“I’m about to leave,” Song Yu said in a hurry. She lowered her head and dared not look at Qi Chengzhi and Luo Yushu.

When she reached the door, she was sandwiched by Luo Yushu from the outside and Qi Chengyu from the inside. There was only a very limited amount of space left for Song Yu to pass through.

Even if she tried to go through horizontally, she still had to squeeze past Qi Chengzhi.

Their bodies would definitely collide.

Song Yu clenched her fist and seethed when she saw that he was not going to move aside, “Young Master Cheng, please let me through.”

Qi Chengzhi smiled gently and leaned towards one side. He did not move away completely, but the space he offered was only sufficient for Song Yu to pass through sideways.

Song Yu lowered her head as Qi Chengzhi kept staring at her with a mocking smile and an intense gaze. It made her scalp tingle and she almost forgot how to walk, making her almost walk with both her hands and foot in sync.

Song Yu walked carefully as she did not want to come into contact with his naked chest. However, the more careful she tried to be, the slower she was and the more she got affected by Qi Chengzhi’s gaze.

Luo Yushu had already moved aside much earlier on. He dared not touch a single hair of Song Yu as he was afraid that he might anger Qi Chengzhi.

However, he had a clear view of what was happening by observing from the side.

Their director’s gaze was so hungry as if he wanted to swallow the lady whole in that instant.

Even Luo Yushu who was not involved could feel the tingles on his scalp. Imagine the pressure Song Yu was experiencing at the moment.

Suddenly, Qi Chengzhi lunged forward with his body and stuck tightly to Song Yu. Her body was pushed by him against the doorframe.

Song Yu bit onto her lips desperately and lifted her head to stare at him angrily with an embarrassed expression.

How could he act indecently in front of his subordinate!

His solid chest pressed on her tightly. There was something even harder that was prodding her abdomen across the bath towel. Song Yu dared not struggle this time and could only let him have his way.

Unexpectedly, Qi Chengzhi turned around and stared at Luo Yushu, “Why did you push me!”

Then, he took a step back righteously with his head held high and an upright back, as if he knew nothing about what indecent acts meant.

Luo Yushu secretly pouted his mouth at a corner and thought, ‘Director, if you want to play innocent, you should at least put on some clothes before you do that.’

Song Yu was so embarrassed and blushed that her face could almost bleed. At that moment, she had no room for manners and dashed out the door without any greetings.

Her room was just beside his. It only took her two strides before she reached her door.

However, Qi Chengzhi did not close his door. Instead, he walked out from his room with only a bath towel around his waist. He stood shamelessly at the hallway and observed how Song Yu fumbled with the keycard with his arms folded across his chest.

Song Yu panicked under the gaze of Qi Chengzhi, and she could not manage to insert the keycard.

Song Yu finally inserted the keycard with much difficulty, seeing that her hands were shaking. “Beep,” Song Yu opened the door and rushed into the room before slamming the door in front of Qi Chengzhi.

Song Yu finally inserted the keycard with much difficulty, seeing that her hands were shaking. “Beep,” Song Yu opened the door and rushed into the room before slamming the door in front of Qi Chengzhi.

Guan Xiaolin stood at the entrance of the hallway. She wanted to look for Song Yu, but after witnessing what just happened, she turned and left without saying a thing.

…

Song Yu collapsed onto the bed once she entered her room. Her face was boiling, and Qi Chengzhi’s scent lingered in her mouth.

The television behind her was still airing the same Korean drama before she left. The main actor was confessing to the lead actress, his words made her even more restless.

Song Yu turned around just to see that both characters were kissing. No need to mention the restlessness of her heart in that moment.

She pressed her lips tightly and rubbed violently with her fingers until she felt pain. She then turned off the television with a disturbed expression and buried her head into the bed.

The sheets in her house were filled with his scent—even her mouth was filled with his scent!

…

…

Luo Yushu left Qi Chengzhi’s room in confusion. Earlier on, it was Qi Chengzhi who mentioned that he had some things to discuss. He came, but Qi Chengzhi did not say anything. Instead, he let him watch a documentary film in his room for a while before asking him to leave.

Qi Chengzhi was alone. He wore a pair of long pants but his upper body remained bare.

He sat on the chair at the balcony and lighted a cigarette.

Song Yu confessed outside his door. Although he was pretty sure that was not meant for him, he could still tick all the boxes if he put himself in the scenario.

He was slowly engrossed in his thoughts. She managed to ignite a spark in his heart.

However, he still heard that two disappointing words — Jian Yi.

He squinted and took a drag on the cigarette.

…

…

The next day, Guan Xiaolin went to the buffet restaurant early in the morning. Song Yu had not arrived yet, but she saw Jian Yi.

She took some food and sat down at Jian Yi’s table.

Jian Yi was all alone. He simply glanced at Guan Xiaolin when she sat down and kept his distance.

“Jian Yi, when did our relationship become so strained,” Guan Xiaolin put on a long face. She thought about how Jian Yi was still so close to Song Yu, but not to her. She was not very happy about that.

“I’m full, you take your time,” Jian Yi put down his chopsticks. There were still two Xiaolongbaos and half a serving of fried noodles left untouched.

“Do you really dislike seeing me? Are you happy if the one you met was Song Yu? You’re all smiles and grins towards Song Yu, but you treat me like this. If Song Yu knew about you and…” Guan Xiaolin’s expression was cold but the way she leered was unsettling.

Jian Yi sprung up and shot her an unfriendly glance, “Eat your food!”

Jian Yi sprung up and shot her an unfriendly glance, “Eat your food!”

“I just wanted to tell you that Song Yu came out from Qi Chengzhi’s room last night.” Guan Xiaolin’s words halted Jian Yi’s footsteps and got him to sit down again.

Guan Xiaolin smirked in satisfaction. She had never seen such a tensed expression from Jian Yi before, and she continued, “I planned to have a chat with her last night, but guess what? I saw her running out of Qi Chengzhi’s room with her hair and clothes all messed up. Her face was bright red as if she had done something she shouldn’t. Qi Chengzhi came out with her and stood at the hallway. He wasn’t wearing anything except for a bath towel.”

“Both of them are single. Based on their disheveled look, what else could they have been doing?” Guan Xiaolin shook her head as if she was disappointed and in pain, “I can’t understand, is Song Yu so desperate to close this business deal? How could she do something like this.”

Jian Yi pulled a long face. When he was about to defend Song Yu, Guan Xiaolin broke into a friendly smile and waved to the back of him, “Song Song, we’re here!”

Song Yu nodded in acknowledgment and proceeded to take her breakfast before sitting down.

When Song Yu was eating her porridge, she noticed that Guan Xiaolin kept looking at her from time to time—causing her to accidentally bite her tongue.

Song Yu could not eat in peace with Guan Xiaolin acting like this.

Guan Xiaolin licked her lips before asking embarrassedly, “Song Song, I went to look for you last night, but I saw you came out of Qi Chengzhi’s room. Both of you looked a bit…”

“Song Song, you wouldn’t do that for the business right…” Guan Xiaolin bit her tongue, but the insinuation was obvious.

Song Yu closed her eyes and her facial expression turned cold. When she lifted her head again, she looked at Guan Xiaolin with an extremely stern look. One could say that it was a little distant. “I wouldn’t sell myself no matter what. It’s just a business deal. If I lost, it’s because I’m not up to par. I’m all for transparency and integrity when it comes to competition. Never once was I involved in unorthodox methods, nor will I ever exchange my body for business.”

“Yes, it’s true that this business deal is very important to me, but I would never sleep with Qi Chengzhi just to get that deal. That’s what you were implying just now right? Also, Qi Chengzhi became who he is now because he’s not the kind that would indulge in desires and neglect work. If he gave the business to whom he slept with, both of us don’t have the chance to fight for this deal. He doesn’t need to use deals in exchange for the company of women. He already has so many women in his bed, he doesn’t need me at all.”

“If you saw clearly last night, you’ll notice that Manager Luo was also at the doorstep. Even if Qi Chengzhi was really in the mood, he wouldn’t have done it in front of a subordinate,” Song Yu said coldly.

Guan Xiaolin smiled awkwardly in regret and said softly, “Song Song, that wasn’t what I meant. I’m just afraid that you’ll be taken advantage of, I…”

Guan Xiaolin smiled awkwardly in regret and said softly, “Song Song, that wasn’t what I meant. I’m just afraid that you’ll be taken advantage of, I…”

Song Yu stood up before Guan Xiaolin could finish her sentence. She said coldly, “I’ll head back first. I have a lot to prepare for the site visit later.”

Song Yu left without turning back. Jian Yi snickered sarcastically and also left.

Guan Xiaolin was left sitting alone. She threw the chopsticks with an annoyed expression and left too.

…

…

Song Yu walked towards her room with her head lowered. All of a sudden, a pair of intricate men’s leather shoes appeared in her sight.

Her vision followed the leather shoes upwards and saw Qi Chengzhi leaning against the door of her room. He totally ignored the “No smoking” sign on the wall and puffed in and out.

The way he smoked with his eyes half-closed looked quite rogue, not like his usual calm composure. At that moment, he looked like the licentious type during his younger days.

Song Yu’s heart skipped a beat. The back of her ears started tingling and she dared not look at him directly, “What are you doing here, Young Master Cheng?”

“Waiting for you,” Qi Chengzhi towered over her after he straightened his body. Her head was only up to his chest, she instantly felt pressured.

Song Yu unconsciously backed away under pressure, “Young Master Cheng, you’re my customer. I’m worried that this will give others a bad impression.”

“Bad impression? There’s only two of us here, who’s watching?” Qi Chengzhi continued to press forward when she backed away.

“I don’t know what you think of me, but I’m not someone who will accompany you to play games. You clearly heard what I said last night, I already have someone that I like,” Song Yu dared not make direct eye contact with him and kept on backing away with her head lowered. She felt suffocated.

In the end, she was cornered to the wall and could not step back anymore.

Qi Chengzhi smoked his cigarette and lowered his head suddenly. He puffed out a thin line of smoke onto her lips, “Does the person you like know about our relationship?”

Song Yu finally lifted her head, her heart was racing when she saw Qi Chengzhi’s teasing expression, “We do not have any relationship.”

“It doesn’t count as a relationship even after we kissed?” Qi Chengzhi asked laughingly.

“…” Song Yu pressed her lips together without answering.

She heard Qi Chengzhi laughing gently above her head. His raspy laughter danced in his throat, she felt as if she was tickled by countless tentacles.

“There’ll be sooner or later,” Qi Chengzhi said firmly.

They could hear Luo Yushu and Fu Junya’s laughter and conversation from afar. Their voices were slowly approaching them.

Song Yu looked over in distress. She was afraid that they would appear around the corner and saw that Qi Chengzhi was with her.

“Someone’s coming, I don’t want them to misunderstand!” Song Yu said desperately.

However, Qi Chengzhi remained motionless. He was like a wall in the dead end, blocking her way completely.

At that instant, their footsteps were clearly audible. Song Yu knew that they were approaching very soon.

At that instant, their footsteps were clearly audible. Song Yu knew that they were approaching very soon.

Qi Chengzhi took a few steps back before he turned around and left.

At the same time, he said gently, “Are you sure that he likes you? Especially when he needed you to confess your feelings before he decided to make a move?”

