A Manipulative Green Tea and a Generous CEO

This date, in fact, had originally been arranged by the Jian family.

He had previously intended to meet the other party, yet before he could even communicate this, the other party had already taken the initiative to request a meeting.

Truth be told, Yi Siyu was the one being invited. For the inviting party to stand him up now would be a grave insult to both families.

Yet, when it came to the green-haired youth he had seen in the photograph that day, Yi Siyu found himself utterly uncertain about his demeanor and actions.

The youth depicted in the photo was a seductive enchantress, akin to a wildcat.

Furthermore, if Xie Fei’s words were to be believed, this little wildcat had absolutely no qualms about engaging in unconventional behavior, proving even more rebellious than a typical teenager.

“Siyu, don’t trust what the Jian family says too much. Their own people can’t even manage this little good-for-nothing. This good-for-nothing throws a fit and threatens suicide at the slightest disagreement—he’s completely unhinged!”

“I don’t understand why you’d marry him. Even if the Jian family is the most suitable for a political marriage with the Yi family, shouldn’t the partner at least be a normal person for the alliance to work out?”

Xie Fei genuinely felt it was unfair to his childhood friend. While people like them couldn’t escape the fate of family-arranged marriages, Xie Fei still hoped his friend would find someone considerate and obedient. An overly dramatic type would only bring chaos to the household.

“Oh, he definitely isn’t coming today! Come on, I’ll take you to a private room upstairs for a bit.”

Just as Xie Fei was certain that the Jian family’s good-for-nothing wouldn’t show, Yi Siyu’s phone vibrated twice in his pocket.

The man picked up his phone and saw a text message from an unknown number:

[Mr. Yi, hello, I am Jian Ye. I didn’t see you at ‘Night of Rain’. Were you delayed on the way?]

Less than two seconds later, a second message arrived:

[If you have urgent matters to attend to, just let me know, and we can reschedule.]

Yi Siyu: “…”

Xie Fei: “???”

Xie Fei’s eyes were too sharp; he accidentally caught sight of the message content.

He was utterly astonished, pointing at the phone and stammering, “That little good-for-nothing… he actually came?! He’s ab-absolutely lying! I really didn’t see any green-haired person enter my shop! Make him tell you his section and table number!”

As if hearing Xie Fei’s words, the phone vibrated again.

[I’m sitting at table C4. I pre-ordered an iced Americano for you. If you’re not coming, I’ll just drink it myself.]

Xie Fei choked. “Cough, cough, cough…”

Both men simultaneously looked up, scanning the C section.

Because their view was obstructed by a decorative pillar, they could only vaguely make out half of a person’s dark hair, slightly curled at the ends. A slender wrist reached across the table to the opposite seat, cautiously picking up the untouched iced Americano, much like a cat sneaking a forbidden treat.

Xie Fei cursed under his breath. “Damn it! No one told me he dyed his hair black! I… I apologize, I didn’t get all the information… Siyu, you… Hey!”

Before Xie Fei could finish his rambling, the man’s long legs were already striding in that direction.

The slightly curled hair and slender wrist were strikingly familiar, making him eager to investigate.

The man had an indescribable intuition that he had seen the person behind the pillar somewhere other than in a photograph.

Over the short distance, his heart quickened.

He believed the truth lay just beyond the pillar, yet after circling it, he found his view still obstructed.

A bouquet of white flowers, dotted with green buds, stood before the youth’s table. This very bouquet happened to obscure the youth’s face, but from the visible movements, it was clear the youth was secretly drinking coffee.

Perhaps ‘secretly’ wasn’t the right word; this coffee had, after all, been ordered by the other party, even if it was their second cup, consumed under the assumption he would stand them up.

Jian Ye had already sensed the undeniable gaze from above. At this moment, he still tried hard to pretend he hadn’t noticed the man, sipping his iced Americano one mouthful at a time.

“Hello.” The man finally couldn’t help but interrupt the youth’s coffee-drinking.

Upon seeing that pale wrist, a faint answer had already formed in his mind. Now, with a slight shift of his gaze, he fully bypassed the obstructing bouquet to clearly see the youth’s pure, bright eyes.

He couldn’t quite describe the feeling; it was both unexpected and yet, somehow, perfectly logical.

Today, Yi Siyu felt his perceptiveness had significantly dulled. He should have realized it when the youth mentioned Jinghua Street.

In fact, earlier clues should have been evident in the information Assistant Xu had provided.

The details about Jian Ye stated his romantic partner was Yu Wei.

And that day, the youth had been pitifully bullied by Yu Wei on the street…

Everything clicked into place.

‘During a relationship and after a breakup, one’s style completely changes,’ Yi Siyu mused.

However, it was understandable. After suffering emotional trauma, a person would naturally embark on a new chapter in life.

Jian Ye’s round eyes widened as he witnessed his future ‘new chapter’.

He nervously set down the coffee cup. “Is… is that you?” Then, as if remembering something, he called out uncertainly, “Mr. Yi Siyu?”

“It’s me.” The man’s lips curled into a slight smile as he gracefully took a seat opposite the youth.

He seemed quite pleased with Jian Ye’s reaction.

And Jian Ye was equally pleased.

[Jian Ye: As expected, the Protagonist Gong is calm. But usually, in such situations, protagonists are two-faced. His first impression of me should be completely overturned. All the ‘unintentional’ actions are for the ‘intentional’ achievement of a goal. The kind of green tea who actively clings is rather low-level. To gain Green Tea Points from the male lead, one must pay attention to details.]

