She was fed, and Chen Diao stood beside her, with everything behind her...
This wasn't the first time Yu Tang had wondered if Yu Chaoxian had a penchant for dressing people up.
The warm yellow light from the dressing lamp cast a soft glow on Yu Tang's profile. Yu Chaoxian stood behind her, his slender fingers picking up the pearl earring and gently threading it through her small, reddened earlobe.
His warm breath brushed against her earlobe almost imperceptibly, sending a slight shiver down her spine.
Yu Chaoxian knew that her earlobes were very sensitive, and they would turn red like they were dripping blood if she was bullied.
In the mirror, Yu Tang could clearly see his lowered eyebrows and eyes—so focused, as if this was the only thing in the world worth his wholehearted attention.
The moment the man looked up at her, she hurriedly looked away, the pearl swaying gently by her ear.
Fortunately, Chen Diao came looking for Yu Chaoxian. He was stunned for a moment when he saw the two of them. Yu Chaoxian was also dressed in black and white, with a black suit jacket matching Yu Tang's dress.
"Speak." Yu Chaoxian fiddled with Yu Tang's earrings, without even looking at Chen Diao.
Chen Diao turned his back to report: "Boss, Mingming sent word that fighting has broken out over there. The enemy has deployed tanks and armored vehicles. Ivan has arranged for a war correspondent to accompany them to ensure that the battle situation is reported as soon as possible."
"Okay, I understand." Yu Chao turned around and gestured for Chen Diao to take the books off the table and out of the car.
Chen Diao hadn't touched a book in years. He walked to the table and looked... Did his boss like reading these? It must be that little aunt's taste. Thanks to Yu Tang, Chen Diao's hand, besides guns and money, had finally touched the "golden house" after a long time. Wasn't it said that there was a golden house in books?
Yu Chaoxian looked at Yu Tang in the mirror with satisfaction, then glanced at the time and held out his hand to her: "Let's go."
Yu Tang stood up and gently took his wrist with her arm, which was covered by a black velvet glove.
The banquet began at 8 p.m.
The crystal chandelier in the center of the hall shimmered brilliantly, its cascading light illuminating the entire space. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city's dazzling lights paled in comparison. The champagne tower, reflecting the shimmering light under the chandelier, stood as business elites in suits raised their glasses, conversing and laughing.
"Yu! You're late."
As Yu Tang stepped into the hall, a blond, blue-eyed man greeted her warmly. She recognized him immediately as Duke Marlborough—Gideon.
He had slightly frizzy blond hair, round and small eyes, and a pointed mouth. Yu Tang couldn't help but think of Chen Diao's private description of him as a "weasel."
Yu Chaoxian said calmly, "We encountered some problems on the way, Duke Marlborough. You know what it's like on the road in the foggy city on a rainy day."
Gideon nodded understandingly: "Traffic jams are indeed common on rainy nights. I thought Mr. Yu was discouraged and wouldn't come because he couldn't get any orders."
"How could that be?" Yu Chaoxian's lips still held that usual smile, making it impossible to discern his true emotions.
Yu Tang might not be sure of other reasons, but she knew very well that the lateness wasn't due to traffic at all. Rather, Yu Chaoxian had asked Chen to change course midway and take her to a restaurant that served delicious fish and chips.
The restaurant's chefs were an elderly couple who were old acquaintances of Yu Chaoxian. Yu Chaoxian affectionately called the proprietress "Ms. Mary."
Yu Tang heard the proprietress laugh and say to Yu Chaoxian, "The same as always? Speaking of which, no one has broken Eugene's record of twenty copies to this day."
She smiled briefly, her tone tinged with sadness: "Sigh, it's been over two years since Eugene and the other two left... Back then, you four little lads would come every year, and now only... Oh dear, why am I saying all this! Come on, little girl, what would you like to eat?"
Yu Tang guessed that Eugene was probably a friend of Yu Chaoxian from the past, who is now no longer alive, or perhaps a comrade-in-arms from his time in the army.
Yu Chaoxian was momentarily lost in thought, then beckoned Yu Tang over.
She sat down beside him, and Ms. Mary handed her a cup of lemon tea, which Yu Tang thanked politely.
The kitchen owner also came over and greeted Yu Tang warmly, treating her as Yu Chaoxian's girlfriend: "Yu, you finally brought your girlfriend along! She's so beautiful."
