The Billionaire's Debt-Bound Lover

009

"Brother—is... is this person in the newspaper Xiaoyou?"

​Staring at the newspaper—which featured Yi Lanyou dancing with a man so handsome it seemed like a crime against nature—Di Yun’er found it impossible to believe. How could her best friend, the person she shared everything with, not tell her about something as massive as an engagement? She had to find out from a newspaper. Moreover, how could Lanyou be the eldest miss of the prestigious Yi family? Yun’er had only been away on a trip to Australia for a few days—how had all this explosive news suddenly surfaced?

​Di Yun’er and Yi Lanyou had been classmates since middle school. Yun’er was vivacious, while Lanyou was quiet. Yun’er loved Lanyou’s calm, as her tranquility helped soothe Yun’er’s own fiery temper; Lanyou, in turn, loved Yun’er’s energy, as her mischievous nature brought joy to Lanyou’s heavy heart.

​"What? Xiaoyou is the heir to the Yi family, and she’s about to get engaged to Han Yuming, the young master of Han’s Enterprise?" Di Jun stared at the newspaper his sister handed him in utter disbelief.

​As the successor to Di Enterprises, Di Jun came from a family that owned several large listed companies in Yun City. To stay by Yi Lanyou’s side, the siblings had even turned down spots at elite private schools. The tuition there was exorbitant, and Lanyou’s financial situation at the time wouldn't have allowed it. She was stubborn and refused any financial aid from the Di family, a trait that made Yun’er treasure their friendship even more. Because of this, the siblings treated her like family. But for Di Jun, she wasn't just a sister; a different kind of affection had quietly taken root in his heart long ago.

​Now that such a massive event had occurred without a single word of warning, it was impossible for them not to feel upset.

​"Yun’er, call Xiaoyou and tell her to come out. It looks like we need to have a serious talk with her." Di Jun dropped the newspaper. His eyes were filled with a bitterness he tried to hide from his sister as he turned to head upstairs.

​"Lanyou, you’d better have a good explanation, or I’ll really give it to you!" Yun’er muttered, her heart aching as she watched her brother’s lonely silhouette. She knew his feelings for Lanyou weren't simple. She just didn't know if her best friend truly couldn't see it, or if she simply didn't care. Frustrated, Yun’er ran a hand through her hair.

​"Sorry, the user you are calling is currently on a date with the Duke of Dreams. Please do not disturb!" Yi Lanyou said sluggishly, reciting her usual catchphrase before tossing the phone aside to go back to sleep.

​"Yi Lanyou! You’ve got some nerve trying to brush me off! Get—up—now!" Di Yun’er’s voice blasted through the phone like a sonic wave.

​"Ah—Yun’er? My dear Yun’er, it’s six in the morning here. Don't bother me, let me sleep a bit more... long-distance calls are expensive!" Hearing Yun’er’s voice, Lanyou forced herself to wake up a little.

​"Oh, Miss Yi, the great heiress, would you really care about a few dollars in long-distance fees?" Yun’er quipped. So she’s the Yi family successor now, yet she’s still this stingy? Truly, a leopard can't change its spots!

​"Wait, you know already? Aren't you in Australia? Do they even have our news over there?" Lanyou was finally awake. She had planned to explain everything in person once they returned, but she hadn't expected them to find out so soon.

​"There was business at the company, so my brother and I flew back overnight. It’s a good thing we came back early, otherwise, would you have just gone ahead and gotten married before telling us?" Yun’er said crossly.

​"Oh, you’re both back... I’m sorry! Don’t be mad, let me explain everything slowly," Lanyou said cautiously, hardly daring to breathe.

​Though Di Yun’er was often impulsive and thick-skinned, she was 100% devoted to her friends. In return, she expected absolute honesty—especially from Lanyou, whom she had never treated as an outsider.

​"Fine. I know you’re usually the level-headed one, unlike me. But my brother... he seems really heartbroken. Is it true what the paper says? Are you really getting engaged to the young master of Han’s Enterprise?" Yun’er knew that Lanyou had been searching and waiting for her "Brother Ming," which was why she never let other boys get close to her, except for Di Jun.

​"Yes... it’s true. It’s a long story. Let’s find a time to meet and talk." Lanyou needed time to organize her thoughts—to decide what to say and what to keep hidden. It wasn't that she didn't trust them; she just didn't want them to worry. Especially Di Jun. Knowing his feelings for her, she had to make sure her explanation was absolutely seamless.