C108 Prepare to Set Off!

"Lin Yin, I've already told you to stop joking around with me!" Zhang Qimo said with a huff, "If you keep this up, I'm going to start ignoring you."

Lin Yin just smiled, looked at Zhang Qimo, and replied, "I'm not joking, though."

"Go away." Zhang Qimo turned her back, unwilling to engage in further conversation with Lin Yin.

What a joke, indeed. Villas at Snow Dragon Villa start at a hundred million. How could Lin Yin possibly afford one?

Claiming he would gift her this villa lacked any semblance of sincerity.

Even a modest piece of jewelry would have been a better gesture, at least showing some intent. Spouting such fanciful tales, did he really take her for a child?

Zhang Qimo was so irritated she clenched her teeth, thinking Lin Yin was just being ridiculous.

"Let's leave, Lin Yin. What will we do if security comes to kick us out? It would be so embarrassing," Zhang Qimo called out, "I've heard that security at Snow Dragon Villa is incredibly tight."

Yes, that's right! Zhang Qimo's expression turned to one of surprise as a thought struck her. Logically, Snow Dragon Villa shouldn't allow strangers in. She had been so taken aback earlier that she'd forgotten how Lin Yin had managed to bring her inside. How did they get past the security checkpoint?

As she pondered this, Zhang Qimo turned to look at Lin Yin, curious as to why he remained silent.

"My Chairman Zhang, please enter," Lin Yin said with a welcoming smile, swinging open the grand doors of the villa and stepping aside with a gesture of his hand.

"This? How did you open the door?" Zhang Qimo asked, her expression one of disbelief.

"Qimo, as I've said, this villa will be yours from now on," Lin Yin stated, a set of uniquely designed keys in his hand.

Zhang Qimo, still wearing a look of confusion, surveyed Lin Yin and then the villa itself.

She could see it was the pinnacle of architectural design, expansive both inside and out.

In comparison to the other upscale villas within Snow Dragon Villa, this one was clearly the cream of the crop. Centrally located with ample grounds, it sat on elevated terrain, giving the impression of being perched atop a mountain peak.

To any onlooker, it was evident that this villa was in a class of its own, far surpassing the others in grandeur.

"Lin Yin? Is this really your purchase? It must have cost at least 200 million, right?" Zhang Qimo couldn't believe her eyes as she slowly approached, skepticism written all over her face.

"This villa couldn't possibly be rented or lent to you by a friend, could it?" Zhang Qimo questioned as she surveyed the villa's interior from the doorway.

The villa's interior was even more resplendent, adorned with classical decor that exuded opulence from every piece of furniture.

Zhang Qimo felt a pang of desire herself. Living in such a luxurious villa was something most people only dreamed of. Who wouldn't want their home to be more comfortable, spacious, and grand?

"This villa is yours now. Here are the keys," Lin Yin said with a smile, handing a key to Zhang Qimo. "The security at Snow Dragon Villa is extremely tight. They don't rent out to just anyone."

"Come on, Qimo. Choose a bedroom. If anything isn't to your liking, I'll have it renovated," Lin Yin offered.

Zhang Qimo squinted her eyes, fixing Lin Yin with a stern gaze. "I need to ask you, Lin Yin, and I want the truth," she demanded.

"Does this villa belong to Wang Hongling?" Zhang Qimo asked, her voice laced with anger.

She suspected that Lin Yin's residence in the Snow Dragon Villa was all thanks to Wang Hongling. Maybe it was even a gift from her. They might have been up to something here! The thought alone was infuriating!

Lin Yin looked resigned, Qimo was still hung up on the whole Wang Hongling issue...

"Humph! It's hopeless with you, getting so involved with Wang Hongling!" Zhang Qimo exclaimed in frustration. "Even letting me live in the villa she gave you, what are you trying to say?" She was so upset she nearly stormed off.

Lin Yin quickly reached out and caught Zhang Qimo's wrist.

"Qimo, listen," Lin Yin said earnestly, "this villa was assigned to you by the Board of Directors after your promotion to Vice Chairman. It's been allocated specifically for you."

