Chapter 227 Slapping
Shang Wu stood at the door of the reception room, her brows furrowing slowly.
Even though a long time had passed, she still recognized her.
It is Qi Yan.
Back then, Zhou Yanci's company and Qi Yan's group clashed fiercely over a major project, engaging in a fierce business battle.
In order to win, Zhou Yanci used her design talent and fame to design a series of comparative advertisements targeting the brands under the Qiyan Group.
Although it was within the bounds of the law, the methods were quite ruthless, causing Qi Yan considerable public relations trouble and damage to his image.
That business battle ultimately ended in Qi Yan's crushing defeat, for which he paid a considerable price.
Shang Wu never expected that after so many years, she would meet this business tycoon she had indirectly crossed paths with again in this way! Moreover...
The other party still appeared at her personal studio as a major client.
She instinctively wanted to back away, to find an excuse to cancel the order.
But reason quickly pulled her back.
Why hide? Back then, she was just a pawn being used, and in business competition, everyone is on their own side. She didn't do anything that violated professional ethics or the law.
Moreover, with the passage of time, even if a busy man like Qi Yan remembers Cheng Zhou, he wouldn't remember her, someone he only met once.
Shang Wu took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in her heart, put on a smile again, and calmly walked in.
"Mr. Qi, hello, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I'm the designer Freya."
She extended her hand, her tone calm and natural.
Qi Yan slowly turned around, his gaze sharper and calmer than before, as if he could see into people's hearts.
His gaze fell on Shang Wu, with a hint of scrutiny.
But that was all; nothing unusual was observed.
He reached out and gently shook her hand, the pressure just right, before letting go.
"I have long admired you. I apologize for the intrusion and hope I have not disturbed your creative process."
"Mr. Qi, you're too kind. The customer is always right." Shang Wu smiled and invited him to sit down, then took her seat on the sofa opposite him.
She took out her tablet to take notes, "I wonder what kind of jewelry Mr. Qi would like to design? Is it a gift or for personal use? Do you have a rough budget and style preference?"
Qi Yan leaned back on the sofa, his posture elegant and relaxed, as if he were truly there to discuss business.
He briefly explained his needs.
A brooch, to be given to an elder female who has shown him kindness and support. The style should be grand and elegant, with understated luxury. There is no budget limit.
Shang Wu listened attentively, occasionally asking some professional questions.
Qi Yan behaved exactly like a normal, demanding client.
Shang Wu's tense nerves gradually relaxed, and the unease in her heart slowly dissipated.
It seems I was overthinking things; he doesn't remember those old stories at all.
She fully immersed herself in the exchange and began to conceive several preliminary design directions.
Just as Shang Wu was getting into the swing of things and secretly breathed a sigh of relief, Qi Yan suddenly picked up the teacup on the table and took a small sip.
He spoke as if it were unintentional, his tone as casual as if he were talking about the weather.
"To be honest, this isn't the first time we've dealt with each other."
Shang Wu's fingers, which were gripping the stylus, suddenly stiffened.
Does he remember?
She looked up, revealing a perfect smile tinged with slight confusion.
"Oh? What makes you say that, Mr. Qi? Have we met before?"
Qi Yan put down his teacup, his gaze landing on her face with a half-smile.
"It seems Miss Shang has a bad memory. Many years ago, at the Mingyue Bay project, you and Mr. Zhou left a very deep impression on me, especially the advertisements you designed. They were so clever and effective."
His tone remained calm, even tinged with a hint of appreciation.
Shang Wu's breathing became slightly labored.
He remembers.
He not only remembered, but remembered it very clearly, even pointing out the project name and what she did.
Shang Wu put down the tablet, sat up straight, and spoke with sincere apology.
"So that's what Mr. Qi was referring to. I'm very sorry. I was young and impetuous back then, and was taken advantage of, which led me to do some inappropriate things. If this has caused you any trouble, I am deeply sorry. But that's all in the past, and business competition is inherently..."
"Everyone is acting on their own, and it's all about the winner taking all the credit. I understand."
Qi Yan interrupted her, picked up where she left off, and smiled, “That’s why I’m sitting here today. I’m not here to interrogate you. On the contrary, I admire your talent and courage back then.”
He changed the subject, his eyes becoming somewhat playful.
"However, we were rivals back then, and now we're clients. What a strange twist of fate. I'm repaying evil with kindness by coming here specifically to patronize your business, shouldn't Miss Shang show some appreciation? Perhaps, perhaps, give me a special thank you?"
Shang Wu: "..."
She was completely speechless.
What does this person mean? Is it a slap followed by a sweet treat? Or is he deliberately teasing her?
She took a deep breath and maintained a polite smile: "Mr. Qi is right. I should thank you for your generosity and appreciation, both emotionally and logically. If you don't mind the unpleasantness of the past, our studio will do its best to design a satisfactory piece for you."
"Of course, if you still have reservations, we completely understand, this order..."
"The orders will proceed as usual." Qi Yan made a decisive decision, leaning forward slightly. "Thanks can't just be words. How about this, it's almost dinner time, why don't you do me the honor of having a simple meal together? It would be a good start for our cooperation, wouldn't it?"
