Chapter 11: Denied Entry

The man was dressed in a pricey iron-gray high-end suit, uniquely tailored—it was clearly custom-made for him. He had a tall stature, distinct features, a deep and handsome profile, sharp eyes, and an aura as cold as ice around him exuding an air of nobility.

Standing there, the man himself was an attractive sight, immediately drawing the gazes of those around him.

"Did you just see President Gu? He's so handsome!" Suddenly, a voice of admiration echoed in the elevator.

"I saw him, simply perfect."

"Right? I heard he's going to marry the big star Jian Rou soon, I'm so jealous!"

"A match made in heaven, a beautiful couple indeed. Jian Rou must have done something good in her past life, now she's transformed and ascended like a phoenix to the top of the tree."

....

Jian Ran stood in the elevator, occasionally overhearing voices of praise and envy.

But she had seen Jian Rou's true colors, that woman was malicious at heart and quite adept at disguising herself.

Jian Ran couldn't help but sneer inwardly, thinking how unfair it was—the wicked did so much evil yet still received such favor.

However, she wouldn't let them off. They had plotted against her, caused her mother's death; retribution was owed.

For now, she needed to settle into her new job.

So Jian Ran took a deep breath, and with a "ding" from the elevator, she stepped out quickly.

The Haoting Group's headquarters stood tall with its 38 floors, dominantly located in the heart of Jiangcheng City Center, a skyscraper reaching into the sky. The design department Jian Ran was applying for was located on the 26th floor.

The company had already arranged her position as a Chief Designer. Having just returned to the country, she still needed to keep a low profile.

Nobody in the company knew she was JR, only that she had won several major awards.

In a big company like Haoting Group, the reputation of the design department was also top-notch. Without such a background, it wouldn't be possible to step foot in here.

Her main job was to design works; she didn't need to interfere with anything else. Relatively speaking, it was more relaxed and suited her work requirements well.

"Hello, are you Designer Jian?" Just as she walked in, a crisp voice greeted her.

Jian Ran turned around and responded with a smile, "That's me."

"Hello, welcome! My name is Tang Yuanyuan, assigned by the supervisor. I'll be your assistant from now on. I'll take you to complete your entry procedures first!" The young girl spoke with a cheery smile.

Almost instantly, Jian Ran took a liking to this spirited young girl; she seemed easy to get along with, "Alright, thank you for the trouble."

"Not at all, it's my duty." Tang Yuanyuan looked at Jian Ran, secretly marveling in her heart. Designer Jian truly was God's favored one—beautiful, well-dressed, and her designs were so impressive.

She estimated Jian was only two to three years older than her. How could there be such a difference between people?

But it seemed Designer Jian was a very kind person, which was great. Since receiving the notice from the supervisor, she had been worried that the other party might be the harsh and arrogant type. If it was like Designer Qiao, she'd probably have nightmares every night.

The induction process was completed quickly, and Tang Yuanyuan led Jian Ran around, introducing her to the various departments of the design division.

By the time Jian Ran returned to her own office, it was nearly noon.

As the supervisor was away on a business trip, she hadn't been introduced to everyone yet.

"Designer Jian, it's noon, let's go to the cafeteria for lunch!" Tang Yuanyuan said enthusiastically. The cafeteria of Haoting Group could rival the interstellar hotels outside, and some people even applied for jobs here just for this.

"Sure, you can just call me by my name from now on." Jian Ran was not particular about formalities, as she had spent a long time abroad and was used to being addressed more casually.

"Hmm, then I'll call you Sister Ran from now on!" Tang Yuanyuan also felt that it was more intimate.

"Okay, let's go!" Jian Ran said with a smile.

At this moment, a limited edition Maserati stopped at the entrance of the Haoting Group, and a slender figure got out of the car.

The woman had a graceful figure, dressed in a red dress with a deep V-neckline, and the body-hugging dress accentuated her curves, making her look seductive and irresistibly charming.

The sound of her six-centimeter heels on the high-end tiles went "clack clack" as Jian Rou flipped her long hair with her hand, smiling slightly at the sight of the thermos in her hand.

Today, no matter what, she had to see Gu Tingjue. He had been cold to her lately, avoiding her almost entirely since the press conference.

Honestly, Jian Rou was somewhat panicked, especially since that bitch Jian Ran had returned. If Gu Tingjue found out the truth about that night, she would lose everything.

So, she couldn't afford to lose.

Jian Rou pursed her lips, then deliberately swept her long hair to one side, revealing her swan-like white neck and creamy shoulders. Having been in the entertainment industry for so long, she knew how to attract a man's gaze!

The receptionists saw her and nodded in greeting. Who didn't know she was President Gu's girlfriend? They all looked at her with envy.

She had never needed to announce herself before, she'd just go right up.

Jian Rou held her head high, like a proud peacock, and gracefully stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor.

Soon, she knocked on the door of the president's office.

"Come in," came Gu Tingjue's deep, magnetic voice from inside.

Jian Rou quickly lowered her neckline a bit more on purpose to reveal a little more sensuality, and then walked in, looking alluring.

In the spacious and bright president's office, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the door, the office was decorated in gray and white, understated yet luxurious. A large desk sat in the center, and at this moment, sitting in the big chair behind the desk was a tall and noble figure, exuding a powerful aura that could be felt even faintly.

When Jian Rou saw the man, her heart leaped with joy, and she hurried over, then said tenderly, "Tingjue, have you finished work? I brought you soup to drink. I made this abalone chicken soup early this morning, it's very nutritious. I even skimmed off the chicken fat—come and have some."

Jian Rou put on the act of a virtuous wife and mother.

At the same time, a strong scent of perfume wafted in the air.

Gu Tingjue frowned at the scent, "Why are you here? I don't want it, take it back!"

Upon hearing this, Jian Rou's face suddenly fell, "Tingjue, don't be angry. Last time was really a misunderstanding. I really don't know that child; it was just a prank by our rivals."

Gu Tingjue didn't shift his gaze from the documents. The image of the child surfaced in his mind; there was something familiar about the child.

He paused, then came back to his senses, his voice indifferent, "I made myself clear that day too, Jian Rou, don't push your luck."

Gu Tingjue's voice was cold, with a hint of warning.

Jian Rou, after all, was an actress worthy of her title. She burst into tears, "Tingjue, I truly love you. These years, you're all I've had, ever since that night..."

She stopped there, knowing full well Gu Tingjue's Achilles' heel!