Fu Jichen remained silent for a long time, his profound eyes lingering on Shen Jianian's face, with an expression that was half contemplative, half playful.
The clock ticked away, and gradually, Shen Jianian could no longer maintain her composure as a burning heat crept from her cheeks to her ears. Before she spoke, she was well aware of how Mr. Fu would react to her words, because the deal itself sounded like a farce.
He had no relation to her, and even if he had the capability, he had no grounds to help her reclaim the company.
Moreover, she had nothing of equal value to offer.
She offered to work like an ox or a horse for him, but even if the term was lifelong, how much benefit could she truly bring to him?
Shen Jianian, in the end, you are too naive.
Fu Jichen took a sip of the soup from the bowl beside him, glanced at his watch, realizing he could stay at home for at most another 20 minutes, he cut to the chase: "Shen Jianian, come back to me when you've made up your mind. Some things, once set in motion, can't be undone."
Shen Jianian suddenly looked up, her eyelashes fluttering slowly a few times. What did he mean by that?
Seeing her bewildered expression, Fu Jichen could infer that she was acting on impulse, without considering the true implications behind the transaction.
Once the deal takes effect, she would become an appendage of Fu Jichen, no longer Miss Shen. The remaining shred of her pride would be crushed...
Fu Jichen remained silent, giving her no explanation, allowing her time to think it through on her own.
"Mr. Fu, could you... make it clearer?" Shen Jianian, realizing he was about to leave, called out urgently, embarrassed to admit she didn't understand his words.
"Take your time with your meal."
Fu Jichen casually shifted the topic, wiped his mouth with a napkin, then cleaned his fingertips, stood up, and took the elevator upstairs, leaving Shen Jianian sitting dazed and alone in the dining room.
The doorbell rang, snapping Shen Jianian out of her thoughts.
She intended to answer the door, but Zhou Rongzhen was quicker, coming out of the kitchen, opening the door, and stepping aside with a smile: "Secretary Zhu."
The visitor was Fu Jichen's secretary, Zhu Yilan, with a tall and slender figure, a neat ponytail, delicate and charming features, wearing a high-quality dark blue satin blouse, casually tied with a butterfly bow at the neckline, its silken length gracefully hanging to her chest, paired with a fitted pencil skirt. She hadn't put on her blazer, choosing instead to drape it over her arm.
Zhu Yilan smiled faintly, her diamond earrings brushing lightly against her shoulders: "Has the boss eaten?"
Zhou Rongzhen with her hand free, took the briefcase from her for convenience as she changed shoes: "He just finished and went upstairs to change, come in and sit for a while."
Zhu Yilan removed her seven-centimeter high heels, her fair feet slipping into slippers, and walked further in.
"Would you like something to drink?" Zhou Rongzhen followed behind, asking.
"No need to drink, there's no time to..."
The word "time" was left unsaid as a flicker of surprise crossed Zhu Yilan's eyes. She stopped subconsciously, her gaze meeting the silently seated woman in the dining room.
Even seated, it was apparent that the woman's figure was tall and slender, her shoulders and back somewhat frail, clad in comfortable cream-colored loungewear. Her jet-black hair cascaded like satin down her back, with a few stray strands brushing her cheeks. The face was flawless, like a beautiful painting, yet far more vibrant and lively.
"Who is this..." Zhu Yilan quickly masked the awkwardness on her face, diverted her gaze, and asked Zhou Rongzhen beside her, "Is the boss expecting guests?"
Zhou Rongzhen hesitated, truthfully unsure of the relationship between Miss Shen and her husband and unable to respond immediately.
The elevator door sounded as Fu Jichen emerged, one hand buttoning the front of his suit jacket.
No time to inquire further, Zhu Yilan retrieved her briefcase from Zhou Rongzhen, quickly heading towards him, steadying herself, and stated, "Boss, the meeting with President Rong is at two this afternoon. We should depart."
"I know." Fu Jichen nodded slightly, heading towards the dining room.
Shen Jianian felt someone approaching and turned her head. Fu Jichen stood tall, casting a shadow that could envelop her entirely.
He tapped the table lightly with his long fingers and said directly: "Until you think it through, stay here with peace of mind."
Without waiting for Shen Jianian's response, he turned and left.
Zhu Yilan briefly stood stunned before hastening to follow.
Qu Mo had already driven the car to the porch, the back door open. Fu Jichen bent down to sit inside, leisurely reclining his body and resting against the seat back.
Zhu Yilan opened the front passenger door and sat inside, her legs tentatively angled to one side, placing the briefcase on her lap, involuntarily glancing at the man in the back seat through the rearview mirror. Light and shadow played across his sternly handsome face outside the car window, and when silent, he always exuded a forbidding chill, an aura that was imposing.
The perfectly tailored suit, crisply pressed shirt, and impeccably tied tie all underscored the man's unparalleled noble demeanor.
Zhu Yilan's heart pounded, and the hand resting on the briefcase clenched tightly. She had been following him since the day he returned to the Junshan Group Headquarters, and later when Chairman Fu dispatched him to the Yicheng branch, she resolutely left her position at headquarters to follow him here, staying by his side.
She didn't hope for more; seeing him every day was satisfaction enough for her.
Suddenly, she saw in the rearview mirror that he curled his lips into a smile, and his cold face inexplicably thawed, revealing a hint of gentle warmth.
Zhu Yilan was momentarily stunned, bewildered by the reason for his smile, but her female intuition sent a wave of unease.
At that moment, Fu Jichen's mind replayed the scene in the restaurant where Shen Jianian seriously discussed business with him, and he couldn't help but find it amusing. Was it possible she thought a man would want a woman to do something?
Mr. and Mrs. Shen certainly protected their daughter too well.
"Zhu Yilan." Fu Jichen glanced forward with his deep black eyes.
Upon hearing her name, Zhu Yilan snapped back to attention, adjusting her expression to present a restrained smile, turning to look towards the back seat through the gap between the seats, ready for instructions.
Fu Jichen leisurely caressed the white jade piece he always carried, his voice low and indifferent: "When you have time, purchase some daily wear and jewelry for women and have them sent to Rose Manor. Arrange the rest as you see fit. I'll send you the sizes later."
Zhu Yilan's heart sank, and her smile became somewhat stiff, yet she dared not ask more: "Alright."
*
Later that evening, Yin Shuyao worked overtime until nine and took the elevator from the company to the underground parking lot.
The incident with Qin Zhongtian had hit the Yin Family hard. Recently, every department was overwhelmed, negotiated agreements fell through, and previous clients didn't renew. It was impossible that no one was secretly pulling strings.
Yin Shuyao was preoccupied and didn't notice being followed. As she reached her car and rummaged through her bag for the keys, suddenly, a hand snaked over from behind, covering her mouth and nose.
The car keys dropped to the ground. Her eyes widened in terror, unable to call for help; she was dragged into a nearby low-profile black SUV.
Her limbs bound, eyes blindfolded, a wad stuffed in her mouth, almost cutting off all her means of calling for help.
Who was trying to harm her?
Yin Shuyao had been pampered from a young age, never having encountered such an ordeal. As the car started, her inner fear surged like a flood.
Low sobs escaped her lips, tears soaking the blindfold's dark fabric, her entire body curling up in the seat, no longer exuding her usual commanding noble demeanor.