CHAPTER 140: CHAPTER 140: NOT DARING TO TELL HIM THE TRUTH

She herself couldn’t quite understand why his words made her so happy, but inexplicably, a joyous smile spread across her delicate face.

The originally youthful and radiant face now carried an indescribable charm.

Even though Yan Ting couldn’t understand what she was happy about, when he saw the curve of her lips, inexplicably, his own mood improved quite a bit.

"I’m not going back for dinner tonight!" Yan Ting brushed past her with a facade of indifference, his long strides carrying him toward his private elevator.

Lin Banxia froze for a moment before jogging to catch up behind him. "Oh, then I’ll take a cab back later."

"I want to treat you to dinner tonight." Yan Ting came to a graceful stop, causing the jogging Lin Banxia to unexpectedly collide right into his back.

The sound that landed by her ear was the man’s faint and teasing laughter.

Lin Banxia was utterly stunned. Even though her heart had felt heavy all day due to what Huo Qinglin said earlier, upon hearing Yan Ting’s laugh, Lin Banxia felt as though her mood had lightened. She realized that if Yan Ting promised her something, he would definitely make it happen.

He had said he would protect the pear garden’s safety, and he would surely follow through, wouldn’t he?

The unintended collision left Lin Banxia’s face flushed a deep red. She could only lower her head meekly and quietly follow beside him.

Looking at the delicate, milk-like face that almost resembled jade, now painted with a hint of blush, Yan Ting couldn’t explain why his mood had grown even better.

"Why are you treating me to dinner tonight?" On the way to the restaurant, Lin Banxia, who had been silent, suddenly asked him curiously.

"No reason. I want to treat you to dinner. Do I need a reason for that?" Yan Ting replied with aloof confidence.

Lin Banxia paused, then thought to herself—true, for someone like him, a wealthy young master who lacked for nothing, treating someone to an expensive dinner was hardly a big deal.

"I never asked you before, but what did Huo Qinglin say to you today? Why did your expression remain off for the rest of the day?" Yan Ting had wanted to ask her earlier at work but was too busy until now.

Lin Banxia shook her head and replied softly, "It’s nothing much."

She couldn’t possibly tell Yan Ting that Huo Qinglin claimed he was deceiving her. If she said so, it would make her seem distrustful of him, and she feared it might stir up unnecessary trouble on the calm surface.

Better to avoid trouble where possible. Yan Ting was her sole hope for now, and she didn’t want to tear apart the lifeline that was finally within her grasp.

"You don’t say it, but I can already guess." The man’s deep and inscrutable gaze locked onto hers. The self-assurance and stubborn pride in his eyes were undoubtedly the most brazen she had ever seen.

Lin Banxia’s beautiful eyes flickered slightly as she avoided meeting his penetrating gaze.

His eyes couldn’t be stared into for long. They were like black holes, containing a hidden light that would irresistibly draw people in.

"Really? Then tell me, what did he say?" Lin Banxia had originally intended to keep it from him, but she doubted she could manage it any longer.

Yan Ting’s handsome, thin lips pulled into a faintly cold smile. "Nothing more than accusing me of tricking you into handing over the pear garden’s rights, am I right?"

Lin Banxia’s heart skipped a beat. This man truly could guess everything—how terrifying.

"Yes, he did say something like that." Lin Banxia didn’t deny it, quietly awaiting Yan Ting’s answer, curious and apprehensive about how he would respond.

What others said, she wouldn’t believe. But every word Yan Ting uttered was directly tied to her deepest concerns.

Yan Ting didn’t reply to her immediately. Instead, after a few seconds of silence, his deep eyes scanned her again. "What do you think?"