Hades, the Urban Legend

Chapter 490: Making Things Difficult for You

Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport.

After a flight of over ten hours, the plane landed smoothly. Although it was already night in the scorching summer back home, due to the time difference, France was just experiencing a typical afternoon. The warm sunlight bathed the picturesque land, accompanied by a gentle breeze.

Lin Ruoxi, who had napped briefly on the plane, felt little fatigue. Compared to her usual work routine of meetings and office tasks, flying wasn't that tiring. Yang Chen, naturally, showed no signs of exhaustion either. Stepping onto European soil, his previously jovial expression vanished, and uncontrollable memories from the past flooded his mind, filling him with nostalgia.

The two walked together from the terminal towards the international arrivals exit. Lin Ruoxi carried only a Prada shoulder bag. Since there was a branch office in Paris, most necessities could be arranged on-site, eliminating the need for luggage. Yang Chen, on the other hand, carried nothing, making them a relaxed pair.

Throughout the flight, Yang Chen had been telling crude adult jokes, but upon landing, he fell silent, walking quietly. Lin Ruoxi easily noticed this change in him. Turning her head to look at the man beside her, whose expression had suddenly turned complex, Lin Ruoxi had a feeling that this was the more authentic version of him.

Unconsciously, Lin Ruoxi asked, "What are you thinking about?"

Instinctively, Yang Chen reached into his jacket pocket for a pack of cigarettes, but realizing he was at the airport where smoking wasn't allowed, he smiled and said, "Nothing much, just some ridiculous things from the past. But it's all over now."

Lin Ruoxi didn't press further. She knew that the "ridiculous" things Yang Chen mentioned were probably past events he didn't want to recall.

"By the way, who's picking us up?" Yang Chen asked casually.

Lin Ruoxi, leading the way, replied, "The director of the European branch, his name is Goodman."

"Goodman? Goodman? Interesting name. Is he a man?" Yang Chen asked.

"Of course, a woman wouldn't have such a name," Lin Ruoxi said. "His mother is from China, and his father is French. He was born in the UK and spent many years in China. He was once my senior. Although his noble status has faded, he still has aristocratic lineage. My grandmother personally promoted him when she was alive. After working in Zhonghai for a year, he was appointed director of the European branch. Since I took office, I've only met him twice. Because our branch is in Paris, he mentioned early on that he would come to pick us up."

Yang Chen touched his nose, muttering, "Another senior, and a mixed-race one at that. I bet he's handsome, right, Ruoxi darling? Not another Zeng Xinyu, is he?"

Lin Ruoxi frowned slightly. Talking about Zeng Xinyu always made her uncomfortable, as she had cruelly caused the death of that acquaintance.

"Goodman is different from Zeng Xinyu. He doesn't have much ambition in his career. He's more like a romantic Frenchman who enjoys life and values his noble lineage, not caring much about money or benefits," Lin Ruoxi explained.

Yang Chen laughed, "You've only met him twice, and you already know what kind of person he is?"

"I have a keen eye for people," Lin Ruoxi said confidently, adding silently in her mind, except when it comes to understanding you, you thick-skinned rascal.

Yang Chen flashed a mischievous smile but didn't retort.

After walking for about fifteen minutes, they finally reached the exit, where many people were waiting to pick up passengers. Despite the crowd, they immediately spotted a sign held high with Chinese characters, which read "Yulei International."

Almost simultaneously, Yang Chen saw the "mixed-blood" Goodman that Lin Ruoxi had mentioned.

Goodman, dressed in a white suit, indeed had striking features. Although his hair was black, his facial contours were distinctly Western, and his eyes had a hint of blue-green. He was tall, towering more than half a head above Yang Chen, with a straight and upright posture.

His face bore a warm, natural smile, exuding a noble aura that drew glances from both male and female travelers of various nationalities.

When Goodman saw Lin Ruoxi in her black dress appear at the exit, a gleam flashed in his eyes, and his smile broadened. However, he approached with measured steps and opened his arms, intending to give Lin Ruoxi a hug.

Lin Ruoxi didn't mind such a gesture; after all, in Western countries, hugging and cheek-kissing were common and not considered offensive.

But before she could open her arms, a figure swiftly darted into Goodman's embrace.

"Haha, no need to be so polite. Hug, hug, hug..."

Lin Ruoxi was stunned to see Yang Chen, who had been behind her just moments ago, now hugging Goodman tightly, patting his back enthusiastically as if they were old friends.

Goodman was also taken aback, his expression frozen. When he realized who was hugging him, he quickly pulled away in surprise.

"You, you are..." Goodman asked in Chinese.

"His name is Yang Chen. He's the newly appointed director of Yulei's entertainment company. He was originally sent as the headquarters representative, but since he lacks experience and I needed to inspect the European operations, we came together," Lin Ruoxi explained, not intending to reveal their personal relationship.

In fact, Lin Ruoxi was too embarrassed to mention it. Yang Chen's actions were utterly mortifying. His sudden embrace of Goodman had drawn curious glances and whispers from many onlookers.

Goodman, however, was experienced and quickly grasped the situation, internally mocking Yang Chen's "childishness." Maintaining his charming smile, he said, "Mr. Yang, I've heard a lot about you. I didn't expect someone so young to become a director. You must be quite remarkable. I'm Goodman, pleased to meet you. I'll make sure you enjoy your stay in France."

"You're really polite," Yang Chen replied with a satisfied smile, opening his arms again. "Come on, let's hug again."

Goodman's face showed a hint of embarrassment as he forced a smile. "Haha, Mr. Yang, you have a great sense of humor. Let's head outside first and chat more in the car. Ruoxi and I haven't seen each other for a while; we have some catching up to do."

