My Weekend Lover Turned Out To Be My Boss - Chapter 56

Chapter 56: Taking the Bait. “Ambush from Ten Sides”

I attempted to insist on her staying with an apologetic gesture, but Bi Lan shook her head with a smile, signaling me not to bother. She left alone. The moment the door closed behind her, Guan Shuyun slumped back in her chair, shrugging her shoulders with a look of disdain. “You’re so intent on opposing me that you didn’t even bother to find a serious candidate. Look who you brought—they all left in a huff. Are you satisfied now? Don’t tell me this was the result you wanted.”

I glared at her, fanning the flames of our scripted argument. “Look who I brought? What about your ‘Doris’? So the person you invite is a partner, but the person I invite is ‘nothing’? Honestly, Guan Shuyun… I’m finding you more and more ridiculous.”

At this, Guan Shuyun sat up straight, continuing her mockery. “If you’re so capable, go find a venture capitalist willing to invest 20% in one go. If you find one, I’ll admit defeat and kowtow to you five times on the floor. As for that President Bi—she has no backbone. She clearly won’t do.”

Kowtow five times? I’ll make sure to hold her to those five kowtows when the time comes. According to Guan Shuyun’s logic, Doris Venture Capital was the only option. I voiced my opposition again: “I know exactly what you’re thinking; you just want to keep me under your thumb. I don’t agree to this ‘Doris’ person.”

Guan Shuyun leaned back, her eyes growing dark and gloomy. She spoke bluntly: “Hmph. Do you really think you have the right to disagree? In this partnership, you already have 10% less power than I do. I’m giving you one day to think it over. You must give me an answer by tomorrow. Don’t let my constant smiling fool you; I have a bottom line. Don’t throw your attitude at me—you have no chips left and no standing to negotiate.”

I took a deep breath, doing nothing but glaring at her. Guan Shuyun leaned in and reached out to gently touch the injury on my forehead. “Such a beautiful face, yet you don’t know how to treasure it. Don’t forget… Qiao Xin is coming back soon. What are you still struggling for? It’s all set in stone. It’s past noon—do you still want to eat?”

I brushed her hand away with utter disgust. “I’m not so desperate that I need a meal from you.”

With that, I grabbed my bag to leave. Guan Shuyun called out to me, “Take this and look it over.”

She shoved Doris’s company profile into my hands, her tone softening slightly. “German Doris Venture Capital Fund. I took the time to look into them; they’re quite famous in German fund circles. They used to keep a very low profile—maybe they’re being this aggressive because they want to break into the Chinese market.

But one thing is certain, just as Miss Doris said: they’ve never failed a project they’ve touched. While the Bi Group might be more specialized, when it comes to financial strength, I’m siding with Doris. Put aside our grievances and use your sharp business instincts to judge. My choices have never failed; have yours?”

Nonsense. Any company I’ve ever managed has been successful. Without another word, I strode out of the Guan Group headquarters in my high heels. As I drove back to the office, a text came from Duoran: “Unexpectedly, the Doris investment is considered a success. From today on, we should avoid contact as much as possible. I’ll reach out if there’s a problem.”

I rolled down the car window, letting the howling cold wind sharpen my mind. Resting my chin on my hand, I couldn’t stop a triumphant smile from forming. “Those who cross me… none shall be spared.”

Staring at the traffic light ahead, I decided to indulge myself for a moment. I flicked my turn signal and drove toward Ranhou Coffee Bar.

…

Pushing open the door, I saw the coffee bar had been renovated. It felt like the setting was the same, but the people were gone. The waiter who used to serve us was no longer there, but the table where we used to meet remained. I walked straight over and sat down.

A waiter with a notepad asked politely, “President Lan, the usual?”

I nodded slightly. “Blue Mountain, milk, no sugar. Also, call your President Yu and tell her I’m looking for her.”

“Of course, please wait a moment.”

Soon, the coffee was served. “President Yu says she’ll be here within half an hour. Please enjoy.”

“Thank you.”

I held the warm coffee, losing myself in the rich aroma…

‘How old are you?’ ‘I’ll be 25 in a month.’ ‘So young.’ ‘Huh? Is that small? What about you?’ ’33.’ ‘Age isn’t an issue; what matters is the person.’

I remembered her then, wearing a plaid shirt with a glaring coffee stain on her chest, looking quite disheveled. Her shy face had a faint blush, and her voice was so gentle. I lowered my head, murmuring to myself: “This season is meant for people to huddle together, indulge in a night of madness, and then go their separate ways.”

The years slipping through my fingers never stop. In the blink of an eye, it’s been nearly ten years. The absurdity started here—the absurd encounter, the absurd ending. It seems as though trials and tribulations are the only constants in our world. When will this absurdity stop haunting us? If I hadn’t met her, what would I be now? I don’t know, but I certainly wouldn’t be happy.

After a while, Yu Tingzhi hurried in, bringing the outdoor chill with her. She pulled out a chair and snapped her fingers at the waiter. “Get me an iced Coke! And remember—lots of ice!”

