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Chu Ning had made her stance clear, and she was already quite displeased.
Guan Yu looked at her, her eyes momentarily complex, but the revealing expression quickly vanished.
She smiled, “Look at you, so tense. I was just teasing.”
Chu Ning had no intention of engaging with that remark and said, “I’m not teasing you.”
Guan Yu’s expression stiffened slightly. She pursed her lips and left.
As the door closed, Chu Ning suddenly felt utterly disheartened. She sank into her leather chair, her head aching as she pinched her brow, and the sadness in her heart, once it began, could no longer be stopped. She called Feng Ziyang and recounted the entire incident from beginning to end.
“Damn, what is that girl trying to do?!” Feng Ziyang had a straightforward temper. “Your relationship has been for so many years, doesn’t she know? She shouldn’t be saying such ridiculous things to you!”
Chu Ning tried to temper his anger. “Alright, alright, I called you for advice, not to hear you curse.”
“I asked around; she doesn’t owe any debts outside, nor has she made any investments.”
“What about her boyfriend?”
“They broke up,” Feng Ziyang sneered. “She found someone new really fast; they’re almost talking about marriage.”
Chu Ning fell silent. The taste was bitter.
What did a life of playing games get her in the end? Nothing remained but the fleeting pleasure of the moment.
“Let me warn you, if things can be resolved amicably, try not to burn bridges,” Feng Ziyang’s voice grew chilling, dropping a bombshell. “Back then, to continue investing in Ying Jing, you came up with a somewhat unconventional idea and registered this current company. All financial transactions pass through it, right?”
Chu Ning said nothing, her heart sinking as if stepping down a staircase.
“You used Guan Yu’s ID to register it. Legally, this company belongs to her,” Feng Ziyang’s voice dropped several degrees. “If she really harbors ill intentions, Ning’er, your path won’t be easy.”
“That’s exaggerated,” Chu Ning said lightly, dismissively. “I know her; she doesn’t have the guts for that. Cheating people out of meals and drinks might barely pass, but if you actually put a knife in her hand, she’d find it too hot and disgusting and toss it away faster than anyone. Let alone something so disgraceful.”
Feng Ziyang snorted coldly, “I hope so.”
Chu Ning didn’t want to continue the heavy topic and brought up something happy instead, “Oh, by the way, we’re going to collaborate with Mingyao Technology.”
“Heard about it.”
Chu Ning was surprised: “Where did you hear that?”
“This circle is only so big. You can hear a lot of rumors, but about Mingyao, you really don’t,” Feng Ziyang said. “Unless they intentionally reveal it themselves, which means it’s a very sincere decision.”
Chu Ning immediately beamed, “The contract will be officially signed next Monday.”
“Mmm, when is Ying Jing coming back?”
“Monday evening. It’ll be a nice surprise for him.”
“Heh.”
“Why are you scoffing?”
“Can’t I be jealous?”
Chu Ning laughed and cursed: “Get lost.”
Before hanging up, Feng Ziyang said again, “Ning’er, you should also be careful.”
Chu Ning understood. He was worried about Guan Yu. To be frank, even though their relationship was good, it hadn’t reached the level of true intimacy. But Chu Ning was different; they had years of friendship. If Guan Yu truly went down a path of no return, who knew what she might do.
What Feng Ziyang was truly worried about was Chu Ning.
________________________________________
The draft contract from Mingyao Technology was quickly completed, and Chu Ning immediately immersed herself in reviewing and revising the terms. She dismissed Guan Yu’s visit earlier today as a small interlude. Chu Ning still held onto a sliver of hope, thinking, What friendship doesn’t have its disagreements? Guan Yu is a smart person; if I give her some space, maybe she’ll come to her senses.
After negotiations with Mingyao Technology, some contract details were revised and successfully passed. That afternoon, Tang Yao, who hadn’t appeared since their last meeting, finally called Chu Ning, saying succinctly: “President Ning, I look forward to our official cooperation the day after tomorrow.”
After a few interactions, Chu Ning had come to realize that Tang Yao was a leader with very strong principles. He spoke little, bided his time, and ultimately only cared about results. Such a person might seem unapproachable, but engaging with him was quite refreshing.
