"You, you're too prone to self-deprecation. The slightest ripple can shatter your confidence."
"Alright, don't make that long face. Go do your work. After work, I'm taking you somewhere."
"Where?"
"You'll know when we get there."
Min'er knew that if Ke Teng was looking for her, it wouldn't be for anything good. She wondered what unpleasant task he'd assign her.
With her mind preoccupied, she endured the day until finally, it was time to leave.
Everyone else had gone. Ke Teng sent her a WeChat message, telling her to come to the office.
When she entered, a beautiful bag was placed on his desk.
"Find a place and change into this outfit. Quickly. We're leaving."
Was it some important place they were going that required changing clothes?
Despite her churning stomach, Min'er obediently went and changed.
It was a black cocktail dress made of very high-quality fabric.
Ke Teng had specifically asked someone to pick it out, considering her demeanor.
Black itself exuded nobility and aloofness. Paired with black high heels and matching crystal earrings,
Min'er transformed from a mere office clerk into a radiant and elegant lady.
Ke Teng was very pleased with her appearance. He stood up and surveyed her.
"Can you drink?"
"Huh? Are we going to a party?"
"Something like that. It's okay if you can't. You'll be meeting your dear Zhan Bei Jue soon."
"If you can't drink, just pour yourself into his arms. Pour as much as you can."
Nan Shang Bank was a private bank in the southern city.
Although its scale was not as large as several state-owned banks, its policies were very accommodating.
To expand its business, they could always negotiate favorable interest rates during collaborations.
Thus, they had been cooperating with the Zhan Group for a long time.
For this financing, Zhan Bei Jue had prioritized them.
Zhou Jin Bei had helped arrange the meeting for today.
At six in the evening, Zhan Bei Jue was discussing matters with Director Zou of Nan Shang Bank at a clubhouse.
After sitting down and exchanging pleasantries, Zhan Bei Jue got straight to the point.
He hoped, based on their past cooperation, to have the interest rate for this loan lowered by 0.5 percentage points.
Given the magnitude of the project, even a slight adjustment in decimals could save a significant amount, and a 0.5% reduction was a considerable request.
Director Zou was not his usual frank and decisive self.
After Zhan Bei Jue finished speaking, he began to beat around the bush with a vague smile.
He first spoke about industry trends, then about the global pandemic that had swept the world in the past two years, hinting through his words at the difficulties of doing business.
He seemed to find Zhan Bei Jue's request quite daunting.
Did Zhan Bei Jue not understand his intentions?
He joked.
"If even you bankers are complaining about hardship, other small-time entrepreneurs hearing this would think Nan City is finished."
"Come on, we've cooperated so many times, there's no need to go in circles. If you have difficulties, just say so. I'll help if I can. You know my sincerity."
"Yes, yes. President Zhan is generous and dislikes beating around the bush. He is a rare and good partner, and I also enjoy cooperating with you."
"But..."
"Does Director Zou have a hidden difficulty?"
"How should I put it?"
Director Zou wore a troubled expression and glanced towards the door.
Zhan Bei Jue realized someone else was expected to arrive.
That old bastard Zou, to suppress the price, had also invited a third party.
Just as he was wondering who had such gall, someone from outside, as if on cue, pushed open the private room door.
The moment Zhan Bei Jue saw who it was, his eyes narrowed slightly.
He thought to himself, "As expected, it's him."
Ke Teng had recovered quite well.
After experiencing such a major accident, he now looked almost the same as before the incident.
Still as young and handsome, but judging by his gait and the expression on his face, he seemed to carry more hostility than before.
"Apologies, Director Zou. There was some traffic. I'm late."
Old Director Zou stood up, first exchanging pleasantries with him, then turning to Zhan Bei Jue.
"President Zhan, I'm truly sorry for not informing you in advance. This is because..."
"Since we all know each other, why don't we not talk about work today? Let's consider it a friendly gathering and chat casually. Please don't mind."
Would it matter if he minded? The person had already arrived.
Moreover, he owed the man a favor.
Zhan Bei Jue stood up, extended his hand, and said in a flat tone.
"Young Master Ke. Long time no see."
He had heard from Shen Min'er that his accident had been severe.
Unexpectedly, seeing him today, his old bones were still so robust.
Ke Teng cast a sideways glance at him, first shook hands with Director Zou, then turned to him.
"It has indeed been a long time. I heard President Zhan got married. Congratulations, congratulations."
"Thank you. I didn't know I'd run into you today. If I had known, I would have brought her along."
"Nan Fang has been very worried about you and kept talking about visiting you."
Showing off their affection?
Was this a power play?
Ke Teng smiled.
"I know. She's busy, so it's normal she can't find the time. Don't worry, I won't hold it against her."
"Come on, sit."
With that, he called out towards the door.
"Come in, why are you standing there blankly?"
A graceful black silhouette floated in.
Zhan Bei Jue raised his eyelids and realized it was that girl, Shen Min'er.
She was dressed very beautifully.
This outfit also suited her very well.
She looked like a well-educated young lady from a respectable family.
However, he felt very displeased.
Why was she with Ke Teng?
Just a small office clerk, yet Ke Teng had noticed her so quickly, which showed he had made efforts behind the scenes.
Min'er was so foolish, going along with him knowing he was using her.
"This is Director Zou. And this is the face of our company, Sister Shen Min'er."
"Min'er, greet Director Zou."
Min'er walked to Ke Teng's side and respectfully bowed to Director Zou.
"Hello, Director Zou. It's an honor to meet you."
Old Zou was already of considerable age. Judging by his appearance alone, he could easily be her father.
Yet, he still wore an unabashedly smiling expression.
"Hello. Ke Corporation is recruiting again, and you have great vision."
"Where did you find such a beautiful female employee? Recommend a few to our bank sometime."
Ke Teng chuckled and said, "Is that difficult?"
Then he grabbed Shen Min'er's shoulder and made her turn to look at Zhan Bei Jue.
"I don't need to introduce this gentleman, do I?"
Min'er had a timid expression, not daring to look at Zhan Bei Jue.
"Brother."
Zhan Bei Jue did not acknowledge her.
Ke Teng led Min'er to sit in the middle of the sofa.
He sat next to Zhan Bei Jue, and Min'er sat next to Director Zou.
"I heard Shen Min'er is your sister, so I thought since there was no one else here today, I'd bring her along."
"President Zhan is blessed with good fortune. So many sisters, each more beautiful than the last. They're usually so low-key, we never even knew."
Whether Min'er was forced or deliberately getting close to him, it was not good news for Zhan Bei Jue.
He did not want to hide his displeasure.
He did not acknowledge Ke Teng.
Seeing that he was not surprised, nor overly warm, but rather acted this way, Min'er felt very disappointed.
As Ke Teng spoke further, Min'er, unable to maintain her composure, took the conversation upon herself.
"What kind of sister am I? President Zhan is just being polite. We have no blood relation, so it's normal you wouldn't know."
"Oh? You have no blood relation?"
Ke Teng put on an air of someone who enjoyed watching a spectacle and found no trouble in it.
"Then how did you become sisters?"