Chapter 42 "I won't need you tonight"

Yu Zeheng pursed his lips, knowing he couldn't do anything about it.

The sweet taste of the biscuit lingered in his mouth. He didn't like sweets, and he had little interest in biscuits, but he ate a whole one without feeling anything, and even felt a little unsatisfied.

Yu Zeheng's voice was muffled: "If you want to bribe me, you should first find out my preferences. I don't like cookies."

“I know.” Qiao Shu said without any guilt, “But cookies are simple. I can count the number of times I’ve been in the kitchen on one hand in my entire life. You should be content.”

Who is actually begging whom?

No one is like Qiao Shu, who wants to coax people but is unwilling to do so wholeheartedly, making it easy for people to see his intentions. He is so obvious that he doesn't even bother to hide them.

"Is it okay?" Qiao Shu poked his chest, her voice as sweet as melting sugar.

Yu Zeheng lowered his eyes and said, "I'm free after 5 p.m. tomorrow."

This means "to agree".

Qiao Shu nodded, a smile appearing on her lips: "Don't worry, I'll definitely be there on time. So it's settled then, you can't go back on your word."

Yu Zeheng held her hand to prevent her from moving: "Let me make this clear from the start, you don't need to have too high hopes. Although I can give you this opportunity, I will keep public and private matters separate. I will not lower my standards for anyone's sake."

"Of course, I don't need your special treatment. Just wait and sign obediently." Qiao Shu smiled slightly, her goal achieved. She patted her bottom and left, clean and efficient.

Her consistent principle is to use and discard immediately.

As he left, Qiao Shu thoughtfully closed the door for him, saying, "Work hard!"

Yu Zeheng leaned back, pinched the bridge of his nose, his trousers were wrinkled from sitting, he straightened his trouser legs, sat closer to his desk, and refocused his thoughts on his work.

But it's like a stone being thrown into a lake; the stone has long since sunk to the bottom, but ripples spread across the lake's surface, continuing for a long time.

He frowned, picked up a cookie and popped it into his mouth. The sugar content was just right, and the baking temperature was not bad either. It was passable, but he had put some effort into it.

As night deepened, the people in the study had already gotten up and returned to their rooms. Aunt Chu came to the study early the next morning to tidy up, only to find empty plates and teacups. On the white porcelain plate, there were scattered crumbs of cookies. The carefully baked cookies had long since disappeared.

—

When Qiao Shu first received the materials, she held several meetings with the team that had been following up on the project.

Most of these people were Qiao Kaiyu's subordinates, because the old man gave her the greatest authority, and they were quite dedicated to their duties.

Qiao Shu went to Qiao Kaiyu's office every few days to bother him with this matter and ask for his help. Although Qiao Kaiyu complained that she was annoying, he still gave her some pointers and also took the initiative to attend the meeting.

Qiao Kaiyu frowned deeply: "I don't know why the old man entrusted you with this kind of thing. Isn't he just trying to cause trouble? I have a lot of things to do myself, and now I have to do your part too."

"Exactly, do you think Grandpa has something on his mind and is punishing me on purpose?"

"If I really remembered what you did, I would have kicked you out of the house. Do you think I would have let you stay at the company and freeload?"

"You have a point."

Qiao Shu looked worried, lowered his head, and flipped through the documents one page at a time.

After about a week of reorganization, Qiao Shu took out a new plan and went to Bocheng with the team to discuss it.

If the project goes through, she wants 10% of Sheng Yu's shares.

This was the first time Qiao Zhenkai had heard her negotiate with him. He tugged at the corners of his lips, still maintaining an unyielding authority: "The company isn't enough for you, what do you need such a small amount of shares for?"

“Grandpa overestimates me. I don’t have the ability to manage a company. I just want some shares. If my older brother manages it well in the future, I’ll be happy to get some dividends.” Qiao Shu squatted down, acting like a good granddaughter. “Right now, my relationship with Aheng is pretty good, which is why I have the courage to give it a try. I don’t understand those negotiation and game strategies you mentioned. I’m still not as good as you or my older brother.”

If the project can continue, the benefits it brings will be insignificant compared to this small shareholding.

Qiao Zhenkai remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded in agreement.

