Top Soldier Pursued by a Beauty

The man before her was indeed handsome, with the kind of looks that women adored. Moreover, he was polite, with a smile on his lips; he was the very picture of a refined gentleman.

However, Lin Qingyun merely shook her head politely. "Sorry, it's not convenient."

The smile remained on the man's face as he said, "Beautiful lady, you seem to have been crying... If you don't mind, I could keep you company for a chat."

Lin Qingyun frowned slightly but still shook her head. "Sorry, there's really no need."

Just as the man was about to speak again, Zhao Dong's expression darkened. He clapped the man on the shoulder and said, "Hey, buddy, didn't you see me sitting here?"

The man started, looking at Zhao Dong with mild surprise. "And you are?"

"I'm her man. Now, can you leave?" Zhao Dong's gaze was unfriendly, his face flushing with anger. This guy is hitting on Lin Qingyun right in front of me. Does he think I'm just air?

Zhao Dong assumed the man would leave. Instead, the man extended his hand and smiled. "My apologies, sir. I didn't realize the lady had a companion. That was rude of me, but..."

His demeanor suddenly shifted as he spoke meaningfully, "However, I was observing you two from across the room for quite some time. Your relationship doesn't seem to be in a good place, and... you seem unable to offer her any comfort."

"Whether I can or not is none of your damn business," Zhao Dong said impatiently. "Go find somewhere else to cool off! What's wrong with you?"

The man's expression stiffened for a moment before he offered Zhao Dong a forced smile. "Sir, do you have any idea who I am?"

"I don't give a damn who you are. I'll say it one more time: get lost!"

The man spoke, his smile as warm and pleasant as a spring breeze, "My name is Ning Zifeng. I'm the CEO of East Sea's Dingyu Investment Company. I presume you've heard of it?"

Zhao Dong froze, his confused gaze shifting toward Yang Sixue and Lin Qingyun. At that moment, expressions of pure shock appeared on both women's faces. Zhao Dong might not know the name, but they certainly did.

Dingyu Investment Company was a firm that had emerged in East Sea just last year. In only twelve months, it had already completed three rounds of angel financing and earned the favor of dozens of angel investors. Its market valuation was already nearing seventeen billion yuan, and it was preparing to go public.

Moreover, rumors abounded about the young head of Dingyu Investment Company. He had reportedly returned from studying abroad just last year after completing all his MBA courses in the United States, where he'd even been featured as a cover model for MBA promotional materials.

There were countless legends surrounding this enigmatic owner. Rumor had it that he was exceptionally brilliant even in his school days, having started several companies valued at over one hundred million yuan. He was also said to have been sought after by many female celebrities abroad. Furthermore, it was said that upon his return to China, several companies had offered him an annual salary of over one hundred million yuan.

Every enterprise and stock he invested in had never seen a loss, and he was widely considered a business miracle.

Even Lin Qingyun felt an immense sense of curiosity and admiration for this legendary figure. She never expected that he would be the man standing right in front of her.

Lin Qingyun's and Yang Sixue's expressions changed completely, their faces etched with profound shock. It was obvious they knew exactly who this Ning Zifeng was.

Lin Qingyun and Yang Sixue even shot to their feet, Lin Qingyun's voice trembling with excitement. "You... You're Ning Zifeng? Mr. Ning?"

Ning Zifeng raised a handsome eyebrow, smiling at her. "Miss, have you heard of my name?"

"Of course! Mr. Ning, you're known as one of China's top young entrepreneurs and investors. In the business circles of East Sea, you're practically a household name! To be honest, I admire you a great deal. I'd like to propose a toast!"

Learning that the person before her was the head of Dingyu Investment, Lin Qingyun was naturally astounded. As a fellow young entrepreneur, I have to admit I can't compare to Ning Zifeng; he's practically a miracle worker. His business acumen, his strategic thinking... he has to be among the absolute top tier of young entrepreneurs our age.

Filled with admiration, Lin Qingyun stood and raised her glass.

Ning Zifeng smiled, giving her a deep look before raising his own glass. Just as the two were about to clink them together, a hand shot out between them, making both Lin Qingyun and Ning Zifeng frown.

Lin Qingyun looked over and saw Zhao Dong's large hand blocking the way, a cigarette dangling from his lips. He looked every bit the nonchalant rogue.

Lin Qingyun was taken aback. Frowning slightly, she lowered her voice. "Zhao Dong, what are you doing?"

Zhao Dong huffed around his cigarette. "Honey, you've had too much to drink. You can't have this one. I'll drink it for you."

