Third Brother Yan turned to look at Father Yan and Second Brother Yan, and found that they were already used to this situation and their expressions didn’t change at all.
Third Brother Yan and Eldest Brother Yan exchanged glances. “Dad…”
It was only then that Yan Zheng seemed to remember something and explained, “Ah, your Fourth Sister is dating Xiao Yan. They’re planning to get married at the end of the year.”
Lately, they have been extremely busy. Second Brother Yan is opening a store and also has to manage his relationship, Wan Tong has to take care of multiple stores, and Youngest Sister is rarely seen. Even Father Yan himself has been so busy with the house decorations and some renovations that his head feels like it’s going to explode…
Hearing this, Third Brother Yan and Eldest Brother Yan were stunned, but since Yan Qinglu was right there, they couldn’t say anything and had to keep it in.
However, they ultimately watched as Yan Qinglu took Wan Tong away.
“Tongtong, it’s so late. Where are you going with him?” Third Brother Yan suddenly stood up and asked nervously.
“Third Brother, Yan Qinglu lives next door. I’ll be back soon,” Wan Tong said with amusement.
What’s with that look like his little cabbage was being eaten by a pig?
“Oh, okay then. Be careful.” Third Brother Yan said casually, but his eyes were warily watching Yan Qinglu.
Yan Qinglu’s expression remained indifferent, revealing nothing, but he discreetly squeezed Wan Tong’s hand.
Wan Tong, who was standing close to him, even heard a light hum from his nose.
The subtle rivalry between the two young men made her feel both helpless and amused. After nodding to her Third Brother, she pulled Yan Qinglu along and left.
When they reached the doorway, Yan Sange still followed nonchalantly. When Wantong looked back, he even waved at her.
“…” Wan Tong whispered to Yan Qinglu with a hint of gloat, “My Third Brother is guarding against you like you’re a wolf.”
Yan Qinglu slightly turned his head and gave her a peck on the cheek, “He’d have to be able to guard against me.”
“…” That full-blown provocation was going to infuriate her Third Brother.
Sure enough, Third Brother Yan’s face stiffened and he was about to charge forward, but was held back by his Eldest Brother.
“What are you interfering for?”
“Come on, Eldest Brother, I’m afraid Tongtong will be bullied…”
“Dad and Second Brother have already approved, which means that guy must be okay. Besides, I’ve watched Xiao Yan grow up. We know what he’s like, it’s fine.”
Under his Eldest Brother’s reassurance, Third Brother Yan finally went back inside.
Wan Tong covered her face and looked back, then pinched Yan Qinglu’s waist, “Can’t you behave?”
He knew that her Third Brother still didn’t trust him, yet he still dared to act so boldly.
Yan Qinglu played along, hissing lightly, but wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his embrace.
As soon as they left the door, Wantong was led into a Hongqi1 sedan by Yan Qinglu.
“Where are we going?” Wan Tong asked curiously.
“You’ll know when we get there.” Yan Qinglu skillfully started the car.
Ten minutes later, Yan Qinglu took Wan Tong to a bustling dance hall.
As soon as the waiter saw the two of them, he came forward to greet them and quickly led the way, taking them directly to a VIP room on the second floor.
When the curtain was drawn, they had a perfect view of the female singer performing on the stage opposite.
“It’s the grand opening today, so it’s crowded,” Yan Qinglu said as he leaned in and wrapped his arms around her from behind. “Don’t you like this singer? How does she sound live?”
“It’s just too loud,” she replied. Although she often played the singer’s songs in her store, this was her first time hearing the singer live.
“Next time, I’ll have her sing just for you.”
“…” This domineering CEO vibe… she thought to herself.
Before the singer had even finished her song, Yan Qinglu’s teasing had already made Wan Tong feel uncomfortable.
“Yan Qinglu, stand properly…” She had barely finished speaking when Yan Qinglu pressed his lips heavily against the skin on the back of her neck, making her knees go weak.
Yan Qingluo chuckled softly, wrapping his arm around her waist to support her as he teased, “Little Fourth Yan, tell me, who’s not standing properly?”
Wan Tong turned to glare at him, her eyes lively and her small, rosy lips pouting, making her look incredibly enticing.
Yan Qinglu reached out and swiftly pulled the curtain closed, then lifted her onto the white square table.
She tilted her head back slightly, exposing her slender and graceful neck. Yan Qingluo held her face and kissed her gently.
Recently, no matter the occasion, he easily lost control around her, constantly seeking to get closer and consume her entirely.
