Chapter 48: Caught in the Act

Indeed, the allure of such beauty to any man far surpasses the temptation of a drumstick to a burly fellow who hasn’t eaten in three days.

However, Lin Fan ultimately managed to restrain himself. A kiss might be permissible, but to actually go further would be far too difficult to resolve. Lin Fan was certain that Tang Rui was not the kind of woman who engaged in one-night stands, and besides, she called Lin Yan “Sister Lin.” If Lin Fan were to do anything to her, even if Tang Rui kept silent for Lin Yan’s sake, Lin Fan knew his own sister would never let him off easily.

Moreover, Lin Fan already had Zhao Ying in his life, and he could hardly sleep with another woman behind his girlfriend’s back. Thus, the notion of “that” with Tang Rui flashed through his mind, only to be immediately suppressed.

Though Tang Rui moved slowly, they were still in the same room, separated by only a few steps. No matter how slowly she walked, she soon stood before Lin Fan. Biting her lip, Tang Rui lifted her gaze to the man before her—eyes “closed,” with a hint of roguishness about him. Beneath his slightly upturned bangs, a faint scar could be seen. He wasn’t the especially handsome type, but there was a quiet appeal to him that was far more enduring.

Some men seem striking at first glance but become less attractive the more one looks; others appear plain at first, yet grow more compelling and unforgettable with each passing moment. Clearly, the latter has a far greater impact on women—and it must be said, Lin Fan belonged to this category, his masculine charm subtle yet potent.

For a moment, Tang Rui found herself utterly entranced as she looked at him...

But Lin Fan cared little for what Tang Rui was thinking; he was busy squinting, stealing glances downward. Just as he’d guessed, Tang Rui had just finished her shower and wasn’t wearing even a bra. With the two standing so close, and Lin Fan towering over her, the “view” was, in a word, spectacular.

Lin Fan took in every detail—her delicate “grapes” and more—all too clearly. Coupled with her faint fragrance, he felt a sudden urge, as though he might get a nosebleed. Damn it, is she trying to tempt me into crime?

Still, Lin Fan forced himself to resist. Watching Tang Rui hesitate, leaning in and then abruptly retreating, Lin Fan was both anxious and frustrated. Expecting a woman like Tang Rui to take the initiative seemed impossible—at least, for now.

After all, Tang Rui was a petite, shy girl, the kind who needed to be cherished. With that thought in mind, Lin Fan seized the moment when she once again drew near his cheek, turned, and kissed her, sealing her lips with his own.

Softness pressed against him, heat mingling between them. All at once, Tang Rui’s eyes widened in shock; she could hardly believe her first kiss was being taken just like that. Seeing no resistance from her, Lin Fan’s wicked smile deepened as he sought out her sweet tongue, taking and savoring her lips with abandon...

It was summer, the air conditioning cooling the room far more than the world outside. Tang Rui wore only a bathrobe. Faced with Lin Fan’s fervent assault, she felt the heat radiating from him, especially in her lower abdomen, a restless warmth that made her shiver uncontrollably, a soft moan escaping her lips.

Tang Rui had no experience with such things, but she felt as though her whole body was electrified—comfortable, and something more. Instinctively, she let Lin Fan lead her, making no move to resist...

Just as Tang Rui felt she might suffocate, she suddenly regained her senses and hastily pushed Lin Fan away. Her cheeks burned as red as blood, and without a word, she stole a glance at the doorway before lowering her head in a fluster.

Tang Rui’s abrupt change gave Lin Fan a terrible premonition. Seeing her glance repeatedly toward the door, he turned instinctively—and saw Lin Yan standing there, a mischievous grin on her face.

No matter how thick Lin Fan’s skin, being caught red-handed by his own sister was mortifying. “Sis, what brings you here?” Lin Fan forced a grin and tried to sound casual as he walked over.

“It’s nothing, nothing—I was just passing by. Don’t mind me, continue,” Lin Yan replied quickly, realizing she’d interrupted Lin Fan’s “moment.” She turned to leave, secretly thinking, “This kid, looks like he’s already got things under control. I worried for nothing.”

“Lin Sis, what are you saying?” Tang Rui protested anxiously, stamping her foot. After all, nothing had really happened between her and Lin Fan—it was just the result of a bet. She didn’t want Lin Yan to misunderstand.

Lin Fan understood Tang Rui’s meaning, but Lin Yan clearly saw it differently. The more Tang Rui protested, the more Lin Yan believed she was simply too shy to admit her relationship with Lin Fan. Having known Tang Rui for so long, Lin Yan knew her character well. If her own brother could marry Tang Rui, Lin Yan would be thrilled. Seeing the two locked in such a passionate kiss, Lin Yan couldn’t help but reevaluate her brother: After just one day together, things had already reached this stage. Give them a little more time and they might have a child on the way...

After Lin Yan left, Lin Fan clicked his tongue, still savoring what had just happened. He turned to Tang Rui and said, “Well, I’ve got something to do tomorrow, so I won’t be able to accompany you to the IBM meeting. If anything comes up, just give me a call.”

Tang Rui nodded lightly, replying, “You go ahead and take care of your business. The software is already developed, and I’m confident there’ll be no issue signing with IBM.” Though she spoke calmly, a faint sense of disappointment lingered in her heart at the thought of Lin Fan not going with her.

“Mm,” Lin Fan replied, then turned to leave. He had to attend the Zhentian Group’s auction with Zhao Ying the next day, so he couldn’t accompany Tang Rui to the company.

Downstairs, he found Lin Yan still sprawled on the sofa watching a Korean drama. Lin Fan grinned and sat beside her. “Sis, what’s the story with Tang Rui’s family? She’s so young to be a general manager, and with considerable authority at that. Someone must be supporting her from behind, right?”

Lin Fan was genuinely curious about Tang Rui’s background, especially about her grandfather. The future development of Dragon Soul in China would inevitably bring them into conflict with the forces behind the Dongxing Group. It was necessary to understand the situation now.

Given how long Lin Yan had known Tang Rui, she ought to know something, but, “Rui rarely mentions her family. It seems her parents are both gone, and she only has her grandfather left,” Lin Yan replied.

“What, are you planning to propose?” Lin Yan teased when Lin Fan remained silent, shifting the subject with a smile.

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