{Chapter: 162 Mei Yuxian and Gui Qingtong!}
Yan Ruyue gently lifted one of her long, elegant legs just a few centimeters off the floor. The graceful arc of her movement caused her figure to draw even more attention, especially with the sleek, high-heeled shoes hugging her feet perfectly. Her cheeks were tinged with a noticeable blush, yet she still managed to speak with a calm voice, casting a soft glance at Lin Yuan.
"These are the heels you picked out for me last time," she said quietly, almost shyly. "I remember you said I looked good in them… This is only the second time I've worn them. There's nothing strange about that, right?"
Her tone was casual on the surface, but anyone paying close attention could detect the nervous anticipation laced in her words. Her movements might have been subtle—barely lifting her foot off the ground—but with her flawless jade-like legs and exquisite posture, she exuded an indescribable elegance and allure.
Even though Yan Ruyue was blushing, looking visibly flustered, Lin Yuan could clearly see through her façade. There was a sparkle in her eyes, a silent longing. She was waiting for him to say something.
She looked like a diligent schoolgirl who had finished her assignment perfectly and was now quietly seeking praise from her teacher—with pride, nerves, and hope all bundled together in her gaze.
Lin Yuan also noticed the silent exchange happening between Yan Ruyue and Gui Qingtong, who was standing across the room. The glances between them weren't friendly—there was a quiet tension in the air. Yan Ruyue was no longer the restrained and icy figure she used to be. She had changed. She had become more open, more expressive—as if taking the initiative in her feelings made her feel not only confident but proud.
Lin Yuan had never been one to hide what he thought, so he responded with a small, amused smile. "Well, there's certainly nothing strange about that. And you're right—they do look beautiful on you. High heels suit you very well. Compared to your wobbly, off-balance look before… this is a massive improvement."
The moment Lin Yuan mentioned her previous "crooked look," Yan Ruyue's mind immediately flashed back to that embarrassing first time she wore heels. She had twisted her hips awkwardly and struggled to walk straight. Lin Yuan had even jokingly sent her a video clip of her clumsy steps. Just thinking about it made her ears burn with embarrassment, turning a deep crimson that reached all the way behind her ears.
And yet, even with that flustered memory in her mind, her heart swelled with warmth after hearing his praise. That gentle, sincere tone in Lin Yuan's voice, free of sarcasm or teasing—it made her feel cherished in a way she didn't know she longed for.
It felt so good.
The girls standing nearby witnessed the tender exchange between them and couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. They envied how Lin Yuan spoke to Yan Ruyue—so gentle, so sincere. They wished they were the ones receiving that kind of attention from him.
Meanwhile, across the room, Gui Qingtong stood frozen, watching the entire scene unfold.
Her eyes were wide with disbelief and frustration. Her teeth clenched unconsciously as she glared at Yan Ruyue, who was standing just a little too close to Lin Yuan.
'That stinky woman! She keeps trying to get close to Brother Lin Yuan—and now she's even flaunting it in front of me!'
If it weren't for the fact that her mother, Mei Yuxian, was standing right beside her, Gui Qingtong might have stormed over without hesitation and dragged Yan Ruyue away.
From her position, Yan Ruyue could feel Gui Qingtong's intense gaze. She didn't look in her direction directly, but a subtle smirk formed at the corner of her lips. Her eyes gleamed with a faint trace of mockery.
'She's cute, yes. But she's still far too young to compete with me.'
What Yan Ruyue didn't realize was that at some point, she had begun viewing Gui Qingtong as a rival. A genuine competitor in the game of love. Though she had never said it aloud—even to herself—there was an unmistakable tension brewing between the two girls, and Yan Ruyue had already taken a defensive stance in her heart.
After chatting happily with Lin Yuan for a while, Yan Ruyue eventually excused herself and headed to the bathroom.
As she turned to leave, her eyes landed on the scroll Lin Yuan was holding in his hands.
Her heart skipped a beat.
A spark of recognition lit in her eyes.
Could that be… The Ink Plum Blossom?
That painting wasn't just any piece of artwork—it held sentimental value. It was a treasured painting that had once belonged to her family, and even though money wasn't something she lacked, the emotional weight behind that scroll was huge.
