yan: ....
For a moment, Chen Yan couldn’t tell whether Zhao Ying was a teammate or an enemy.
He still felt a little uneasy, so he opened the game to take a peek.
The game interface appeared, and the first thing that popped up was Yu Qiao Qiao’s pixelated character.
When he left the office earlier, Chen Yan had checked Yu Qiao Qiao’s status and mood.
She had been entering the dormitory at the time.
Her mood was the gray heart of [Sad].
But now, upon looking, Chen Yan was a bit surprised.
Because Yu Qiao Qiao’s pixel character was being hugged by Yang Nuannuan’s pixel character, whispering something to each other.
Zhao Ying was off to the side, gesturing dramatically.
And the three little ones were sitting on the bed opposite Yu Qiao Qiao, with all three of them sticking their heads out uniformly and eavesdropping.
And at this point, Yu Qiao Qiao’s mood had miraculously changed from [Sad] to the yellow smiley face of [Okay].....
’Huh? Could it be... Yang Nuannuan actually managed to console Qiao Qiao?’
"Qiao Qiao’s mood has improved a lot now?"
Chen Yan was somewhat surprised.
Because he felt that even if he had gone himself, he might not have cheered up Yu Qiao Qiao so quickly.
What the heck did Yang Nuannuan do...
.......
Meanwhile, at Qin Island University, the girls’ dormitory.
Yu Qiao Qiao’s dorm room, unusually, had a full house.
Centered on Yang Nuannuan and Yu Qiao Qiao, several girls were having a "little meeting."
The relations among the girls in the dormitory had been good since they started university.
Even though later on, because of Chen Yan, they had their "breakups and makeups," and Yang Nuannuan even went through a period of living outside the dorm.
But now, with the relationship between Yu Qiao Qiao and Chen Yan stable,
Zhao Ying’s "career" development stable,
And Yang Nuannuan having initially given up on her romantic pursuits and started following Chen Yan in finance,
The relationships in the dorm had once again mellowed significantly.
However, some things don’t just disappear with time.
At least Yang Nuannuan’s image in the dorm had changed from a gentle and understanding big sister to a slightly stern "big boss."
Still, when they saw Yu Qiao Qiao enter looking tearful, everyone who happened to be in the dorm came forward with concern to inquire.
Facing her best friends, Yu Qiao Qiao didn’t hold back and shared everything she had overheard on the street.
Hearing Yu Qiao Qiao’s account, the girls reacted in various ways.
The three little ones appeared a bit at a loss and worried.
Zhao Ying cocked her head, full of curiosity.
While Yang Nuannuan stood back with arms crossed, silently contemplating.
The three little ones took the lead in consoling Yu Qiao Qiao. novelbuddy.cσ๓
But lacking any experience in love or dealing with wealthy families, Yu Qiao Qiao didn’t feel much from their words.
Then came Zhao Ying’s turn.
She brought out her unique personality by saying, "Qiao Qiao, why bother with these things?"
"Men, aren’t they all the same?"
"If you like him, just knock him out and carry him off."
"Who cares about wealthy families or riches? Isn’t it just one head that gets dizzy with a knock?"
Hearing this almost made Yu Qiao Qiao burst into tears.
Not because she found Zhao Ying’s words too ridiculous,
But because she didn’t think she could outfight Chen Yan, so she couldn’t even achieve that....
So in the end, the "life coach" of the dorm, Yang Nuannuan, took action.
After her own identity was exposed and she "socially died" because of her mother’s issues, Yang Nuannuan’s attitude towards Yu Qiao Qiao and Chen Yan had become much more peaceful.
But the methods she used were anything but peaceful.
It was... breakdown therapy.
She pinpointed the two things that Yu Qiao Qiao cared about:
One was Chen Yan’s relationship with Lu Man.
The second was the gap between Chen Yan and Yu Qiao Qiao.
So, seeing Yu Qiao Qiao fall into self-pity, Yang Nuannuan simply started berating her.
She downplayed her worthiness.
Claiming she indeed was not suited for Chen Yan.
If you consider looks, figure, fashion sense, and demeanor, Chen Yan matched better with Lu Man.
From the standpoint of family background and wealth, Chen Yan matched better with He Mengxue.
And Yu Qiao Qiao, while not unattractive and shapely, refused to spend money, looking unstylish and lacking confident demeanor.
Family background was not even a contest; Yu Qiao Qiao was not just a bit behind He Mengxue but completely incomparable.
In the end, Yang Nuannuan concluded with an excessively harsh analogy: The gap between some people can be even bigger than that between a person and a dog.
These despair-inducing words left Yu Qiao Qiao utterly dumbfounded.