Qiao Shu was in a good mood when she arrived at the Bocheng Building. She had known Yu Zeheng for so many years, but this was the first time she had come here. Before the divorce, his mind was completely on F1 racing and he was flying all over the world. After the divorce, there was even less need for him.

The meeting room had already been arranged.

A long table and a projector; the employees on both sides are all capable personnel in the company; out of the corner of my eye, I see elite faces everywhere.

Only Yu Mingwu secretly waved to her from the doorway, his student-like face both cute and sunny.

Everything went smoothly at first. There were some minor differences in the details of the cooperation model, but the disagreements were not significant. However, when it came to the issue of interests, the situation began to become tense.

Qiao Shu rarely met Yu Zeheng at work. When they actually talked about work, they went their separate ways. His domineering attitude made her grit her teeth, and he was very meticulous, wanting to calculate every penny with her. He crossed her bottom line from the very first word, and she could not possibly agree to it. The two sides negotiated repeatedly.

During the meeting, Yu Zeheng repeatedly said, "No, I can't accept this."

In this protracted battle, neither side is willing to compromise.

Qiao Shu leaned on the conference table, a cold smile almost impossible to suppress on her lips. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Yu Zeheng, expressionless, barely glancing at her. His suit was impeccably tailored, cold and aloof, and the metal cufflinks on his sleeves were the same small items she had previously obtained by swiping his card to purchase additional goods.

Rounding up or down, you're beholden to someone who gives you something.

But Yu Zeheng was not only ruthless, he was also incredibly greedy, and he wanted to take away half of Zhongcheng's profits.

Keep dreaming.

The meeting ended with everyone sticking to their own positions, and there's more to discuss in the future.

"Hard."

"President Yu is working harder."

Qiao Shu shook hands with Yu Zeheng politely. As she was about to let go, the back of her hand was lightly pinched, a very subtle gesture that no one else saw.

She kept smiling, leaned closer to his shoulder, and said in a low voice, "You really are... a shrewd businessman."

He's a complete swindler; how could anyone want to make money from everything?

After he finished cursing, he straightened up, his smile deepening.

Yu Zeheng said casually, "Does President Shu have time to come to my office for a chat?"

Qiao Shu smiled and said in a good-natured manner, "Okay."

The office door closed, shutting out several curious and inquisitive glances.

Beautiful people always leave a deep impression. Those who don't know the situation only know that someone from Zhongcheng Association came, and that he was a vice president. They don't know that he was young or a top beauty. The beauty had bright features and an indescribable charm. Every move she made gave off a strong feeling. She was not inferior to their boss.

At the conference table, the two men were trying to outmaneuver each other, with one side gaining the upper hand and the other gaining the upper hand.

Watching the two secretly compete is quite enjoyable.

"Who is this beautiful woman?"

What is her last name?

"I remember Qiao, Qiao Shu, everyone calls her President Shu."

Her colleague lowered her eyebrows. When she came to her senses, she realized that the woman's surname was Qiao, the young lady of the Qiao family, the daughter of the man who was married to Bocheng, and their boss's wife.

"Help! I really didn't notice it at all!"

Qiao Shu had barely stepped into the office when she threw her bag onto the sofa. She glanced around, her gaze critical and disdainful of the office's mediocre style—cold, icy, and rather oppressive. If it were her, she would have thrown all the furnishings in there into the dump.

Hearing her pickiness, Yu Zeheng asked, "What would you like to drink?"

Qiao Shu said lazily, "I won't drink anymore. I'm afraid you'll bribe me if I eat your food."

"You said you weren't thirsty after all that time?"

"I've been talking for so long, but I haven't seen you show any concern for me just now."

Is he a ruthless and unscrupulous businessman in the meeting room, but a considerate gentleman outside? Qiao Shu retorted, she wasn't buying it.

Qiao Shu turned around, leaned back on the desk, and ran her fingers along the edge: "Speak, what do you want to talk about? I'm in a hurry."

She was dressed in a professional suit, her makeup was neat and clean, and coupled with her confrontational attitude towards him in the conference room, she was a Qiao Shu he had never seen before. She was dazzling and he couldn't take his eyes off her.

Sometimes I think that her beauty is just one of the highlights of her life.

"It's time to get off work. Wait for me to go home together." Yu Zeheng walked over, bent down, and with just a few steps, he could kiss those rosy, soft lips.

His Adam's apple bobbed.