The thought that Lin Yuan had retrieved it, and was planning to gift it to her, filled her heart with excitement and tenderness.
Unable to contain her growing emotions, Yan Ruyue walked quickly toward the restroom—not because she urgently needed to go, but because she wanted a moment to calm herself, fix her makeup, and check her reflection.
He is going to give me that painting… then I have to be at my best.
Although she had already guessed what was about to happen, Yan Ruyue still decided to play along. She planned to act surprised, to gracefully accept the gift with the elegance and poise she knew would leave an impression.
Before walking away, she couldn't resist glancing at Gui Qingtong once more—her gaze filled with open disdain.
Gui Qingtong caught the look and instantly clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. That arrogant woman! The urge to march over and give Yan Ruyue a good knock on the head surged within her. If it weren't for the people around—and especially her mother—she might have done something impulsive.
But as soon as Yan Ruyue disappeared from view, Gui Qingtong turned around and found herself unexpectedly locking eyes with Lin Yuan. Her expression instantly shifted—like flipping a switch. The pout vanished, replaced by a warm, dazzling smile.
Her grin was radiant, sweet like sunshine after rain, revealing two neat rows of gleaming white teeth. It was the kind of innocent, girlish smile that could melt hearts in an instant.
Lin Yuan smiled politely in return, and for a moment, the two of them exchanged a silent look.
Seeing his eyes seemingly focused in her direction, Gui Qingtong's heart skipped a beat. Her cheeks turned a gentle shade of pink, and her expression grew even more joyful.
Is he looking at me?
That thought alone filled her with such happiness that the corners of her lips lifted higher without her even realizing it.
Today, Gui Qingtong had carefully dressed herself to perfection. Knowing that Lin Yuan would be present, she had spent nearly an hour trying on outfit after outfit. She must have gone through more than a hundred different combinations before finally settling on a pale pink dress that made her look both radiant and delicate.
The dress wasn't particularly long, but on her petite frame, it looked tasteful and demure. Her fair shoulders and slim arms were partially exposed, as were her long, slender legs. The effect was stunning—not too bold, but just enough to leave an impression.
There was something about her that was both innocent and alluring, like a young flower just beginning to bloom. It made people instinctively want to protect her, to hold her close and keep her safe.
Her overall style today was youthful and charming, a delightful balance of playfulness and beauty. Anyone who saw her would be tempted to reach out, to wrap her in a gentle hug, or even lean in for a kiss.
And Lin Yuan did glance at her more than once—which Gui Qingtong, naturally, misunderstood.
She thought he was watching her with admiration, captivated by her outfit and presence.
But in truth, Lin Yuan's gaze wasn't entirely on her. He was primarily looking at someone else—not the daughter but the mother, Mei Yuxian, who was standing just beside her.
Compared to the youthful, blossoming charm of Gui Qingtong, the mature allure of Mei Yuxian was like a different kind of flame—deeper, more dangerous, and infinitely more enticing.
Mei Yuxian wore a deep violet loosely fitting evening gown that didn't show any of her curves. It was a color that spoke of confidence, of a woman who knew her beauty and wasn't afraid to use it. The dress didn't show off her figure without revealing any of it, hinting at temptation rather than flaunting it.
From where Lin Yuan stood, he could only see the profile of Mei Yuxian's face, but even that was enough to make his heart stir.
One side of her face, partially obscured by her long, flowing golden hair, combined with that breathtaking figure perfectly consoled in the purple gown—it created a mystery that was far more seductive than a full reveal.
Even though her body was completely covered by a loose fitting gown. Lin Yuan still could see that beneath the gown was a body that could only be described as devastating. Her curves were sharp and smooth in all the right places, forming a flawless S-shape that would make any woman envious.
It was, without exaggeration, the best figure Lin Yuan had ever laid eyes on.
Her proportions were so precise they seemed almost unreal—like a god of arts had sculpted her with obsessive attention to every detail.
She possessed what could only be called a "devil's figure"—the kind that turned heads, stole breaths, and stirred temptation just by existing.
Even if her face had been plain, that body alone could drive men crazy. But paired with her elegant beauty, she was nothing short of lethal.
Even if she looked ugly, with this figure, countless men will salivate.
And Lin Yuan… he was very aware of it.