Supremely Talented Tyrant
Chapter 973 - 972: Can't Help But Click!

"Spice Ginger, send a few guys to keep an eye on the Lainer Hotel. Lanlan is over there. If anything happens, you'll have me to answer to!"

No matter how much Hao Jian trusted sending Ye Linglan alone to the meeting, he couldn't shake off the worry gnawing at the back of his mind. After all, that Yan Ming was no good person.

Yesterday, when dealing with that bastard, Hao Jian had shown no mercy. If it weren't for Ye Linglan stepping in and saying it was enough, Yan Ming would've been finished right then and there. How could he still be alive now?

"If anything happens to Lanlan, don't hesitate to open fire. If there are any consequences, I'll take full responsibility!"

"Understood!"

When Spice Ginger received Hao Jian's command, he immediately tensed up, then gave a firm acknowledgment before hanging up. Gathering over ten of his best fighters, he stormed out towards the address Hao Jian had given, ready for action.

In Hua City, Hao Jian's reputation preceded him—especially when it came to the women he cared about. It was said he valued them even more than his own life.

Thus, given such an urgent command, Spice Ginger took it very seriously. If any mishap occurred during this mission, he was fully aware Hao Jian wouldn't hesitate to obliterate all of them.

Valuable subordinates were cherished by Hao Jian, but useless ones? They were either sent packing or outright "removed." Being sent packing was self-explanatory—just packing up and leaving. But "removal," well… that meant leaving your life right there and going off to meet King Yan.

After hanging up, Hao Jian pondered briefly. Then, shaking his head, he muttered to himself, "No, relying solely on Spice Ginger's methods still leaves me uneasy. Looks like I'll have to go personally..."

It wasn't that Hao Jian doubted Spice Ginger's capability, but Yan Ming was unfamiliar to him, leaving room for unpredictability. And in combat, having gaps in information was often fatal. This time, Ye Linglan absolutely could not suffer any harm—not even the slightest!

Because Ye Linglan was his woman. And in Hua City, or for that matter, all of Huaxia, no one could touch his woman. Moreover, he had already ordered the tech team to take over the city bureau's SkyNet temporarily. With their surveillance, no matter how small or subtle Yan Ming's moves towards Ye Linglan might be, nothing could escape Hao Jian's watchful eye!

"Rumble..."

The Enzo Car roared out of the parking lot, merging onto the street and into the endless flow of traffic. Soon, it became a shadow that disappeared from sight.

"Yan Ming, let's hope you don't do anything you'll regret this time. Because if you so much as think about laying a finger on Lanlan, I promise you'll regret every choice you've ever made..."

His dark eyes bored into the pitch-black asphalt ahead as a cold smirk curved Hao Jian's lips. A faint chill began to swirl around him. This time, if the opportunity arose, if Yan Ming dared make any move at all, Hao Jian was ready to eliminate him on the spot.

The thunderous roar of the engine echoed through Hua City's streets, gradually fading into the distance until it vanished beyond the horizon.

"This is the place, right?"

Stepping out of the taxi, Ye Linglan glanced at the renowned four-star hotel. Its opulent exterior and sprawling grounds spoke volumes about its upscale status.

"She's here!"

From inside the hotel, Yan Ming had been waiting for Ye Linglan. Through the window, he caught sight of her approaching the building downstairs, a faint smirk forming as his eyes narrowed slightly. Rising to his feet, he made his way downstairs. Just as he descended, he met Ye Linglan coming up the stairway.

"Linglan!"

Seeing her, Yan Ming called out. On the other end, upon hearing someone address her, Ye Linglan turned towards the voice and saw Yan Ming waiting at the staircase. A faint smile graced her lips as she strode forward.

"Let's go. I've reserved a table upstairs. I'm glad you agreed to meet me. Also, I must apologize for yesterday—I didn't mean to…"

"Enough. Whatever it is, say it at the table. This is the hotel lobby—not the place for a chat. Besides, it's inappropriate to talk here."

There was no expression on Ye Linglan's face as she spoke indifferently, walking past Yan Ming without a second glance and heading upstairs. Though she had come to meet Yan Ming, it didn't mean she owed him any pleasantries. After all, what he did yesterday had indeed crossed the line.

