Chapter 179: Beauties Everywhere
Zhang Yang was sure it wouldn't take long before the Xi Chen family learned that Xi Chen Jinglan was with him. And judging by what happened today, they'd definitely think he helped her run away.
Great, he was going to be falsely accused. Good thing he hadn't gone all out back there—otherwise, he'd have an even harder time explaining later.
Back at the villa, he settled Xi Chen Jinglan on the fourth floor. The stunning beauty looked very satisfied. As they were heading downstairs to eat, they happened to run into Qiao Xier, who had just returned from the lab. When she saw Xi Chen Jinglan, her eyes went wide, staring hard for a long moment. Xi Chen Jinglan stuck out her tongue playfully and darted upstairs. "You guys chat!"
Clearly, they knew each other. Before Zhang Yang could react, Qiao Xier had already grabbed him aside.
"You're something else! How the hell did you manage to bring this goddess here?"
"You know her?"
"Know her? More than that." Qiao Xier frowned and lowered her voice. "Do you even know who she is?"
"Xi Chen Jinglan. The recruit you told me about." Zhang Yang spoke casually. Of course, he knew this beauty's background wasn't simple—but what could he do? She'd come herself. Was he supposed to turn her away?
"So the 'talent' you mentioned was her…" Qiao Xier looked regretful, pouting. "I should've asked you for a name."
"You can't keep this girl," she said seriously after glancing toward the stairs.
"Why?" Zhang Yang asked, puzzled. He knew Xi Chen Jinglan had run away from home.
But he hadn't kidnapped her—she'd come willingly to work. She was talented. Why couldn't he hire her? Sure, trouble was inevitable, but still.
Qiao Xier looked up toward the stairs again. Seeing no sign of Xi Chen Jinglan eavesdropping, she whispered, "Because she's the eldest daughter of the Xi Chen family—and Lin Kun's fiancée."
"The Xi Chen family might not look that powerful among the major clans, but they're old money with deep roots. Quiet but influential, firmly in the upper ranks. Even our Qiao family is only on par with them—maybe just slightly stronger now."
"Most importantly, she's their only daughter. Do you really think her parents would let her travel this far alone?"
Now Zhang Yang understood why that girl had elite bodyguards following her off the plane. So she was a real high-born princess.
But so what if she was? It was her choice. He didn't force her—what did it have to do with him?
"She came on her own. And what's wrong with that? You're a rich heiress too, aren't you? Still just working here as a little director." Zhang Yang grinned, reaching for her hand. Of course, he knew Qiao Xier was just worried he'd get in trouble—nothing more.
"What if someone sees?" Qiao Xier rolled her eyes hard.
Pulling her hand back, she said, "I'm not like her. I was raised by my grandpa and learned to be independent young. But she's a true pampered princess. I'm telling you, you can't keep her—she'll bring you endless trouble."
"It's not just her family I'm worried about," Qiao Xier continued. "It's her other identity—you realize she's Lin Kun's fiancée?"
"Who the hell is Lin Kun?"
"Who the hell? Lin Kun is the prodigy of the Lin family's third generation! And that family… even the Qiao family can't afford to offend them." Qiao Xier looked uneasy. "Rumor has it the Lin and Xi Chen families arranged their marriage when they were kids. Now they're at the age to make it official. So if Xi Chen Jinglan suddenly runs off to Meining, what do you think the Lin family will assume?"
Zhang Yang got it now—classic drama. The rich heiress runs away before her engagement, and chaos follows.
"So you're saying we can't keep her?" Zhang Yang frowned. "But her being engaged shouldn't have anything to do with where she works."
"Technically, no," Qiao Xier said, giving him a knowing look. "But I'm worried something else might happen."
"Something else? This villa is safe as hell."
"Not that kind of 'something.' I'm worried about her emotions." Qiao Xier gave him a long look. "Honestly, I've known her for a while. She contacted me before, asking if Nuwa could take her in—her field fits our research perfectly. But I didn't agree. You know why?"
Zhang Yang spread his hands. "Didn't you just say? She's a princess with a fiancé named Lin Kun."
"That's not it. I'm worried you'll end up involved with her. With that dangerous face of yours, any woman would fall for you."
"Dangerous face? Come on!" Zhang Yang wiped imaginary sweat. "Why would I get involved with her? You just warned me, didn't you? I'm not stupid. I swear, okay?"
"Alright, alright… well, she's already here. What can we do?" Qiao Xier sighed, then added, "But seriously, remember what I said—no entanglements. Work is work. Keep your emotions out of it. And especially—don't sneak into her room in the middle of the night. Where's she staying? Move her next to me. I'll keep an eye on her."
