Chapter Seventy-Seven: Mr. Huangpu, I Don't Like the Smell of Smoke

The moment Mo Yi saw Shangguan Ranran approaching, he immediately vacated the space and hurried out, closing the door behind him. He decided to leave these two little tyrants alone to sort things out themselves.

Shangguan Ranran glanced around at the chaotic room, momentarily at a loss for words. Papers were scattered everywhere, a cell phone lay shattered on the floor, and the broken furniture—had all this destruction been caused by Huangpu Shenqing? He must have been furious.

She turned her gaze toward the figure hidden in the shadows, his features obscured by drifting smoke and the heavy curtains that blocked the light. It seemed he was sitting on the sofa, smoking, as the faint scent of tobacco wafted over to her.

Her red lips parted slightly, and she spoke softly, “Mr. Huangpu, I don’t like the smell of smoke.”

Huangpu Shenqing immediately stubbed out his cigarette and opened the window. Only then did he remember he was supposed to be angry, and silently cursed himself for his weakness.

“Are you angry, Mr. Huangpu? Is that why you’re smoking here to vent your mood?”

Shangguan Ranran stepped forward, gently tugged at his sleeve, and looked up into his deep eyes. It felt as though something within them was slowly melting.

Huangpu Shenqing turned his head aside in denial. “I am not.”

Shangguan Ranran followed his line of sight. “Not angry? Or not smoking?”

Huangpu Shenqing looked at her and drew her into his arms. “You accuse me? Little heartless one, who do you think I’m upset about? Didn’t you say I was taking things out of context?”

“How would I dare? Mr. Huangpu, you’re so jealous, I’m really afraid.”

There was laughter in Shangguan Ranran’s eyes as she wrapped her arms around his neck, her voice soft and sweet as honey.

The sweetness seeped into Huangpu Shenqing’s heart, dissolving any trace of anger he’d felt.

“Then tell me, what’s going on with him, hmm?”

“You mean Ye Zuo? He was sent by my grandfather to protect me. After what happened last time, my grandfather was worried, so he arranged for them to guard me closely.”

Huangpu Shenqing grumbled with jealousy, “I’ve never even been that close to Ranran myself.”

Shangguan Ranran tightened her embrace around his neck, pressing her whole body against his. “Aren’t we close now?”

“Still not enough,” he said, and then his lips claimed hers.

He lifted Shangguan Ranran to face him, her legs wrapped around his waist as he held her securely to prevent her from slipping.

Meanwhile, Mo Jiu and Mo Shi, each carrying several large bags of takeout, stood hesitantly at the meeting room door.

Mo Yi spoke up, “I think we should wait a bit before going in. That ancestor is probably busy coaxing the boss right now.”

“I think you’re right. So… I just remembered there’s a proposal I haven’t finished. I’ll leave this to you,” Mo Jiu said, placing the bags at Mo Yi’s feet, and made a hasty retreat.

Mo Shi, seeing the situation, followed suit. “I… I still have a report to write. I’ll leave this to you,” and quickly chased after Mo Jiu.

Mo Yi was left stomping his feet in frustration. Such plastic friendship! If he’d known, he wouldn’t have said anything and would have let them walk right in. Now he had to shoulder everything by himself. He looked at the bags and wiped away a tear.

The two inside were interrupted by a knock at the door.

Shangguan Ranran immediately buried her face shyly in his chest.

Huangpu Shenqing set her gently on the sofa. “Be good, I’ll get the door.”

Mo Yi, confronted by the boss himself, was almost scared out of his wits. The look in the boss’s eyes seemed ready to skin him alive. He lifted the bags. “B-boss, the food Miss Shangguan ordered.”

“Bring it in.”

Huangpu Shenqing returned to Shangguan Ranran’s side and sat beside her. “You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”

“You haven’t either,” Shangguan Ranran replied at once. “Next time, don’t skip meals just because you’re angry, alright? And no more smoking—it’s bad for your health.”

“Yes, yes, my little housekeeper.”

“What did you say? Who’s managing you?” she teased.

Mo Yi busied himself setting things on the table, silently enduring their flirting. Was it his fault he was single? Fortunately, the sofa and side table here hadn’t been damaged, or he wouldn’t have had anywhere to put the food. This was just too much for him.

He unpacked the food, tidied up the bags and trash, and quickly made his exit. If he stayed any longer, he’d be tormented by their affection.

Shangguan Ranran’s stomach was already rumbling. She began to eat quickly, her cheeks puffed out like a cute little squirrel.

Huangpu Shenqing served her a few dishes before starting on his own meal. He found that being with his beloved made everything, even eating, more enjoyable.

Shangguan Ranran continued to chatter, “I remember you didn’t use to smoke.”

“I only smoke a little when I’m frustrated. If Ranran doesn’t like it, I won’t do it again.”

“Alright.”

She ate quietly, filling herself up until her little belly bulged.

After the meal, she and Huangpu Shenqing spent some time on the 119th floor—the one with the piano—before leaving.

The three of them returned to the company, not expecting trouble on the way.

As they drove down a deserted lane, they were suddenly ambushed.

Five cars came from different directions to intercept them.

Sensing danger, Shangguan Ranran gripped the steering wheel with one hand, accelerated, and tapped the blue diamond on her right hand with the other. She pulled out her phone and called Ye Xin behind them. “Speed up. Lose them first.”

Ye Zuo, who was driving, heard her and immediately accelerated, sticking close behind.

Pedestrians were terrified as several reckless cars raged down the road.

Ye Xin used this window to alert all Nightfall operatives in City A. “Everyone, navigate to this location. If anything happens to Miss again, you won’t need to stay in Nightfall.”

“Yes!”

Meanwhile, Huangpu Shenqing, who was preparing for another afternoon meeting, saw his ring flashing. He immediately pulled out his computer and his fingers flew across the keys. Soon, a red dot appeared on the map, moving rapidly.

He grabbed his car keys and, with Mo Jiu and Mo Shi, sped toward the location.