The morning sun shone gently into Qin Tianyi's office. Qin Tianyi stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, holding his coffee cup, and took a slow sip as he gazed at the distant, glittering spires of skyscrapers.
He had left the villa at the first hint of dawn. He wondered what decision Shu Yan would make after a night's reflection.
He aspired to one day inhabit that golden-roofed skyscraper, the city's economic hub, a building his maternal grandfather had proudly established. This was his ultimate goal, for which he would spare no effort in building this shining commercial empire.
Currently, he couldn't afford to lose Shu Zhongze, his powerful partner. However, Gu Susu had once again led him to make an unwise decision. Confronting Shu Yan at this juncture could very well cost him Shu Zhongze's support. That woman always managed to disrupt his plans with ease.
In fact, without that damned woman, he might have considered trying to accept Shu Yan. But the thought of Gu Susu's tear-streaked face not only filled him with disgust for Shu Yan but also led him to utter words that were tantamount to breaking off the engagement.
He wasn't sure what had come over him. As he picked up his cup again, he finished the remaining coffee. The moment he turned, Xiao Anjing, who never bothered to knock, walked in.
Coincidentally, Qin Tianyi had something to discuss with Xiao Anjing as well; he needed to prepare Xiao Anjing for a potential fallout with Shu Zhongze.
"Young Master, you're here so early today. Are you aiming for the 'Most Diligent Employee' award this year?" Xiao Anjing joked, settling himself directly into the office chair.
Qin Tianyi didn't find it amusing. His expression remained stern as he asked, "Is there something?"
Xiao Anjing tossed a file onto his desk. "Take a look. I've got the profile of that man, Han Cheng, who's been getting close to Jin Meiyao."
Qin Tianyi shot him a glare. He seemed to be too lenient with him lately, as Xiao Anjing was becoming increasingly undisciplined. Qin Tianyi picked up the file and opened the first page.
"Han Cheng was involved in the underworld in his early years. As he climbed the ranks, he gained considerable influence. His peak was twenty years ago; he was practically a kingpin. But ten years ago, for reasons unknown, he declared his retirement, stepping back behind the scenes. That trading company is just a front; he's still involved in illegal activities."
Qin Tianyi could read for himself, but Xiao Anjing continued to chatter in his ear.
Without looking up, Qin Tianyi tossed the tissue box on the desk at him. "Be quiet."
Xiao Anjing caught it steadily and placed it back in its original position, but his mouth couldn't stay shut. "Look here, there's something even more peculiar. Did you notice that Jin Meiyao and Han Cheng were neighbors when they were young? Their relationship seems quite unusual..."
"Get out. I'll call you if I need anything," Qin Tianyi said, fixing his gaze on him.
Xiao Anjing immediately stood up, wisely preparing to leave the office. As he reached the doorway, he heard Qin Tianyi say, "By the way, my situation with Shu Yan is likely over. You should start making preparations for the projects we're collaborating on with them."
Xiao Anjing showed no surprise. He opened the office door and replied, "Alright, I understand."
After leaving Qin Tianyi's office, he let out a sigh. This outcome was within his expectations. Judging by Qin Tianyi's demeanor, who else could he possibly have in his heart besides Gu Susu? Even heroes fall for beauty.
Qin Tianyi reread the information about Han Cheng and the trading company twice. It claimed to be a trading company, yet it hadn't conducted a single legitimate trade in three months. It also employed a large number of people, which was highly unusual.
He clasped his hands, resting his chin on them, and recalled many past events. It was only now that he understood the existence of such a person behind Jin Meiyao, which also helped resolve many of his lingering doubts.
Jin Meiyao had managed to get herself acquitted and released from prison this time, but her "clean slate" was only for financial matters. There were other issues, and he had uncovered deeper individuals and affairs hidden behind her.
It seemed the cat-and-mouse game had to continue. He wouldn't let his prey be caught too quickly; enjoying the process of the game was the most important thing.
...
Gu Susu secretly sent a message to Chang Qingchuan about meeting for lunch, and he quickly replied with an affirmative.
At lunchtime, she went alone to the restaurant they had discussed earlier and booked the same private room. She sat inside and waited.
Chang Qingchuan left his office and noticed Gu Susu was no longer at her desk. He lingered in the company for a few more minutes before leaving.
As he approached the restaurant entrance, he deliberately looked around. Once he confirmed he wasn't being followed, he went inside.
Having spent over a year with Huo Jin, he understood her straightforward personality; her temper flared quickly but also subsided just as fast.
He had already explained things to Huo Jin last night and managed to pacify her. Today, she would likely have forgotten about it.
To be honest, it was precisely her personality that had moved him. She was direct, without many hidden motives, though her fiery and blunt temper could sometimes be unbearable.
The first thing he said upon entering the private room and seeing Gu Susu was to apologize on Huo Jin's behalf for yesterday's incident.
Gu Susu no longer held a grudge against Huo Jin. She figured any woman who misunderstood the situation would have been furious. Who could face the woman trying to steal her man with a gentle demeanor?
She brushed aside the matter, primarily wanting to discuss the issues she discovered at the factory today with Chang Qingchuan, and quickly got to the point.
...
Shu Yan drove from the seaside villa to the beach. She spent the entire morning feeling an inexpressible sadness as the sea breeze blew around her.
Once again, she had confirmed that the man she loved did not love her. Yet, she still believed that if she could spend more time with Qin Tianyi, she could make him fall in love with her.
Therefore, she didn't want to tell her father about what happened last night. With her heart heavy and unable to find solace, she took out her phone and called Huo Jin.
Meanwhile, Huo Jin had just received photos from her informant at Mi Shang. She saw that he had left the company at noon to eat at a restaurant, and upon arrival, he went directly into a private room.
This was strange. Chang Qingchuan usually didn't like eating out for lunch; to save time, he typically ordered takeout or ate at the company cafeteria.
Yet today, he had gone to an external restaurant, eaten alone, and specifically in a private room. It was clear he was meeting someone in there.
Huo Jin sensed something was amiss. She grabbed her bag and decided to go to the restaurant herself.
However, just as she was about to leave, Shu Yan's call came through.
"Huo Jin, what are you doing? Can you come and keep me company?" Shu Yan asked.
Huo Jin slipped on her high heels, grabbed her car keys, and said as she walked out, "I can't right now. I need to go find Chang Qingchuan and see what mischief he's up to again. Did you and Qin Tianyi... you know... last night? Does it feel good to have your relationship progress?"