Chapter 70: Masterstroke

Seeing Li Manyan ignore everyone and walk away, the atmosphere at the dining table instantly chilled by several degrees. Su Wanwan rose to select her favorite dishes and, upon returning, overheard their unrestrained complaints.

"What's her deal? She's the one who brought us here, yet she just buries herself in sleep."

"Exactly! After such a long flight, I don't want to be stuck in the hotel all these days!"

"This is my first time abroad, and I heard the trip's fully covered. We can't afford to waste such a golden opportunity—otherwise, it's all for nothing."

"Right, if Li Manyan won't take us, we'll go ourselves."

"She couldn't care less. Her husband's rolling in money; overseas trips are just routine for her."

"Li Manyan travels twice a year, always flaunting it on social media. It's disgusting."

"Enough, enough. Su Wanwan should be back soon."

"Let her come back. What can she do if she overhears us? Besides, she's not on good terms with Li Manyan. Maybe what we're saying suits her just fine."

"Honestly, if it weren't for Li Manyan being the manager, I wouldn't bother sucking up to her."

"Same here."

Su Wanwan made another circuit before settling back into her seat. All eyes immediately turned to her.

"Wanwan, I heard pianists have several performances a year. Since you've performed abroad since childhood, your English must be excellent, right?"

"Yeah, Wanwan, have you been to America? Any fun places to recommend?"

"After dinner, why don't you show us around?"

Su Wanwan took a calm sip of water, her tone unruffled.

"No thanks. I'm not interested in wasting effort on thankless company."

A puzzled voice asked, "What… do you mean?"

She casually wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin, meeting their gazes squarely.

"I mean, I have no desire to mingle with hypocrites who play one game in front and another behind backs."

Several women's faces instantly darkened like iron. Su Wanwan stood, eyes sweeping over the men.

"Oh, and that goes for you too."

Those who brown-nosed for a little gain, only to turn and trample others — Su Wanwan had no desire to form ties with such people. The group clenched their fists, grinding their teeth.

"Who do they think they are? As if we want to talk to her!"

"Now I see why President Ye cheats. Who could like a woman like her?"

"Exactly. Serves her right to get cheated on!"

Back in her room, barely had she lain down when her phone buzzed. Fu Ziyang sent a digital invitation to a racing event.

[Fill out the form and register! Limited spots available, don't miss out!]

Su Wanwan opened it, finding the racers listed were strangers she didn't know. After filling in her details and submitting, she replied:

[Application successful.]

[OK!]

She turned over and opened a chat with Fu Liangmu, casually sending:

"What are you up to?"

The phone screen lit up instantly.

At the projector, an employee was passionately delivering the latest half-year report and the plan for the upcoming months. Fu Liangmu's cold, detached gaze swept over the screen, then abruptly froze. He raised a hand, signaling pause.

He picked up his phone, fingers tapping furiously, composing and deleting messages repeatedly, oblivious to the astonished looks from the executives around him.

"What's going on…? The CEO never takes calls or texts during meetings."

"Probably something urgent."

Xie Cheng, sitting lazily beside Fu Liangmu, yawned slowly, his narrow, alluring eyes taking in the whole scene. He shook his head, amused that he'd one day see Fu Liangmu so flustered.

After much hesitation, Fu Liangmu finally settled on four words. But before sending, a suppressed chuckle sounded nearby. His gaze turned deadly, once warm features instantly sharpening.

"Bro, that's not how you text. If you reply like that, she'll just say 'okay' and that'll be the end."

Fu Liangmu snorted coldly, utterly dismissing the advice.

"I don't need your lessons."

Xie Cheng shrugged lightly, raising a hand.

"Suit yourself."

Fu Liangmu sent the message. Five seconds later, Su Wanwan replied:

"Alright."

Fu Liangmu's handsome brows twisted into a knot.

Suppressing laughter, Xie Cheng clenched his fist at his lips. Fu Liangmu stared blankly at his phone, wanting to respond but lost for words. Unaware employees exchanged uneasy glances, careful not to provoke the CEO's darkening mood.

Fu Liangmu took a deep breath, his tone colder than ever.

"Meeting dismissed!"

He stood and strode out.

"Xie Cheng, come here."

Unhurried, Xie Cheng rose and sauntered over.

"Beauty can be a distraction."

They entered the office one after the other. Fu Liangmu sat rigidly on the sofa, his tapping fingers betraying his inner turmoil. Xie Cheng leisurely flipped through a magazine.

Soon enough, Fu Liangmu couldn't contain himself.

"How do you think I should talk to her now?"

Xie Cheng glanced up.

"You don't trust me, so why ask?"

Fu Liangmu's face remained stern, lips tightly pressed, long lashes casting deep shadows.

"Alright, alright, since you're begging, I'll share my wisdom."

"Conversation is a two-way street; questions beget answers."

"If you only respond but never ask, how can you control the topic?"

Fu Liangmu frowned deeply, eyes flickering with confusion—likely not grasping.

Xie Cheng grabbed his phone.

"Let me show you."

He opened the chat with Su Wanwan and typed:

"Had something with friends just now and couldn't reply sooner. Just finished. Have you eaten?"

Su Wanwan: "Just ate a little while ago."

"Good. Rest early tonight to adjust your time zone and stay fresh tomorrow. Found a great restaurant recently—want me to recommend it? It's close by."

Su Wanwan: "Sure, thanks."

Xie Cheng promptly sent the address.

Su Wanwan checked it—only about two kilometers from the hotel, not far.

"I'll go try it tomorrow."

Xie Cheng busily booked a table.

"Reserved a spot for you, Table 3. Just give your name when you arrive. The bill's on me."

Su Wanwan sent a confused emoji.

"Okay, thanks."

Xie Cheng tossed the phone back to Fu Liangmu.

"See that?"

"This is what I call high-level maneuvering!"