First Encounter

Somewhere in the forest, there were a young woman and a young man. The image was a little blurry but the situation felt real. Both of them were running until they were out of breath in an ancient outfits. As they reached a safe hide out, they felt slightly at ease.

The girl’s clothes pointed to her noble status. She has a palm sized face, tiny high bridge nose, and a lovely rosy lips. She was as pretty as goddess with a snow like flawless skin. Her double eyelid eyes were bright, yet one could feel her regrets and sadness through her sight apart from her beauty and wealth.

“You know... if I could choose, I don’t want to be born as a princess. I want a simple life with you...” she smiled bitterly. “Even if I’m poor, maybe I will be happier and free.”

“Princess... I won’t let you suffer, even if you’re not a noble lady.” The young man hugged her tightly, with a determination he said to her, “No matter what, I will only love you! I will try my hardest to be with you! I’ll find some ways to make myself a prince or an emperor if you are a princess, don’t you worry!”

It seems they were lovers, who couldn’t be together due to their social status. The young man was a normal merchant and the young lady was a princess. In that era, even a rich merchant was not to be compared to a noble blood, while the young lady had to be married to a royal blood.

Pang!!

Someone hit the young man from behind that he started to lose focus. The other men took the princess away.

“I promise, I will find you, my princess... because you are the only one I love...” The young man mumbled as he fell on the ground as another punches landed on him harshly until he passed out.

No one knew what happened to both of them after that.

——-

“Hah!!” Asher Huo jolted awake by the weird dream he had been having repeatedly for the past 2 weeks.

Everytime he had that ancient lovers dream, he was certain that he was the young man there. Also, the part when someone hit the young man drove him terribly uncomfortable although he didn’t feel any pain.

Asher Huo didn’t have any idea about the ‘princess’ in his dream nor he had a hobby in watching tv dramas. Honestly, she was his ideal type if she did exist.

Alas, it was not common to have a same dream for several times, his instinct told him there must have been something about the dream.

———-

Moonlight Bar.

A group consisted of 4 young good looking men set their feet in the entrance of a new lavish bar, where the high tier escort ladies actively came to them. Everyone could tell, the young men were all from a prominent family in the capital.

‘This place became so popular, recently. Let’s have a good drink tonight!’ Tony Huang looked pretty enthusiastic and pleased, his arms were dragged by the lively ladies.

Tony Huang was easy to get along with, he often smiled and his features were gentle. Therefore, people considered him as the friendliest one.

Among those young men, the most attractive one was Asher Huo, a young powerful CEO of Golden Crane Corporation, the well known gigantic company in the capital. The man was tall and his face was like a masterpiece of God with a set of peach blossom eyes, high bridge nose, and beautiful lips. No matter from which angle he was seen, he was incredibly handsome. His dark hair was styled elegantly, showing off some part of his nice forehead, while his high quality business outfit wrapped his tall body, made him look incredibly stunning.

No wonder, all the ladies couldn’t take their eyes off of Asher Huo. He caused their heart pounding crazily by just seeing him in person. However, his charismatic aura, somehow made the ladies feel they don’t deserve to approach him while couldn’t resist it either. He’s like a king in their eyes.

While they were heading to the reserved VIP room, they were interrupted by a little commotion in one of the VIP room. The door was left opened that everyone could see what was happening.

“I’m sorry, sir, I’m just a waitress. I only serve drinks here, nothing more than that.” A firm tone came out from the girl in waitress uniform, who were standing in front of the coffee table.

From the door, the girl has a long shiny hair, her voice was sweet, her skin was exquisitely smooth and fair. The tight fitting uniform emphasized her beautiful slim figures, her curves were easily noticed, and she was full in the right places. She wasn’t that tall, but her legs were pretty long and slender.

The escort ladies felt awkward facing the incident in that room, they hurriedly apologized to the young men in the name of the Moonlight Bar. Although the young men didn’t blame the bar, they were quite impressed on how they were trained to behave in this kind situation to preserve the good mood of the guests.

Tony Huang asked one of the escort lady beside him, “Did she make a mistake?”