Chu Ning had encountered many companies. Mingyao Technology was dedicated to technological development, and its corporate culture aligned perfectly with the characteristics of this path: from top to bottom, they were trustworthy, honored their commitments, and got things done. She also admired Ying Jing’s choice; people on the same path often shared a mutual appreciation.
Thinking of this, Chu Ning glanced at her schedule. Ying Jing’s flight was due to arrive in Beijing tomorrow evening at 8:10 PM.
The next day, Chu Ning arrived early to arrange her work, postponing two meetings. In her office, the clothes she had prepared for the afternoon signing were laid out. She set a schedule reminder to leave an hour early.
After finishing the last task at Ningjing Investment Headquarters, Chu Ning went to the restroom. When she returned, she found a missed call from Feng Ziyang on her phone. She was about to call him back when her phone vibrated; she had been beaten to it.
The caller was Tang Yao, his name squarely displayed on the screen.
“President Tang?” Chu Ning answered.
The other end didn’t give her a chance to speak. After a few seconds, Chu Ning’s brows furrowed. After a few more words, her face turned pale, and for a moment, she couldn’t react. She took a small step back, reaching out to grip the edge of her office desk, her palm clenching tightly.
“President Tang, please let me explain!”
Tang Yao’s tone wasn’t harsh, but his voice was calm, like a black vortex, every word pulling her deeper into the abyss.
Chu Ning broke out in a cold sweat at his last few initial words.
Tang Yao said: “President Ning, choosing a good tree to perch on, I personally understand completely. Since that’s the case, I wish you better choices.” Then he changed his tone: “Tonight’s signing is temporarily canceled. Goodbye.”
Only a short dial tone remained on the phone.
Chu Ning held the phone to her ear, taking a long time to recover.
When she finally caught her breath, she felt a surge of qi and blood in her chest, even tasting a faint metallic tang in her throat. She quickly calmed down and replayed Tang Yao’s words from beginning to end—
—President Ning, you were simultaneously in contact with another foreign investment institution, and your intention to cooperate was clear. So, you want to have a foot on both boats, not wanting to miss out on either, is that it?
—Since your company intends to cooperate with foreign capital, then, in the process of negotiating with Mingyao, both reasonably and emotionally, you should have let us know.
—Alright, ultimately this is your company’s freedom, but since it has reached the contract signing stage, reasonably and emotionally, can I not assume that Mingyao Technology was your first and only choice?
—President Ning, in business, the premise is integrity. Since you cannot uphold it, Mingyao sees no need to waste its time accompanying you.
Foreign company?
Foreign company.
Chu Ning endured a splitting headache, instantly recalling Guan Yu’s words from several days ago—
“Ning’er, have you ever thought about cooperating with a foreign company... The sky is high and the emperor is far away, and once the money is invested, aren’t you the one in charge anyway... I really do have a suitable European company here. My uncle in foreign trade has worked with them... They want to enter the domestic market, they’re not short on money, but they lack projects. You two are a perfect match...”
Chu Ning closed her eyes, her fingers pinching the desk edge, a sharp pain.
She had calculated everything, but she never expected this worst-case scenario.
Back then, eager to register the company, she lost her qualification. For convenience, she used Guan Yu’s information to file with the industry and commerce bureau. Feng Ziyang’s words came true: “If she truly harbors ill intentions, you won’t be able to go down this path.”
Chu Ning was soaked in cold sweat, her entire body slumped in the leather chair, pressing hard on her brow.
She called Guan Yu, but there was no answer.
She called again, but it was directly cut off.
Finally, it showed as unreachable.
Chu Ning was enraged. She grabbed her phone and slammed it hard onto the table with a loud bang. A few seconds later, the office door was pushed open, and her secretary asked with concern, “President Ning? Are you alright?”
Chu Ning supported her forehead, her face extremely cold.
“The car is already downstairs. Are you leaving now?” the secretary asked carefully.
Chu Ning finally reacted, slow to respond, and slowly said, “Cancel.”
________________________________________
That evening, Ying Jing’s flight was delayed. After a long journey, he arrived at Chu Ning’s apartment close to midnight.
