Chapter 191: Only One Room Left

Zhang Yurong could confirm that Qiao Huanxuan was someone important, but she had no idea who Bai Jie was. At least, Qiao Huanxuan had a unique relationship with Li Yan, as did Wen Qianyi. Was there any hidden meaning to his actions tonight? If she wasn’t around, would Li Yan and any of them end up in a close embrace?

It’s not that she’s stingy; it’s that she’s truly started to fall in love, valuing this relationship, this man. So naturally, she’d have the same ups and downs as any girl.

Likewise, Hai Fu and Qiao Huanxuan also felt their hearts racing due to Li Yan’s actions, but they were too nervous to make a move.

Having satisfied the special significance of holding everyone together at New Year’s, Li Yan didn’t find it convenient to keep hugging them. He noticed Bai Jie beside him, her mouth wide open, and released his arms.

"Haha! This occasion is so meaningful. I got to hug multiple beauties at once; this must be my lucky year!" He laughed loudly on purpose, then said to Bai Jie, "Oh no, I missed Bai Jie! My arms aren’t long enough, should’ve pulled you in too."

"Get lost!" His words broke the silence in the small circle amidst the lively chaos, causing everyone to mockingly jeer, using it to conceal the secrets they knew. Since he hadn’t done anything too improper, they didn’t push it further. Such public embraces among friends while taking photos or celebrating are completely acceptable; saying too much might lead to suspicions.

They watched the fireworks for a while. The display was only a short-lived celebration. Once the fireworks ended, the performance on stage was about to finish as well. It’s not like the grand TV New Year’s concert; the finale star was gone, and other minor celebrities had long rushed off for other gigs. Staff began cleaning up the scene, leaving only the band from the nearby bar continuing to perform.

Much like at a movie, everyone rushed for seats earlier, and now the show was over, they hurried to leave. Thousands spread out, creating a chaotic scene. Li Yan’s group, on the outer circle, rushed out too.

"Happy New Year! The celebration is over, and we’re going to wrap up and go home." Li Yan sighed, holding the bags as they walked.

"Are you all heading back to the city? I’m staying at a hotel nearby," Qiao Huanxuan took the chance to speak up, "Bai Jie is also joining me tonight. Are you all driving? Be careful!"

"Yes, driving."

They reached the roadside, watching the dispersing crowd and the cluster of cabs picking up passengers. Zhang Yurong and the others felt a bit stressed. Truth be told, they were exhausted and cold, longing for a warm room to rest. Driving home for a long stretch felt bothersome.

Seeing their thoughts, Li Yan suggested, "You’re all tired. Even without traffic, with a few red lights, it’ll take over an hour to get home. Driving when tired can be dangerous. How about I drive you home?"

"No! It’s a holiday. Who’s coming to fetch the car tomorrow?" Zhang Yurong immediately shook her head.

Wen Qianyi shrugged; she shared the same view, though she wanted to say she didn’t mind, as sometimes after drinking, she’d drive home late. But she noticed Li Yan had more to say, so she held back, while Hai Fu remained quiet to maintain her stern image.

"Then how about... booking a room?" Li Yan smiled, offering a friendly suggestion.

Qiao Huanxuan was secretly tempted by Li Yan’s proposal, wondering if he was staying for her sake. If so, she’d try to get everyone to stay at the same hotel, ensuring he’d have his own room, which meant...

Happiness needs to be pursued. If it were Yu Xiaodi, Qiao Huanxuan would feel out of place; but with them just being Li Yan’s company superiors, it’s different. Even though she couldn’t disclose it openly, she felt no other burden. "Why not go together? The hotel I stay at is nice overall, been there several times."

Because of Li Yan, Qiao Huanxuan knew about Paradise Group. With the others being the company president and department directors, they wouldn’t have trouble affording a five-star hotel.

Li Yan and the others looked at the entire street of hotels across the road.

They hesitated briefly, before agreeing to Qiao Huanxuan’s suggestion. Together, they walked along the street for a few minutes toward the hotels.

Women often become familiar quickly, regardless of their internal feelings, they can blend in on the surface immediately. Hai Fu maintained her stern company image and Zhang Yurong was indifferent to strangers, but with Wen Qianyi’s social skills and enthusiasm leading the conversation and the sociable Qiao Huanxuan and Bai Jie joining in, the walk was lively.

Li Yan went from being a Flower Guardian to three, and now five, women, still carrying the bags. He didn’t interrupt their chat, contemplating how he’d book the rooms shortly.

This vacation resort hotel in a prime location offers fewer choices than the city. Off-season room prices are much higher, especially on holidays. Though it’s the off-season, it’s a popular holiday, so the rates have only reverted to a reasonable level. Booking prices differ greatly from listed prices. Even if rooms are available at this time, they won’t come cheap.

Li Yan didn’t mind spending a bit more, maybe they’d suggest splitting the cost. The issue was, besides Bai Jie staying with Qiao Huanxuan, there were three others. If two stayed in a twin room, one would be left out. Ideally, if any one joined him, they’d only need one room. But now, it required three rooms.

Would it be Yurong and Hai Fu? Qianyi alone, and me alone?

...

As they reached the hotel, Wen Qianyi purposely lagged, walking by Li Yan’s side, whispering with a teasing smile, "Li Yan, you wouldn’t ask us to pay after checkout tomorrow, would you?"

Li Yan responded softly, "Uh... I don’t mind, you cunning fox, go ahead and fleece this innocent little lamb!"

Before knowing his true identity, Wen Qianyi wouldn’t have exploited him. Being a formidable Assassin, though his income was unclear, he must have decent earnings. She didn’t hold back with him. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Wen Qianyi chuckled lightly, "You saying that makes me feel bad about fleecing you."

Li Yan doubtfully eyed her. Would she really refrain from pranking someone given the chance? Her smile didn’t seem convincing!

Seeing them whisper, laughing at the back, the ones ahead had their minds turned, eager to eavesdrop. Zhang Yurong, Hai Fu, and Qiao Huanxuan were inwardly invested, only Bai Jie, clueless about their dynamics, wasn’t curious.

Wen Qianyi noticed their attention, opting to speak louder for them to hear. "You’re right; it’s money-saving. We’d only get half a day here—it’s too wasteful. How about... taking two bus stops across the street together to stay at Yu Xiaodi’s place? Her home is big enough for all of us!"

Li Yan was speechless. You’re helping me save money but leaving me in an awkward position. Setting aside whether Chen Mingying would let us stay, just her seeing me so late with you all would be alarming! It’d upset Xiaodi.

Others knew Wen Qianyi was joking. Li Yan couldn’t possibly stay over with them at Yu Xiaodi’s place; even if he agreed, they wouldn’t go!

"No need, there’s business to be made. There’ll be rooms. My treat!" Li Yan feigned generosity, quickening his pace to catch up.

Inside the hotel lobby, Qiao Huanxuan and Bai Jie didn’t follow them to the counter. With her room card, she took Li Yan’s bag to save Bai Jie from registering.

Li Yan and the other three reached the counter. Booking rooms was his forte, being a man, he was naturally tasked to arrange it. "We’d like one twin room and two double rooms."

Four people booking three rooms with a twin room meant ordinary friends. But the receptionist was a bit troubled, "Sorry, we have only one ocean-view twin room left."

Just one? The four felt a bit sweaty; with two rooms, they could squeeze in, but with one, how could they manage? (To be continued. For more updates on the story, please visit www.qidian.com, support the authors, and access official reading material!)