After driving away the evil spirit, Ye Chen began setting up layered defensive arrays around his new villa. Creating such arrays required rare khusu ingredients—fortunately, Ye Chen already had everything he needed.
The first array was placed along the perimeter fence to block intruders from forcefully entering. In case that was breached, Ye Chen installed a second array inside—one that would automatically attack anyone with hostile intent. He placed even more protective formations throughout the interior and exterior, layering the defenses meticulously.
These arrays were designed to activate automatically whenever someone with evil intent tried to enter.
Once the protective work was done, Ye Chen turned to cleaning. Even with his cultivation, it took a while—this place wasn't just four stories tall. It also had three underground levels. Cleaning such a massive house on his own was exhausting.
He sighed. I might need to find a maid if I'm going to keep this place livable.
By the time everything was finished, the sky had already turned dark. Ye Chen glanced at his phone—it was already 7 p.m.
The villa was beautiful, but quiet and lonely. Craving company, Ye Chen decided to call Zhao Yanyan and see if she wanted to hang out.
Unfortunately, she couldn't make it. She was at her grandfather's house, keeping him company for dinner.
Ye Chen was disappointed, but he understood. He didn't pressure her and ended the call.
Just as he put the phone down, it rang again—this time from an unknown number.
He answered, "Hello?"
"Ye Chen? It's me, Teacher Lin," a familiar voice said.
"Oh, Teacher Lin. What's going on? Calling me this late?" he asked, curious.
"Ye Chen, can you come to my dorm right now? I need your help with something important. Also... dress nicely."
"Uh, okay… I'll be there soon," Ye Chen replied, puzzled.
After ending the call, he quickly showered. While cleaning earlier, he had found some clothes left behind by the previous owner. Luckily, a few sets were his size. He chose a smart-looking outfit and got dressed.
Then he headed to the garage, where he uncovered a sleek, silver sports car. He hadn't opened it before, but now that he looked closely—it was a Bugatti.
Seriously? The previous owner left this behind?
He flipped through the house documents and found the car's ownership papers tucked inside. The car was included with the villa.
Although Ye Chen didn't have a license, he had experience driving while working part-time delivering food.
He slid into the driver's seat and started the engine. VROOOOMMM. The sound echoed through the garage—it was powerful, deep, and satisfying.
Ye Chen grinned. "I've always dreamed of driving one of these."
He sped out of the villa's gate and headed toward the dormitory where Lin Rouxi and Zhao Yanyan lived.
Even though he was driving nearly 200 km/h, the car felt incredibly smooth. Compared to the delivery vans he used to drive, this was another world.
In just five minutes, he arrived at the dorms and headed up to Lin Rouxi's floor.
Knocking on her door, he called, "Teacher Lin?"
The door opened—and Ye Chen was stunned.
Lin Rouxi stood there in a beautiful white dress, her long hair cascading down, a white rose tucked gently above her ear. She looked elegant, soft, and simply breathtaking.
"You're late," she said, giving him a playful glare. "I thought you weren't coming."
"Sorry, Teacher. I had to get ready," Ye Chen replied with an awkward smile.
She sighed and waved it off. "Never mind. The reason I called you here... is because I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend tonight."
Ye Chen blinked. "Wait, what? Are you serious?"
Lin Rouxi blushed but quickly clarified, "Just pretend. My mom's in town and she insists on meeting the boyfriend I mentioned. I sort of lied and told her I had one—so I need you to play the part, just for tonight."
Ye Chen let out a relieved laugh. "I thought you were actually confessing for a second."
He paused. "But why me, though?"
Lin Rouxi looked away. "Because... I don't really know many guys. And... well, you're the only man who's ever seen me half-naked. That has to count for something, right?"
Her face turned red as she said it.
Ye Chen scratched his head, a little flustered. "That's one way to justify it."
"But okay, I'll help you out."
"Great," she smiled brightly. "Come on, my mom's waiting at her hotel."
Before he could respond, she grabbed his hand and pulled him along.
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