Chapter 52: Deliberately Making Things Difficult

Orioles loved two things most in this world: beautiful women, and more beautiful women. Back abroad, the number of women he had slept with was practically uncountable. Most of them had thrown themselves at him, and he was never one to turn them away.

His eyes lit up the moment he saw Yang Bingyu. Bypassing Ye Xuan entirely, he walked up the steps to hit on her.

Looking at the handsome foreign man before her, Yang Bingyu nervously shook his hand. "It is truly my honor to have you as my escort, Orioles."

She wasn’t stupid; she knew there was no reason to refuse an invitation from a world-class designer. Others couldn’t even get the chance to curry favor with Orioles if they tried, so she absolutely couldn’t miss this opportunity falling right into her lap.

Seeing their tightly clasped hands, Ye Xuan felt like his prized flower was being snatched away by a thief. His expression darkened slightly as he stepped up to Orioles and smoothly pulled the man’s hand away.

"Orioles, this manor was designed by your mentor back in the day. How about I show you around?"

"I’ve heard a lot about it. I wonder if Miss Bingyu would do me the honor of giving me a tour?" Orioles deliberately feigned ignorance of the underlying warning in Ye Xuan’s words. He gave a faint smile and continued to chat with Yang Bingyu.

Ye Xuan’s face immediately darkened. This punk was even harder to deal with than his mentor.

In truth, "Orioles" was merely a title representing the world’s top master designer. The Orioles who had previously designed Yunju Mountain Villa for the Yang Family was not the lecher standing before them, but rather his mentor, the elder Orioles. Due to his advanced age, the elder Orioles had retired, and the title of the new Orioles was inherited by his senior disciple, Far.

"Orioles, right this way, please." Yang Bingyu shot Ye Xuan a soft harrumph, gestured for Far to lead the way, and then began acting as his tour guide.

Although their earlier argument had been interrupted by Orioles, it didn’t mean Yang Bingyu was over it. She hadn’t forgiven Ye Xuan yet, so whatever he didn’t want her to do, she was going to do it out of spite.

Ye Xuan let out a helpless sigh. Resigning himself to his fate, he followed behind the two and quietly listened to their conversation. This Far was highly skilled at picking up women. Ye Xuan had to keep a close eye on Yang Bingyu, or she would definitely be coaxed away.

"Ye Xuan, Mr. Far and I are a little thirsty. Go brew a pot of tea for us." As soon as they reached the back garden of Yunju Mountain Villa, Yang Bingyu ordered him to make tea.

Ye Xuan’s mouth twitched. He shot Far a fierce, warning glare before resigning himself to his tea-making duties.

"Miss Bingyu, are you and Ye Xuan a couple? Why does he listen to you so obediently?" Far asked with a smile as he watched Ye Xuan’s retreating back.

"He is my bodyguard. He has to do whatever I tell him to do," Yang Bingyu said, lifting her chin with a touch of arrogance. She figured this was just a minor punishment for him making her angry.

Hearing this, Far was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter. Who could have imagined that the dignified Cyan Dragon Chief would become a little girl’s bodyguard and obey her every command?

"What are you laughing at?" Yang Bingyu asked, thoroughly bewildered by his reaction.

"Ahem, it’s nothing, nothing. I just thought of something very amusing." Knowing that Ye Xuan’s identity was kept a secret from Yang Bingyu, Far cleared his throat and reined in his laughter as he answered.

"What are you laughing at?" Ye Xuan soon returned, carrying a tray of tea. As he set the tray down, he cast a cold glance at Far and demanded an answer in an annoyed tone.

"Nothing, nothing. Let’s drink some tea." Far wouldn’t dare offend Ye Xuan. He quickly waved his hand and took a sip of tea to calm his nerves. If this man found out he had just been laughing at him, he would absolutely settle the score in secret. It was best not to provoke him.

"Why are you being so fierce? Mr. Far is a VIP guest at our Yunju Mountain Villa. If you dare to neglect him, I won’t let you off easy." Yang Bingyu could easily tell that Ye Xuan was threatening Far. Slamming her cup heavily onto the stone table, she reprimanded him with a cold face.

"I..." Ye Xuan was rendered speechless with frustration. He truly didn’t know what to do with this girl.

"What do you mean, ’I’? As a bodyguard, you need to follow your employer’s arrangements. Was asking you to brew a pot of tea such a great grievance? To think you’d speak to our esteemed guest with such an attitude. Apologize at once!" Yang Bingyu was deliberately making things difficult for Ye Xuan. Not only did she lecture him, but she even demanded he apologize to Far.

Both men’s expressions changed upon hearing her words. Ye Xuan’s face shifted out of anger, while Far’s changed out of sheer terror. He couldn’t possibly dare to let the Cyan Dragon Chief apologize to him. If the guys from Division Four found out, they would flay him alive!

"Ah, let it go, let it go. There’s no need for so much formality in front of me. Just be casual," Far hastily interjected to smooth things over for Ye Xuan.

"Since Mr. Far is pleading on your behalf, I’ll let it slide this time. But if there’s a next time, I’ll deduct your entire month’s salary!" Yang Bingyu didn’t actually want to punish Ye Xuan; she was just in a fit of pique and wanted to vent a little. She hadn’t forgotten Ye Xuan’s true status. For a man who commanded enough respect that even Far had to show him deference, being her bodyguard was already beneath him.

"Miss Bingyu, the congratulatory gift you asked me to prepare for your grandfather is finished. Would you like to take a look?" Astute as ever, Far had long since noticed the friction between Yang Bingyu and Ye Xuan. His eyes darted around, and he quickly changed the subject. He clapped his hands at his attendant, who immediately presented a sixty-by-sixty-centimeter Golden Rattan Wood box.

If just the box for this tea set was so luxurious, one could only imagine how exquisite the contents would be. Yang Bingyu couldn’t wait to open the box, and the moment she did, her eyes were instantly captivated by the tea set inside.

Arranged neatly upon golden silk cloth lay a full array of teaware. The teapot and teacups totaled twelve pieces, each one gossamer-thin and nearly transparent. Furthermore, beautiful patterns had been inlaid onto the bodies of the cups using gold and silver threads. Each piece possessed its own unique design, making the set an absolute masterpiece.

"This is truly breathtaking!" Yang Bingyu exclaimed, unable to hold back her awe as she gazed at the set. Once presented, this gift would undoubtedly become the most eye-catching offering at the birthday banquet.

"I originally wanted to craft it from Crystal Stone, but then the tea set would only be good for display, not for actual use. Considering practicality, I ultimately chose clay. However, this is the highest quality, most premium clay I could find after searching all of Huaxia.

"It took a great deal of effort to make them gossamer-thin like this. My assistant and I also inlaid the patterns on top ourselves, incorporating the traditional Huaxia craft of enamelware. I believe your grandfather will be absolutely thrilled when he sees it."