The Ancient Greek Goddess of Sneaking Around

Yun Huaizhu had cooked a whole table of dishes for Lin Meng. She'd meant to wait until Lin Meng came home from work that evening so they could eat together, but she hadn't expected Lin Meng to show up just then.

The two of them hadn't eaten together in a long time.

Just as Yun Huaizhu was about to sit down and have a proper meal with Lin Meng, chat a little, and strengthen their bond, her phone rang at the worst possible moment.

Yun Huaizhu's expression immediately darkened. She answered with obvious displeasure. But as she listened to the voice on the other end, her expression gradually turned grave.

It seemed that no matter what, she wouldn't be able to have this meal with Lin Meng today.

Before leaving, Yun Huaizhu deliberately took Lin Meng's hand and said, “No need to see me off,” then hurried away.

Lin Meng noticed she looked somewhat flustered, as if something urgent had come up.

The table full of food Yun Huaizhu had made smelled wonderful, but she hadn't finished eating. As usual, she waited for the dishes to cool, packed them away, and stored them in the refrigerator. The only problem was that the large refrigerator Huo Yi had given her still held plenty of unfinished food.

Yun Huaizhu brought her quite a lot of things every day too. She felt like she hadn't spent any money on food at all recently.

Perishables like that couldn't be returned, and they might spoil on the way back, which would be a waste. But there was no way she could finish so much on her own, so she packed up some of the dishes and ingredients and took them next door to Tang Xiaoman.

Tang Xiaoman was surprised to see Lin Meng give her so many high-end ingredients. “Mengmeng, did you strike it rich? Why are you suddenly giving me so many good things?”

The good things Tang Xiaoman meant were wagyu beef, lobster, salmon, and some imported snacks. Ordinary people naturally wouldn't eat these every day.

Lin Meng scratched her head, a little embarrassed. “A friend gave them to me. I can't finish them all, so I brought some over for you. If you want more, I still have some at my place—I can bring them over.”

Tang Xiaoman: “?”

Tang Xiaoman took the large bag Lin Meng handed her, a bit bewildered, then asked in astonishment, “This friend you mentioned—isn't she that friend who looks a lot like a celebrity?”

Lin Meng frowned slightly. “A celebrity?”

Tang Xiaoman nodded. “Yeah, the one who looks like she has a terrible temper but resembles a celebrity named ‘Yun Huaizhu.’ She comes to your place all the time, doesn't she? She looks like a rich person.”

Hearing this, Lin Meng lowered her head as if feeling guilty.

—Actually, Tang Xiaoman had only thought that this friend of hers closely resembled the Yun Huaizhu she remembered from when she was still a celebrity.

If Tang Xiaoman hadn't brought it up now, Lin Meng would have almost forgotten that Yun Huaizhu used to be a dazzling celebrity. She had become an actress for the sake of her family, to restore their market value and stock price, and then, also for the family, she agreed to Su Yutang's conditions and was forced to leave the industry.

Beneath that radiant star halo, she had an experience that made one's heart ache terribly.

Lin Meng came back to her senses and gave a bitter smile. “She is a rich person, that's true, but her money has nothing to do with me. She and I are just good friends. She treats me well, so she gives me some food...”

Tang Xiaoman nodded slightly at Lin Meng's seemingly explanatory words. “That makes sense. I figured if the two of you were together, you'd probably move to her place. After all, this place is small and old—she definitely wouldn't have the heart to let you live here.”

Lin Meng felt that if Tang Xiaoman kept talking, she might guess her entire background. So she said, “Xiaoman, I still need to go out tonight, so I won't chat with you any longer. I'll head back first, okay?”

Tang Xiaoman was very understanding. “It's a full day off this afternoon anyway, and the company doesn't seem to have much work. Is it personal business?”

Hearing this, Lin Meng thought of Su Yutang's threat that day—she truly didn't dare not go. She was really afraid Su Yutang might do something to Yun Huaizhu.

The plot had already collapsed beyond recognition—even the novel's own author wouldn't recognize it now. So surely they could skip the heartbreaking angst scenes, right?

Su Yutang wasn't someone who couldn't understand reason. Lin Meng thought that as long as she properly coaxed this spoiled, willful Young Miss, and the Young Miss was in a good mood, maybe she'd let Yun Huaizhu off.

