It seemed this fellow had been trying to make a move on Fang Ruyun. Ye Tiancheng once again channeled his vital energy, but this time, he overdid it slightly. The scumbag immediately collapsed on the ground, unconscious.
"How did you get here instantly? And why did that person suddenly collapse?"
Ye Tiancheng glanced around and noticed a surveillance camera not too far away. He then used his vital energy to disable it before pulling Fang Ruyun away. Sweat beaded on his forehead as they hurried off.
The scumbag was likely no longer a threat. With no record from the surveillance, he would be considered to have died of sudden natural causes abroad. Ye Tiancheng was trembling slightly, as taking a life always required overcoming a certain psychological barrier. However, someone who would stalk women like that deserved to die. Ye Tiancheng reasoned that killing him would prevent future trouble.
"Is that person going to be alright?"
"Fang Ruyun, listen to me. Absolutely do not mention today's events to anyone, or you and I will be in trouble. Hurry back and act as if nothing happened. No one will investigate you."
Despite being a major celebrity who had experienced many situations, Fang Ruyun had never witnessed someone die before her eyes. This was a significant turning point in her life, and the impact was considerable. Upon hearing Ye Tiancheng's warning, she stared straight ahead, her eyes vacant, before nodding vigorously.
"I understand."
"Alright, I'll take you back to rest. Today's events will have no impact on you. You don't need to worry."
Ye Tiancheng's words had a strong calming effect. The superstar was then escorted back to her hotel. She had filming scheduled for the next day and needed to regain her composure as quickly as possible, not dwelling on the accident.
Accidents happen and pass quickly. Dwelling on them was of no benefit.
"Thank you. I'll treat you to a meal when we get back to China. I'm too busy with my work here and won't have time."
Facing the invitation from the superstar Fang Ruyun, which might have been a lifelong dream for an ordinary man, Ye Tiancheng remained remarkably calm, appearing indifferent.
"Alright, no matter how smart or rich you are, you're still a woman. I'll treat you to a meal instead. But it will have to be after we return to China. I need to leave soon."
In the foreign land, with the evening breeze blowing around them, Ye Tiancheng draped his jacket over Fang Ruyun's shoulders. This moment of ease might have been insignificant in the grand scheme of their lives, but it was not so for Fang Ruyun.
Having witnessed the duplicity and loneliness common in the entertainment industry, it was natural for a sudden hero who saved her life in her most desperate moment to stir considerable emotions within her.
As Fengyun gazed at Ye Tiancheng's handsome profile, her heart fluttered like a startled deer. Something was rapidly changing within her, unknowingly.
That night's wind soon found its way to the foreign land. Fang Ruyun proactively invited Ye Tiancheng to dinner.
This was a week after Ye Tiancheng's return to China. The chaos of that night had already faded from Ye Tiancheng's mind, and now it was completely gone.
"No need to treat me to a meal. I have to go home after work. My wife is very strict, I'm afraid I have to apologize."
His courage to step forward while abroad, that fearless act of saving a damsel in distress, was different now. Facing her directly, he acted like a stranger, seemingly worried about their close interaction leading to trouble.
"I know you're married, and I don't mean anything else. It's just that the restaurant is very difficult to book. I managed to get a reservation after nearly a week. I'd like you to come for a meal, and I also want to discuss some cooperation on elixirs with you."
"Alright, I'll call my wife first to get her opinion. If I get a clear response, I'll let you know then."
After hanging up, Ye Tiancheng called Hou Mingzhu to seek her approval. When Hou Mingzhu heard that Ye Tiancheng was going to meet a popular superstar, her most prominent reaction, aside from other emotions, was surprise.
"What? When did you meet a superstar? This Fang Ruyun has always been detached from worldly affairs. Even we wealthy socialites can't get her to agree to a meeting. How did you manage it?"
"Wife, please don't misunderstand. It was truly a coincidence. You know I never follow celebrities, and I wouldn't specifically try to interact with them. It all started with an accident."
Hou Mingzhu wasn't angry; instead, she was quite happy.
"I really like this celebrity. Last time, I went to a lot of trouble to get a front-row ticket for her concert. If you know Fang Ruyun, then get along well with her. It might be convenient for future matters. Today, the most important thing is to get me an autographed photo."
Hou Mingzhu's reaction truly surprised Ye Tiancheng. He hadn't heard her mention being a fan of anyone before, but today she had revealed herself. However, this was good. Hou Mingzhu wouldn't hinder his business dealings, which removed a significant obstacle.
"Alright, I'll try my best to get you an autographed photo. Send me a photo now, and I'll get it printed. Send me one you like."
Ye Tiancheng used to be completely clueless about romance, but now he was gradually learning to be clever and put more effort into dealing with Hou Mingzhu.