Yu Chaoxian looked at her, and she didn't refute him at all, but obediently thanked the boss and his wife for their hospitality. Yu Tang was completely stunned by the amount of fried fish the boss served.
The freshly fried cod was surprisingly delicious and juicy, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Drizzled with malt vinegar and a touch of tartar sauce, the flavor was just right. Yu Chaoxian even made an exception and allowed her to have a beer.
Yu Tang's appetite was uncertain, but when faced with delicious food, even if the portion was large, she generally wouldn't ask Yu Chaoxian for help. This time, she very enthusiastically ate every single bite of the fried cod that Ms. Mary had served.
Yu Chao glanced at her stomach; she had eaten almost everything. She was indeed quite easy to feed. He reached out and took the half-finished beer from Yu Tang, finishing it himself. There wouldn't be much to eat at the banquet later, so he figured he'd better get her something to eat first.
"Are you full?" the man asked.
Yu Tang nodded, and Yu Chaoxian then said goodbye to the proprietress and led her to the banquet.
Time was wasted eating fish and chips. So their lateness can't be blamed on the foggy weather in Chongqing.
Gideon's gaze shifted to Yu Tang, who was standing next to Yu Chaoxian. He had met Yu Chaoxian at such banquets several times before, but he had never seen Yu Chaoxian with a woman by his side.
At this moment, a waiter brought over champagne, and Gideon gentlemanly handed it to Yu Tang, asking, "And this beautiful lady is?"
Yu Chaoxian glanced down at her and said in a flat tone, "My students are on break at home, so I brought her out to play on the side."
Yu Tang looked up at the large hand that was subconsciously about to rub her hair, but the hand did not fall. Could it be that Yu Chaoxian was really in a bad mood and was disheartened because he could not get any orders?
She smiled politely at Gideon and was about to take the glass when Yu Chaoxian took the champagne first and turned to the waiter, saying, "Give her a glass of juice."
Then, leaning down to whisper in Yu Tang's ear, "We can't touch your hair today, or we'll mess it up."
Yu Tang discovered that Yu Chaoxian was actually quite meticulous.
Gideon didn't think much of it, only regarding Yu Tang as Yu Chaoxian's mistress. It's not surprising that an arms dealer like him would have any kind of mistress.
It's impossible that they really are a student from the family, right?
At this moment, Gideon's drone company was about to receive a large number of orders, after all, it was a local company in England. Many people came to greet Gideon with champagne, but Gideon insisted on standing in front of Yu Chaoxian to talk. Previously, orders all revolved around Yu Chaoxian, and he could only sit on the sidelines. Now, if things went smoothly, the drone market would belong to him, and the Yu family would probably not even get a taste of the profits.
The banquet was attended not only by high-ranking officials from many foreign embassies, but also by some veteran actors, artists, and writers.
Yu Tang saw many characters from her textbooks. The one wearing the crown was the Queen, the one with the mustache was the Prime Minister of Texas, and the man behind her, though also bald, looked far less handsome than Mingming... He looked so familiar... That's right, he's the Prince of England! The woman next to him, however, wasn't the princess from the TV news.
Tsk tsk tsk, men who cheat are disgusting.
Yu Tang quickly looked away. The politician and the actress were holding hands and kissing affectionately; it seemed the gossip wasn't entirely unfounded.
And then there's the actor famous for playing vampires, even more stunningly handsome and aloof in person than on screen. It's a pity his wife wasn't there; she's also a sexy and glamorous actress.
Yu Tang still didn't understand why Yu Chaoxian brought her to the banquet. Was it just as he said, that he brought her here to have fun?
Yu Chaoxian suddenly noticed the quietness beside him. Looking down at her, he saw that she was staring intently at the male celebrity. He had thought she would find the banquet boring, but it seemed she was the one who found it most interesting.
He nodded to Gideon, "Excuse me."
Yu Tang, oblivious to everything, was completely absorbed in the celebrity gossip. She took a sip of juice and unconsciously moved forward two steps, wanting to get a better look.
Yu Chaoxian tugged at a strand of hair that had fallen onto her neck and shoulder. Yu Tang finally turned around.
"What's wrong?"
What's wrong? She looks at any man. Yu Chaoxian was too lazy to talk to her and just said indifferently, "Come here."
