Since learning mixed martial arts from Yang Fan, Yang Jian's progress has been remarkably fast. His movements are more agile than before. If the Wu Lai Zi dare to cause trouble, he wouldn't mind using them to test his training results from this period.
"Brother Jian, let me treat you to hot pot. All expenses outside these days will be on me. You're helping me, I can't let you pay."
Lu Yao felt a bit embarrassed. Not only was asking for help taking up his time, but it was also unacceptable to spend his money.
"Sure, you're richer than me anyway. By the way, any news about your brother's case?"
"It's not that fast. The trial is estimated to be in May."
"That's coming up soon. It's already the end of March. Let me know when the trial starts, I'll definitely come back."
As they talked, they arrived at a newly opened Sichuan hot pot restaurant. After parking the car at the entrance, they went inside looking for a quieter spot but found it crowded. They had to sit near the entrance as arranged by the waitress.
Lu Yao wasn't a big fan of spicy food, so she ordered a split pot and then various meats. Yang Jian found it strange that despite eating so much meat, she didn't gain weight and maintained a great figure.
Having spent time in Sichuan, Yang Jian had a particular fondness for authentic Sichuan hot pot. The chef here must have been invited from there, as the taste was indistinguishable from Sichuan hot pot, and he thoroughly enjoyed it.
In front of Yang Jian, Lu Yao was a chatterbox, constantly asking him to talk about his experiences in the casino.
Yang Jian was also happy to have more interaction with her. Although he didn't dare to confess his feelings yet, he believed there would eventually be a natural progression.
Halfway through the meal, Lu Yao went to the restroom.
Yang Jian took the opportunity to eat more, as he had been doing most of the talking from the beginning.
"Yang Jian, you're eating here too."
A familiar voice sounded beside him.
Yang Jian looked up and saw Chen Xiaoli. Several young men and women were with her, all quite refined, seemingly colleagues from some organization.
Meeting her unexpectedly in such a setting, Yang Jian was momentarily taken aback, unsure of what to say.
"Wow, Xiaoli, who is this handsome guy? He's so good-looking, introduce us."
A delicate-looking girl gazed at Yang Jian with infatuation.
"Yang Jian, these are my colleagues from the bank. We just finished work and came for a gathering. How have you been lately?"
Chen Xiaoli was also surprised. Yang Jian, dressed in a suit and tie, was indeed more handsome than before.
"I'm alright. You work at the bank?"
Yang Jian felt indifferent towards her now. Although he had felt heartbroken when she dumped him, the wound had long since healed.
"Yes, I started after the new year. I'm sorry about our situation; my family didn't approve. I hope you don't resent me."
"It's all in the past, let's not bring it up again."
Yang Jian didn't want to talk to her much. What was the point of an apology now? If she had any feelings for him, she wouldn't have dumped him without any explanation.
"No way, Xiaoli, is this your ex-boyfriend? Such a handsome guy, how could you bear to let him go?"
Chen Xiaoli's other colleagues had already taken seats not far away, leaving only the infatuated girl beside her.
"Yang Jian, how about we get back together? Once my job is stable, my parents won't be able to interfere with our affairs."
"Get back together? Do you take me for a toy? Pick me up and play when you want me, and ignore me when you don't. You think too highly of yourself."
Yang Jian suddenly found this woman ridiculous.
Chen Xiaoli wasn't angered: "Yang Jian, I was truly forced. Give me a chance, and I can convince my parents. I heard you owe over a million yuan. If we get back together, I can persuade my uncle to help you clear your debts."
Upon hearing that Yang Jian owed over a million yuan, the infatuated girl lost interest instantly. She pouted and left.
"Don't be ridiculous, Chen Xiaoli. I can't afford to be associated with your family."
"Yang Jian, how about we get our marriage certificate privately first? Then my parents won't be able to object."
Chen Xiaoli genuinely wanted to mend her relationship with Yang Jian. They had started dating with marriage in mind.
"Oh, Brother Jian, who is this? She wants to get a marriage certificate with you. Are you seeing someone behind my back?"
Lu Yao suddenly appeared, staring at Chen Xiaoli with a pout.
When Chen Xiaoli turned and saw Lu Yao, she froze. This woman was too beautiful; she felt like an ugly duckling in comparison.
"Yang Jian, who is she? You found someone else so quickly?"
"Who am I? I'm his legitimate girlfriend. You're the ex-girlfriend, right? I heard you were the one who broke up. Why do you want to come back now?"
"Impossible, it's only been such a short time, and you've already found someone else? With over a million yuan in debt, what right do you have to be in a relationship?"
Chen Xiaoli became somewhat hysterical, her voice clearly rising, drawing the attention of surrounding diners.
Yang Jian had long blocked her number and didn't answer calls from unknown numbers. He had a chance encounter today and wouldn't let it slip away easily.
Before Yang Jian could speak, Lu Yao directly retorted, "You're really funny. Just because he has debt doesn't mean he can't be in a relationship, what kind of logic is that? What's the point of you lingering around? He's my boyfriend and husband now. You should give up."
"I don't believe it. Looking at your attire, you don't seem wealthy. I can help him pay off his debts, can you?"
Chen Xiaoli knew she couldn't compete with Lu Yao in terms of looks or temperament, so she resorted to flaunting her wealth. It wasn't difficult for her family to come up with a million or so.
Yang Jian couldn't stand the stares of the onlookers: "Chen Xiaoli, that's enough. Your family's wealth is your business, it has nothing to do with me. I don't need anyone to pay off my debts for me. There's no possibility of us getting back together. Leave, I don't want to see you again."
"Having money makes you great, huh? My husband just doesn't like you. You look like a shrew, a toad trying to eat swan meat. Go look in the mirror."
Since it wasn't her real husband, Lu Yao felt no qualms about retorting, wanting to vent Yang Jian's anger.
This remark was too insulting. Chen Xiaoli started crying in anger but dared not retort to Lu Yao. She was the current official girlfriend, and snatching someone's boyfriend in front of so many people was quite embarrassing.
Chen Xiaoli wasn't unattractive; apart from her face, her figure was quite voluptuous. However, compared to Lu Yao, she was several levels below.
Wiping her tears, Chen Xiaoli ran out of the hot pot restaurant, not even finishing her meal.
Lu Yao, like a victorious rooster, flicked her bangs with her right hand and said flirtatiously, "How was it, Brother Jian? Was my performance okay?"
"Your performance was fine, but your mouth is too venomous. Calling her ugly in front of so many people was a bit much."
"Oh, now you're feeling sympathetic? Should I help you get her back and reconcile?"
"Not really, I just wanted to save her some face. By the way, Yaoyao, you called me husband so naturally just now. How about calling me that a couple more times? It sounds very pleasant to my ears."
"Get lost, you're paying today."