The Changing Phases - Chapter 25 - Nothing Should Go Wrong Tonight

Wenhui was very angry. He had visited several major hospitals and undergone a full body check-up, only to be told he wasn’t ill. He immediately realized he had been tricked. The thought of Yang Hongyi’s pretentious demeanor at that time infuriated him even more. What kind of deep grudge did Yang Hongyi hold against him to harm him in such a way and make him waste several days of classes? It was clear that this was a deliberate attempt to prevent him from entering the training department.

Liu Yuxin was also very angry. Yang Hongyi had gone too far. She had only used Wenhui for a little help, and now Yang Hongyi was seeking revenge against Wenhui in such a manner. She couldn’t tolerate it at all. Wenhui was in this situation because of her, so she was determined to help Wenhui get his revenge!

“Humph, Yang Hongyi, just you wait. I’ll show you what ‘an eye for an eye’ really means.”

Yang Hongyi was utterly baffled, not knowing what was going on today. His phone kept receiving harassing calls, particularly noticeable during his lunch break.

“Hello, this is a reporter from a certain TV station. We heard you are the owner of Jiujiu Breakfast. Do you have time to comment on the recent news exposure?”

Yang Hongyi felt very puzzled. “Sorry, you have the wrong number.”

Less than a minute later, the phone rang again. “My baby had diarrhea and vomiting after eating your breakfast. Your store is really despicable!”

After a while, the phone rang again. “Hello, is this Jiujiu Breakfast? Your breakfast is amazing, it can even cure constipation! Ever since I ate your breakfast, I can go to the bathroom every day. It’s incredible.”

“Hello, Jiujiu Breakfast? This is Chaochao Breakfast. We’re in the same line of business. Do you have any secret recipes? Could you share them with us?”

“Boss, we’ve been trying to find you for a long time. So, you changed your phone number, huh? When are you going to settle our previous wages?”

Yang Hongyi started off politely telling people they had the wrong number, but eventually, he couldn’t take it anymore and turned off his phone. Seeing his frustrated expression, Liu Yuxin felt triumphant, like her devious plan had successfully come to fruition. She excitedly flashed a V-sign at Wenhui, which Yang Hongyi happened to see. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he raised a sly smile. “Liu Yuxin, come here.”

Hearing her name, Liu Yuxin stood up and followed Yang Hongyi outside under everyone’s gaze. Yang Hongyi said, “You seem like someone who dares to admit what they’ve done. So, tell me, was this your doing?”

Liu Yuxin rolled her eyes at him. “No need to praise me. Yes, I did do it. I posted your phone number at that store’s entrance and labeled it saying that this number belongs to the owner of Jiujiu Breakfast. Call this number if you have any issues.”

Yang Hongyi walked over to the leather sofa in the lobby, sat down, and leaned back lazily, sinking into the soft cushions. “Liu Yuxin, my phone card is now unusable. It had many valuable client contacts, top executives’ numbers, and plenty of ladies’ phone numbers. So, how do you plan to compensate me?”

Liu Yuxin smiled brilliantly. “A person of your stature shouldn’t be bothered by trivial matters. I know you’re broad-minded and won’t hold this against me, right? You can get a new number and send a mass message, can’t you? Besides, didn’t you trouble Wenhui first? We’re even.”

Yang Hongyi chuckled. “Now I understand. Wenhui is just your roommate, so I’ll let him go.”

Liu Yuxin rolled her eyes again. “But Wenhui hasn’t decided to let you go yet.”

“Dinner with me tonight.”

“What?” Liu Yuxin looked at him, utterly shocked.

Yang Hongyi repeated, looking serious, “I said, have dinner with me tonight. I’ve made up my mind; consider it your punishment.”

“Why should I be punished? I did nothing wrong,” Liu Yuxin raised her voice, feeling indignant.

“Liu Yuxin, if you don’t agree, I’ll tell everyone about you and my brother,” Yang Hongyi said confidently, his head held high as he walked into the training classroom.

This was too much. Yang Hongyi was absolutely unreasonable. It’s definitely not because he has a crush on her-she’s not that beautiful to attract such attention. She felt even more conflicted. She was already annoyed enough with Zhao Junyang, and now Yang Hongyi came out of nowhere to add to her troubles. She found herself at a loss for what to do. Was it just bad luck lately? Maybe she needed to visit a temple to ward off misfortune.

Yang Hongyi’s plan worked. Liu Yuxin didn’t want others to look down on her even more, and she definitely didn’t want her situation with Zhao Junyang to spread. Not only would it cause Zhao Junyang trouble, but she wouldn’t be able to face staying at the company. So, after the training ended, she left the Dynasty Grand Hotel with Yang Hongyi, under Wenhui’s shocked gaze and the envious glances of a group of girls.

