Chapter 82 Pretending

Even though she could hold her liquor, Qiao Jiu was not one to indulge without reason; she simply took a seat. Lu Fengzhou's assistant was quite perceptive and promptly rang for the waiter, ordering fruit juice.

After waiting a moment, Qiao Jiu discreetly retrieved her phone from under the table. Liang Xiucheng had messaged her, asking why she wasn't at the office and where she had gone.

She replied quickly, explaining she was out socializing with Liang Xiu Jin.

Liang Xiucheng's second message arrived almost immediately, tinged with complaint—not directed at her, but at Liang Xiu Jin, grumbling that he had whisked Qiao Jiu away without a word and advising her not to follow him so readily next time.

Qiao Jiu curled her lips into a faint smile and chose not to reply, slipping her phone away.

When she looked up, she caught Lu Fengzhou watching her, his gaze cool and expressionless.

Her smile faded, not intentionally, but her face chilled instantly.

Two seconds later, Lu Fengzhou shifted his gaze to Liang Xiu Jin. "Let's proceed as Mr. Liang suggests. With you overseeing things, I am at ease."

Liang Xiu Jin smiled and raised his glass. "No wine tonight, but still, a toast to you."

Everyone else naturally followed suit, raising their glasses. Qiao Jiu took a small sip.

Without alcohol, she had no role at the table; it suited her just fine—she only needed to fill her stomach.

Lu Fengzhou and Liang Xiu Jin continued discussing the details of their cooperation, both serious and intent.

Qiao Jiu had only attended two such dinners; the last was with Zhu Sheng Ren.

That meal had hardly any serious conversation—just banter and rambling.

She had always assumed business dinners were like that.

After a while, Qiao Jiu glanced at Lu Fengzhou, who was listening intently as Liang Xiu Jin analyzed project data, his face stern.

She recalled those unsavory scenes in Guan Wei's private bar room.

Lu Fengzhou hadn't participated, but he clearly fit right in with that sort of crowd.

So, this man was probably much less restrained in private. With her here, he was putting on a gentleman's act.

The meal didn't last long; once business was settled, everyone dispersed.

Qiao Jiu followed Liang Xiu Jin out to the restaurant entrance.

Lu Fengzhou stopped first, and Qiao Jiu positioned herself just behind Liang Xiu Jin, using him as cover.

She heard Lu Fengzhou say, "Mr. Liang, that's all for tonight. If there are any issues, we'll be in touch by phone."

Liang Xiu Jin replied, "Very well. Feel free to contact me anytime, Mr. Lu."

A car pulled up by the curb, the driver opening the door in wait. Lu Fengzhou and his assistant headed straight over and got in.

Liang Xiu Jin and Qiao Jiu remained where they were, Qiao Jiu standing with her hands folded in front of her, looking perfectly proper.

Lu Fengzhou lowered his car window and nodded at them.

He said nothing, his gaze passing over Liang Xiu Jin and settling on Qiao Jiu, eyes narrowing slightly—a fierce glint flashing and vanishing.

Once the car had driven off, Qiao Jiu finally breathed out in relief. "Seems I wasn't really needed for tonight's dinner after all."

Liang Xiu Jin answered, his tone laced with explanation. "Mr. Lu can hold his liquor well. I've met him before—my assistant and I together aren't his match, so I had to call you."

Qiao Jiu glanced at him, remaining silent.

They got into the car together and returned to the office.

As soon as they stepped out of the elevator, they saw Liang Xiucheng, likely just finished with a meeting, coming from the conference room.

Seeing Qiao Jiu, he strode over. "Back so soon?"

He leaned in, studying her face. "Didn't drink?"

Qiao Jiu nodded. "No."

Liang Xiucheng was surprised, then looked at Liang Xiu Jin. "Which company dinner lets you abstain from drinking?"

Liang Xiu Jin said nothing, only patted Liang Xiucheng's shoulder. "There's another meeting this afternoon. I'll let you know."

With that, he headed to his office.

Liang Xiucheng turned his gaze back to Qiao Jiu.

Qiao Jiu pondered for a moment. "It's supposed to be my company, but usurpers took over. The name hasn't changed. How should I put it?"

Calling it Qiao's company felt inaccurate, and Lu's company didn't seem right either.

Liang Xiucheng caught on immediately. "Lu Fengzhou was there too?"

Qiao Jiu sighed. "He was. At least he showed some conscience and didn't challenge me to a drinking contest."

They headed to Liang Xiucheng's office, and once seated, he said, "I'll let my brother know. Next time there's a dinner with Lu Fengzhou, you won't have to go."

"It's fine," Qiao Jiu replied. "Work is work. Lu Fengzhou keeps things clear, so I don't mind."

Liang Xiucheng looked up at her. "Listen to me."

That was acceptable. Qiao Jiu agreed. Truthfully, if she could avoid running into Lu Fengzhou, she would.

Their relationship, while seemingly complicated, was not so bad. Divorce wasn't such a big deal.

But it was best not to have too much contact.

...

At dusk, after work, Qiao Jiu had just exited the company lobby, stepping down the stairs, when she spotted a private car parked by the roadside.

The window was lowered, and inside was a woman's face, clearly visible.

It was Xu Yi.

Xu Yi saw Qiao Jiu and greeted her first. "Miss Qiao."

Qiao Jiu paused—apparently, she was recognized.

So she didn't avoid her, walking over. "Miss Xu, what brings you here?"

Xu Yi replied, "I'm here to see A Jin."

Qiao Jiu nodded, deliberately asked, "Miss Xu, your happy occasion must be approaching soon, right? I heard from Mr. Liang that you were discussing wedding plans. Is the date set?"

With two Mr. Liangs in the family, she intentionally didn't specify which one.

Xu Yi stared at her. "No, there's no wedding. That's just rumor."

While they were speaking, voices came from behind—Liang Xiucheng and Liang Xiu Jin appeared.

Liang Xiucheng saw Xu Yi. "Miss Xu, you seem quite free."

Xu Yi ignored him, turning instead to Liang Xiu Jin. "A Jin, if you’re not busy tonight, shall we have dinner together?"

Qiao Jiu glanced at Liang Xiu Jin, who seemed surprised to see Xu Yi here. "Tonight..."

He hadn't finished when Liang Xiucheng interjected, "Mom called—she wants us home for dinner tonight. Why not bring Miss Xu? Mom hasn't seen her in ages. Just yesterday she was asking after you, saying she misses your presence. She'd be delighted to see you."

Xu Yi's expression changed, and she spoke first. "Is that so."

She still addressed Liang Xiu Jin. "If it's inconvenient, then forget it. I'll come another day."

Liang Xiucheng responded, "We're all available. It's really up to Miss Xu. Mom does miss you—she'd be happy if you came."

Xu Yi smiled faintly, finally turning to Liang Xiucheng. "Never mind, it's your family's dinner. I won't intrude."

She straightened up. "A Jin, I'll go now. Let's catch up another time."

Liang Xiu Jin said nothing, and Xu Yi sped off, her car roaring away.

Qiao Jiu raised her hand, hailed a passing taxi, got in, and without greeting the two men, instructed the driver to go.