By the time Luo Yushu and the rest came over, Qi Chengzhi had disappeared.

“Miss Song?” Luo Yushu greeted politely. He found it strange that Song Yu was standing with her back against the wall.

He thought he saw the director in the room earlier.

“Manager Luo, Miss Fu,” Song Yu recollected herself and chuckled. “I’m about to head back to my room and get ready to leave.”

“Alright, we’re going to make a move now,” Luo Yushu replied and left with Fu Junya.

…

…

When everyone gathered and made their way to the project site, Qi Chengzhi did not interact with anyone, not even Song Yu. It was as though nothing happened last night.

Song Yu wondered if she was imagining things—whenever she interacted with Jian Yi, she could feel Qi Chengzhi’s burning gaze on her. His gaze made her feel like her back was on fire in the freezing cold weather.

While talking to Jian Yi, Song Yu could not help but steal a glance at Qi Chengzhi. Her gaze was met with his, and he stared at her candidly.

As everyone was focused on Jian Yi’s explanation, they did not notice this.

‘Isn’t Qi Chengzhi being a little too obvious, to think that he’s doing this in front of everyone?’ Song Yu thought.

Song Yu looked away as though she had just been scalded. Her huge reaction attracted Jian Yi’s attention. He asked, “Song Yu, what’s happening?”

Song Yu shook her head before replying, “Nothing.”

Qi Chengzhi smirked.

Song Yu’s phone vibrated. She reached for her phone and found a message in her inbox. The sender was Qi Chengzhi. “Why were you looking at me earlier?”

Song Yu pursed her lips and was rendered speechless by Qi Chengzhi’s despicable acts.

If it was not for his intrusive gaze, she would not have looked at him.

She put her phone back into her pocket, refusing to reply.

A few seconds later, her phone vibrated again. It was a message from Qi Chengzhi. “Missing me?”

‘I have never seen someone so shameless,’ she thought.

Song Yu ignored him again.

Her phone vibrated again, the message came quicker than earlier. “Why didn’t you tell Jian Yi the truth when he asked you about it earlier? Are you feeling guilty because I’m in your heart?”

“…” Song Yu gritted her teeth.

As she was checking her phone so frequently, everyone took notice of that.

Fu Junya smiled and asked, “Miss Song, are you on your phone all the time because you’re talking to your boyfriend?”

Fu Junya smiled and asked, “Miss Song, are you on your phone all the time because you’re talking to your boyfriend?”

Fu Junya was smiling but her intention was bad. She was insinuating that Song Yu was not focusing at work as she was chatting on her phone all the time.

“No. My phone might be infected with a virus, that would explain why I’m getting so many junk messages,” Song Yu said expressionlessly.

“…” Qi Chengzhi was speechless.

Shortly after, Song Yu received another message from Qi Chengzhi. “Junk messages? Do you still want the contract to go through or…?”

He took advantage of Song Yu’s weakness. She had no choice but to reply him on text, “You won’t let our private matters affect our work right?”

This time around, Qi Chengzhi’s phone finally vibrated. As he checked the message, his eyes were smiling.

After reading Song Yu’s reply, he replied hastily. “I said I would never sleep with a woman in exchange for an order. Have we slept with each other yet?”

“…” Song Yu’s face darkened and decided to shut down her phone altogether.

…

…

When they were on their way back to the hotel at noon, Guan Xiaolin suggested having dinner together. Her reasoning was that as everyone was leaving the day after, this would be the last time they had a gathering. It would be a good opportunity for everyone to gather for one last time.

Song Yu was the first to decline. She said she was too tired and wanted to rest.

The reality was that she was bothered by what Guan Xiaolin said earlier that morning.

She was unsure if Guan Xiaolin was acting in her best interest, or if she was merely expressing concern. Seeing how they were friends, she would expect Guan Xiaolin to know how she was like as a person.

To think that Guan Xiaolin accused her of prostituting herself for the sake of business. This made her extremely uncomfortable.

Moreover, Guan Xiaolin had always known that she liked Jian Yi.

The fact that Guan Xiaolin said that in front of Jian Yi made her extremely upset. She found it impossible to connect with Guan Xiaolin anymore.

Qi Chengzhi said no to the gathering too. “Not free,” he replied without elaborating further and did not respond to anyone.

No one dared to ask him why.

Since Qi Chengzhi was not going, Luo Yushu followed suit and decided not to go as well. Jian Yi found it inappropriate to go alone and Guan Xiaolin’s plan fell through.

After returning to the hotel, Song Yu stayed in her room and did not head out anymore. She packed up and got ready for their departure tomorrow morning.

She took a shower and was in the white bathrobe provided by the hotel. To make sure that Qi Chengzhi would not succeed in taking advantage of her, she kept her undergarments on.

She dried her hair as she walked out of the shower. When she passed by the door, she heard Qi Chengzhi’s doorbell ringing.

A voice spoke after the door opened. She froze after realizing who was on the other side of the door. “Young Master Cheng, I have a few new ideas about the hotel design proposal that I would like to discuss with you. Are you free to talk now?”

The bad sound insulation in the hotel rooms coupled with the fact that her room was next to Qi Chengzhi’s room allowed her to hear Guan Xiaolin’s voice clearly.

The bad sound insulation in the hotel rooms coupled with the fact that her room was next to Qi Chengzhi’s room allowed her to hear Guan Xiaolin’s voice clearly.

Guan Xiaolin’s room was upstairs and she made her way down purposefully and rang Qi Chengzhi’s doorbell. Song Yu refused to speculate whether her real intention was to discuss the design proposal or if she had something else in mind.

However, Guan Xiaolin’s intention was obvious.

Song Yu leaned on the door. Her chest was stuffy and she did not know what Qi Chengzhi planned to do.

Qi Chengzhi looked at Guan Xiaolin who was wearing a tight black dress with thin straps. She was showing off her fair shoulders and chest. Her cleavage was in clear sight as well. The hem of her dress rested slightly below her butt, revealing her fair and long legs.

Guan Xiaolin blushed as Qi Chengzhi gave her a once-over. The pinkish tint on her face and shoulder made her extremely seductive.

She lowered her head as though she was too shy to look at Qi Chengzhi. Due to that, she did not notice the calmness in Qi Chengzhi’s gaze.

“Are you here to talk about design, or are you here to talk about production?” Qi Chengzhi asked coldly with his hands in his pockets.

Guan Xiaolin was stunned. It took her a while to understand what Qi Chengzhi was referring to when he said ‘production’. Her blush deepened immediately.

The quiet and classy man greeted Guan Xiaolin with dirty jokes. Guan Xiaolin felt her body heating up and she almost collapsed weakly against the door frame. Her heart was beating fast.

Qi Chengzhi’s intense gaze gave her butterflies in her chest.

She did not expect Qi Chengzhi to be so direct. She wondered if the same thing happened to Song Yu last night.

“Young Master Cheng…” Guan Xiaolin’s face was blushing as she murmured his name seductively. She peeked at Qi Chengzhi before averting her gaze again. “If Young Master Cheng feels like it, then…”

“One second,” Qi Chengzhi said coldly before turning around and returning to his room.

Guan Xiaolin trailed after him. After taking two steps forward, Qi Chengzhi turned around and said icily, “I told you to wait outside, you’re not coming in.”

Guan Xiaolin froze immediately. She was unsure about what she should do.

“Haha, Young Master Cheng…” She tried to mask her embarrassment with laughter. However, Qi Chengzhi’s icy gaze stopped her from trying to sneak in.

“Wait outside.”

Guan Xiaolin stopped laughing altogether. She bit on her lips and retreated in embarrassment. She stood by the door as she observed the invisible boundary that she dared not cross.

Qi Chengzhi reached for his phone on the table and took a seat directly opposite of the door. He was a few meters away from Guan Xiaolin.

There was quite some distance between them but he refused to let Guan Xiaolin in. Qi Chengzhi looked at Guan Xiaolin coldly from where he sat.

That was the moment when Guan Xiaolin realized that she had been humiliated by him.

That was the moment when Guan Xiaolin realized that she had been humiliated by him.

She became paler as she looked at the taunting expression on his face. She felt naked and all she wanted was to bundle herself up.

When she was about to leave, she heard Qi Chengzhi speaking over the phone. “Manager Luo, Miss Guan has some new ideas about the design proposal. She would like to talk about it now. Please come over and get her.”

“…”

“She is at my door now. Come down and get her.”

Guan Xiaolin was not about to wait for Luo Yushu to come for her as that would add on to her humiliation.

“Young Master Cheng, I see you’re not free today. I’m going to make a move then. Please, don’t bother Manager Luo about this. I’m heading off now.” Song Yu was listening closely with her ears pressed against the door. She noticed the change in Guan Xiaolin’s tone; Guan Xiaolin’s tone stiffened up in humiliation. Song Yu heard footsteps before the corridor fell silent again.

Song Yu felt the rock being lifted from her chest. She was at ease and did not feel suffocated. The corner of her lips curled slightly.

For a moment, she could not hear anything that Qi Chengzhi said. All she heard was Guan Xiaolin’s voice at the end. She was unsure how Qi Chengzhi turned Guan Xiaolin down.

When she could not hear anything anymore, Song Yu opened her door sneakily and peeped around. She saw Guan Xiaolin on her way out and disappeared around the corner.

“Heard everything?” Qi Chengzhi’s teasing voice greeted her from above.

Song Yu raised her head too fast and almost strained her neck.

She saw Qi Chengzhi leaning against the wall with his arms crossed in front of his chest. One of his feet was tiptoeing and he looked at her with amusement.

His expression made it seem like he was making fun of her.

Song Yu blushed and retracted her head before closing the door without saying a word. ‘Kacha.’ Qi Chengzhi heard Song Yu latching her door.

“Director!” Luo Yushu hurriedly made his way over. His beer belly bounced up and down as he jogged.

“Where is Miss Guan?” Luo Yushu looked around and stole a peek at Qi Chengzhi’s room. He did not see Guan Xiaolin anywhere.

“She just left. You should leave too,” Qi Chengzhi replied before turning around and went back into his room. He locked Luo Yushu out.

Luo Yushu looked at Qi Chengzhi’s room door before glancing at Song Yu’s room door.

On his way here, he knew that Guan Xiaolin came for the director with sneaky intentions in mind. She probably wanted to offer herself up, but the director was not interested. Since then, Luo Yushu took Song Yu even more seriously than before.

After returning into her room, Song Yu blew dry her hair. She was bothered by what happened earlier.

She did not expect Guan Xiaolin to do that. Seeing how Guan Xiaolin’s outfit was not what she wore in the day, it was apparent what her intention was.

Song Yu’s suspicion was confirmed. Earlier that day, Guan Xiaolin was advising her to not prostitute herself for the sake of business, to think that Guan Xiaolin would change so drastically and came for Qi Chengzhi herself!

Song Yu shook her head and her heart ached. Something had come between her and her childhood friend, Guan Xiaolin.

Song Yu shook her head and her heart ached. Something had come between her and her childhood friend, Guan Xiaolin.

Even though they were childhood friends, maybe she did not know who Guan Xiaolin was anymore.

Song Yu did not sleep well that entire night.

…

…

On Sunday morning, they made their way back to B City. The site visit to the hotel solidified Song Yu’s initial concept. After having some rest on Sunday, she began working on the design diagram and fine-tuning the details on her previous draft.