The Las Vegas Restaurant was lavishly decorated, with dim lighting adding to the romantic atmosphere. The band was playing soothing music as Liu Yuxin followed Yang Hongyi to the reserved seats. Zhao Junyang was already seated, elegantly sipping his coffee. He looked up and saw them approaching, chuckling as he addressed Yang Hongyi, “I was wondering what you wanted from me. Are you here to show off?”

Yang Hongyi stood up and pulled out the chair next to him. “Liu Yuxin, sit here.”

Zhao Junyang joined in, “Liu Yuxin, you should sit here.”

Liu Yuxin felt a bit irritated. What were they trying to do? Was this back-and-forth supposed to be fun? What was Yang Hongyi’s intention in bringing her here? Biting her lower lip, she was about to leave when she turned and saw Xia Wanlu.

Xia Wanlu smiled elegantly, “Sorry, I’m late.” She politely greeted Liu Yuxin, “Miss Liu, you’re here too. You look very beautiful today.”

Liu Yuxin smiled back. Xia Wanlu’s compliment felt somewhat formal, giving her a bit of pressure. She forced a smile and replied, “Miss Xia, you look even more beautiful.”

Yang Hongyi, with a mischievous grin, pulled Liu Yuxin to his side and said to Xia Wanlu, “Liu Yuxin is a bit stubborn today and is giving me a hard time.” He smiled as he gently pushed Liu Yuxin into the seat beside him, completely ignoring the fiery glare Zhao Junyang was giving him from across the table. He added with a chuckle, “Let’s not get upset. Let’s all get along tonight.”

Xia Wanlu gracefully took the seat next to Zhao Junyang, still elegant and captivating in her demeanor. “Hongyi, you and Miss Liu…?” she queried, leaving her question open-ended.

Zhao Junyang immediately interjected with a dismissive tone, “Them? They have nothing going on.”

Xia Wanlu was momentarily taken aback but swiftly masked her surprise with another sweet smile. After placing their orders, Zhao Junyang spoke first. “Liu Yuxin, I’ve been busy with work these days and haven’t taken good care of you. I’ll make sure to take you home later.”

Liu Yuxin’s gaze drifted to the band playing in the distance. “Mr. Zhao, you certainly have a refined taste. Go ahead and continue with your work. There’s no need for you to take time out to look after a subordinate.”

Zhao Junyang’s eyes sparkled as he replied with a smile, “It’s no trouble. Taking care of you is part of my responsibility.”

Yang Hongyi quickly chimed in, “Bro, that’s not right. Liu Yuxin is currently my rumored girlfriend. If anyone is taking her home, it should be me. You should focus on taking Xia Wanlu home.”

Xia Wanlu laughed softly, “Can’t you two be a bit more considerate? You’re completely ignoring my feelings here. Do you think I haven’t been hurt enough?” She lifted her coffee cup, took a sip, and smiled wryly. “Women need to understand that men won’t wait around forever. The day I came back, Junyang told me he found someone he likes more. He didn’t tell me who it was, but from the way he looks at you, Miss Liu, I knew it was you.”

“Liu Yuxin, you don’t mind if I call you by your first name, do you?” Xia Wanlu asked with a constant smile, her tone void of any resentment. Liu Yuxin nodded, her gaze involuntarily shifting to Zhao Junyang. So he had already told Xia Wanlu. Should she still hold a grudge against him?

Yang Hongyi actually felt a bit uneasy. His initial plan was to bring Liu Yuxin here and give Zhao Junyang a hard time. But it turned out Zhao Junyang had already come clean to Xia Wanlu. Maybe he had underestimated him. Waving to a server in the distance, Yang Hongyi loudly said, “Ask the pianist to play something else. This tune is breaking everyone’s heart.”

Xia Wanlu smiled in response, “Yes, it’s making an already painful situation worse.” She raised her hand and glanced at her delicate watch before standing up. “Excuse me, I have a meeting with Zheng Xu, so I’ll need to leave now.”

Zhao Junyang also stood up and said to Xia Wanlu, “Let me walk you out.”

To Zhao Junyang, this was simply polite and gentlemanly behavior. However, to Liu Yuxin, it seemed like he was reluctant to let Xia Wanlu go, making her heart waver. Women are like that; once entangled in love, even the smallest things can touch their sensitive nerves, and Liu Yuxin was no exception.

“Junyang, that’s not necessary,” Xia Wanlu replied gently. “I drove myself here today.”

As she walked over to Liu Yuxin, she bent down and whispered in her ear, “Miss Liu, even though I know when to step back, I haven’t completely given up yet.” She straightened up confidently and turned to smile at Zhao Junyang. “Junyang, you always seem busy every time I call. Try not to overwork yourself. Hongyi, you too.”