L&H - 69

At six o’clock in the morning, Fu Jichen’s car slowly entered the underground parking lot of Fu Group.

Two cars had arrived earlier. Qiao Yang stepped out of her car.

Zhao Shuqun was also there. He parked not far away and was locking his car. She greeted him, and the two of them walked toward the elevator with unspoken understanding.

Because of the big mess Xiao Yilin caused over the past two days, both she and Zhao Shuqun were implicated.

She had pulled several all-nighters. She guessed that Zhao Shuqun was under even more pressure than her.

There were personnel changes at Duo Xin, and regional managers were being reassigned. Taking this opportunity, Fu Jichen thoroughly reorganized the entire group from top to bottom.

As a result of this “contract fraud” incident, three people were fired: Xiao Yilin, Zhou Yunli, and Yuan Wenwen.

Qiao Yang was disciplined for negligence during the contract signing process. Her bonus from last year was revoked.

As for Zhao Shuqun, not only was his bonus from last year gone, but so were his bonuses for this year and next. Not only that, he was demoted, though he still temporarily oversaw the sales department.

Before they reached the elevator, Fu Jichen’s car turned in.

After seeing the license plate, Qiao Yang and Zhao Shuqun stopped simultaneously. With the boss here, it wouldn’t be appropriate to ignore him and go upstairs directly, so they waited for Fu Jichen.

Fu Jichen was on the phone as he got out of the car, instructing the kitchen staff to prepare breakfast for him early.

His late-night snack had fallen through last night, and he ended up going to bed hungry.

After his morning workout, he felt completely drained.

He nodded slightly at Qiao Yang and Zhao Shuqun, then said to the chef, “I’ll come over to eat at seven.”

The two followed Fu Jichen into the private elevator.

Fu Jichen knew that Qiao Yang and Zhao Shuqun had arrived so early to handle the mess while working overtime, so he didn’t engage in small talk.

The elevator was cold and silent.

Qiao Yang stood at the back, glancing up at Fu Jichen. His hands were in his pockets, seemingly deep in thought.

Since the boss hadn’t spoken, they remained quiet.

When the digital display hit ‘9,’ Fu Jichen suddenly turned to Zhao Shuqun and said, “Yu Qing and Yu Fei strongly advised Lu Chen that any PR plan should not affect your family. I don’t know the specific reasons—I didn’t ask.”

Zhao Shuqun was stunned but soon understood why they did so. They weren’t showing him face; they were looking after Chen Yan and the two children.

“President Fu, please convey my gratitude to Lawyer Yu on my behalf. Thank you.”

He understood that Fu Jichen was telling him this to make him reflect. His personal life had already affected the company’s interests.

It had caused losses to the company.

The elevator stopped at Duo Xin’s sales department, and Zhao Shuqun got off.

Qiao Yang observed what Fu Jichen was wearing today—a white shirt.

She couldn’t immediately deduce whether he was in a good or bad mood.

Her gaze landed on Fu Jichen’s profile. It was no different from usual—his expression was indifferent.

Several times, she hesitated to speak.

When they reached the finance floor, Qiao Yang had no choice but to get off. “President Fu, see you later.”

Fu Jichen gave a faint “Mm.”

The elevator doors slowly closed.

Qiao Yang glanced one more time before heading to her office. Along the way, her mind wandered.

Even when busy, she kept getting distracted.

Finally, at 6:50 AM, she went to the cafeteria.

The cafeteria provided breakfast for the group’s senior executives every morning. Fu Jichen always checked in for breakfast daily. Today, for some unknown reason, he was eating at 7 AM.

She had no choice but to go early too.

It was still too early, and the restaurant was empty except for Qiao Yang.

Fu Jichen guessed that she was waiting for him specifically. “If you haven’t eaten breakfast yet, let’s eat together.”

“Thank you, President Fu.” Qiao Yang followed him into the private dining room.

The cafeteria staff quickly brought in shrimp rolls, sausages, oatmeal porridge, milk, and some fruits.

After the door closed, Fu Jichen looked at Qiao Yang. “Are you dissatisfied with the company’s punishment?”

Realizing he had misunderstood, Qiao Yang hurriedly explained, “No, no—it was my fault. The punishment is deserved.” She came to ask for his help but didn’t know how to bring it up.

Before his relationship with Uncle Er became strained, she could have approached him through Uncle Er. But because of the NewTech equity issue, Uncle Er felt uncomfortable bothering him again.

Since it wasn’t about her punishment, Fu Jichen couldn’t figure it out. He had no patience to guess. “Speak if you have something to say.”

Qiao Yang: “A few days ago, my cousin and I were drinking at a bar and ran into Leng Wenning and her best friend. My cousin made a few snide remarks. They might have held a grudge ever since.”

They were the ones who started trouble first, but after being confronted, they still blamed her.

“Yesterday, my mom came home and said that the two projects she was involved in at the accounting firm had been suspended. When the firm asked the other party why, they said my mom should discipline her child better and learn what manners are. Later, we found out that Leng Wenning’s best friend used Leng Wenning’s connections to come after me.”

