1 Why, I don't recognize you
"Lawyer Wang, I wish us a happy cooperation!" The man in a suit shook hands with Liu Yuwei's boss, and then said to her standing behind him, "Lawyer Liu, see you next time! "Don't worry, President Zhang, Yuwei will handle all your company's future needs, and I will be personally responsible for following up on key matters. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me." Liu Yuwei listened to her boss's sincere words. It was inevitable that the usually aloof lawyer would show a hint of flattery after winning this important client. Following Lawyer Wang into the business car waiting at the door of the building, Liu Yuwei saw that the other party leaned back in the chair with his eyes closed, massaging his solar plexus with his thumb and middle finger. It seemed that this was not the best time to "open up" to the leader, but if she didn't mention it, the other party would definitely pretend to know nothing. Before she could speak, Lawyer Wang opened his eyes and looked at her and said, "Yuwei, you did a good job today. You won this client, and you will follow it from now on." "Thank you for your affirmation, Lawyer Wang. Since I came to Tiancheng, I have been under your cultivation. It is no exaggeration to say that you are my enlightenment mentor on the road of legal practice...." After years of working in the workplace, I have seen all kinds of people. The middle-aged man immediately understood what she meant when she saw that she was usually not talkative and suddenly did this. "You should transfer to the public welfare affairs group. When I have time, we can have a good chat!" "Okay. Liu Yuwei's face remained calm as he turned to look out the window and rolled his eyes. "Just chat, just chat," he always said to himself. Back at his desk, his colleagues, upon learning Liu Yuwei had landed a major contract, clamored for a dinner party. Rumor had it that the bidding competition was split between several leading law firms, and Liu Yuwei, hand-picked by partner Wang, had indeed made a splash. There was an unwritten rule in Tiancheng Law Firm's corporate commercial department: with Wang in charge and Liu Yuwei in the fold, no client could say no. Gossip aside, everyone knew that being a non-litigation lawyer required mastery of legal knowledge, writing, communication, negotiation, and business acumen, much like a great crosstalk performer's mastery of the art of talking, learning, entertaining, and singing. Add to that his looks and experience, and Liu Yuwei was a true "hexagonal warrior." [After get off work, I'll pick up Xiaolu from kindergarten, then meet you at the restaurant.] Liu Yuwei sent a WeChat message, then put her phone down. She pulled Xiao Meng, a colleague who was chattering about what to eat for dinner that evening. The girl was excitedly gesturing when she was suddenly interrupted. She glanced back, only to see the usually beautiful and cool face of the woman next to her, now adorned with a gentle smile. Her annoyance at being interrupted instantly vanished, and Xiao Meng smiled, "Sister Yuwei, what's wrong?"
"Lawyer Wang, I wish you a pleasant cooperation!" The man in a suit shook hands with Liu Yuwei's boss and said to her standing behind him, "Lawyer Liu, see you next time!
"Don't worry, Mr. Zhang. Yu Wei will handle all of your company's future needs. I will be personally responsible for following up on key matters. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions."
Liu Yuwei listened to his boss's earnest words. Winning this important client made the usually aloof lawyer couldn't help but reveal a bit of flattery.
Following Wang Lu into the business car waiting at the building entrance, Liu Yuwei saw that the other party was leaning back in the chair with his eyes closed, massaging his solar plexus with his thumb and middle finger.
It seems that now is not the best time to have a heart-to-heart talk with the leader, but if I don’t mention it, the other party will definitely pretend to know nothing.
Before she could say anything, Wang Lu opened his eyes, looked at her, and said, "Yu Wei, you did a good job today. You got this client, and you'll be the one following him from now on."
"Thank you for your affirmation, Mr. Wang. Since I came to Tiancheng, I have been under your guidance. It is no exaggeration to say that you are my mentor in the path of legal practice..."
Having been in the workplace for many years, he's seen all sorts of people. The middle-aged man, who usually doesn't talk much, suddenly acted like this, and he immediately understood what she meant. "You should switch to the public welfare affairs team. When I have time, we can talk about it later!"
"Okay." Liu Yuwei's face was calm. He turned his head to look out the window and rolled his eyes. "Chat, chat, chat," he always said to himself.
….
When he returned to his workstation, his colleagues learned that Liu Yuwei had signed a big deal and they clamored to have a meal together.
It is said that the bidders this time were all from several top red-circle law firms, and Liu Yuwei was handpicked by partner Wang Luqin to take the field, and as expected, her performance was a stunning success.
There is an unwritten saying in Tiancheng Law Firm's corporate commercial department: with Lawyer Wang in charge and Liu Yuwei on the scene, no Party A can say no.
Gossip aside, everyone knows that being a non-litigation lawyer requires mastery of legal knowledge, document writing, communication and negotiation, and business acumen, much like a good crosstalk artist's mastery of the art of speaking, learning, entertaining, and singing. Add to that her looks and experience, and Liu Yuwei is a true "hexagonal warrior."