Lin Ruoxi, unable to watch any longer, stepped forward and gently tapped Yang Chen's back, signaling him not to go overboard.

Yang Chen felt a bit frustrated. This guy wasn't even calling her "President," just "Ruoxi." He felt that not punching him was already doing him a favor. Everyone could see Goodman's intentions. He might not be interested in Yulei International, but he was clearly interested in Lin Ruoxi. Romance needed both a man and a woman, but what's a man doing being romantic on his own?

After some brief pleasantries, Yang Chen followed Lin Ruoxi and Goodman out of the airport. While Goodman warmly inquired if Lin Ruoxi was tired from the journey, he also casually tried to make conversation with Yang Chen.

"Mr. Yang, where did you work before? You must have significant experience," Goodman asked, probing for information.

Yang Chen, finally out of the airport and eager to light a cigarette, fumbled with his cheap lighter. While lighting up, he mumbled, "I used to sell lamb skewers at a market in the west district of Zhonghai. You probably haven't been there; it's pretty flat, not high at all..."

Goodman almost stumbled, his lips twitching as he replied, "Oh, really? So you were in the food industry."

Lin Ruoxi, her face frosty, pretended not to hear anything and quickened her pace toward the car.

Goodman had put in considerable effort, arranging for a stretch Bentley to pick them up. The car's luxurious interior and multifunctional features made it like a moving luxury hotel, and its sophisticated style was particularly appealing to women. More importantly, he knew Lin Ruoxi liked Bentleys, as she drove one herself.

After the three got into the car, Goodman instructed the driver to head to the Sofitel Paris Hotel, a renowned five-star establishment catering to the wealthy and influential.

"Recently, there have been rumors in Paris about a terrorist organization planning to disrupt Fashion Week and target wealthy businessmen and officials. Although it's just a rumor, we can't be too careful. I've arranged for four bodyguards to provide discreet protection, ensuring safety without making anyone feel uneasy," Goodman said, pointing to a Mercedes S500 following their car, which evidently housed the bodyguards.

"You're as considerate as ever," Lin Ruoxi commented casually. Hearing the word "bodyguards," she glanced at Yang Chen, who was casually rummaging through the car's fridge, preparing to open a bottle of wine.

With Yang Chen by her side, there was no danger at all. Somehow, after witnessing Yang Chen effortlessly resolve numerous crises, Lin Ruoxi always felt safe when he was around.

"Bingo! Found it!" Yang Chen shouted happily, pulling out a bottle of wine from the fridge and immediately unwrapping it.

"If Mr. Yang likes it, that's great. This is a special 1982 vintage Margaux. There are no more than ten bottles in all of Paris. If I weren't acquainted with the winery owner, I couldn't have gotten this," Goodman said proudly.

In no time, Yang Chen had already removed the cap, filling the car with the rich aroma of the wine, clearly not an ordinary vintage.

Though Lin Ruoxi wasn't much of a drinker, she could appreciate the rarity of the wine. She admired Goodman's thoughtful gesture. While she knew there could never be anything between her and Goodman, she couldn't deny that as a woman, she appreciated a man's attentive gestures.

Just as Lin Ruoxi was about to grab a glass to enjoy a small drink with Yang Chen on the way to the hotel, Yang Chen's next move made her abandon the idea entirely.

"Gulp, gulp—"

Under Goodman's astonished gaze, Yang Chen picked up the wine bottle, put it to his mouth, and started gulping it down!

Lin Ruoxi gritted her teeth. It wasn't that she regretted the waste of such an expensive bottle of wine; she just couldn't understand why this guy always managed to do something so completely inappropriate!

Goodman was practically speechless. A priceless vintage wine worth tens of thousands of euros was being guzzled down like cheap soda by this crude man.

"I'm sorry, Goodman. Yang Chen's personality is just like this. He didn't mean to make things difficult for you," Lin Ruoxi said, feeling somewhat apologetic towards Goodman. After all, anyone would be upset seeing their prized possession treated this way.

Goodman, though furious inside, quickly put on a smile and waved his hand dismissively. "It's fine, as long as Mr. Yang enjoys it. I still have two more bottles. Ruoxi, I'll open one for you."

Lin Ruoxi nodded, her peripheral vision catching Yang Chen already having drunk nearly half the bottle, looking completely carefree and satisfied.

"Hehe, sorry about that. I didn't realize the wine was so expensive. How about I pour some for you too? Good things are meant to be shared," Yang Chen said with a drunken hiccup, smiling.

"No, that's okay. This bottle is all yours, Mr. Yang," Goodman said politely, though inwardly cursing, as he reached for another bottle.

Yang Chen licked the red wine that had dribbled down to the corner of his mouth and smirked. "I think you should hold off on opening another bottle. Why don't we focus on where this car is heading? I have a feeling we're not on the road to the Sofitel Hotel."

Goodman's expression faltered for a moment. He looked out the window and realized Yang Chen was right; the scenery wasn't familiar, and they weren't on the usual route to the Sofitel Hotel.

"Driver, where are we going?" Goodman asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice.

The driver, without turning back, replied, "Sir, there's been a diversion due to roadworks. We're taking an alternate route."

Yang Chen raised an eyebrow, his expression sharp. "An alternate route? That's convenient. I hope this alternate route isn't leading us into trouble."

Lin Ruoxi, sensing Yang Chen's unease, grew more alert. Despite her confidence in Goodman's arrangements, she knew better than to ignore Yang Chen's instincts.

Goodman, trying to maintain calm, nodded. "Yes, let's remain cautious. I'll call the security team to ensure everything is alright."

He took out his phone and began making a call, while Yang Chen kept his eyes on the road ahead, his demeanor suddenly serious.