Although Yu Tang didn't understand why, she obediently followed until Yu Chaoxian took her hand and led her to the balcony not far away.
She saw the author of the book she had been following—J.N.!
J. Nie and Yu Chaoxian had met once before. Yu Chaoxian was involved in the investment and promotion of the film adaptation of her novel.
J. Ni felt honored to learn that Yu Chaoxian's family loved her novels.
Yu Chaoxian saw Yu Tang's surprised expression, her dark eyes shining brightly. This was the first thing that could make her truly laugh that night.
"Happy now?" He glanced at the corners of her mouth that were turned up.
Yu Tang nodded excitedly, then said regretfully, "I should have brought the book with me; maybe I could have gotten her to sign it."
Yu Chao first called Chen Diao, and soon after, Chen Diao handed Yu Tang the copy of "Magic Academy" he had brought. Chen Diao finally understood why his boss had asked him to bring the book. It turned out that his boss had arrived early and endured Gideon's arrogance all night, just to get Yu Tang an autograph!
Otherwise, Yu Chaoxian could have waited until halfway through the banquet, when the leaders of the various embassies began discussing the arms deal, before making his appearance—by then, news from the battlefield should have arrived.
That weasel Gideon, relying on his status as a local duke, was arrogant and disrespectful, which infuriated Chen Diao long ago. If it weren't for the backing of British capital, who would even give him a second glance? He even dared to be so arrogant towards the boss.
Just then, General Dukén from France walked over with a glass of champagne, clearly intending to have an in-depth conversation with Yu Chaoxian.
Du Kaien had thoroughly studied the battles and transactions Yu Chaoxian had been involved in, discovering that all the forces he supported ultimately emerged victorious. He quickly realized that this man was no ordinary arms dealer; he possessed an extremely keen political sense and unique insights into the selection of combat equipment.
Ducaine didn't believe in the power of a duke's status or background; he only believed in real ability.
"Mr. Yu, I am very interested in the Yu family's newly developed drone. Perhaps we could discuss it in more detail?"
Yu Chaoxian raised an eyebrow slightly and glanced at the champagne offered to him.
France is the first to come and order Yu's drones. But it's not hard to understand. France and England have a long-standing feud. The two countries don't like each other and would definitely kick each other when given the chance.
Yu Chaoxian glanced at Yu Tang, who was chatting happily with J.N., when Chen Diao appeared in his field of vision at the right moment, as if to tell Yu Chaoxian, "Boss, I'll keep an eye on her for you. I guarantee she won't be bullied. Let's get down to business."
Under Du Kaien's sincere gaze, Yu Chaoxian accepted the champagne, but then suddenly turned back again.
"Yu Tang".
Upon being called by name, Yu Tang immediately turned around.
Yu Chaoxian pointed to the balcony, then to the champagne tower in the distance: "From there to here."
His words were extremely concise, but Yu Tang quickly understood his meaning: her movements could only be confined to the distance he had defined.
Chen Diao, who was looking around beside him, twitched his lips. This distance was just within the boss's line of sight. Even if the boss really had a child, it was no wonder he looked at her like that. Kids can run around and make a fuss in the garden, how could such a big aunt possibly get lost?
Beside the carved railing of the arched terrace, Yu Chaoxian sat back in the leather sofa, his long legs crossed, his knuckles tapping lightly on the armrest.
Du Kaien couldn't help but secretly sizing up the young man. Who would have thought that he was Yu Chaoxian, who had expanded his weapons business across most of the planet? His name and face were simply incompatible. He had originally imagined that Yu Chaoxian would have a fierce and menacing appearance, or at least... not the sharp and handsome look of a male model in a magazine.
Du Kaien got straight to the point, proposing to place a large order for Yu's MQ-9 drones: "Mr. Yu, price is not a problem, as long as you agree to give us priority in supplying drones."
"Does the General really trust the Yu family that much?" The light and shadow cast on Yu Chaoxian's deep-set profile, his long, narrow eyes unfathomable in the dim light, revealing no emotion whatsoever. He was certain that Du Kaien must have received some information.
Du Kaien, puffing on his cigar, realized he couldn't hide it from Yu Chaoxian any longer and had to admit: "I know that the American government forces have placed a large order for MQ-9s. If they don't perform well in actual combat, the Americas will never repurchase them."