[System 748: Slow down, I can’t keep up.]

The System expressed that it had never encountered such a host who understood the process so well, indicating extensive reading experience.

The youth’s cheeks were flushed, now even more noticeable against the white bouquet on the table, appearing exceptionally vibrant and lovely.

Jian Ye remained surprised for a moment before saying helplessly, “Can there truly be such a coincidence in this world? Just ten minutes ago, Mr. Yi, you and I were in the same car…”

“I also didn’t expect it to be you,” Yi Siyu said sincerely, though his expression remained largely unchanged.

But just as Jian Ye had guessed, his heart was far from calm.

He had envisioned various scenarios for today’s meeting: arguments, misunderstandings, awkwardness, coldness, causing trouble, an unhappy parting?

None of it had happened.

Who would have thought that the Jian family’s troublesome good-for-nothing was the pitiful ‘stray dog’ from the street that day?

If his marriage partner was this youth… Yi Siyu felt his level of acceptance would be much higher.

Rumors were unreliable; seeing was believing.

Jian Ye glanced down at the coffee he had drunk more than half of. “Ah! I’m sorry, I’ll order another one for you! What would you like to drink?”

Yi Siyu replied, “It’s fine, I was the one who arrived late. I’ll order myself. And thank you for ordering coffee for me earlier; I also enjoy iced Americano.”

“That… this is a flower I bought for you.” The youth shyly scratched his head. “It’s my first time meeting you, and I didn’t know what gift to bring. I saw this bouquet of white Eustoma and thought it was beautiful, so I bought it.”

Yi Siyu paused, initially thinking it was merely part of the coffee shop’s table decor, only to realize it was Jian Ye’s thoughtful gesture.

The pure, flawless flowers perfectly matched the temperament of the person before him.

[Ding—Green tea element detected! Green Tea Points +10.]

[Jian Ye: Oh ho! There it is, there it is!]

[System 748: Wow! Host, you’re amazing! So the detail you mentioned was sending flowers?]

[Jian Ye: It’s not really sending flowers. I just wanted the Protagonist Gong to unbind my impression as a ‘drama queen’ for this little cannon fodder. This little brother also understands social etiquette; this little brother can also be gentle and romantic.]

[System 748: Host, I understand. You’re not just any ordinary green tea; you’re a manipulative green tea.]

[Jian Ye: Exactly, I’m fishing for Green Tea Points!]

[System 748: Don’t you feel anything for a male lead like this?]

[Jian Ye: I wouldn’t dare. I’ll just honestly be a transparent tool. Although paper characters are attractive, how can they compare to the allure of Green Tea Points? I’m more excited about unlocking the system store!]

[System 748: Alright, just don’t get slapped in the face later.]

[Jian Ye: What did you say?]

[System 748: Nothing. Host is awesome.]

“Thank you, these flowers are beautiful.” Yi Siyu did not act polite with Jian Ye; he always conducted himself straightforwardly, and now admitted, “I don’t have any gifts for you at the moment, but on the day we get our marriage certificate, I can give you property in Cherry Mountain. I have over a dozen properties there; you can choose a few then.”

Holy crap!!!

[Jian Ye: I’ve really landed a true domineering CEO! I remember that houses in Cherry Mountain are priceless. A domineering CEO just casually hands out several properties. Suddenly, I feel this bouquet of flowers is too cheap.]

System 748 diligently recorded in its small notebook: A manipulative green tea can fish for houses.

Jian Ye felt a little embarrassed, hesitating to speak.

As if knowing what the other party wanted to say, the ‘domineering CEO’ spoke directly: “This is my personal gift to you, unrelated to the political marriage between our two families. Just accept it peacefully; the Jian family won’t know.”

“I…” Jian Ye hadn’t actually been worried about the Jian family finding out, but Yi Siyu’s words were indeed comforting.

Considering Jian Ye’s awkward position in the Jian family previously, this action would implicitly provide the youth with a sense of security.

After all, the Jian family, those wolves, were only sending Jian Ye into a political marriage for business interests.

“I’m a straightforward person, so I’ll get straight to the purpose and main points of this meeting.” After the initial surprise, Yi Siyu quickly reverted to the male lead’s usual business-like demeanor. “I know you likely have many reservations about this political marriage, but I promise to provide you with the material conditions you deserve after marriage. I won’t interfere with your normal social activities or preferences. If, for instance…”

“I have no reservations!” Jian Ye responded swiftly.

Talking to a straightforward person was so much simpler; he wanted to get this plot point over with quickly!

The author had already set in stone the plot of cannon fodder Jian Ye marrying the Protagonist Gong. His task was simply to follow through with the designated storyline.

Besides, the man was already talking about giving him property. How could a male lead with such initiative not be incredibly reasonable?

Wasn’t this a million times better than that Yu Wei character? What kind of supreme ‘Emperor Prawn’ was the original owner?

“Mr. Yi, I have all my relevant documents ready. We can go get our marriage certificate anytime.”

The youth’s eyes sparkled, like stars in the sky or sunshine on glazed tiles. His curled eyelashes fluttered, causing Yi Siyu’s heart to skip a beat.

He looked entirely different from the ‘stray dog’ drenched in rain that day. Yi Siyu could almost see the ‘doggy’ before him happily wagging its tail, obedient and well-behaved, begging to be taken home.

So adorable, he wanted to pet him.