Chapter 40 So pitiful it's heartbreaking

The argument, which was initiated by Shen Jingni, ended with Zhao Zonglan leaving in silence.

Shen Jingni had never seen Zhao Zonglan like this before.

One second he was gloomy and terrifying, the next second his cold and austere back view made people feel aloof and lonely.

She hastily wiped away the tears on her face, lowered her eyes, and straightened her clothes.

As I left, I caught a glimpse of the crystal ball in the locker.

It's an eyesore.

She no longer wants to give it to him.

Shen Jingni walked over in a few steps, opened the glass door, and angrily slammed the crystal ball to the ground.

With a sharp crack, it shattered into pieces, leaving only shards of glass on the ground.

After venting like that, she thought she would feel better, but it didn't seem to.

It's snowing again in Beijing.

The night lights shone on the fine snowflakes, giving off a chilly feeling.

Zhao Zonglan was smoking by the window of his study when he smoked too quickly and suddenly coughed a few times, choking on his cigarette.

Chang An knocked on the door and came in to report, "Sir, Miss Shen has already left."

"When Miss Shen was leaving... she broke the crystal ball in your locker."

Zhao Zonglan scoffed coldly in anger.

What a heartless little rascal.

He looked out the window at the snow, his eyes dark and cold.

In the past thirty-two years, he had never indulged or spoiled a woman like this. During the two days in Germany, he thought about her day and night, but the little thing was heartless and only knew how to make him angry.

Zhao Zonglan is not good at coaxing people, and it's impossible for him to do so every time.

Deep down, he's still arrogant.

Since she doesn't want his favor and wants to suffer a bit, let her be.

They'll learn their lesson eventually.

Zhao Zonglan took a drag of his cigarette, his back to Chang An, and said coldly, "Put the broken crystal ball away in the storage room."

Chang An: "Yes."

He knew that the gentleman cherished this gift.

-

Shen Jingni didn't sleep well that night.

People are always lazy on snowy days.

She didn't go to the main store in the morning; after waking up, she snuggled in her warm bed and looked at her phone.

On her WeChat Moments, Song Yu went to Northeast China, took pictures of the snowy scenery, and posted several beautiful photos.

Scroll down to see Zhao Yueling's latest update.

They exchanged contact information at the hot spring resort last time.

Zhao Yueling and her boyfriend watched fireworks in Victoria Harbour. In the photos, the fireworks are brilliant and reflected on the water, like a shower of stars falling to earth, dazzling and romantic.

Shen Jingni gave it a thumbs up.

Just then, Chu You called.

"Boss, the organizers of the designer competition asked if we have any intention to increase our sponsorship. If not, they will sign a contract with Ms. Qin after New Year's Day."

"You...didn't you ask Mr. Zhao for help?"

Shen Jingni rubbed her hair in frustration. "No."

Thinking of Zhao Zonglan made her angry, and she said to Chu You in a huff, "Men are all unreliable. We have to rely on ourselves. I will never ask him for help again."

Even the slow-witted Chu You could hear it.

The two are probably having a disagreement.

But as a working woman, she didn't dare say anything, only reminding Shen Jingni, "You'll be signing the contract with General Manager Fang at 6 PM at Fenghua Palace. I'll come pick you up at 5 PM."

The Fang family and the Shen family have some connections.

Fang Che and Shen Qingyan are the same age and plan to get married early next year; it's a business marriage.

Although it was a marriage without love, it was still outwardly celebrated in a grand manner to appease the outside world and the media.

The Fang family commissioned a wedding dress and jewelry worth over ten million yuan for the bride.

The meeting was scheduled for lunchtime. After signing the contract, Fang Che called Shen Jingni over.

"Jingni, my dad and some uncles are here too, let's have a meal together."

Shen Jingni had no reason to refuse; when doing business, socializing is the most basic form of interpersonal communication.

She told Chu You to go back first, and then she and Fang Che went into the private room.

Fortunately, it was a gathering of acquaintances.

Several elders at the dinner table recognized Shen Jingni, and she would chime in with a few words whenever the Shen family was mentioned.

She is lively and cheerful, and beautiful, which makes her very popular with the elders.

But it's still a dinner party after all, and the drinking culture at the dinner table is unavoidable.

When her uncles and aunts came over to urge her to drink, she couldn't refuse and forced herself to drink two cups.

It was all white, and so spicy it stung my throat.

Seeing that she really couldn't drink anymore, Fang Che finally came to her rescue.

After leaving Fenghua Palace, Shen Jingni felt a spasmodic burning pain in her stomach.

It was already dark, but the snow hadn't stopped.

She felt a little dizzy, her cheeks flushed, and she leaned against the red-lacquered pillar by the door. A gust of wind blew, and the drifting snowflakes hit her face and the ends of her hair.

Although it was a bit cold, the cool and refreshing taste helped to dispel some of the effects of the alcohol.

Shen Jingni was about to call Chu You.

A series of steady footsteps came from behind her.

She glanced to the side and saw several entrepreneurs surrounding the tall and imposing Zhao Zonglan as he emerged from the VIP passage.

As usual, he held an unlit cigarette between his fingers, dressed in a well-tailored black suit, exuding an air of nobility, with his overcoat casually draped over his shoulders, his expression indifferent.

Beside him, the perceptive middle-aged boss took out a lighter, respectfully protecting the flame, and leaned closer to light his cigarette.

Zhao Zonglan's eyes were cold and clear. He tilted his head slightly, took a deep drag of his cigarette, and held it in his mouth, in front of the leaping flame.

The firelight flickered, and he glanced briefly at her location out of the corner of his eye before quickly looking away.

Shen Jingni's stomach was hurting terribly, so she frowned and turned her face away.

Then she heard several executives respectfully say goodbye to the man, and the Maybach drove away at a steady speed, crunching through the snow.

What is this? The Cold War?

Shen Jingni sneered.

Whatever, she's not going to apologize to him anyway.

Fairies cannot be wrong.

Even if she's wrong, she won't admit it.

Never bow down.

"Miss, I've noticed you've been standing here for quite a while. Are you feeling unwell?"

A gentle voice sounded from behind.

A long-handled black umbrella appeared above her head, blocking most of the wind and snow.

Shen Jingni turned around and saw a handsome young man in a gray coat, tall and elegant, with a refined air, looking at her with concern.

“No,” she shook her head, “I’m waiting for my assistant.”

"But you don't look well. Do you really not need any help?"

Shen Jingni shook her head again, with a hint of wariness, "No need, thank you."

His eyes were gentle as he held the umbrella for her, yet maintained a polite social distance with gentlemanly grace, and gave a soft laugh.

"You don't need to be afraid, I mean no harm."

He only caught a glimpse of her from afar, and then he couldn't take his eyes off her.

"However, it's always good for a girl to be cautious when she's alone in a foreign country."

"My name is Xie Hengzhou, what's yours?"

Xie Hengzhou? Shen Jingni had heard Song Yu mention this name before.

He is the most capable and low-key among the younger generation of prominent families in the capital, and he has been living abroad for a long time.

She had no intention of having any interaction with him, and simply replied, "Shen Jingni."

The Maybach left the Palace of Elegance and drove onto the street.

As Zhao Zonglan sat in the back row smoking, the image of that flushed face and slender body involuntarily surfaced in his mind.

So pitiful it's heartbreaking.

He was extremely agitated. He raised his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, half-closed his eyes, and ordered in a deep voice, "Turn around and go back."