I am not just a tycoon
Chapter 823 480: He is More Like the Protagonist than Shen Yuan, Sending..._2

Suddenly, Lih Meng bit down hard on Shen Yuan's shoulder.

"What the hell!"

Shen Yuan let out a hiss of pain. So, this little brat wasn't asleep after all—she was pretending, just so he'd carry her.

After biting him, she mumbled, "Are we home yet, Sis… I wanna go to bed."

"Almost there, the elevator is coming. Don't bite your brother-in-law," Lih Xiao said, feeling sorry for Shen Yuan.

Hmph, what's this? Normally, I bite him all the time. But just little nibbles.

With her eyes still closed, Lih Meng squirmed around, her little hands moving about randomly on Shen Yuan.

"Alright, alright, we're here."

....

Tonight, no sleep.

Lih Meng experienced a thorough payback, her muffled groans lasting well into 3 AM.

....

While Shen Yuan was still dreaming away in Lih Xiao's warm embrace, Zhou Peiwei had already gotten off her flight and was seated in the back of a speeding Benz.

She first sent a message to her best friend: "I've landed in Star City, Bingying. On my way to a blind date now."

Her plan was to meet this blind date first, then decide if she felt like looking for that scumbag… Go or not go? Definitely go.

Hmph, always saying he'd visit me in Yanjing, and yet not once did he show up. So now I have to go looking for him? How do I make it seem like I'm not being too eager?

Zhou Peiwei rested her pale chin on her hand, thinking it over carefully.

Meanwhile, Shen Yuan received a message from Luo Bingying on his phone: "Weiwei has arrived in Star City. She's on her way to meet her blind date."

....

Gu Junchen, a PhD graduate from Wuda's solid-state battery materials program, currently worked in the energy R&D department at Anke Innovation. His top-tier education, combined with an admirable family background, gave him a confidence and composure that was hard to ignore.

At the moment, he was sitting at a window seat in a Western restaurant, dressed in a white shirt and slacks, with silver-rimmed glasses adding to his intellectual charm. Female waitstaff in the restaurant couldn't help sneaking glances his way.

On his wrist was a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch he only wore for formal occasions, showing just how serious he was about this meeting.

Today was his blind date, with the daughter of a senior executive at Anke Innovation.

Truth be told, he wasn't fond of the term "blind date." It felt like a practical negotiation revolving around daily life essentials. He craved something more romantic and spontaneous.

Plus, blind dates were often seen as the last resort for those failing at being single. And it wasn't as if he had any shortage of women around him.

With his family background, looks, demeanor, and intellect, he was confident about finding a partner he'd be satisfied with.

So when his parents first brought it up, he was indifferent and even a little resistant.

But all his objections vanished the moment he saw that photo. Gu Junchen had to admit, it only took one glance at that girl for him to fall.

A sweet face with a warm, friendly smile, a delicate nose, and pink lips—she seemed to have been crafted perfectly for him.

And let's not mention her outstanding figure: perky chest, slender waist—it was incredibly rare.

So he arrived at the restaurant half an hour early, sitting with perfect posture just to make a good first impression.

Sustaining such a posture for a long time was exhausting. Whenever he considered relaxing a little, he thought she might walk in at any moment, which kept him sitting straight as an arrow.

The waitstaff marveled at his impeccable demeanor, thinking he had a noble air about him.

Thirty-five minutes passed and she still didn't show. Gu Junchen grew anxious; she was five minutes late now.

Just as he was about to call, a graceful figure appeared at the entrance.

Gu Junchen's eyes lit up—his date had finally arrived.

He stood up and took a step forward. When she was just two or three meters away, he smiled warmly and extended his hand: "Hello, Zhou Peiwei. I'm Gu Junchen."

He had agonized over this opening line—should he mention his academic achievements and current job, or perhaps jokingly refer to himself as "Little Gu"? In the end, he settled on this concise and fail-safe self-introduction.

"Mm, take a seat. I'm a bit hungry."

Zhou Peiwei didn't shake his hand. Instead, she directly pulled out the chair herself and sat down, her mind comparing him to Shen Yuan.

"Gu Junchen"—his name even sounds more like a male lead's than Shen Yuan's does.

Gu Junchen froze for a moment. He had imagined a handshake followed by polite small talk, and then himself pulling out her chair for her.

Awkwardly retracting his hand, he sat back down with poise, passed her the menu, and maintained his polite smile: "See if there's anything you'd like. It's my treat."

