I'm in Mota, and they all want me to confess my feelings!

Could it be...

Was all of this something she did on purpose?

Duanmu Yan's mind was racing—everything in the world has its reason for happening, and nothing happens without a cause.

He couldn't help but recall that Coleta had previously told him that there was a mole within the family.

Thinking about it this way, their seemingly close relationship may just be a carefully constructed facade.

All of this was part of her plan.

Having thought this through, Duanmu Yan had a glimmer of understanding.

Since Koleta had tacitly approved of this relationship, he naturally had no reason to object.

—Would anyone really refuse this identity?

In any case, Duanmu Yan couldn't possibly refuse.

No matter how you look at it, becoming the second young lady's boyfriend means I can't possibly be at a disadvantage.

What if things turn out to be real?

Ahem, of course.

I said it was just in case.

People should still have dreams.

Although, in truth, this is no different from fantasy.

……

……

The atmosphere at dinner was somewhat subtle.

It was probably due to misunderstandings about their relationship from others—although the two were aware of each other's feelings, this emotion mixed with shyness and reserve still made the atmosphere around them a little awkward, as if shrouded in a thin veil.

The cool moonlight gently shone on Koleta as she silently strolled along the pier, watching the ebb and flow of the tides, just like the countless days and nights that passed through the city.

"I'm sorry about what happened earlier..." She held a cup of coffee and gradually stopped at the shore. Her eyes were filled with a hint of confusion and hesitation. The words were on the tip of her tongue, but she stopped abruptly. Her hesitant appearance revealed her inner struggle.

"It's alright, I understand." Duanmu Yan smiled gently, came to her side, and let out a long sigh. "You did this to make others misjudge you, right?"

Upon hearing this, Koleta widened her eyes slightly, moved her lips slightly, and finally revealed a relieved smile.

"It seems my judgment was right after all."

"Yes, in order to make others misjudge me."

"As I said before, there is a mole in the family, but even now, I still cannot confirm the identity of the person."

"And the death of Ettore Motari was by no means a simple accident."

"There's a mole watching me closely, observing my every move."

"Therefore, I cannot show even the slightest interest in that matter, otherwise it will immediately arouse the vigilance of the mole. But ordinary disguises are too clumsy and cannot easily convince others."

"So..." Before she could finish speaking, Duanmu Yan interrupted her.

"So, you came up with this plan? To deceive them with a romantic relationship?"

When the word "love" came out of Duanmu Yan's mouth, a rare blush appeared on Koleta's usually elegant and composed face, but it was fleeting.

In any case, Koleta was ultimately just a young girl in the prime of her youth.

Perhaps, as the family's blade, she has completely become a part of the Motari.

But in the most secret and tender corner of her heart, Koleta still kept her own pure world intact, a world of innocence and shyness untouched by the world.

Therefore, when discussing such slightly ambiguous and private topics, she unconsciously reveals the shyness unique to young girls.

"Hmm, this idea might be... very naive."

"But 'innocence' is precisely the best disguise. It catches people off guard and makes it easy to fool them."

"Moreover, causing outsiders to misjudge our relationship will make our subsequent actions go more smoothly."

"But you..." Koleta pursed her lips, looking at him with a complicated expression, "You shouldn't have any objections, right?"

After a brief silence, Duanmu Yan chuckled softly, defusing the awkwardness between the two in a rather humorous way.

"Opinion? How could I possibly have an opinion?"

"This is a requirement from the leadership, and as an employee, of course I must carry it out properly."

Upon hearing this, Koleta couldn't help but smile slightly, and the nervousness and shyness in her heart dissipated considerably.

"is it?"

"As a leader, how could I possibly look down on an employee who is good at 'reading between the lines'?"

"Your bonus will be doubled after this is over!"

There is no more inspiring promise than this.

Having money to spend is the most important thing!

"Really, boss?" Duanmu Yan's eyes lit up, but he quickly thought of a problem. "But the problem is, after this is over, how are we going to explain our relationship to others? And what about the head of the family... Do I really have to meet him in this current capacity?"

Koleta remained silent for a long time.

In the end, she could only silently turn her head to the side, her slender fingertips unconsciously entwining a strand of soft hair.

"Uh……"

"This one……"

She bit her lip slightly, her eyes revealing a hint of panic and helplessness.

"At that time... I... uh..."

At this point, she turned around again, stood on tiptoe, and solemnly patted Duanmu Yan's shoulder.

"I'm leaving Grandfather's affairs to you."

"I will explain everything to him personally after this is over."

Volume One: Chapter Seventeen: Art Investors

early morning.

