In the end, Qiao Zhen couldn't even cry anymore, and could only manage a bitter laugh.

Seeing her like this, Gu Xijue felt even more heartbroken.

It's all Lu Zheng's fault!

After comforting Qiao Zhen that night, Gu Xijue's gaze turned icy as he looked at her sleeping profile.

"Send a few people to infiltrate Lu's Company and investigate who is responsible for what happened to Director Qiao recently. If possible, try to help her out of this predicament."

In the room where Qiao Zhen couldn't hear, Gu Xijue solemnly gave instructions over the phone.

After hanging up the phone, Gu Xijue returned to the house. Qiao Zhen was still fast asleep, with tear stains still on her face.

He wanted to wipe her face, but he was afraid of waking Qiao Zhen, so he stayed by her bedside all night.

When Qiao Zhen woke up, she saw Gu Xijue with dark circles under his eyes, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart: "Why didn't you go to sleep?"

"I'm afraid you might need something else." Gu Xijue was so sleepy that his eyes were almost closed, but he still kept caring about Qiao Zhen.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhen's nose tingled, and she almost burst into tears: "Thank you."

Gu Xijue shook his head, not thinking anything of it. After delivering Qiao Zhen to the company, he received a message from the person investigating.

"It was actually that woman who did it." Gu Xijue was somewhat surprised. He had originally thought that Lu Zheng was also involved in this matter, but it seemed that he was indeed unaware of it.

"Continue your investigation and gather evidence. Report any new developments to me immediately."

At the same time, Qiao Zhen had just arrived at the company when she heard that Tang Yue had asked for leave.

She gave a knowing sneer. He had already taken on all the tasks. What else could Tang Yue do but take time off to play?

However, she did underestimate the strength of the women surrounding Lu Zheng.

Not long after I started working, there was a commotion outside the door, and then a girl in high heels rushed in.

"Brother Lu Zheng, my dad said that it would be too hasty to decide our relationship like this. He wants me to practice more at your company. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng nodded without even looking up: "Okay, whatever you say."

Just then, Qiao Zhen pushed open the door and entered, ready to report on her work, only to be met with this scene.

He felt a little embarrassed.

Did I miss the perfect time for this wonderful match?

Upon seeing Qiao Zhen's arrival, Song Shiyi's face immediately darkened. She then gave Qiao Zhen a fierce look, seemingly hoping that he wouldn't steal her thunder.

Qiao Zhen shrank back; he had no interest in the matter between the two of them.

"What do you think?" Lu Zheng suddenly asked.

Song Shiyi thought the question was directed at her, and opened her mouth for a long time, wanting to answer, but she didn't know what the question was.

"Qiao Zhen, do you think Miss Song is capable of handling the project for Aus Corporation?"

Hearing this, Qiao Zhen was taken aback.

Os Corporation's project?

Wasn't this something he just finalized a few days ago? If there are no unforeseen circumstances, the contract should be finalized within the next few days.

But if he gives it to Song Shiyi now, it means all his previous efforts have been in vain.

Moreover, this project requires collaboration and people to go abroad for research, but because Qiao Zhen has extensive experience in overseas research, this can be waived.

As for Song Shiyi, it wasn't that Qiao Zhen looked down on him, but rather that there were very few people in the entire industry who could do what Qiao Zhen did without having to go abroad for research.

From both a moral and logical standpoint, Qiao Zhen should not agree.

"I don't think it will work."

Qiao Zhen tentatively spoke up, receiving a hateful look from Song Shiyi and an unexpected glance from Lu Zheng.

She pursed her lips, pretending to be nonchalant.

If Song Shiyi were to take over the project from Aus Corporation, then it would truly be over.

Even Lu Zheng didn't notice the smile on his face. He parted his thin lips slightly and said, "Qiao Zhen makes sense. You can stay at the company and look at other projects."

"Oh." Song Shiyi's voice was tinged with a hint of resentment. He hadn't expected that just one sentence from Qiao Zhen would make Brother Lu actually listen to him.

As expected, a scoundrel is a scoundrel.

Thinking of this, Song Shiyi's face scrunched up like a steamed bun, looking quite comical.

"Then... Brother Lu, come have dinner with me." Song Shiyi's face was a little pale, but she had no choice but to coax Lu Zheng.

"I have official business to attend to. If you're hungry, have the driver take you out for dinner."

Lu Zheng, however, acted as if nothing had happened and ordered Song Shiyi to leave.

Song Shiyi's face turned even uglier, her complexion so dark it could drip water. She didn't dare to lash out at Lu Zheng, and could only glare fiercely at Qiao Zhen with her dark eyes.

Qiao Zhen felt uneasy under her gaze and shifted her eyes elsewhere, but inwardly she was having second thoughts.

Should I make an excuse to leave?

"There's a party in a few days. If you have time, you can go. Consider it exercise."

Upon hearing this, Song Shiyi immediately beamed with joy, completely forgetting Lu Zheng's coldness towards her earlier. She turned to Qiao Zhen with a smug smile and then left with the air of a victor.

Even if Qiao Zhen was slow to realize it, he could see that Song Shiyi saw him as a rival in love.

However, she had already witnessed this before, and she had no interest in the scheming between the two of them. She opened her mouth and prepared to leave.

Unexpectedly, the next second, Lu Zheng sent his assistant away, leaving only him and Qiao Zhen in the room.

"I'm leaving too..." Qiao Zhen said, forcing herself to speak, and turned to leave, when a threatening voice came from behind her: "Did I say you could leave?"

Upon hearing this, she had no choice but to stop and, after composing herself, turn around with a calm expression.

"Is there anything else, Mr. Lu?"

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