This time was no exception. Just as Wan Tong felt her dress was about to suffer, there was a knock on the door.
Wan Tong, feeling as weak as water, leaned against Yan Qinglu, her ears filled with his heavy breathing and the clear enunciation of his words, “Little Fourth Yan, I really want to devour you.”
She bit her lip to stay calm, not daring to make a sound, and buried her face in his chest, breathing lightly.
He smelled faintly of a pleasant fragrance, making her head even more foggy, and even her throat felt weak. She let out a soft hum in protest.
But Yan Qinglu, hearing her sound, ignored the knock and lifted her face again, giving her lips a light bite.
“Little Fourth Yan, you’re killing me.”
It was only after the third knock that Yan Qinglu released her. “Wait here for me.”
Wan Tong nodded obediently, her eyes moist and blinking, her hands supporting herself on the table to avoid slipping.
Yan Qinglu stepped back, distancing himself from her, and helped straighten her dress and hair.
He opened the door and stepped out, while Wan Tong let out a slow breath, but the warmth on her face lingered, her cheeks adorably pink. But clearly, it was him who caused all this trouble.
However, the timing wasn’t right, and it wasn’t the right place either.
Wan Tong didn’t have to wait long before Yan Qinglu returned. Seeing her still sitting on the table, he smirked mischievously and teased, “Are your legs weak?”
“…You’re the one who’s weak.” Wan Tong was a little annoyed and kicked his thigh lightly. He didn’t dodge or seem to mind.
It seemed that no matter how she treated him, he never flinched.
Yan Qingluo grabbed her ankle and came closer, his deep eyes now filled with a teasing light, heavily implying, “…Otherwise, you won’t be leaving here today.”
The implication was clear.
Wan Tong : “…”
These days, he’s been talking dirty to her every day without even blushing.
“Did something happen?” Wan Tong sensibly changed the topic.
Everyone had seen Yan Qinglu bringing her in, but the door was still knocked on three times, indicating that it wasn’t a simple matter.
Yan Qinglu’s expression remained unchanged as he said, “Nothing, just some troublemakers. They’ve been escorted out. Let me take you back.”
“Alright.” Wan Tong nodded.
Yan Qinglu picked her up and didn’t put her down until they reached a crowded area, where he tightened his grip on her hand.
However, before they could leave the dance hall, Chen Hou came over to find Yan Qinglu, saying that someone from the bureau was here for an inspection.
Yan Qinglu frowned, and Wan Tong quickly spoke up, “I can go back by myself. You go ahead and take care of it.”
Today was the opening day, and it seemed it wouldn’t be peaceful.
Yan Qinglu never wanted her to be involved in these matters.
“Brother Lu, I’ll help you take Little Fourth Yan back.” Lin Daxiong suddenly appeared.
Yan Qinglu could only nod, “Call me once you’re back.”
Wan Tong nodded, “Be careful.”
This was also the phrase Wan Tong said to him the most.
The hall was bustling, and Wan Tong didn’t linger. She quickly followed Lin Daxiong, surrounded by a few others. Although the hall was crowded, no one could get close to her.
Just as they were about to get into the car, Wan Tong felt a sense of being watched, and then saw a man next to her get slashed.
“Protect Miss Yan!” someone shouted.
In the chaos, Wan Tong saw a tall, thin figure wielding a long knife like a mad dog. His tangled mid-length hair obscured his face, revealing only a pair of bloodshot, fierce, and bloodthirsty eyes like a starving wolf.
He was coming for her.
However, he couldn’t get close to her. After injuring one of her bodyguards, he was subdued by Lin Daxiong, and the knife was thrown aside.
The heavy sound of punches landing on the emaciated body brought Wan Tong back to her senses.
“Little Fourth Yan, are you alright?” Lin Daxiong asked.
Wan Tong shook her head, took a step forward, and stopped others from kicking the man on the ground.
“Who are you?” Wan Tong squatted down beside him, her skirt brushing the rough cement ground as the wind blew it gently.
With blood at the corners of his mouth and his cheek pressed against the ground, his hands twisted behind his back, the tall, thin man blinked his swollen eyes, staring at her pristine skirt, seemingly a bit dazed.
Upon hearing her voice, he grinned, but more blood seeped from his mouth, spreading across the floor.
“He’s with Hei Long. They caused trouble in the hall just now. This one’s a straggler. Oh, right, the arsonist from last time was also one of Hei Long’s men.” Lin Daxiong, forgetting Yan Qinglu’s instructions, spilled all the information. Someone beside him tugged at him, bringing him back to his senses. He immediately said, “Little Fourth Yan, let’s go. There’s nothing more here.”
