C17 The Sweet Trap!

A man with the demeanor of both a driver and a bodyguard entered and addressed the beautiful girl.

"Miss Yaru? Director Chen?"

Zhang Xiaolong wasn't sure of their relationship, but he sensed his timing might not have been ideal. Stealing a glance at Chen Yaru, he couldn't help but think it would be a shame for such a beautiful girl to be relegated to the role of a boss's secretary.

His fleeting look didn't escape Chen Yaru, who had been observing him all along.

"It's not what you're thinking. The Director Chen he's referring to is my father, and I'm Chen Yaru," she clarified hastily, eager to prevent any misunderstandings, "And yes, I am indeed his biological daughter."

"Cough..." Zhang Xiaolong coughed, feeling embarrassed. "I apologize, Miss Chen. I didn't mean anything by it. I was just inquiring whether it's possible to order a custom glass greenhouse here. If today isn't convenient for you, I can return tomorrow."

"Alright then," Chen Yaru replied, not quite understanding why she felt so smitten, but being a candid person, she didn't want to let her feelings slip away. "Could you leave me your phone number? I can give you a call tomorrow."

"I'm sorry, I don't have a mobile phone, but I'll be back tomorrow," Zhang Xiaolong responded with regret, then turned to leave.

As Zhang Xiaolong neared the exit, Chen Yaru quickly closed the distance, calling out, "Wait a moment..."

Zhang Xiaolong paused, confused. He was planning to return the next day, so what could be the reason for her to ask him to wait?

"Miss, Director Chen says you should come quickly; he's waiting for you," the driver-like man pressed.

"Tell my father to go ahead without me. I have something to take care of but will follow shortly," she instructed, not giving the driver a chance to respond further. "Leave the car; you can head back now."

The driver, realizing Chen Yaru was resolute, reluctantly placed the car keys down, cast a curious glance at Zhang Xiaolong, and departed with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"Is your name Zhang Xiaolong?" Chen Yaru inquired once the other person had departed.

"Is there an issue with my name?" Zhang Xiaolong responded, puzzled.

It seemed that this young woman was actually the daughter of the CEO of Distant Vast Company. Still, he was unclear about the reason she had addressed him by his name.

"No, not at all," Chen Yaru quickly shifted the conversation. "I overheard you mention that you're looking to have a glass greenhouse custom-made. Our Distant Vast Company can not only take on the project, but I'm confident that no one in Qingyang City can match our level of professionalism. You definitely won't regret choosing us."

"That's fantastic news," Zhang Xiaolong said with a smile. "However, you seem quite busy today. I'll be sure to return tomorrow to discuss my requirements in more detail."

"No, I'm available today, and... I was actually hoping you could do me a small favor," Chen Yaru said, struck by a brilliant idea. "We could discuss the greenhouse as we walk. If you're willing to help me out, I can offer you an exceptionally good deal. I'll even ensure that our top designer works on your project. Are you free this evening?"

Chen Yaru felt her cheeks warm as she spoke; it was as if she was asking a man out for the first time, and at night no less.

Was this what love at first sight felt like? She clutched the figurative deer in her arms and looked at him, anxious about the possibility of rejection.

His intense stare was a bit overwhelming for Zhang Xiaolong.

He had already felt slightly out of his element with Luh Xiaoya, and now Chen Yaru's gaze seemed even more intense.

Considering he didn't have much money on him, if he could secure a substantial discount and the favor wasn't too burdensome, he saw no reason not to help.

"I'm free tonight, but I'm not sure exactly how I can be of assistance," Zhang Xiaolong admitted, genuinely perplexed. Being new to the city, it seemed unlikely that she would need anything from him.

"Of course you can help, and you're the only one who can," Chen Yaru said, her beautiful eyes twinkling. "I'm attending a party tonight, and there's this man I can't stand who keeps pestering me. I want you to be my date and pretend to be my boyfriend."

"No, no, I can't do that," Zhang Xiaolong protested, shaking his hands as if he were fending off a storm. "I don't even know you, and I'm just a simple farmer. People will see right through me. Even if you say so, no one will believe it."

"But now that I've told you about it, don't you know me?" Chen Yaru gave him a look that was part coquettish, part aggrieved. "He's quite influential in Qingyang City's business district. Ignoring him could cause a lot of trouble for the company. I really don't like him, and I know he's a notorious playboy. My dad always said that the heart of a simple farmer is exceptionally kind. You wouldn't want to see me get harassed, would you?"

"It's not that I don't want to help," Zhang Xiaolong replied, feeling the weight of the high praise, "but I'm afraid I won't be convincing. Isn't there anyone else who could help?"

"As I said, he's well-known in Qingyang City. Ever since he let it slip that he's interested in me, others have been too intimidated to come near. That's why I thought to ask you," Chen Yaru explained, her frustration genuine. This situation was indeed troubling her.

However, it must be said that in asking Zhang Xiaolong to pretend to be her boyfriend, she harbored a small hope. After all, in novels and TV dramas, there are countless tales of men and women whose pretend relationships blossom into something real.

Though Chen Yaru had been involved in her father's business from an early age and had grown into a mature and competent female manager, she was still a young woman at heart, occasionally indulging in romantic fantasies.

"Alright," Zhang Xiaolong finally relented, "but no matter how things turn out, you have to promise me a discount."

"Absolutely," Chen Yaru quickly replaced her frown with a beaming smile. "Let's hurry. My dad must be getting impatient."

Zhang Xiaolong observed her eagerness and couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking into a trap. But then again, it was a delightful trap set by a beautiful woman, and he had to play along for the sake of his greenhouse.

Once they were in the car, Chen Yaru drove swiftly, eventually pulling up in front of a high-end clothing store.

Looking up at the store, Zhang Xiaolong asked in surprise, "Is the party being held in a clothing store? You folks from the city sure have a unique way of having fun."

Chen Yaru couldn't help but laugh. "Who said anything about having the party here? We need to get you a new outfit. Otherwise, no one's going to believe you're my boyfriend if you show up looking like this."