While Gideon's drones achieved success in the previous conflict, this was primarily due to military assistance from the Americas, and had little to do with drone reconnaissance. However, I've heard that Yu's MQ-9 not only carries reconnaissance equipment, but also boasts improved range, endurance, and ceiling. Crucially, it can also carry Hellfire missiles or laser-guided bombs, and is even equipped with a swarm control system, capable of simultaneously commanding more than 50 drones in coordinated operations.
Yu Chaoxian smiled and exhaled a puff of smoke. He knew without a doubt that McCarthy had received a bribe to provide Du Kane with intelligence about the American army.
McCarthy's intention to run for governor in the next election is probably driven by greed. After all, running for office means burning through cash.
McCarthy had been trying to contact him these past few days, but Yu Chaoxian would never choose him. The reason was simple: McCarthy had a military background and was difficult to control. Even if he were to support an elector, it would never be McCarthy.
McCarthy, however, couldn't understand this.
Amidst the rising smoke, Yu Chaoxian raised his eyes with a half-smile: "General Dukine wants more than just the MQ-9, doesn't he? What you really want is to acquire the satellite data link and swarm control system as well, so that you can regain air superiority over France in the future on the Texas battlefield."
Behind the smoke was Du Kaien's undisguised astonishment. Du Kaien's intelligence investigation was indeed correct; he must not underestimate Yu Chaoxian. Yu Chaoxian possessed exceptional military talent and a keen political sense. If he had started with contempt, thinking he could control this young businessman, he would only be the one who couldn't salvage the situation in the end.
Half an hour before the banquet ended, Gideon, standing in the center of the ballroom, suddenly changed his expression and rudely stopped the live performance. Not only him, but dignitaries from various embassies also took out their phones, and after seeing the latest news and videos, their expressions all turned grave.
Azerbaijan used MQ-9 drones provided by Yu to precisely destroy Niger's radar and air defense missile systems in a "suicide" attack mode. Subsequently, the MQ-9s, armed with missiles, completely destroyed Niger's tank and artillery positions, rendering the enemy incapable of retaliation.
This became a key turning point in Azerbaijan's victory in this battle.
If another country possesses such weapons while one's own does not, it poses a grave danger. Military power between nations must be maintained in balance; any significant imbalance could make the weaker party the next target.
Military budgets are ultimately limited. Everyone knows that if the same price can only buy the basic Gideon drone, it's far better to choose Yu's MQ-9.
But now, it's no longer a buyer's market.
Yu Chaoxian maintained his usual ambiguous expression, his eyes calm and profound, like a master who controlled everything, exerting an invisible pressure on people without needing to say a word.
Apart from French General Ducaine who just purchased the MQ-9 at the original selling price, any other country wishing to place an order will have to pay an additional price.
Even if Yu Chaoxian directly raised the price by 20%.
An enraged Gideon searched everywhere for Yu Chaoxian and, sure enough, found the man lounging in a chair on the terrace, smoking.
Yu Chaoxian sat upright in the sofa chair, his hands elegantly folded on his knees, exuding an unassailable majesty, as if he was born to occupy a superior position.
The moonlight slanted in through the French windows, casting a cold, white halo over his sharply defined profile, making him appear even more aloof and untouchable.
He noticed the furious Gideon across from him, raised an eyebrow, and calmly toasted him. Gideon, unable to maintain his composure as an English gentleman any longer, smashed his glass. This was because even the British government had begun secretly contacting the Yu family to purchase drones.
Yu Chaoxian glanced at his phone; Ajin from the base had sent him a summary of orders. A slight smile played on his lips: Sure enough, there were orders from the British government, and quite a few. Orders from other countries were also pouring in.
He sent a message to Mingming, instructing her and Ivan to immediately return to Fuzhou Company to assist Mickey, and specifically instructed them to protect the professor in charge of drone and system research at Fuzhou Research Institute.
This battle for the drone market ended as predicted, with Yu Chaoxian emerging victorious. He looked down at the dazzling lights of the entire Fog City, the whiskey in his crystal glass reflecting the neon lights and shimmering with a dark golden light.
The scenery is quite beautiful.
Yu Chaoxian felt that there should be two people standing here.
His gaze fell on the balcony, where Yu Tang sat obediently in a Rococo-style satin armchair. She sank into the fluffy cushions, her eyelashes lowered, casting a light shadow under her eyes, and a perfectly curved smile appeared on her lips, like a delicate porcelain doll.
