C10 Date

The Yasha Restaurant is the most renowned Western eatery in Zluftin, known for its robust backing and ingredients sourced and air-freighted daily from top-tier producers around the globe. Securing a reservation typically requires a lengthy wait, with some patrons even waiting a month to book a table.

At that moment, Tang Ye and the elegantly dressed Sally were seated by the window.

"I had originally reserved this spot for my boyfriend a month ago, but he ended our relationship just a few days back."

Sally's explanation elicited Tang Ye's sympathy, and they sat by the window, sharing laughs and conversation against the backdrop of the city's night skyline.

"Director Lyi must really value you," Sally remarked after sipping a few glasses of wine, her cheeks flushed. "You became his personal assistant as soon as you arrived. I've worked for years and still haven't earned the privilege of living in Director Lyi's house."

She hadn't expected Tang Ye to be so easily hooked. That afternoon, she had made a show of crying during a phone call in front of him, and Tang Ye had come over to console her, leading to a successful invitation.

"Perhaps Director Lyi prefers not to live with women. How long has it been since you and your boyfriend split?" Tang Ye inquired.

"Just about a week," Sally replied, giving Tang Ye a flirtatious glance. "You men are all the same, no good."

The allure was potent.

For starters, Sally was quite attractive; Tang Ye would rate her an 8.5 at least.

"You're mistaken. You might want to consider me," he suggested.

Sally sighed, "No, I'd rather focus on my career right now."

"There's no need for you to push yourself so hard," Tang Ye said with genuine concern. "Finding the right person to settle down with is what's most important."

"I wish I could, but I'm not in control of my own fate," she lamented.

As Sally spoke, large tears began to well up in her eyes. Tang Ye offered her a tissue with gentlemanly grace.

"Is there a particular hardship you're facing?" Tang Ye asked, sensing she was falling into his trap.

Sally's tears flowed more freely as she cried, "It's all because of my gambler father. He amassed a mountain of debt five years ago and then disappeared, leaving me to face the debt collectors who crowd my doorstep. No matter how much I pay off each year, it never seems to be enough."

Tang Ye asked, "Have you spoken to Director Lyi about this?"

"I wouldn't dare. Director Lee and Director Lyi are quite unsympathetic. If they knew about the mountain of debt I have, they'd fear creditors coming after the company and would surely fire me."

"That makes sense. She's very concerned about the company's reputation."

"She hasn't given me a raise in years, and the year-end bonus is always meager. At this rate, I have no idea when I'll be able to clear my debts."

As Sally spoke, tears streamed down her face—a powerful weapon for any woman.

Tang Ye gently rubbed Sally's quivering back and offered, "How much do you need? I'll cover it for now, and you can pay me back when you're able."

With tears in her eyes, Sally looked up at Tang Ye and replied, "That would be too much trouble for you, Tang. Besides, I owe so much. You don't need to concern yourself with my problems."

"How can I not? A beauty like you shouldn't be tormented by debt collectors."

"How much do you make a month, Tang?"

After a moment's thought, Tang Ye answered, "I have savings set aside, enough to help you pay off your debt."

"Forget it. This is my problem. I can't drag you into it," Sally said resolutely, turning away. "I owe too much, and there's no need for you to wade into this mess for my sake."

Tang Ye quietly stared at the empty seat before him and gave Sally's shoulder a reassuring pat. "Don't worry about it. You don't have to be formal with me. I've always said I can't stand to see a beautiful woman mistreated."

"But I owe ten million yuan. At this rate, I'll never be able to pay it off."

"How could it be that much?" Tang Ye feigned shock, then after a brief pause to collect himself, he sighed and said, "That is indeed a predicament. How much do you have right now?"

"My own funds are nowhere near enough, but there's a way," Sally said, grasping Tang Ye's hand and looking at him with a pleading gaze. "You're the only one who can help me with this."

"What's the way?"

"There's a businessman who can help me. He wants some confidential information from our company."

Tang Ye's brow furrowed in disapproval. "That's out of the question. Director Lyi has placed a great deal of trust in me."

Sally leaned in close to Tang Ye, lowering her voice to a whisper, "Once this is over, there's twenty million dollars waiting for us."

"Who's the boss that's so lavish?" Tang Ye appeared quite enticed by the offer.

With an eager gaze, Sally asked, "Have you heard of Lee Jingzhou?"

"He's quite renowned."

Sally nestled against Tang Ye's chest, as tranquil as a kitten, listening to his steady heartbeat. She murmured, "Director Lyi isn't interested in men. Instead of pursuing her, let's leave together. I trust you to protect me. Once we settle our debts, we can leave this place and go wherever we wish."

Tang Ye's hand rested on Sally's slender waist, pulling her in closer. "You're right, Lyi Banruo wouldn't settle for an ordinary man."

A mischievous smile played on Tang Ye's lips as he glanced at Sally's vacant seat.

The following morning, in Lyi Banruo's office.

"How's the investigation going? Did you enjoy your chat with my secretary last night?" Lyi Banruo asked Tang Ye with a hint of impatience. "I'm warning you, our agreed-upon time is up. There are three bodyguards outside who know countless ways to make you suffer. So, it's in your best interest to come up with some valuable information."

"Do you care about me that much?" Tang Ye stepped closer, locking eyes with her. "Are you jealous because your secretary went on a date with me?"

Lyi Banruo stepped back, her eyes flashing dangerously.

"Stay away from me!"

"Fine, but maybe if you're nicer next time we talk, I'll open up sooner," Tang Ye said nonchalantly, making himself comfortable on Lyi Banruo's sofa. "I have one more condition before I reveal the mole."

Lyi Banruo's frown deepened, her patience wearing thin.

Just then, Sally knocked and entered.

"Director Lyi, your coffee."

Sally approached the desk, setting down the cup, and stealthily glanced at Tang Ye. After a brief exchange of looks, Tang Ye rose to his feet, offering Lyi Banruo a gentle smile. "My condition is simple. Have dinner with me tomorrow night."

"Do you have any idea what you're doing?" Lyi Banruo said through clenched teeth.

"Absolutely, I'm quite aware," Tang Ye replied as he stood and walked over to shut the office door. He then turned to Sally with a sly smile and remarked, "Miss Sally, your boss, Ms. Lyi Banruo, would like to have a word with you."

"What's going on?" Lyi Banruo asked, bewildered as she glanced between Sally and Tang Ye.

From Tang Ye's expression, it appeared he was insinuating that Sally was the traitor in their midst.

"That's impossible! She's been by my side since she was thirteen!" Lyi Banruo exclaimed in frustration.