Hades, the Urban Legend

Chapter 487: Secret Meeting

Upon hearing Yang Chen's question, Liu Yanxi's expression changed rapidly. Finally, she snorted coldly, turned around, and said, "Although I don't know why you're fine, since Director Yang didn't die, please leave. It's not safe here."

Yang Chen was not surprised by Liu Yanxi's reaction. He didn't expect her to easily reveal the truth; his question was just a casual probe.

Standing up and patting his clothes, Yang Chen smiled and said, "Since Miss Liu is so concerned about our safety, we'll be on our way. Take care of yourself. Don't let such a small matter affect your mood. The concert must go on. It's your first concert in Yanxia, don't let it end with people demanding refunds. Oh, and don't forget to bring enough bodyguards."

"No need for your reminder," Liu Yanxi replied in a low, angry tone.

Yang Chen didn't ask anything further and walked out of the dressing room. Lin Ruoxi, out of courtesy, said goodbye to Liu Yanxi and then followed Yang Chen in the direction they had come.

Walking side by side in the corridor, Lin Ruoxi's face didn't look good. She had almost figured out everything that had happened. In a way, both she and Liu Yanxi had their lives saved by Yang Chen. Even though Yang Chen had orchestrated everything like a bizarre movie plot—magically knowing that the champagne was poisoned and convincingly acting as if he were poisoned—the assistant's reaction had already confirmed that the champagne was indeed poisoned. This whole scenario was directed and acted out by this man from start to finish.

Lin Ruoxi couldn't help but recall that night when Yang Chen blocked a rampaging truck with his bare hands. The shocking scene was vivid in her memory, and this time, he had shown her yet another extraordinary ability.

"Why didn't you tell me beforehand?" Lin Ruoxi asked in a low voice.

Yang Chen, lost in thought about the incident, was momentarily stunned by Lin Ruoxi's question before replying, "Isn't everything fine now?"

"Fine? Apart from you knowing you were fine, who else knew?" Lin Ruoxi sneered. "Is scaring me fun for you? Do you enjoy seeing me cry?"

Yang Chen was taken aback and couldn't find the words to explain. He wanted to clarify but didn't know where to start.

Lin Ruoxi assumed Yang Chen's silence was an admission and a trace of bitterness flashed in her eyes. She bit her lip and said, "I know you're extraordinary. I also know you won't tell me everything about you. But if you think deceiving and scaring me is fun, I have nothing more to say. In your eyes, I'm just a replacement, right?"

"A replacement?"

Yang Chen was even more confused and didn't understand what Lin Ruoxi meant. He quickly asked, "Ruoxi, what's wrong? I admit that acting out that scene was a bit unfair to you, but time was tight, and I didn't have much time to explain. But what do you mean by saying I'm treating you as a replacement?"

Lin Ruoxi turned her head away, unwilling to say more. Her expression returned to its usual calmness, even colder than before.

Yang Chen felt a bit stifled and frowned, thinking he would have to explain everything clearly once Lin Ruoxi's anger subsided.

All the way back to the car and on the way home, Lin Ruoxi treated Yang Chen like air, not saying a single word. Fortunately, Yang Chen was used to the silence, though the series of events left him quite puzzled and frustrated.

Even though they arrived home later than usual, they had informed Wang Ma earlier and still made it in time for dinner.

However, what puzzled the two slightly was that there were guests at home. A black Audi and a white Porsche Cayenne were quietly parked at the front door.

Yang Chen instinctively sensed the presence of familiar guests but couldn't fathom why they were here. Lin Ruoxi, on the other hand, didn't think much of it. She got out of the car, opened the front door, and walked inside.

The living room was filled with the rich aroma of food, but the family members weren't sitting at the dining table. Instead, they were gathered around the living room sofa, discussing something.

Familiar faces filled the room: Guo Xuehua, Wang Ma, and Zhenxiu. To Lin Ruoxi's delight, Christine had also diligently come over, and Hui Lin, who had just competed in the finals yesterday, had returned home. Due to her work schedule, Lin Ruoxi knew about Hui Lin's finals but couldn't attend in person. She only managed to catch some glimpses on the television broadcast, thinking of congratulating Hui Lin, but Hui Lin hadn't come home the entire night.

However, the presence of the mature woman sitting quietly beside Hui Lin, Taoist nun Yun Miao, made Lin Ruoxi's smile fade. Ever since she learned about Lin Zhiguo's "death," Lin Ruoxi thought she would have no further dealings with anyone from the Lin family except Hui Lin. The involvement of Ning Guangyao had further complicated her feelings about her own background, making her reluctant even to think about it.

But Yun Miao's reappearance stirred many old wounds within her, and she stood at the doorway, momentarily lost in thought.

Sensing the strange atmosphere, Guo Xuehua stood up with a cheerful smile and said, "Ruoxi, you're back! Look, Mrs. Lin came to see Hui Lin. You two should have met before. Christine brought Hui Lin home. If it weren't for Christine, Hui Lin, the new Jade Star champion, would still be surrounded by reporters."