Qi Chengzhi gave them two weeks to hand in the blueprint completed with relevant data, including the data for every structure.

Fortunately, Song Yu had an earlier draft to work on. Even though she still had to make modifications, but it was easier than having to start from scratch.

Director Zhao gave her full support these few days. He allowed her to stop working on the miscellaneous tasks in order to focus on the project with Qilin.

Wang Liwei marched into the office on her high heels and said, “Song Yu, Director Zhao is looking for you. You need to head over to his office.”

Wang Liwei left for the lounge after relaying the message to Song Yu.

Song Yu locked her design diagram back into the drawer before leaving for Director Zhao’s office.

Shortly after, Ruan Danchen received a phone call from the client and rushed out for a client meeting. There was no one in the office.

Wang Liwei came out from the lounge and looked around. She walked to Song Yu’s desk and unlocked her drawer with the small key in her hand. After opening the drawer, she took out the design diagram.

“Hmph! I would like to see how you are going to secure Qilin’s business without the design diagram!” Wang Liwei held onto the design diagram tightly as she said in a horrifying tone.

…

…

When Ruan Danchen returned, she saw Song Yu rummaging through her table and drawers. She even removed the drawers from their compartment, and the entire office was in a mess.

“Song Yu, what happened?” Ruan Danchen ran over and noticed that Song Yu’s forehead was beaded with sweat.

Song Yu raised her head and clutched onto Ruan Danchen’s arm. “My design diagram is missing! I looked everywhere but I can’t find it!”

“What happened? Didn’t you keep it safe?” Blood drained from Ruan Danchen’s face. She knew how important the design diagram was to Song Yu.

“Director Zhao was looking for me earlier. Before I left, I made sure that I locked the design diagram in my drawer,” Song Yu said urgently and was about to tear up.

This was the first time Ruan Danchen saw her in such a fragile state. Song Yu was displeased when her contract was snatched away from her and when she threw her resignation letter at Director Zhao, but she was never as fragile.

“Shortly after you left, I left for a client meeting. There was no one in the office…” Ruan Danchen paused momentarily before continuing, “No! Wang Liwei was at the lounge. I didn’t see her coming out! After I left, Wang Liwei was the only one left in the office!”

“Shortly after you left, I left for a client meeting. There was no one in the office…” Ruan Danchen paused momentarily before continuing, “No! Wang Liwei was at the lounge. I didn’t see her coming out! After I left, Wang Liwei was the only one left in the office!”

Song Yu was stunned. Ruan Danchen stomped her feet and complained, “It’s got to be her. She felt humiliated about the Qilin incident and has been looking for an opportunity to take revenge on you!”

“Ruan Danchen, how shameless do you have to be to talk behind my back?” Wang Liwei walked in on her high heels. Her face darkened after hearing Ruan Danchen.

“Wang Liwei, was it you who took Song Yu’s design diagram?” Ruan Danchen squinted as she asked.

“Design diagram? What’s the design for?” Wang Liwei asked cheerfully.

“Stop acting dumb! I’m talking about the design diagram for Qilin’s leisure hotel. After I left, you were the only one in the office. Speak up! Were you the one who took it!” Ruan Danchen asked with a raised voice as she could no longer control her temper.

“Stop trying to frame the innocent! You’re not right just because you raised your voice. How dare you try to pin this on me when she’s the one who should be keeping her own design diagram safe? There’s no way I’m letting you do this. Maybe you’re the one who took it! After Song Yu left, I went to the lounge. You were alone in the office! Moreover, I’ve been meeting clients and I’m not even the slightest bit interested in her design diagram!” Wang Liwei slung her bag onto the table and shouted loudly.

“Now you’re just spouting nonsense!” Ruan Danchen replied in anger.

Wang Liwei smiled coldly, “Why? You’re not the only one who can make accusations. Song Yu, you’ve got to watch out. Even though Ruan Danchen is close to you, you can’t be sure of her true intentions!”

Ruan Danchen was angry and her face was red.

Song Yu took a deep breath as she tried to suppress the discomfort and frailty in her heart. She spoke as calmly as she could, “The design diagram was locked away safely in the drawer. The drawer was still locked when I got back, but the design diagram was nowhere to be found. Wang Liwei, I know we had our differences but this deal is important to the company. Whether the deal comes through or not, it has a direct impact on the company. There is no point for you to mess around with the company’s prospect because of our personal issues.”

“If you’re the one who took the design diagram, I’ll pretend as though nothing has happened as long as you return it to me now. I don’t think Director Zhao would still favor you after you made the company sustain losses.”

“Song Yu, you’re the one who lost the design diagram. Don’t try to use this as an excuse to hide your fear of losing against Guanyu. Let me tell you this, I’m not going to let you frame me for this. I did nothing wrong. Just because Director Zhao favors you now, it doesn’t mean that you can bully me! If you have time to act like a crazy person, you should use the time to try and fix your own mistake!” Wang Liwei placed her arms on her waist as she shrieked.

“Hmph! I would like to see how you can keep your job after making such a huge mistake and losing the project with Qilin! Instead of wasting your time looking for the design diagram, you should start looking for a new job online!” Wang Liwei made fun of Song Yu’s predicament.

“Hmph! I would like to see how you can keep your job after making such a huge mistake and losing the project with Qilin! Instead of wasting your time to look for the design diagram, you should start looking for a new job online!” Wang Liwei made fun of Song Yu’s predicament.

“I didn’t lose the design diagram, I left it in the drawer. We are colleagues here and I’m just doing my job. I have no intention of bullying anyone. I’m going out for coffee now, I hope that the design diagram will reappear on my table when I get back,” Song Yu clenched her fist and said.

She had no doubt that it was Wang Liwei who stole her design diagram.

Even though she knew, there was nothing that she could do about it. Song Yu felt suffocated.

“There’s no need for that! I mean what I said, I didn’t take it! I can get Director Zhao and the security guards over, you can rummage through my bags and drawers in front of them. However if you couldn’t find it, I want you to apologize to me!” Wang Liwei raised her chin and said maliciously.

“Nice try! You went out once earlier, how am I supposed to know where did you leave the design diagram? Clearly, we won’t be able to find anything!” Ruan Danchen gritted her teeth as she wondered how can a person be so shameless!

“How dare you make false accusations against me! I will not let you guys off the hook so easily!” Wang Liwei cried as she said. She turned around and left.

After some time, Wang Liwei reappeared. This time, she brought Director Zhao along with her.

“Director Zhao, I haven’t done anything! They’re slandering me and they think they can get away with it just because they are handling a big deal. At this rate, I might as well leave!” Wang Liwei whimpered.

Director Zhao patted Wang Liwei on her shoulder and his face darkened. “I’ve heard about the incident. Song Yu, you’re going to need evidence if you want to accuse Xiao Wang of something. It’s not appropriate for you to direct accusations at her without any evidence at all.”

“Director Zhao, are you saying that the design diagram that I locked up in the drawer disappeared on its own after growing a pair of wings?” Song Yu’s voice tensed up.

“You said that it’s locked up in the drawer, right? How can Xiao Wang unlock your drawer and take away your design diagram without a key? Xiao Song, it’s fine if you lost the design diagram. There’s still time for you to fix your mistake. However, you should not frame your colleague in hopes of evading punishment, that is not good.” Director Zhao spoke sternly.

“Ha!” Song Yu was so angry that she laughed in response. Only Director Zhao had the audacity to say something so biased.

“Song Yu, hurry up and complete the design diagram. We can’t afford to make any mistakes and lose the contract again. Otherwise…” Song Yu would be sacked.

Director Zhao did not finish his sentence, but everyone knew what he was trying to say.

“Alright, let’s put this behind us,” Director Zhao said as he patted Wang Liwei on the shoulder. “Xiao Wang, don’t be too upset about this. Song Yu was too anxious and lost her judgment. It’s not uncommon. We’re all colleagues who will be working together in the future, let’s not be too petty.”

—

As I have been getting a lot of questions about this, I shall answer everyone here instead of replying all of you personally:

I got the idea for Gentlemen Seven from Qi, Chu, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wei, and Qin of the Warring States. The background setting was explained in Sishen 4. Along with Wey, the descendants of these eight nations formed the Eight Great Families now. As Wey was not a part of the Seven Warring States, it was categorized into Sishen. So, there will be a story about Yan Beicheng as he was one of the seven gentlemen. Even though Qi Chenglin and Wei Zilin were not a part of the gentlemen seven, there will be stories about them in the supplementary edition as well. As I have clarified here, I will not be replying to comments relating to this issue anymore!

“Alright, let’s put this behind us,” Director Zhao said as he patted Wang Liwei on the shoulder. “Xiao Wang, don’t be too upset about this. Song Yu was too anxious and lost her judgment. It’s not uncommon. We’re all colleagues who will be working together in the future, let’s not be too petty.”

Wang Liwei whimpered before replying, “Director Zhao, I want Song Yu to apologize for making false accusations against me!”

Director Zhao sighed and looked at Song Yu uncomfortably. “Xiao Song, honestly, you didn’t handle this well. How about you apologize to Xiao Wang and in exchange, Xiao Wang will stop making a fuss about it. Both parties take a step back and reach a compromise. What do you think?”

Song Yu smiled coldly. She looked at the pretentious duo and started to pack up her belongings.

Director Zhao was horrified. He asked, “Song Yu, what are you doing?”

“Director Zhao, don’t worry. Even if I were to resign, I’ll make sure that I’m named as the designer of Qilin’s hotel before I hand in my resignation letter. Since we can’t find the design diagram, I’m going to head home and focus on redrawing it. At least we don’t have to worry about my design diagram disappearing anymore. I won’t be coming into the office until I’ve submitted the design diagram.”

Song Yu packed up and made a copy of the data she worked on earlier before deleting everything from the computer. She took that extra step to prevent unwanted incidents from happening again.

Fortunately, she still had the data with her. She would not have enough time if she had to recalculate everything.

After packing up, Song Yu made her way out but was intercepted by Wang Liwei. “Song Yu, don’t even think of leaving before you apologize to me!” Wang Liwei said as she gripped Song Yu’s arm.

Song Yu turned around and stared at Wang Liwei icily. Her icy gaze stunned Wang Liwei momentarily. “Be grateful that you’re getting away with this. Don’t be too greedy.”

Song Yu’s icy gaze took Wang Liwei by surprise. She loosened her grip on Song Yu.

Song Yu shook off her hands and barged out of the office.

Director Zhao did not expect Song Yu to act on her words and left so suddenly. He felt embarrassed. Wang Liwei trailed behind Director Zhao and smirked at Ruan Danchen, as though she was saying, ‘This is what you get for not playing by my rules.’

Ruan Danchen smiled icily. “With people like you in the office, soon there will be no one good left here. No one will be able to put up with you.”

Ruan Danchen left after she spoke. Director Zhao’s face darkened.

…

…

Song Yu began to work on her design diagram. She received a call from Guan Xiaolin.

Guan Xiaolin asked her about her design diagram and told her that Guanyu submitted their design diagram.

Finally, Song Yu managed to submit the design diagram right before the deadline set by Qi Chengzhi.

However, a day after submissions, she received a phone call from Qi Chengzhi whilst she was in the office. “Song Yu, the design you submitted is exactly the same as Guanyu’s.”