I laughed at her breathless state. “Do you have a fever? Drinking something that cold in this weather.”

“Whose fault is it? You’re summoning everyone like an emperor summoning his court. You even had the waiter call me—don’t you have a phone?”

“Left it in the car.”

The waiter hurried over with her Coke. she took a huge gulp and let out a satisfied burp. “Ahhh, refreshing!”

“Can you watch your image for once?”

“Image? Do I even have an image left with you? Every time you call, it’s an emergency. Do you think I’m SF Express? Speak—what’s up?”

I stirred my coffee with a spoon, thinking for a moment. “Nothing. I just wanted to see you.”

“Hey! Lan Feiyi, are you messing with me?! Wait… what happened to your forehead?”

I poked her forehead teasingly. “Guess.”

She stared suspiciously, then leaned in and whispered, “Did You Feifan commit domestic violence?”

“Do you think that’s possible?”

“True. Even if there was violence, she’d be the one getting hit… Oh, I remember now. He Dazhuang said Feifan went on a trip. I heard things have been tense between you two lately. Tsk tsk, you’re an old married couple; what is there to fight about?”

I answered with a different question: “How is business at Zui Ma Bar?”

Seeing my interest in the bar, Yu Tingzhi got annoyed. “That hands-off boss You Feifan is technically a partner, but ever since you two started playing the roles of housewife and career-driven mother, it’s like the bar has nothing to do with her. I’m docking her pay. Definitely docking her pay and her bonus! Why do you ask?”

“I know you love money more than life itself. I’m offering you a way to make some.”

Hearing the word ‘money,’ Yu Tingzhi immediately sat up straight with a fawning, fake smile. “Oh, I knew our Phoebe wouldn’t forget me. What’s the plan?”

“You’ve been in the catering industry for years and you’ve done well. I need a favor. Beisheng International’s supply chain has run into trouble. Several large overseas suppliers are on strike. Many imported products, especially food, are out of stock. It’s so bad the shelves are empty. If you can help fill the gap, I’ll pay you the cost price plus 2%. Monthly payments. That’s my limit. If you can find other products and the price is right, same deal. Want to try?”

Yu Tingzhi crunched on an ice cube, squinting at me. “Suppliers on strike? Did you offend someone? No, wait—who would dare mess with you?”

“I’m just asking if you want to try.”

“Yes! Of course! Later, have someone from Beisheng send me the list of brands, customs documents, and cost prices. I’ll handle it personally. I’ll help you look; I can’t guarantee 100%, but I can probably fill 50-60% of the void. I told you back then to let me buy into Beisheng. Product trade is your weakness!”

I thought for a second and added, “If you can stabilize the entire supply chain for Beisheng, I’ll sell you some shares at market price and let you be a minority shareholder. Remember, the condition is that you stabilize the chain.”

Yu Tingzhi slammed the table and raised her Coke. “Cheers! It’s a deal! Don’t you dare play me, or I’ll empty out You Feifan’s savings!”

…

Leaving the coffee bar, Yu Tingzhi wanted to take me to a new restaurant, but I politely declined. Since Feifan left, food has lost its flavor.

Yu Tingzhi stood at the door to say goodbye. “I know you hate being forced, so I won’t insist. You’re too thin—standing next to you makes my bones ache!”

“Go on, get to work. I’m waiting for your good news. Handle it quickly.”

“Don’t worry, just wait for me.”

…

The day after the confrontation at the Guan headquarters, Guan Shuyun didn’t force me to choose. Perhaps in her eyes, I had already tacitly agreed to Doris Venture Capital becoming a partner. I was just being stubborn. My plan was working—outwardly resisting while inwardly moving with the current. Guan was more cautious than I thought; she had indeed checked Doris’s background, and her admiration for the company seemed genuine.

A week later, I received a call from Guan Shuyun. She said Miss Doris had invited us to visit the Doris branch office in this city. I knew exactly what she was up to—she just wanted to sign the contract at Duoran’s office. Why else would she bother bringing me along to visit a company?

I replied coldly, “I understand. Send me the location; I’ll drive myself.”

“I know you’re staying at You Feifan’s house. I’m already in the underground parking lot. You don’t need to drive.”

“Guan Shuyun… are you stalking me?”

“Don’t put it like that! It’s not stalking. I happened to pass by the other day and saw your car. You were walking that Golden Retriever. I was puzzled why you’d be in such a run-down neighborhood, so I looked it up. It turns out You Feifan’s house is there. No wonder. What, do you miss your little girlfriend that much?”

“You want to destroy me, Qiao Xin wants to destroy me, Li Shuhua wants to destroy me… you don’t have the guts to face me head-on, so you team up. I’m not afraid. At worst, we’ll all go down together. I just want to tell you one thing: don’t play too dirty, and know when to stop. If you have the skill, come at me openly. Don’t be a coward. I hope you won’t interfere in my private life so frequently.”

My harsh words only made her laugh. “Lan Feiyi, you call this interference? You have to be reasonable! Forget it, I won’t argue. It’s 8:45. If you’re not down by 9:10, I’m coming up to find you. Don’t dally!”