Several designers left the conference room first, but Gu Susu remained seated.
Once she and Chang Qingchuan were the only ones left, she asked, "You didn't call Donna to the meeting today? Wasn't she in charge of women's wear design before?"
Chang Qingchuan walked over to her with a folder and said, "I've heard everything. She's deliberately targeting you now, so it's better to be wary of her."
It seemed no secrets were kept within the company. Gu Susu understood and then said, "I have another personal matter I'd like to trouble you with."
"What is it? Just say it."
"Do you know any real estate agents? I want to rent a place near the company. It doesn't need to be big, a one-bedroom apartment is enough."
Chang Qingchuan asked curiously, "Isn't President Qin's house big enough? Why do you want to rent another place?"
She was making plans for after the divorce. Before the divorce was finalized, she didn't want too many people to know.
"The seaside villa is a bit far from the company. When I have to work overtime or something, I want to live closer to the company for convenience."
"That makes sense. But does President Qin know your plan? Does he agree?"
Gu Susu said, "I want to inquire about places nearby first. If I find something suitable, I'll discuss it with him. He's usually very busy, so I think he'll agree."
"Alright, I'll help you ask about this then."
"Senior Brother, thank you."
"It's nothing, why are you being so polite?"
As they left the office together, both knew there was still much to do before the product launch.
...
With the launch date only a few days away, Gu Susu had already started arranging for the models to try on the clothes.
During this period, she and Qin Tianyi were both busy with their own schedules, leaving early and returning late.
Every night, Qin Tianyi returned later than her. Upon his return, he didn't disturb her in their room, opting instead to stay in the study or sleep with Xiao Xingxing in the children's room.
Gu Susu felt this was for the best. He was making arrangements for the divorce, and she assumed he would quickly marry the young lady from the Shu family after they were divorced.
When she encountered him, she had tried to ask when they could formally sign the divorce agreement. He always gave the same answer: the lawyers were very busy and usually required more than half a month's notice for an appointment.
She wasn't entirely convinced by his words and had privately asked Xiao Anjing.
Xiao Anjing's reply was that they had hired the best divorce lawyer in Lancheng, and even with Qin Tianyi's influence, an appointment would still take half a month to secure.
Gu Susu thought it made sense. After all, for someone of his standing and reputation, he would naturally hire the best lawyer to protect his assets and ensure she didn't gain any advantage.
Actually, she didn't care about these things and was willing to leave with nothing. However, since Qin Tianyi wanted to ensure everything was watertight, she couldn't say much.
She still believed he would keep his word regarding the divorce. After all, marrying a wife with status who could help him was a great advantage.
She thought she would generously wish him well.
That evening, while Gu Susu was modifying design details online, she inadvertently saw news that Ai Group was facing acquisition by Xiangyu.
Xiangyu had already dispatched specialists to audit Ai Group's accounts, and the company was in utter chaos.
Gu Susu stared at the news for a long time. It seemed Qin Tianyi had already begun to move against Ai Group.
She tried to convince herself not to concern herself with these matters. She had already severed ties with the Ai family, so why should she care anymore?
Tonight, she was sleeping alone in the bedroom again. She didn't even know if Qin Tianyi had returned.
She worked until late into the night and, feeling extremely tired, went to sleep.
In the dead of night, Gu Susu suddenly woke up to find Qin Tianyi sitting by the bed, watching her.
His appearance startled her awake. She stared back at him and asked, "When did you get back? Why aren't you sleeping?"
As she spoke, Gu Susu glanced outside. The sky was faintly lit, indicating it was already early morning.
She also smelled alcohol on him, "You've been drinking again?"
Qin Tianyi's eyes lacked their usual sharpness, replaced by a hint of melancholy and sadness.
He truly resembled a brooding young man in this state.
Gu Susu didn't want to stare at each other blankly. She lifted the quilt and said, "You've had quite a bit, haven't you? I'll make you some hangover tea."
Qin Tianyi frowned slightly, reached out, and pulled her towards him, unexpectedly kissing her.
The hot breath that escaped him, laced with alcohol, could almost intoxicate Gu Susu.
Gu Susu tried to break free, but she couldn't move him an inch. She could only close her eyes and let him roam her lips aimlessly.
Just as he made her body feel weak with his kiss, he suddenly released her, holding her tightly with his head resting on her shoulder.
In the blink of an eye, Gu Susu felt her pajamas behind her become damp.
Seeing the expression on his face, she felt he looked like a lost and helpless child. She couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke his back, "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"Why was she released precisely on my mother's death anniversary? I still can't avenge my mother properly..."
Gu Susu then remembered that when she returned for dinner that evening, Chen Ma had also looked downcast and had gone back to her room without eating much.
She had heard from Xiao Mei that Chen Ma had been sorting through things in her room all day and had ordered a bouquet of daisies, though it was unclear who she intended to honor.
Hearing Qin Tianyi's words, she finally understood that tomorrow, no, it was already past midnight, meaning today was Xiao Yongmei's death anniversary.
"Neither of us is going to the company today. I'll accompany you to the tombstone to pay respects. Let's ask Chen Ma to join us."
Qin Tianyi grunted and then rested his face on hers, remaining motionless.
Gu Susu knew he must have passed out from drinking. She supported him under his arms and, with great effort, managed to lay him down on the bed.
She then helped him unbutton his jacket, removed his shoes and socks, and made sure he was as comfortable as possible lying down.
Seeing that he was finally settled, she was panting from exhaustion. She wanted to go to the bathroom to wring out a hot towel to wipe his face.
But as she got out of bed, he grabbed her in his drunken slumber, "Don't go, don't leave me..."
"I'm not going. I'm going to get you a towel to wipe your face," she said, turning to look at him. He wasn't awake; he was talking in his sleep.
She pulled his hand away, went to the bathroom, and applied a hot towel to his face. His furrowed brow seemed to relax in his sleep.
With his disturbance, Gu Susu couldn't sleep anymore. Looking at him sleeping, she softly whispered, "Do you like her? Is she beautiful? You want to acquire Ai Group for her, don't you?"
The current Qin Tianyi couldn't answer her. Feeling someone speaking to him in his sleep, he turned over, facing away from her, and continued to sleep, annoyed by the noise.
Gu Susu covered him with the quilt, then got up, put on her clothes, and sat at the computer to finish the revised drafts from last night.
She sent them to Chang Qingchuan via email and took the opportunity to request leave.
By the time she finished, the sky was already bright, and Qin Tianyi was still sleeping soundly.
She left the room quietly without waking him and went to find Chen Ma to see what preparations were needed for the memorial.
Thinking of Qin Tianyi's tragic childhood experiences, she couldn't help but pity him.
Xiao Yongmei's death was a hurdle he couldn't overcome. If he could let go, perhaps he would feel better.
But overcoming such a hurdle was easier said than done. If she were in his situation, she might not fare much better than Qin Tianyi.