—

The book will be listed tomorrow. Judging from the content till now, I am sure that everyone could tell that this is going to be a sweet and romantic storyline? Unlike before, this time you all will not have to brave through the heartbreaking bits. Rest easy and immerse yourself in the story. Let us see how Young Master Cheng is going to seduce Xiao Yu!

However, a day after submissions, she received a phone call from Qi Chengzhi whilst she was in the office. “Song Yu, the design you submitted is exactly the same as Guanyu’s.”

“How’s that possible!” Song Yu stood up abruptly and nearly sent the chair tumbling.

Her sudden actions caused the rest of the office to look at her.

Song Yu glanced at them and rushed out of the office. When she reached the stairs, her body turned weak immediately, and she leaned against the icy wall.

It was then that she noticed her body was feeling cold. She had no idea where the strength that compelled her to walk all the way there came from.

“Impossible!” Song Yu mumbled again as her voice faltered. Unbeknownst to her, she was grasping her cell phone very tightly.

On the other end of the phone, Qi Chengzhi was looking at the two sets of similar designs that were laid in front of him. His slender, well-defined fingers tapped lightly on his cell phone casing. “Okay, how about you come over here in the evening. The relevant people from Guanyu will also be here. Whatever the problem may be, we’ll discuss it face-to-face then.”

Song Yu nodded. In her absent-mindedness, she forgot that they were talking through the phone and that Qi Chengzhi was not able to see her action.

After arranging a time, Song Yu relaxed the hand which was holding her phone to her side. Her back remained in contact with the wall as she slid down and crouched there.

She placed her hand on her forehead and recalled the time she lost the design drawing. She remembered Guan Xiaolin’s phone call, where she was told that Guanyu was one step ahead of her and had already submitted their design drawing.

From that perspective, it seemed as though she would not be able to exculpate herself.

She remained at the staircase for quite some time, going back to the office only when she could no longer bear the cold.

As soon as she entered, she saw Wang Liwei sporting a disgusting smile. “Song Yu, Director Zhao wants to see you.”

Song Yu surmised that Wang Liwei gave the design drawing to Guanyu in addition to stealing it. Wang Liwei was someone Song Yu despised from the bottom of her heart.

She kept quiet and walked to Director Zhao’s office. He had a sour look when he said, “Song Yu, I just got a call from Guanyu. They said you stole their design. Now there are two identical designs submitted to Qilin. Fortunately, Guanyu was the first to submit, so the conclusion to this is fairly obvious, and because Miss Guan pleaded on your behalf, this matter will not be pursued. Hopefully, you’d take the initiative to withdraw from the competition.

“Song Yu, what I did regarding the contract signing was improper, but I’ve apologized to you. I’ve given you a raise, and I’ve done it in all sincerity. I didn’t expect that you’d still harbor hard feelings. You treated the company’s reputation and our business as a joke!”

Song Yu pursed her lips and asked unemotively, “Director Zhao, are you suggesting that I stole Guanyu’s design on purpose just so Chengshi wouldn’t get this business?”

“Up till this point, everything seems to suggest exactly that!” Director Zhao had a stony expression, and his gaze turned fierce as well.

“Director Zhao, have you forgotten that in the past few days, my design was stolen? Right after that, Guanyu submitted a design that was identical to mine. Who did this? Shouldn’t you be investigating it, Director Zhao? Pointing the finger at me will only harm the company!” Song Yu’s expressions turned similarly frigid.

“Well, it’s because we investigated that we came to you! You say that your design was stolen, but who stole it, and how was it stolen? Where’s the proof? You locked your drawer and the design disappeared; this is all your one-sided story! Who knows, you and Guanyu may have conspired to do this! If that weren’t the case, why didn’t Guanyu pursue an issue as important as stolen documents?” Director Zhao lambasted before sneering.

“In that case, haven’t you thought about the consequences it would have on me if word spreads out? Stealing designs out of jealousy will send my career down the drain! How much hate would I need to have for your company that I would be willing to risk my entire future? Okay, you said that I conspired with Guanyu. Let’s assume I did and I had a business transaction with them. I destroy your company and go to Guanyu, but if a client sees my name, who would dare to task me with designing for them? Didn’t this point cross your mind, Director Zhao?” Song Yu took no liberty with her mocking tone and derisive jeer.

“What company would want an architect that has no clients? I sure as hell wouldn’t want to become like Wang Liwei,” Song Yu scoffed.

Director Zhao’s blood began to boil. Never did he expect that at that juncture, Song Yu did not forget to bring that up to spite him.

“I’ll be going to Qilin this evening to confront Guanyu. I never harmed this company, so if there was any stealing of designs involved, Guanyu stole mine. If I can’t prove this, and it causes a loss to the company, I’ll resign!” Song Yu spat out those words and stormed out of the office.

She could not care less about how displeased Director Zhao looked. With all the things that happened, Song Yu was not about to be courteous with him.

If she could not get Qilin’s business, she would resign.

If, after that, she was still in charge of Qilin’s project, Director Zhao had to treat her with respect. He would not dare to bother her anymore, and she would no longer have to be worried.

…

…

That evening, Song Yu went to Qilin at the agreed-upon time.

– – –
Time for an out-of-story interview:

Old Man: “After so many days, Young Master Cheng, you are finally able to meet Song Yu. She walks into your office, and you look at her with those serious eyes. What, exactly, is in your mind?”

Boss Qi raises an eyebrow lazily: “Sleeping with her.”

Old Man: “…”

Old Man: “A lot of things are happening with Song Yu’s work, and all you think about is sleeping with her. That’s not very nice is it?”

Boss Qi glances askance: “The whole purpose of this business is to sleep with her.”

Old Man: “…”
---
“In my eyes, you’re the best. If a man can’t notice you, he’s blind.” Jian Yi’s eyes lit up with sincerity and tender sentiment. He smiled suddenly and said, “It’s contradictory, isn’t it? I feel like men who don’t see your beauty have terrible eyesight, but if any man looks at you, I’ll be extremely jealous.”

Song Yu laughed. The corner of her lips opened gently, like a lily that suddenly flushed pink. The whole world seemed to turn bright and beautiful.

Jian Yi saw everything and felt his heart pound. He could not control himself from lowering his head and giving her a kiss on the corner of her lips.

Upstairs, Guan Xiaolin opened the window and was able to see their actions clearly. She took her phone out and adjusted its lens, then she took a few successive shots.

Her expression turned more and more frigid as she looked at the two embracing.

Jian Yi aside, it never crossed Guan Xiaolin’s mind that even Qi Chengzhi would have his heart set on Song Yu.

When Qi Chengzhi told Guan Xiaolin his wishes that day, she was extremely shocked.

Before she went off, she had already walked to the door, but Qi Chengzhi called out to her and warned, “Stay away from Song Yu. Don’t you dare use your despicable methods on her again.”

Recalling that warning, Guan Xiaolin trembled intensely in anger.

Song Yu and Jian Yi said their goodbyes and returned home. Guan Xiaolin was nowhere to be seen, and no one knew the exact time that she left.

…

…

The next day, Song Yu and Manager Wang brought Xiao Chen with them over to Qilin to sign the contract.

Previously, it was only Cheng Dongge and the lawyer who were present, but on that day, Qi Chengzhi was there too.

Manager Wang was somewhat taken aback by that. He was but the manager of a small department, so it came as a shock that a simple contract signing could elicit the attendance of Qilin’s director.

Almost involuntarily, he recalled the rumors surrounding Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu.

They seemed to have a different kind of relationship. It was certain that Qi Chengzhi viewed Song Yu in a special light because there was absolutely no need for him to take the trouble to attend the simple signing of a contract.

He could not help but attach even more value to Song Yu. He improved his relationship with her subtly and even showed a great deal of consideration toward her.

On that occasion, the signing went smoothly and problem-free.

Once it was done, Manager Wang flattered them with some compliments. Then, along with Song Yu, the two of them bid the others goodbye.

While Qi Chengzhi sat in the meeting room, he could still hear Manager Wang speaking with Song Yu outside. “Xiao Song, it’s all thanks to you that the contract has been signed. How about we go celebrate and have dinner tonight, on me. I can’t treat you to Dynasty though, but I definitely can treat you to Shengyue.”

“I’m sorry Manager Wang, I’m meeting someone tonight.” Song Yu unwittingly revealed her womanly charm when she said those words.

Manager Wang knew that she would not have made up that reason to decline him. She must have had plans, so he chuckled and said, “A date with the boyfriend, eh? Good, good. Well, in that case, I won’t butt in. There’s always next time.”

Their voices subsequently became more distant.

The word ‘boyfriend’ caused Qi Chengzhi to squint. He held his handphone with an extremely sour face and scrolled through the pictures—they were of Song Yu and Jian Yi hugging the night before.

His gaze was so intense that it appeared as though it could burn a hole through the screen. His face, meanwhile, was stiff and motionless.

Qi Chengzhi left her alone for a second and she was already fickle enough to be with that other man!

Fuming with anger, he took out a cigarette. He lit it up and took a deep, intense breath, but his anger still had not dissipated. He glanced once more at his phone and felt it to be an eyesore, so he deleted each photo and tossed the phone out.

…

…

It was the first official date between Song Yu and Jian Yi. Before she got off work, she intentionally went to the restroom to re-apply some makeup.

“Yo, you’re looking beautiful. Got a date?” Ruan Danchen poked her and asked softly.

Song Yu blushed and replied, “It’s to celebrate me successfully getting Qilin’s business.”

“Yeah right!” Ruan Danchen rolled her eyes at Song Yu.

Song Yu blushed as she left the office. Jian Yi’s Buick Regal was parked at the entrance and he stood in front of the car while waiting for her.

She walked over to Jian Yi and smiled embarrassedly when she saw his gaze, a gaze which seemed to proclaim loudly that ‘this is my girlfriend’.

Before their feelings were made known to each other, there was never any unease when they met. They joked around like friends and everything was natural between them.

Funnily enough, it felt different when they decided to date. Song Yu unexpectedly found herself shying away from looking him in the eye.

Her delicate and charming demeanor caused Jian Yi’s heart to flutter. He suppressed his racing mind and opened the passenger seat whilst saying, “Hop on in.”

Song Yu sat down and waited for Jian Yi to start the car. She then asked, “Where are we going?”

“How about Shengyue? To celebrate our first date and your success in getting Qilin’s business,” Jian Yi said.

With his right hand stretched out, he held her hand after starting the car.

Song Yu saw her hand being wrapped in his and felt the heat from his palm coming into contact with the back of her hand. She trembled, but did not break away from it.

Immersed in sweetness, they failed to notice a Jaguar behind them. It was parked at Chengshi’s entrance right from the beginning. Moments after the Buick Regal left, the Jaguar left too, tailing the Buick Regal constantly from behind.

…

…

“Young Master Cheng, Director Zhang and the others are already at the restaurant. When will you be arriving?” Qi Chengzhi received Cheng Dongge’s call from the Bluetooth earpiece he was wearing.

“I won’t be going tonight. Ask Chenglin to keep them company.” He hung up as soon as he finished his sentence. Noticing that he was fast approaching a traffic light, he braked.

A Mercedes-Benz SUV sped past him on the opposite lane.

“I think I saw Chengzhi just now.” Seated on the Benz’s front passenger seat was Yan Beicheng, who turned his head to look.

