Chapter 269: Substituting the Concept

Chapter 269: Chapter 269: Substituting the Concept

"He looks so familiar, like I’ve seen him somewhere before. Does he have a girlfriend? If not, I’m making my move!"

"You think you’d even get a chance? Look at the way he and President Yin look at each other. Isn’t it obvious?"

The more animated the crowd became, the more Dong Shaojie gritted his teeth in anger.

Dong Shaojie forcibly suppressed the rage in his heart and plastered a look of admiration on his face. "President Yin, your dancing has improved even more. It’s simply breathtaking!"

Dong Shaojie then showered her with more compliments, sparing no praise for Yin Ruxue, yet he deliberately failed to mention Jiang Fan, as if completely ignoring his existence.

Seeing this, Jiang Fan wasn’t the least bit displeased.

He stepped forward and laughed heartily. "Since Young Master Dong is so satisfied with President Yin’s dancing, and the dance is over, shouldn’t you announce who gets the Centennial Ganoderma?"

A flash of reluctance crossed Dong Shaojie’s face when he heard Jiang Fan’s words. But it was plain for all to see who had been the focus on the dance floor.

He could only grit his teeth and reluctantly announce, "The Centennial Ganoderma is awarded to President Yin Ruxue!"

"That’s not right, is it? Young Master Dong, it takes two to dance!"

"The Centennial Ganoderma is awarded to President Yin Ruxue and this... Mr. Jiang Fan!"

Dong Shaojie’s words were laced with bitterness and resignation, but he was still trying his best to control his emotions.

The crowd was slightly surprised to hear the decision, but not overly so. After all, everyone had witnessed their performance, and the two of them truly deserved it.

Without any hesitation, Jiang Fan accepted the gift box containing the Centennial Ganoderma right in front of everyone.

At this moment, Dong Shaojie was distracted, his mind replaying the infuriating scene from earlier. A surge of hatred welled up inside him.

Dong Shaojie remained distracted for the rest of the banquet. Of course, this scene did not escape the eyes of Dong Kaixiong, who was watching from the second floor.

As his father, he could clearly see his son’s feelings for Yin Ruxue. That was precisely why he had reluctantly put up a precious Centennial Ganoderma as a prize, all to support Dong Shaojie.

After all, as long as Dong Shaojie could win the girl’s heart, the Centennial Ganoderma would ultimately remain in their own hands.

But he never expected Jiang Fan’s sudden appearance to completely derail all their plans. Naturally, Dong Kaixiong’s heart also filled with hatred.

Some are happy, some are sad. Leaving the Dong Family’s residence after the banquet, Jiang Fan was in high spirits.

Once in the car, holding the Centennial Ganoderma, Jiang Fan felt the trip had been well worth it.

"Jiang Fan, you look like you’re in a good mood!" Yin Ruxue started the car and continued, "This Centennial Ganoderma is worth a fortune. With this, we can call it even. Just forget about the overtime pay."

"Hey, let’s not mix things up. You get your share of this Centennial Ganoderma, I definitely won’t short you. And don’t you dare try to short me on the overtime pay you owe me!"

"Jiang Fan, you’re really ungrateful. Do you have any idea how much this Centennial Ganoderma can sell for? It’s worth far more than your overtime pay."

"Who said I’m going to sell it? I have other uses for this Ganoderma. But don’t worry, I’ll still make sure you get your share."

Yin Ruxue gripped the steering wheel and chuckled softly.

"I’m not interested in this Centennial Ganoderma at all. But since I did you such a huge favor today, shouldn’t you do me a favor in return?"

Jiang Fan looked at Yin Ruxue, feeling that something was off. ’Is she trying to twist things around? Who the hell helped who here?’

"Neither of us was there tonight, so Nanny Chen had to pick up Mengmeng. Mengmeng has been crying for her mommy and daddy, and Nanny Chen has already called me twice. Come home with me tonight and spend some time with her."

Although Jiang Fan felt like Yin Ruxue was trying to manipulate him, the moment he heard it was for Mengmeng, he agreed without hesitation.

"By the way, what was going on with you and Qingci earlier?" Yin Ruxue suddenly asked. "If you don’t explain yourself, you might not get your overtime pay on time!"

Hearing this, Jiang Fan was immediately displeased.

"You’re asking me? I wanted to ask you! If it weren’t for you, would I have gone and hugged Su Qingci?"

"For me? Don’t you dare say I told you to hug Su Qingci. If we hadn’t been watching, it looked like you were about to plaster your face all over her. Do you have any idea in what capacity you were attending this banquet? If I wasn’t concerned about appearances, I would have exposed your sanctimonious excuse on the spot."

Jiang Fan was speechless.

"I have no improper thoughts about Su Qingci whatsoever. You, on the other hand, Yin Ruxue—don’t you know how Su Qingchu feels about you? Su Qingci is constantly acting as his wingman. She was trying to lead me away to create an opportunity for the two of you, and you were still foolishly following her upstairs."

"So... what does that have to do with you hugging Su Qingci?"

"Doesn’t that woman despise men? I just wanted to piss her off."

"What kind of messed-up logic is that..."

Seeing Jiang Fan’s self-righteous explanation, Yin Ruxue raised a delicate eyebrow and suddenly asked, "Are you jealous?"

"Jealous? I just can’t stand to see you get backstabbed by your best friend, okay?"

A meaningful smile touched the corners of Yin Ruxue’s lips, and she said no more.

When they returned to the villa, Jiang Fan could hear Mengmeng’s cries the moment he stepped through the door.

"Mengmeng, why are you crying so late at night?"

"Daddy, you’re back!"

As soon as she heard Jiang Fan’s voice, Mengmeng immediately stopped crying and ran over.

"Daddy, Mengmeng missed you and Mommy."

"Be a good girl, Mengmeng. Mommy and Daddy can’t be free every day. You’re a big girl now, you have to understand. Crying and making a fuss like this just makes things hard for Nanny Chen. Mengmeng needs to learn to be considerate of others."

Mengmeng pouted and said, "I know, Mengmeng. But today at kindergarten, the other kids said Daddy opened a new school, and some kids are already going there. I want to go to Daddy’s school too, so I can see you every day."

Mengmeng’s words left Jiang Fan at a loss for a moment.

Just then, Yin Ruxue slowly walked over and said, "Listen, Mengmeng. Daddy’s school just opened, and he has a lot of things to take care of right now. He wouldn’t be able to look after you. Besides, if you went to the new school, you wouldn’t have your current teachers and friends to play with."

"Mommy, didn’t you say we’re very rich? Can you buy my school then? That way I could see Daddy every day, and I could also see my teachers and my friends."

Hearing this, Jiang Fan couldn’t help but give a wry smile.

He had to admit, the world of a child was truly innocent.

"Mengmeng, you focus on school for now. When you’re a little older, and Daddy isn’t so busy anymore, how about I bring you over to the new school then?"