Inside the villa.
Chu Mengyao and a decrepit sixty-year-old man, Xu Fu, sat on the sofa.
On the table in front of them, a sumptuous meal emitted fragrant aromas, but the two's attention wasn't on the dining table; instead, they were staring unblinkingly at the door to a room.
Inside the room, Ye Fan was still unconscious.
Although they couldn't see Ye Fan's figure, the astonishment in their eyes had not dissipated.
"With an unimaginable insight, he discovered the sniper hidden in the dark."
"At a terrifying speed, he rescued Chu Mengyao from the path of the bullet."
"This level of skill and ability is absolutely not something an ordinary person could achieve."
"Who exactly is he? Why? He doesn't even have a penny on him, nor any documents representing identity. What's even more baffling is that he seems to be starving himself, not knowing how many days he hasn't had a drop of water or a bite of food."
"What on earth happened to him?"
Xu Fu already understood the ins and outs of the incident, which is why he couldn't remain calm. He knew very well that even with his own skills, it would have been impossible at the time to detect the danger, let alone rescue someone from a bullet.
Hence, the curiosity in his heart was very strong. Even with his experienced eyes, he couldn't see through Ye Fan. How could he not be surprised at such a mysterious man?
Chu Mengyao's perspective was different from Xu Fu's. Whenever she thought of Ye Fan saving her life at that thrilling moment, her eyes flashed with a hint of brilliance.
After a long silence, Chu Mengyao broke the quiet and looked at Xu Fu, asking, "Uncle Xu, how is the company's situation?"
"Very bad. Zhang Daya has coerced the company's third and fourth largest shareholders. At the board meeting in three days, he might force you to resign as CEO. If my guess is right, the assassin this time was also hired by Zhang Daya. Your whereabouts were leaked because a bodyguard divulged it. That bodyguard is dead, and his wife and daughter are also missing, likely met with misfortune as well." Xu Fu slowly spoke.
Regarding the death of the bodyguard's family of three, a trace of helplessness and sadness flashed in Chu Mengyao's eyes.
The Chu Group is a family enterprise, and it has reached the third generation in Chu Mengyao's hands. Zhang Daya is the second largest shareholder of the company. To take over the Chu Group, Zhang Daya has resorted to such madness to hire an assassin.
Chu Mengyao had long received news of Zhang Daya's actions, but with the enemy in the dark, effective retaliation was very difficult. Furthermore, she had not anticipated Zhang Daya would be so ruthless, wanting to kill her without caring about the consequences.
"The Chu Group was founded by Grandpa. Even if I am pulverized to pieces, I will not let the company fall into someone else's hands."
Chu Mengyao muttered resolutely, but her gaze was full of helplessness. As of now, the company's situation had already slipped from her control. To turn the unfavorable situation around was beyond her capabilities.
In the end, she is a woman who could easily and freely handle various situations in the business field. But facing the invasion of dark forces, there was only so much she could do.
"Your family's intention is to prioritize safety. If necessary, hand the company over to Zhang Daya. This time, the trouble might be unprecedented. We still have no clue what kind of people Zhang Daya has hired," Xu Fu said helplessly.
Chu Mengyao's expression turned even dimmer. Who wouldn't fear death? However, to hand the company over willingly was something she couldn't do.
At this moment, Ye Fan woke up, looking dazed as he walked out of the room.
Chu Mengyao and Xu Fu noticed the movement and immediately looked toward Ye Fan.
Ye Fan casually glanced at the two, his gaze lingering on Chu Mengyao for an extra two seconds. Chu Mengyao was the type of ice-cold beauty, beautiful enough to take one's breath away, but her cold aura was equally suffocating.
Xu Fu shivered inside. Ye Fan's casual glance seemed to see right through him, which surprised him immensely.
"Little brother, you're awake?" Xu Fu hurriedly got up with a kind smile.
"Yes." Ye Fan nodded.
"Gurgle!" Smelling the aroma of the food, Ye Fan's stomach growled uncontrollably.