The chair back wasn't too high, stopping just at the level of her slender shoulder blades, making her delicate, porcelain-white neck exceptionally eye-catching. Pearl earrings swayed gently with her soft breathing, shimmering with a gentle luster. Suddenly, a group of opportunistic high-ranking officials' wives surrounded her. Yu Tang wanted to politely stand up, but Chen Diao told her it wasn't necessary, she could remain seated. Therefore, a closer look would reveal Yu Tang's nervousness; her fingertips unconsciously tightened.
Moonlight streamed through the French windows, illuminating the carved details on the chair legs. The shadows of the rose branches entwined in the garden outside climbed right up to Yu Tang's ankles, feeling more like an invisible constraint.
Chen Diao stood beside her, and Yu Chaoxian, who had a clear view of everything she was seeing, stood behind her.
The seat where Yu Tang sat seemed comfortable and soft, but in reality, it was full of traces of Yu Chaoxian's control.
A faint "Yu Tang" was heard amidst the hazy chimes of the bells along the Thames.
The man's voice wasn't loud, but upon hearing the familiar voice, Yu Tang instinctively looked over and met Yu Chaoxian's gaze. He was indeed calling her.
Yu Tang saw Yu Chaoxian standing on the arched terrace. The night wind swept past the smoke rising from between his fingers, and the white smoke diffused under the moonlight, blurring his sharp features.
A long layer of ash had accumulated on his fingertips; it was unclear how long he had been staring at it.
Just as she approached, Yu Chaoxian extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray.
Chen Diao followed along. The boss had almost finished talking, and it was his turn to wrap things up. But the boss's first question to Yu Tang was, "Are you sleepy?" It's hard to believe that the boss thought Yu Tang needed to sleep, which is why he was asked to finish things up.
This is indeed Yu Tang's usual bedtime, but since she doesn't have class tomorrow morning, it's okay for her to stay up a little later.
"Not too sleepy." Yu Tang was even quite energetic, holding the signed book. She would put the book away properly when she got back.
On the way back, Chen Diao was a completely different person from during the day, his tone excited: "Boss, the order from England is actually the largest among these countries! It's like our own people are slapping Gideon in the face! Now we can count money even in our sleep."
Yu Chaoxian was too lazy to pay attention to Chen Diao's nonsense.
Yu Tang turned to look at him, asking like a good student, "Did Yingzhou buy so many drones to strengthen its national defense?"
"Who are you trying to protect yourself from?" Yu Chaoxian took her hand and squeezed it.
"Defend... France, please."
"It's not about defending against France, it's about defending against England." Yu Chaoxian said, looking at Yu Tang. Sure enough, the good student's face was full of confusion. Since Yu Tang was interested, he was willing to explain a few more words.
"The British government knows that these drones are not a matter of national defense, but it still wants to purchase them so that its citizens can go to work and go to school as usual, and can freely and confidently travel on the streets, buses and subways, making the naive and simple British people believe that they are being protected by the country."
Yu Tang fell silent. She suddenly realized that what was written in the textbook might be correct, but Yu Chaoxian's words also had their own logic. Wasn't she one of those who believed in national defense?
It was already past midnight when I got back to the hotel.
The suite is located on the top floor, with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the entire city at night. The city lights flow beneath your feet, and the neon lights meander and shimmer like veins.
Yu Chaoxian gripped Yu Tang's waist firmly, forcing her to face the dizzying night view outside the window. Yu Tang's palms were forced against the cold glass; she was terrified of heights and closed her eyes in fear.
Yu Chaoxian suddenly tore her dress to shreds, and Yu Tang's hair, which had been tied up, gradually fell down with his rough movements, hanging down on her snow-white and alluring neck.
He had wanted to do that at the banquet. His mark should be left on her fair neck. He maliciously sucked on it, and he figured Yu Tang would get angry and throw a tantrum at him again tomorrow.
Yu Tang was trembling, so Yu Chaoxian had to turn her around and hold her tightly in his arms. With nothing to hold onto and afraid of falling, she wrapped her arms around Yu Chaoxian's neck.
A warm touch came over her, and Yu Chaoxian stroked her hair with satisfaction. Yu Tang's tense body relaxed because of this comforting gesture. Her hands rested on his chest, and she could clearly feel his heartbeat beneath her palms.
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