“I don’t think so... She is a pretty girl and Mr. Gao is a perverted man. I think he had an eye for her. Anyway, Mr. Gao never respects women in this bar, treat us really bad even to a waitress like her who only serves drinks, yet we can’t do anything due to his influential status. Everyone tried to avoid him although he is a regular customer. She is a new waitress, she must not know about Mr. Gao. How unlucky for her to meet him!” The escort lady explained.

Inside the room, the arguments went on.

“Who do you think you are that you brave enough to reject me?!!” A bald old man, whose name was Mr. Gao, scolded the girl angrily.

At the same time, two man in black suits tried to seized the girl.

The girl fiercely warned them as she swung her tray randomly in order to defend herself, “Don’t touch me!”

In the speed of light, Asher Huo, who were in silence since earlier, barged inside the room, gently patted the girl’s hand, and stood by the girl as he stopped Mr. Gao’s men.

Everyone was stunned by his quick action.

Asher Huo was never short on pretty girls, he even frequently hung out with lots of different girls, he was recognized as a casanova. Having a perfect appearance and a great power in business world, it wasn’t too exaggerate to say, that by just curling his finger, thousands of girls would happily give themselves. However, he never meddled in other’s business, or stole someone’s woman, or like what he just did now.

“Mr. Gao, your taste is not bad! Unfortunately, I, Asher Huo, had my eye on her first. She’s expected to meet me, but she’s held by you... I don’t like to wait, you know...” Asher Huo spoke in a cold arrogant tone. His eyes stared sharply to the bald man. He told a lie to save the girl. It sounded very convincing, though.

Despite her astonishment, the girl took the chance to play along with what Asher Huo uttered, “I’m sorry, I should have informed you earlier...”

Mr. Gao gritted his teeth, he was furious at both of them but tried to stay silent for a while.

In spite of the fact that Asher Huo and the waitress probably just made an excuse, Mr. Gao wasn’t stupid, he understood he couldn’t afford to offend Asher Huo or he might face difficulties in his business later on.

Asher Huo was young, but he was undoubtedly sharp-witted, extremely capable, and ruthless in business world. Compared to him, Mr. Gao was nothing. Therefore, he held his anger and hurriedly forced a smile.

“Ah, is that so? I apologize, then, Mr. Huo!” Mr. Gao stood up and signaled his men to go away.

Asher Huo pulled the waitress out of the room to a quiet area, while his friends had gone to the reserved VIP room.

Earlier, he didn’t take a good look on her, but he sense a familiarity on her that he rushed to help her from Mr. Gao.

“Um, thank you for your help!” Candice Lin, the waitress, politely thanked Asher Huo.

He nodded a little.

Looking at her goddess like face, Asher Huo was flabbergasted. He couldn’t believe his eyes..

At the moment, he was confirmed that she was indeed the beautiful princess in his repeated dream. No wonder she looked so familiar. It was her!!

Asher Huo experienced a mix emotions in his heart that he never had towards the other women, one of them was inexplicable attraction.

How could this be? Did he have sixth sense or something?

His grip on her slim wrist tightened. His peach blossom eyed looked at her intensely as if he wanted to see her soul. Slowly, his handsome face got closer to her.

Candice Lin was confused by what he was doing. They are only an inch apart. She realized, the man in front of her was very gorgeous that her cheeks began to blush a little.

Wait! Did he intend to get an advantage from her?

Spontaneously, Candice Lin stepped hard on his foot as she was unhappy on how he behaved and yelled loudly, “Pervert!!”

“Ugh!” He cried.

It was absolutely painful, especially when the foot was stepped on by the heel of a high heel shoe.

At the very same time, the manager of the bar quickly approached them and was very panicked seeing what Candice Lin did to the mighty Asher Huo.

The manager scolded her without mercy, “I could understand what you did to Mr. Gao, but now, you rudely offend Mr. Huo!!! Don’t you know who he is???! Miss Lin, you are a disgraced to our bar! You are FIRED!!”

Hearing the manager, Asher Huo intended to speak for her, but he let her be scolded and got fired by the manager in the end for her sake. Working in a bar was too risky for her, he thought.

Nevertheless, he would find a way to properly get close to her. He couldn’t held down his curiosity.

