Ou Xueman remained unmoved, seeming somewhat relieved. Chen Zhensheng, however, became anxious, “Although our company hasn’t won international awards, our creative planning has always been well-received by clients. Moreover, for your consortium wanting to establish a foothold in SZ city and enter the Chinese market, our company’s influence and network can definitely provide significant help…”
Compared to Chen Zhensheng’s eloquence, Ou Xueman remained calm and indifferent.
All her reactions fell into Di Xihuang’s gaze. Suddenly, he paused, a hypothesis flashing through his mind, “Well said, minimizing costs and maximizing profits is what we businesspeople always pursue. From this perspective, cooperating with President Ou is more beneficial than harmful.”
Ou Xueman was shocked, suddenly looking up at Di Xihuang. Owen also looked back and forth between them in surprise.
Indeed, she had no intention of cooperating on this project, or more precisely, no intention of cooperating with him, Di Xihuang. This collaboration was primarily pushed by her deputy president, and she was participating out of courtesy. Given her relationship with Owen, this project would have been settled long ago.
However, her attitude only intensified his desire to entangle with her. A hint of a smile, both seductive and cold, played at the corner of his lips as he looked at her surprised face.
Under Chen Zhensheng’s advocacy and Di Xihuang’s involvement, the cooperation with the Di consortium became a done deal.
At the signing ceremony’s reception, Ou Xueman wore a perfect smile, raising her glass to toast with guests. Only she knew that her smile was part helplessness, part bitterness.
After exchanging pleasantries with congratulatory guests, she felt exhausted, not to mention Di Xihuang’s unbearable gaze. Seizing an opportunity, she escaped the scene that was draining her.
A small balcony provided her space to drop her facade and rest momentarily. She had drunk countless times that night, emptying her glass amidst the pleasant clinking sounds.
The slight intoxication had spread across her face. The evening breeze carried a coolness that helped her regain some clarity.
“Xueman, are you okay?” Owen’s voice interrupted her moment of relaxation.
Ou Xueman smiled faintly, “I’m fine. After years in the business world, I’ve developed my alcohol tolerance.”
Owen looked regretful. “I couldn’t help you. I didn’t expect him to intervene in this project. If I had obstructed the deal openly, he might have become suspicious.”
She smiled calmly and waved her hand. “I understand, brother. Regardless of the past, his reputation in business means cooperating with him isn’t a bad thing.”
Though she seemed indifferent, Owen knew her inner world was far from calm. “Don’t worry, I’m responsible for all of Di’s Asian affairs, so you won’t have many opportunities to deal with him.”
“Since we’re here, we might as well make the best of it,” she said, pulling out a cigarette but unable to find a lighter.
A slender hand extended from beside her, offering a lighter with a flickering flame.
Turning slightly, she saw his handsome profile backlit, his bright eyes flickering with unreadable light, and his thin lips bearing a subtle smile. Ceng Min remained gently by his side.
Averting her gaze, she lit her cigarette, taking a deep drag. A cool mint sensation transformed into smoke that rose from her red lips, giving her an enchanting allure.
Holding the cigarette between two fingers, she looked at him, “Thank you.”
“President Ou, it seems you’re not satisfied with this collaboration,” Di Xihuang’s casual voice carried an undeniable presence.
The corners of her mouth upturned in a smile, one only she knew took effort to raise. Facing him made her feel utterly exhausted. “It is my honor, Ou Xueman, to collaborate with President Di,” she said deferentially, her eyes elsewhere as cigarette smoke rose in the night. “I’m already overwhelmed by alcohol, so I will take my leave.”
Just as Ou Xueman began to leave, someone walking towards her blocked her way. Although eight years had marked her face, her serious and gloomy expression remained unchanged.
She directly ignored everyone else present and said, “Xi Huang, you should know about the relationship between Fujino Advertising and our Sakura Financial Group.”
Ou Xueman raised an eyebrow, surprised that this small collaboration would bring Di Ying to question Di Xi Huang. She stepped aside to let Di Ying pass but was suddenly grasped by Di Xi Huang.
“Where are you going?” Di Xi Huang was displeased with her departure, wondering why she couldn’t be more curious about him.
Ou Xueman replied, “Your internal matters are not within the scope of our collaboration.”
Di Xi Huang’s actions drew attention. Di Ying swept a contemptuous gaze from head to toe, “I don’t care how you play with women, but don’t let worthless women destroy the financial group you’ve built.”
“Yes, especially those fox-like women,” Tian Mu Xiang Hui added, but quickly restrained herself seeing Di Xi Huang’s displeasure.
Ou Xueman gave a cold laugh, appearing even more alluring.
Just as she was about to speak, Huang Tianli’s bold words echoed from outside their circle, “Yes, this is much better than some brainless, big-breasted women who wouldn’t even be given away.”
From Huang Tianli’s words, it was clear she held a grudge against Tian Mu Xiang Hui.
Tian Mu Xiang Hui glared angrily, “You… you… Huang Tianli…”
“What about me?” Huang Tianli confronted her without hesitation, with Di Ying remaining invisible.
Ou Wen played peacemaker, pulling his fiancée aside, “Tianli has a direct personality, everyone please don’t take offense.” He then pretended to scold her, “How could you speak to Miss Tian Mu like that?”
Huang Tianli contemptuously glanced at Tian Mu Xiang Hui before walking to Ou Xueman’s side, offering silent support.
“Do you have a grudge with her?” Ou Xueman asked in a low voice.
“It’s more than a grudge; it’s a deep hatred,” Huang Tianli replied. “When I first became a secretary to that playboy, she bullied me using her status. The most infuriating part was that she knew Ou Wen and I were lovers, yet she still tried to seduce him with questionable women. I, Huang Tianli, never forget a grudge. We will absolutely be sworn enemies this lifetime.”
Ou Xueman raised an eyebrow sympathetically, recognizing that Tian Mu Xiang Hui must have caused Huang Tianli a lot of suffering.
Huang Tianli declared confidently, “Today, since she insulted you, I will help you get revenge.”
The atmosphere was tense; Di Ying’s face was flushed with anger, while Di Xi Huang remained aloof.
Tian Mu Xiang Hui attempted to ease the tension, “Mother, since Xi Huang has made a decision and the contract is signed, further changes would be futile.” She looked down on Ou Xueman, “We hope this Ms. Ou won’t seduce people and actually has the skills to collaborate with our international financial groups.”
“Hey, if the playboy can’t manage his own affairs, why are you interfering?” Huang Tianli retorted. “Besides, who are you to care when his wife doesn’t care?” She glanced at Ou Xueman.
Huang Tianli’s words reminded Ou Xueman that she was still technically his wife, despite their eight-year separation. She didn’t understand why he hadn’t divorced her, creating a complicated relationship in the eyes of those who knew.
“And what are you, Huang Tianli?” Di Ying coldly asked.
Huang Tianli, arms crossed, replied, “In front of the lady who waves chicken feathers as a command, how would I dare to rank myself?”