She stood paralyzed,
Completely uncertain of what to do.
To be honest, Yu Qiao Qiao wanted to be with Chen Yan. That’s why she was upset.
Now, Yang Nuannuan’s comparison suddenly made her realize she had no chance of being with Chen Yan.
So she truly didn’t know what to do.
At that moment, she even thought, "Would it be better... if I left Chen Yan?"
But at that moment, Yang Nuannuan wrapped her arms around her, beginning the post-breakdown treatment.
She began to explain: Indeed, considering all factors, Yu Qiao Qiao wasn’t suited for Chen Yan. But... how many people in this world really are?
Does Lu Man qualify?
A female celebrity, an actress boosted by Chen Yan, matching him? Ridiculous...
What about He Mengxue?
Take away her family’s influence, and she’s nothing. Her behavior during this period has proven that although she has abilities, they’re not as remarkable as rumors suggest.
Keep in mind Chen Yan has it all: looks, figure, wealth, and competence.
How do they compare to him? What are they in comparison?
So... if Yu Qiao Qiao isn’t suitable, neither are they.
Hearing Yang Nuannuan’s words, Yu Qiao Qiao, who had just been on the verge of a breakdown, thought carefully and began to feel: Strangely, it makes sense...
Indeed. If love really needed to be a match in social status,
The one to be compared with Lu Man and He Mengxue shouldn’t be Yu Qiao Qiao.
It should be Chen Yan.
Yu Qiao Qiao wasn’t Chen Yan’s equal, but neither were they.
Seeing that Yu Qiao Qiao was listening, Yang Nuannuan started to introduce her second "point."
That was... since no one is suitable.
For Chen Yan, isn’t it just about liking someone and then being with them?
At this point, Yang Nuannuan also asked Yu Qiao Qiao who she thought Chen Yan liked the most?
Yu Qiao Qiao, for a change, had confidence and firmly said it was herself.
Seeing this, Yang Nuannuan decisively clapped her hands and said, "That’s not right, is it!"
"So, you and Chen Yan are the most suitable, and the most fitting to be together."
"Not because of family background, appearance, profession. Just because, he likes you!"
After she finished, Yang Nuannuan even turned her head and asked Zhao Ying, "Brother Ying, does what I’m saying make sense?"
Zhao Ying, on the side, was already almost baffled by the conversation.
So, upon hearing Yang Nuannuan’s question, she quickly nodded, "Makes sense, makes sense."
The three onlookers, worried but snacking on melon seeds at the side, also uniformly nodded agreeing, "Makes sense, really makes sense."
Seeing her roommates all say this, already soft-hearted Yu Qiao Qiao was immediately "brainwashed."
She felt... that this explanation seemed right too.
But...
What exactly is the deal with Chen Yan, Lu Man, and He Mengxue...
Yang Nuannuan had an even simpler solution for this issue.
She just made two points.
First, it was very likely rumors.
Second... if worried, then go ask Chen Yan.
If you don’t ask and only guess, isn’t that tiring?
Thus, Yu Qiao Qiao, who had heard those revelations and therefore felt downcast, sad, and self-pitying, was miraculously persuaded by a few words from Yang Nuannuan.
Not only did her mood return to normal, but it was even more firm than before.
Consequently, the few girls in the dormitory went out to dinner together as originally planned.
However... before leaving, Yang Nuannuan, who was last to leave and closed the door, took a deep sigh when out of sight from Yu Qiao Qiao...
Having previously harbored designs on Chen Yan, Yang Nuannuan was most clear about any relationship between Chen Yan, Lu Man, and He Mengxue.
She even suspected that Zhao Ying and Chen Yan might have something to do with each other.
But, since Zhao Ying seemed so open and without guilt...
She dared not be sure.
Nevertheless, no matter how, just seeing Yu Qiao Qiao in that state today, she knew that Yu Qiao Qiao couldn’t really leave Chen Yan.
What she needed was not comfort or reality but a reason that could convince her to stay by Chen Yan’s side.
So Yang Nuannuan gave her one.
And because Yang Nuannuan knew Chen Yan’s scoundrel nature, she even left Yu Qiao Qiao an out, letting her ask Chen Yan herself about the matters concerning Lu Man and He Mengxue.
According to Yang Nuannuan’s understanding of Chen Yan, she thought that Chen Yan would most likely not lie, but only tell part of the truth.
At that point, it would be up to Yu Qiao Qiao to decide. She couldn’t manage it...
After all, she was just a girl who had given up.
What’s the fun in falling in love? Better to follow Chen Yan and make some money.