"No need. I'll treat. I'm not one to owe favors."

Zhou Peiwei took the menu, quickly scanned it, and then snapped her fingers to call over a waiter to place her order.

She's got personality. I like it.

Gu Junchen had assumed from the photo that she was a sweet girl. Turned out she was feisty instead, which only deepened his interest.

Once the waiter left, Gu Junchen asked, "Just got off the plane? My dad said you're a medical student at Renmin University?"

"Mm, been studying anatomy lately. Knife goes in white, comes out red."

"..."

I... have no idea how to respond to that. Gu Junchen felt a headache coming on.

After a brief silence, he tried again: "So if I have minor health issues in the future, could I seek your help? Save me a trip to the hospital."

"If it's malignant cancer, sure, come to me. For anything else, don't bother."

"..."

Gu Junchen's polite smile turned stiff. After failing repeatedly at making conversation, he had no idea what to say next.

When the appetizers arrived, just as he was about to introduce the restaurant, Zhou Peiwei cut him off: "You're probably here just to humor your family and go through the motions, like me. It's fine—we'll exchange WeChat later and tell them we felt no chemistry."

The corner of Gu Junchen's mouth twitched. He now fully understood—she wasn't interested in him at all, not even remotely. Saying they were on the same page was simply her way of giving him an out.

All his efforts in preparation for today? A joke.

Forcing a bitter smile, Gu Junchen stopped trying to make conversation. They finished the meal quietly, exchanged WeChat contacts out of courtesy, and parted ways with a wave.

Once free of the ordeal, Zhou Peiwei got back into the Benz's rear seat and pondered: Should I go find Shen Yuan or go find Shen Yuan?

Oh well, his house isn't far from mine anyway. Let's just call it passing by to check in.

"Uncle Huang, start the car."

"You got it."

White-gloved Uncle Huang started the engine and asked with a smile, "Miss, how was the blind date? Satisfied?"

"Meh, it was alright."

Her thoughts were entirely on Shen Yuan. Other men simply couldn't hold her interest.

When she compared them, this guy was overly uptight, too buttoned-up—nothing like Shen Yuan, who sat however he pleased, whether dining on Western or Chinese food. His gaze was always straightforward, never sneaky or shy.

In terms of looks and physique, while this guy was decent, there was still a gap compared to Shen Yuan.

As for education and family background… Zhou Peiwei never considered those as deal-breakers for a partner. Besides, Shen Yuan's financial standing could easily crush them.

Most importantly, he wasn't as interesting as Shen Yuan.

Half an hour later, the driver stopped outside a villa. Instead of heading straight home, Zhou Peiwei excused herself, claiming she wanted to stroll around, and made her way toward Shen Yuan's villa.

Walking along Green Bamboo Lake, she wondered what Shen Yuan's reaction would be when he saw her.

Surprise, joy, or fear?

Surely, that guy wouldn't have another woman at his place, would he?

Hmph, he better not!

With these thoughts in mind, she unknowingly reached Shen Yuan's doorstep. The outer gate wasn't locked, so she simply pushed it open. The garden was meticulously maintained, with neatly trimmed branches and weeds—a clear sign of regular upkeep.

Pushing open the inner door, she found the place empty.

Weird. Doesn't he have a female assistant? And occasionally a housekeeper too? Why is there no one today?

But it was remarkably clean inside.

The vast house, completely silent and devoid of any sign of life, felt eerily desolate. Zhou Peiwei couldn't shake off a creeping sense of unease.

Forget it. I should leave.

She decided not to venture further. Just as she turned to leave, a looming shadow suddenly approached her rapidly. Zhou Peiwei's heart sank as she instinctively tried to yell for help.

But a large hand covered her mouth before she could make a sound. The next moment, she was lifted off the ground.

I'm done for. Am I getting assaulted?!

That was the only thought in Zhou Peiwei's mind.

No way. I must protect my body!

She struggled ferociously, using every ounce of strength to fight off the assailant. But then, suddenly, she lost her balance, and her body was flung onto a soft, plush bed.

"Heh heh heh..."

A familiar yet sinister laugh rang out. Zhou Peiwei raised her head and met his gaze. That scoundrel said with a smirk, "Long time no see, Sister Weiwei. Is this what they call delivering yourself right to my doorstep?"

Zhou Peiwei was livid. "Are you insane, Shen Yuan?! You scared me to death!"