Looking at Ling Feng's utterly insincere apology, Jenny felt her temper rising. However, she also understood Ling Feng's underlying intent—he was warning her not to use him so casually.
"Such a cautious yet petty man!" Jenny thought to herself. "How could Catherine possibly like someone like him? I truly can't understand!"
Exhaling lightly, Jenny waved her hand. "Kelly, take Ling Feng's little brother Aiven downstairs and entertain him properly. I need to talk to Ling Feng about some matters!"
Kelly frowned slightly. "Miss, this…"
As she spoke, Kelly shot another glance at Ling Feng.
Ling Feng said helplessly, "Miss Kelly, I do admire your loyalty to your master, but if I truly wished to harm you, do you think you could stop me?"
Jenny added, "Ling Feng is my friend, and this is still the Johnson Family estate. I don't think there's any safety concern here. You may go now!"
"Understood, Miss!" Kelly responded respectfully, then briefly glanced at Ling Feng before turning to Aiven. "Sir, please follow me."
After the two had left, Ling Feng said playfully, "Miss Jenny, your bodyguard is really loyal. If looks could kill, she would've slaughtered me countless times by now!"
"What, the mighty Blood-Handed Asura is going to hold a grudge against a young girl?" Jenny gestured toward the nearby chaise longue. "Sit down."
Ling Feng sat down, casually picking up a glass of red wine at his side. "I wouldn't stoop to that level. So, could you tell me now—what is your real purpose? Why did you summon me here?"
"I want you to be my escort!" Jenny said, with a seductive smile. "Are you overthinking it?"
"Really?" Ling Feng swirled the red wine in his hand, smiling. "I'd imagine that if Miss Jenny of the Johnson Family needed an escort, Europe's eligible young men would trip over each other to fight for the chance."
After a pause, Ling Feng continued, "Since I've come, I hope we can be more transparent with each other. After all, we've already established a partnership. I don't want to get stabbed in the back."
Jenny shook her head. "You're way too cautious."
"In the Underworld, naive people find their way to graves faster than anyone else!" Ling Feng said after downing the red wine. "A heightened sense of caution beats lying in the cemetery, wouldn't you agree?"
Straightening her posture, Jenny stared at Ling Feng and said, "Alright then, since you've put it this way, I might as well tell you honestly."
"The reason I want you to be my escort is because, at this year's European Development Union Conference, someone plans to use my sexual orientation against me, and I need to prepare in advance!" Jenny said casually. "And as you know, I don't like men. To be precise, I despise men!"
"Getting even a little close to a man makes me feel utterly uncomfortable, let alone engaging in any sort of intimate behavior!" Jenny said indifferently. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ NovᴇlFir(e).nᴇt
Ling Feng stroked his chin. "I think I'm starting to understand, but I'm puzzled—why me? Could it be that you…"
"That's right. I don't have that typical repulsion toward you!" Jenny admitted openly. "Back when I got into your car at the airport, I initially thought I'd feel sick, but strangely, there wasn't any of that unpleasant sensation coming from you. That's why I want you as my escort!"
Ling Feng looked at Jenny skeptically. Her explanation was so implausible, it almost felt like a lie—but oddly enough, that made him believe it more.
"You're not scared, are you?" Jenny said as she watched Ling Feng, a smile playing on her lips. "I should warn you—those who plan to target me are not easy to deal with."
Ling Feng shrugged. "Scared? What a joke! But, aren't you the Johnson Family's primary heir? Plus, your family is one of the oldest and most powerful in Europe. Is there really anyone bold enough to give you trouble?"
Jenny sighed deeply and replied, "Every family's internal structure inevitably contains shortsighted trash! Besides, while the family elders might tolerate a woman as heir, they won't tolerate a woman who loves other women. Understand?"
"For a family, the concepts of reproduction and lineage hold significant importance!" Ling Feng remarked. "Looks like your life as the primary heir isn't all smooth sailing after all!"
Jenny gave Ling Feng a glare. "Are you gloating?"
"Not at all, just offering humanitarian sympathy!" Ling Feng shrugged. "To be honest, I have little interest in the Johnson Family's internal struggles. The sole reason I'm stepping in to help you is because you're Catherine's best friend—and that's it!"
Jenny narrowed her eyes at Ling Feng. "Is that truly all there is to it?"
"What do you think?" Ling Feng countered. "You might be capable as the Johnson Family's primary heir, but that's not why I agreed to help you. So, I hope this cooperation remains purely because you're Catherine's best friend—nothing beyond that. Got it?"
Seeing Ling Feng's serious demeanor, Jenny burst out laughing. "Alright, alright, I understand. Rest assured, I won't lay a hand on Catherine! Plus, you probably know as well—Catherine's a silly girl whose heart is entirely yours."
"But before you leave, there's something I need to tell you…" Jenny said, her smile widening.
"Likewise, I have a few conditions to lay out…" Ling Feng replied with a smile.
The European Development Union Conference originated in the Middle Ages. Back then, after a series of wars among powerful families, it was realized that warfare wasn't the ideal solution to conflict. Furthermore, prolonged fighting only allowed other forces to reap the spoils.
Thus, it was decided that every five years, the key figures of major families would convene for the European Development Union Conference, to resolve intracontinental disputes through peaceful means.
Thanks to the conference, Europe's wartime tensions were alleviated, allowing families to develop steadily. Having tasted the benefits, the families resolved to continue holding the conference, perpetuating this tradition to the present day.
Of course, some particularly strong families occasionally refused to abide by the conference's agreements—but under the united suppression of other families, these dissenting families were weakened and eventually faded into history's long river.
As a centuries-old family and a giant in the biopharmaceutical industry, the Johnson Family holds immense authority across Europe. Especially in today's world, where biopharmaceuticals are increasingly influential, the Johnson Family's power continues to grow.
But where there's prosperity, misfortune often lurks. The Johnson Family's rise inevitably draws the envy of other families. This year's European Development Union Conference promises to bring a tempestuous storm!