Chapter 0073: The Country Bumpkin

“Si Yu, this is...?” Han Ruofei glanced at Zhang Xiaofan and asked Lin Siyu.

“He’s my bodyguard,” Lin Siyu replied. She had actually wanted to say he was her boyfriend, to put an end to Han Ruofei’s intentions, but she worried Han Ruofei might take revenge on Zhang Xiaofan.

Bodyguard?

Han Ruofei’s eyes flickered. He sensed things weren’t so simple—what kind of female boss buys such expensive clothes for her bodyguard? There must be something fishy here. Could this kid be Lin Siyu’s boyfriend? So it turns out she likes these fresh-faced young men!

But Han Ruofei kept his composure, acting as though he believed Zhang Xiaofan was just the bodyguard.

He looked at Zhang Xiaofan, then said in a tone dripping with arrogance, “Well, you’re quite the bodyguard, aren’t you? Wearing such expensive clothes. Take them off, now.”

Han Ruofei’s face darkened, exuding an air of superiority. At first he’d thought Zhang Xiaofan might be someone important, but if he was just a bodyguard, Han Ruofei saw no reason to show the slightest respect.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Lin Siyu’s worst fear had come true—Han Ruofei was causing trouble for Zhang Xiaofan. It wasn’t that she was worried for Zhang Xiaofan’s safety; she simply feared that, given his temperament, he might cripple Han Ruofei.

Seeing Lin Siyu’s anger, Han Ruofei became even more certain—the bodyguard must have something going on with her. Jealousy burned brighter within him.

“Siyu, I must say, why are you buying such expensive clothes for a mere bodyguard?” Han Ruofei said, wearing an expression of deep disapproval.

“I like buying him clothes. Does that bother you?” Lin Siyu snapped back, her temper flaring. Han Ruofei was no Zhang Xiaofan; Lin Siyu, proud and aloof by nature, had only ever met her match in Zhang Xiaofan. Han Ruofei simply wasn’t in the same league. Had she been in a calmer mood, she might have been more polite, but if he wanted to provoke the CEO’s temper, then so be it.

“You—you—” Han Ruofei stared at Lin Siyu, so angry he could barely breathe. She’d always been cold to him, but never like this.

He knew her background well. He wasn’t exactly a nobody himself, but compared to Lin Siyu, he was still painfully outmatched.

Left with no other target, he vented his fury on the hapless bodyguard.

“I have no time for you. Leave now, or you’ll regret it,” Lin Siyu said curtly. She didn’t want to make a scene. Seeing Zhang Xiaofan’s faint smile, she already sensed trouble brewing. If Zhang Xiaofan lost his temper and thrashed Han Ruofei like he had Zhao Kai, there would inevitably be fallout.

“Wait a moment!” Han Ruofei was utterly oblivious—Lin Siyu was trying to spare him a beating, but he took her words as further insult and grew even angrier.

“Siyu, tell me the truth—is this punk your kept man?” He jabbed a finger at Zhang Xiaofan, his voice full of scorn.

Zhang Xiaofan smiled; to be mistaken for a toy boy was almost flattering. After all, he was handsome and young—he certainly had the credentials. Still, was it necessary to be so rude? Fine, let’s see how far you can take this act.

Lin Siyu was losing patience. Why was this man so tiresome? She finally decided to lay it all out. Her voice cold, she said, “Han, who I date is none of your concern. Who are you to me? Let me be clear—he is my boyfriend. If you’re unhappy, go ahead and hit him.”

Zhang Xiaofan was briefly stunned—why was he being offered up for a fight, as if he were some belligerent thug? He was actually a reasonable fellow, thank you very much.

“Siyu, you must be joking. With your status, how could you choose a bodyguard as your boyfriend? You’re just toying with him, aren’t you? Don’t worry, I can overlook that,” Han Ruofei replied.

“Shut up!” Lin Siyu’s anger boiled over. Han Ruofei’s words were becoming intolerable.

Zhang Xiaofan’s expression darkened as well, but a moment later, he smiled again. Sometimes, you didn’t need to lift a finger to slap someone in the face.

He strolled over, smiling, and wrapped an arm around Lin Siyu’s slender waist.

In a gentle tone he asked, “Darling, who is this bumpkin?”

Lin Siyu played along perfectly. After all, they had agreed Zhang Xiaofan would act as her boyfriend for the day, and Han Ruofei was truly asking for it.

“He’s Han Ruofei, son of Han Ruming.”

Then she boldly lifted her foot and planted a kiss on Zhang Xiaofan’s cheek.

Zhang Xiaofan froze, feeling a surge of happiness. The famously icy President Lin had just kissed him—was the sun rising in the west today? He had to admit, he almost wanted to thank Han Ruofei for being such a fool.

Zhang Xiaofan knew Han Ruming—he was the top official in Jinghai City.

“Get your hands off her!” Han Ruofei’s rage erupted. The bodyguard was embracing his woman, and Lin Siyu had even kissed him. Where was he supposed to hide his face now?