Qiao Shu reached out and pressed against his chin, blocking any possibility: "I'm sorry, Mr. Yu, we agreed to keep business and personal matters separate, so it's better if we keep our distance."

He is vindictive and petty.

Yu Zeheng smiled and said, "After get off work, I only have personal matters to attend to."

Qiao Shu said, "Oh, but unfortunately, I'm not an employee of your company, Mr. Yu. I haven't left work yet."

Yu Zeheng changed his approach: "Then may I ask when President Shu gets off work?"

"President Yu, this is tantamount to probing business secrets."

Qiao Shu turned her head and noticed that his tie was slightly askew. She reached out, grasped the tie, and casually adjusted it, pulling it up to tighten around his pale neck. Her voice was icy cold: "I have nothing to say about that either."

Yu Zeheng let her play: "Who just said that public and private matters should be kept separate? You're bringing work-related emotions into your personal relationships."

"Nonsense." The voice softened again.

Qiao Shu loosened his tie again, adjusted it to the right tightness, and then let go of his hand. "Personally speaking, I also dislike you."

He dislikes it both publicly and privately.

She raised an eyebrow, her smile defiant. She clapped her hands, walked past him, retrieved her bag, and pushed open the office door to leave.

As soon as she met their gazes, Qiao Shu greeted them generously, showing no trace of the gloom that had filled the meeting room.

Inside the office, Yu Zeheng turned around, leaned back in the spot she had just been sitting in, and loosened his tie with one hand.

Yu Mingwu was sent to run errands during the latter half of the meeting. When she returned, Qiao Shu had already left. She also overheard what happened in the meeting from Yu Zeheng's assistant. She went straight into the office and slammed the documents he asked for on his desk: "Is your sister-in-law angry?"

Yu Zeheng frowned as he looked at the torn document, but ultimately said nothing: "She's not that kind of person."

"That's true." Yu Mingwu sat down in the chair. "Big brother, are we sure we won't budge an inch? Is there room for negotiation on whether we earn more or less?"

"Why should we back down?" Yu Zeheng looked up. "Your sister-in-law also prefers to handle business strictly. She'll only get angry if we give in because of personal relationships."

"Yeah?"

Yu Mingwu was dubious.

Yu Mingwu was unaware of and unconcerned about company matters. What she cared about now was that she had taken a photo of her older brother and sister-in-law together. In one of the photos, the two were gazing at each other, and she pressed the shutter button in a flash. This ambiguous atmosphere was a result of her masterful photography skills.

Yu Mingwu: [Sister-in-law, you look so beautiful today! So intelligent!]

It was a close-up of herself, her eyes sharp, with a touch of queenly aura. Qiao Shu clicked save: [Great shot, two chicken drumsticks as a reward.]

Yu Mingwu: [Starry-eyed.jpg]

Then send the remaining group photos.

Yu Mingwu tentatively typed a line: [Sister-in-law, look at the picture of you and my brother together, you two look like you're talking!]

She observed repeatedly that her brother's expression while his sister-in-law was speaking was quite intriguing. He didn't seem to have much expression, but upon closer inspection, the corners of his lips were slightly upturned.

When it was the elder brother's turn to speak, his sister-in-law glanced at him sideways, as if she couldn't be bothered to listen to a single word.

There was no reply from the other end of the phone for several minutes.

Yu Mingwu, feeling uneasy, called out, "Sister-in-law?"

The next second, a message popped up.

Qiao Shu: [Your swearing is really vulgar, Xiao Mingwu.]

Yu Mingwu: "..."

She held the phone in both hands and let out a soft sob; she didn't mean to curse.

On the way back, Qiao Shu was listless.

Before her career could make any significant progress, she suffered her biggest setback, and Yu Zeheng's face became repulsive.

Yu Mingwu's statement, "It looks like we're just talking," is even more insulting.

Even if Qiao Shu jumped off the car, she would never date Yu Zeheng.

For several days in a row, Qiao Shu had things to do: internal meetings to see if there was room for profit squeeze, and active negotiations with Bocheng.

She's not the type to throw herself headlong into work; working too hard would contradict the persona she's cultivated. She leaves work on time and enjoys eating, drinking, and having fun with friends.

Dragging it out isn't necessarily a bad thing.

In her spare time, Qiao Shu also had to fulfill her contract and cooperate with Yu Zeheng by attending events as his wife to dispel rumors of discord.