Candice Lin only bowed down her head in silence. Whatever reasons she had, the manager wouldn’t believe her. It wasn’t her first time getting scolded or fired, although it was her first time she got fired while working for only 2 days.

Asher Huo turned his sight to her quiet face. He felt sorry for her.

“We apologize for Miss Lin rudeness, Mr. Huo! Please forgive us and hope you have an enjoyable time at our place.” The Manager bowed deeply several times at Asher Huo.

Candice Lin left Asher Huo with the manager as she went to the staff room to change her clothes.

———

In front of the bar, a heavy rain was pouring.

Candice Lin in her simple outfit was standing beside the road while waiting for the rain to stop that she lost in her thoughts.

Her mother has been in hospital for so long, it costed a fortune. She had sold their house and things. The worse part, her mother condition didn’t show any improvement. What’s more, currently, her other little jobs had almost reached the contract due date and she just got fired. She had to be ready to find another jobs or she will have no money to pay all the expenses, including her apartment rent.

At this rate, she was threatened to be homeless in a less than a month.

Asher Huo had just come out from the bar, he lost his mood to drink with his peers, so, he left early.

His steps stopped when he caught her on his sight.

It was a miracle that he actually met the girl in his dream. Even though he wasn’t sure why he had a special thing with her, either due to his dream or other, he really like her.

He walked towards her while admiring her excellent side profile. Her beauty was unparalleled, even with no make up or dazzling clothes, she was naturally breathtaking, he thought. Sadly, she seemed to have a lot in her mind.

“I only know, you are Miss Lin. May I have the honour to send you home?” Asher Huo greeted her with his charming smile.

Candice Lin snapped from her thoughts, her bright eyes met his sharp peach blossom eyes.

“Mr. Asher Huo.” She greeted him quickly.

“That’s me. Good, you remember me!” He slipped one of his hand in his trousers pocket. “Let me send you home!”

Little did anyone know, Candice Lin had a bad impression on rich people, especially a rich casanova like Asher Huo. In her perception, most of them had a habit to solve their problems with money all the time and lack of respect to people less fortunate than them. In short, they value money more than a person’s heart.

‘Thank you, but, no, Thank You!” She smiled coldly.

Despite the bad weather, she stormed herself away under the pouring rain, leaving the handsome man alone with no chance to speak another word.

Asher Huo furrowed his swords like eyebrows, but then, he smirked a little as he called his assistant while getting into his luxurious black car.

“I want you to gather a detail information of a woman. Her surname is Lin. She was a waitress at moonlight bar and just got fired.”

Bad Day

The rain had stopped. Candice Lin was fully drenched as she had been running under the rain. She felt cold when the wind blew on her.

Her gaze flew to a mini market on the opposite of the road.

“Should I get myself a warm drinks?” She thought hard.

Sigh. She dropped the idea when she realized the amount of money she had left. Just for a little drinks, she had to think twice.

There was time when she wondered if she was terribly unlucky in money or finding a job? Was she a thief in her past life or did she make a wrong wish?

Well, at least, she was quite grateful to learn that apart from how important money was, preserving a good heart was what matter the most.

Her financial situation was hard but she never made a fuzz out of it. She only hope her mother could be cured and she was able to make her happy.

As she was going to continue her step, a voice interupted her from behind.

“Candice Lin?” A woman about the same age as Candice Lin called out arrogantly.

The woman had slender built and her overall face was not bad and well maintained. She had her coloured hair nicely styled. In addition, how she did her make up had made her looks appeared much better. Wearing a formal work outfit with a well known international brand bag hung over her shoulder, indicating she had a well paid job, which was great in people’s opinion.

Candice Lin turned her body towards the woman, whose voice she recognized well, “Jeanice Wu.”

Jeanice Wu was her classmate during the time she was still in the university, they were in the same language faculty. Their relationship was never good from the beginning they met each other, even after they were graduated.

The reason behind Janice Wu hatred towards Candice Lin was presumably jealousy.

During their university days, Candice Lin was recognized as the number one school belle and the well liked student with the best grade. Apart from appearance issue, the competitive Jeanice Wu couldn’t surpass her in academic aspect too, it frustrated her.

