Chapter 12: An Invitation at Dawn
The morning sun cast golden rays across the courtyard as Ye Tian stood beside his sleek M8, brushing a few specks of dust from the polished hood. The cool breeze carried the scents of dew and blooming gardenias, a quiet reminder of how much life had changed in just a few days. From barely scraping by to owning 10% of the Moon Hotel Group, his world had transformed completely.
Today was no ordinary day.
He adjusted the collar of his clean white shirt and turned toward the house, where the giggles of his nieces filled the morning air. Ye Qingmei's twin daughters, little bundles of energy at just five years old, were already dressed in their pink kindergarten uniforms, each holding a tiny schoolbag with cartoon animals. Ye Miaomiao, Ye Qingling's four-year-old daughter, was a step behind them, shy but excited.
"Uncle Tian, is your car faster than our school bus?" one of the twins asked with big, curious eyes.
"Much faster," Ye Tian grinned, opening the backseat door for them. "And ten times more comfortable."
He gently helped them into the car and buckled them in, glancing toward the house as Ye Qingling stepped out with Miaomiao's hand in hers.
"You sure you can handle all three of them?" she asked with a half-smile.
"They're angels," Ye Tian replied.
"You say that now. Wait until they start singing nursery rhymes for half the trip."
The drive to the kindergarten was filled with laughter, questions, and off-tune songs about ducks, stars, and flying bears. Ye Tian couldn't help but smile. These moments were precious. Not even the 100 yuan he earned with each breath could compare.
After dropping the girls off at the brightly painted kindergarten gates, Ye Tian didn't leave immediately. His eyes scanned the courtyard until they landed on the tall figure standing near the classroom door.
Lin Xueyao.
She wore a sky-blue blouse with white slacks, her long black hair tied into a neat ponytail. Even amidst the sea of teachers, she stood out. There was a grace about her, a calm aura that somehow drew the eye.
Ye Tian approached casually, catching her attention as she turned toward him.
"Mr. Ye," she greeted with a polite nod, her tone formal but not cold. "Back so soon? Did Miaomiao forget something?"
"No, nothing like that," he smiled. "I just wanted to talk to you about something."
She tilted her head slightly. "Is it about Miaomiao?"
"Not quite," he replied. "There's a private party this evening. A business gathering of sorts. I was wondering if you'd be willing to join me."
Lin Xueyao blinked. Clearly, she hadn't expected that.
"A party? With... you?"
"Yes. Just as friends," he said, reading her hesitation. "You don't have to say yes. I thought it might be refreshing to unwind outside of work."
She studied him for a long second. There was no arrogance in his tone, no desperation either. Just sincerity. And curiosity.
After a beat, she nodded slowly. "Alright. I suppose it couldn't hurt. Where and when should I be ready?"
[System Notification] Mission Activated: Earn Her Trust Target: Lin Xueyao Current Favorability: 60 (Friends) Task: Raise Favorability to 80 (Like) Reward: 1 Random High-Grade Skill + 500,000 yuan Penalty: None
Ye Tian smiled to himself. The system never missed a beat.
"I'll pick you up around 6 PM," he said aloud. "Dress code is semi-formal, but don't stress about it. Just be comfortable."
She gave a soft smile, one that briefly lit up her usually calm expression. "Understood. I look forward to it, Mr. Ye."
As he returned to his car, Ye Tian felt the familiar buzz of excitement. The day was just beginning, and already the pieces were shifting into place.
Back at home, he quickly changed into a fresh tailored suit and reviewed his appearance in the mirror. There was a sharpness to him now—from his demeanor to his gaze. Confidence, not arrogance. Calm control.
The Moon Hotel's evening party was a prestigious event, attended by many prominent figures. As a 10% shareholder, his presence would no longer be as a guest, but as a part of the elite few who moved the gears behind the scenes.
By evening, he arrived at Lin Xueyao's apartment, a modest building not far from the school. She emerged wearing a soft navy dress that accentuated her graceful figure, a silver necklace resting lightly at her collar.
"You clean up nicely," Ye Tian teased.
"You don't look too bad yourself, Mr. Ye," she replied, slipping into the passenger seat.
The ride to the hotel was smooth, the city lights twinkling through the windshield. But as they pulled into the luxurious Moon Hotel parking lot, Ye Tian spotted a pair walking toward the entrance.
His expression cooled.
It was her.
His ex-girlfriend, Lin Qingxue. And beside her, wearing a smug grin and a designer suit, was none other than her new boyfriend—Zhang Wei, son of a local business magnate.
Lin Qingxue's eyes locked with Ye Tian's for a heartbeat—then widened slightly. Her steps slowed.
Zhang Wei, noticing her change, turned and followed her gaze. His grin turned sharp.
"Well, well, if it isn't the loser Ye Tian. Still freeloading off your sisters? Or are you here to deliver takeout?"
Ye Tian smiled faintly, placing a protective hand on Lin Xueyao's lower back as he stepped forward.
"Funny," he said calmly. "I was going to ask if you needed help finding the shareholder entrance. But you seem fine using the guests' side."
Zhang Wei blinked. "Shareholder? Don't joke about things you can't afford."
Lin Xueyao looked at Ye Tian, confusion written on her face.
"I suppose the invitation list will clear that up," Ye Tian said. Then he turned to the valet. "Please park my car carefully."
The valet bowed. "Of course, Mr. Ye. We've reserved your usual spot."
Zhang Wei's expression faltered.
Lin Qingxue looked down.
Ye Tian, without another glance at them, extended his arm to Lin Xueyao. "Shall we?"
She took it.
The evening was far from over—and this was only the beginning.
End of Chapter 12..