Everything Yun Huaizhu had done so far was to protect the business her mother left behind. She absolutely wouldn't let Su Yutang destroy it easily.

...

Lin Meng hadn't expected time to pass so quickly. In the blink of an eye, it was almost September, but the weather hadn't improved at all. The muggy heat continued to blanket the land. Lin Meng dressed in a very low-key black long shirt and trousers before heading out.

The black flared pants she wore were a gift from Yun Huaizhu. She, who never accepted anything besides ingredients, had accepted them.

Because Yun Huaizhu told her they were custom-made specifically for her, and if she didn't wear them, they'd just be thrown away. Yun Huaizhu had pleaded with her in an almost humble tone, hoping she would accept them. She wasn't some exalted deity receiving offerings from worshippers, and she didn't want Yun Huaizhu to be unhappy over such things.

In this world, Yun Huaizhu had experienced far too many disappointments.

Lin Meng couldn't find the style or price of the clothes Yun Huaizhu gave her, so she just treated them like ordinary clothes bought from a mall.

If Su Yutang hadn't suddenly appeared, she even thought that next time she went shopping with Yun Huaizhu, she'd spend her own money to buy Yun Huaizhu a dress.

With a figure as slender and perfect as Yun Huaizhu's, she'd look good in anything.

It was just that... she wouldn't be able to see Yun Huaizhu for the next few months. She was afraid that if Su Yutang found out, Su Yutang would target Yun Huaizhu again.

...

The most important purpose of Su Yutang's dinner gathering at the Haiwei Hotel this time was to win over some of the families in Jing City who leaned toward her.

The reason she used to persuade them was, of course, that Su Yurong was no longer young, and no matter what, the future head of the Su Corporation would definitely be her. If those people started betting on her now, she would promise them enormous benefits.

Although what she offered were all things that didn't exist yet, her identity as the Su family's only heir was too useful. As long as she mentioned it, most people would place their bets on her.

After all, Su Yurong only had her as a daughter, and neither the direct nor branch lines of the Su family had any other children who could inherit the position.

Everyone in Jing City knew that Su Yutang taking power was only a matter of time.

As for Huo Yi, she was a businesswoman. Whoever offered more benefits, she stood on their side. And no matter what discord arose between Su Yutang and her mother in the future, Huo Yi's position in Jing City wouldn't waver in the slightest.

Su Yutang was painting grand visions for those people when Huo Yi, bored, drank a couple of glasses of wine and then found an excuse to get up and walk out.

Occasions with such superficial stances really didn't suit her. When it came down to business, what absolute stance was there?

Just as Huo Yi stood in the corridor looking down, she suddenly saw a familiar figure standing in the transparent scenic elevator across from her, growing closer as the elevator ascended.

Huo Yi was startled—why was Lin Meng here?

At that moment, Lin Meng, who had just arrived on the 28th floor of the hotel, was being led by Si Bingxia toward the private room behind the one where Su Yutang was currently talking.

Although this wasn't Lin Meng's first time at such an occasion, every time she came, she was shocked by the luxury of these high-end hotels. She had just arrived at the hotel entrance today when Si Bingxia appeared out of nowhere and immediately took her up the elevator.

Lin Meng followed behind Si Bingxia, nervously twisting her fingers. “Um... may I ask what the Young Miss actually wants to see me about this time? If you tell me, I can prepare myself mentally...”

Hearing this, Si Bingxia replied as if programmed. “Sorry, the Young Miss didn't tell me either. She only instructed me to bring you to the hotel room. She said this dinner would last at most three hours, and when it's over, she'll come to the room to find you.”

Lin Meng felt a deep sense of despair hearing this. If Su Yutang was going to come, just come—couldn't she give her a quick death? She actually had to wait three hours!

Just as she was thinking this, Si Bingxia continued, “The Young Miss said you may use the hotel's room service as you wish. You just need to wait for her obediently.”

Lin Meng really wanted to run, but to prevent Su Yutang from going crazy, she could only obey Su Yutang's orders for now.

Lin Meng looked up at the room number 2806. The corridor on this floor was very long, but there were only three room doors. According to Si Bingxia, the entire 28th floor had been reserved by Su Yutang. No one would come to disturb them tonight.

Si Bingxia saying this only made it worse. The moment she said it, Lin Meng's mind instantly conjured up many indescribable scenarios. Although she no longer worried that Su Yutang would strangle her at the drop of a hat, she was more concerned that the woman might pounce and bite her.

