Chapter 47: Raising Her Up Only to Destroy Her?

With a sense of trepidation, Lu Yao pressed the answer button.

Ye Yingtang’s voice was calm as he spoke: “Lawyer Lu, tell me where you live and I’ll have a driver pick you up. I need to speak with you.”

“I... I...” Lu Yao glanced around at her surroundings, then at Ye Zehong, who was watching her closely. Feeling somewhat guilty, she said, “Mr. Ye, perhaps you could just give me the address, and I’ll come to you.”

“Alright. I’ll be waiting for you at Hongyun Teahouse in half an hour.”

“Very well. See you then.”

After the call ended, Lu Yao was left with a tumult of emotions, her appetite vanishing in an instant.

Ye Zehong went back to his room to change into a white shirt, fastening his cufflinks as he walked toward her.

Lu Yao looked up at him, momentarily stunned.

Three years ago, when they had just begun their clandestine relationship, she had told him he looked especially handsome in simple, light-colored shirts—like a sheltered nobleman from ancient times, best admired from afar.

“Hongyun Teahouse is south of here. It’ll take about half an hour to get there,” Ye Zehong said, his brows raised in amusement. “But if you keep daydreaming like this, not even a private jet will get you there on time.”

Lu Yao almost blurted out, “Maybe I should just take a taxi!” but realized that in this exclusive district, only luxury cars came and went—a ride-hailing app would be of no use. Left with no choice, she got into Ye Zehong’s car.

...

Outside Hongyun Teahouse.

Ye Zehong pulled up the car and unfastened his seatbelt, preparing to get out.

Lu Yao caught his hand, asking in confusion, “Where are you going?”

He raised his brows towards the teahouse, the answer plain to see.

“I’ll go in by myself. Your father asked to see me,” Lu Yao said, worried about any slip-ups. She leaned over, refastened his seatbelt, and quickly got out, heading into the teahouse.

Ye Yingtang had arrived before her, already choosing a private room.

With uneasy nerves, Lu Yao pushed open the door and stepped inside. She immediately saw Ye Yingtang seated at the tea table, calmly enjoying tea and pastries.

“Lawyer Lu, you’re right on time,” Ye Yingtang greeted her with a kindly expression, waving her over. “Come, sit down and have some breakfast.”

Lu Yao sat down, taking a bite of pastry and a sip of floral tea.

“Lawyer Lu, I’ve reviewed your proposal. It surpasses even the work of Linda’s whole team,” Ye Yingtang praised.

“Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Ye. There are still areas that could be improved, and I’ll keep working hard,” Lu Yao replied cautiously.

“Your professional expertise is impressive. I have great faith in you.”

A faint unease crept into Lu Yao’s heart. Was he lifting her up just to bring her down?

As she suspected...

Ye Yingtang looked at her, smiled, and continued, “However, if you wish to compete with Dacheng Law Firm for Ye Group’s legal counsel for the next five years, you’re still lacking in some respects.”

Lu Yao asked, perplexed, “Mr. Ye, what do you mean?”

“I have a subsidiary, not yet merged into the group, that’s facing a difficult lawsuit. If you can handle it successfully, I’ll appoint you as Ye Group’s legal representative, as well as my personal attorney.”

“Mr. Ye... I...” Lu Yao was stunned, unable to believe such an opportunity had appeared so suddenly.

She quickly calmed herself, striving to appear composed, and asked steadily, “May I see the details of the case first?”

“Of course. But you should be prepared. This is a case where, in any other hands, the chance of victory is zero.” Ye Yingtang’s expression grew solemn. “But I believe, given your abilities, you can turn the tide and snatch victory from defeat.”

Listening to Ye Yingtang’s expectations, Lu Yao felt a chill run down her spine.