Chapter 1164: Chapter 1164: Ye Fei, Hooked
Gu Yanpingâs guess was spot on. After hearing her words, Ye Feiâs suspicions indeed vanished. This wasnât because Ye Fei was blinded by lust, but because he trusted Lin Ling and her mother.
Through his previous conversation with Xiao Han Yue, he had already let his guard down.
Humans naturally tend to extend their feelings of affection or aversion to related parties, and Ye Fei was no exception. He reasoned that if Gu Yanping harbored any hostility towards him or those close to him, she would inevitably show it towards Lin Ling and her mother as well.
Both the astute Xiao Han Yue and the perceptive Lin Ling would have sensed whether Gu Yanpingâs intentions were genuine after spending time with them.
The current situation was that Lin Ling and Gu Yanping got along exceptionally well, and Xiao Han Yueâs doubts were merely a formality. Coupled with Gu Yanpingâs straightforwardness and lack of concealment, Ye Fei chose to trust her.
What Ye Fei couldnât possibly know was that this woman was extremely clear about her loyalties. Although she had an agenda, she genuinely befriended Lin Ling and her mother, even treating Lin Ling like a younger sister.
Naturally, she couldnât feel any hostility towards them.
Having decided to trust Gu Yanping, and with Lin Ling actively facilitating things, Ye Fei saw no problem in helping her. Although the Lingyun Association didnât force local businesses to âcooperateâ like other underground factions, local merchants could be exclusivist.
If he and Gu Yanping made a public appearance together, it would deter anyone from targeting her when she expanded her business here.
It was only a little past nine in the morning, far too early for lunch. Since he had decided to help Gu Yanping, Ye Fei decided to go all the way. He proposed that he, his fiancée, and his mother-in-law would act as guides for Gu Yanping to explore Wanghai.
This would be far more impactful than just having a meal together.
This decision, however, put Ye Fei in a somewhat awkward position. The great Ye Fei, the head of the Ye family, found himself following three beautiful women, essentially acting as their porter. This sight left many onlookers astonished.
Two of the three women were familiar to themâthey knew they were Ye Feiâs fiancĂ©e and future mother-in-law. What truly surprised them was Gu Yanping, who was treated with the same level of importance as the mother and daughter.
Since they visited high-end places, there were plenty of well-informed people around. It wasnât long before someone recognized Gu Yanping and began speculating about her relationship with Ye Fei.
While there were no definitive answers, one thing was clear: Gu Yanping had a great relationship with Lin Ling and her mother. People couldnât help but pay attention. If Gu Yanping did plan to expand her family business to Wanghai, she would undoubtedly face a smooth path.
Throughout the morning, Gu Yanping rarely spoke to Ye Fei. Instead, she chatted animatedly with Xiao Han Yue and Lin Ling, appearing quite reserved.
But she had her reasons. It wasnât that she didnât want to talk to Ye Fei; she was afraid that if she spoke too much, her deep-seated hatred for him might slip out, ruining everything.
Before they knew it, it was noon. The group of four arrived at a five-star hotel under the Liu Group. They first booked a top-tier suite for Gu Yanping.
She had come a long way and had no business here yet. Staying in her place was the best option. Although Wanghai was generally safe, Gu Yanpingâs striking appearance could easily attract trouble.
Gu Yanping had no objections. After all, she was here under the pretext of exploring the Wanghai market. It made sense that her guards, secretaries, and team would arrive soon. Booking a large suite was the logical choice.
After settling in, the four of them didnât dine in the hotelâs restaurant. Instead, they went straight to the suite Gu Yanping had booked.
âWould you like some juice or wine?â Gu Yanping asked after ordering the meal. Although this was Ye Feiâs territory, she had already insisted on treating them, so it was natural for her to act like the hostess.
Before Ye Fei or Xiao Han Yue could respond, Lin Ling chimed in, âLetâs have some white liquor. Itâs freezing outside. A little white liquor will warm us up.â
Ye Fei was taken aback. Lin Ling had never touched alcohol before, not even a sip. Only after becoming his woman had she occasionally sipped some red wine. He had no idea why she was suddenly in the mood for white liquor.
However, both Lin Ling and Xiao Han Yue had already begun practicing Xuan Yin Art. Although their skills were still basic, they were immune to the negative effects of alcohol. So, despite his curiosity, Ye Fei didnât object.
Ye Fei and Xiao Han Yue were both significant figures in Wanghai. Ye Fei was the underground emperor and the young master of his family, while Xiao Han Yue was the vice president of the Liu Group and the in-law of the groupâs president.
The hotel staff treated them with utmost care. Within minutes of Gu Yanpingâs order, a variety of delicious dishes began arriving.
To Ye Feiâs surprise, two waiters brought in four crates of white liquor. He wondered if Gu Yanping was perhaps a heavy drinker.
Without any explanation, Gu Yanping invited Ye Fei and the others to sit down once the food was ready. Unlike typical hosts who constantly urge guests to eat and drink, she ate and drank casually. Later, she even began toasting with Lin Ling.
Lin Ling was acting quite strangely today. Although she didnât despise alcohol, she had never been a fan. Yet today, she seemed to have turned into a little drunkard, downing her drinks with feigned bravado. Ye Fei and Xiao Han Yue found her behavior both amusing and endearing.
Compared to Lin Lingâs somewhat forced display, Gu Yanping was genuinely bold. She matched Lin Ling drink for drink and occasionally raised her glass to Ye Fei and Xiao Han Yue.
Ye Fei noticed that Gu Yanping was very similar to Ye Xuan. She lacked Ye Xuanâs sharpness but had an added touch of elegance.
In every other way, they were almost identical. She was neither overly reserved like most women nor rude in her behavior. She exuded a natural confidence that was both strong and charmingly feminine.
âHoney, why are you staring at Sister Gu all the time? Youâre not falling for her, are you?â Lin Ling, tipsy from the alcohol, slurred her words.
Although she was supported by the power of Xuan Yin Art, she had never drunk much before and was already about seventy percent drunk.
Her speech was unclear, but her cheeks were flushed, making her look even more adorable than usual.