Shang Wu was extremely unwilling.
But since the other party has already said so much, if she refuses, wouldn't she seem petty and immature?
It could also directly offend a major client.
Shang Wu had no choice but to agree: "It is my honor to be invited by Mr. Qi. Shall I make a reservation at a restaurant?"
"No need, I'll choose the location."
Qi Yan stood up and gracefully straightened his suit jacket. "My car is downstairs."
Shang Wu had no choice but to bite the bullet, say a few words to A Ying, and then follow Qi Yan out of the studio.
Qi Yanxuan's restaurant had a luxurious environment and attentive service, but the atmosphere made Shang Wu feel extremely uncomfortable.
She maintained a polite smile throughout, sincerely apologized again for what happened back then, and took the initiative to offer a toast as an apology.
Qi Yan was quite magnanimous, accepting her apology and returning the favor.
But for some reason, Shang Wu always felt that he had something unfathomable in his heart.
She just wanted the meal to end quickly.
In a secluded corner of the restaurant, Cheng Keke secretly took photos with her phone, her fingers trembling with excitement.
She came to this newly opened top-notch restaurant with a few girlfriends today, but she never expected to witness such a wonderful scene!
Shang Wu was having dinner with a handsome and mature man who looked wealthy and powerful.
The two chatted happily and frequently raised their glasses.
Cheng Keke immediately took several photos from tricky angles.
"Shang Wu! How dare you cheat on Lu Rang with other men! I'll expose you!"
With malicious thoughts running through her mind, Cheng Keke didn't care about having dinner with her girlfriends anymore. She immediately paid the bill and left, heading straight for Lu Rang's law firm!
She was going to throw this irrefutable evidence in Lu Rang's face! Let him see what kind of woman he liked!
She rushed into the law firm, and the receptionist tried to stop her, but Cheng Keke ignored her completely and barged into Lu Rang's office!
“Lu Rang, look! Look what Shang Wu is doing behind your back!” Cheng Keke shoved the photos on her phone right in front of Lu Rang.
She embellished the story, describing it excitedly: "I told you she was no good! You just rejected her, and she went on a date with another man! Look how happy they are! That man looks really rich; she's definitely after his money! She's cheating on you!"
Lu Rang was processing documents when Cheng Keke's sudden outburst of vulgar language caused him to frown.
He glanced at the photos on his phone.
The man in the photo has a striking profile and an impressive presence.
It was a stranger.
Shang Wu was offering a toast, and he looked somewhat reserved.
His face instantly darkened, but not because he believed Cheng Keke's nonsense.
It was not because of her actions and words.
"Miss Cheng," Lu Rang's voice was as cold as ice as he pushed her phone away, "You broke into my office without permission, secretly photographed and slandered my fiancée. Do you think I'm too easy to talk to, or do you think the Cheng family will protect you forever?"
Cheng Ke shuddered at the coldness in his eyes, but still forced herself to remain calm: "I... I didn't slander her! The photos are right here! She is..."
"Get out." Lu Rang interrupted her rudely, pointing to the door. "Immediately."
Cheng Keke felt both angry and aggrieved looking at Lu Rang's completely disbelieving and utterly disgusted expression.
She was met with a rebuff, and could only stomp her feet and run away in a sorry state once again.
Just as Cheng Keke rushed out of the law firm building, she bumped right into Cheng Zhou, who was rushing over to arrest her!
After finishing his work at the company, Cheng Zhou immediately wanted to confront Cheng Keke. He called her but she didn't answer. He asked her friend and found out that she might be here.
"Cheng Keke!"
Cheng Zhou grabbed her arm, his face ashen. "What nonsense are you spouting now? Did you go to see Lu Rangrang again? You're just ignoring everything I say!"
Cheng Keke was furious. When she saw that her brother not only didn't help her but also scolded her, all her grievances and anger burst out.
She forcefully shook off Cheng Zhou's hand and shrieked, "I'm being ridiculous? Brother, wake up! Your precious Lu You's sister-in-law, that Shang Wu, is no good at all. She was just having a date with a man at a fancy restaurant! They were all lovey-dovey! I caught them on camera!"
"Shut up!"
Cheng Zhou was so angry when he heard her still slandering Shang Wu that the veins on his forehead throbbed. "You're simply unreasonable! I think you need to be taught a lesson!"
In a fit of rage, he raised his hand and slapped Cheng Keke hard across the face!
The crisp sound of a slap was particularly clear on the street at night.
Cheng Keke was knocked to the side, and a clear red mark of five fingers instantly appeared on her face.
She covered her face, staring at Cheng Zhou in disbelief, tears welling up instantly, and screamed.
"You hit me?! You hit me for that woman?! Cheng Zhou! I hate you!"
After saying that, she pushed Cheng Zhou away while crying, hailed a taxi, and ran away as fast as she could.
Cheng Zhou stood there, looking at his numb hands and then at the direction where his sister had disappeared. His chest heaved violently, his heart filled with disappointment and a trace of regret.
Lu Rang and the others were truly in a mess because of his unruly sister!
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