The ever-radiant Christine giggled and said, "Neither Director Yang nor Miss Lin attended yesterday's finals, so I had to help Hui Lin myself and take the opportunity to enjoy another dinner at Miss Lin's house. I hope that's not too much."

Yang Chen also entered the room at this point. Seeing the women gathered there, he first glanced helplessly at Christine, then walked over to Hui Lin and Yun Miao with a smile. "Hui Lin's grandmother is here. What a rare guest! Did you come to congratulate Hui Lin on her victory?"

Since Yun Miao was publicly known only as the mistress of the Lin family in Yanjing, it wasn't appropriate to address her by her Taoist title.

Yun Miao glanced at Yang Chen and Lin Ruoxi with a slightly complex expression and said, "I have some matters to attend to abroad soon, so I stopped by to see my only granddaughter before leaving. I haven't paid much attention to Hui Lin's competition. As you know, I don't support Hui Lin taking this path."

Hearing Yun Miao's words, Hui Lin lowered her head in slight disappointment but didn't dare say anything.

Yang Chen sighed inwardly. This old Taoist nun really didn't know how to speak tactfully. He then reached out and gently patted Hui Lin's hair. "Why the long face? Just because your grandmother doesn't support you? Our whole family supports you. Don't you already have countless fans?"

Hui Lin lifted her head, her cheeks flushing as Yang Chen patted her hair in front of everyone. Despite the warmth in her heart and a sense of gratitude, her heart beat faster with a bit of nervousness.

"Cough, cough," Yun Miao glared at Yang Chen angrily, "Who gave you permission to casually touch my granddaughter's head?!"

Yang Chen chuckled and said, "Don't be angry. The child needs encouragement."

"Hui Lin is not a child anymore!" Yun Miao said sternly. Yang Chen ignored her, sat on the other side of Hui Lin, and said, "I had some matters to attend to yesterday, so I only went to the TV station in the afternoon to check on the finals' progress. You went out with the other two contestants for promotions, and we didn't get to meet. In the evening, I had to bring dinner to your sister, who loves working late, and missed the TV broadcast, so I couldn't be there to cheer you on in person. But I knew that with your talent, winning the championship would be a piece of cake."

Hui Lin shook her head quickly and said softly, "It's okay. I know you and my sister are very busy."

Lin Ruoxi, who had been silent, stepped forward at this moment, nodded at Christine as a greeting, and then walked over to Hui Lin. She took Hui Lin's hand, gently patted it, and smiled, "Congratulations, sister. Now we just have to wait for Hui Lin's album release and concert."

"Okay," Hui Lin replied sweetly, her earlier gloomy mood from Yun Miao's criticism lifting.

Seeing the harmonious interaction between Hui Lin and Lin Ruoxi, Yun Miao's eyes filled with a mix of emotions, and she sighed softly.

"Alright, alright. If we keep congratulating, the food will get cold. Let's eat and continue celebrating our future big star," Wang Ma said with a cheerful face, happy to see the house so lively, especially on such a joyous occasion.

Christine was the first to agree and quickly sat at the dining table, much to Yang Chen's frustration. He thought to himself that it was time for this woman to return to the United States.

However, Yun Miao didn't intend to join them. She said coldly, "I won't be eating. I came here not just to see Hui Lin but also to discuss something with Yang Chen."

Yang Chen, who was about to sit down, paused and smiled wryly, "Do we have to talk during dinner, Hui Lin's grandmother?"

Yun Miao ignored him and walked towards the door, saying, "I'll wait for you in the yard."

Yang Chen sighed, gestured to the women to start eating without him, and followed Yun Miao outside to the yard.

By now, the sky outside was completely dark. The gray city sky obscured any stars, and only the distant white lights on the walls illuminated the small area. The yard was quiet, with the rustling of wind through the treetops and grass being the only sound, making every breath seem especially clear.

As soon as Yang Chen reached Yun Miao, she spoke bluntly before he could say anything, "You're heading to Paris in the next few days, aren't you?"

Yang Chen raised an eyebrow. He didn't expect Yun Miao to mention this, but he wasn't surprised she knew. After all, his whereabouts were likely monitored by the Dragon Group.

He nodded without hiding anything and said, "I have to attend Paris Fashion Week in early April. Ruoxi insists I go, so I have to pretend to understand fashion and talk with them."

"Don't try to fool me. Paris Fashion Week? Hmph, what does that have to do with you? You're attending the same conference as I am. Do you think I wouldn't know?" Yun Miao turned around, looking displeased.

"Conference?" Yang Chen was confused again. "What conference?"

Seeing Yang Chen's genuinely bewildered expression, Yun Miao slowly began to realize something. She asked incredulously, "You're really not going to attend the 'International Special Organizations Summit'?"