AH KNOW

Before Wang Yi could gather his thoughts, a figure appeared at the door.

"Wang Yi."

"There are fish in the forest."

They locked eyes, and Wang Yi realized that Lin Youyu's appearance had undergone a complete transformation.

Gone were the black, silky long hair and the thick-framed glasses hidden beneath neat bangs. Instead, her slender and petite figure was complemented by flowing black hair, revealing a strikingly beautiful face with almond-shaped eyes that shone like clear lakes. Her youthful enthusiasm radiated like a blazing fire.

Wang Yi had never seen Lin Youyu in such a stunning light.

She was like a blossoming flower, captivating and waiting for the perfect moment to showcase her captivating charm.

The two stood in silence, unsure of what to say, creating a slightly awkward atmosphere.

After a while, Lin Youyu brushed her hair behind her ear, trying to conceal her flushed face, and whispered softly, "Wang Yi, come in."

As Wang Yi entered the villa's gate, a pebble pathway greeted his sight. On either side of the pathway, stone benches held pots of beautifully shaped flowers and trees, creating an aesthetically pleasing sight.

Turning left along the small road led to a moon gate, beyond which lay the courtyard on the first floor of the villa.

The yard had been arranged as a birthday celebration venue, exuding an air of festivity, though not overly grand.

A group of people stood in the yard, mostly young men and women dressed in vibrant attire. Upon seeing Lin Youyu walking in with Wang Yi, surprise flickered across their faces, and some men couldn't hide a trace of hostility in their eyes.

Lin Youyu noticed Wang Yi's gaze and whispered in his ear, "They are all relatives and friends invited by my parents."

Wang Yi nodded in understanding. It was normal for Lin Youyu to invite relatives and friends for her 18th birthday, but it seemed that not everyone was pleased to be there.

Moreover, Lin Youyu's close behavior towards Wang Yi drew strange looks from the crowd.

Given Lin Youyu's unique family background, many of the men present harbored intentions towards her. However, before they could make a move, Cheng Yaojin had suddenly appeared, and Lin Youyu seemed to hold a negative opinion of him. This was hard for them to accept.

Though they didn't show it, Wang Yi could sense their disapproval.

"There's a fish, who is this? Won't you introduce us?" A white girl with a bronzed ponytail stood up, smiling.

"He is my classmate, Wang Yi," Lin Youyu introduced, looking at Wang Yi with tender eyes.

"Oh, your classmate..." The girl's eyes fell upon Wang Yi's incredibly handsome face and plain attire, and her smile widened. "So, you're Wang Yi? Nice to meet you, I'm Shang Yueyue." She extended her fair hand and shook hands with Wang Yi.

After a few exchanges, Shang Yueyue bid her farewell and left.

In a corner, Shang Yueyue leaned close to a bespectacled boy and spoke in a hushed voice, "Brother, don't worry, that man doesn't pose a threat to you."

A slight smile tugged at her lips. "Lin Youyu is naïve. Should I arrange for a meeting with her another day to create an opportunity for you?"

The man with glasses cast a scrutinizing gaze at Lin Youyu, who was engrossed in conversation with Wang Yi. A flicker of unease clouded his eyes as he adjusted his spectacles. "Be careful, don't play around. My family works for Lin Youyu's father's company. If you offend Director Lin, our parents won't be able to protect you."

Shang Yueyue feigned indignation, her voice laced with playful annoyance. "Brother, I'm trying to help you. How can you say that to your own sister?"

Shang Wenhai glanced at his charming and innocent sister, his expression filled with a mix of concern and resignation. "I still don't know you well enough. Have you developed feelings for that man?"

"Hehe..." Shang Yueyue smirked, her cunning nature shining through. "I still can't fool you, can I? He's the type of person I like. You wouldn't understand." She playfully licked her lips, leaving them glistening with a seductive allure.

"And I refuse to believe that you haven't noticed the way Lin Youyu looks at Wang Yi. It's obvious there's something going on... Brother, if you don't make your move soon, you might miss your chance."

Shang Wenhai glanced at his sister but remained silent.

"If you won't speak, then I'll take it as your agreement. When the time comes, the man will be mine, and the woman will be yours..."

"Are you so sure?" Shang Wenhai knew his sister had a mischievous side, but her well-crafted disguise had kept their parents oblivious. If it weren't for his accidental discovery, he would have believed she was still the obedient and well-behaved girl she portrayed.

Shang Wenhai had attempted to intervene several times. He had threatened to expose her deeds to their parents if she continued down this path, hoping to keep her in check.

Yet, it seemed his sister had found another target that captivated her heart, and she intended to ensnare him while she had the chance.

Shang Wenhai understood just how unscrupulous his sister could be, and he couldn't help but hesitate. If he allowed her to hold this leverage, she would become his "accomplice," and it would be challenging to rein her in.

Just then, the entrance swung open, drawing the attention of everyone in the room, especially the men, whose eyes lit up with interest.

"Looks like we've got a catch."

Wang Yi heard a familiar, icy voice from behind and turned his head to see a girl of delicate appearance, tall stature, and a slightly aloof demeanor entering in a lavender dress.

When Gao Yurong caught sight of Wang Yi, recognition flashed across her face. Their eyes locked, both wearing expressions of surprise.

"Wang Yi, what are you doing here?" Gao Yurong blinked, her clear eyes scanning the room, including Lin Youyu, who stood close to Wang Yi. Her brows furrowed slightly before she stepped forward, reaching Lin Youyu's side and taking her hand. A warm smile graced her lips as she spoke, "Long time no see, Lin Youyu. Happy birthday."

Lin Youyu beamed upon seeing Gao Yurong and embraced her. "Thank you for your wishes, Yu Rong."

At that moment, Wang Yi, who had been standing idly, found himself the subject of both girls' gazes.

He was left speechless, not knowing how to respond.

"..."