It was night.

By the mountain stream.

Ye Chen had already recorded the video but decided to hold off on posting it to his Douyin account until just before bed.

On the sofa.

The couple sat on either side of their little daughter, Ye Youyou.

On the TV.

"Paw Patrol" was playing, and their daughter watched it intently, captivated.

Suddenly.

Chen Yinuo spoke up, "Hubby, did you know that Pang Jun is dating?"

Ye Chen was stunned by the words.

As if he had just heard something unbelievable, he blurted out, "What? Pang Jun is dating?"

It was indeed unbelievable for Ye Chen.

In his past life, Pang Jun didn't date until he was 37 and didn't get married until he was 39.

His wife back then was the head of the branding department at Yiren Ruxue, a core and loyal figure who had significantly contributed to the company.

But that woman hadn't even appeared at Yiren Ruxue yet, right?

And now Pang Jun was already dating?

If that was the case, the odds were high that this person wasn't the same branding head from his previous life.

Could Ye Chen's rebirth have triggered a butterfly effect that even altered Pang Jun's love life?

"Look at you, acting like it's such a shock! Can't he date? Your daughter's starting senior kindergarten next year, but Pang Jun isn't allowed to find someone?" Chen Yinuo quipped.

"I'm just concerned about him!" Ye Chen chuckled awkwardly. "When did this happen?"

Chen Yinuo smiled. "It's not exactly official yet, but from what he's been saying, it sounds like they're just one step away from breaking that final barrier. With mutual feelings like that, dating—or even marriage—is inevitable."

"What does she do?" Ye Chen asked.

He wanted to know if it was the same woman from his past life.

"I heard she used to work in real estate sales. Now she's saved up and wants to get into fashion! I've seen pictures. She's really beautiful—like, genuinely gorgeous. Honestly, she's a good match for someone like Pang Jun. They fit perfectly together."

"Real estate sales? Now fashion?"

That clearly wasn't the same woman.

To be honest, if he could interfere, Ye Chen would.

After all, Pang Jun's wife in his past life was someone beyond amazing—

Their love lasted a lifetime.

Now that fate had shifted, was this change good or bad for Pang Jun?

Ye Chen didn't know.

But if he found out the woman Chen Yinuo was referring to was Lin Mengxi...

He would definitely jump up in shock!

And he wouldn't hesitate to stop Pang Jun at all costs.

Because that woman was absolutely not someone Pang Jun could handle!

"I was thinking, once they confirm their relationship, we could invite them over for a small dinner gathering. What do you think?" Chen Yinuo suggested.

"That's great! No problem. I'll cook myself—it'll be a treat for Pang Jun." Ye Chen grinned.

Meanwhile.

At the Champs-Élysées Western Restaurant.

By the window.

Pang Jun and Lin Mengxi sat across from each other.

Half of the prime steak on the table had been cut.

Suddenly.

Lin Mengxi set down her knife and fork.

"Jun, can I ask you something?"

"Of course!" Pang Jun replied without hesitation.

"Is your boss at Yiren Ruxue really like they say online? Why do you still work for someone like that?" Lin Mengxi began.

Pang Jun paused, then shook his head with a solemn expression.

"Even if he was, that was in the past. He's a completely different person now. Even his wife, President Chen, forgave him. As his employee, how could I hold a grudge? Besides, I wasn't involved in any of his past affairs. No matter what he did before, I see him as a wise leader now."

"Do you plan to stay under him forever?" Lin Mengxi pressed.

Pang Jun, simple and straightforward as always, replied, "Why not?"

"With your abilities, do you really need to work under someone? Take the 'Perfect Cream' that's all over the internet right now—you developed that yourself. Don't you see the potential there? Haven't you thought about starting your own business?"

"I've told you before—the cream might have been my project, but without President Ye, it would have taken years, if it even succeeded at all. When everyone thought I was crazy, he believed in me. He kept pushing me forward, guiding me. Without him, I'd still be struggling and hitting dead ends.

I've never thought about leaving. I just want to develop products, not handle business affairs. Plus, I don't have that talent. Money doesn't drive me much—as long as I have enough, I'm satisfied. Besides, I get a nine-figure annual salary. That's more than I'll ever need. Why bother with anything else?"

Pang Jun paused, then added, "And honestly, President Ye and President Chen never treat me like a subordinate. People say you'd die for a true friend. I might not be ready to die for them, but unless they betray me, I won't leave Yiren Ruxue. Maybe we can all have dinner together sometime. You'll understand why I respect him so much."

Hearing this, Lin Mengxi's brows twitched slightly.

Dinner with Ye Chen?

That would ruin everything.

As her brows furrowed slightly, panic crept into her heart.

Pang Jun's loyalty was already deeply rooted. Knowing his personality, he probably already planned this dinner.

No, she had to act faster.

Tonight had to be the decisive moment to alter the course of the plan.

Outwardly calm, Lin Mengxi sighed.

"You're right. Money isn't everything. As long as you're at peace and happy, that's what matters."

"Exactly! You really get me, Mengxi." Pang Jun's eyes sparkled as he gazed at her.

"Alright, let's eat. Didn't you say you bought tickets for the 9:20 movie? After that, let's head to Tiangong One, okay?"

Tiangong One—Jiangzhou's most luxurious nightclub.

Though Pang Jun wasn't fond of nightclubs, Lin Mengxi had mentioned she liked electronic music. Tonight, a world-renowned DJ duo was performing there.

Pang Jun spent 200,000 yuan just to secure two tickets.

But little did he know, the trap was already set.

Tonight would be unforgettable—for all the wrong reasons.