[After work, I'll pick up Xiaolu from the kindergarten, and then meet you at the restaurant.]
Liu Yuwei sent a WeChat message, put down her phone, and pulled her colleague Xiao Meng, who was chattering about what to eat for dinner in the evening.
The girl was gesturing excitedly when she was suddenly interrupted. She turned her head back and saw the usually beautiful and cold face of the woman next to her with a gentle smile.
The displeasure of being interrupted instantly disappeared, and Xiao Meng smiled, "Sister Yu Wei, what's wrong?"
Liu Yuwei apologized, "Something happened to me tonight, so I can't have dinner with you. I'll treat you all to dinner another day."
Everyone had their own plans for Friday night, and they were all laughing and joking, saying they'd treat her to a nice dinner later. She happily agreed, picked up her mug, and found that it still contained half a cup of coffee that had long since gone cold. She stood up and walked slowly towards the tea room.
Sister Wang from the investment and mergers and acquisitions team next door came over after hearing the excitement. She asked mysteriously, "I heard that a media company recently took the initiative to contact Lawyer Wang. Did you accept the offer?"
I don't know what secret connections Sister Wang has. From the ex-boyfriend of a big client's daughter to the family background of her partner's mother-in-law, she knows everything about gossip.
"Sister Wang, why are you paying attention to our group's case? Tell me what gossip you have." Xiao Meng took the initiative to move forward.
"I heard that although the boss of this or that media company is surnamed Shen, the real investor is the big star Jin Lang."
"Really? If it's a shareholder, actual controller, or beneficial owner, we can find out with a simple search on iQiyicha. We're experts at background checks on companies!"
"Is what you can find online still gossip? If you don't believe me, wait until Lawyer Wang signs this client and you go check it out for yourself!"
"If this is true, I can work with my idol! It feels like a dream!"
Liu Yuwei came back with a half-full cup of warm water. Seeing his colleague's intoxicated face, he smiled and asked, "What good news makes you so happy?"
"Sister Wang said that the boss behind one of our clients is a big star."
She squeezed some hand cream on the back of her hand, a faint scent of cherry blossoms wafting through the air, and casually asked, "Who is it?"
Xiao Meng lit up the screen of his phone and held it up to Liu Yuwei like a treasure. "My idol, Jin Lang."
Liu Yuwei turned her head and the man on the lock screen came into view. He was wearing a black casual shirt with two buttons on the collar undone, revealing his sexy Adam's apple and faintly visible collarbone. One hand casually hooked a windbreaker of the same color and hung it on his shoulder.
The man had a handsome face and deep features, giving off a somewhat scumbag vibe.
"How about it, isn't he super handsome! It's okay if I can't sleep with my idol in this life, but if I can't sleep with him, it would be nice to go to get off work together!"
Liu Yuwei's heart skipped a beat when she saw him unexpectedly. The relaxed expression on her face froze instantly, and her brows furrowed unconsciously.
They say a good ex-boyfriend should be like a dead person, completely vanished and never seen again. But there's nothing she can do about it, her ex is just like air, omnipresent.
Seeing her strange expression and sudden silence, Xiao Meng asked, "Sister Yu Wei, don't you like Jin Lang?"
"Let me tell you, I just finished watching his famous spy drama, The Defector. He's got both the looks and the acting."
"He has a pure love movie coming out soon, I plan to go see it this weekend!" The girl beamed.
"Xiao Meng, I still have some things to do here. Lawyer Wang is waiting for my materials. Today is Friday, so if you have nothing to do, just leave early!"
Liu Yuwei stared at the flashing input symbols on the computer screen and didn't type a single word for a long time.
The past has long been sealed deep in my heart, but the thin roots of the withered rose still linger stubbornly through the years even though they have rotted.
People in the office left one after another, and the original hustle and bustle gradually fell into a quiet silence. Liu Yuwei seemed to be able to hear his own chaotic heartbeat.
With a snap, she closed the computer in a huff, picked up her coat and walked out the door.
...
In the afternoon, Ren Yiming, a close friend from her time abroad, sent Liu Yuwei a WeChat message saying he had found a bottle of fine wine and invited her to taste it that evening. After picking up her child on the way home from work, Liu Yuwei arrived at the restaurant on time.
"Ma'am, do you have a reservation? If not, you may have to wait a long time." As soon as I lifted the windshield curtain of the restaurant, a waiter came to greet me enthusiastically.
"Well, my friend is here. He's in Puzhehei."
"Okay, then follow me. This way, please."
They were led through the large number of diners waiting at the door, and Liu Yuwei decided to thank her rich second-generation "big brother" later.
"Little boy, slow down and be careful." The girl leading the way suddenly stopped and gave a soft reminder.