That accounting firm was just an ordinary small firm with no background.

Her mother was just an ordinary accountant, living a modest and diligent life.

She never expected such trouble right before retirement.

Now, her colleagues at the firm were blaming her even with their eyes.

For a small firm like theirs, securing even a small project required pulling strings. Suddenly losing projects meant no commissions either.

If it weren’t absolutely necessary, she wouldn’t have come to Fu Jichen.

The feeling of asking him for help was unpleasant.

But aside from Fu Jichen, she didn’t know anyone else whose influence could surpass Leng Wenning’s.

“I don’t know what to do. I’d like to ask for your help.”

Fu Jichen took out his phone. “Give me Leng Wenning’s phone number.”

Qiao Yang found it and told him.

When the call connected, “It’s me, Fu Jichen.”

“President Fu, what can I do for you?”

“To teach you how to behave.”

The other end suddenly fell silent, clearly not expecting Fu Jichen to be so blunt.

Qiao Yang paused with her chopsticks and couldn’t help but glance at Fu Jichen.

Taking advantage of the moment, Fu Jichen took a bite of the shrimp roll. If he didn’t eat something now, he might not even have the strength to speak.

“President Fu, you’ve dialed the wrong number. You should teach Yu Qing.”

“That’s none of your business,” Fu Jichen got straight to the point. “Unless absolutely necessary, I wouldn’t bother with women. But once I do, no amount of pleading will help.”

Leng Wenning wasn’t impressed and chuckled sarcastically.

Fu Jichen didn’t bother lecturing her at length and issued a direct warning. “From now on, whether it’s Yu Qing or anyone from my company, stop using your threats. Today, I’ll give your best friend her first lesson in life—to teach her what manners are.”

“Fu Jichen, do you really think...”

Before she could finish, Fu Jichen cut her off. “The conditions for graduation are: your best friend apologizes to Qiao Yang, and you apologize to Yu Qing. Once they’re satisfied, I’ll stop the lessons.”

With that, he hung up.

Qiao Yang expressed gratitude but also concern. “Will this cause trouble for you?”

She didn’t want to escalate things and didn’t need Leng Wenning’s best friend to apologize. She only wanted the projects at her mother’s firm to return.

Fu Jichen calmly continued eating. “It’s not related to you. If I don’t teach them a lesson, this won’t end. This way, they won’t dare to threaten Yu Qing behind her back anymore.”

________________________________________

It wasn’t until Friday that Leng Wenning found out what Fu Jichen meant by “lessons.”

Her best friend’s parents and younger brother were implicated. Their business agency rights were about to be revoked.

The explanation given was that her best friend was arrogant and bullied others outside.

After finishing a meeting and returning to her office, her best friend rushed over. She had briefly mentioned it on the phone earlier.

“Why is Fu Jichen so protective of Qiao Yang? What does he mean?” Her best friend was full of resentment. “We only scolded Qiao Yang a little, and he dragged my whole family into it. Is he even a man!”

Leng Wenning was irritated by the noise and didn’t respond.

Though angry, her best friend still wanted to resolve the situation. Dragging it out wasn’t a solution. “Wenning, help me think of something.”

Leng Wenning: “I had a friend inquire, but it’s useless. Fu Jichen isn’t budging.”

Her best friend sighed. If nothing worked, she would apologize to Qiao Yang. But having Leng Wenning apologize to Yu Qing was out of the question—she knew Leng Wenning too well.

Leng Wenning wouldn’t lower her head even for Ji Qingyuan, let alone apologize to another woman.

Earlier, the family group chat nearly exploded. Her parents and younger brother were blaming her.

If this continued, she wouldn’t even be able to go home.

Her best friend was completely at a loss, sitting uneasily, glancing repeatedly at Leng Wenning. But Leng Wenning gave her no response.

________________________________________

Over the past few days, Yu Qing had been busy planning the promotional campaign for Lemong’s drinks. Pairing them with Duo Xin’s best-selling beverage this year as a “couple edition” would surely boost sales.

She had been working nonstop until dark when Fu Jichen’s call interrupted her.

“Leng Wenning’s best friend has already apologized to Qiao Yang in person. There’s now some tension between her and Leng Wenning. I’ve restored her parents’ business, but the lesson shifted to her own advertising company. Now she can’t land big or small contracts. Aside from possibly targeting Ji Qingyuan, Leng Wenning won’t cause you any trouble behind your back.”

Yu Qing was editing a copy and reviewed it once. “Thank you, my President Fu.”

“It’s only natural.” Fu Jichen spoke to her. “Let’s go downstairs.”

They were having dinner with Zou Lexiao tonight—it might be a banquet with hidden intentions.

“President Fu, check your Weibo. I’ll be down in a moment.”

After hanging up, Fu Jichen logged into his private account, and Yu Qing @mentioned him.

【Me and your ‘Heartfelt Summer’ @Fu Jichen】

There were two accompanying images: one was Duo Xin’s new product poster for the year, and the other was Lemong’s old product, but with new packaging—it was paired with Duo Xin as a “couple edition.”