9:27.

Duanmu Yan opened his eyes.

Normally, he would be an hour and twenty-seven minutes late by now—not only would he be facing difficulties from his superiors, but he would also be suffering from mental exhaustion.

But now, he doesn't have to worry about that problem at all.

"Don't worry, I'll have someone talk to the people there about your job at the bank and have you temporarily transferred to another position."

"Of course, your salary will be paid as usual, and your full attendance bonus will not be reduced."

This was the promise she made to Koleta before they parted ways last night.

If the leader has said that, what else is there to say?

Why don't I just work for you?

even though……

Regarding what happened yesterday, he still lacked a sense of reality about his current life; everything had happened too abnormally... yet too naturally.

But since things have come to this, he can only let nature take its course and let life go on.

So, what should we do today?

he does not know.

My daily life is usually filled with busy work.

Suddenly having free time, I really didn't know what to do.

He slowly rose and walked towards the living room with slightly dragging steps. He paused for a moment in front of the cabinet, then skillfully made himself a cup of coffee.

Duanmu Yan picked up his coffee, went to the window, took a sip, and savored the rich flavor. Then, he gazed leisurely at the huge building in the distance, separated from the city by a river, which was used to admire the statue of the Emperor.

That is the church of the Hermit Sea Order—quiet and solemn.

He had visited the religious order several times.

In Laguna, worship is a deeply ingrained tradition. Almost every month, the people of Laguna will set aside time to go to the church with a devout heart, to pour out their hearts to God and pray for His protection in that sacred atmosphere.

However, due to his busy work schedule, Duanmu Yan could not find the time to go to church. Moreover, deep down, he had no faith in God whatsoever.

He only went to the religious order to satisfy his own curiosity.

"Speaking of which, could Phoebe be there?"

He suddenly remembered that he had met the priestess once before... well, or rather, had a meal with her.

The little lily is pure and innocent, its bud waiting to bloom.

Although in some ways she was not as ignorant as people imagined, but rather had her own unique insights and understanding—Duanmu Yan certainly could not forget Phoebe's performance that day.

Should we go and check it out? Phoebe can show me around.

Since there's nothing else to do today, I'll chat with Phoebe and learn more about the Lord's faith. Maybe he'll become interested in converting?

Just as he was immersed in his daydreams and preparing to take action, the terminal device suddenly rang, and a message appeared on the screen. It turned out to be from Koleta.

Are you awake yet?

Duanmu Yan was slightly taken aback, then replied.

【Um. 】

Immediately following, another message arrived.

"Then come to the theater. I'll wait for you at the nearby coffee shop."

Okay, let's put the topic of Phoebe's religious beliefs on hold for now. We should get back to work.

……

……

An hour later, Duanmu Yan arrived at the theater with measured steps, just as agreed.

Compared to the hustle and bustle of last night, the theater entrance is now rather deserted.

This is understandable, since this is Giacomo's private property most of the time.

"I am here."

A clear and melodious girl's voice, like a silver bell, rang in my ears, instantly breaking the silence.

He looked in the direction of the sound and saw Koleta sitting elegantly in a charming, artsy coffee shop on the street, leisurely enjoying her morning tea.

Sunlight filtered through the dappled leaves, casting a beautiful glow on her.

"Very punctual, not bad."

Koleta's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile, as she gently stirred the coffee in her cup with a silver spoon.

Duanmu Yan sat down opposite her, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the somewhat mysterious theater not far away: "So, what's today's work? Do I need to infiltrate it?"

Koleta elegantly picked up her coffee cup, gently shook her head, and said with a meaningful look in her eyes, "Today we don't need to sneak in, but walk in openly."

"Walk in openly and honestly?" Duanmu Yan looked puzzled.

“After yesterday’s performance, Giacomo contacted me,” Coleta said softly, sipping her fragrant coffee.

"Why?" Duanmu Yan asked instinctively.

“What other reason could there be?” Koleta placed the coffee back on the snow-white tray. “You should know that the band that performed yesterday was making their public debut, right?”

Duanmu Yan nodded.

"Think about it, is it realistic for a band performing on stage for the first time to attract such a considerable number of visitors?" Koleta slightly raised her fair chin, her eyes revealing confidence and pride, and looked directly into Duanmu Yan's eyes as she spoke, word by word.

"Of course, it's all because of me. In Laguna, people call me all sorts of things, but the identity of 'art investor' is undoubtedly my most dazzling halo."

"So, those audience members came not so much for the orchestra, but rather for my name, Koleta."

Art is pure, but the buying and selling of art is not.