Chapter 184: The Banquet

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Lin Xiao’s mind, but in the end, he decided to be honest with Wan Caixuan. He carefully chose his words before slowly saying, “Apart from being your bodyguard, I’ve taken on another job.”

“Oh?” Wan Caixuan’s hand paused while signing a document. “I’m listening, go on.”

Had this been before, hearing that Lin Xiao was working two jobs simultaneously would have made her furious.

However, having been saved by Lin Xiao on several occasions, her tolerance for him had significantly increased. Of course, there were other reasons, but at least she wasn’t quick to anger anymore.

“I’m working part-time at a martial arts school.” Since he had decided to be open, Lin Xiao didn’t hesitate any longer. “The gym was challenged by someone yesterday, and I got into a fight with the challenger, which is why I got injured.”

“I see,” Wan Caixuan nodded. “Are you in need of money right now?”

“Why do you ask?”

“If you’re not short of money, why take on two jobs?”

Wan Caixuan lifted her gaze, her eyes, like autumn waters, swept over Lin Xiao’s face before lowering again. “A salary of over a hundred thousand a month should be considered high for many people. Apart from needing money, I can’t find any other reason for you to do this.”

“I was indeed a bit short of money before, but it’s all sorted out now.”

Lin Xiao lowered his gaze, his voice steady and calm, “Taking on that job wasn’t because I needed the money, but because of personal preference. I enjoy challenges, constantly surpassing myself in battle is something I yearn for.”

Wan Caixuan put down her pen, her head bowed as if deep in thought, for a few minutes before she looked up again, her clear eyes staring directly into Lin Xiao’s.

“I understand. I won’t stop you, but I hope you can inform me next time you have other things to do, after all… I am your employer.”

“You’re not angry?” Lin Xiao had been prepared to face Wan Caixuan’s wrath, but her unexpectedly calm response left him somewhat puzzled.

“Why would I be angry?” Wan Caixuan glanced at Lin Xiao, “You said it was your personal preference. What reason do I have to stop you from pursuing your hobbies?”

“Thank you,” Lin Xiao sincerely thanked Wan Caixuan.

A faint smile appeared on Wan Caixuan’s face, fleeting like a blossom that blooms and fades in an instant, its fleeting brilliance making the rest of the world seem colorless.

Unfortunately, Lin Xiao didn’t see it.

After the smile, Wan Caixuan stopped talking to Lin Xiao and continued to flip through her documents.

Lin Xiao sat on the sofa with his eyes slightly closed, back straight, and hands resting on his knees in a meditative posture as tranquil as an old monk in meditation.

The room fell into silence, with only the sound of Wan Caixuan flipping through documents.

Time passed, and soon it was six in the evening.

“Let’s head out,” Wan Caixuan glanced at her watch and said to Lin Xiao, who had been by her side.

At this time, they were in the lobby of the Brilliant Tower.

Despite a busy day reviewing documents in the morning and holding executive meetings in the afternoon, Wan Caixuan showed no signs of fatigue.

“Alright,” Lin Xiao nodded in agreement, his gaze sweeping over every corner of the lobby. He did not see Ning Xi. He thought Ning Xi would accompany them, but it seemed that was not the case.

“Ning Xi has other things to do, so today it will just be you and me.”

Wan Caixuan seemed to read Lin Xiao’s mind as she walked past him, leaving behind a faint fragrance, “Go change into that suit first. I’ll wait for you in the car.”

When Lin Xiao reappeared in the lobby in his suit, he instantly attracted everyone’s attention. The staff of Brilliant Aya Limited were already familiar with Lin Xiao, but now they looked at him as if they were seeing him for the first time, their mouths slightly agape.

“Damn, is that really Brother Lin know?” murmured a security guard.

“How come I never noticed how handsome he is!” A female staff member clasped her face, staring at Lin Xiao with starry eyes.

“Cut it out, just putting on airs,” sneered a guy who was usually considered handsome.

Lin Xiao was a completely different person in a suit compared to his usual self. Especially in the tailored suit that perfectly accentuated his slender and fit physique, drastically transforming his aura.

From this perspective, the suit was indeed worth its price.

Lin Xiao ignored everyone’s gaze, walked straight to the parking lot, opened the door of the Rolls-Royce, and got in.

Wan Caixuan was already waiting in the back seat. A strange spark flickered in her eyes when she saw Lin Xiao.

“President Wan, where are we heading?” Lin Xiao started the Rolls-Royce and asked.

“To Jinghai City Central Hotel.”

As night began to fall, the Jinghai City Central Hotel was still brightly lit. All the hotel staff, from the general manager to the doormen and security guards, were dressed to the nines, putting on their best smiles, ready to welcome the guests.

Tonight, Jinghai City’s richest man, Li Liancheng, was hosting a charity gala at the hotel.

This charity gala was a major event in Jinghai City’s upper society, held only once a year.

Although the Jinghai City Central Hotel was the largest hotel in the city, such a grand event still required meticulous preparation to avoid any mishaps.

Everyone qualified to attend this gala was a notable figure in Jinghai City, either a distinguished individual or a billionaire; essentially, no ordinary people were invited.

A mistake at this event would be a major issue.

To attend this charity gala, having status alone was not enough; an invitation was essential. Without an invitation, even the most powerful individuals could not gain entry.

To prevent unexpected situations, the Central Hotel stationed several security guards at the entrance, and the security throughout the hotel was extremely tight, managed by Tianmu Security Company, known for its impeccable reputation in Jinghai City.

In the corridors, lobby, and kitchen, security personnel in black suits and sunglasses, with handguns at their waists, could be seen everywhere. These security staff were all tall and stern, exuding a formidable presence, comparable to special forces soldiers.

All of Tianmu Security Company’s personnel were exceptional military veterans.

In addition to the security staff, many of the distinguished guests attending the charity gala also brought their own bodyguards.

Thus, the Central Hotel today could be considered the safest place, not even a fly could get in.

Outside the Central Hotel, Lin Xiao drove the Rolls-Royce, slowly pulling up to the hotel