Hearing the two words of retention from Xu Fan, Xia Yanyu finally burst into laughter.

A paper tiger is still just a paper tiger, after all. In the end, couldn't they hold out?

This guy, putting on quite a show, but what of it? Did he really think he could compete with the Xia Family?

Xia Yanyu stood tall and proud, turning around with the bearing of a victor, looking at Xu Fan with a playful gaze as she sneered, "What? Decided to chicken out now?"

"Chicken out?"

Xu Fan frowned slightly, feeling somewhat amused by these two words that had never appeared in his own dictionary.

Gently tapping on the table, Xu Fan spoke up, "You might've forgotten, I only brought two hundred pieces with me when I came out."

"So, before you go on your way, settle the bill first."

"..."

Xia Yanyu clenched her fists. If she could, she would definitely kill this shameless bastard!

They had already turned on each other to this extent, and he still had the audacity to ask her to pay the bill?

Even now, the previously unwavering grand image Xu Fan portrayed in the face of money instantly collapsed.

"Don't worry, this meal, it's on me."

Xia Yanyu gritted her teeth and huffed, then turned around, ready to leave, wanting to get as far away from this shameless person as possible!

"Also..."

But before she could take three steps, Xu Fan's languid voice rang out once more.

Xia Yanyu clenched her fists and, after suppressing the rage in her heart, turned around again.

"Can you get all your words out at once?"

Xu Fan shrugged innocently. Hey, it's not like he wouldn't finish if you gave him the chance, right?

"Let me tell you something, the one who made a move this time is called Bingdilian, targeting both you and your sister, hmm, after all, you're the current head of the Xia Family."

"I've already seen this afternoon, those people of yours, they're not enough against Bingdilian. For your sister's safety, I personally suggest that you better come back and discuss with me how to get through this tough spot."

"What a joke..."

Xu Fan might as well have just told her outright to go and beg him, Xia Yanyu couldn't help but snort in disdain.

After bringing her sister home, she had asked in detail about the ins and outs of this matter.

She also heard the name Bingdilian from her sister's mouth.

She had her people look into this name, indeed a very dangerous individual.

But to go and beg this scoundrel to protect herself and her sister?

Xia Yanyu found that to be a huge joke!

Indeed, her sister told her that it was this guy who rescued her from Bingdilian's clutches and even colorfully painted Xu Fan as a great hero.

But as for her sister's description of Xu Fan, Xia Yanyu did not believe a word, not even the punctuation!

This scoundrel in front of her, a great hero in her sister's words?

Xia Yanyu shook her head, it was just her sister's way of trying to establish a good image of Xu Fan in her mind.

Taking a deep breath, Xia Yanyu allowed herself a rare smile.

She looked at Xu Fan and said, "Xu Fan, I really do thank you for your concern. Unfortunately, I, Xia Yanyu, don't need your protection."

"Bingdilian is indeed a tricky opponent, but rest assured, I will find the strongest master in Jinling to protect me and my sister."

"So, you, just stop worrying needlessly."

After saying this, Xia Yanyu no longer gave Xu Fan any opportunity to retort. Turning around, she left the private room.

Xu Fan watched her retreating figure and couldn't help but curl the corners of his mouth up.

The strongest expert in Jinling? With the Xia Family's strength, they should indeed be able to hire one.

But still, would that be enough to confront Bingdilian?

...

The next day.

The five-day long holiday was not over yet, and early in the morning, Xu Fan called Mu Qingyan.

Firstly, Mu Xiaoduo should be almost recovered by now, and Xu Fan wanted to visit the mother and daughter. Secondly, he wanted to find an opportunity to ask Mu Qingyan about Jiuyang Warm Jade.

"Hello, Qingyan Sister, it's Xu Fan."

The call was quickly connected, and on the other end of the phone, Mu Qingyan, hearing Xu Fan's voice, couldn't hide her surprise.

"Xu Fan? Don't you have classes to attend?"

Xu Fan laughed and explained, "I'm on holiday now, Qingyan Sister. How's Xiaoduo doing? How about, I come over to see you two today?"

"Really? But..."

Mu Qingyan, hearing that Xu Fan wanted to visit her, was instantly delighted, but soon she hesitated.

"Xu Fan, I'm tending the store right now. How about I treat you to a meal at noon instead?"

"I see..."

Mu Qingyan was minding the store and seemed to be quite busy, making it inconvenient. Xu Fan pursed his lips and then said, "Qingyan Sister, I think I'll come over now anyway."

"I don't have much to do at the moment, and I can help you out while I'm there."

Although Xu Fan wasn't sure exactly what type of store Mu Qingyan owned, he had heard from Zhou Keren that Mu Qingyan was running the shop alone.

It seemed to be noisy on her end, and worried she was overwhelmed by herself, Xu Fan volunteered to help.

"Uh, Xu Fan, maybe that's not such a good idea, it's not really convenient..."

But Mu Qingyan was a bit embarrassed, and upon hearing her reluctance, Xu Fan felt like she was keeping her distance from him.

"Qingyan Sister, since when do we stand on ceremony with each other?"

Helping a beautiful woman was one of Xu Fan's excellent virtues, and he didn't give Mu Qingyan the chance to refuse, saying decisively, "Qingyan Sister, where's your shop? I'm coming over now."

"Well... okay then..."

Ultimately, Mu Qingyan couldn't withstand Xu Fan's insistence. After giving him the address on the phone, she hung up.

Xu Fan immediately hailed a taxi and headed toward the shopping mall indicated by Mu Qingyan.

The mall wasn't far from Mu Qingyan's residence; after roughly twenty minutes, Xu Fan arrived at the bottom of the mall.

Mu Qingyan's store was on the sixth floor of the building. Xu Fan took the elevator to the sixth floor and started searching for the store using the address provided by Mu Qingyan.

It took less than two minutes to find the storefront of Mu Qingyan's shop on this level.

Seeing the items displayed inside the store, Xu Fan instantly understood why Mu Qingyan had said on the phone that it wasn't really convenient.

It wasn't just modesty. It was truly inconvenient...

Gazing at the array of lingerie, sheer, lace, clasp-less—every kind was available.

Beyond the sensual lingerie were various types of stockings, fishnets, garters, and similar attire.

Almost everything here were intimate garments for women. Damn, this was a lingerie store...

Without realizing it, Xu Fan remembered the lofty promises he had made over the phone, swearing to come help.

Well, he did want to help the ladies put on their clothes, but Mu Qingyan probably wouldn't agree...

Seeing Mu Qingyan with Mu Xiaoduo coming towards him, Xu Fan couldn't help but smile bitterly...

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.