Fearing that Ye Fan might feel embarrassed, Xu Fu eagerly said, "We knew you were hungry, so we've prepared some food for you. I hope little brother won't mind."
Clearly, Xu Fu's considerate gesture fell short because he found no trace of embarrassment on Ye Fan's face; it seemed Ye Fan's cold demeanor just wouldn't show such an expression of sheepishness.
Ye Fan sat down, his stomach growling continuously, yet he didn't rush to pick up the chopsticks.
"Where is this place?" he asked.
"This is the Miss's villa," Xu Fu replied.
"You saved me," Ye Fan's voice was low.
"It was the Miss who saved you," Xu Fu said, but he felt this was incorrect and added, "To be precise, you saved the Miss first."
"Oh." Ye Fan looked at Chu Mengyao, softly saying, "Thank you."
Chu Mengyao was stunned; why was he thanking her? Clearly, she should be the one thanking him.
"Little brother, may I ask you some questions?" Xu Fu said tentatively.
"What do you want to ask?" Ye Fan replied indifferently.
"What is your name?"
"Ye Fan."
"Where are you from?"
"Forgotten."
"Do you have any family?"
"I'm an orphan."
"Do you have a place to go?"
"No."
...
Xu Fu questioned and then voluntarily shut his mouth. From Ye Fan's words, he heard a sense of sorrow and hardship.
Chu Mengyao turned sideways, curiously scrutinizing Ye Fan. She discovered that Ye Fan was someone with a profound story.
"I'm really sorry for bringing up Ye's sad past," Xu Fu said apologetically.
"It's okay," Ye Fan said indifferently. In fact, no matter how Xu Fu inquired or addressed him, he had little reaction.
"In that case, why don't you, Brother Ye, stay here for now? You already know, the Miss is in big trouble. There are evil people trying to take over the family business and have sent assassins. If possible, please stay by the Miss's side to protect her. We will do our utmost to meet your needs, is that okay?" Xu Fu hoped with expectation.
There's no need to say how extraordinary Ye Fan is. If Ye Fan assists, Chu Mengyao's safety wouldn't be a concern. With the Miss's safety in mind, Xu Fu had this thought.
Ye Fan's requirements were simple; as long as he had food, drink, and shelter, it would suffice. Moreover, not knowing where to go, staying might as well be an option. After learning about Chu Mengyao's predicament from Xu Fu's words, he had already prepared to stay by her side.
He looked at Chu Mengyao, seeking her opinion, "Do you want me?"
Chu Mengyao's heart trembled. From Ye Fan's eyes, with a woman's sixth sense, she saw some emotions that brought her heartache. Strangely, for this newly acquainted stranger, a sense of pity arose in her heart. Perhaps this is what is often said about the maternal feelings naturally present in women.
"I want!" Chu Mengyao said slowly.
"..."
Xu Fu was stunned. This short conversation between the two made the elderly man inevitably think strange thoughts. He couldn't understand what kind of emotions they had when they said these words.
"Actually, you two quite match each other," Xu Fu mumbled to himself. Looking at Chu Mengyao and Ye Fan, he did find some similarities between them; at least, both were cold and neither smiled.
Since Ye Fan decided to help Chu Mengyao, he wouldn't do nothing. His main reason for deciding to stay by her side was that she was a good person, and his heart could discern right from wrong.
"I need to see the two major shareholders who have sided with Zhang Daya. I will find a way to help you," Ye Fan said, looking at Chu Mengyao.
Chu Mengyao was taken aback, the helplessness in her eyes disappeared instantly. She didn't know where Ye Fan got such confidence, but she saw hope in Ye Fan's eyes, and a sense of security spread in her uneasy heart.
"Really?" Xu Fu exclaimed in surprise and immediately stood up, "I'll go make arrangements."
Xu Fu hurriedly left.
Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao were left alone, making the atmosphere somewhat peculiar.
"The two major shareholders relying on Zhang Daya have dirt on them in Zhang Daya's hands. How will he help me?" Chu Mengyao pondered curiously.
[[A recommendation for a friend's new book, Rebirth of the Urban Saint King. Brothers and sisters can go check it out]]