Little Fourth Yan was Brother Lu’s precious flower, and should never be exposed to such bloodshed. Now that this happened, Lin Daxiong didn’t know how to explain it.
Wan Tong didn’t get up. She knew about Heilong. Now, Yan Qinglu had been giving them a hard time, so it was normal for them to send people to cause trouble.
“Even with Hei Long in that state, people are still willing to work for him?” she asked.
Lin Daxiong shook his head. “Some people are as foolish as oxen. But they might also be threatened. Hei Long excels at that.”
The boy, who was being forcibly restrained, seemed to have heard their conversation, and his eyes suddenly went quiet.
Wan Tong met his gaze for a moment before standing up.
“Let’s not tell Yan Qinglu about this. No need to make him worry.”
At this moment, a delicate girl suddenly ran over, crying, and threw herself at the boy on the ground. “Brother!”
The boy struggled a few times but couldn’t break free, and the girl was pulled away instead.
“Let her go!” the boy rasped, suddenly seeming to gain energy as he struggled violently.
Lin Daxiong, faced with this situation, looked worriedly at Wan Tong.
Wan Tong glanced at the equally frail girl, then at the boy whose eyes were now bloodshot. She said, “Let him go.”
As soon as she finished speaking, the bodyguard restraining the boy released his grip.
The boy stumbled over to the girl and hugged her tightly. “Qiaoqiao.”
“Brother, you’re bleeding so much!”
“It’s nothing…” the boy comforted Qiaoqiao, but his eyes were on the pristine figure bending to get into a car.
Two cars drove away in succession, leaving a trail of dust in the air.
The boy looked down at the ground where a pink wallet lay quietly.
“Qiaoqiao, pick it up.”
Obediently, Qiaoqiao picked up the wallet and opened it. Inside was only a single hundred-yuan bill.
“Brother, can we use this money to get your wounds treated first?” Qiaoqiao, eyes red, held the wallet tightly, as if afraid her brother might refuse.
The boy lowered his head and then responded softly, “Okay.”
This wallet had been deliberately left behind by that woman.
Wan Tong didn’t dwell on the incident. When she got home, Third Brother Yan interrogated her for an hour before letting her go to her room to sleep.
Her room had a view of Yan Qinglu’s room next door, but there wasn’t a single light on over there. He probably wouldn’t be coming back tonight.
She closed the curtains and fell asleep immediately.
The next day, her three brothers began preparing to open a convenience store near the station.
Second Brother Yan and Zhou Rui had been inseparable, but he was also ambitious, always working hard outside.
Due to his lack of formal education, he had recently moved between several factories, doing manual labor. Lately, he suddenly had the idea of opening a store—a fast food shop, he called it.
Listening to his description, Wan Tong thought it sounded a lot like a convenience store.
She had previously gone around the station area with Second Brother Yan and had proactively invested money in his idea. She even brought Eldest Brother Yan and Third Brother Yan into the plan.
With Yan Qinglu’s help, securing the storefront was a breeze. When it came to renovations, her three brothers weren’t very knowledgeable, so Wan Tong went every day to oversee the work, aiming to recreate the convenience store from her memory.
Third Brother Yan focused on researching ready-to-eat meals sold in the store, while Eldest Brother Yan and Second Brother Yan were busy visiting various factories.
Summer passed in a flurry of activity, and the 24-hour convenience store finally opened. Due to the heavy foot traffic, business was good, especially since the store offered simple rest areas for temporary breaks.
Sometimes, when Wan Tong passed by, she would stop in for a freshly made soy milk and some fish balls.
Yan Wan’ying rarely came home and didn’t actively follow the family’s affairs, so it wasn’t until the convenience store began turning a profit that she visited it.
When she saw the store’s operating model, she was taken aback. Was this really her Second Brother’s idea?
There were no such convenience stores in the country yet, right?
After inquiring with her Second Brother, she learned that it was Wan Tong who suggested the 24-hour operation. She immediately went to find Wan Tong.
—There was definitely something off about Yan Wantong!
At the Mingrui store in the city center, Wan Tong was just making her routine check when the store manager handed her an envelope, saying someone had left it in the mailbox early that morning.
Wan Tong opened it and found a hundred yuan inside.
Suddenly, she remembered that night when she had deliberately dropped a wallet.
Could it be that the brother and sister had returned it?
She put the money away, not thinking much of it. If it was from them, it meant they weren’t entirely bad after all.
- a Chinese luxury car brand ↩︎