Chapter 40: Wasted Feelings!

But Wang Jianguo was merely a businessman; in terms of background, he was ultimately no match for the Su family standing behind Su Xuanmo. Perhaps he wielded considerable influence in the business world, but in official circles, he had no power whatsoever. He was not enough to serve as Lin Fan’s backer.

Of course, at this moment, the others still mistakenly believed he was the secret son of the richest man and were relying on him. “Let’s talk about the hotel,” Lin Fan said bluntly. “I’ve acquired this hotel, but I won’t interfere in anything. I’ll simply act as a silent owner behind the scenes...” He made his intentions clear, not wanting to have too much to do with Wang Jianguo.

He bought the hotel today, first to vent his anger and prove his wealth, so Ouyang Qi would know he was loaded. Second, owning a hotel made him a billionaire; in the future, when he showed his face around Hang City, he wouldn’t be looked down upon.

“I understand,” Wang Jianguo replied with a sheepish smile, surprised by Lin Fan’s lack of courtesy. But this only made him more convinced that Lin Fan was likely the illegitimate son of the city’s wealthiest man. He was so generous and aloof, calm as still water—he did not look like someone of rural origin at all!

He Hongyu thought the same, though he was more shocked. Wang Jianguo was a top figure in Hang City; compared to him, someone like Lin Feng wasn’t even worth mentioning. Yet Lin Fan barely acknowledged Wang Jianguo, which meant his background must be extraordinary.

So, after briefly discussing the hotel’s handover with Wang Jianguo, Lin Fan left. Before leaving, he also asked Wang Jianguo about the Su family and Su Xuanmo’s background.

“Xiao He, keep an eye on Mr. Lin in the future. If we can get on good terms with him, it will benefit Emperor Group,” Wang Jianguo said earnestly to He Hongyu after sending Lin Fan off.

When Lin Fan returned to the auction hall, the event had already ended. It was past nine o’clock in the evening. The two paintings he had bought would be delivered to the designated location by the auction company’s staff.

“I never imagined you were a hidden billionaire!” Ouyang Qi looked at Lin Fan in awe, her eyes sparkling. “I’ve never seen Chairman Wang come all this way to greet someone in person. What did you two talk about?”

Lin Fan noticed her affection for him had soared from 35 to 70, yet he inwardly sneered. This woman was of the same breed as Chen Yanzi, though her temperament wasn’t as arrogant or self-important.

“We just talked about the hotel transfer. From now on, I’m the silent owner of this place. And, he also gave me a card...” Lin Fan took out the black gold membership card Wang Jianguo had given him, showing it off.

Ouyang Qi gasped in amazement. “Am I seeing this right? That’s Emperor Group’s Black Gold Card! With this, you get 50% off at any Emperor Group hotel or mall!”

“Wow! You’re such a tycoon! Young master, please take care of me!” Ouyang Qi hugged Lin Fan’s arm, pressing herself tightly against him.

Lin Fan found it hard to control himself. While Ouyang Qi’s looks weren’t perfect, her figure was simply stunning—more enticing than Su Xuanmo, Gu Qingcheng, and the others. She was truly a rare beauty: curvy, voluptuous, and captivating. Her physical charms more than made up for her face.

In fact, Lin Fan thought her looks deserved a nine out of ten, but the system seemed to judge more harshly than he did. Surrounded by her alluring fragrance and the soft, enticing touch of her body, Lin Fan couldn’t help but imagine taking her upstairs for an intense night. But all he could do was fantasize.

First, Ouyang Qi’s affection for him hadn’t reached 100, and since her looks weren’t up to standard, pursuing her now wouldn’t earn him any system rewards. Second, if he did win her over and she told Su Xuanmo, and Su Xuanmo then refused his investment, he wouldn’t be able to complete the task of raising Su Xuanmo’s affection to 50.

He wasn’t a playboy and didn’t want to be labeled as such. Even if Ouyang Qi never told Su Xuanmo, or if her affection reached 100, there would be no attribute rewards unless the system’s criteria were met. According to the system, as long as a goddess with a score of nine or above had 100 affection for him, he’d get a reward—consummation wasn’t necessary.

“I’m not some young master, so don’t get any funny ideas...” Lin Fan teased.

Ouyang Qi replied with a disappointed “Oh,” her voice tinged with regret. Her dream of becoming a rich woman was dashed once again! Still, her affection for Lin Fan didn’t decrease; there would be more chances in the future.

In truth, Lin Fan was just worried Ouyang Qi might still be testing him, so he was careful not to cross the line.

“How much do you like my cousin anyway? She’s so cold and has such high standards—even if you spend a fortune, you may never win her trust!” Ouyang Qi asked, jealousy evident in her tone.

Clearly, her looks and figure were almost on par with Su Xuanmo’s, so why didn’t Lin Fan fancy her?

“I’m not trying to pursue her, just hoping to be friends,” Lin Fan replied sincerely. As long as Su Xuanmo’s affection reached 50, he’d complete the task—her full trust wasn’t necessary.

“Hmph! Who would believe that after your performance tonight?” Ouyang Qi rolled her eyes. Spending millions on two paintings for Su Xuanmo but claiming not to be pursuing her—what a joke.

Lin Fan didn’t know how to explain, so he used business as an excuse to part ways and went straight home.

At eleven o’clock that night, Lin Fan was curled up on the sofa reading when he suddenly received a message from Su Xuanmo. Since Gu Qingcheng had also become a livestream host, she rarely stayed at the villa in the evenings, and their relationship was now somewhat distant. Still, Gu Qingcheng’s affection for him remained at 100.

The reason was that, thanks to his reversal of status, Gu Qingcheng had become infatuated with him; she couldn’t bear to leave him, and to maintain her current lifestyle, she had become his admirer. Even if Lin Fan flirted with other women, she didn’t care, as long as he didn’t abandon her—she was content.

“Lin Fan, thank you for the two paintings you sent. Xiao Qi told me about what happened at the hotel tonight. You spent a lot—are you free tomorrow? I’d like to treat you to a meal.”

Seeing this message, Lin Fan felt a little frustrated. “This woman’s message is so formal, like she’s talking to a subordinate...” Other women would send him emojis or voice messages, but Su Xuanmo’s was a single, official-sounding paragraph.

“Goddess, I’m always available—just say the word!” Lin Fan thought for a moment, then sent his reply.

Su Xuanmo’s response soon arrived: “Tomorrow at noon, twelve o’clock, at the Imperial Cuisine Restaurant. Don’t be late.”

“What does this woman mean... She’s so cold!” Lin Fan was speechless. After sending her two paintings, she was still so indifferent—it felt like a waste of effort.