Qiao Shu chose a black dress for herself. The fabric clung to her body curves. From the front, it looked simple and elegant, with only a gold snake belt around her waist. The highlight of the design was the back, which was completely open an inch from her hips up, revealing her entire back.

She had her long hair tied up in a neat bun at the back of her head, with a gold hairpin inserted diagonally.

Her bare back was snow-white, with delicate butterfly bones and two deep dimples on her waist. With each step she took, swaying in her high heels, her radiant charm was captivating.

It's not only beautiful, but it also attracts countless stares.

As a result, Yu Zeheng took her away early.

Qiao Shu said with lingering enthusiasm, "I haven't even greeted my parents yet. As a junior, it's impolite of me to do that."

Yu Zeheng took her coat and wrapped it around her from head to toe, saying expressionlessly, "You should think more about yourself. If you continue like this, you might develop rheumatism at a young age."

Qiao Shu rolled her eyes: "...It's very warm inside."

"Because you're so trendy."

"..."

A really lame joke.

Qiao Shu crossed her arms, glanced at him in the dim light inside the car, and brushed her raised foot against his trouser leg. She then clung to him like a siren: "Or do you think it doesn't look good?"

The hem of her skirt slid past her feet, revealing a small section of her slender white ankles.

Qiao Shu kept her eyes on him, her toes sliding up her trouser leg.

Yu Zeheng looked at her: "Or do you want to stay in the car?"

The van's partition had already been raised, so even if Uncle Qin heard it, he might not have understood the implied meaning. Her pupils suddenly contracted, and she glared at him hatefully again.

Shut up.

She opened her mouth, silently warning him with the shape of her lips.

Qiao Shu withdrew her foot, showing no further intention of provoking him.

Sitting in the car, Qiao Shu closed her eyes and concentrated. After arriving home, she took off her coat and high heels. Her skirt reached the ground, and Xiao Xi ran over and played on her skirt.

"You little rascal, did you miss your mom?" Qiao Shu didn't hug it; she had metal jewelry on her body that might hurt it.

She squatted down and gave it a snack, which Xiao Xi chewed with its head down.

Aunt Chu said that Xiao Xi was being picky about food today. She didn't finish her dog food, but she would whine and ask for snacks. The two of them chatted about Xiao Xi's appetite.

Yu Zeheng changed his clothes, and Qiao Shu went upstairs.

She hadn't even had time to take off her dress yet. As she removed her jewelry at the dressing table, her shoulder blades trembled with her movements.

Qiao Shu met Yu Zeheng's gaze in the mirror and watched him approach, his handsome features magnified in the mirror.

The two figures overlapped.

"You're very beautiful." Yu Zeheng praised her sincerely, his long eyelashes lowered as he smelled her scent, his breathing heavy. "Do you need me tonight?"

As a bed partner, he hasn't fulfilled his duties for several days.

Qiao Shu turned around, and before she could speak, she was lifted onto the dressing table. She was barefoot, her toes touching his knees, and said with a hint of arrogance, "I don't really want to."

Yu Zeheng has long, slender fingers; he can hold her lower back with one hand.

Their figures were clearly reflected in the mirror. The veins on the back of his hand revealed his suppressed brutality, and every inch of skin under his fingers, along with the faintly visible bone shape, was like a work of art.

Qiao Shu tilted her head back and kissed his lips, a gesture that seemed to be a reward: "Be a good boy."

"..."

Yu Zeheng's Adam's apple bobbed heavily with each kiss. His eyes darkened, and he lowered his head, prying open her lips and teeth, as if he wanted to devour her whole.

The arms binding her waist tightened more and more, making it difficult for her to breathe.

The dress she wore had an open back, which made it easier for him to wear it perfectly without any obstruction.

The nipple covers were ripped off and carelessly tossed onto the table.

Qiao Shu's heart was pounding. She was the one who ignited this fire, but how it would burn was completely out of her control. She lowered her head and pressed it against his chest, feeling both sad and distressed, as if she were holding two hearts in her arms, being repeatedly and forcefully kneaded by a domineering man.

She bit her lip, tilted her head back, and hooked her arm around his neck.

Yu Zeheng had reached his limit, veins bulging on his temples. Qiao Shu's fingers touched the edge of his pants, a sly and wicked glint in her open eyes.

