My Virtual Girlfriend-Chapter 433: I Like Your Scent (6000 words)

Hearing Yang Rou’s words, Lu Man couldn’t help but ask, "He Mengxue also sent you one?"

Yang Rou looked toward Lu Man, nodded her head, then said in a cool tone, "Yes. That day in the office, when Chen Yan was checking out the shower gel, Director He saw it, so he recommended the brand he uses."

"Because I was also there. So the next day, she sent Chen Yan a bottle, and she sent me one too."

"However, I haven’t finished using my own shower gel, so I haven’t used it."

Hearing Yang Rou’s words, Lu Man felt even guiltier.

Because she felt that she really had misunderstood Chen Yan.

Actually, even if Chen Yan had proven that the fragrance on his body was not from He Mengxue but from the shower gel, Lu Man still had plenty of doubts in her heart.

Because she thought: Is it possible that He Mengxue never sent Chen Yan shower gel at all? Maybe Chen Yan used her shower gel at He Mengxue’s place.

But then... after Yang Rou confirmed that He Mengxue indeed sent the shower gel, that suspicion disappeared.

Apart from worrying that Chen Yan took a shower at He Mengxue’s place, Lu Man actually felt just now that... even if the shower gel was really sent by He Mengxue, wasn’t gifting shower gel too intimate?

How close does one have to be to give shower gel?

However, when Yang Rou said she also received the shower gel, Lu Man felt... this was no longer an issue.

Even, she had imagined the scenario: Perhaps He Mengxue really liked this brand of shower gel, so after hearing Chen Yan had run out, she highly recommended it.

Chen Yan probably wasn’t very interested.

But He Mengxue, for the sake of getting more people to like her preferred brand, sent everyone present a bottle to try.

In that case, everything made sense and was normal.

So, thinking of this, Lu Man couldn’t help but feel even more guilty toward Chen Yan.

She felt that she really had misunderstood Chen Yan. No wonder Chen Yan was so angry...

Just that... when she hadn’t noticed, just when she was reproaching herself, Chen Yan and Yang Rou glanced at each other and then nodded slightly.

The issue with the fragrance resolved, dish after dish was served. The atmosphere also warmed up a lot.

Chen Yan only wanted to dispel the awkward situation and didn’t want Lu Man to be too upset, so during the meal, he even took the initiative to serve her some food, which moved Lu Man greatly.

As for the ambiguous relationship between their two bosses, everyone present was well aware of it, so they all pretended not to see and talked among themselves.

After the meal, Song Chuang had to continue hurrying back to Tiandu, Lu Man and Sister Mei Li had to go home, only Chen Yan and Yang Rou returned to the company.

So, at the hotel entrance, the group parted ways.

The company car and driver were already waiting by the roadside, ready to take them away.

Chen Yan waved goodbye to them, exchanged a look with Lu Man, then walked side by side with Yang Rou back to the company.

Walking on the road, perhaps because of Yang Rou’s reserved nature, the two of them didn’t speak for a long time.

It was after a while that Chen Yan finally broke the silence.

He said to Yang Rou, "Sister Rou, I owe you a favor today."

The favor he spoke of was Yang Rou’s cooperation in defusing the tense situation.

Chen Yan had realized what exposed him not long after he entered the meeting room: although he had taken a shower, he had unintentionally used He Mengxue’s shower gel. That’s why his body carried the scent of He Mengxue.

It was just that since Chen Yan never connected the scent of the shower gel on his body to He Mengxue’s fragrance, he made that oversight.

So, after Lu Man pointed out the problem, what Chen Yan needed to do was to explain the situation.

The reasoning for his explanation took only a brief thought to come up with: it was that He Mengxue gave him shower gel. He had showered at his own home.

But such an explanation was too weak. There were too many holes that could be poked in it.

So, Chen Yan needed an ally.

Among the three outsiders present, Sister Mei Li was Lu Man’s person, Song Chuang was based in Tiandu and not in Qin Island.

Thus, the only option left was Yang Rou.

If it had been the Chen Yan of the past, he would never have dared to make such a request to Yang Rou.

But after chatting with "Yang Rou" online last time, having gotten to know the real Yang Rou, Chen Yan still believed Yang Rou would be willing to help him with this.

So, after he had taken the Energy Pills, not only did he remember the brand, shape of the shower gel, but he also sent Yang Rou a message for help.

That was what led to the subsequent consistent lie.

And hearing Chen Yan say this, Yang Rou smiled faintly, nodded her head, and didn’t say much.

Seeing her expression, Chen Yan pondered for a moment, then asked,

"Sister Rou, is there anything you want? As long as it’s not extravagant, you can ask for it. Consider it a repayment for the favor."

