Sensing the intense gaze, Yang Zekun glanced up, locking eyes with Ye Chen's cold, displeased stare. He paused, the warmth in his eyes dimming into a thin layer of frost. From a distance, he raised his glass and drank—a silent, calculated greeting.
Ye Chen returned the gesture with equal politeness, raising his own glass before pulling his gaze away.
Cheng Anya, head lowered and focused on her food, remained completely unaware that the two men had just exchanged blows—without lifting a finger.
"Eat slowly, no need to rush. You've got something on your lips," Yang Zekun said gently, picking up a napkin to wipe the corner of her mouth, his expression indulgent and tender, letting his precious one misbehave without a care.
Cheng Anya froze, suddenly awkward. Was that… too intimate?
Still, she didn't dwell on it, simply flashing him an apologetic smile.
Ye Chen's gaze narrowed dangerously, his handsome face radiating a cold, threatening aura.
Men knew best when it came to battles between men.
What Yang Zekun was doing was a clear declaration of ownership—This woman is mine.
And Ye Chen got the message loud and clear.
The war between men was always fierce, always burning with possessiveness. Especially between two evenly matched opponents—rivals not only in business, but now, seemingly, in love.
Whether gentle or ruthless, men had their own way of telling another, Back off. She's mine.
Ye Chen's eyes darkened. Just as I thought—they're lovers. That man had completely torn off his mask of gentleness, revealing a possessiveness that burned like wildfire.
"Chen, what are you looking at?" Yun Ruoxi followed his gaze—and was stunned. "Young Master Yang? Is that his girlfriend?"
Ye Chen didn't reply. He simply lowered his head and continued eating.
Yun Ruoxi pouted softly, "Chen, you should learn from Young Master Yang. He's never had a scandal. Now look at you…"
"Ruoxi, are you saying I've been neglecting you?" Ye Chen interrupted with a wicked grin. "Then tonight, I'll make it up to you—passionately."
Yun Ruoxi blushed, half-embarrassed, half-teasing.
Ye Chen liked Ruoxi. She was the only one over the years who could actually hold his attention. And yet… he still felt unsatisfied. He kept looking, switching from one woman to the next, as if trying to fill some empty space in his heart.
But no one could.
Ruoxi was beautiful, well-born, he liked her, and she liked him. By all appearances, they were a deeply affectionate couple. So why did it feel like something was still missing?
When Yang Zekun and Cheng Anya left the restaurant, he wrapped an arm around her waist and leaned in, whispering softly, "Anya, I see someone I know—play along with me, okay?"
He then walked her out, arm around her like a doting boyfriend. Cheng Anya just laughed lightly. She didn't mind—it was just helping out a friend, after all.
Ye Chen's gaze turned instantly venomous.
Why? Why did seeing them like that send a wave of uncontrollable rage through him?
Outside the restaurant, Yang Zekun suddenly asked, "Anya, do you know Ye Chen?"
"Ye Chen?" Cheng Anya looked genuinely puzzled. The president of S? He'll be my boss soon. As of now, I don't know him personally.
Yang Zekun smiled gently. "No? That's good."
Anya… do you really not know Ye Chen?
Because Ning Ning's face… is seventy percent identical to his.
Anyone who sees them would never doubt—they're father and son.