Hearing her calm tone, Zhang Yang could tell she was genuinely worried about him. He couldn't help feeling a little moved. "Sister Qiao, you're my perfect wife. Got it. She's in 407 now—have her move next to you, or even share your room. You two know each other anyway."
"Promise me—no flirting, no chasing." She gave him a look, then smirked. "And if you really want to chase her, wait until you're capable enough, huh?"
"I'll go talk to her…" Qiao Xier said, then leaned close and whispered, "By the way, what's going on with you and Dr. Yang?"
Zhang Yang's heart skipped a beat. He shook his head. "Nothing."
Qiao Xier gave him a sly smile. "Really? Because Dr. Yang's eyes have been shining lately. Must've been something good."
"She's moving in soon. Does that count as good?" Zhang Yang hesitated but figured he should be upfront.
"Ha! Knew it." Qiao Xier gave him a deep look. "Did you two do it?"
"Do what?" Zhang Yang played dumb. He really hadn't. Come on, girl, I'm too busy trying to finish that damn system mission!
"You know… that." Qiao Xier blushed. She was still a virgin, after all. If it were Gao Qi instead, she'd be grinning lewdly and making hand gestures.
"You're overthinking." Zhang Yang looked her up and down. Today she was wearing a tight black one-piece dress, sheer black stockings, a black knit jacket, and a green crystal necklace. Her ponytail was tied to the side.
And her chest—probably from hanging around Lulu too much lately—was practically spilling out, giving off a sexy vibe.
Just looking at her made his heart itch.
Impulsively, Zhang Yang slipped an arm around her slim waist and whispered, "Your period over yet?"
"You bastard!" Ever since Zhang Yang had seen her boobs that time, Qiao Xier couldn't shake this weird feeling—half expectation, half fear. "Don't bring that up again!"
She broke free and dashed toward the stairs. "I'm going to find Jinglan!"
"Hey, I'm this close to finding where polar bears and emperor penguins coexist!" Zhang Yang called after her, sulking as he stared at her tall figure.
"Go die!"
Zhang Yang, who had been worried Xi Chen Jinglan might get bored alone, finally relaxed. Now that Qiao Xier was keeping her company, things would be easier.
Checking the time, he realized it was almost class time.
Just as he was about to leave, he remembered—Yang Fei was living on the fifth floor now. After such a busy day, he wondered if she was still up.
Thinking it over, he went upstairs. Yang Fei's room was 501, the highest and most secluded in the villa. It had a balcony and two windows, much larger than her old dorm room. Of course, Zhang Yang knew she could easily afford better places—she just preferred a quiet, simple life.
Standing at her door, Zhang Yang thought for a moment, then took out his phone and called her.
"Hm?" Her voice came through—a simple sound meaning, What do you want?
Not one extra word. Zhang Yang shook his head and asked, "You in your room?"
"Yeah."
He could faintly hear a sound from inside. "I'm at your door."
A moment later, the door opened, revealing Yang Fei's beautiful face. She glanced at him, stepped aside, and said, "Come in."
"Have you eaten, Teacher?" He recalled she hadn't gone out today.
Earlier, when he and Yang Jing went to pick up Xi Chen Jinglan, he'd planned to invite her too—but her door had been closed. Considering she hadn't slept all night before, her body probably couldn't handle much.
She'd clearly rearranged the room herself. It still had that faint warmth, but she hadn't brought much from her dorm—just books, clothes, and some decorations she liked. Her old place hadn't had much anyway.
"Not yet. Had some chocolate." She pointed at an open box of Delfi's on the table—the one Zhang Yang had sent her.
"That won't do, Teacher. Let's go eat."
"No rush. Class first." Yang Fei reached for New Concept English 3 from the new bookshelf.
Zhang Yang worried a little but knew arguing wouldn't help, so he obediently sat down. This time, the class started earlier and lasted an hour and a half.
Closing the book, Yang Fei glanced at him and smirked. "You look distracted. If your test score's bad tomorrow, I won't teach you anymore."
Zhang Yang scratched his head, giving her a pleading look. Yang Fei pressed her lips together slightly. "Don't look at me like that. We made a deal."
"Alright, let's go eat. We'll deal with tomorrow tomorrow." Zhang Yang felt a spark of excitement. This was the second time they'd eaten together, and somehow, every time made his heart stir. He might've grown numb to beauty by now—but never to Yang Fei.
"Mm." Yang Fei didn't say more. She casually picked up a dark green coat and draped it over her shoulders. She wore a short white lace dress, her long pale legs bare under the lights, glowing faintly.
Zhang Yang closed her door for her, ready to head out—when his phone rang. It was Yang Jing.
"You free now? I'm thinking of moving in tonight…" Yang Jing's hesitant voice came through.
Zhang Yang froze. What the hell was he supposed to do now?