Yang Rou’s cool face looked at Chen Yan with interest and said in a gentle tone, "Mr. Chen, it’s obvious you don’t understand women. Women... they don’t like questions~"

Hearing Yang Rou’s different tone from before, Chen Yan was taken aback.

Because with the change in Yang Rou’s tone, her whole demeanor became entirely different.

The original coolness disappeared without a trace, and in its place was an inherent charm that made Chen Yan lose his composure.

Listening to her, Chen Yan pondered for a moment, then said, "Alright then. I’ll treat you to dinner tomorrow night. Remember to be on time."

Yang Rou shook her head lightly, "That’s too domineering~"

Chen Yan: ...

"Will you join me for dinner tomorrow?"

Yang Rou raised her eyebrows, "That’s still a question~~"

Chen Yan, looking at Yang Rou’s amused expression, had only one thought in mind: She’s flirting with me! Definitely flirting with me!

However, it must be said that Yang Rou’s push and pull successfully aroused Chen Yan’s competitive spirit.

So, after a moment of thought, looking into Yang Rou’s eyes, he smiled and said, "I want to dine at Twin Towers Hotel tomorrow night. I can’t enjoy my meal without you. So...."

Yang Rou’s previously serious face blossomed with a bright smile.

It was like ice melting and flowers blooming in spring.

She bowed slightly, "It would be my honor, sir~"

Perhaps because they saw a side of each other that others didn’t know, their distance seemed to have narrowed a lot. Thus, their ensuing conversation became much more harmonious.

In this manner, they both took the elevator and returned to their respective companies.

But once back in his office, Chen Yan felt a bit of regret.

Because when he came to his senses, he realized he had actually asked out Yang Rou!

Hadn’t he just been thinking of keeping his distance from Yang Rou, this dangerous woman, a few days ago?

How did he end up proactively asking her out after one provocation?

And moreover, in such an intimate tone!

Oh. Blast my competitive nature!

Back at his desk, Chen Yan thought carefully about the "confrontation" with Yang Rou just now.

The more he recalled, the more Chen Yan felt that he had been "tricked."

Yang Rou’s unnoticeable guidance, her sudden change in tone and expression, were all like bait, constantly luring Chen Yan to bite.

And he was completely unaware of it all, happily chatting along with Yang Rou’s requests, in the end making their relationship so ambiguous.

Thinking it over and over, Chen Yan felt: This woman was on a whole other level!

Interacting with her, Chen Yan felt like he saw "himself when interacting with He Mengxue."

Both appeared so effortless and carefree.

Dangerous, very dangerous!

Thinking this way, Chen Yan decided that for tomorrow’s dinner, he must remain vigilant at all times, even if it meant taking an Energy Pill to enhance his brain processing speed.

In any case, he couldn’t let Yang Rou lead him astray again.

After thinking about Yang Rou, Chen Yan started to ponder about the content of today’s meeting.

The company’s executives each had their own areas of expertise.

For instance, Song Chuang excelled in distribution and capital operations.

Sister Mei Li excelled in artist management and brand maintenance.

Yang Rou excelled in film and television project production.

As for Lu Man...

She’s beautiful.

So, compared to the other three executives, Chen Yan trusted Yang Rou’s judgment on the Xu Brothers’ projects more: that is, these projects were too likely to flop.

This just coincided with Chen Yan’s own assessment.

This reduced the pressure on Chen Yan significantly.

After all, it’s one thing to talk, but facing such a coalition siege was another matter entirely, and Chen Yan was getting cold feet.

Now, with Yang Rou on the same front, Chen Yan felt he might not need to worry so much.

So, he made up his mind.

After some time, when Yang Rou, Song Chuang, and the others had gotten the information on these projects, he would use an Instant Camera to snapshot them and examine the situation of these projects.

If they were indeed failures, as he and Yang Rou speculated, then Chen Yan would be stepping over the Xu Brothers’ corpses to reach the pinnacle of the entertainment industry!

...

Meanwhile, at the same time that Chen Yan was plotting against the Xu Brothers.

Inside the Xu Brothers’ circle, a small meeting was underway.

This time, without Director Zhang, it was just the two Xu brothers.

Xu Zhaoqing, feeling fresh and spirited after the press conference, was gesticulating and recounting his swaggering confidence from the day to his brother.

Xu Zhaorong, however, sat expressionless, smoking his cigarette.

The smoke seemed to veil his face.

He quietly listened to Xu Zhaoqing recount his exploits of the day, then slowly said, "Pay more attention to these projects."

"Be hands-on and don’t let others interfere."