Last time she and Su Yutang had sex was purely an accident. She didn't want to experience having her entire body bitten again.

Lin Meng stood at the door hesitating. She didn't quite dare go in, because this door gave her a bad feeling... That night, she had gone door to door searching for Yun Huaizhu, and then Su Yutang had suddenly emerged from behind a door and dragged her inside.

Thinking of this, Lin Meng couldn't help but shiver. She looked up, wanting to negotiate with Si Bingxia. “Um... can I not go in first? I'll just wait for her in the corridor. Once she's done talking to me, I'll leave. No need for all this trouble...”

Before she could finish, Si Bingxia said seriously, “Miss Lin, before attending the meeting, the Young Miss instructed me that if you refuse, I am actually permitted to use some ‘special means.’ Of course, you are the Young Miss's honored guest, and I very much do not wish to be rude to you. So please go into the room and wait.”

Lin Meng's face showed alarm. Su Yutang's subordinate usually seemed unremarkable, but unexpectedly she could threaten people too. She really had been trained by Su Yutang!

She was genuinely scared, so she quickly said, “Of course I'd love to wait for her in the room. This room is so nice...”

Si Bingxia then took the room card from her jacket, unlocked the door, and handed the card to Lin Meng. Though her expression was blank, her tone carried a full warning. “Miss Lin, there are people stationed at the elevator entrance and the stairwell. I hope you won't wander around while waiting for the Young Miss.”

Lin Meng's eyes widened in shock. “?!?”

Seriously, Su Yutang had learned bad habits—why was she having people monitor her like Huo Yi?

Lin Meng had indeed planned to slip out of the room after Si Bingxia left, but she hadn't expected Su Yutang to have everything prepared in advance.

With this realization, Lin Meng could only resign herself to her fate. She puffed out her cheeks as if angry. “Fine, you tell her I'll wait right here and won't go anywhere!”

With that, she slammed the door shut with a huff.

*

At that very moment, just one wall away from Lin Meng, Su Yutang was still laying out her conditions. She knew some people looked down on her because of her youth. So now she needed to reveal some of her trump cards to these people, to let them bet on her with confidence.

“To be frank with everyone, I have already collected thirty percent of the corporation's shares. If all of you lend me a hand, I'll be just one step away from the chairman's seat. When that time comes, I'll clean out all the irrelevant people from the Su Corporation, and you can each arrange a few people to come in.”

The moment Su Yutang said this, everyone present exchanged glances.

Some even wore expressions that said “has she lost her mind?”

The internal positions of the Su Corporation had always been firmly held by the Su family themselves. Even the most prominent families in Jing City wouldn't dare let outsiders into their own family businesses. They were all afraid that once outsiders touched the core interests of their companies, the family would be on the verge of collapse.

No one dared believe Su Yutang could call the shots on something like this. Earlier, Su Yutang had said so much, and the people present had only flattered her out of respect for her status. When Su Yutang said those words just now, those people already looked troubled.

Seeing they didn't believe her, Su Yutang clapped her hands and had her assistant distribute several documents to them one by one. “I know you have many considerations because of my youth. But please take your time reading these documents. I believe you'll find the contents interesting.”

Su Yutang had her own company. Although she couldn't yet offer them core interests within the Su Corporation, she could immediately arrange for these people to enter her own company. Actually, when she first founded her company, it was only because the old madam wanted her to gain experience, so she had given her three billion to go out and try her hand.

And now, yesterday's US stock listing for the company under her name showed fifteen billion. If anyone agreed to her conditions, she wouldn't mind giving everyone a bowl of meat soup.

Perhaps some really thought she had gone mad, willing to risk her entire fortune to oppose her own mother. But so what? She had to do this to break free from Su Yurong's control.

Within the three-month deadline, she needed to do even more, until she had most of the Su family firmly in her grasp.

Faced with the extremely generous conditions Su Yutang offered, those people were naturally tempted. Some expressed their stance on the spot, while others remained silent.

Su Yutang certainly understood those who didn't agree with her. After all, Su Yurong was still the one in power in the Su family, and betting on her would indeed carry great risk. But those who bet on Su Yutang without hesitation felt that she was the Su family's only daughter. Even if her power grab failed, when Su Yurong eventually stepped down, the Su family would still fall into Su Yutang's hands.