Zhang Qimo paused, realizing Lin Yin was still holding her hand. She blushed, then swatted at his hand, "First, let go of my hand, you brute!"

"Are you trying to fool me? There's no way the Board of Directors would assign me a villa!" Zhang Qimo scoffed, her skepticism clear.

She was well aware of the financial situation at Zhang's Jewelry Corporation, especially in her role as Vice Chairman. It was inconceivable that the company would be so lavish as to provide a villa for an executive at Snow Dragon Villa.

"You seem to be out of the loop," Lin Yin said with a smile. "Since the Ning family of Donghai took over Zhang's Group, the company's foundation has changed. This villa was decided upon by Chairman Wu, specifically for you. After all, Chairman Zhang, you are now the financial backbone of the company, its core. Without you, the company simply couldn't function."

Lin Yin's words filled Zhang Qimo with a sense of pride. She had indeed demonstrated her capabilities within the group recently and had carved out a significant reputation for herself in the jewelry industry of East Sea Province. The company depended on her to operate; they couldn't do without her as the chief designer!

With these thoughts, a blush of delight and pride colored Zhang Qimo's cheeks.

"Is it really a villa that Chairman Wu and the Board of Directors have specifically provided for me to live in?" she asked, biting her lip with a mix of hope and doubt.

The Zhang's Jewelry Group of the past didn't have the means for such extravagance, but Wu Yang did. As the representative of the Ning family managing Zhang's Group, the financial power of the Ning family in the East Sea was certainly capable of such grand gestures!

Could it be that her own talent and strength had been recognized?

"Director Lin, the dishes you requested are all prepared and ready to be served at any moment," Lee Pu announced as he descended the stairs, offering a welcoming smile to Zhang Qimo. "Mrs. Lin, please come this way."

"Qimo, allow me to introduce you. This is the butler of the villa, Lee Pu," Lin Yin said with a formal tone.

"Oh, Butler Li, hello," Zhang Qimo greeted him warmly, with impeccable manners.

"Mrs. Lin, it's a pleasure to meet you," Lee Pu responded, smiling back. Internally, he was impressed; the young lady chosen by the young master was truly extraordinary.

Lee Pu had encountered many individuals in the social circles of Imperial City and had a keen eye for character. He could see at a glance that the Young Madam was pure and untainted, akin to an exquisite piece of flawless jade. Indeed, she and the young master were a well-matched pair.

Upon entering the villa, the trio quickly made their way to the spacious living room on the second floor. The centerpiece of the room was a round table crafted from ancient yellow pear wood, its carvings a testament to a simple yet majestic artistry that was second to none.

Butler Li meticulously arranged a series of fine blue and white porcelain plates upon the table, each dish exuding an aroma that was nothing short of tantalizing.

As the chief steward of the Qi Family in Imperial City, Butler Li took great pride in his culinary expertise. Renowned for his pastry skills, he was also a master of various major cuisines. His talents were so exceptional that many head chefs from Imperial City's five-star hotels had admitted their skills paled in comparison.

"Manager Li, your cooking is truly exceptional. Please, join us at the table," Zhang Qimo complimented after sampling the dishes, inviting Lee Pu to dine with them.

Lee Pu glanced at Lin Yin, who gave a slight nod. With a smile, Lee Pu took his seat.

"It's an honor to cook for Mrs. Lin and Director Lin," he said warmly. "Mrs. Lin, please feel free to request anything you'd like in the future, and I will prepare it for you."

Zhang Qimo surveyed the table laden with delicate dishes, then her gaze drifted to the opulent decor of the living room. She was still adjusting to this lavish atmosphere.

It felt surreal to her, as if she were living a dream. In just a short span, she had ascended to the pinnacle of her career—recently promoted to Executive Director, granted shares in the company, and now serving as Vice Chairman. And to top it off, she had moved into a villa worth hundreds of millions.

The transformation in her living conditions, quality of life, and social status was staggering.

Indeed, maintaining a positive demeanor seemed to have ushered in this wave of good fortune.

Zhang Qimo reveled in her joy, her heart swelling with happiness.

"Oh, Qimo, I need to travel to another province on business tomorrow," Lin Yin mentioned with a serious tone.