Xu Zhaoqing smiled and replied, "Bro, rest assured. With so many big names, so many resources."

"If I can’t make a good TV show or movie with these, then what’s the difference between me and a pig?"

Hearing his younger brother, Xu Zhaorong shook his head slightly.

Then he asked, "Zhaoqing, do you really think these projects will be successful?"

Hearing his brother, Xu Zhaoqing’s expression froze as he looked at his brother, confused, and asked, "Bro, you don’t think so?"

Xu Zhaorong snuffed out his cigarette butt in the ashtray and nodded slowly.

Xu Zhaoqing, filled with surprise and doubt, said, "Then why did you still...?"

Xu Zhaorong stood up, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the bustling Tiandu, and said, "Otherwise, what could I have done?"

"At first, I thought accepting resources from the Zhao Family would give us an opportunity to develop."

"But later, I realized that the moment we made that decision, we were wrapped up by capital."

"Capital does not understand content, nor does it trust content."

"Because content is not replicable."

"They just need a replicable model that, once validated, can proliferate and replicate like bacteria at a rapid pace."

"So, for them, the amount they invest is irrelevant; what matters is that they can achieve success and that this success can be replicated."

"Then, what could be easier to succeed and replicate than pairing big-name celebrities with big IPs?"

At this, he lit another cigarette, squinted his eyes, and took a drag, "So, if they want it, let’s just give it to them."

"After all, only by doing so can we get as much money from them as possible."

"As for whether it will succeed, no one knows before it’s been shot."

Hearing his brother’s words, Xu Zhaoqing was a bit surprised and said, "And if it doesn’t succeed?"

Xu Zhaorong laughed, "Doesn’t succeed? The film industry is inherently a high-risk profession. Isn’t it quite normal if it doesn’t?"

"Anyway, they’ve already paid...."

He turned to look at his brother, "As long as we can make money, that’s good enough."

"Besides, those few projects are genuinely interesting. Who knows, we might just hit the jackpot."

Hearing his brother’s words, Xu Zhaoqing’s mouth gaped wide open, his brain almost crashed, feeling unable to keep up with his brother’s train of thought.

’This.... isn’t quite what I expected?’

’With four or five Best Actors, and Actresses and three or four ace programs in my hands, not to mention the science fiction blockbuster finale, shouldn’t I be starting a new Chapter in the film industry!?’

’How did it suddenly become dispensable?’

’I must have picked up the wrong script, right?’

’It has to be wrong...’

.......

Meanwhile.

In Tiandu, at Zhao Group.

Zhao Qingtian was processing official business while chatting with his assistant without even looking up.

"Isn’t Xu Zhaorong treating you like a fool?"

"If success in the film industry was as simple as stacking celebrities and IPs, capital would have devoured it long ago."

"That was how he fooled me back then. I exposed him."

"And now, he’s using the same trick to fool you?"

"After all these years, not even changing his tactics?"

Hearing Zhao Qingtian’s words, his beautiful female assistant blushed and then turned pale.

She had approved and green-lit those projects without seeing any issues. But once they got to Zhao Qingtian, she was scolded thoroughly.

She wanted to argue, but didn’t know how to refute.

After all, she had seen Zhao Qingtian succeed time and time again over the years.

So, in the end, she still said, "Then, Mr. Zhao, should I go and halt these projects?"

Zhao Qingtian waved his hand, saying dismissively, "No need."

"Film projects, hmm. No one knows if they’ll succeed until the final product is out. Let him mess around."

"We’re talking about the money from other branches funds anyway. If it’s lost, then it’s lost; it serves to weaken their power. They’re always idle, thinking about stirring up trouble over Zhao Xuan’s death every day."

At this, Zhao Qingtian looked up and took a sip of coffee, "Besides, with this crappy plan distracting Chen Yan, it can cover for our real plans."

"So, let him get on with it."

"Wait until I personally go to them and claim our share of the profits."

Hearing Zhao Qingtian’s words, the assistant said, "Yes, Mr. Zhao."

After speaking, she paused,

"Shall I continue to push forward our plan?"

Zhao Qingtian nodded, just about to return to his work and then looked up again, sternly reminding, "Don’t let any information leak, especially to the He family."

The assistant nodded once more.

.......

In this manner, as each party harbored their thoughts and schemes, a day quickly passed.

In the evening, after work, Chen Yan didn’t head home straight away but took a taxi to He Mengxue’s house to pick up two bottles of her shower gel.

He Mengxue was somewhat puzzled by Chen Yan’s sudden desire for her shower gel.

So, Chen Yan told her, "I’ve kind of taken a liking to your scent..."

Consequently, her heart thumped wildly at his words.

