Chapter Forty-Six: Leaving Nothing Behind

“I don’t even have a boyfriend right now, so how am I supposed to tell?” Dong Jie added, her cheeks flushing even more.

Would Brother Chen misunderstand? Her little heart was pounding.

“When your fate comes, you’ll know naturally. Just don’t agree impulsively—think thrice before you act,” Chen Siyuan said, stopping just short of elaboration.

His approach had the finesse of a seasoned angler.

Just then, the landlady began bringing out the dishes. This humble eatery’s stewed delicacy was a signature, so the food arrived swiftly.

Chen Siyuan didn’t hesitate; he picked up his chopsticks and began tasting.

Honestly, the flavor was extraordinary!

Truly, to savor genuine cuisine, one needed a guide who had already braved the pitfalls.

Finding a place that prepared stewed dishes this delicious was no easy feat!

“Don’t just think about it—you try some too. It tastes really good!” Dong Jie glanced at Chen Siyuan and smiled.

“As long as you like it, Brother Chen. I forgot to ask your opinion before ordering,” she said, sticking out her tongue apologetically.

She was charming in a delightful way.

Chen Siyuan looked up at Dong Jie’s pure, lily-like face and couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sentiment.

In the original timeline, how many regarded her as a pristine lotus!

When the rumors spread that she had been seen clutching a pig and gnawing on it, countless hearts shattered.

“Brother Chen… Brother Chen…” Dong Jie felt a bit embarrassed under his gaze.

Yet deep inside, there was an inexplicable sweetness.

Chen Siyuan paid no mind to being noticed, continuing to savor the stew.

At that moment, he seemed to revert to his swaggering days in New York City.

Whether it was the innocent campus belle or the stunningly beautiful married woman, if Chen Siyuan set his sights on someone, there was no escape.

For a time, his ambition was to achieve the legendary “ten-thousand conquests” in Haikou, as Chamberlain had once boasted.

But then, in a moment of recklessness, he entered a sham marriage with the fairy-like mother, and with a son already born, the act became reality, abruptly halting his romantic escapades.

Now back in the country, his restless heart was stirring again.

After all, the Chinese entertainment industry was brimming with beautiful young stars waiting for his rescue.

Like Dong Jie right before him.

He would never let that ugly man taint her again!

“Pure lotus, bring it on!” Chen Siyuan’s inner voice shouted.

---

Dong Jie was completely at Chen Siyuan’s mercy.

He said nothing, and she dared not speak either.

Nervously, she accompanied him in eating the stew.

Had she said something wrong?

Or failed to grasp Brother Chen’s meaning?

Dong Jie plunged into deep self-doubt.

“All right, thank you for the hospitality. I should be going,” Chen Siyuan said after finishing, wiping his mouth and standing up.

Dong Jie hurried to stand as well.

“Brother Chen, can I have your contact information?” she asked.

Chen Siyuan smiled warmly, looking at her for a long moment before replying, “Sure.”

Dong Jie exhaled in relief.

They exchanged phone numbers.

Her contact saved under “Brother Chen.”

His under “Pure Lotus Dong.”

“When can we meet again? I have some questions about ‘The Story of the Golden Powder Family’ I'd like to consult you on,” Dong Jie said, secretly giving herself a mental pat on the back.

Well done, Dong Jie! You’re quite the clever one!

Chen Siyuan’s lips curved into a smirk. “If fate wills it, we shall meet again! I have things to attend to, so I’ll be off now!”

Without a backward glance, Chen Siyuan left the humble eatery, leaving Dong Jie staring after his dashing figure.

“Miss, do you want the rest of the dishes brought out?” the landlady suddenly popped her head from the kitchen, interrupting Dong Jie’s daydreaming.

“Oh, no, thank you, landlady. I’ll settle the bill,” Dong Jie replied, blushing and hurriedly preparing to pay.

“That man’s obviously wealthy and influential. Such people don’t put all their eggs in one basket. You’d better be cautious; don’t rush in blindly,” the landlady advised, accepting Dong Jie’s payment and offering a seasoned piece of advice.

Dong Jie’s eyes flickered nervously. “Thank you, landlady.”

She then dashed out like a frightened rabbit.

The landlady shook her head helplessly.

Another one who won’t listen.

“Stronger than the destined one! Stronger than the destined one…” Dong Jie’s fleeing steps slowed, her lips murmuring the words repeatedly.

“Perhaps no one is stronger than Brother Chen,” she thought, her face instantly burning red.

---

On her way back to her place, Dong Jie made a detour to the bookstore to buy the novel *The Story of the Golden Powder Family*.

She had to prepare thoroughly; she couldn’t disappoint Brother Chen!

Meanwhile, Chen Siyuan had already returned home.

Entering his room, he saw Liu Xiaoli packing her luggage.

“Why are you packing?” Chen Siyuan asked, puzzled.

“Siyuan, the Moscow Grand Theater officially contacted me, wanting me to guide *The Death of the New Swan*. I really can’t refuse,” Liu Xiaoli said apologetically, feeling guilty for agreeing without consulting Chen Siyuan.

He immediately understood. “It’s fine. Going will reinforce your standing in the world dance community!”

“Thank you, Siyuan!” Liu Xiaoli hugged him emotionally.

Chen Siyuan whispered into her ear, “I’ve sent that annoying Chen Zehan off to White Cloud Temple. No one will disturb us tonight!”

Liu Xiaoli’s emotion turned shy. Blushing, she playfully hit Chen Siyuan, “You’re so improper!”

Despite her words, that night Liu Xiaoli gave Chen Siyuan unparalleled satisfaction.

After all, Liu Xiaoli was now a world-class ballet master, naturally exuding the aura of a global maestro.

Chen Siyuan’s standards had risen accordingly.

Out of gratitude, Liu Xiaoli completely let go of her inhibitions.

Having created her own ballet style, there was no pose she couldn’t attempt.

Though it strained her waist, the pleasure was undeniable.

Chen Siyuan found himself reluctant to let her leave.

Unfortunately, the schedule was set.

The next day, Liu Xiaoli departed with the officials on a trip to a northern country.

Chen Siyuan had just sent the mischievous brat to White Cloud Temple.

Now, he was to face an empty home alone.

At that moment, Wang Changtian called Chen Siyuan over.

“Siyuan, Li Dawei contacted me. He says you want to invest in his project *The Story of the Golden Powder Family*?”

At a small bar near Houhai, Wang Changtian poured Chen Siyuan a glass of wine.

“Yes, find out how much is needed. I’ll allocate funds to Guangxian separately,” Chen Siyuan nodded.

Though Guangxian was under his control, this investment was a personal matter.

Wang Changtian clinked glasses with him. “So you’re quite optimistic about Li Dawei?”

“I’m optimistic about *The Story of the Golden Powder Family.* As for Li Dawei, with his backing, there’s no way it’ll fail. It’s definitely going to be a hit!”