Chapter 81: Contrast

Qiao Jiu had never interacted with Xu Yi before; in fact, they had never even spoken. Though they were of similar age, they moved in entirely different circles. Xu Yi was a true lady from a prominent family, surrounded by respectable people, utterly different from Qiao Jiu.

Feigning nonchalance, Qiao Jiu asked Liang Xiucheng, “Does Manager Liang have a friend visiting?”

Liang Xiucheng’s expression remained cool. “Not really a friend.”

He glanced at Qiao Jiu. “Want to have lunch together?”

“I’m afraid I can’t,” Qiao Jiu replied. “I need to go home for a bit—something came up.”

He didn’t press further. “Alright, go take care of it.”

Qiao Jiu didn’t greet Xu Yi, simply bypassed her and walked outside. Reaching the lobby entrance, she couldn’t help but glance back. At that moment, Xu Yi also turned to look at her. Their gazes met, not with any spark, but coolly, each withdrawing just as quietly.

Qiao Jiu hailed a cab to meet Guan Wei, her mind preoccupied with Liang Xiu Jin and Xu Yi. Liang Xiucheng’s attitude toward Xu Yi had been notably cold, which was understandable; after all, this woman had once humiliated his brother, shaming the Liang family. Yet Xu Yi seemed unfazed, coming to visit fully aware she wouldn’t be welcomed. She must have a lot of confidence in Liang Xiu Jin.

Qiao Jiu gazed out the window. When she first learned that Guan Wei had gotten involved with Liang Xiu Jin, she’d felt uneasy. Guan Wei had a temperament much like hers; both were bold and unrestrained. Liang Xiu Jin, on the other hand, was too proper and steady. His previous relationship was with someone like Xu Yi, a model of grace and decorum—he might not appreciate Guan Wei’s qualities. See? It hadn’t even been long, and trouble had already surfaced.

The car pulled up at the mall entrance, where Guan Wei waited, arms laden with shopping bags. Qiao Jiu glanced at her. “Zou Qingqing would be honored to know you’ve gone to such lengths just to outshine her.”

Guan Wei laughed. “I even hired a stylist. You should come that day too, and we’ll both get dolled up together.”

As they walked into the mall, Qiao Jiu teased, “If someone mistakes you for the bride, that’ll be awkward.”

Guan Wei played along. “Then I’ll just marry Zhao Shuo on the spot and make sure Zou Qingqing never lifts her head again for the rest of her life.”

Qiao Jiu snorted. “What’s so great about Zhao Shuo?”

After a bit of shopping, Qiao Jiu bought a long dress. It was nearly lunchtime, so they settled into a Western restaurant upstairs. Once they’d ordered, Qiao Jiu couldn’t hold back. “Did you check the security footage yesterday? What exactly happened?”

Guan Wei poured herself a cup of tea, taking a sip before answering. “Pretty much what you’d expect.”

Qiao Jiu said nothing, waiting. Guan Wei continued, “Couldn’t hear what they were saying, but they sat together in Lukang for over two hours. Xu Yi seemed regretful—she cried later, and then...”

She smiled, trailing off, unwilling to go on. Then Xu Yi buried herself in Liang Xiu Jin’s arms, and he patted her back, probably murmuring comfort into her ear. What could she say? Liang Xiu Jin—so gentle—was a sight to arouse envy. He’d never acted that way with her. Sometimes, love or the lack of it becomes crystal clear in comparison.

...

That afternoon, Qiao Jiu returned to the office and found Liang Xiu Jin in the lobby, giving instructions to the receptionist. As he turned and spotted her, he said, “I have a business engagement this afternoon. Come with me.”

Qiao Jiu paused. “Your assistant’s not coming?”

“No,” Liang Xiu Jin replied. “I need you to make an appearance.”

Qiao Jiu thought perhaps her performance at the last dinner had impressed him. Although she had her misgivings about how he handled the Xu Yi situation, work was work, so she agreed. Besides, she preferred afternoon social calls to evening ones.

She went upstairs, tidied the documents on her desk, and didn’t have to wait long before Liang Xiu Jin came to fetch her. As they passed Liang Xiucheng’s office, Qiao Jiu asked, “Aren’t you inviting the young manager along?”

“No need,” Liang Xiu Jin said, striding forward. “This client doesn’t need to be introduced to him.”

Since he said so, Qiao Jiu asked no more. They went downstairs, got in the car, and headed straight for the restaurant. When they arrived, the private room was still empty.

Qiao Jiu and Liang Xiu Jin entered and took seats by the side. Liang Xiu Jin pulled out his phone, scrolling as he asked, “Did you get in touch with Guan Wei today?”

“I did,” Qiao Jiu answered.

He glanced at her, his expression unchanged. “How is she?”

Feigning ignorance, Qiao Jiu replied, “How is she what?”

Liang Xiu Jin let out a soft laugh. “She didn’t tell you?”

Clearly, he didn’t believe her clueless act. Qiao Jiu stood her ground. “Tell me what?”

Liang Xiu Jin set his phone down, exhaling, “Never mind.”

Honestly, if he wanted to know, he could just ask directly. Why come fishing for gossip from her?

They waited a bit longer, then the door opened. The waiter entered first, leading the way. “Mr. Lu, this way.”

At the sound of that title, even before the guests came in, Qiao Jiu’s internal alarm bells began to ring. Sure enough, following the waiter was that cunning, calculating man.

Lu Fengzhou was visibly surprised to see Qiao Jiu. She quickly turned to Liang Xiu Jin, who didn’t look at her but rose to extend a hand. “Mr. Lu.”

Lu Fengzhou shook his hand, glancing at Qiao Jiu. “Changed assistants, Mr. Liang?”

Liang Xiu Jin smiled. “My usual assistant had work this afternoon—couldn’t make it.”

Lu Fengzhou nodded and took a seat across from them. He’d brought two people Qiao Jiu didn’t recognize—likely new confidants after his power grab, which made her feel a bit more at ease.

After the waiter took their order and left, Lu Fengzhou looked at Qiao Jiu again. “Did you see what I left on the shoe cabinet?”

Qiao Jiu couldn’t keep her face completely neutral, but she didn’t want to give Lu Fengzhou any satisfaction either, so she answered in a businesslike tone, “I saw it. Didn’t know I’d see you today, or I would have brought it along.”

Lu Fengzhou nodded. “No matter. I’m not in a hurry to get it back.”

He stared at Qiao Jiu for a few seconds, then turned to Liang Xiu Jin, shifting the conversation to business and the project at hand. Qiao Jiu kept her gaze lowered, lips pressed together, looking at no one.

Liang Xiu Jin was probably doing this on purpose. He was shrewd too—he must have noticed she and Lu Fengzhou still had unresolved issues and wanted to use her to keep Lu Fengzhou in check. But that was wishful thinking. A man like Lu Fengzhou was heartless; no one could control him.

When the food arrived, so did the wine. Liang Xiu Jin shot Qiao Jiu a look. Reluctantly, she stood, holding the wine bottle with both hands, about to offer Lu Fengzhou a drink. “Mr. Lu...”

Before she could finish, Lu Fengzhou covered his glass with his hand. “Forget it.”

His tone was flat. “I have work this afternoon. I won’t drink.”

Qiao Jiu froze, then heard Liang Xiu Jin laugh cheerfully. “That’s fine. Honestly, I have quite a bit to do this afternoon too.”

With both men declining, Qiao Jiu put the bottle down, secretly relieved.