"Alright!"

Seeing Ye Linglan act this way, a flicker of anger flashed through Yan Ming's eyes. But soon, his lips curled into a smile as he quickly followed her. Glaring at Ye Linglan's figure, his gaze burned with desire—tinged with a sinister, lecherous intent.

Hmph! Go on and keep acting proud for now. But once I have you in my grasp, let's see if you can still hold your high and mighty attitude! By then, you'll just be a pathetic woman writhing under me!

These thoughts flickered rapidly through his mind as Yan Ming quickened his pace to overtake Ye Linglan. Leading her to a quieter corner of the restaurant, the spot they arrived at was secluded yet next to a window, offering a spectacular view outside. Ye Linglan didn't mind—it fit with her assumption that such restaurants were designed to provide the best views, even at the cost of some privacy. Little did she know, Yan Ming had chosen this spot deliberately, ensuring that when the time came for him to make his move, the disturbance would be minimal and attract fewer onlookers.

Still, when Ye Linglan entered the restaurant, her striking beauty immediately turned heads. She became a breathtaking sight that drew nearly every man's gaze in her direction. Such stares were nothing new to her—over the years, Ye Linglan had grown used to them and didn't pay them much attention.

Yan Ming, on the other hand, had only one thing on his mind: how to get Ye Linglan into his bed. With Hao Jian absent, this was his golden opportunity. He had specifically arranged for Ye Linglan to come alone to avoid any interference from Hao Jian, increasing his chances of success.

As for Hao Jian? Yan Ming knew all too well he couldn't handle him. Having experienced his power firsthand yesterday, he harbored a burning grudge. Given the chance, he'd deal with Hao Jian first instead of Ye Linglan.

"Waiter!"

Once they were seated, Yan Ming waved over a server. The young man, noticing Yan Ming's gesture, immediately grabbed a menu and rushed to their table, smiling as he greeted them.

"Good evening. What would you like to order?"

"What's good here?"

It was Yan Ming's first time dining at the Lainer Hotel. If not for an acquaintance working here, he wouldn't have chosen this place. Having someone on the inside not only made it easier to deceive Ye Linglan but also ensured he'd be quickly notified if anything went awry. From a safety perspective, the Lainer Hotel was the perfect pick.

The waiter assisting them was, in fact, someone Yan Ming had bribed—an accomplice to improve his odds of seducing Ye Linglan. Whatever it cost, getting her into bed would be worth it.

"Our specialty is French-style steak…"

"We also offer a variety of fresh fruit and vegetable salads, all featuring ingredients flown in from France just this morning to retain authentic flavors."

"I highly recommend trying these dishes. We also carry an extensive selection of fine wines shipped directly from prestigious wineries."

Hearing this, Ye Linglan smiled faintly but didn't comment. She left the decision to Yan Ming; what she ate didn't matter. Whether or not she actually ate later was another question entirely. Besides, she found no appeal in this place.

Given Hao Jian's status, whenever he took his women out to dine, it was always at the finest establishments—unless they explicitly requested otherwise. In his words: "Money is not an issue."

Although this hotel appeared high-class, it fell short of Ye Linglan's current standards.

"What do you want to order?"

After listening to the waiter's recommendations, Yan Ming gave him a quick wink—a silent signal—and turned to Ye Linglan, asking as he handed her the menu.

"Whatever you decide. I'm fine with anything," Ye Linglan replied softly, shaking her head without taking the menu.

Yan Ming wasn't surprised. He never expected Ye Linglan to pick her own dishes. This act of offering the menu was merely a formality to save face for both of them. Seeing her refusal, a discreet smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. Turning back to the waiter, he ordered.

"Two portions of filet steak—one medium rare, one medium well. A fruit salad, a croissant, and a bottle of '82 Lafite."

The other items, while slightly overpriced, were expected in a place like this—it was all about ambience, not food. But that bottle of '82 Lafite? That was on a whole different level.

Even at the peak of his fame, Yan Ming had never been able to justify splurging on such an extravagant wine. But today, he had no choice if he wanted to win Ye Linglan's trust.