Could Chu Xi, such a stunning beauty, not satisfy him?
But then he thought again.
Zhan Jingrui himself was a super handsome guy with excellent family conditions. Ordinary men still wanted to play around before getting married; how could he casually step into the marital tomb?
No wonder he specifically asked for He Yao today; it seemed he had intentions towards her.
Understanding this, Xu Zheng then intended to facilitate the match and test the waters.
During the meal, he frequently found excuses for He Yao to toast him.
Normally, Zhan Jingrui abstained from alcohol when dining with him. Today, not only did he not refuse, but he even looked at He Yao with anticipation.
It seemed he was waiting to connect with her.
He Yao looked at Xu Zheng, who was pushing her towards a client for his own benefit, and at Zhan Jingrui, who acted reserved and proper despite being very familiar with her.
She thought, "Since it's come to this, there's no point in playing coy. Why not ask Zhan Jingrui for business? Otherwise, wasn't the drinking in vain?"
If she secured business, it would silence Xu Zheng, and she could afford a house, giving her a foundation for the future. Wasn't that killing multiple birds with one stone?
He Yao first apologized for her tardiness, drank a glass of wine, and then toasted Zhan Jingrui.
"President Xu said you are his benefactor. Our small company is fortunate to be able to board the grand ship of the Zhan Corporation, a blessing accumulated over generations. However, I feel it's a bit early to say that."
"After all, we haven't officially started cooperating, nor have we allowed President Zhan to witness our capabilities. But someday that statement will be useful. Don't you agree, President Zhan?"
Zhan Jingrui looked into her eyes without speaking. He Yao raised her wine glass.
"If I must say something to you, then I'll be honest. I hope that day comes soon. I hope President Zhan can fulfill our wishes soon. To you."
Xu Zheng's heart pounded like a drum as he listened to her words.
If Zhan Jingrui drank the wine she offered, it meant he agreed to this matter.
If he refused, it meant he rejected it.
The success or failure of their careers rested on his next move. He truly hoped he would agree.
But while hoping, he also felt the atmosphere hadn't been fully built up yet, and He Yao's direct approach was a bit rash.
To prevent Zhan Jingrui from refusing outright, making it difficult to bring up the matter again, as soon as He Yao finished speaking, he suddenly reached out and pinched her waist.
He Yao felt both pain and itchiness, involuntarily swaying her body. Half the wine spilled from her glass onto Zhan Jingrui's thigh.
He Yao and Zhan Jingrui looked down simultaneously. Finding that they had doused his pants, it was awkward to dwell on the previous topic. He Yao then quickly sat down and pulled out some tissues to wipe him.
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, she was teasing him. Her hands felt like cat's paws, causing an itchy, numb sensation wherever they lightly brushed.
Zhan Jingrui felt that sense of awakening intensify.
Ever since he broke up with He Yao that year, he hadn't had any intimate contact with anyone.
Although Chu Xi had been his girlfriend for many years, he had only done so to provoke He Yao back then.
Moreover, He Yao had left unclearly, leaving a pending case unresolved in his heart. Until it was resolved, he couldn't let go.
Therefore, he had also been unable to truly fall in love with Chu Xi.
Politely holding her hand, or Chu Xi leaning her shoulder against him, was the extent of their relationship.
Chu Xi was too perfect, too pure, like a lotus that emerged from the mud unstained.
He could keep her in his flowerpot to admire daily, but he couldn't pick her.
It was different with He Yao. All the feelings were primitive and vivid, erupting whenever he wished, never holding back.
Even the few months he spent with He Yao before were the most wild, happiest, and most unrestrained periods of his life.
Now, that wild feeling had returned.
Even though he was trying his best to suppress it, He Yao was like a rebellious spark, always flickering before the dry tinder that was him.
He knew it was only a matter of time before he caught fire.
Heaven knew how pure He Yao's intentions were.
She just wanted him to quickly agree to the business so she wouldn't have to play the emotional card with Zhan Jingrui anymore.
She wanted to buy a house soon and get away from Xu Zheng.
She was very sorry for wetting his pants.
But if Xu Zheng hadn't been there, a simple apology would have sufficed, and there would be no need for pretense.
However, with Xu Zheng present, she had to act the part.
"I'm sorry. Does it feel uncomfortable with your pants wet? Do you want to take them off and let me wash them for you?"
Zhan Jingrui looked at her submissive appearance, her clean and fair face, and her delicate fingers. He seemed to read something else into her words.
Wanting to see what she was truly after, if it was as he imagined, he played along.
"Uncomfortable. Yes, please."
He Yao was speechless.
"Yes? Yes to what?"
In public, without spare clothes, how could she take them off and wash them?
She turned around, casting a pleading look at Xu Zheng. Xu Zheng quickly took out his phone and transferred money to He Yao.
"You're right. How can we let President Zhan wear wet pants? He must change them quickly."
"You two eat slowly. Go to Yintai and buy President Zhan another pair of pants. Make it quick."
He Yao really wanted to splash the remaining half glass of wine in his face.
Was it necessary to be so dramatic?
It was just a few drops of water on his pants; they would dry with a little warmth. Did he really want her to go buy him clothes?
With the time it took to go back and forth, a hundred pairs of pants would have dried!
She expected Zhan Jingrui to reject such a fussy request, but to her surprise, he was delighted.
"I'll trouble Miss He."
With no other choice, He Yao accepted the 50,000 yuan transferred by Xu Zheng and took a taxi to Yintai.
But they didn't sell suit pants separately!
And the branded clothes at Yintai were all so expensive!
A seemingly ordinary piece of clothing cost five figures just because of its brand.
Touching any set would cost six figures.
With the money she had, it wasn't enough to buy a suit for Zhan Jingrui.
He Yao couldn't be bothered to make a second trip. Since she couldn't find a matching pair of suit pants, she'd just buy any pair of pants.
If Zhan Jingrui dared to be picky, she'd use the excuse of drinking to confront him.
She chose a pair of pants according to her own taste, spent over 7,000 yuan, and then took a taxi back.
The dishes had long since gone cold.
The two men, full and satisfied, were chatting idly. She handed him the pants.
"President Zhan, please go and change. I'll take yours to the dry cleaners."
Zhan Jingrui glanced at the brand in her hand and casually took the bag.
"No need, they're already dry. Let's leave it at that for today. You eat."
He Yao almost jumped up in anger.
She knew it would be like this!
What was this insistence on changing?
He was clearly seizing an opportunity to retaliate against her!
But it wasn't a wasted trip. Although she was filled with anger, her wallet was now full. He Yao suppressed her inner fury and began to eat.
The two continued to chat. As they ate, Xu Zheng felt it was about time and hinted through his words that He Yao should refill Zhan Jingrui's wine.