Wei Zilin, the driver, glanced at the rear-view mirror and replied, “I don’t see any Range Rover!”

“Not the Range Rover, a Jaguar.” Yan Beicheng stopped looking only when the car was completely out of sight.

“You must’ve been mistaken. He doesn’t drive a Jaguar,” Wei Zilin replied. He did not make anything of it.

“But it really looks like him.” Yan Beicheng insisted, so he gave Qi Chengzhi a call.

As the light turned green, Qi Chengzhi drove fast in order to catch up. He nearly lost his patience when his phone started ringing.

“Where are you?” He heard Yan Beicheng ask.

“Driving.” Qi Chengzhi pursed his lips.

“Where to?” Yan Beicheng asked again.

“I don’t know.” Qi Chengzhi rapidly caught up with the Buick Regal.

“…” A rather lost-for-words Yan Beicheng asked, “What car are you driving today?”

“…” Qi Chengzhi hung up.

“…” Yan Beicheng stared at his phone and did not react for quite some time.

“What is it?” Wei Zilin looked at him.

“He hung up on me when I asked what car he was driving.” Yan Beicheng had absolutely no idea what Qi Chengzhi was up to.

…

…

Qi Chengzhi stopped right in front of Shengyue. He saw a waiter leading Jian Yi and Song Yu to their table. Even the dishes that Jian Yi ordered could be seen with utmost clarity.

He tapped on his phone a few times and called Chang Lai. “Get the Range Rover here to Shengyue. Now.”

He then called another number. “It’s me. How are you and your boyfriend lately? No, it’s nothing. I’m at Shengyue meeting a client, and coincidentally, I saw him having a meal with another woman, and they’re constantly touching each other.”

While saying that, Qi Chengzhi looked on as Jian Yi held the menu and began ordering. Jian Yi was still well-behaved with Song Yu and there was no physical contact yet.

All the dishes that Jian Yi ordered were Song Yu’s favorites. When Song Yu saw that he remembered all her favorite dishes, a feeling of tenderness surfaced within her heart.

Jian Yi took out his phone and made a note in his calendar. He told Song Yu, “I’ll be sure to remember our first date so we have another anniversary to remember.”

Before he could put it away, a call came. Jian Yi’s expression turned slightly dispirited.

“What is it?” Song Yu asked after noticing his expression.

He sighed helplessly and said, “It’s the company. I don’t know what’s come up. I’ll go and take the call.”

Raucous sounds of conversation filled the restaurant, so Jian Yi had to step out to answer the call.

As he was taking the call, most of the dishes they ordered had been served.

Song Yu waited instead of starting the meal by herself. She directed her gaze through the restaurant’s French windows and onto Jian Yi’s back as he talked on the phone.

He shifted his body sideways when he spoke, and Song Yu managed to glimpse at the side profile of his solemn expression.

Perhaps he sensed that she was looking at him, because he turned and looked in her direction, making eye contact in the process.

Jian Yi flashed her an affectionate smile, and his solemn expression turned into one that was full of warmth. After a pause, he shifted his gaze away and continued talking in all seriousness.

About ten minutes later, Jian Yi returned. His body was warm before he went out, but by the time he went back in, the cold from outside made him chilly, too.

He sat down and apologized regretfully, “Song Song. The company had some last-minute issues and they asked me to go back. I have to go. I spoke with them for quite a while, but they disagreed and insisted that I go back.”

“It’s okay. You should rush there now.” Song Yu smiled empathetically.

“Today was supposed to be our date. I even planned everything for this important day.” Jian Yi was slightly frustrated.

“I’ve always been asked to go to the company at the last minute too, so I can understand these things. I’m okay.” Song Yu extended her hand toward Jian Yi’s direction but hesitated momentarily, causing her fingernails to gently brush against his fingers.

Her fingers trembled like they were scalded, but she maintained them determinedly in that position.

Jian Yi smiled warmly and turned his hand over to hold hers. His fingertips were rubbing lightly against her finger joints.

“Okay. Once everything that we ordered has been served, I’ll ask the waiter to pack them up to go. Then I’ll send you back home,” Jian Yi said.

“It’s okay.” Song Yu watched as the waiter served the last two dishes. She continued her words only after the waiter left. “I’ll take my time and eat here. The food won’t taste as good if it’s packed and brought home. If you’re done with work and I’m still here, you can come pick me up. If I’ve finished and you’re still at work, I’ll go back myself.”

Jian Yi frowned. “Leaving you alone here is…”

“Don’t worry.” Song Yu urged him with a smile. “You’d better get going. Drive safe. It’s dark outside, so don’t drive too fast.”

Jian Yi nodded and said, “Okay.”

He stood up and hesitated for a moment before stooping across the table and kissing Song Yu on the cheek.

Qi Chengzhi’s action of lighting his cigarette was momentarily halted. The corner of his lips twitched coldly and he proceeded to light the cigarette. With a deep puff, he watched as Jian Yi stepped out of the restaurant.

Song Yu did not find the food too appetizing because she was the only one who was eating alone. The remaining tables were either filled with couples or lively family gatherings.

Eating alone amongst a crowd of people made her feel uneasy, so she might as well surf the net while she ate. Doing so would enable her not to pay too much attention to her surroundings.

The cheek which Jian Yi kissed was warm and tingly. The throbbing feeling on her cheek was akin to popping candy—something she used to eat when she was young.

“Long time no see, Song Yu.” The crisp, cold, haughty, and slightly disdainful voice of a woman sounded from above Song Yu’s head.

A startled Song Yu lifted her head, but before she could get a closer look, the other person had already taken a seat opposite her. The person then looked insipidly at the food.

“Song Yu, do you still remember me?” With a proud attitude, Qi Chengyue looked askance at her.

Song Yu placed her chopsticks down and sat somewhat straighter. She nodded her head and replied slightly indifferently, “Miss Qi. What a coincidence.”

“It’s not a coincidence.” Qi Chengyue flashed an ice-cold smile. “I came here specifically to meet you.”

Song Yu was shocked into silence. She did not understand why Qi Chengyue would want to look for her.

Both of them met a few times when they were young, mostly when Song Yu was a guest at the Qi family house. Qi Chengyue would be there sometimes, but the two of them never had the chance to play together, so they were never too familiar with each other.

“After the bankruptcy, our family did not keep in touch with yours. I didn’t expect you to be all grown up after all these years, and that you’d be willing to be the side chick who butts into another person’s relationship. You seemed to be pretty noble and above this sort of thing in the past. Is it because you’ve always kept that side of yourself hidden well, or have your standards dropped because your family’s financial situation turned bad?” Qi Chengyue looked at her with a frigid stare. Her words were so derisive that she could not even keep up her indifferent smile.

Song Yu frowned and looked carefully at Qi Chengyue. As the Qi family’s young lady, she presented herself much more exquisitely than anybody else. From her clothes down to her temperament, she was the textbook example of a celebrity.

“I don’t understand.” Song Yu’s voice sank.

“Jian Yi is my boyfriend. Do you understand now?” Qi Chengyue sneered at her. “We’ve even discussed when we should get engaged. We’re at a point where we’re talking about marriage, and I was preparing to bring him home to meet my parents.”

“In the past, he’s taken very good care of you. I know about all that, but I’ve never interfered because I knew he acted appropriately. With a girlfriend like me, he naturally wouldn’t leave me for you. His feelings for you are simply because of his greediness; he wanted to experience someone new.”

“All you can provide him is a fleeting high, but I can provide status, power, and a stable family background. So, no matter what happens, it’s impossible that he’d break up with me. I came here today to remind you not to waste your promising youth on him. Have some self-respect. Stay as far away as you can from someone else’s man.”

“I never knew that he had a girlfriend. Why would he confess to me then, if he had one already?” Song Yu’s brows were knit in a frown.

Song Yu’s heart sank down right after she heard Qi Chengyue’s words. It was hard not to have suffered a crushing blow from it.

However, she thought to herself and realized she never asked Jian Yi about his status. She trusted him. Before a confirmation could be sought, it was equally probable that Qi Chengyue had liked Jian Yi all along, and made those remarks on purpose.

Such a scenario was not impossible.

“We’ve been together for two years. Qi Chengyue said bluntly. “I got to know him in one of Qilin’s annual meetings. If it wasn’t for that, do you think someone like him – with his age and qualifications – would be able to take up the position of the engineering department’s manager? Qilin isn’t your run-of-the-mill company, and because it’s such a huge conglomerate, there’s plenty of talent in it. Jian Yi’s turn would never have come. It was because of his relationship with me that he is successful today, and in the future, I’ll give him even more.”

“Tonight’s your date night, isn’t it? Where is he? Why is he gone? He received a call just now, didn’t he? Well, I was the one who called him. He told me he was having dinner with a client. Think about it, Song Yu, if anyone asked, he’ll be afraid to acknowledge you. You’re nothing but a ‘client’.”

“When he left, what did he tell you? That’s he had matters to attend at the company?” Qi Chengyue mocked.

“I told him to wait for me at home. He’s there right now. If you don’t believe me, you’re free to see for yourself if he’s really at the company.”

Upon seeing Song Yu’s pale face, Qi Chengyue wore a victorious smile. She took out her phone, dialed Jian Yi’s number, and put it on the loudspeaker.

“Chengyue?” Jian Yi’s faintly gentle voice sounded from the phone.

Song Yu froze. Her heart began sinking, and her eyes stared intently at the cell phone Qi Chengyue placed on the table.

“Where are you now?” Qi Chengyue was all smiles as she continuously looked at Song Yu’s face.

“On my way home,” Jian Yi said. The truth to the lie he told Song Yue earlier had been exposed by none other than Jian Yi himself.

Song Yu gasped and felt a sourness in her throat.

He really did lie to her.

By then, she truly believed Qi Chengyue’s words.

What else did Jian Yi lie to her about?

If he already had a girlfriend, why did he not make things clear to her? Why, then, did he still choose to confess to her?

“Have you finished dealing with your client?” Qi Chengyue questioned.

“No. I let a colleague of mine take care of it. Didn’t you want to meet me?” Jian Yi asked in return.

“I’m more important than the client?” Qi Chengyue’s voice became more tender and her face had a pleased smile. It was a provocation for the already depressed Song Yu.

“Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have abandoned the client.” Jian Yi’s gentle chuckle could be heard from the phone.

“Wait for me at home then.” Qi Chengyue hung up after completing her sentence.

“Do you believe me now?” The phone was put away. “No matter how much he sweet talks you, I can take him away from your side with a simple phone call. That’s the extent of your place in his heart. I was never worried to begin with, because no matter what he does outside, he’ll always return to me. That’s why I can forgive him. As for you, know where you stand.”

Song Yu lowered her head. Her heart was going wild and she kept hearing Jian Yi’s words beside her ear.

‘I’m more important than the client?’

‘Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have abandoned the client.’

Client…she was only a client.

Faced with Qi Chengyue, Song Yu was nothing but a client.

The night before, he had told her he was jealous, that he liked her, and his gaze never wavered from her.

They knew each other for twelve years, and because she never heard about him having a girlfriend, she always thought that his heart only had her.

Even during the Song family’s bankruptcy, he never left her side. He supported her, helped her find a job, and took care of her.

If she met a client, he would pick her up at night.

If she worked overtime, he delivered supper to her.

His life seemed to revolve around her and there was no time for him to be in a relationship.

