Chapter Thirteen: The Bar's Bewilderment
Liu Yuxin’s eyes flickered as she feigned surprise. “So you two have been secretly making moves all along?”
“No, don’t say that!” Shang Qi hurried to clarify, telling the truth.
Liu Yuxin laughed heartily. “Would’ve been easier if you said that from the start.”
Seeing her friend trick her, Shang Qi’s expression turned slightly displeased. They confided in each other deeply, yet every time Liu Yuxin managed to coax the truth out of her first. Still, their friendship was strong enough that Shang Qi wouldn’t take it to heart.
Liu Yuxin stopped laughing and said, “Honestly, I think Luo Yichen respects you in this matter. Don’t keep thinking he sees you only as a lover.”
“Really?” Shang Qi asked, puzzled.
After enduring countless trials under Luo Yichen’s guidance, Shang Qi had become incredibly skilled at work. But because she was so focused on her career, she had little time to think about matters of the heart. Thus, she didn’t fully understand a man’s thoughts. Her reactions to Luo Yichen were still naive and instinctive.
Liu Yuxin patted her chest confidently. “Let me give you a lesson. Few men don’t think about women. You’ve been by Luo Yichen’s side for years, and the way he treats you only shows how much he cherishes you. I bet he’s frustrated—he’s done so much, and you still don’t appreciate it.”
Shang Qi’s heart churned in confusion. “I honestly didn’t realize how much effort he puts into this. Or maybe I just think there’s no future with him, so I choose to ignore a lot.”
“Qi Qi, finding a man who truly loves you isn’t easy. Now that he’s divorced, and you can’t let him go — even though you have obstacles between you — why not fight for it? Even if it doesn’t work out, if you leave Luo Yichen, he will let you go.”
Shang Qi stared at the empty coffee cup before her, torn and hesitant.
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On Monday morning at work, the administrative supervisor approached her again. “Manager Shang, has President Luo approved the budget?”
Luo Yichen hadn’t called her once in the past two days, and Shang Qi hadn’t reached out either. But the budget matter couldn’t be delayed. After some thought, she first approached the financial supervisor, who had a close relationship with the administrative supervisor and didn’t have a high opinion of Shang Qi.
Shang Qi asked, “How much of the company’s overall administrative budget remains this year? The budget for the commemorative banquet is low; I want to see if there’s any money that can be reallocated.”
The financial supervisor answered formally, “Manager Shang, you know the company always designates funds for specific purposes. Any reallocation requires President Luo’s approval.”
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“I’m not saying I want to reallocate without permission. I just want to know how much flexible funding is left.”
“You know it’s the end of the year. There’s really very little left.”
Shang Qi was caught off guard by the supervisor’s calm yet firm reply and had no choice but to suppress her frustration. After careful consideration, she headed to Luo Yichen’s office—this matter could only be resolved by appealing to him. When she arrived at the door, the secretary said, “Manager Shang, President Luo said he’s not seeing anyone today.”
Shang Qi explained, “It’s urgent. Could you please ask him to take a call?”
“Sorry, President Luo is busy.”
Shang Qi knew Luo Yichen was deliberately avoiding her. She pulled out her phone to call him, but couldn’t get through. When Luo Yichen saw her caller ID, he hung up immediately. That night, after he was slapped and had to apologize to Shang Qi, she still refused to forgive him, wounding his pride once more.
With no other option, Shang Qi hung up. After work, she told her parents she had to work late and went to the parking lot to wait for Luo Yichen. The budget matter was urgent; she had to see him. She waited until past eight, when Luo Yichen finally came out of the elevator. He was in a foul mood, which was why he had worked so late. If he didn’t have a social engagement at a bar later, he would have worked through the night.
Luo Yichen’s face darkened when he saw Shang Qi. He said nothing and tried to get in his car to leave.
Shang Qi blocked his way. “President Luo, I need to discuss something with you.”
Luo Yichen hated her businesslike demeanor. “I’ve finished work. Let’s talk tomorrow.”
“It’ll only take a few minutes.” Shang Qi stood firm.
Luo Yichen was already inside the car. Shang Qi glared at him furiously. “Luo Yichen, can you not be so petty? How can you mix personal matters with work?”
His eyes darkened. “Is that how you think you should address the CEO? This is the company; remember your position.”
This cold, indifferent side of Luo Yichen was unfamiliar to Shang Qi. For the sake of work, she changed her tone. “President Luo, when will you have time tomorrow?”
“I’m booked with meetings all day.”
“Then could you spare some time tonight?” she asked, softening her words.
---
“I have a social engagement.”
“I’ll go with you.”
Seeing that she was only here because of work, Luo Yichen’s heart filled with resentment. He snapped, “Fine, come along if you want. But I’m not promising I’ll listen.”
Shang Qi got into his car determined not to leave. The commemorative banquet was crucial for the company’s image. If it went wrong, she wouldn’t keep her position as deputy administrative director. No matter what, she had to secure the budget from Luo Yichen.
Luo Yichen parked in front of the bar, and Shang Qi followed him inside. As soon as they entered the private room, they were warmly greeted. Shang Qi glanced around to see that everyone present was a business partner of the Luo Group. They had been drinking for some time; the room smelled strongly of alcohol.
Someone asked, “President Luo, you never bring a female companion. Who’s this lovely lady today? We need a proper introduction!”
Luo Yichen, sensing the drunken gaze fixed on Shang Qi, frowned inwardly but, for appearances, introduced her briefly: “This is Shang Qi, Deputy Administrative Director of Luo Group. I brought her today to say hello so we can look out for each other in future dealings.”
The guests quickly began to toast Shang Qi in welcome. Soon, she was overwhelmed by the drinks. Luo Yichen sat apart, drinking silently, ignoring her. Then someone took a seat beside him. “President Luo, why are you drinking alone? Just divorced and feeling down? How about I lend you my date for the night?”
Luo Yichen said nothing and poured his own drink. The woman had already settled next to him, linking arms and cooing, “Come on, drink with me.”
From a distance, Shang Qi watched the scene, her heart aching. She hadn’t expected Luo Yichen to bring her here just to show her this. Someone offered her another drink, and she raised her glass, downing it in one gulp. The person praised, “Manager Shang, impressive tolerance! Let’s have another.”
Luo Yichen glanced at her enjoying the drinks and felt even more displeased. He pulled the woman close and said, “Come on, drink with me.”