Yue Linze remained noncommittal. Tao Yu was getting anxious. "As for the devices in Yue Linying's room, even if I can't avoid them myself, we could disconnect him from them, couldn't we?" She leaned closer to Yue Linze and whispered her plan.

When she finished, she stared intently at him, hoping he would sense her sincerity. Yue Linze met her gaze, his dark eyes unreadable. After a long moment, he slowly asked, "You're not afraid of the danger, all for my sake?"

"Of course not," Tao Yu replied without hesitation.

"Why?"

...That was a good question. Because she wanted to help him resolve his inner turmoil quickly so she could return to reality and collect her paycheck, of course. Tao Yu said with feigned affection, "Because I like you. Didn't I say that before?"

Yue Linze stared at her fixedly. Just as she thought her acting might not be convincing enough, he finally spoke. "Fine. The housekeeper and I will help you. If you succeed…"

"If I succeed, what?" Tao Yu perked up her ears, feigning elegance.

"I'll give you the reward you want." A wicked glint appeared in Yue Linze's eyes as he smiled, but it vanished quickly as if it had never been there.

Tao Yu paused, then smiled. "Alright." What else could a domineering CEO offer besides money? She couldn't think of anything, but by then, with his inner turmoil resolved, she probably wouldn't be around to enjoy it anyway.

Yue Linze looked at her smiling face impassively, like a wolf eyeing a plump, oblivious rabbit. He expertly concealed his turbulent, dark aura, waiting for his prey to take the bait.

And the rabbit, unaware of any danger, continued to hop around him, even diligently refining the plan, eager to be devoured.

***

The day of the birthday banquet arrived.

Gu Yansheng, whose complexion had finally improved after several days of rest, was busy introducing his eldest son to everyone. In contrast to the lively atmosphere surrounding him, Yue Linze sat in a corner, looking like an outsider.

Apart from the elderly Mr. Yue, no one approached him. Some were deterred by his gloomy aura, while others were busy fawning over Gu Yansheng and Yue Linying. For a while, he was left alone.

"Linze, it's stuffy in here. I'm going out for a walk," Tao Yu murmured in his ear. She wore a pale blue dress that accentuated her rosy lips, white teeth, and fair skin. Coupled with the expensive butterfly brooch on her chest, she looked like a delicate butterfly flitting through the stifling hall.

A faint breeze brushed against his ear. Yue Linze's ear twitched. He glanced at the brooch and said indifferently, "Go."

Tao Yu smiled and promptly left.

The moment Yue Linying saw her leave, his heart quickened. Tao Yu was the most valuable informant he'd ever bought. Not only did she keep him updated on Yue Linze's movements, but she also showered him with care and attention, far surpassing Zhou Yanran in thoughtfulness.

Although usually kept under strict control by Gu Yansheng, he was still a man. Having such a beautiful woman constantly showing him affection, how could he not be tempted?

Especially after her bold invitation.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. The smile in his eyes widened. He made a quick excuse to Gu Yansheng and Zhou Yanran and hurried out. Once outside, he pulled out his phone, checked the location, and headed towards the back garden.

When he reached the designated room and saw the figure in the pale blue dress inside, he immediately entered, closing the door behind him. After a moment's thought, he locked it with the key hanging on the door before turning back with a smile. 

"Xiao Yu!"

Layers of gauze curtains hung within the room. He parted them as he walked further inside, but the closer he got, the larger the woman seemed. By the time he reached her back, his face had darkened. "Who are you?"

"Hmm?" The housekeeper, dressed in a plus-sized version of Tao Yu's dress, turned around. Maintaining his professional composure and elegance, he replied, "Mr. Linying, hello."

"...." 

The old man had gone mad.