Thinking this, Yang Nuannuan felt... that for the backyard fire she helped put out today, Chen Yan should take her for another spin at "Gold."
Only, unfortunately, she couldn’t take credit for these deeds.
After all... that was a throw-away alter ego.
...
Meanwhile, at the Fenghua Building, Chen Yan had also returned from the empty office to his own office.
On the way back, he had been constantly checking his phone.
So, he miraculously saw that Yu Qiao Qiao’s mood had changed from "so-so" to "happy."
This left Chen Yan somewhat baffled.
What’s this all about?
Wasn’t the persuasion fast enough, and now his girlfriend improved her own mood?
However, though Chen Yan was utterly perplexed, he also knew this was a good thing.
He no longer felt as urgent to see Yu Qiao Qiao.
Since Yu Qiao Qiao’s mood had improved, then he’d wait until evening to chat with her.
After all... don’t forget, there was still a Lu Man waiting in Chen Yan’s office to be dealt with.
Despite Lu Man knowing about Chen Yan’s womanizing ways all along, precisely because of this, when Chen Yan showed interest in another, she might feel even more jealous and have a harder time accepting it.
So, as he walked towards his office, Chen Yan inwardly vowed: He would not let Zhao Qingtian off the hook!
Once he had pacified his two girlfriends, he would begin to methodically chop off Zhao Qingtian’s hands and then take out the Zhao Family!
Let Zhao Qingtian witness the collapse of his empire with his own eyes.
Hmm... and spit on him a few times for good measure!
With that in mind, Chen Yan returned to his office.
In the office, Lu Man was already lying on the sofa, engrossed with her phone.
Seeing Chen Yan return, she didn’t even move, just gave him a glance and then looked back at her phone.
Chen Yan didn’t speak either.
He locked the office door and walked up to her, picking her up directly and placing her on his lap.
Being picked up by Chen Yan, Lu Man said petulantly, "What are you doing?! Have I reconciled with you?"
Chen Yan gave a "cold chuckle" and, dismissing her complaint, flipped her so she was facedown on his legs, pulled down her pants, and raised his hand high. Before she could react, he brought it down sharply onto Lu Man’s buttocks!
A crisp "smack!" resonated.
"Ah~" Lu Man cried out.
She struggled with a flushed face, and indignantly said, "What are you hitting me for?!"
Chen Yan, still silent, continued with another "smack!" on her buttocks.
Lu Man became frantic.
She said, "Are you a sore loser?"
"Smack!"
"Ah~!"
"How could you be so unreasonable? It’s clearly you who found another woman behind my back, and yet you won’t even let me talk about it?"
"Smack!"
"Ah~"
"Chen Yan! I’m going to fight you!"
"Smack!!"
"Ah~~"
This way, with Lu Man protesting each time, Chen Yan struck a slap, Lu Man let out a cry.
A strange harmony filled the office for a while.
After about half an hour of this, Lu Man, puffed up with anger, finally clammed up, her face blushing as she glared at Chen Yan.
But from her eyes that seemed to drip with moisture, she... actually appeared to be no longer bothered about He Mengxue’s matter.
After subduing Lu Man, who turned out to be somewhat of a masochist, Chen Yan finally spoke.
"My relationship with He Mengxue indeed has some ambiguity."
"But it’s not to the extent you’re imagining."
"If one day, our relationship really changes, I will inform you."
Hearing Chen Yan’s words, filled with flawed logic, Lu Man rolled her eyes, tempted to retort with some sharp comments.
But, fearing another slap, she rubbed her buttocks and stayed silent.
Chen Yan continued, "As for the money I’ve given her, most of it is for exchanging interests with the He family."
He said, "Moreover, you don’t need to be jealous of her."
"Because, I will give you much more."
With crossed arms, Lu Man haughtily said, "More? Can you give me tens of billions too?"
Chen Yan smiled, "Do you want it? Because I can give it to you right now."
Hearing Chen Yan’s words, Lu Man was momentarily stunned.
"But it’s not to the extent you’re imagining."
"If one day, our relationship really changes, I will inform you."
Hearing Chen Yan’s words, filled with flawed logic, Lu Man rolled her eyes, tempted to retort with some sharp comments.
But, fearing another slap, she rubbed her buttocks and stayed silent.
Chen Yan continued, "As for the money I’ve given her, most of it is for exchanging interests with the He family."
He said, "Moreover, you don’t need to be jealous of her."
"Because, I will give you much more."
With crossed arms, Lu Man haughtily said, "More? Can you give me tens of billions too?"
Chen Yan smiled, "Do you want it? Because I can give it to you right now."
Hearing Chen Yan’s words, Lu Man was momentarily stunned.