Chapter 29. What Now? My Wife and Her Rival Became Best Friends!

Everything she said was true.

In terms of beauty, figure, and presence, she was no less than Bai Xiyan or Bai Xiyi.

When it came to talent and intellect, she could easily surpass Bai Xiyi and was at least on par with Bai Xiyan.

Yet despite her relentless pursuit of Ye Chen, she had never gotten a clear response, let alone a positive one.

What truly shattered her was finally seeing Ye Chen divorce, thinking she could finally have her chance…

Only to learn he had remarried!

It was devastating.

Now, she had laid her cards on the table.

No more pretenses.

She refused to stand by and watch Ye Chen slip away again.

Ye Chen sighed helplessly. “Ah, what a mess!”

He shook his head in resignation.

Qin Banruo retorted, “Whether it’s a mess or not isn’t up to you! Ye Chen, you got away last time. I won’t make the same mistake again, you’re not slipping away this time!”

Ye Chen didn’t want to dwell on the topic. He picked up a tablet and changed the subject.

“Banruo, you’ve got better taste than me. Unicorn Motors just sent over some concept designs for their new models, help me pick the best ones?”

He handed her the tablet.

Qin Banruo frowned but took it anyway.

After glancing at the designs, she pointed at two. “I think these two look better. The lines are smoother, and they feel more futuristic.”

Ye Chen deliberately argued. “But I think these two are more interesting. Look, this one has a more muscular build, and this one has a stronger sports car vibe.”

Qin Banruo fell right into his trap, frowning as she seriously debated the designs with him.

A few minutes later,

“Click, ”

The kitchen door opened, and Bai Xiyan peeked out.

“Honey, dinner’s almost ready! Time to eat!”

“Ahem!”

Ye Chen cleared his throat, the tension in his body instantly easing.

“Ah, got it. I’ll come help serve the dishes.”

He set down the tablet and patted Qin Banruo’s shoulder.

“You know what, Banruo? You really do have better taste than me. Go ahead and reply to Unicorn Motors, we’ll use the two designs you picked for our first-gen models.”

“One SUV, one coupe. Perfect. I’ll go get the food, thanks for handling this.”

With that, he stood up, leaving Qin Banruo pouting.

“What a clumsy attempt at changing the subject,” she muttered.

But she obediently took the tablet and quickly finished the work for him.

Two minutes later, the three sat at the dining table.

Qin Banruo inhaled the aroma and smiled.

“Wow, Miss Bai, your cooking smells amazing! I’ve always wanted to learn, but my boss keeps piling work on me, no time at all!”

As she spoke, her foot brushed against Ye Chen’s calf under the table, sending a jolt through him.

Ye Chen stiffened, his heartbeat quickening.

Then he called her out. “Wait, Banruo, I thought you could cook?”

Qin Banruo shot him a subtle glare. “I can cook, but not well. That’s why I need to learn.”

The moment she finished, Ye Chen felt her foot slide higher.

Damn it!

A fully unleashed Qin Banruo is terrifying!

Bai Xiyan, oblivious, smiled. “No need for formalities, Miss Qin. Just call me Xiyan. And I’ll call you Banruo, no need to be strangers.”

Qin Banruo grinned.

Since you’re offering, I won’t hold back!

“Then I won’t be polite. Xiyan, can you teach me to cook? I’ve always been interested.”

Ye Chen’s eyebrow twitched.

So her plan is to befriend my wife first, then steal me from her?

Qin Banruo, you’re playing dirty!

Bai Xiyan, still unaware, chuckled. “Of course! Cooking isn’t that hard. You just need to try and practice. At first, it might not turn out great, but once you get the hang of it, you can follow any online recipe.”

“Really? So cooking is mostly about intuition?”

“Exactly. Seasoning relies on feel. Strict measurements won’t fail, but they lack the soul of cooking.”

“Then I’ll have to learn from you. Though I’m terrified of oil splatters.”

“…”

The two chatted away, quickly growing closer, almost like best friends.

Meanwhile, Ye Chen barely tasted his food.

Wife…

Do you even realize what your new ‘best friend’ is secretly doing?

If I weren’t so strong-willed, I’d have crumbled already!

And her ultimate goal is to steal me from you!

Sigh…

It’s not that my will is weak, it’s that you’re practically helping her, wife!

Throughout the meal, Bai Xiyan and Qin Banruo got along famously. Both had studied abroad, so their conversation flowed effortlessly.

Within minutes, they acted like long-lost friends.

And all the while, perhaps overstimulated, Qin Banruo, usually the picture of a poised secretary, kept up her sneaky little moves under the table.

Ye Chen was at his wit’s end.

By the time they finished eating, he didn’t even dare stand up.

Instead, he propped his chin on his hand, pretending to listen intently to their conversation.

This only emboldened Qin Banruo further.

Her mischief escalated.

Time crawled in agony. Just as Ye Chen was about to go numb, Qin Banruo finally stopped.

She stood up. “Xiyan, I had such a great time today. Are you free tomorrow afternoon? Let’s go shopping!”

Bai Xiyan walked her to the door, nodding eagerly. “Sure! I should be free. How about after lunch? I’ll message you?”

Qin Banruo smiled. “Perfect!”

Then she shot Ye Chen a teasing glance.

“Unless President Ye scolds me for slacking off.”

Ye Chen forced a laugh. What the hell can I even say now?

“I still need you, Secretary Qin. Who dares scold you? I’d be happy if you scolded me less.”

Qin Banruo smirked, all professionalism.

Bai Xiyan giggled and saw her to the door.

“Honey, walk Banruo out. It’s not safe for a girl to go home alone at night.”

Qin Banruo teased, “Xiyan, if President Ye escorts me, I’d feel too honored.”

Bai Xiyan hugged Ye Chen’s arm and smiled. “It’s fine. Bosses should care for their employees. Go on, honey. I’ll wait for you at home.”

Ye Chen: “…”