Even her parents thought that they liked each other and that sooner or later, they would end up together.

All of a sudden, she doubted whether there was any truth to the things that Jian Yi had told her previously.

To what extent was he truly sincere with all the care that he gave to her?

Suddenly, a cold splash of water jolted Song Yu back to her senses. The glass in front of her—Jian Yi’s glass—was empty.

Qi Chengyue placed the glass loudly on the table. The ensuing ‘thud’ attracted the attention of all those beside them.

“An educated person who’s willing to become a mistress. Shameless thing!” Qi Chengyue scolded loudly and abruptly, and with a face full of scorn. Her eyes even turned teary, and her pleased expression was no longer present.

Qi Chengyue shouted on purpose so that everyone else’s attention would be directed onto Song Yu.

Looking at her wet body as well as her hair sticking to her scalp and face, voices of disdain were heard.

“So, she’s a mistress, shame on her!”

“She looks pure. Didn’t expect her to be a lowlife deep inside.”

“Nowadays, the purer one looks, the more despicable they are on the inside. It’s trendy to be a green tea b*tch 1 after all.”

“It’s much too kind to have the real partner show up and splash water on her. People like her should just be gangbanged 2 a few times.”

Song Yu did not dare to lift her head up. Droplets of water were on her face, but at the same time, it was sore from a painful heat. Her eyes were incredibly sore and slightly warm too. Hot tears flowed down and mingled with the cold water, making it hard to differentiate the two.

Qi Chengyue went back to her car, which was parked in front of Chengyue, and sat at the back seat. She ordered her driver, “Drive”. Then, she took out her phone and scrolled through the pictures.

There were photographs of Jian Yi sending Song Yu home, Jian Yi opening his car door for Song Yu to enter, and Jian Yi standing by the roadside while touching Song Yu’s hair. There was also a picture from the night before, when Jian Yi and Song Yu were hugging each other.

Qi Chengyue was expressionless when she deleted all those images.

A frenetic Song Yu then grabbed her bag and fled ashamedly out of the restaurant. Someone then stuck out a leg, causing her to trip and fall onto the ground.

She intentionally wore high heels and a skirt that night. Her knees—which were covered only in a pantyhose—knocked against the hard, ice-cold marble floor of the restaurant. The pain caused her to tremble.

Her fall elicited laughter.

There were even praises for whoever it was that stuck their foot out.

Song Yu cut a sorry figure as she got up from the floor. Thankfully, no one else stuck out another foot to trip her, and she eventually made it out of the restaurant.

Once she got out, though, the cold night wind struck her. Her hair, as well as the upper front part of her clothing, was extremely wet, and her soaked sweater was sticking tightly to her skin. The blowing wind brought about a bone-chilling coldness, and it felt like she would freeze up soon.

Song Yu wrapped herself tightly in her overcoat. She walked hurriedly to the side of the road because she wanted to take a cab.

Her head was lowered because she did not want to look at anyone, so she bumped against a buff chest.

“Song Yu?” Hearing the voice, Song Yu looked up and saw Qi Chengzhi’s frowning face.

Other than the frown, there was no other expression on his face. His tall body cast a shadow on her head and shielded her from the cold wind.

He stood before her with his arms around her. He was firm and steady, like a refuge in the middle of a stormy sea.

The heat from his palm seemed to flow steadily through her arms and onto her body. It was like his embrace was slowly making her feel warm again.

For some reason, she felt at peace when she saw him. Whatever fears she had prior to seeing him disappeared in a flash.

At that moment, a sentence inexplicably surfaced within her mind:

‘There were millions of people I could have met, and yet, you were here.’

She tilted her head up and, perhaps because she had someone to lean on, her tears began flowing even more fervently.

Unable to utter a single word, she simply cried.

Qi Chengzhi let out an almost-unnoticeable sigh. “You should get in the car.”

Song Yu was brought to Qi Chengzhi’s Range Rover. He turned on the warm air and took a cloth from the glove box and said, “Wipe your tears.”

She absent-mindedly wiped her hair. Her hands felt incapable of exerting any energy because her brain was filled with Jian Yi lies—lies that landed her in the predicament she was facing then.

No matter how much she liked Jian Yi, she was not willing to go so far as to be his mistress.

Originally, she anticipated the day with all her heart. It was supposed to be a sweet date for them, but she never imagined that it would turn out to be so traumatic.

Sensing a pressure on her head, she was startled back to her senses. She felt a pair of large hands pressing the cloth on her head and rubbing her wet hair.

Song Yu turned to look. Qi Chengzhi must have had seen how she wiped her hair and deduced that it would take hours for it to dry if she continued wiping the way she did. In light of that, he decided to do it for her.

His glasses had been taken off and were placed somewhere on the dashboard. White fog appeared on the lens as a result of the warm air.

“Let me…” The rest of her sentence disappeared under Qi Chengzhi’s gaze. A speechless Song Yu let go of both her hands and lowered her head so he could wipe her hair.

The cloth was thoroughly soaked when her hair was wiped half-dry. Qi Chengzhi threw it to the back seat.

“Where to?” He asked.

Song Yu remembered Qi Chengyue’s words, and by some curious coincidence, she blurted out Jian Yi’s address.

She only noticed her involuntary actions when Qi Chengzhi had started the journey to Jian Yi’s place.

“Jian Yi and Qi Chengyue’s relationship, you knew about it from the start?” Song Yu clutched her bag tightly.

He knew about it but never said anything?

“Jian Yi and Chengyue?” Qi Chengzhi looked at her with reservation. “What about them? Why do you mention the two of them?”

“They’ve been in a relationship for two years. You didn’t know?” Song Yu asked. She did not believe his words entirely.

How could he not know when they were so closely related?

Qi Chengzhi simply frowned and explained in a low voice, “She’s my younger cousin. I’m not close to her. I heard from my second uncle that she had a stable boyfriend, although she never brought him home before, so I don’t really know.”

He turned and looked at her. “Chengyue and Jian Yi are together?”

Song Yu nodded and averted her gaze.

“I’m sorry. I’ve no idea,” Qi Chengzhi replied insipidly.

“It’s nothing. If it was really kept a secret, it’d be impossible for someone to know.” Song Yu laughed in distress. “I’ve known Jian Yi for thirteen years, and I assumed I understood him. I was always with him, but I still didn’t know that he had been in a relationship with Qi Chengyue for two years.”

Qi Chengzhi glanced momentarily at her and kept silent.

…

…

The Range Rover could not park below Jian Yi’s apartment; it could only park beside the building. Song Yu got off the car by herself. Qi Chengzhi did not follow, and she failed to realize that. At that moment, it was impossible for her to pour all her thoughts to Qi Chengzhi.

As soon as Song Yu walked into Jian Yi’s apartment building, Qi Chengzhi turned the car around, enabling him to leave immediately at a moment’s notice.

The building Jian Yi rented his apartment at had an elevator. It was not as old as the one Song Yu rented, where the only way to go up was by climbing the stairs.

When she reached the twelfth floor, the elevator door opened. The first thing she heard was a woman arguing.

“Jian Yi. Four years of university. I’ve supported you financially for four years. Your school fees, your living expenses, I paid for everything. Even going on dates or getting a room, I paid for all that. It’s like I’m paying money to beg you to sleep with me. Yes, of course I’m happy to do all that, I’m happy as long as I’m your girlfriend, but when you entered Qilin and got together with Qi Chengyue, you simply cast me aside. What kind of person are you?”

“I’m no match for Qi Chengyue. I admit it. The Guan family isn’t nearly as good as the Qi family, but why did you get together with Song Yu when you’re still dating Qi Chengyue? I know I’m not better than Qi Chengyue, but how am I not better than Song Yu? In the past when the Song family was still strong, you had eyes only for Song Yu, but the Song family has nothing now. My family background is better than hers by God-knows-how-much and I don’t look any less pretty than her. If you’re really willing to find another woman behind Qi Chengyue’s back, why didn’t you look for me?”

“If you wanted a lover, why didn’t you find me? You know that I can accept being your lover and that the Guan family will still help you. What’s your purpose of getting together with Song Yu? What do you make of everything that I’ve given you the past few years? Jian Yi, you’ve made a fool out of me!”

“Guan Xiaolin, I’ve been together with Qi Chengyue for a long time. Haven’t you accepted that from the beginning? Why the hell are you here now?” Jian Yi asked in irritation.

Song Yu had never heard such an irritated, cold, and emotionless tone from Jian Yi.

“BECAUSE YOU WENT FOR SONG YU!” Guan Xiaolin screamed hysterically. She stretched out her neck and gave him a dissatisfied stare. “I can accept that you went for Qi Chengyue, but after all these years, you still went back to Song Yu! I can’t accept that! If you can be with Song Yu, why can’t I be with you?!”

“There’s nothing for you to remain unaccepting about. Don’t you understand? Why would I be with you back then if it weren’t for your money? I’m simply a man that you bought with your money. Don’t grab me like a madwoman. Why did I look for Song Yu instead of you? Do you really want me to spell it out? Because I like her. You, I used you from the beginning until the end. That’s all there is to it. I used you. Can’t you see that?”

“JIAN YI, YOU B*STARD!” Guan Xiaolin grabbed his fist and shouted. With a face full of tears, she said, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell Qi Chengyue? What do you think she’ll do to Song Yu if she found out? If she can’t bring herself to leave you, she can definitely bring herself to do something to your lady! Why do you think your secretaries keep changing? Even though nothing happened yet, she still harbors doubts about you. What’s gonna happen if I tell her about Song Yu?”

“Heck, I’ll even tell Song Yu all about your true colors!” Guan Xiaolin shouted fiercely.

“Tell her? Then won’t you expose yourself too? You’ve always considered yourself to be her best friend. You know she likes me and yet you seduce me, pretending as though you and I never had any relationship. You listened as she told you how she liked me and you lied to her all those years. On one hand, you treat her as a friend but on the other, you’re scheming against her. How are you gonna tell her all that?” Jian Yi sneered.

“What about it? She has her guard up against me anyways, at most, if worse comes to worst I’ll simply sink into despair! I just can’t stand to see things going well for you! What are you gonna do about that, huh?!” Guan Xiaolin flailed her arms all of a sudden, and her face was flushed with anger.

“You crazy woman, tell her then! Since she’s got her guard up against you, try and see if she believes your words!” Jian Yi held her wrist and screamed, “LEAVE!”

“Don’t pull me, I’m not leaving! Why are you so anxious for me to leave? Qi Chengyue’s coming soon, are you afraid to let her see me? I’m not leaving! I’ll be glad to let her see me!” Guan Xiaolin shouted because she refused to give in.

“Don’t pull me! I’m not gonna leave! I’m not leaving! Jian Yi, you’re hurting me! Let me go! Let…”

Song Yu had long lost the energy to remain standing, so she leaned on the wall. With her own eyes, she saw how Jian Yi and Guan Xiaolin were struggling. Both of them pushed and pulled at each other as they came out, and Song Yu’s gaze met with Guan Xiaolin’s.

Guan Xiaolin restrained her voice and looked straight behind Jian Yi.

Jian Yi turned his head slowly. The instant he saw Song Yu, his brain froze.

“Heh!” Song Yu laughed in distress and did not want to see either of their faces.

In a flash, the two people whom she knew for ten or so years had become complete strangers. It felt like she never truly knew them.