Considering how admirable Candice Lin was, it was expected that a bunch of boys competed to pursue her. One of them was Victor Zhu of Business Department, the rich and the most popular boy. Jeanice Wu, who fell in love with him, couldn’t accept the fact that her feelings was unrequited because he was too busy to court Candice Lin.

In spite of so many good looking boys from wealthy background courting her, Candice Lin solely focused on her study and never got close to any man, not to mention engage in a relationship. As a result, some of her peers labeled her as too arrogant or picky or sometimes hypocrite behind her back.

Jeanice Wu didn’t like this side of Candice Lin either. While Candice Lin was not that easy to be openly bullied, they were usually only ended up with being sarcastic to each other. It didn’t affect Candice Lin much, though.

Over the time, Jeanice Wu hatred escalated. In their last year of university, she learnt that Candice Lin was brought up by a single mother, not rich, and didn’t have any backers nor particular power. While Jeanice Wu had a far more prominent family background, she took the opportunity to vent her jealousy by breaking Candice Lin’s wing, forcing her rival entirely defeated.

Using her family connections, Jeanice Wu succeeded in spreading false rumors and getting almost all related company not to hire Candice Lin regardless her capability, although she managed to be graduated.

Only a few months ago, Candice Lin figured the ugly truth out by coincidence.

“How about I treat you for a hot chocolate?” Jeanice Wu asked mockingly seeing Candice Lin in her worst state. “You will have to spent some money for the medicines, if you catch a cold. I’m afraid you can’t afford it...”

Jeanice Wu was the last person, Candice Lin wanted to see in this situation. Yet, she bumped into her. What an unlucky day!

“You are so concern as always. Don’t trouble yourself to worry about me!” Candice Lin replied calmly but there was a trace of coldness in her tone. “By the way, you seem to have a good job, but I think there is another job that suits you even more... maybe you’ll make more money from it.”

Candice Lin turned around and walked home, ignoring Jeanice Wu, who clearly cheered for her misfortune deep inside her mind.

When Candice Lin reached her deserted tiny apartment, the madam who owned the building had been waiting for her.

“Madam Ding, it’s already so late... what’s the matter?” Candice Lin asked politely.

Madam Ding showed her troubled face, but she still uttered what she had to say, “Miss Lin, I can understand your situation, but, I can only give you time to pay the rent by the end of the month. After that, you have to move out. You see, I’m going to sell it off.”

Candice Lin was staggered for a moment listening to Madam Ding words. Her hands were getting cold.

End of this month was only 10 days from now! If she could find one more job tomorrow, maybe paying the rent was not an issue. But what job? Not to mention, she had to move out. Where was she going to stay if she had not enough money to pay for another rent in advance?

She bit her lower lip. Her hands clenched into a fist.

“Madam Ding...” Candice Lin tried to negotiate anxiously.

“Sorry, It’s been decided. I hope you understand.” Madam Ding cut her before she begged for anything and left her alone.

Candice Lin’s mouth was open and close for several times as if she wanted to say something but not a word came out. She put both of her palms on her face as she tried to calm herself and face the reality for some time before she went inside her apartment.

After she was done showering, Candice Lin served herself a hot ginger tea. Her mind was in a mess.

What should she do?

As she sipped the ginger tea, an idea popped in her mind. She could be a freelance interpreter, couldn’t she?

Without wasting another time, she prepared everything she might need to do the job.

Next Morning.

Candice Lin didn’t know how and when she fell asleep. When she woke up, she was still behind the coffee table. Her body was terribly tired, but she had no choice to get herself ready for the day.

After having her breakfast and got herself well presentable, she hurriedly went to visit her mother in the hospital.

When she reached her mother’s ward, she saw her pale mother lying on the bed. This had been the view she got to see everytime she came. Her mother had been unconscious for quite long.

Candice Lin held her mother’s hand gently as she telling her that she had to recover soon and not to worry about her.

A few minutes later, the doctor who took care of her mother came in. He explained the condition of her mother, which didn’t show any progress. What’s more, the doctor had to mention beforehand, that in case her mother condition deteriorated to a certain point, a surgery had to be done as the last effort. Knowing that it would be a difficult surgery, the success rate was estimated around 50 percent and it costed a lot.

He asked her to think about it carefully. Then, he left.

