The next morning.
Yulin Community — Wang Yulan's home.
After sleeping on it, Wang Yulan felt that what she had said to Xiao Lin the previous night was indeed too harsh.
So in the morning, her attitude toward him softened a little.
After all, judging by how Xiao Lin had helped chase away the thugs before, he was still a kind and helpful person.
The reason he had spoken badly about Gu Yan last night was probably because he was afraid she would be deceived.
She herself had also been too impulsive and spoken without thinking.
"Beautiful sister, are you still going to work today?"
"Do you want me to give you a ride? Our boss gave us a small electric scooter for transportation."
Seeing that Wang Yulan's attitude was much gentler than last night, Xiao Lin smiled as well.
"…This…"
Wang Yulan hesitated for a moment.
Her workplace was quite far from here. Usually, she had to walk to the bus stop and take the bus.
But if she rode an electric scooter, it would only take about twenty minutes.
Thinking of this, she asked hesitantly,
"But Xiao Lin, if you take me there, won't you be late for work? Today is only your second day, right?"
Hearing this, Xiao Lin's eyes instantly lit up.
Great — the beautiful sister actually wants me to take her!
Then she'll sit behind me… and when the speed increases, she'll stick closer…
Hehehe~
"No, no! Our boss is a really nice person!"
"I think it's because I'm too handsome and charming that she likes me, so she gave me the electric scooter!"
Xiao Lin touched his nose and laughed smugly.
As he mentioned his boss, Shen Wan'er's figure once again surfaced in his mind.
That woman was simply perfectly aligned with his tastes.
"So… is that okay?"
"…Thank you, Xiao Lin."
Wang Yulan nodded.
Haha! Success!
Xiao Lin looked calm on the surface, but inside he was laughing wildly.
A moment later, downstairs in the community.
Xiao Lin walked in front, then turned back and said enthusiastically,
"Beautiful sister, let me tell you — our boss is a big beauty, and she's very nice!"
"On my first day, I helped her deal with some troublesome people, so she values me a lot!"
At first, Wang Yulan didn't think much of it.
But when she heard the words "troublesome people", she felt a little uncomfortable.
People were equal. There were always reasons behind disputes — how could someone casually label others as troublemakers?
Her interest in the rest of Xiao Lin's words immediately faded.
Xiao Lin noticed her lack of response and smiled awkwardly, preparing to change the topic.
Just then—
He suddenly saw Wang Yulan's expression change.
Surprise… and even a trace of joy appeared on her face.
What?
Xiao Lin was stunned and followed her gaze.
He saw—
A luxury car parked at the entrance of the community.
At the same time, a tall, handsome man stepped out.
"Good morning, Sister Yulan."
Gu Yan leaned casually against the car, smiling as he waved at her.
Today, he wore a fashionable gray coat, a turtleneck sweater underneath, and slim-fit jeans.
With his outstanding looks, calm temperament, and the subtle strength brought by cultivation, his presence was striking.
Wang Yulan's heart couldn't help but beat faster.
She quickened her pace, passed Xiao Lin, and walked straight to Gu Yan.
Her face was full of surprise and happiness.
"Why are you here?"
Gu Yan shrugged lightly and smiled.
"I remember you said your workplace is far from home."
"I just happened to be free this morning, so I thought I'd give you a ride."
Wang Yulan covered her mouth and smiled.
"Really? You came all this way. Have you eaten breakfast?"
"No," Gu Yan replied seriously.
"I was afraid I'd miss Sister Yulan if I ate first."
"You— you still need to eat breakfast!"
Wang Yulan suddenly remembered something. She took a wrapped rice ball out of her bag and handed it to him.
"Here."
Gu Yan took it, met her expectant gaze, and teased,
"Sister Yulan, you didn't make this rice ball yourself, did you?"
Hearing this, Wang Yulan became a little embarrassed.
"What, you think it won't taste good, so you don't want to eat it?"
"How could that be!"
Gu Yan laughed and pretended to take a bite.
Then, as if he had just noticed something, he looked past her in surprise.
"Eh? Sister Yulan… who is this behind you?"
Xiao Lin had been standing silently in the back the entire time.
From the moment Gu Yan appeared, his expression had turned extremely ugly.
His fists clenched tightly as he stared at Gu Yan chatting and laughing with Wang Yulan.
Damn rich people…
Seeing Wang Yulan's happiness after Gu Yan appeared filled him with jealousy and unwillingness.
The way they spoke felt natural. Wang Yulan looked genuinely happy.
Gu Yan's clothes were expensive and refined.
Wang Yulan's clothes were faded but clean and neat.
Only he—
Still wearing the worn, dirty clothes he had brought down from the mountains.
Before, he hadn't thought anything was wrong with them.
But now, standing between the two of them, he suddenly felt out of place.
Like an outsider.
It was infuriating.
When Wang Yulan heard Gu Yan's question, she suddenly realized Xiao Lin was still there.
Perhaps afraid Gu Yan would misunderstand, she hurriedly explained, her tone slightly flustered.
"Ah— well, he's a friend who helped me before."
"He had nowhere to stay when he first came to Jianghai, so I let him stay in the attic."
Hearing this, Xiao Lin felt even more displeased.
Seeing Wang Yulan rush to explain made his dislike for Gu Yan grow stronger.
He stepped forward without waiting for her to introduce him, lifted his chin slightly, and said coldly,
"My name is Xiao Lin."
Gu Yan glanced at the so-called original protagonist and found it faintly amusing.
Just as in the original story — impulsive, hot-blooded, and arrogant.
If not for the protagonist halo, he would've died countless times at Leng Qingqiu's hands.
Seeing Xiao Lin's attitude, Wang Yulan frowned slightly and tugged at his sleeve.
"Xiao Lin, what are you doing?"