The meeting between the three was incredibly awkward. Just then, another man arrived, the company's general manager, who went straight to Fu Jingshu.
"Why are you at my company today? You didn't even notify me, so I could have prepared to entertain you properly."
"Today I'm not the main guest, I'm just accompanying someone."
The general manager was surprised. "Who has such great influence that you would accompany them?"
As he followed Fu Jingshu's gaze to Shen Qingqing, a flicker of understanding crossed his eyes.
He then turned to Shen Qingqing and said, "You must be Miss Shen, here to deliver the design drafts?"
"Indeed."
"Yes, the design department supervisor will be attending to you. You can wait in the reception room."
After speaking, the general manager looked at Fu Jingshu, his tone warmer and less distant than when he addressed Shen Qingqing. "Mr. Fu, you don't need to go in, do you? The design department supervisor should be waiting inside. They'll be done chatting soon. I have something I want to discuss with you about that project we talked about last time."
Fu Jingshu didn't agree immediately, instead looking at Shen Qingqing.
She averted her gaze. "What are you looking at me for? If you want to talk, talk. If not, you can leave anytime."
Fu Jingshu's gaze softened abruptly. "Then I'll wait here for you."
"Mhm."
Shen Qingqing's indifferent attitude was surprising, but even more astonishing to the general manager was Fu Jingshu. He wondered if Fu Jingshu had been possessed. This Mr. Fu wasn't known for his good temper!
How could he be so tolerant of this lady?
Shen Qingqing turned and entered the reception room, Lin Minglan following close behind. However, the reception room was empty, and Shen Qingqing frowned slightly.
Lin Minglan, behind her, started to sneer. "Miss Shen, why are you still pestering him even after coming abroad?"
Shen Qingqing stopped. "Don't speak nonsense if you don't know the truth."
"It's because you're shamelessly clinging to him. Do you really think Jingshu would be with you?" Lin Minglan knew perfectly well why Fu Jingshu was here, but she wouldn't admit it in front of Shen Qingqing.
Otherwise, this woman would only become more smug.
"This has nothing to do with you." Shen Qingqing walked directly towards the sofa, not giving Lin Minglan a single glance from start to finish, which greatly annoyed Lin Minglan.
"Even if Jingshu still has a little bit of interest in you now, his parents like me. They won't agree to you and Jingshu being together."
"Whether they agree or not, your say doesn't count." Shen Qingqing's eyes held a mocking glint.
"You!"
"Besides, if you truly believe his parents treat you so well, why don't you just marry them instead of clinging to Fu Jingshu and me?"
Lin Minglan's face turned red. "What nonsense are you spouting? What you're saying is deliberately insulting me! You've gone too far, I won't let this go!"
Enraged, she raised her hand to slap Shen Qingqing.
Shen Qingqing grabbed her wrist and, with a swift, clean motion, slapped her back!
*Slap!*
Lin Minglan staggered back, clutching her cheek, which was already red and swollen. "You, you dared to hit me!"
"So what if I hit you?" Shen Qingqing shook her palm, which still felt a bit numb from the force. "I even think that slap was too light."
"You, you vile woman!"
Lin Minglan trembled with rage. Just as she was about to explode, she heard footsteps outside the door. She realized what was happening and quickly changed her expression.
The malice and hatred vanished, replaced by a look of sorrow and anger, mixed with a touch of vulnerability. Crystal tears slowly trickled down her cheeks.
The sight of the beautiful woman weeping pearly tears was truly captivating.
Lin Minglan slowly turned and saw Fu Jingshu walking in. She frowned and looked at him with a wronged expression, "Jingshu, look at her, she hit me."
Fu Jingshu gazed at her steadily.
Lin Minglan lowered her eyes and softly explained, "She misunderstood and thought we were together. I tried to explain to her, but she wouldn't listen and then she hit me..."
The general manager watched, astonished.
He never expected that this Miss Shen, who looked so demure, would be so ruthless!
Lin Minglan's face was already swollen.
"You hit her?" Fu Jingshu walked towards Shen Qingqing, his voice deep and unreadable.
Lin Minglan felt a surge of secret joy, thinking her complaint had worked.
"Yes."
Shen Qingqing met his gaze, not flinching at all, and asked with almost sarcastic defiance, "If you're here to take her side, there's no need. I've already hit her, and I won't apologize, absolutely not."
"Jingshu, look, look at her attitude."
Lin Minglan sobbed, tears streaming down her face. "I even tried to clarify things with her, but if she doesn't appreciate it, fine, but why would she hit me?"
The general manager opportunely offered a handkerchief.
Lin Minglan took it and thanked him politely.
Over by Fu Jingshu and Shen Qingqing, they stared at each other, neither speaking, as if engaged in a silent confrontation. Finally, Shen Qingqing grew impatient.
"If you have something to say, say it."
As soon as she finished speaking, Shen Qingqing thought she heard Fu Jingshu sigh, though she couldn't be sure if it was her imagination.
She looked at him suspiciously.
"When did I say I was going to blame you?" Fu Jingshu asked calmly.
"You..."
Shen Qingqing's words were left unspoken as a large hand took hers by her side.
She pursed her lips slightly, not struggling.
"Jingshu?" Lin Minglan, from the side, could hardly believe her ears.
"I'm looking at your face," Fu Jingshu turned to examine Lin Minglan's face. Her delicate features bore a red, swollen handprint. Any other man might have felt pity and tenderness.
But he remained unmoved. "It's asymmetrical."
Lin Minglan froze instantly. "Jingshu, how could you say something like that?"
"If you keep pretending, I'll have him give you another symmetrical slap."
His gaze fell on Lin Minglan's right cheek.
Her right cheek hadn't hurt at all before, but after his razor-sharp gaze swept over it, Lin Minglan suddenly felt a chilling sensation on that side of her face.
He was serious.
She grew fearful, biting her lip and glaring at Shen Qingqing. "I won't let this matter rest!"
She had never been hit before in her life!
"Suit yourself. I'll be waiting." Shen Qingqing, as usual, enjoyed a confrontation.
Lin Minglan was speechless and turned away angrily.
However, she didn't leave the company. Instead, she went to the floor where the board directors' offices were located and pushed open one of the doors, walking in with heavy steps.
A middle-aged man sat behind the office desk, looking down at documents. Hearing the sound, he said without looking up, "Didn't I tell you not to come in without my permission?"
Lin Minglan's eyes welled up with tears of grievance. "Uncle, your niece has been bullied, right here in your company. You have to help me make things right!"