Not seeing her for over a week, he was tanned and more muscular. The moment the door opened, he eagerly rushed forward, pinning Chu Ning against the wall and kissing her wildly.
He had a strong scent of travel dust on him, but his mouth had a faint spearmint aroma.
Oh, he chewed gum.
Chu Ning clutched his shirt, not resisting, but not being particularly proactive either. Ying Jing kissed her impatiently for about a minute before panting, “I’m back.”
Chu Ning looked at him, a faint smile on her lips.
“I’m leaving again soon.”
“Huh? Just leaving?”
“The competition is in a few days. They’re strict, so I can’t stay out overnight.” It wasn’t easy for Ying Jing to make this trip, and he looked at her with pitiful, eager eyes, “It’s so annoying! I don’t even want to compete anymore!”
“Nonsense,” Chu Ning flicked his forehead hard.
Ying Jing didn’t cry out in pain. The bittersweet reunion, unable to consummate like newlyweds, was hard to bear. After not seeing her for so long, putting everything else aside, Ying Jing only wanted an ardent response from his lover. His thoughts drifted, he scrutinized her for a few seconds, then suddenly grunted.
Chu Ning chuckled at once, “Why are you grunting?”
“You’re not enthusiastic at all. We’ve been apart for so long, and you don’t even miss me.”
“How can you say that?”
“I can,” Ying Jing pointed to his lips. “You didn’t kiss here.” Then he pointed to his eyes. “You didn’t kiss here either.” His hand moved downwards, to his collarbone, chest, lower abdomen...
“Don’t be a pervert,” Chu Ning pushed his hand away, demanding softly. Then, she wrapped her arms around his waist. It was a very vulnerable hug. She surrendered her entire weight onto him, resting her head on his shoulder and holding him tightly.
“I missed you so much, really.”
Ying Jing’s eyes welled up. “Me too.”
Smelling him, Chu Ning even felt like crying. She held back, her voice striving for calmness, “How was it? Was everything smooth over there?”
“It was good. I met several experts and professors in the field. We also have a home-field advantage in this competition, so we can go two days early to get used to the venue and calibrate the equipment.” Ying Jing reported patiently.
“What about the content of the competition?”
“We’ll be using the same technology as in the last university aerospace technology competition. Our aerospace virtual simulation has matured much more than before. You’ll see, I’ll be your pride,” Ying Jing hugged her tighter. “Chu Ning, it’s only after meeting you that I’ve become a better version of myself.”
Chu Ning didn’t say anything, just buried her head in his shoulder and rubbed hard.
“You’ve always been great,” she said slowly, steadying her emotions. “You’re diligent, hardworking, and have a good personality; you’re very likable. I’m just your starting line. Once you cross this step, you can go very, very far.”
Ying Jing stubbornly said, “You are my beginning, and you are my end.”
“But my ability is limited. You should fly higher.”
“I won’t fly very high myself, but I can make airplanes, rockets, and spacecraft fly higher,” Ying Jing said confidently. “I’ll earn a lot, lot of money for you.”
Chu Ning looked up, a smile in her eyes. “How much money?”
“Enough money to marry you,” Ying Jing licked the corner of his lips. The desire he had suppressed for so long finally found expression. He leaned close to her ear, lightly humming as if playfully, his voice dropping a few degrees, deep and captivating: “Ning’er, after this competition, can I come to propose?”
His words tickled her ear. Chu Ning laughed, “My parents are tough to talk to. Are you scared?”
“No, I’m especially good with elders; it’s a natural skill. Don’t believe me? You’ll see next time. I’ll make sure your parents are completely comfortable,” Ying Jing said confidently. “Besides, there’s always my dad.”
“What does your father have to do with this?”
“He worked in grassroots positions for over ten years when he was young.”
Chu Ning was curious, “Oh? Doing what?”
“Director of the Women’s Federation.”
Chu Ning burst into laughter. She simply couldn’t associate Ying Yizhang’s stern, military-clad image with those four words.
“Don’t laugh. My dad was in a small county in Guangdong back then, and he did an exceptionally good job. When he was promoted, many people in the county put up banners and even gave my dad eggs and big chickens. He was very popular,” Ying Jing explained seriously and logically. “If I really can’t handle your parents, I’ll send Old Ying in.”