Her heart felt so heavy. Her tears streamed down uncontrollably, yet she forced herself not to make any sounds. She didn’t want her mother to hear her cried if she still could hear the sounds around her.

She dragged her legs out of the ward as she slide against the hospital’s wall, buried her face on her knees and cried until her heart contented.

In the afternoon, Candice Lin was busy working as a sales promotion girl for a smartphone in the famous district of the capital. The job helped her divert her sadness and wandering thoughts.

Meanwhile, in a fancy high rise building of Golden Crane Corporation, Asher Huo had just finished his meeting. When he got back to the CEO office, his assistant came to hand up a document.

“This is what you asked me to do yesterday, sir!” Edward Shu, the assistant, reported.

Asher Huo quickly read the document, which contained a woman background check result and the photo of her.

Candice Lin, 24 years old, single. Her Birthday was on April 9th. Graduated with the best score from Interpretation and Translation major, Language Faculty of XX University. She was fluent in Chinese, English, Japanese, French, and Russian. She had been working as a contracted employee and part timers since she became a fresh graduate. Her mother name was Rose Lin, 46, a single mother, she used to be the mistress of Harris Lu of West Wind Shipping Company, which was no longer exist. Harris Lu was kept in the dark about his daughter and died in a traffic accident 10 years ago. At the moment, Rose Lin was treated in Cancer Hospital for Stage 4 Brain Tumor and had been in vegetative state for quite some time. Candice Lin was fully responsible for her medical expenses.

Asher Huo furrowed his eyebrows after reading it. He didn’t expect that she had a tough life. He only met her once, yet it was strange how sad he felt for her. He wrapped his fingers together and leaned his forehead on them as he closed his eyes tightly for a second.

Edward Shu was puzzled by his boss unusual gesture. Still, he didn’t dare to ask. Was there something wrong about the document he gave?

Asher Huo broke the silence as he stood up from the chair. “Candice Lin did very well in her study, have you checked why she didn’t apply for a better paid job?”

The CEO was indeed very detail!

“Yes, sir. Um... there were rumors that said Miss Lin offended the Wu Family. As a result, by the influence of Wu Family, all of the company, which Miss Lin applied, were prohibited to hire her.” Edward Shu explained. “As for how Miss Lin considered being offensive to the Wus was unknown.”

Asher Huo remembered, during the previous charity dinner, the Wus had a daughter which was the same age as Candice Lin, if he were not wrong. Roughly guessed, it was a cat fight. Spending a lot of time with the women, he surely learnt something about them.

To be truthful, Asher Huo could solve this problem for Candice Lin in the blink of an eye. The Wu Family was pretty influential in the society. However, compared to the CEO of the Golden Crane Corporation, the Wus was still far inferior.

The towering man got back to his seat, he planned to instruct his assistant to do something but gave up the idea since he aimed for a better goal.

He wanted her!

On the other hand, he realized, they need a proper introduction and conversation. Sadly, she was not that friendly to him judging from her reaction last night. He got to think a way to meet her again.

“You can go now.” He signaled his assistant to leave him.

Just because Candice Lin appeared in his dream, he was strongly attracted to her in their brief encounter. As if, she had a magic power, to tied his heart to look only at her.

Rrr! Rrr!

Asher Huo picked up the phone on his desk. “Yes?”

“Sir, Miss Bai is here.” The front desk girl informed.

“Take her to my office.”

Asher Huo was not only clever in business field and famous for being a charismatic strong leader, he was also good at pampering women. It was no secret, he had so many women around him indeed.

He was a normal and healthy young man, he likes to be accompanied by women. That doesn’t mean, he loves them. He, too, had his limit towards those women who clung on him. For him, how he felt towards Candice Lin was also his first time, it was different and special.

Knock! Knock!

A beautiful woman in a sophisticated grey dress entered Asher Huo’s office, her legs was long, and her parfume filled up the air. She was the current most popular actress, Laura Bai.

She smiled sweetly as she got closer to the CEO and hug his muscular arm, “Asher darling, are you busy today?”

“No, what brought you here?”

“Today I sign the contract as the protagonist, as you have promised me. I’m very happy!” She kissed his cheek.

