I Heard You Have a Crush On Me? What a Coincidence! - Chapter 3

Star Tower is one of Zhaocheng’s landmark buildings. It was here that the Shuangxi Chamber of Commerce held its gala.

Upon Song Que’s arrival, he noticed many familiar faces. The atmosphere quieted for a brief moment at his entrance. As Shao Fuguang had mentioned, Song Que had been in the limelight this past year. People spoke incessantly of his brilliant business mind, his vicious battles with his biological father, Song Hongfang, and his stunning features, which looked as though they belonged in a museum display case.

However, most people were simply afraid of him. The veterans feared he would threaten their status, and none of the newcomers were a match for him.

Outwardly, however, everyone maintained a mask of warm politeness. Waiters carrying champagne weaved through the crowd of elegantly dressed guests. Amidst the soft murmurs of conversation and soothing, graceful music, the gala was a visual display of wealth and extravagance under the glittering lights.

Following his plan, Song Que spoke with a few individuals regarding the future development of a certain energy sector. He intended to take a stake in this field, but the path was proving difficult. Furthermore, he needed approval from several key figures for investments in the Beihai Road area. The burden on his shoulders was heavy, and Song Que had to calculate every move carefully.

“I heard the one from the Qin family is coming too?”

“Hmph, things are going to get lively from now on.”

Song Que’s fingertips twitched. He reached out and took a glass of iced cocktail from a passing tray. The cold liquor pressed down from his throat into his stomach, spreading a chill that extinguished the restless agitation rising in his chest.

What are you thinking, Song Que? he told himself. Do you really want to die that badly?

“He is here!” someone shouted.

Qin Wangye entered through a side door. Unlike those who insisted on the prestige of a grand entrance, he appeared indifferent. With sharp black hair, a domineering height, and striking features, he instantly drew every eye in the room. He had nothing to prove; the President of the Chamber of Commerce standing by his side was the only introduction he needed.

The eldest branch of the Qin family had caused quite a stir recently, leading to much speculation. Now, however, it was clear that Qin Wangye had returned with massive investments from Country A. He was not worried about the small pond of Zhaocheng; he treated it like something already in his pocket, using sheer strength to silence the chattering onlookers.

A crowd instinctively swarmed him. Qin Wangye turned no one away. Hearing about him from Shao Fuguang was one thing, but interacting with him in person was another. Song Que stood on the outermost edge, his gaze hidden as he watched Qin Wangye quietly and intently. This was perhaps one of the few occasions where he could observe him boldly.

Compared to their youth, Qin Wangye had truly grown up. He was now a man whose every move could make Zhaocheng tremble, yet he handled the pressure effortlessly. He held the posture of a superior with precision and restraint. Many who managed to exchange even a few words with him returned with flushed, excited faces.

“President Song!” someone prompted him. “The land in the Beihai Road area belongs to the Qin family. You should go introduce yourself to President Qin.”

Song Que understood the logic, but he suspected that if he approached now, Qin Wangye would lash out. A man that proud, after such a chaotic and ridiculous night, was likely simmering with rage. Song Que thanked the person and downed another glass of cold liquor. Just as he intended to continue his observations, Qin Wangye’s gaze swept over from a distance. The look was profound but shifted away quickly. Song Que could not decipher its meaning.

Qin Wangye’s arrival had undoubtedly pushed the atmosphere of the party to a climax. While he was the center of radiance, Song Que was miserable, constantly trying to find ways to avoid him. Several times when they were about to cross paths, Song Que made excuses to retreat.

Shao Fuguang noticed something and asked Qin Wangye, “What is up? Do you two know each other? Did he offend you?”

The only response he received was a hum of laughter that betrayed no emotion. Shao Fuguang felt an inexplicable chill. Qin Wangye stared at Song Que’s back for two seconds and whispered, “If the mountain will not come to me, I must go to the mountain.”

Shao Fuguang asked, “What?”

Qin Wangye did not explain, nor did he break the rhythm of the event. Just when Song Que thought he might make it through the day safely, a partner he had already reached an agreement with approached him.

“President Song, did you…” the man trailed off hesitantly.

Song Que asked, “What is it?”

“Did you offend President Qin?”

Song Que’s heart sank straight to the bottom.

“Wasn’t the Beihai Road development all settled? Why did President Qin just imply that it is ‘to be determined’?” The man had received favors from Song Que in the past and was willing to help at a critical moment. “If there is a misunderstanding, we should clear it up quickly. I noticed you have not approached him all night. That will not do! You know that since he is back, many collaborations with the Qin Corporation are being re-evaluated.”

Song Que nodded. “I understand. Thank you.”

As soon as the man left, Qin Wangye looked toward Song Que. Whether it was a delusion or not, Song Que felt the gaze was filled with cold mockery. As expected, Qin Wangye was still angry.

The situation reversed; Song Que began looking for opportunities to approach Qin Wangye, while Qin Wangye began “playing Tai Chi,” skillfully dodging him. Song Que was thin-skinned. After a few rounds of this, his heart felt cold, and he clenched his fists.

With so many people around, Song Que worried that if anyone noticed the tension, his old enemies would descend on him like mad dogs. He decided he needed a private moment. As the man had said, Song Que had invested heavily in the Beihai Road project. If Qin Wangye truly blocked it, the losses would be catastrophic.

Finally, the gala ended, and the crowd began to disperse. Qin Wangye and Shao Fuguang clearly had plans and left in the same car. Song Que guessed their destination based on the direction and had his driver speed there first.

It was a high-end bar offering food and entertainment. Song Que exhaled a breath of hot air as he stepped out of the car and immediately moved to book an entire floor. He did not have much time. About ten minutes later, Qin Wangye and his party arrived. Song Que had taken a shortcut; he did not know if Qin Wangye would give him the time of day. If he did not, any future conversation would be nearly impossible.

“President Qin,” the manager stepped forward respectfully, gesturing toward a specific area. “President Song of the Zhuiyuan Group has been waiting for you for a while. He booked the entire eighth floor and said he is treating you.”

Shao Fuguang scratched his head. What kind of game are they playing tonight? “Weren’t you two playing hide-and-seek earlier?” Shao Fuguang asked.

Qin Wangye ignored him. Dressed in a black suit, his aura was intimidating. Song Que stood by the entrance like a greeter, his posture already humbled to the limit.

Qin Wangye took a few steps forward and stopped. “You are buying me a drink?”

The deep voice was right beside him. Song Que took a quiet breath to steady his mind and replied as calmly as possible, “Yes. I am here to offer my apologies to President Qin.”

A specific word in that sentence seemed to irritate Qin Wangye. He frowned with displeasure, but a moment later, he relented. “Fine. Then I shall thank President Song in advance.”

As Qin Wangye brushed past him to enter, Song Que closed his eyes. He knew things would not be that simple. This was only the beginning.