The atmosphere in their family was truly wonderful. Without even being there, just by hearing stories, one could feel that relaxed and lively family spirit.
As Chu Ning composed herself, Ying Jing propped one hand against the wall, holding her close, shrewdly saying, “Jealous?”
Chu Ning nodded honestly, “Mmm.”
“No need to be jealous. We’ll be family soon,” Ying Jing even naughtily pinched her waist lightly. Chu Ning shivered, her face slightly flushed, “Pfft!”
Ying Jing smiled, then asked, “Is everything going smoothly on your end?”
After he left, he essentially had no time to worry about things on her side. Having been with Chu Ning for so long, he also understood that these matters were taxing—coordinating contracts, negotiating interests, managing attitudes—everything required careful thought. He used to not understand why Chu Ning was so sharp and cold, but now he knew that she was also at the mercy of circumstances.
After all, she was still a young woman in her twenties. When issues arose, at dinner parties or during negotiations, everyone was like a wolf, not necessarily giving women preferential treatment. They would even try to exploit their weaknesses, bullying them to death.
No one was to blame; that’s just how human nature was. While some reached higher levels, most were scrambling for survival, defending against others and attacking them. It was helpless.
When he asked, Chu Ning’s expression remained unchanged. She said calmly, “Don’t worry, with me here, you won’t suffer any losses.”
“Tang Yao didn’t make things difficult for you, did he?”
Chu Ning smiled: “No.”
Ying Jing nodded. “If he’s mean to you, I won’t cooperate with him.”
Chu Ning raised her hand, touched his face, a gentle touch, and whispered, “Don’t say that again. It’s immature, like a child sulking. You’ve grown up. You’re not doing school homework anymore; you’re building a career now. No matter if I’m by your side in the future, you must keep a clear head. You need to distinguish between what’s urgent and important, and what are good mentors and friends, separating them from your personal likes and dislikes. Understand?”
Ying Jing stated firmly: “You must be by my side.”
Chu Ning was momentarily stunned.
“If you’re not here, I won’t strive anymore, I won’t work hard anymore. I’ll become a prodigal, playing around, and then I’ll make you furious.”
Chu Ning reached out and punched him. “You’re silly!”
It was getting late. Ying Jing said, “I have to go. My car is still waiting for me downstairs.”
“You’re really not resting here?”
“No,” Ying Jing said, sounding wronged, “If I could have gotten leave, I would have pushed you into the bedroom ages ago. Would I let you stand here wasting time?”
He always managed to surprise her, leaving Chu Ning speechless.
Ying Jing even thought carefully for a moment, then concluded: “On the door board works too, anyway you’re light, I can hold you mid-air, I just need to put in effort. But the time would be too short, quite unsuitable for me.”
“Shut up!” The more he spoke, the more outrageous he became, yet he maintained a wise expression as if contemplating life, which was practically criminal. Chu Ning pulled him towards the door. “Hurry up, go, go.”
Ying Jing said lazily, “Getting kicked out of the house just for telling the truth, tsk.”
Chu Ning’s face turned completely red. Speaking of this, it was necessary to give a solemn warning: “Hey.”
Ying Jing looked at her.
She placed both hands on her waist, cleared her throat, “Student Ying Jing, you really need to, to...” She couldn’t utter the second half of the sentence.
“Hmm? Need to what?” Ying Jing looked innocent.
Chu Ning’s breath softened: “...practice some restraint, okay? You’re young now, your body, your body is very good, but this is an act that drains your energy and spirit. It should only be moderate, not excessive.”
Ying Jing, shamelessly, raised an eyebrow: “Who told you that?”
Chu Ning felt guilty, but couldn’t back down, so she blurted out: “Chinese medicine says so!”
Ying Jing laughed so hard he couldn’t catch his breath, tears streaming from his eyes. Chu Ning kicked him, bitterly saying, “Laugh yourself to death!”
Ying Jing didn’t dodge, his breath trembling: “Chinese medicine didn’t say that!”
The two looked at each other. Chu Ning also felt embarrassed and chuckled.
He really had to go.