Unfortunately, before her lips touch his skin, Asher Huo suddenly dodged the kiss gently.

“I’ll get you a glass of water.” Asher Huo released his arm from her hug and get some water.

“Asher darling, is something wrong?” Laura Bai looked worry that he didn’t act like usual.

Usually, Asher Huo let her kiss him on the cheek. He looked a little distracted too, like he wasn’t interested.

Laura Bai had been close to him for the past one year. Asher Huo had his terms very clear from the start to the women close to him. Even though she were allowed to hold his hand, hug him, enjoy the time with him, and asked for some generous presents, Laura Bai noticed it was not easy to get his heart. The public didn’t have a clue that Asher Huo never bring the woman to the place he lived in, touched his work related things, let any women kiss his lips, or sleep with him.

Asher Huo didn’t answer and put the glass of water on the coffee table.

His mind were full of Candice Lin. The others looked borring in an instant.

Laura Bai continued, “How about we celebrate it tonight? Today is my birthday too...”

“Alright, I’ll pick you up at 6.” He said.

“You are the best! Okay, then, see you later.” Laura Bai smiled brightly and left the office.

Violin

Candice Lin’s working hour as a sales promotion girl had ended, she quickly changed her clothes as she had to be in her other job in an hour.

“Miss Lin, can I talk to you for a second?” The manager of the store called Candice Lin who had almost reached the exit door.

She turned around nodded.

“Your contract will expired in 3 days, maybe you remember it already. I am really pleased with your work, but we can’t extend the contract as we have our things too. However, I plan to contact you if we have another product launching, you can be our sales promotion girl again, do you mind?” The manager asked kindly.

Candice Lin smiled warmly, “Thank you, Manager! Of course I don’t mind, you can contact me in the future to offer the good chance. I really appreciate it.”

Then, she excused herself and rushed to her second job.

———

Wearing black and white waitress uniform with her hair tied in a bun, Candice Lin had been busy taking orders and serving tables.

There were many affluent foreign guests in the prestigious French Restaurant she worked in. Her ability to speak many different languages was very useful, that was why, she was hired when the restaurant was temporarily short on waitress.

In the middle of their hectic works, the manager suddenly called all the waiters to inform them that there would be an important guest tonight.

The guest requested for a private table on the balcony upstairs and a violinist to perform for the candle light dinner.

Everyone helped to decorate the balcony glamorously and set the table with no time to lose. This kind of request was common in this restaurant.

The problem was, the violinist suddenly called in sick. There was no time to find a substitute either. The manager was terribly nervous. Neither he knew what to do.

Candice Lin was usually a low-key person. Seeing her colleagues were apprehensive, she decided to speak out her idea as she stepped forward, “Manager, did they request any special song?”

“No. Any song will do, actually...” The Manager massaged his temple.

“I learnt violin when I was a child, I think I can play some songs. You can listen to my playing first, if you are not sure...” Candice Lin continued to speak. “It’s just that... I don’t have a violin.”

The Manager and the rest of the staffs were amazed at what Candice Lin’s solution. They were instantly suppressed her with an expectant and admiration looks on their face . She was their savior!

“Really?!! You can play a violin?” The Manager confirmed in an excitement.

Candice Line nodded

Her other colleagues directly encourage The Manager to count on her.

“Well, then... you’ll be the violinist. Don’t worry, we have the violin!!” The manager was so relieved that he almost cried.

At 6.30 in the evening, the guests who reserved for the candle light dinner had come. The manager took the couple to their table in the balcony.

The balcony were beautifully decorated with lights, candles, flowers, crystal’s accessories, and baloons. The table were covered with silver coloured table cloth, the plates, glass, and the cutleries were set neatly on it with a vase of blue roses. The night breeze and the clear sky created a nice atmosphere.

The couple looked really pleased. The man pulled out the chair for the woman before he sat on his own chair.

A graceful light blue-grey evening dress wrapped Laura Bai’s body tightly, enhanced her charm. Her hair styled naturally, a diamond necklace hung on her neck, and the smell of her parfume could be traced from a few meters away.

The tall man in front of Laura Bai looked magnificently handsome in his high quality custom made dark grey suits. One couldn’t miss his expensive watch peeked from his left cuff.