“Heartfelt Summer” was Lemong’s slogan.

She publicly acknowledged him—but in the form of an advertisement.

Not long after, Yu Qing came downstairs.

When she saw him, she wanted to run toward him, but realizing something, she quickly covered her belly and slowly walked toward him.

“Congratulations, Lawyer Yu. You’ve tied with me.” In the public opinion battle, she hadn’t suffered any losses. Using him, she gave free advertising to Lemong’s products and turned them into a couple edition.

Yu Qing smiled. “Too kind, too kind.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “You inspired me.”

From the start, they stood on opposing sides of their interests. Finally, they had taken the first step on a third path.

Fu Jichen hugged her. “Let’s go. Time to fill in the gaps.”

Tonight’s dinner—her eldest brother couldn’t make it. He had engagements and couldn’t break away. But Zou Lexiao didn’t care whether he came or not, as long as Yu Qing was there.

The fewer others came, the better—it would save her money.

Aside from Zou Lexiao, Yu Qing knew everyone else. After brief greetings, they took their seats.

Yu Qing discreetly sized up Zou Lexiao. It seemed she had some purpose regarding her.

From the moment she entered the private room, Zou Lexiao had been fawning over her—actively pouring water for her and hanging up her windbreaker.

Zou Lexiao didn’t sit beside her parents but chose to sit next to Yu Qing. “Tonight’s dishes are all light and suitable for pregnant women. I specifically instructed the nutritionist to arrange the menu for you.”

Everyone looked at Zou Lexiao, feeling as if she had grown up overnight and become more tactful. She used to be spoiled and arrogant, speaking without regard for others’ feelings.

Zou Lexiao picked up a pair of serving chopsticks to serve dishes to Yu Qing.

Fu Jichen’s arm reached behind Yu Qing and nudged Zou Lexiao. There was no need for her to fuss over Yu Qing—he was there. Mainly, he felt uneasy watching her.

Zou Lexiao ignored him. “Yu Qing, eat more of these fish slices.”

Zou Xing cleared his throat, reminding his daughter, “Lexiao, Yu Qing is older than you. She’s your senior in the legal profession. At home, even if you don’t call her ‘sister-in-law,’ at least call her ‘Sister.’ Don’t be disrespectful.”

Zou Lexiao pouted. She couldn’t openly retort to her father but feigned compliance. “I know, I know. I just want to treat Yu Qing like a friend.”

When she turned to face Yu Qing, her expression changed, and she smiled warmly. “You don’t mind if I call you by your name, right?”

Yu Qing didn’t mind. Being called “sister-in-law” would feel awkward.

Zou Lexiao occasionally glanced at Yu Qing’s profile. Sure enough, they resembled each other as siblings—their eyes were alike.

Under the table, Mrs. Zou kicked Mr. Zou to shut him up. She thought her daughter’s fondness for Yu Qing might stem from admiration.

After all, Yu Qing was incredibly capable, managing men so well, and excelling in both intelligence and emotional quotient. She hoped her daughter could learn from Yu Qing.

As for titles, there was no need to be particular.

Ye Jinhua and Chairman Fu were pleased that Yu Qing could join them for a friend’s dinner, giving them face. They tried to avoid topics related to children or marriage and began chatting with the Zous about events in their social circle.

At the dinner table, the group split into two conversations, neither interfering with the other, and there was no awkward silence.

Zou Lexiao barely ate herself. Every time a dish was served, she first served Yu Qing. “You’re pregnant—you’re the priority. I’m just your little assistant.”

Yu Qing looked at this stunning and exquisite young girl, teasing lightly, “Tell me, what exactly do you want from me? If it’s about the perfume, I’m not giving it back.”

Zou Lexiao laughed too. She put down her chopsticks, resting her chin on her hands. “I’d like to try your soy sauce noodles.”

Yu Qing narrowed her eyes halfway. “Are you ‘Eternal Constancy’?”

Zou Lexiao nodded. “Mm-hmm.”

Yu Qing was astonished. “When did you add me? I don’t remember at all.”

Zou Lexiao: “Didn’t you work on the NewTech project with a securities firm? Once, I pretended to be the assistant to the person in charge of the securities firm and added you to send you materials. That person is a relative of ours.”

Yu Qing must have been busy with documents back then. After adding her, she forgot about it.

Yu Qing still didn’t understand. “Why did you go through all this mystery for?”

Zou Lexiao sighed and told her honestly, “For a man I can’t have but want. I planned to wait until I graduate and come back, then infiltrate his inner circle first.”

“Not exactly infiltrating—just wanting to learn more about his life.”

Another reason for wanting to know Yu Qing was this: “You’re so smart, so capable, and so good at handling men. I want to learn from you properly.”

Yu Qing: “...”

Zou Lexiao actually liked her brother.

Fu Jichen digested this for a while, then quietly advised Yu Qing, “Give her the perfume. This hole—I can’t fill it. Even if Ji Qingyuan and I lie in it together, we can’t fill it.”