She hooked her arms around his neck and pulled him down, her lips brushing against his earlobe. Her voice was light and cheerful, and she even blew a pleasant breath: "I forgot to tell you, I'm on my period, so I don't need you tonight."

"…………"

Qiao Shu mischievously pressed the button and, as she pleased, heard his muffled groan. She felt an overwhelming sense of pleasure: "Sorry, I'm going to take a shower now."

She hadn't even caught her own breath, but she was enjoying Yu Zeheng's expression. She reached out and patted his face, which was stiff from excessive restraint, twice very lightly.

Yu Zeheng stared at Qiao Shu, unable to do anything about her.

He knew she had been doing this on purpose from today onwards, from the dress to the initiative to kiss him. He resignedly lowered his head, hugged her from head to toe, and buried his forehead in her shoulder to calm himself down.

It was no use; his breath was filled with her scent, and he couldn't calm down at all.

"Go wash up," the voice squeezed out from between his teeth.

Qiao Shu suppressed a laugh, grabbed his arm and jumped down. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of something, and her ears burned. She pursed her lips and went into the bathroom without any psychological burden.

Today is the first day of my period.

Qiao Shu took a shower faster than usual, and changed her pajamas from her usual nightgown to long sleeves and pants. Her lower abdomen felt swollen and sore, but she could still bear it.

When she saw Yu Zeheng on the bed, she subconsciously said, "So fast?"

Yu Zeheng turned his head away, his eyes still dark.

Qiao Shucai realized that the sentence was ambiguous, but she didn't intend to explain. She lifted the blanket and skillfully snuggled into his arms.

She always felt cold during her period, especially her feet, so she restlessly stepped on his calves, using his body heat to warm herself.

After a short while, Yu Zeheng lifted his leg and pressed her leg down directly: "Qiao Shu, behave yourself."

She frowned, pressed herself against his chest with dissatisfaction, and slipped her hands under his arms to hug his waist: "It's so cold."

Her feet were restless too, stepping on his feet, which were icy cold.

Qiao Shu had no ulterior motives; she was just having fun. But when she sensed something that couldn't be ignored, she paused, then asked, "Don't you have any?"

Didn't you take care of it yourself while showering?

Yu Zeheng's voice was muffled: "Do you think that's enough time?"

"..." Qiao Shu felt that he was showing off, but it was indeed the truth.

She was unrestrained at the dressing table because she knew he couldn't do anything to her, but in bed, the risk level increased dramatically, and there were other ways to avoid it.

Qiao Shu immediately became obedient, let go of his hand, moved to the other side of the bed, and turned to the side after creating some distance between them: "Let's go to sleep."

Now it has become very boundary-oriented again.

As Qiao Shu moved to the side of the bed, an arm came across and placed its palm on her lower abdomen. She reflexively grabbed his hand: "What do you want to do?"

"Isn't it your period? Aren't you uncomfortable? Will rubbing it like this make you feel better?"

Yu Zeheng's palms were warm as he gently massaged his lower abdomen, relieving the soreness.

Qiao Shu's voice was very low: "...It will be a little better." It was like the story of the farmer and the snake, with her playing the role of someone who didn't know what was good for them.

"good."

Yu Zeheng easily pulled her over and placed her against his back, making it easier for him to exert force with his arms.

Gradually, Qiao Shu became uncomfortable. "Alright, alright, you don't need to rub anymore."

She blushed and moved away.

She had barely moved an inch when she was pulled back, pressed tightly against him, and a low, husky voice came from behind her: "Qiao Shu, what are you doing moving around like that? Can't you behave yourself?"

Qiao Shu also felt innocent: "But you're making me feel very uncomfortable."

It's impossible to ignore; the mattress she sleeps on is extremely particular, with just the right firmness, and she can't stand any hardship.

In addition, the hormonal imbalance during her menstrual period made it difficult for Qiao Shu not to have wild thoughts.

Yu Zeheng's hand rubbed her lower abdomen, his tone helpless yet cold and hard, leaving no room for negotiation: "What right do you have to complain after you've offended me?"

-----------------------

Author's note: Now it's all over, both of them are suffering.

50 red envelopes, kiss kiss!

——

I've been a bit busy lately, but I'm trying my best to get back to daily updates. Please wait for me, sob sob.