Along with his dominant, yet attractive presence, his amazing features, his well shaped jawline, and his well built tall body, he melted women’s heart easily.

Watching the guests had sat themselves comfortably, the manager made a sign for Candice Lin to make her appearance, while playing the violin.

A gentle melody teased both of the guests’s ears. Impressed, the couple turned their face to the source of the sound.

Asher Huo and Candice Lin were dumbfounded to meet again.

Candice Lin expression swiftly back to normal, not letting herself distracted as she kept her melody flowing endlessly. She walked to the corner in her dark blue off shoulder dress elegantly.

Asher Huo should admit that the aloof woman had many talents and she was enchantingly beautiful like a fairy. It was 180 degrees different on how gentle she was in his dream. Her overall tickle his curiousity, fish his attraction, and definitely added his urge to conquer her.

Quietly, Asher Huo’s peach blossom eyes followed her and paid a great attention to her stunning looks tonight. His lips curved up subconsciously as he neglected Laura Bai completely.

Asher Huo was truly delightful deep in his heart. Laura Bai missed his every expression on the female violinist. Whereas Candice Lin, she wasn’t interested in a womanizer like him.

“Asher darling? Darling?” Laura Bai had been calling him repeteadly, she had finished choosing her dishes. “Hey..”

“Ah, sorry, what did you say?” Asher Huo had gone back to his sense.

“Can we order now?” Laura Bai softly asked.

“Sure!” Asher called the manager to order the dishes.

An hour later, Laura Bai and Asher Huo had finished their meal. They were still talking to each other with a glass of wine on each of their hand. Once in a while, Asher Huo threw his gaze to the woman who was playing the violin.

Continued with a cake served for Laura Bai, she made her birthday wishes and blew the candles. Sadly, the man who sat in the opposite of her, was not really paying attention to her.

“Asher Darling? What’s in your mind?” Laura Bai’s slightly change her tone as he had been spacing out for several times during their dinner and she wasn’t happy.

Asher Huo turned his eyes to Laura Bai again. “Huh? No, nothing. I feel the the song is nice!”

Laura Bai was rather disappointed, but she kept her smiling face as happy as usual.

“The violinist, she is pretty, isn’t she?” Laura Bai tried to guess what made him unfocus since earlier. “She played a good melody too.”

Asher Huo glanced at the woman in the corner once again, he didn’t deny it. “She is.”

Laura Bai nodded a little and her lips still curled up, gesturing she could see his point.

“It turned out the little violinist is quite capable at seducing Asher Huo. Is she one of his ‘collection’?” Laura Bai spoke in her mind.

The women around Asher Huo were all from upperclass society or famous person. Laura Bai believed Asher Huo had seen all the beauties. A mere violinist like her will be crushed by the other in no time, no matter how beautiful she was, she thought.

Laura Bai stood up and walked her long legs next to Asher Huo, she whispered seductively to him, “Among all the flowers around you, aren’t I the most loyal?”

The sitting Asher Huo didn’t respond, his dark eyes were unfathomable, no one could

understand his way of thinking at this moment.

Smoothly diverting the subject, he let out a small cute paper bag with a fancy ribbon on it. “Your birthday present.”

Laura Bai took the paper bag as she got back to her chair. “Thank you so much, darling. Can I open it?”

With a hand gesture, he let the woman open the present.

Another bright smile appeared on Laura Bai’s face. “It’s the limited edition parfume I wanted so badly! Thanks, I like it very much!”

Candice Lin had been the spectator of their candle light dinner, she couldn’t help not to comment on them silently.

“What a typical rich womanizer! I wonder how many women enjoyed the same honey trap, then he will change them like clothes when he’s bored!”

Not long after, Asher Huo and Laura Bai left their table to go home. While Candice Lin got the violin back to the manager.

“Miss Lin, you have saved this restaurant and you played fantastically! You should be a musician instead of working as a waitress.” The Manager praised her sincerely.

Her mother was used to be a respectable violinist but her reputation tarnished due to her existance out of wedlock exposed. She taught violin privately and played for only small event since then until she wasn’t able to play it anymore as her health significantly deteriorated.