Therefore, she gave them quite willingly and even wanted to give Chen Yan a few more bottles.

In the end, she was tactfully refused by Chen Yan.

When he got home, Chen Yan threw away his shower gel, opened the new bottle, and used some of it.

This way...his previous plan was plugged with one more hole.

Just as long as he could pass the other bottle to Yang Rou tomorrow, all the gaps would be filled...

.......

[Sunrise Project]Ongoing costs: Profession wealth +300 million.

...

The next day, Chen Yan got up and checked various game data as was his custom.

Seeing a three billion increase in his profession wealth, Chen Yan knew that Yang Rou had taken his words seriously and executed them diligently.

He was now only two billion in profession returns short of buying the remaining twenty billion in shares of Headline Technology.

After freshening up, he jogged to the company for work.

Due to the pressure from the Xu brothers, the company was operating even more smoothly.

After a day of handling official business, Chen Yan and Yang Rou met at the hotel in the evening.

Compared to He Mengxue, Yang Rou knew better how to use a woman’s advantages and understood the art of push and pull.

The day before, although she had been proactive and even showed him her rare smile, today when she met Chen Yan, she had returned to her usual expressionless self.

Standing there in a sleek black women’s suit, she looked cool and sexy.

However, paired with her emotionless face, it seemed like they weren’t going on a date, but rather heading to the police station to turn themselves in.

This left Chen Yan, who was already psychologically prepared to keep his distance from Yang Rou that night, somewhat unprepared.

He glanced at Yang Rou, feeling that this woman was incredibly fickle and played things too off-script.

You were so enthusiastic yesterday, and weren’t you the one who flirted first?

So why the sudden return to your usual demeanor?

And seeing Chen Yan with a touch of reluctance, the corner of Yang Rou’s mouth revealed an almost imperceptible smile.

She looked at Chen Yan coolly, nodded slightly, and said, "Well then, shall we go, Mr. Chen?"

Chen Yan nodded, and they made their way to the Twin Towers Hotel.

When they arrived at the private room Chen Yan had reserved in advance, they settled in, and a waiter proactively came to serve them tea and water.

Only the most clever staff would serve in this private room. Initially, seeing Chen Yan come with a woman, they felt their gossip radar ignite with curiosity.

However, after a few minutes, the atmosphere was so tense they couldn’t stand it.

Where was the fire? It was utterly ice.

The pair didn’t seem to be here for a date or a meal; it looked more like they were negotiating with a sworn enemy.

So, after they were finished serving them, they hurriedly slipped away.

After the waitstaff had left, and as the atmosphere became more and more stiff, Chen Yan also felt awkward.

He coughed, wanting to open a conversation with Yang Rou, to ease the almost freezing atmosphere.

But at that moment, Yang Rou took the initiative.

She opened the folder she was carrying and handed Chen Yan a document, "Mr. Chen. This is the second batch list for the Sunrise Project. I think you might be interested."

Chen Yan:? ? ?

Sister Rou, do you really need to play it like this?

We’re out on a date!

You don’t happen to have some weird system for predicting fortune and doom, do you?

———

He glanced at Yang Rou, feeling that this woman was incredibly fickle and played things too off-script.

You were so enthusiastic yesterday, and weren’t you the one who flirted first?

So why the sudden return to your usual demeanor?

And seeing Chen Yan with a touch of reluctance, the corner of Yang Rou’s mouth revealed an almost imperceptible smile.

She looked at Chen Yan coolly, nodded slightly, and said, "Well then, shall we go, Mr. Chen?"

Chen Yan nodded, and they made their way to the Twin Towers Hotel.

When they arrived at the private room Chen Yan had reserved in advance, they settled in, and a waiter proactively came to serve them tea and water.

Only the most clever staff would serve in this private room. Initially, seeing Chen Yan come with a woman, they felt their gossip radar ignite with curiosity.

However, after a few minutes, the atmosphere was so tense they couldn’t stand it.

Where was the fire? It was utterly ice.

The pair didn’t seem to be here for a date or a meal; it looked more like they were negotiating with a sworn enemy.

So, after they were finished serving them, they hurriedly slipped away.

After the waitstaff had left, and as the atmosphere became more and more stiff, Chen Yan also felt awkward.

He coughed, wanting to open a conversation with Yang Rou, to ease the almost freezing atmosphere.

But at that moment, Yang Rou took the initiative.

She opened the folder she was carrying and handed Chen Yan a document, "Mr. Chen. This is the second batch list for the Sunrise Project. I think you might be interested."

Chen Yan:? ? ?

Sister Rou, do you really need to play it like this?

We’re out on a date!

You don’t happen to have some weird system for predicting fortune and doom, do you?