As expected, he managed to make Hou Mingzhu very happy, and she giggled with delight.
"Then, good luck! If you really get me an autographed photo, I'll increase your daily allowance by a hundred."
"Thank you, wife."
Ye Tiancheng's finances were currently managed by Hou Mingzhu. She had stated that Ye Tiancheng's constitution attracted romance, so to keep him in check, it was best to keep him without money. If he had money, he would always find it difficult to remain in line.
After ending the call with Hou Mingzhu, Ye Tiancheng washed his face and pondered. Going alone seemed a bit risky, as he had accidentally seen Fang Ruyun's admiring gaze towards him last time. Therefore, the most important thing at this moment was not to be alone.
"Xiao Pang, do you want to come to dinner with me?"
"Sure, Brother Ye. We haven't hung out for days. I just found a place that serves pork offal stew, and my colleagues say it's delicious. I was planning to go with you. What do you think?"
"I'll take you to a more upscale place. Get ready to go downstairs."
Ye Tiancheng didn't tell Xiao Pang the truth. He planned to use Xiao Pang as a literal "lightbulb" and bring him to Fang Ruyun without Xiao Pang knowing anything.
When they entered the restaurant, Ye Tiancheng saw Fang Ruyun, dressed elegantly, sitting in a corner. He felt a slight pang of guilt.
Fang Ruyun was wearing a dark green evening gown, its design very high-end, as if it were reserved for very important occasions like a red carpet event. Yet, she wore it for Ye Tiancheng. This was a woman's subtle gesture, showing how much importance she placed on Ye Tiancheng. Unfortunately, Ye Tiancheng was oblivious and had brought a giant "lightbulb" with him.
"Miss Fang, I'm here. I happened to run into my friend, so I invited him along."
Ye Tiancheng knew that bringing someone along to a pre-arranged meeting without prior notice was very impolite. However, he also knew that a solo date with a major celebrity could easily lead to gossip. Therefore, he wanted to avoid any potential trouble. Ye Tiancheng had finally found some peace and didn't want any new complications.
"Your friend is joining us?"
Fang Ruyun outwardly showed no great displeasure, but the sudden dimming of the light in her eyes indicated that she actually hoped no one would interrupt her private dinner with Ye Tiancheng.
"Waiter, another set meal, please."
After all, she was a superstar and had seen more of the world, possessing a certain composure. She quickly called the waiter to add another set meal.
Xiao Pang sat there, suddenly realizing he had been tricked by Ye Tiancheng. Xiao Pang was no fool. Following someone like Ye Tiancheng required developing a crucial skill: adaptability. It was the most basic requirement, otherwise, he could only be exploited.
"No need, Miss Fang. I just remembered I have something to attend to. I might have to go deal with it. Please eat without me."
At a critical moment, Ye Tiancheng used his vital energy to freeze him in place. Fatty stood up but couldn't move, remaining fixed in his spot, appearing rather awkward.
"Why is your friend standing there motionless?"
This question was posed by Fang Ruyun after Xiao Pang had been standing there for over a minute. She found it too unusual and couldn't help but speak up. Had his behavior not been so bizarre, Fang Ruyun wouldn't have commented impolitely on someone's actions. But now, she couldn't help herself; she felt it was rather foolish.
"It's nothing. Perhaps he wants to digest more later, so he's standing to do so."
This excuse was fabricated by Ye Tiancheng. As long as Xiao Pang stayed, it was fine. Xiao Pang was in a rather unfortunate situation, unable to move his feet, and Ye Tiancheng was using his vital energy to control him, preventing him from speaking. This made him appear like an idiot, standing there rigidly but doing nothing.
"Perhaps it would be better to have this gentleman sit down."
Ye Tiancheng pushed Xiao Pang into a seat. On the surface, it appeared to be a gesture of courtesy, but in reality, it was forcing him to sit there, making Xiao Pang look a bit pathetic.
And so, the bizarre three-person meal began. Fang Ruyun had asked for an additional set meal, which the waiter had now brought. Fang Ruyun and Ye Tiancheng had already started eating, while Xiao Pang remained immobile, controlled by vital energy.
"Mr. Ye, I invited you here today because I've always had an entrepreneurial dream, but I don't know where to start. I've researched your background, and I know you've run companies before, so you should have a lot of experience. Therefore, I hope you can help me. Let's sell your beauty pills."
"If you've researched me, you should also know that I was quite unsuccessful back then. Are you not afraid of me losing your money?"
"Of course not. I know you are capable. Something urgent must have happened back then, or someone wanted to harm you. I simply don't believe that with your qualifications, there would be any problems. You built such a large business back then; you must have the ability. I just feel I can't afford to hire you."