Chapter 50

Yan Qingqing settled next to Han Qian, her brows knit in clear distaste as she cast a sidelong look at Guan Da Gou. Guan Da Gou, however, kept his eyes on Han Qian, offering a wry smile.

"Brother Han, my master's intentions… well, you've already guessed them precisely. Now, name your terms."

"You're not even going to ask if I can actually deliver?"

"President Yan is sitting right here."

"So, let's be clear: I'm the one negotiating, I'm the one recommending your people, but she's the one making the final decisions. Brother Guan, it seems your master isn't exactly brimming with sincerity. We're both just foot soldiers of the Dragon King—you're a shrimp soldier, I'm a crab general."

"I understand. Please wait for good news, Brother Han. Oh—and just for the sake of our friendship, I'll make sure to sweep away Lin Zongheng's petty schemes for you. I'm off—no need to see me out. The bill's settled, President Yan. It's a small apology from me."

As soon as Guan Da Gou left, Yan Qingqing spun around and punched Han Qian in the shoulder, her eyes flashing with anger.

"Do you even realize how dangerous that man is? Meeting him alone—are you trying to get yourself killed? He even pulled a knife! Was he threatening you? If he was, you should've stopped breathing!"

Han Qian brushed her hand away, chuckling as he scolded,

"Then I'd be dead already! The bruises on my face are from Guan Da Gou, and the ones on his are from me—do you think he can really threaten me? This morning you told me about the construction work, and then Guan Da Gou came sniffing around about Sun Ya—it was enough for me to piece things together. He nearly messed up big time today, but that's also a chance for me. You know how I am—I'll take thirty thousand, fifty thousand, even a hundred thousand if I can get it."

"You're hopeless—no bottom line at all. And what was all that nonsense about shrimp soldiers and crab generals? Are you saying you want me to meet with Tu Xiao?"

Yan Qingqing's face was full of reluctance. Han Qian, still smiling, lightly straightened the hem of her jacket.

"There's no need for you to step in personally—it would only feed his ego. Tu Xiao's never met me, but from his history and the fact that he sent Guan Da Gou to test the waters, it's clear he's very proud. Let him stew for a bit. We'll boldly spread word that we're talking with other contractors."

Yan Qingqing slapped his hand away.

"Don't you dare take advantage of me. I must've been out of my mind to let you into Rongyao. Why do you keep pushing me to work with Tu Xiao? With that brain of yours, you could easily make a few thousand—or tens of thousands—anywhere else. Why risk dealing with someone so dangerous?"

Han Qian rubbed his cheek where she'd slapped him, his tone calm.

"There are plenty of reasons. First, Lin Zongheng's already put a price on my legs—Guan Da Gou's his guy. Second, if you ally with Tu Xiao, you'll gain a formidable partner. He'd shoulder any problems that crop up, and those schemers lurking in the shadows would think twice before meddling. And finally—yes, it's for my own wallet."

"Get lost—you're only pushing this because it benefits you. I refuse to meet with Tu Xiao."

"Fine—I'll go. You don't have to be involved at all. And if anyone in the boardroom objects, I'll let Guan Da Gou know their names. The adult world isn't as honest as it pretends to be."

Yan Qingqing glared at him, then turned away, gripping her hair in both hands. Her high heels tapped the ground restlessly as she muttered curses under her breath. Clearly, she was torn—Han Qian's words had hit home, even if she didn't want to admit it.

Han Qian rose, adjusting his suit jacket, and followed her out of the café with an easy smile.

On the street, Yan Qingqing vented her frustration with harmless punches and kicks, more to release her own turmoil than to hurt him. She couldn't believe she was letting herself be led by Han Qian—and worse, she couldn't deny that his logic made sense.

Meanwhile, up in the window, Gao Lüxing watched the two of them crossing the street "flirting" as if it were a stroll through the park. His brow furrowed. Sun Ya slinked over, slipping an arm around his waist, her voice sweet and teasing.

"What's wrong? Is that Han Qian giving you a headache?"

Gao Lüxing turned, pulling her close, his hands roaming as he leaned his chin on her shoulder and looked down at the street below with a licentious grin.

"That Han Qian's thrown a wrench in my plans. I can't tell if he's just stumbled into this or if he's the real deal. Either way, he won't be a pawn for me. Looks like I'll need to call on you again—forget about Li Dongsheng for now. Focus on getting rid of Han Qian."

Sun Ya's cheeks turned crimson at his touch, but she nodded in a small, demure voice. Gao Lüxing went on,

"And don't be too quick to dismiss Guan Da Gou. Cultivating him could prove useful for us. You should consider… tempting him a bit—see what he's really after with Han Qian."

Sun Ya turned, a hint of reluctance in her voice as she pouted,

"Would you really be okay with that?"

Gao Lüxing let out a lewd chuckle.

"I'll buy you a new car—you've been eyeing Li Jinhe's Panamera, haven't you?"

"You're too good to me," she murmured, snuggling into his embrace. In her mind, Guan Da Gou's image took shape. All that really mattered to her was money and opportunity—who she had to be with was secondary. Of course, if it had been Han Qian, she might have settled for just a designer handbag.

Back at the company entrance, Han Qian and Yan Qingqing parted ways. She headed for the executive elevator; he walked toward the staff lift. As he waited, Yan Qingqing grew more and more irate, finally hurling her high heel at him—too far to reach. Han Qian watched it clatter harmlessly to the floor and grinned as he stepped into the elevator. Yan Qingqing pointed furiously, cursing.

"Bastard! May you never rise again in this lifetime! If you want to collaborate with Tu Xiao, go do it yourself!"

As she limped over to retrieve her shoe, the elevator doors opened and Han Qian leaned casually in the doorway, smiling faintly.

"Of course, President Yan—your wish is my command. Want me to fetch your shoe?"

"Get lost. You're no prince, so don't even think about playing footman."

"Well, you're no princess either."

"And Wen Nuan is?"

"Oh, come on—don't twist it around! What does she have to do with this?"

Fortunately, the lobby was nearly empty, just a few security guards and receptionists around. No one thought they were arguing—most assumed they were flirting.

In the end, Han Qian didn't fetch her shoe, and Yan Qingqing didn't put it back on. Barefoot, she stepped into the executive elevator and rode up to her fourteenth-floor office.

When Han Qian returned to his own office, he found a few adhesive bandages on his desk. He looked up in mild surprise.

"Su Liang, did you buy these?"

Su Liang shook his head, pouting, and pointed to Liu Jiulong. Han Qian turned and saw Liu Jiulong glaring at him with jealous eyes. So it had been Yang-jie who left them. Han Qian grinned.

"How thoughtful! I should introduce Yang-jie to a suitor tomorrow."

Liu Jiulong leapt up in fury, and at that moment, Han Qian's head received a light slap. Yang Lan stood behind him, a faint smile playing on her lips. Just then, Wu Siwan's phone rang, and he quietly stepped out of the General Office.