Chapter 66: Regret

“Let’s see who dares to throw him out.”

Wan Caixuan’s face was icy, a cold aura emanating from her as she glared at Fan Tong. She was taken aback that in such a brief period, someone was attempting to expel Lin Xiao.

Despite her guilt over their drunken encounter, Wan Caixuan knew she had to face Lin Xiao. She was well aware that he was there to protect her. Now, someone had the audacity to try and drive him away from her domain.

“What exactly is happening here?” Wan Caixuan demanded sternly.

The crowd, initially engrossed in the spectacle, turned their attention to her at her words. At first sight of her, they were astounded by her stunning beauty, quickly followed by surprise.

Wan Caixuan had only recently been appointed as the president of Brilliant Aya Chemicals, but most present were suppliers dependent on the company’s patronage. Always keen on the company’s affairs, they instantly recognized her.

In shock, someone managed to say, “Isn’t this the newly-appointed president of Brilliant Aya Limited, President Wan? She’s indeed as enchanting as a goddess. If I could win her heart, I’d willingly shorten my lifespan by ten years.”

“Shave off ten years? I’d happily die now just for a moment with her. But let’s be realistic, she’s a true elite. Could she possibly know this young man?”

“It’s highly unlikely. Look at President Wan’s status and this young man’s attire. They’re worlds apart. They probably don’t know each other.”

All eyes turned to Wan Caixuan as the room buzzed with quiet chatter. To the outside world, they were the polished elite—the so-called upper class. But they knew the truth. In the eyes of the real powerhouses, they were nothing more than small fish, scraping by beneath the towering shadow of Brilliant Aya Limited.

To them, Wan Caixuan was the embodiment of the true elite—the woman at the helm of a billion-dollar empire. A single word from her could destroy their careers. She regularly mingled with the high-ranking officials of Jinghai City, and those truly in the know were aware she came from the illustrious Wan family in the capital.

So when they saw Lin Xiao—a young man dressed in nothing more than casual clothes—standing so close to her, even speaking with her, it seemed utterly absurd. But in the next breath, they were frozen in place, eyes wide, lips trembling, completely stunned by the scene playing out before them.

“How… how is this possible?”

Wan Caixuan walked up to Lin Xiao with an air of regret and said, “I’m sorry.”

Even though Lin Xiao was technically her bodyguard, over the course of recent events, Wan Caixuan had begun to see him as a friend, her only male friend.

“Why are you apologizing? This isn’t your fault,” Lin Xiao casually brushed off her concern.

Relieved that Lin Xiao wasn’t upset, Wan Caixuan let out a sigh of relief. She then turned her cold gaze to a dazed Fan Tong, who was still in shock.

“You’re the one who told people to chase him away, and you also said that he is a thief?”

Fan Tong had never imagined that the seemingly simple countryman he’d dismissed so casually would be acquainted with Wan Caixuan. Relying on his livelihood from Brilliant Aya Limited, he was familiar with their newly appointed president, Wan Caixuan, and knew a fair bit about her.

Taking pleasure in belittling others to inflate his own sense of self-worth, Fan Tong was careful about who he could afford to offend and who he couldn’t. He often preyed on those without a powerful backing, taking delight in their helpless, begging expressions.

When it came to those more influential than him, however, he was all smiles and fawning. Wan Caixuan was one person he did not dare to cross.

Aside from his reliance on Brilliant Aya Limited, he’d heard whispers among his friends that Wan Caixuan was not just the president of the company but also a member of the illustrious Wan family from the capital and potentially one of the heirs.

But now, the countryman he’d dismissed knew Wan Caixuan and was even shown respect by her, she’d even apologized. The thought made Fan Tong’s knees buckle, nearly causing him to fall.

“President Wan, I… I didn’t… I mean… I didn’t know… didn’t know he was acquainted with you,” Fan Tong stammered, trembling in fear.

Lin Xiao’s brows furrowed, and he retorted coldly, “So you didn’t know about my connection with President Wan? That means if I had no such association, you could just trample over me and falsely accuse me of theft?”

Lin Xiao was typically a rather indifferent individual, largely apathetic to most matters. However, his tenure in the military had instilled in him the belief that all individuals were equal.

Life for the common people at society’s lower rungs was undoubtedly laborious, a constant cycle of early starts and late nights, all in the pursuit of survival. Their existence, though busy and tough, was dignified, fueled by their hard work and perseverance.

Why then, should these people be looked down upon?

Why should their lowly status serve as stepping stones for the affluent just to stroke their egos?

Lin Xiao didn’t bear a grudge against the wealthy, yet Fan Tong’s contemptuous remarks ignited a fire within him.

Under ordinary circumstances, someone of Fan Tong’s wealth and influence would have scoffed at Lin Xiao’s accusations. But with Wan Caixuan standing nearby, her icy demeanor radiating silent pressure, Fan Tong had no choice but to bow his head and concede.

“Yes, I was wrong. It’s entirely my fault. I deserve to be punished. I apologize,” he said, voice low and submissive.

Watching Fan Tong, a picture of pitiful remorse with his tears and snot, Lin Xiao didn’t expect such shamelessness. If Fan Tong believed this act of contrition would absolve him easily, he was gravely mistaken.

Had Fan Tong’s remorse been genuine, Lin Xiao might have considered forgiveness, but the absence of sincerity in Fan Tong’s behavior was clear. His eyes concealed a depth of resentment and malice, too profound to elude Lin Xiao’s keen perception. Hence, he chose to disregard him.

Wan Caixuan, after sharing a silent glance with Lin Xiao, turned her cold gaze onto Fan Tong, “From today onward, all your collaboration with Brilliant Aya Limited is officially terminated.”

“What? President Wan… I…”

Fan Tong collapsed to the ground in shock. He fully understood the weight of her declaration. His company’s survival depended heavily on Brilliant Aya Limited, and this termination was nothing short of a death sentence.

With Brilliant Aya’s far-reaching influence in Jinghai City, the news would spread fast. No one would dare collaborate with a man who had fallen out of favor with them. In time, other companies would distance themselves out of fear, and bankruptcy would be all but inevitable.

Overwhelmed by fear, Fan Tong had an unfortunate accident, wetting himself as a foul smell spread.

Frowning slightly at this sight, Wan Caixuan suggested to Lin Xiao, “Let’s head inside.”

Agreeing to escape the unpleasant stench, Lin Xiao followed her. Their departure from the scene restored the hotel lobby to its usual buzz.

“Who was that young man? He seems to know President Wan,” a voice echoed in surprise.

“Indeed, it’s quite astonishing. Moreover, judging from President Wan’s demeanor, their relationship seems to be more than just casual acquaintances.”

“Do you think if I had stepped up to assist that young man earlier, I could have found favor with President Wan?” one of them reflected with a touch of regret.

This statement caused everyone to momentarily pause, their minds instantly filled with regret. They agreed, considering President Wan’s favorable treatment of the young man, if they had bravely intervened, they might have succeeded in establishing a valuable connection with President Wan.

Backed by the president of Brilliant Aya Limited, wouldn’t they enjoy a luxurious lifestyle?