The smile faded. Ying Jing took a deep breath, took a large step forward, cupped her face, and kissed her fiercely. Their lips intertwined, and Chu Ning was moved.
“Bye-bye,” Ying Jing pulled away, reluctantly.
“Go,” Chu Ning forced a reassuring smile for him. “The competition is in three days. Adjust yourself, get enough rest, and just perform normally. I’ll wait for you.”
The elevator doors slid open and closed, the floors jumping to the first floor.
Only then did Chu Ning enter the house, leaning against the door, staring blankly at the living room light. She then lowered her head, scuffing the floor with her shoe. Thinking of Tang Yao’s words and attitude from the afternoon, her heart felt like a bitter tide, immensely painful.
She was upset, but she absolutely would not show it in front of Ying Jing, fearing it would affect his performance in the competition.
The significance of this competition, on a certain level, might be a crucial turning point in Ying Jing’s career plan. Raising the bar even higher, it was about competing for national honor, the meaning self-evident.
Chu Ning took a deep breath, her clenched fist relaxing. What else could she do? She had to break the deadlock with Tang Yao, even if it meant being shameless.
The next day, Chu Ning contacted Mingyao Technology’s liaison from multiple channels. However, when she called, the other party’s attitude was polite but wouldn’t explicitly break the pretense. Yet, the distinct line was clearly drawn.
To put it harshly, Chu Ning had been talking about cooperation with Mingyao with conviction, while simultaneously being caught having contact with another company. Two-timing was Tang Yao’s taboo. He was slick but had clear principles.
Chu Ning had no choice but to swallow her bitterness. She went to Mingyao headquarters uninvited, but the secretary frankly told her that President Tang was not seeing visitors.
Was he not seeing visitors, or was he intentionally not seeing her?
Chu Ning smiled apologetically, then tried every possible way, relentlessly pestering a vice president who had previously worked on the project. The other party finally agreed to have dinner, but covertly and unwilling to let Tang Yao know.
Chu Ning arranged a good meal and drinks, throwing caution to the wind herself. She toasted cup after cup, knowing she had to show her sincerity. Finally, after much effort, she managed to coax information out of him, and Chu Ning’s heart went cold—
“President Ning, are you truly unaware, or are you feigning ignorance? That foreign company, I don’t know what you see in it. It’s registered in a small European city, basically a shell company. Do you understand what I mean?”
Chu Ning, fighting the effects of the alcohol, said, “Please enlighten me further.”
“There are too many mixed-bag offshore companies like that, and regulation is difficult. It’s hard to ascertain their true financial status. But from my experience, 70% of them are a facade, using the name of legitimate foreign investors to exploit legal loopholes; they’re quite irregular.” The vice president, speaking candidly due to the alcohol, added, “President Tang is a very principled person with extremely high standards. Your actions indeed disgusted him. Firstly, it’s a matter of integrity in cooperation. Secondly, it also exposes your vision and capabilities as very short-sighted.”
Before leaving, the vice president said something meaningful to Chu Ning: “President Ning, your project aligns very well with the current national policy direction. The dividends and prospects are bound to be infinitely broad, with immense room for development. Let’s speak some more high-sounding words: many technologies in the aviation industry, at a high level, are absolutely confidential. This project leader, he’s still a university student, right?”
Chu Ning pursed her lips, tacitly agreeing.
“The first place he won in that university aerospace technology competition recently has already attracted a lot of attention. He has great talent, and the technology he’s researching is very subtle. Now he’s going to participate in a world-class competition. President Ning, at this point in time, don’t you think your current actions are very sensitive for him?”
The vice president smiled, shaking his head. “Contacting foreign companies—have you measured the depth of the waters there?”
After speaking, he left.
A chill ran from the soles of her feet straight up to her head, making every nerve in her body throb. Chu Ning had drunk too much, and after days of running around, she could no longer hold on. She clutched the table, pinching her leg hard, but in the end, she couldn’t stop it. Her stomach churned, and she vomited directly.
With alcohol and stomach acid mixed haphazardly, her state was on the verge of collapse.
Just then, her phone suddenly rang. It was the person who had disappeared for several days—
Guan Yu calling.
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