Lin Fan and his group arrived in front of the three-story office building.
The security guard apologized, "Leader, I only have the key to the main gate. I don't have the key to the building."
"Where is the key?" Wang Qing asked.
"It was confiscated. I don't know if it's at the police station, the court, or perhaps the bank now." The security guard pointed to the seal on the door, "The bank has sealed the door."
Wang Qing looked at Zhou Weiguo questioningly. If the leader gave the order, he could get the key now.
"I think we can forget it," Lin Fan said, not wanting any more trouble. The company was his anyway.
Tian Mengyao was indifferent; she hadn't really wanted to come in the first place.
Zhou Weiguo smiled, "Then let's forget it, but..." He looked at Cai Yan, who was trailing behind with eager eyes. This woman was quite cunning, adept at seizing any opportunity. However, Tian Mengyao was not easily provoked. He hoped Cai Yan wouldn't overstep her bounds; Miss Tian could be quite intimidating when she was angry.
Lin Fan said apologetically, "I'm sorry, your flowers can't be retrieved for now. How about this, you estimate your losses, and I'll compensate you now."
"No need, they aren't very valuable," Cai Yan refused, shaking her head. Her classmate relationship with Lin Fan was priceless now, and she intended to cherish it.
Tian Mengyao then noticed. Where was the man? Where was the man who had been with her? Initially, Tian Mengyao had no reservations because they were together. Now that Cai Yan was following him alone, Tian Mengyao felt a pang of unease.
"Xiao Fan, shall we take a look at the other workshops?" Zhou Weiguo suggested.
"No need. Even if I look, I won't understand. It will have to be managed by professionals later," Lin Fan replied, shaking his head.
"Alright, then let's head back." The group walked towards the main entrance.
Jiang Yi stood at the entrance, his face a picture of displeasure. On one hand, he hadn't expected to fall out with Cai Yan. He hadn't driven his own car over in an attempt to get closer to the beauty. On the other hand, Lin Fan had ruined his plans.
Seeing the group approaching, he feigned enthusiasm and waved at Lin Fan, "Xiao Fan, I'm heading back."
Lin Fan's eyebrows twitched, knowing trouble was brewing. As expected!
"Come by and visit with Director Wang when you have time. Wishing you a speedy arrival of your child!" After Jiang Yi finished speaking, he saw Tian Mengyao's expression change drastically. *I'll let you gloat! I'll let you take advantage! Are you satisfied now! Feeling good!*
"I accept your good wishes," Lin Fan said calmly, cupping his hands towards Jiang Yi.
Jiang Yi was taken aback. Was he still putting on a brave face? How would he get past this?
"Xiao Fan, what's going on?" Tian Mengyao asked.
"We'll talk about it when we get back," Lin Fan said, taking Tian Mengyao's arm. "Do you trust me or him?"
"Of course... Hmph!" Tian Mengyao suppressed her anger, but her chest churned like a volcano on the verge of eruption.
Zhou Weiguo was perplexed. Did Lin Fan have something going on with Wang Ying too? Impossible, how dare he! Besides, it had been so long; he couldn't possibly not know Tian Mengyao's identity. Didn't he know what was more important?
"Mengyao, Xiao Wang and I are heading back to the county committee. Call me if you need anything," Zhou Weiguo said, not wanting to get involved in the young couple's romantic entanglement. Lin Fan had his own value, and Tian Mengyao even more so; neither could be offended.
"Uncle Zhou, please take care," Tian Mengyao said with a forced smile that looked worse than crying.
As soon as they left, Tian Mengyao demanded, "Speak! What exactly is going on? Director Wang, that's Wang Ying, right? What's your relationship?"
"It's a long story," Lin Fan began.
"You have to tell it, no matter how long! I'll listen until the end of time!" Tian Mengyao glared fiercely at Lin Fan.
"Do you remember Sister Zhou from Xinghe Real Estate? Actually, she is..." Lin Fan recounted how his classmate discovered his relationship with Zhou Yi and then spread rumors in the class group chat about him mooching off a rich woman.
Tian Mengyao listened, dumbfounded. What was all this about? She had met Zhou Yi before; why would Lin Fan be interested in that older auntie? Someone dared to say it, and people actually believed it!
"There was no other way. The rumors were spreading like wildfire. It happened to coincide with the end-of-year class reunion, so I thought I'd go and clarify things," Lin Fan said awkwardly.
Tian Mengyao took a deep breath and asked, "So you went to Wang Ying? What's your relationship?"
"There was no other choice!" Lin Fan explained with a troubled expression, "They were saying such nasty things, what else could I do?"
"You could have come to me!" Tian Mengyao stated righteously.
"We weren't that close back then. How could I bother you? Besides, you're so young; it wouldn't be good if it ruined your reputation," Lin Fan explained.
"Then why weren't you afraid of ruining Wang Ying's reputation?" Tian Mengyao asked.
"Wang Ying is divorced. Widows attract gossip; a few more words won't hurt," Lin Fan chuckled.
"You... you still have the nerve to argue?" Tian Mengyao's jealousy flared, and she pinched Lin Fan's arm fiercely. If someone said Su Yurou was involved with Lin Fan, Tian Mengyao would probably believe it. But Wang Ying, apart from the encounter at the wine reception, she never saw her regularly. If they had a private affair, would they be this distant?
"You even had her pretend to be your girlfriend. Tell me! Have you been interested in her for a long time?" Tian Mengyao only half-believed him.
"No, really not!" Lin Fan pointed to Cai Yan beside him. "If you don't believe me, ask my classmate. She can testify that Wang Ying and I are completely innocent, without any improper behavior." He was confident Cai Yan would help him lie. Of course, she would! He knew Cai Yan too well. From the very beginning, when he sensed Jiang Yi's ill intentions, he had already formulated a strategy. Constantly navigating between several women, his once simple mind had gradually become more cunning.
"Yes, I kept feeling something was off. So Director Wang was just pretending!" Cai Yan's acting skills were top-notch, so much so that even Lin Fan couldn't detect any flaws.
Tian Mengyao snorted. Although she still felt awkward, she now believed him for the most part.
"Xiao Fan, is this your official girlfriend?" Cai Yan's keen eyes discerned that Tian Mengyao's status was not ordinary. Firstly, her demeanor was noble, with an air of bossiness typical of a young lady from a prominent family. Secondly, she addressed that leader as Uncle Zhou. Amidst their casual conversation, she overheard the leader being referred to as the secretary-general, which meant he was undoubtedly Zhou Weiguo from the county committee. And Zhou Weiguo, in his words and demeanor, showed considerable deference and flattery towards Tian Mengyao. This indicated that Tian Mengyao's family background was extraordinary, perhaps even powerful!
"Who is his girlfriend? I don't even know him," Tian Mengyao pouted, throwing a small tantrum.
Lin Fan laughed heartily and put his arm around Tian Mengyao's delicate shoulders, "Let's go, we're heading back."
Cai Yan quickly said, "Lin Fan, thank you so much today. Since you and your girlfriend are here, why don't I treat you to a meal?"