At that time, Su Yutang would also look favorably on them for this and establish a permanent beneficial relationship.

Before the next person could express their stance, Su Yutang continued with a smile, “I understand everyone's cautious feelings. After all, investment carries risk. But I also hope that every word we speak here today will not be leaked. Otherwise, I will do everything in my power to target that person until I drive them out of Jing City.”

Everyone present drew a sharp breath. Anyone could see that Su Yutang was truly determined to seize power this time.

Although whoever held the Su family's reins—mother or daughter—wouldn't affect the other families, there were always those who liked to gamble, wanting to elevate their own family to the next level.

Hearing this, everyone expressed their stance one after another, promising to keep their mouths shut.

Before the discussion ended, Su Yutang added one more thing. “I heard the Yun family recently founded some new enterprise. Of course, I don't intend to interfere with your freedom to cooperate with the Yun family. But today I'll put it plainly: I have some grudge against Yun Huaizhu. Whoever cooperates with her is going against me, Su Yutang. I will consider you and Yun Huaizhu both my enemies.”

Su Yutang wanting to seize power and secretly purge her mother's people was one thing—why drag Yun Huaizhu into it?

Yun Huaizhu was just a young orphan girl. How had she offended this immensely powerful Young Miss to be retaliated against like this?

Although some felt something was off, for the sake of long-term cooperation, everyone present still nodded in agreement.

Some might not concern themselves with the Yun family's affairs, but with Su Yutang having spoken, there would certainly be people in the future who, to curry favor with Su Yutang, would deliberately target Yun Huaizhu or avoid cooperation invitations from her.

The people present today represented nearly half of Jing City's business circles. If everyone refused to cooperate with Yun Huaizhu, the Yun family would essentially be isolated throughout Jing City. After that, bankruptcy probably wouldn't be far off.

Even if they didn't go bankrupt, they wouldn't be able to survive in Jing City anymore.

...

Lin Meng sat on the hotel's king-size bed, somewhat angry, eating the chestnut mousse cake sent up from downstairs while mentally cursing Su Yutang.

It had been half a year since she'd seen this Young Miss, and her awful temper had only gotten worse—she was even having people monitor her now!

As Lin Meng ate the cake, she thought: Su Yutang could monitor her now, but when she wanted to go home, would Su Yutang have people block her from leaving?

The thought made Lin Meng want to move again. But this time her rental contract was for a full year. If she moved now, would the remaining half year just sit empty? Even the rent was a considerable sum—it would be such a waste!

For the first time, Lin Meng truly felt what it meant to be caught between a rock and a hard place. Fortunately, she didn't urgently need to leave right now. If she had known she'd encounter these things back then, she wouldn't have rented a place for so long even if it killed her.

Maybe next she'd list the apartment with a rental agent and try to sublet it. In any case, she definitely couldn't keep living here.

Just as she thought of this, there was a sudden knock at the door.

Just from the knock, Lin Meng knew who had arrived. She froze for a moment, then slowly put down the silver spoon she was using for the cake and walked over.

Although she was still somewhat afraid of Su Yutang, she couldn't afford to appear weak this time. Otherwise, she'd be led by the nose again and unable to escape.

Lin Meng took a deep breath, then opened the door. “Eldest Miss Su, you've finally graced me with your presence?”

Before she could even raise her head to meet the eyes of the person outside, the person outside pounced like a starving wolf, swiftly wrapping arms around her waist.

With a “bang,” the room door was shut again.

Lin Meng sensed something was wrong—this person didn't seem to be Su Yutang!

At the same time, the person's hand reached her waist, as if about to slip inside her clothes. Lin Meng was so startled she looked up at the person's face. “You're...” who?

Before she could finish, she saw Huo Yi's face, written all over with excitement.

Lin Meng was dumbfounded again.

Why was Huo Yi here?

Just as Huo Yi's hand was gradually moving upward, Lin Meng grabbed her wrist. “Yiyi, why are you here?”

Hearing this, Huo Yi's face broke into a gentle smile.

She withdrew her hand, then gently cupped Lin Meng's cheeks. “Mengmeng, you still call me ‘Yiyi.’ Doesn't that mean you're not angry with me at all, and you still think of me as a good friend?”

Lin Meng frowned in confusion at the sudden question. “Why would I be angry with you?”