Candice Lin saw her mother practiced everyday and her mother trained her since she was 3.5 years old, it was absolutely left a mark on her music skill. The memory led her to miss her past when her mother was still healthy.

“Thank you, Mr. Manager! I am glad I can help.” She smiled.

“The guest, Mr. Huo told me he was deeply impressed by your performance! You know, he is the most influential figure in the capital despite his young age! As an appreciation, the management will double your salary on the day you receive it.”

“That’s very generous of you! Thank you Mr. Manager!” Candice Lin was grateful.

At 10.30, Candice Lin left the restaurant for home, yet, she turned to the other direction. She went to a night market to earn some additional money by being a freelance interpreter for the tourists. She didn’t notice, a luxurious black car had been following her from a far.

In the lively night market, she had been standing there for an hour with a board on her hands, trying to offer her translating service. It was such a shame, she had been rejected over and over again.

The man in the black car, which had been watching her from far away, got off as he noticed her attempt was futile. However, he saw two men approaching her. His instinct told him they were looking for a trouble, he ran swiftly to Candice Lin.

Candice Lin was confounded when someone touched her shoulder.

“Miss, you are very beautiful! Why don’t we play together? I can pay triple your translating service?” An unknown man with sly looks said to her.

She moved her shoulder to let herself off of the man’s hand, while yelled angrily, “Don’t touch me! I’ll scream and smack you if you dare to...”

Before she could finish her words, the other man gagged her and seized her arms. Her delicate body couldn’t move at all.

The night market were so crowded and noisy, no one paid attention to her situation.

She was in panic and struggling to free herself from the men with all her might.

Abruptly , Candice Lin saw a masculine figure kicked the two men, then, continued with some punches to them without mercy to the limit, both of them were curling due to so much pain. Still, their arm were stepped on, by the man in the dark grey suit, until a crack sound was heard. He spared no room for them to return the hits nor beg for forgiveness. He was so strong, quick, and ruthless at the same time.

“Are you hurt?” The handsome man tidied up his suit, his face was still facing the opposite side.

The voice sounded familiar, he was well articulated. The way he brought himself was noticeably poised.

The man turned around and take some steps towards Candice Lin.

Asher Huo??!!

“No, I’m fine. Thanks for saving me again...” Candice Lin avoided his eyes. “Why are you here, Mr. Huo?”

“To save you! Isn’t it obvious?” Asher Huo answered ignorantly. One’s could felt a glimpse of tease in his tone. “It’s unfortunate that I only got a ‘thanks’ for saving you twice, though.”

He drove her speechless for a second.

Did he think she was so stupid to believe such answer? Whatever.

“Then... how should I thank you?” Candice Lin immidiately asked.

Nonetheless, she took the fact that he had saved her seriously. She was an appreciative person. She had to repay his help, yet, he didn’t lack anything.

“Let me think of it, then, Miss Lin.” He had been waiting to say these words. It was an opening!

“Okay...” Candice Lin let him take his time.

Abruptly, Asher Huo held Candice Lin’s tiny wrist. “C’mon! Let me send you home first, it’s already so late!”

Learning from yesterday, if he didn’t take the chance speedily, she would go away whenever she could.

“I prefer to go home by myself, Mr. Huo!” She pulled out her hand from him.

He should have expected that she was frustratingly stubborn.

“I’ve seen you got into trouble with men twice in the past 2 days. What if you got into another trouble? My effort in saving you will be in vain.” He insisted. “I’m a cultured gentleman, how can I let a young woman I know to walk by herself in the middle of the night?”

Unexpectedly, he was excel at being so reasonable and sympathetic, while also being so narcissistic. Anyhow, she still disliked him. Mainly for the reason he had saved her twice, she didn’t push him away this time.

“Is this what Mr. Asher Huo do to every woman?” Her expression was full of prejudice.

Not angry, Asher Huo stayed calm hearing her sarcastic remark. Instead, His well defined face showed a proud faint smile, “I don’t even need to do anything to them, you should know that...”

Candice Lin had no choice but to involuntarily acknowledge his smart answer. No longer speaking, she left the night market, ignoring Asher Huo who walked along by her side.

He chuckled quietly on her reaction.

While walking together for a few meters, he finally succeeded to convince her to get on his car.