“I’m holding my girlfriend. What’s it to you? Didn’t Siyu tell you? If you’re unhappy about it, come hit me,” Zhang Xiaofan sneered.

“Han Ruofei, give it up. Compared to him, you’re nothing,” Lin Siyu added fuel to the fire, making Han Ruofei’s teeth grind audibly.

“Damn it!”

Han Ruofei lost control and swung a fist at Zhang Xiaofan’s face.

He actually threw a punch.

“Bumpkin will always be a bumpkin,” Zhang Xiaofan chuckled, then casually kicked Han Ruofei in the stomach. He hadn’t even used much force, yet Han Ruofei was sent rolling across the floor, coming to a stop with his groin painfully caught on a steel clothing rack.

The rack was thick and made of metal. Zhang Xiaofan wondered if he’d shattered the guy’s manhood.

Judging by Han Ruofei’s pained expression, even if nothing was broken, he was definitely worse for wear.

Lin Siyu shook her head. If only he’d left earlier—what was the point of all this?

“Damn it all!” Han Ruofei screamed inwardly. His woman had been taken, he’d been beaten—he wanted nothing more than to destroy Zhang Xiaofan. If only he’d brought his own bodyguard today—how could he have ended up so humiliated?

“You little punk, just you wait!” Han Ruofei staggered to his feet, clutching his groin, and spat out his threat.

“Bumpkin, was one kick not enough? Want another?” Zhang Xiaofan shot him a glare, making Han Ruofei bolt in terror.

“Look how you scared him,” Lin Siyu giggled, her charm shining through.

“That little weakling thinks he’s worthy of my Siyu? He should look in the mirror,” Zhang Xiaofan said.

“Who’s your Siyu…” Lin Siyu rolled her eyes at him, but inside, her heart was secretly delighted.

“Say, can I ask you something?” Zhang Xiaofan grinned.

“What is it?” Lin Siyu eyed him warily, recognizing the mischief in his gaze.

“Just now, you kissed me. I wasn’t prepared. How about we try it again?”

“Try again, my foot! You’re coming with me to buy clothes.” With a playful push, Lin Siyu pried his arm away, refusing to let him hold onto her any longer.

After they paid, Lin Siyu looped her arm through his and said, “You really do look dashing in this outfit. If you add a pair of casual leather shoes, it’ll be perfect.”

“Of course! Didn’t you see Han Ruofei’s jealous eyes when he saw me in these clothes?” Zhang Xiaofan replied with smug satisfaction.

Lin Siyu shot him a glance—just a little praise and he was already over the moon.

They made their way to a shoe store, where a pair of leather shoes cost eighteen thousand. It was extravagance itself.

“President Lin, after buying me such expensive clothes, how can I ever repay you?” Zhang Xiaofan said as they left the store.

Lin Siyu smiled lightly, “You’re overthinking it. This is your monthly salary.”

“No way! What kind of boss are you? Did you even ask my permission?” Zhang Xiaofan put on a look of mock betrayal.

“What, you’re unhappy? Why don’t you try hitting me? Oh, I’m so scared…” Lin Siyu teased, slipping into the coquettish manner of a young girl.

In this moment, she seemed truly happy—unrestrained, unburdened, letting herself be free.

“You think I won’t dare?” Zhang Xiaofan chased after her.

The two played a game of tag through the building’s corridors, their laughter echoing merrily.

“All right, I give up, I can’t run anymore.” After ten minutes, Lin Siyu bent over, gasping for breath, her chest heaving with the effort.

“Where do you think you’re going, my lady?” Zhang Xiaofan called, then took her hand and gracefully pulled her into his arms.

“Let me go! There are so many people around,” Lin Siyu protested, blushing, forgetting that she’d just kissed him in front of everyone.

“So, if there’s no one around, it’s all right?” Zhang Xiaofan whispered, his breath hot against her ear.

Lin Siyu felt a shiver run through her, her strength melting away. This little rascal—how could he be so tantalizing? He’d bewitched her, yet she knew he would never stay.

She felt a pang of sorrow in her heart, though she would never say it aloud.

Besides, it was just a fleeting thought. There was no need to dwell on it and make herself miserable. Simple was best—let things unfold as they would. If fate brought them together, so be it; if not, no amount of force could change that.

“Be serious. Come help me pick out some clothes, then we’ll grab something to eat,” Lin Siyu said, regaining her composure.

“All right.” Zhang Xiaofan let her go.

Lin Siyu straightened her clothes and, in her high heels, soon arrived at a women’s boutique.

Zhang Xiaofan’s eyes lit up—it was a lingerie store. Was Lin Siyu here to buy underwear?

High-end lingerie stores like this catered mainly to women, but plenty of men accompanied their girlfriends, wives, or lovers, since sometimes it was important whether the man liked the lingerie too.

Lin Siyu’s cheeks were tinged with pink. “Wait for me at the door,” she said.

Zhang Xiaofan was sorely disappointed. “Didn’t you say I was supposed to help you shop? Is it really fair to leave me waiting at the door?”