What she and Yun Huaizhu had done wasn't really any different. Although both matters seemed frightening, Huo Yi and the others had good intentions at heart.

Since Lin Meng could let go of what Yun Huaizhu did, she naturally wouldn't hold what Huo Yi did against her either.

Besides, last time Yun Huaizhu had suddenly barged in and hit Huo Yi. Lin Meng still felt somewhat guilty toward Huo Yi about that.

Hearing that Lin Meng wasn't angry with her, Huo Yi was so moved she hugged her. “Thank you, Mengmeng. Thank you for not being angry with me.”

Lin Meng looked helpless. She patted Huo Yi's back. “Yiyi, last time was really Zhuzhu's fault. Can you forgive her for my sake? She was just too worried about me. Also... is there really an aphrodisiac component in your pheromones? Why didn't you tell me from the start?”

When Huo Yi first heard Lin Meng bring up Yun Huaizhu and ask her to forgive her, a surge of inexplicable anger rose in her chest. But when she heard Lin Meng mention the pheromone matter, a flicker of guilt crossed her face.

She gently let go, then looked at Lin Meng with a sincere expression. “Mengmeng... it's not that I didn't want to tell you in advance. I just think having an aphrodisiac mixed into my pheromones is too disgusting. I didn't want to disgust you. All these years, because I loathed my own pheromones, I've never released them in front of outsiders. I originally thought you couldn't smell pheromones, so the aphrodisiac component in mine wouldn't affect you either... but I never expected it to...”

Huo Yi's eyes showed a flash of pain. Her eyes reddened, and she looked at Lin Meng with a self-blaming expression, nearly on the verge of tears. “I know making more excuses is useless. It was my pheromones that affected you. I was the one who tempted you into doing something wrong. I'll take responsibility for you...”

Actually, if Huo Yi had only said the earlier part, Lin Meng could understand her. But when Lin Meng heard the last sentence, a flash of shock crossed her face. She quickly waved her hands and shook her head. “No, no, Yiyi, I understand your difficulties, so I don't need you to take responsibility. What happened between us was just an accident.”

Huo Yi knew Lin Meng had some emotional deficiency disorder, but they had slept together, and the sexual experience had been exceptionally compatible. She hadn't expected Lin Meng to still consider it an accident in the end.

Thinking this, Huo Yi slowly approached Lin Meng. She felt she needed to use a more forceful approach to make Lin Meng recognize her true feelings.

Seeing Huo Yi tower over her and step closer, Lin Meng felt somewhat afraid.

With each step Huo Yi took forward, she took one back, until she retreated to the edge of the bed, tripped, and fell onto it, only to be covered by Huo Yi's figure. Huo Yi braced both hands on the bed, looking at Lin Meng with a sincere expression.

This time she was truly sincere.

Huo Yi looked pained. “But Mengmeng, sleeping together is something only two people who like each other can do. Ask yourself—that night, even though you were affected by my pheromones, did you really hate me? Did you really hate me doing those things to you?”

Lin Meng's panicked heart grew uneasy at Huo Yi's question. She began repeatedly recalling that night with Huo Yi.

Actually, after being affected by the aphrodisiac pheromones, she was a bit like being drunk. But her consciousness was much clearer than when drunk. She remembered Huo Yi's movements were very gentle—gentler than both Yun Huaizhu and Su Yutang. Huo Yi pressed on the places that felt best, and then she...

Thinking of this, Lin Meng's face instantly flushed red.

She covered her face with both hands, dying of shame. “Please, stop talking... mm...”

Before she could finish, Huo Yi pressed down her hands and kissed her lips.

At first Lin Meng was surprised. She couldn't keep up with Huo Yi's rhythm and felt short of breath. But as Huo Yi kissed her with alternating deep and light pressure, she actually felt a lightness, a pleasure like being drunk.

Huo Yi kissed her soft, crimson lips until they glistened. She caressed Lin Meng's gradually warming cheeks. “Mengmeng, if you don't hate this and even feel comfortable, then that's liking someone. Understand?”

Lin Meng's mind went completely blank at these words.

If that were really the case, why did she also feel that lightness when she was with Su Yutang and Yun Huaizhu the first two times?

“Knock knock knock—”

Just as she was caught in a storm of thoughts, the hotel room door was knocked on again.