Moments ago, she watched as the two of them tussled with each other. Guan Xiaolin had on a fierce expression due to the anger, and Jian Yi had a frigid expression that Song Yu had never seen until then. Just like that, they became so distant, so ugly, and so cruel.

“Song Song…” Jian Yi froze and unconsciously let go of Guan Xiaolin’s hand. He looked at Song Yu like someone who had lost his head out of fear.

In Song Yu’s eyes, his expression was that of a guilty conscience.

A feeling of loathing suddenly came over Song Yu. He had an expression of helplessness and repentance as if he really was afraid to lose everything he loved, but Song Yu doubted if it was even genuine at all.

Without saying a word, Song Yu turned and pressed the elevator button.

The elevator stopped on that very floor but did not move. She pressed the ‘down’ button and the elevator doors opened.

Song Yu walked in. Jian Yi muttered a soft ‘Song Song’ and intended to go after her, but Guan Xiaolin grabbed his wrist and prevented him from leaving.

“Jian Yi, I want you to explain everything to me today. Don’t you think about going anywhere else!”

“Jian Yi, I want you to explain everything to me today. Don’t you think about going anywhere!”

Song Yu could still hear Guan Xiaolin’s shrill voice from the elevator.

“Let me go!” Flustered and exasperated, Jian Yi howled and exerted all of his strength to break free from Guan Xiaolin’s hand. He used his free hand to grab her wrist and pry her grip.

Out of the blue, Guan Xiaolin felt a surge of determination and energy. She gnashed her teeth and refused to let go despite her expression paling from the pain.

“You still wanna chase after Song Yu and explain to her? No way! I’m telling you, Song Yu heard all about your filthiness. Do you think that if you chased after her and explained it to her, she’ll believe you or even forgive you?” The pain distorted her facial expressions, but she scoffed stubbornly at him. “Hmph! She wouldn’t believe a word you say!”

“Even if you went after her, she’ll only look at you with disgust. You lied to her all these years; you went through so many women just to climb the corporate ladder, and yet she still thinks you’re pure. Even though there’s nothing concrete between you two, but in her eyes, you’ve already overstepped the limits! No woman would be willing to accept that the man they love has been soiled!”

Their voices still remained audible even though the elevator was on its way down. Song Yu lowered her head and covered both ears with her hands. She felt disgusted.

The two of them were people that she trusted the most, but at that moment, her world was turned upside down by both of them at the same time.

She had always trusted Jian Yi, but after knowing that he—a person whom she had always placed her trust on—was undeserving of her trust, who else could she trust in the future?

When the elevator reached the bottom floor, the doors opened and Song Yu walked out of the elevator in a muddled state of mind.

She slowed her pace down upon seeing Qi Chengzhi.

He was leaning on the car door with one hand in his pants pocket and the other holding a cigarette. A puff of smoke escaped his lips.

He looked at Song Yu indifferently and tossed the cigarette on the floor to extinguish it. He then calmly said, “Let’s go.”

…

…

“Jian Yi, so much time has passed, Song Yu’s long gone!” Guan Xiaolin’s grimacing face let out a pleased smile. The two contradicting expressions made her face looked somewhat idiosyncratic.

Jian Yi paused suddenly and stopped tussling with her. He seemed to have thought of something and looked coldly at her. With a low voice, he said, “Guan Xiaolin, you did this on purpose, didn’t you? You came to me all of a sudden tonight because you knew Song Yu would come, so you made a point to act out all this in front of her just so she’d hear it! Right?”

“I thought it was weird that Qi Chengyue would suddenly call me here, but she hasn’t come yet. The both of you were in on this whole act!”

“With regards to the elder Qi lady, I’m not worthy of being associated with her. She doesn’t know about us, because if she did, do you think she’d let me go?” Guan Xiaolin released her grip and no longer pulled on him.

Even if Jian Yi were to go after Song Yu, there was no way he could catch up with her.

“Whether you believe me or not, it was sheer luck that Song Yu heard us. I never expected it to happen. If you don’t want anyone to know you did something, don’t do it. None of today’s events would have happened if you hadn’t done all those vile things, and you wouldn’t even need to worry that Song Yu would find out.” Guan Xiaolin smiled disdainfully. “Jian Yi, you brought this upon yourself.”

“At first, I thought you were close to Song Yu because of the Song family, but even though they were bankrupt for so many years, you still chose to be with her. It seems you truly do like her. Pity. You can run to her and explain but she’ll never believe you. Even though you wanted to look for a lover, you didn’t come to me. I lost to Song Yu, but I won’t sit still and watch both of you be together.”

“LEAVE!” Jian Yi said fiercely. He looked at Guan Xiaolin with a malicious gaze, as if he was itching to break her.

“You don’t need to tell me that. I wouldn’t want to stay here any longer either,” she replied frostily and turned to press the elevator button.

…

…

“I’m hungry.” Song Yu touched her stomach.

Coincidentally, the car passed through an intersection to a food street. There were plenty of people in the street and it was very lively. Puffs of smoke were present, and the faint smell of barbecue wafted into car notwithstanding the rather tightly-shut car windows.

Back at Shengyue, she only had a few bites before Qi Chengyue showed up.

Smelling the delicious aromas made her feel quite hungry.

Qi Chengzhi remained silent and parked his car somewhere on the side of the road. He then followed Song Yu into the food street.

The street was filled with countless small shops and none of them were clean. There were even some small stalls on both sides of the road, selling food like Chinese cold dishes 1 , Liangpi 2 , Chinese stuffed flatbread 3 , fried rice, and fried noodles. Many customers patronized the stalls even though it was wintertime.

People were walking shoulder-to-shoulder in the narrow road. Qi Chengzhi—with his expensive suit, black wool overcoat, sour face, lanky figure, and potent imposingness—appeared incompatible with the food street and stood out like a sore thumb.

When she tidied Qi Chengzhi’s bedroom in the morning, he used the new blanket that she brought out last night. How strange was this!

Aunt Yang shook her head and carried Qi Chengzhi’s blanket to his bedroom.

…

…

Before Song Yu came out, she took a deep breath. She was still too embarrassed to face Qi Chengzhi.

Song Yu was drunk last night and could not recall what she rambled on about. She could only remember that she poured her heart out but her memory about the details was blurry.

When she reached the restaurant, Qi Chengzhi had already finished his breakfast. He remained seated at the table while he read the newspapers.

Song Yu stood by the table uneasily and cleared her throat before saying in a timorous voice, “About… Young Master Cheng, sorry to trouble you last night.”

Qi Chengzhi shifted his eyes from the newspaper up towards her and glanced at her calmly without giving any reaction. He just said, “Have some breakfast, I’ll send you to the company after you’re done.”

“I can find a ride myself,” Song Yu sat down while she fixated on the sumptuous breakfast Aunt Yang prepared. It had been such a long time since she had such a sumptuous breakfast.

“Are you sure? Even if you’re going to be late?” Qi Chengzhi raised his eyebrow. Song Yu felt that his expression was instinctively taunting.

Song Yu looked at her watch—there was only less than an hour left. Even if she called a taxi or waited for the public bus, including the waiting time and the traffic, it would take approximately one and a half hours to reach the company.

Song Yu gave up and gobbled down her breakfast. She was not in the mood to enjoy it even though it was a rare occasion for her to have such a sumptuous breakfast.

She inwardly blamed Qi Chengzhi for not letting Aunt Yang to wake her up earlier.

“Jian Yi called you last night, but you were so drunk that you knocked out completely, so I didn’t wake you. After that, he called a few more times, but I was worried that it’ll disturb your sleep, so I blocked his number. If you’re reluctant about that, you can unblock him.” Qi Chengzhi’s face was obstructed by the newspaper, hiding his facial expression behind it, where he continued speaking with an indifferent voice.

“Uhm,” Song Yu answered. It was good that he blocked him, she had nothing to say to Jian Yi.

She would not want to see his face or speak to him for the time being.

She was not sure about what would happen in the future, but she knew that it would be difficult for them to be friends.

Qi Chengzhi removed his gaze from the newspaper again and glimpsed at the cellphone beside Song Yu’s hand. He placed it there before Song Yu arrived.

“You’re not going to unblock him?” Qi Chengzhi looked at her impassively.

Song Yu blanked out for a moment before realizing what Qi Chengzhi meant. She said, “Just leave it as it is.”

Qi Chengzhi stopped talking and continued reading his papers.

Song Yu finished her meal shortly after. Qi Chengzhi stood up and exited without saying anything. He did not even notify Song Yu—who was caught unprepared—who then grabbed her handbag and phone before following him hurriedly.

At this time, it would be a miracle if they could arrive at the company on time. She had no time to go home and change her outfit.

Song Yu felt a little awkward while she sat in Qi Chengzhi’s car.

He kissed her twice, but he acted as if nothing had happened.

He probably had given up knowing that she liked someone else?

She stole a glance at him. However, he had put his glasses back on—which concealed those deep, unfathomable eyes—but his perfect side view of his face remained stunningly gorgeous.

Her heart skipped a beat. Song Yu averted her gaze hastily and dared not linger. She stared at the time on her screen to distract herself.

When they were about to reach the company, Song Yu did some calculations. The timing was just right. She then pointed towards the entrance of the subway in front and said, “Let me down there, it’s very close to the company. I can just walk over.”

“…” Qi Chengzhi glanced at her, his unfathomable gaze made Song Yu lose her ground.

Song Yu explained, “There’ll be so many people passing by the company’s entrance, rumors will start if they see us.”

“…” Qi Chengzhi drove by the subway station calmly with no intention of slowing down.

Finally, the car came to a stop at the entrance of the company. Luckily the people entering the building were from other companies, and she did not notice anyone from their company.

Song Yu was too absorbed in observing the entrance’s situation that all of a sudden, she felt a gush of hot air blowing at her auricle and neck, blended with Qi Chengzhi’s breath.

Song Yu turned her head instantly. She was so shocked that she held her breath in.

Qi Chengzhi’s face was only a few inches away from her. When she turned around just now, his lips almost brushed with her cheeks and the corner of her lips.

He was breathing warm breath onto her face. Song Yu’s ear was burning and her whole face flushed red.

They were in such proximity that she saw his eyes through the glasses for the first time.

There was a hint of desire in his eyes, it was not all in her mind.

It was as if she was captured by his brooding eyes and struggled to break free. She was completely absorbed by his gaze after having direct eye contact.

Both of their breaths intertwined. Song Yu’s heart was thumping crazily, “Cheng… Young Master Cheng…”

“Release the safety seatbelt,” Qi Chengzhi said indifferently. The corner of his mouth remained uncurved, in contrast to the desire beneath those eyes.

This time, Song Yu’s gaze landed subconsciously on his slightly opened lips. Those thin lips looked stern, but she knew how soft it felt.

She thought about how it felt when he kissed her while she looked at his lips. Her lips started to feel dry and burning. She unconsciously swallowed her saliva, not realizing that she was staring directly at his lips with such a daring gaze.

The corner of Qi Chengzhi’s lips curved slightly upwards. He released the safety seat belt from the side of Song Yu’s thighs. When his hand went around Song Yu to reach the door, his knuckles grazed gently across her abdomen.

Song Yu’s abdomen suddenly contracted until it was up against the stomach wall. She dared not look at Qi Chengzhi. Her face flushed red and her ears were burning, but her head remained lowered.