Lin Qingyun bit her lip and glanced at Zhao Dong, hesitating. She really had drunk a little too much; her head was already spinning. She had acted on impulse a moment ago, but Zhao Dong's words brought her back to her senses. If she finished this glass, she'd probably pass out.

At this thought, an apologetic smile touched her lips. She turned to Ning Zifeng remorsefully. "Mr. Ning, I apologize, but I'm really not feeling well today and can't drink anymore. Please allow..." She glanced at Zhao Dong, cleared her throat twice, then continued, "Please allow my husband to drink this toast in my stead."

Ning Zifeng looked deeply at Lin Qingyun, an unconscious flicker of sorrow in his eyes.

He had extremely high standards. Countless women had tried to start a relationship with him over the past two years, but he hadn't found a single one of them worthy. It wasn't arrogance; he just found ordinary women to be just that—ordinary. Accustomed to a world of glamour and excess, and blessed with exceptional abilities, he genuinely had no interest in them.

But today, he saw Lin Qingyun.

For the first time ever, Ning Zifeng felt his heart stir. Lin Qingyun's appearance, her aura, her figure, her conversation, her style... Everything about her was exactly his type. He even suspected God had custom-made her just for him; he was mesmerized by every single thing about her. For a fleeting moment, he'd already thought of names for their future children.

And now he was being told that Lin Qingyun was married... that she had a husband.

A pang of pain shot through Ning Zifeng's heart, especially when he looked at Zhao Dong, who seemed like a slob and was a world away from him in every respect. It made his heart bleed. What a fine cabbage, trampled by a pig!

But Ning Zifeng was no ordinary person; he was deeply calculating. He simply smiled gently. "Since the lady is unwell, it's best not to drink. I don't mind."

As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Zhao Dong. His smile vanished, replaced by an indifferent expression tinged with disdain. Still, he clinked glasses with Zhao Dong and downed the drink in one go.

Zhao Dong also finished his in a single gulp, then looked at Ning Zifeng flatly. "The drink's finished. Isn't it time for you to leave?"

Ning Zifeng was stunned, a flash of anger in his eyes, but he restrained himself. He smiled at Lin Qingyun. "Beautiful lady, may I know your name?"

Lin Qingyun glanced at Zhao Dong before smiling lightly at Ning Zifeng. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ning, but my husband is here... I think you'll have to ask his opinion."

Ning Zifeng turned to Zhao Dong, forcing another smile. "Sir, I am the CEO of Dingyu Investment Company. It's possible I may have some business dealings with your wife in the future. If I'm not mistaken, she is also a businessperson, so I'd like to take the liberty of asking for her name. Would that be acceptable?"

Zhao Dong glanced at Lin Qingyun. "No."

Ning Zifeng was stunned, his expression souring. Lin Qingyun was also taken aback, not expecting Zhao Dong to be so graceless, and she couldn't help but give a quiet, bitter laugh.

Ning Zifeng gritted his teeth, his expression growing so dark he could barely contain his anger. He forced himself to remain civil. "Fine... In that case, I won't disturb you any longer. But I'll remember you, sir. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again."

With that, Ning Zifeng departed in a huff.

Zhao Dong plopped down beside Lin Qingyun and unceremoniously wrapped an arm around her waist, grinning. "Honey, who was that Mr. Ning?"

"He's the owner of Dingyu Investment," Lin Qingyun said lightly. "He's worth billions, a self-made man who built a business empire. He's brave, strategic, and has exceptional foresight and capability."

Zhao Dong rubbed his nose and huffed, "Isn't he just some investor? Why talk him up like he's so incredible? He wears a suit and looks the part, but who knows what he's really like underneath."

Lin Qingyun looked at Zhao Dong and suddenly chuckled. "Are you jealous?"

Zhao Dong rubbed his nose again. "Who's jealous? I just... can't stand phonies like him."

"Oh." Lin Qingyun fell silent, lost in her own thoughts. Zhao Dong squinted, his own mind elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Yang Sixue had already hit the dance floor and was dancing her heart out. She'd been under a lot of pressure lately, and coming here to let loose was her way of de-stressing.

Not far away, at another booth, Ning Zifeng sat with several others, sizing up Lin Qingyun and Zhao Dong with narrowed eyes. Soon, his phone buzzed with a new message. As he read its contents, his eyes slowly narrowed into slits.

Lin Qingyun... President of Lin Corporation... forced by public pressure into a flash marriage with some nobody named Zhao Dong... Tsk, tsk. This is getting more and more interesting.

Zhao Dong... A nobody with no background...

Ning Zifeng stroked his chin, his cold, calculating gaze fixed on Zhao Dong. An idea suddenly sparked. With a glint in his eye, Ning Zifeng picked up his phone and made a call.