After Ye Chen and Zhao Yanyan left the Fairy Gate, they attended their classes as usual. When the final school bell rang, they packed up and headed home together.
That evening, Ye Chen decided it was time to sell the Heavenly Peaches. He carefully packed 25 of the golden, glowing fruits into a sturdy box. He didn't keep any for himself—he knew how fast the Heavenly Peach tree bore fruit, so there was no fear of running out.
As he made his way through the city streets, he couldn't help but draw attention. Women turned their heads as he passed, some whispering and pointing. A few even approached him with shy smiles.
"Hey, handsome! Can I get your number?" one girl giggled, clutching her phone.
Ye Chen smiled politely but kept walking. Being popular is more trouble than it's worth, he thought.
Luckily, a taxi pulled up just in time. He quickly got in and gave the driver the address for the Liu Corporation's city branch.
Ten minutes later, the taxi pulled up to an impressive skyscraper—sleek, towering, and grand. It was no surprise. The Liu Corporation was ranked number one among the top companies in the city.
Ye Chen stepped out of the taxi, carrying his box. As he approached the glass entrance, two uniformed security guards stepped forward and blocked his path.
"Hold on there," said one of the guards, eyeing him suspiciously. "What business do you have here?"
"I'm here to see Miss Liu Yue. I have something important to discuss with her," Ye Chen replied calmly.
"Do you have an appointment?" the second guard asked, narrowing his eyes.
"No, I don't," Ye Chen admitted.
The first guard crossed his arms. "Sorry, but we can't let you in without an appointment. You don't exactly look like someone our boss would be expecting."
Ye Chen frowned but remained composed. "I understand your concern, but I assure you I'm not here to cause trouble. If you could just inform Miss Liu Yue that Ye Chen is here—"
"Listen, kid," the second guard cut in, "we don't have time for jokers. That box looks suspicious. We can't take any chances."
Ye Chen's patience wore thin. "Step aside. I'm going in."
The guards glanced at each other, then pulled out their batons. "We tried to be nice. Now back off before things get ugly."
Ye Chen sighed and gently placed the box on the ground. Just as he shifted his stance, ready to defend himself, a sharp, authoritative voice interrupted them.
"What the hell are you two doing?"
The guards froze. Ye Chen turned to see a striking woman in a navy-blue business suit walking toward them. Her heels clicked on the marble pavement with precision and power.
Liu Yue.
Ye Chen blinked in surprise. What luck. I didn't expect to run into her outside.
"President Liu!" The guards straightened up instantly. "We were just handling this man. He claimed he knew you—"
Liu Yue's eyes landed on Ye Chen. Her brows furrowed slightly as she studied his face.
He does look familiar... but where have I seen him before?
Ye Chen stepped forward with a smile. "Miss Liu Yue, do you remember me?"
Liu Yue tilted her head. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've met. Who are you?"
One of the guards smirked. "You heard her. She doesn't know you. Time to go, kid."
Ye Chen chuckled softly. "Last time we met, I was in disguise. I'm the one who sold you the Zillao bracelets at the exhibition."
Liu Yue's eyes widened slightly. "You're… that vendor?"
She looked him up and down again, this time with more curiosity. "I've been wondering who you were ever since that day. I never expected someone this young… or this handsome."
Ye Chen grinned. "I'm glad you remember."
He gave a brief glance at the guards, who were now visibly sweating.
Liu Yue turned to Ye Chen, ignoring the guards completely. "So, what brings you here?"
"I'd like to talk business," he replied directly. "I believe we can help each other."
Liu Yue nodded with interest. "Then let's talk inside."
She turned to enter the building, and Ye Chen picked up his box to follow her.
As they reached the doors, Liu Yue suddenly paused. Without turning around, she said coldly, "You two are officially fired. Return your uniforms to the office—immediately."
The guards stood frozen, mouths slightly open.
"Wait, President Liu—please give us another chance!" one of them pleaded.
But Liu Yue didn't stop. She walked through the doors, Ye Chen right behind her.
Left in shock, the two guards could only stare at each other in disbelief. Their jobs—gone in a flash.
"This was the best-paying security job in the whole city," one muttered. "Fifteen hundred a month… gone."
"And with bonuses too…" the other added glumly.
They trudged toward the security office, heads hanging low.