Chapter 10: Chapter 9: What Kind of Monster

The female manager continued to display her signature smile, answering simply and clearly, "President Yu has some business matters to attend to. He asked you to wait in the private booth and order something to eat first; he will be here shortly."

The professional attire, sweet smile, polite hospitality, and fluent responses before her left Chen Yuyue with no reason to refuse. Furthermore, the long, slender, even legs beneath that black tight-fitting Western-style skirt made even her, as a woman, blush. She could only nod and step forward.

Although she was very unwilling to let Yu Luoxuan slip out of her sight without a word, the man had business to attend to, and it wouldn't be right to stop him. Besides, she had great confidence in the poison given by the Madam.

Moreover, this Cantonese teahouse was definitely the kind of hometown cuisine the Madam had mentioned. Not only were the dishes exquisite delicacies with fragrant flavors, but the dim sum was also incredibly diverse, delicate, and unique. She couldn't miss this rare opportunity. That tiny bowl of noodles from last night had long since been burned off; at the mere thought of food, she seemed to smell the aroma, temporarily forgetting the loss and frustration in her heart.

"President Yu." As the elevator doors opened, a massive office appeared before her eyes. The magnificent furnishings were all highly valuable, especially the antique jade piece behind the glass wall on the right. Combined with the layout of the entire office, it was both classical and tasteful. Lin Shuhao, dressed in a formal suit, stood to the side and gave a slight bow.

"Sit. How did the matter go?" Yu Luoxuan waved his hand, walked straight behind the large, rectangular mahogany desk, and sat down, leaning lazily against the expensive leather backrest.

Lin Shuhao stepped forward, handed over a blue-covered file, and replied, "President Yu, this is a fax just sent from the Public Security Bureau. All females named Chen Yuyue across the country are included in here. Please review it. As for the World Trade Garden, it hasn't..."

"Don't bother checking that one yet. Wait for my notice." Yu Luoxuan looked up to interrupt him, taking the folder and lowering his head to flip through it seriously.

"Understood. President Yu, please take your time reviewing it. I'll go brew a cup of coffee for you." Lin Shuhao's young face was very serious, and he didn't ask a single extra question. This was his professional attitude, and one of the reasons why Yu Luoxuan valued him.

As a cup of hot coffee was placed down, Yu Luoxuan quickly and efficiently browsed through all the information regarding everyone named Chen Yuyue, including every clear ID photo. Tossing it aside casually, he asked in a heavy voice, "Are you sure this is everyone? No omissions?"

"President Yu, there shouldn't be. The Public Security Bureau is now connected nationwide, and there would be no reason for them to omit a specific person's information. Should I go check again?" Lin Shuhao waited for Yu Luoxuan's word. He was a perfectionist, especially regarding work, where he could almost not tolerate the slightest error.

"No need." Yu Luoxuan took a sip of the mellow coffee. His dark, flamboyant eyebrows knitted tightly together, and his eyes, like vast glaciers, sank into deep thought.

An alias? An undocumented person? Or an illegal immigrant?

Without even thinking, the possibility of an alias accounted for ninety-nine percent. *Heh... what a clever scheme.* Using an alias just to make it easy to escape in the future, isn't it? Unless you disappear from this world, you're dreaming if you think you can walk out of my palm!

"Then..." Observing Yu Luoxuan's abnormality and feeling the surging fury burning in the surroundings, Lin Shuhao felt somewhat at a loss.

"It's fine. Go back to your work. I'll call you if I need anything." Yu Luoxuan set the cup down casually and stood up to walk toward the elevator.

"Yes. According to your taste, lunch has already been prepared in the lower private booth. Please enjoy, President Yu," Lin Shuhao said respectfully as he stepped forward to press the elevator button.

***

Meanwhile, in front of Chen Yuyue, a tall stack of small steaming baskets had already been piled up: shaomai, steamed dumplings, golden sand buns... no less than ten baskets in total. Beside them were also filled with various dim sum, including rice noodle rolls, preserved egg porridge, crispy pastries, and chicken feet—no fewer than ten plates in total.

At this moment, she was vigorously drinking a bowl of pork stomach soup. She completely ignored the waiter, whose mouth was twitching from the sight, and the female manager, who had seen much of the world but still couldn't remain calm while accompanying her.

"Did you eat all of this by yourself?" A flash of astonishment crossed Yu Luoxuan's face as he stood at the booth entrance, before he regained his usual calm and asked.

He felt there was nothing left to be surprised about regarding this woman; even if she could fly through the sky right now, he could remain composed and elegant.

Without waiting for her answer, he spoke to the thorough and professional manager, "Xiao Cheng, serve my meal, then you may go back to your duties."

"Yes." Hearing this, Manager Xiao Cheng felt a sense of relief in both body and soul. *President Yu, you have finally rescued me from this hell!* She really wanted to ask: *Boss, what kind of monster did you pick up this time?* She secretly stuck out her tongue and closed the door.

It had to be said that Yu Luoxuan was not only highly skilled in managing his subordinates and employees, but he also had a particular knack for grasping their emotions and psychology; utilizing people to their full potential and showing respect went hand in hand for him. Overall, he was a very magnanimous and wise boss, which was one of the reasons his subordinates and employees were so respectful and loyal to him.

"I will pay for it myself." From the moment Yu Luoxuan entered, she had felt somewhat embarrassed. After she finally managed to swallow the food filling her cheeks, her face flushed. This wasn't because she ate a lot, but because she was afraid of being misunderstood as someone who scammed food and drink.

Yu Luoxuan glanced at her, walked around the dazzling round dining table, and reclined on the sofa behind it, saying gloomily, "They don't accept silver here."

This was his private booth. Although the decor was simple, it was exquisite, orderly, spacious, and grand. He did not easily bring people here to dine.

"Uh... then I'll go change into paper currency." Chen Yuyue was blushing, her bewildered expression being quite cute and charming. A grain of rice that she hadn't had time to wipe away was stuck on her rosy cherry lips; paired with her watery eyes, she looked like an elf stepped out of a forest—mischievous and dazed in a way that made one's heart flutter. Yu Luoxuan, who had been scanning her nonchalantly, couldn't help but freeze for a moment; for an instant, he seemed unable to look away.

He steadied his mind, thinking of the poison on his body and the pain in his legs, and sneered inwardly. *Acting so convincingly.* An angelic appearance with a devil's heart. How could he possibly be deceived?

"Forget it, I can afford this much. Eat more while you still can. Otherwise..." Yu Luoxuan pursed his lips, turned his head, and lit a cigarette. He cruelly completed the sentence in his heart: *Otherwise, I'm afraid you won't get the chance.*

"No need. You pay with cash for me, and I'll give you this." Chen Yuyue pulled a small pouch from an inner pocket of her black leather jacket. Inside, wrapped in layers, were over a dozen emerald grains that were as clear and green as bamboo. She took out the smallest one and handed it over.

"Tsk, your silver isn't worth anything, give it a rest, lady." Seeing her pull out another small money bag, Yu Luoxuan turned his head away, unwilling to look at her.

Chen Yuyue said in a low voice, "It's not silver. It's a ring setting."