“Aren’t you alighting?” His voice emerged from the side by the time she heard him.

Song Yu lifted her head and found that Qi Chengzhi had sat up straight. His hands were on the steering wheel as if nothing had happened.

She opened the car door in a panic and escaped.

She walked towards the company’s entrance with her back facing Qi Chengzhi. She unknowingly placed her hands on the abdomen, the place that his knuckles grazed across was still warm.

Qi Chengzhi laughed and left when he saw the person who got off from the Buick Regal in front of him.

…

…

Song Yu’s arm was grasped forcefully from behind. She turned around and saw Jian Yi’s exhausted and anger-fuelled face.

“You didn’t come home all night! Where have you been?!” Jian Yi bombarded her with questions even before Song Yu could open her mouth, “Why did you alight from Qi Chengzhi’s car just now? I called you this morning, but a man picked up. Was it him? You weren’t home last night because you were with him? You went to his house?”

Song Yu frowned and shook his hand off, “Jian Yi, who are you to question me? You’re acting like my boyfriend and asking me all these questions, don’t you feel absurd? You should just focus your thoughts on your girlfriend.”

“I’m worried about you! I’m afraid that you’ll be taken advantage of.” Jian Yi blocked her and said, “Song Song, I know that you’re angry at me. Give me a chance to explain. Let’s be frank and talk it out. However, you should stay away from Qi Chengzhi. That guy is unreliable, not like you’re unaware of the situation of his family. You’ll definitely be on the losing ground.”

“No matter who I’m with, at least they’re single and not involved with other women.” Song Yu looked at Jian Yi coldly before continuing, “You’ve been with Qi Chengyue for two years but you still approached and tried to date me. You’re telling me that you’re jealous? Aren’t you embarrassed? I heard what you said yesterday. How dare you stand in front of my face to question my life and warn me about who should I be with?”

“Jian Yi, I value my dignity even if you don’t. I wouldn’t want to be bothered by your girlfriend anymore, accusing me to be the third party. This is the company’s entrance, stop harassing me. We shouldn’t meet anymore in the future unless it’s necessary,” Song Yu said coldly. “Please move aside, I’m going to work.”

The surrounding crowd threw a few glances over their direction. Jian Yi could only unwillingly give way and watch as Song Yu entered the company.

He clenched his fist as he thought about what he saw from the rearview mirror moments ago, where it seemed that Qi Chengzhi had kissed her.

When he witnessed that, he was so furious that his eyes almost exploded.

However, due to Qi Chengzhi and Qi Chengyue’s relationship, he could only endure and not retrieve Song Yu from Qi Chengzhi’s car.

…

…

When Song Yu entered the elevator, there were other employees from other companies who witnessed what happened at the entrance.

Song Yu tolerated those gazes that made her uneasy. She kept her head lowered, but her whole body was shaking.

When she reached her floor, she felt like she had cheated death.

She walked into the design department and expected Ruan Danchen to mock her, ask her why was she wearing the same clothes, and where she spent the night yesterday. However, contrary to her expectations, she only heard piercing screams and rowdy squabbles.

“You shameless thing! Seducing men at such a young age! What else does Zhao Rongcheng own except for money? With his short height and ugly looks, you crawled into his bed just for the sake of his money right? Just because I’m not in the country, you became much more careless and daring!”

Song Yu walked in surprisedly. She saw a forty-year-old, middle-aged woman grabbing Wang Liwei’s hair while she scolded and hit her.

Wang Liwei dared not fight back, physically or verbally. She just howled and wept, “Stop! Stop hitting me! Director Zhao, save me!”

There were two men in black suits standing beside her, their identity unknown. They looked like the bodyguards of the middle-aged woman. They just oversaw the whole thing from aside. This could also be the reason Wang Liwei dared not fight back.

After a while, Song Yu recognized that this woman was Director Zhao’s wife. She stayed in New Zealand throughout the year to accompany her daughter to study, which resulted in Director Zhao and Wang Liwei behaving so unscrupulously in the company.

Song Yu sneaked to Ruan Danchen’s side. Ruan Danchen was completely absorbed by the drama happening in front of her.

“What happened?” Song Yu whispered.

“Rumours circling Wang Liwei and Director Zhao reached his wife. She also heard about how Director Zhao wronged you for the sake of Wang Liwei and almost cost the company to lose the huge business deal with Qilin. She rushed back from New Zealand and barged in the first thing in the morning. Without saying anything, she seized Wang Liwei by her hair and dragged her out and started scolding her.”

“Did you see the two bulky guys over there? They’re the bodyguards that Director Zhao’s wife brought along. Wang Liwei dare not fight back because once she does, they’ll step in,” Ruan Danchen explained quietly.

“Xinqi, what happened? What are you doing?” Director Zhao rushed over when he heard about it. When he saw the chaos, he quickly held back Zhang Xinqi to prevent her from attacking any further.

“What are you doing, don’t tell me that you don’t know what’s happening?” Zhang Xinqi came to a halt, but continued on to order the bodyguards, “Attack!”

The two bodyguards remained expressionless. They did not mind hitting a woman and proceeded to punch and kick Wang Liwei who was lying on the floor with her whole body curled up.

Song Yu pitied Wang Liwei as she watched from the side. However, it was just plain sympathy, she did not come forward to help.

“Director Zhao! Save me! Please save me! Stop hitting! Save me, Director Zhao!” Wang Liwei pleaded when she was in a daze after all the beating. She heard Director Zhao’s voice and reached out to grab his calf.

Zhang Xinqi glared at him but Director Zhao avoided her gaze and backed away silently.

He had no choice because Zhang Xinqi was a major shareholder of the company. Most of the properties they owned were also under her name. Director Zhao had everything he has because of his wife.

“There’s… there’s blood!” some guy shouted.

There was a thick pool of blood below Wang Liwei’s body.

Zhang Xinqi’s expression became more vicious, “Great, you’re even pregnant with the little bastard! Luckily I discovered it earlier. Did you think that you’ll be safe after you give birth? Throw her out, she’s fired at this instant!”

The two bodyguards lifted Wang Liwei by the two ends of her body.

Wang Liwei’s high heels fell off long ago. She was barefooted and covered in an astonishing amount of blood. Her hair was stuck onto her face by her tears, obscuring her looks.

Song Yu let out a sigh and secretly dialed 120.

It looked as if Zhang Xinqi released her anger. She glared at Director Zhao and ordered, “Follow me!”

Both of them left in tandem after she finished.

“Xinqi, I…” Director Zhao was concocting an explanation in the office.

“What about you! If it was not for Cheng Dongge’s call, I wouldn’t know that you’ve turned the company upside down!” Zhang Xinqi said shrewdly, “Zhao Rongcheng, do you still want to be with me. If you don’t, we can always get a divorce. There’re so many little girls waiting for you out there!”

“Xinqi, don’t… no… I was just a bit confused, I…”

“Zhao Rongcheng, Cheng Dongge called me personally. Do you know what that means?” Zhang Xinqi said.

Zhang Xinqi broke out when she saw Director Zhao still deep in thought, “Idiot! Cheng Dongge is the special assistant of Qi Chengzhi. He represents Qi Chengzhi! Do you think Qi Chengzhi will be interested in such a small asset like Chengshi? The call from Cheng Dongge was all about Song Yu. Think carefully for my sake! Are you planning to offend Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi for a slut?”

Director Zhao was shaken when he connected the past events together.

Director Zhao’s face turned ashen and showed a fearful expression.

…

…

Song Yu did not know how Director Zhao explained to Zhang Xinqi, but when she came out of the office, she looked as if she would not be taking any action on him even though she still had a long face.

She said that she would be taking control of the company personally from then onwards.

After that, she gathered all of the employees of the company and warned the younger females verbally about self-love and respect. Otherwise, they would end up like Wang Liwei.

Then, she comforted Song Yu and promised that there would not be any more injustice. She told Song Yu to go all in as she had a bright future ahead.

Song Yu was a little taken aback about her sudden change in attitude.

Everyone was still discussing about this when they went out to eat during lunch break.

Song Yu and Ruan Danchen were chatting and laughing away when they walked out of the company. When she saw Jian Yi waiting at the entrance, Song Yu’s expression turned cold.

Ruan Danchen looked at Jian Yi and turned around to look at Song Yu. She had no idea what had happened between them since Song Yu rarely showed such a cold expression.

Jian Yi walked up hurriedly. He lifted his hand and wanted to grab Song Yu’s arm, but he dropped it halfway.

“Song Yu, let’s talk! You said that you don’t want to make a scene at the entrance this morning. Let’s find a place for lunch and talk it out slowly, can we?” Jian Yi was almost begging.

Ruan Danchen could feel the awkwardness among them. She looked at them and told Song Yu, “No matter what it is, it’s better to clear the air as soon as possible. I’ll make a move first.”

Song Yu let out a sigh and followed Jian Yi to a restaurant nearby. Song Yu asked for a private dining room in case things get heated.

Song Yu’s mood was entirely different from the previous time when they sat down face to face.

“What else do you want to say to me?” Song Yu looked at Jian Yi. It was as if his lies were a dream. She looked at his face and wondered how did he manage to do those things?

“I didn’t mean to hide it from you. I… I really liked you since we were young. However, you were unreachable then. You were the daughter of the Song family, I am not worthy enough. When you went bankrupt later on, I wanted to help you. I thought that I finally got the chance to be with you as an equal.”

“Nonetheless, I had nothing at that time. I’m incapable of helping you, nor could I give you anything. I could only work harder to climb upwards. I relied on you in the past, but I wanted to let you depend on me in the future,” Jian Yi said slowly. He did not smoke, but he could not find another way to release the feeling of desolation in his heart.

“I don’t have feelings for Qi Chengyue. I just wanted to use her to empower myself in order to help you.”

Song Yu pressed her lips together while she listened to him. She opened her mouth and said coldly, “When did I say that I needed your help? I’ll tell you now directly, I don’t need your help. Are you going to break up with Qi Chengyue?”

Jian Yi opened his mouth but remained silent.

Song Yu snickered, “You can’t resist the perks that she’s able to give you. Jian Yi, stop finding excuses for your own filthiness. The reason you wanted to help me was most probably to fulfill your inflated male ego. Since you chose to be with her, there’s nothing further to say about us.”

“To say that there’s anger, I’ll admit that I have. To say that I hate you, that’s out of the question,” Song Yu stood up. She lost her appetite even though she was facing a table of steaming hot dishes. “You don’t have to explain anything to me again. I don’t think it’s necessary. Maybe you do like me, but it doesn’t triumph the power and materialism that you benefited by being with Qi Chengyue.”

“Since that’s the case, I don’t know why you insisted on explaining to me. Jian Yi, let’s stop here. If there’s a need for us to meet in the future, I hope that it stays professional. There’ll be no private meetings. It wouldn’t be nice if your girlfriend knows about it. I don’t want to taint my reputation as a mistress.”

Song Yu retrieved her purse from the bag and took out two hundred dollars. She threw it on the table, “Let’s split the bill for this meal.”

She turned around and walked towards the exit right after she said that.

“Song Yu!” Jian Yi chased after her hastily and grabbed her arm from behind, “I really like you, truly!”

Song Yu stopped and took a deep breath before turning around slowly.