The rhythmic ticking of the wall clock filled the silence between words. Papers rustled softly as Qin Yichen flipped through a file, the sharp sound of his pen striking the table marking his impatience.
Across from him, Du Minghao was reporting in a measured tone. "Vice Precident Qin, the proposal draft for the logistics partnership will be finalized by tomorrow. I've also arranged the follow-up meeting with—"
The door swung open before he could finish.
Both men looked up as Qin Haoyu stepped in, his brows drawn tight, his composure barely masking irritation.
"Brother," Qin Yichen greeted coolly, leaning back in his chair. "How did the meeting go with Miss Feng?"
Qin Haoyu exhaled, his tone clipped. "She's dragging it again."
Du Minghao glanced between them, sensing the shift in air. Qin Yichen caught it and gestured lightly. "Go."
"Yes, sir." Du Minghao gave a small bow and slipped out, closing the door behind him.
Silence settled for a brief moment. Then Qin Yichen smirked faintly. "Maybe you should date her."
Qin Haoyu's gaze snapped to him, voice hard. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Qin Yichen shrugged, deliberately casual. "You're single. She's single. If she's so eager to play games, might as well give her what she wants."
"She's not single," Qin Haoyu said sharply. "Don't tell me you've forgotten she's engaged to Gu Jianhong."
Qin Yichen tapped the pen against his palm, unconcerned. "Engaged, not married. And as far as the public knows, there's been no official announcement. That alone should tell you something."
Qin Haoyu's expression darkened. "I'm not interested in her, Yichen. Don't mix business with your childish humor."
Qin Yichen's smirk faded, his tone cooling. "Then maybe you should stop letting her toy with you. You know she's using this deal to stall. If you really want it done, go through Chairman Feng directly."
"I tried," Qin Haoyu said, rubbing his temple, frustration creeping through his usually calm demeanor. "But he's already brushed it off. Said his daughter's in charge and he won't interfere. He's protecting her."
Qin Yichen leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, eyes narrowing. "Then she's doing it on purpose. Testing how far she can pull you along till you give up to her demands."
"I know," Qin Haoyu muttered, voice low but steady. "But the deal's too critical to risk offending her family. The Qin Corporation can't afford another delay from a top-tier supplier like Feng International."
Qin Yichen watched him quietly, fingers drumming on the desk. "You're letting her hold the leash, brother."
Qin Haoyu looked up, a hint of warning flashing in his eyes. "Watch your words."
But Qin Yichen didn't back down. "Then prove me wrong. Either end it or get her to sign. Don't let her keep you in limbo just because she still thinks you're the same senior from college who used to look out for her. You're stuck playing her game."
Qin Haoyu stood, smoothing his sleeve, his voice dipping with restrained annoyance. "You talk like you wouldn't know what that's like."
Qin Yichen raised a brow. "What's that supposed to mean?"
A faint smirk tugged at Qin Haoyu's mouth. "Nothing. Just funny hearing advice from someone who's been babysitting lately."
Qin Yichen's expression sharpened. "Babysitting?"
"Xi Jiayi," Qin Haoyu said casually, watching the flicker of irritation cross his younger brother's face. "I heard you drove her to school yourself. How responsible."
The pen in Qin Yichen's hand clicked sharply. "You have too much time on your hands."
Qin Haoyu chuckled. "Come on, don't look at me like that. It's rare to see you lose your composure. Who knew our little sister could ruffle you so easily?"
"Enough," Qin Yichen said curtly, voice cutting through the room. "She is not our sister!"
For a moment, silence fell again—thick and edged.
Qin Haoyu only smiled, unbothered. "Relax. I'll handle the deal. You just… handle your temper."
He turned to leave, tossing over his shoulder, "Try not to scare the poor girl next time."
The door clicked shut behind him.
Qin Yichen's jaw clenched, his fingers tightening around the pen until it cracked. He exhaled through his nose, a muscle twitching in his jaw.
A deal swaying on emotions—he'd almost pitied his brother for entertaining such nonsense. Almost.