Qiao Zhen quietly watched Gu Xijue working diligently on the documents.

It's said that men are most handsome when they're focused on their work, and Gu Xijue is no exception. However, looking at Gu Xilu, Qiao Zhen's mind flashed with the image of Lu Zheng.

Aside from bullying her on a daily basis, Lu Zheng is undoubtedly an excellent leader.

The Lu Group, under his leadership, is now many times larger than before.

"Qiao Zhen?"

Gu Xijue had finished processing the documents. Seeing Qiao Zhen sitting on the sofa lost in thought, he couldn't help but walk over and wave his hand in front of her.

"Um?"

Qiao Zhen then came to her senses.

It seemed that, without her realizing it, Lu Zheng had already taken up residence in her heart and mind. No matter what she did or what she saw, she would always subconsciously think of Lu Zheng.

"Qiao Zhen, didn't you say you were here today representing Morning Star to discuss cooperation with me? Now that I'm done with my work, you can tell me your thoughts."

Gu Xijue sat on the sofa not far from Qiao Zhen, a faint smile always on his lips.

"Mr. Gu, this is your coffee, and this is Ms. Qiao's juice."

Lin carried two drinks and pushed open the door to come in.

Qiao Zhen held the strawberry juice in front of her, unsure of how to feel.

"Go out."

Lin smiled and nodded, then turned and left the office.

“I remember you didn’t like coffee, you loved strawberry juice the most.”

Gu Xijue mentioned it casually, but Qiao Zhen's heart was filled with turbulent waves.

"President Gu, Xingchen belongs to the Lu Group and has a wide range of businesses, covering almost all industries on the market."

Qiao Zhen had not forgotten the purpose of her trip today.

He took a sip of juice and continued, "Starry Sky is backed by the Lu Group. Compared to other companies on the market, it is the best in terms of both qualifications and experience."

"I believe this can be verified once President Gu investigates. President Gu has just returned to China and is not familiar with the domestic environment. At this time, it is precisely the time that an established company like the Lu Group is needed to provide guidance."

When Qiao Zhen said these words, her little face was full of seriousness and pride.

Gu Xijue watched her quietly, looking at her face that had lost its childishness and become even more radiant and beautiful, and watching her introduce the advantages of Xingchen with great enthusiasm.

Through her, Gu Xijue seemed to see the bright and flamboyant girl from his high school days.

"So you're saying that if I don't accept the cooperation with the Lu Group, Sir won't be able to live smoothly in Jiangcheng?"

A playful smile played on Gu Xijue's lips as his dark eyes stared intently at Qiao Zhen, awaiting her answer.

Qiao Zhen was taken aback by Gu Xijue's words and quickly explained, "No, that's not what I meant. Gu Xijue, I know you're very capable. But the situation in China is quite different from that abroad. What I meant was that if you choose to cooperate with the Lu Group, your development will be more stable and faster."

Seeing Qiao Zhen's eager explanation, Gu Xijue felt as if he had found a way to release the emotions that had been suppressed in Xu Zhinian's heart.

“I understand what you mean. Actually, I had already considered these things when I decided to move the company headquarters back to Jiangcheng from overseas.”

Gu Xijue picked up his coffee and took a small sip.

"As you said, choosing the Lu Group is the best solution for you right now. But unfortunately, I'm not the kind of person who backs down when things get tough. I'm sure you know that."

Gu Xijue's tone was so familiar that Qiao Zhen even wondered if her relationship with Gu Xijue back then was not one-sided, but rather a mutual one.

"In that case, I apologize for disturbing you."

Qiao Zhen sensed the rejection in Gu Xijue's words and simply stood up to take her leave.

"Are you in such a hurry to leave?"

Gu Xijue, however, spoke up to persuade Qiao Zhen to stay.

"At the last gathering, you left halfway through, and I didn't even have a chance to catch up with you properly. Qiao Zhen, I heard from them that you've had a tough time these past few years, is that true?"

What's it like to be cared for by someone you had a crush on back then? Qiao Zhen is experiencing it right now.

"How could that be?" Qiao Zhen laughed it off. "Actually, it's alright. I really like my job now, Luo Sheng got into university, and our whole family is safe and sound. I'm very content with that."

Is that really the case?

Gu Xijue spoke calmly, his dark eyes seeming to see right through people's hearts.

Qiao Zhen's eyes flickered, and she subconsciously avoided meeting Gu Xijue's gaze.

"Qiao Zhen, actually I..."

Just as Gu Xijue was about to speak, Qiao Zhen's attention was completely drawn to the ringing of her phone.

On the phone screen, the two characters "Lu Zheng" pierced Qiao Zhen's eyes with a blatant glare.

"Excuse me, I need to take this call."

Qiao Zhen hurriedly said something to Gu Xijue, then grabbed her phone and ran out of the office.

Gu Xijue watched Qiao Zhen's retreating figure, a determined glint in his dark eyes.

"Hello?"

Qiao Zhen ran all the way to the stairwell before pressing the answer button.

On the other end, Lu Zheng's voice carried a hint of mockery.

"Why did it take you so long to answer my call, Qiao Zhen? You're not cheating on me, are you?"

Qiao Zhen realized that Lu Zheng always had a way of infuriating people with just one sentence.

"I'm at work, don't talk nonsense!"

Lu Zheng then stopped joking.

"There's a business banquet tonight, you'll come with me."

When Lu Zheng said this, he wasn't asking for Qiao Zhen's opinion; he was issuing a direct order.

Qiao Zhen pursed her lips, wanting to refuse, but she knew that Lu Zheng would not listen to her opinion at all.

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