The door to the left front of the corridor suddenly opened, and a waiter came out of the private room with a food delivery cart. Liu Yuwei looked up at the small sign above the door frame that read "Dali" inscribed in vigorous and powerful characters.
Her eyes accidentally glanced at the half-open wooden door, and she was stunned for a moment as if she was cast under a spell.
It's been eight years, how come I met him again? No, it was them.
Liu Yuwei looked at the couple toasting at the table. It seemed that Song Miao had struck again and successfully scored a brace with him. This way, his efforts to help others were not in vain.
Seeing it with his own eyes now, Liu Yuwei's heart still felt like it was being twisted hard by someone, and the sore feeling reached every cell in his body along with the pumped blood.
"Godmother, let's go quickly!" Little Deer shook her arm.
The dim light in the corridor cast a faint halo on her back.
…
Recently, too many people in the circle have fallen into trouble due to tax issues. The company that finally terminated the contract a few years ago has lost several artists.
Jin Lang, now considered half the boss of his own studio, had recently instructed his agent, Zhang Yi, to find a reliable tax consultant to prevent any potential problems. He was always quick and efficient, quickly contacting a major tax firm and saying they'd suggested a meal together.
Jin Lang never expected to see Song Miao, his high school girlfriend, again at the dinner table today.
What surprised him even more was that when the waiter opened the door to deliver the dishes, a familiar yet unfamiliar figure flashed by. He thought he must be dazzled.
…
After a hearty meal and delicious drinks, Ren Yiming called a designated driver to wait at the hotel entrance. Liu Yuwei took Xiaolu to the bathroom, and when she came out, she put her phone on the edge of the table, picked up Xiaolu and helped her wash her hands.
Unexpectedly, the little girl wiped her hands and said, "Godmother, I'll wait for you at the door!" and ran out like a happy little rabbit. Worried that the child would get hurt, Liu Yuwei hurriedly turned around and chased after her.
Her high heels made a rapid clattering sound on the ground. Bang! Turning the corner, Liu Yuwei collided head-on with someone coming towards her, losing her balance and falling backwards.
The man subconsciously reached out to help, but the two were too close, and the man's leather shoes hit the woman's pointed high heels, causing him to trip and then seem to pounce on her.
Liu Yuwei thought she was about to make close contact with the floor, but when she opened her eyes, she found herself being embraced by a stranger's arms. The other man's other hand pressed hard against the wall, steadying the two of them who were about to fall together.
The men's shirt in front of Liu Yuwei was embellished with delicate white butterfly shell buttons, and the cool ocean wood aroma penetrated into her nostrils.
She looked up and saw a very familiar face in the dim light. A pair of gold-rimmed glasses rested on his high nose bridge. In the arc light reflected by the glass lenses, his angular face looked even colder.
In the first few years after returning to China, Liu Yuwei had imagined countless times the scene of their reunion. She spent a long time imagining in front of the mirror what kind of tone and expression would make her appear indifferent and calm.
But it turned out that she was worrying too much. Apart from being able to sit next to his huge poster at the bus stop, what other opportunities could an ordinary worker have to get close to a big star in the entertainment industry?
Life always loves to surprise and shock us unexpectedly. After meticulously preparing and memorizing my lines, I realize it's just a one-man show, all on my own. But as I gradually forget about the situation, and I'm completely unprepared, that person suddenly bursts in.
Liu Yuwei's mind went blank, and pretending not to know him might be a bit too deliberate.
"Hey, whose child is this? Why is he running around without an adult?"
Hearing someone else complain about the child, Liu Yuwei snapped back to her senses. If you were meeting an old friend in a foreign land, if it was a creditor, you'd probably turn and run. For now, consider it a debt of love. She pushed the man aside and strode forward.
Before the foot touched the ground, someone suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled Liu Yuwei back with force.
Inertia made her take two steps back and fall into the man's arms again. Her arms were tightly shackled by a pair of bony hands, making her unable to move.
Jin Lang stared at her with sharp eyes, as if he wanted to penetrate her.
"What? You don't recognize me?" he asked coldly. "You left without even saying hello?"
Liu Yuwei felt mixed emotions and bit her lip as she said, "I have urgent matters to attend to and no time to reminisce."
After saying that, he used all his strength to pry the man's hand apart, turned around and ran away quickly, leaving Jin Lang standing there alone.
Turning around and leaving so cleanly, just like eight years ago, that's great.
Jin Lang frowned as he walked into the bathroom. He immediately saw the black phone lying on the table. He raised it and the screen automatically lit up.
The woman in the white dress came straight into his sight. She seemed to be running against the wind by the lake. The figure was not big, but he could still see the bright smile and curved eyes on the woman's face.
After hesitating for a moment, he sighed and strode out, his heart racing in his chest, making him restless.
At the entrance of the bustling restaurant, his eyes quickly locked onto the slender figure. He saw her anxiously stopping the waiter, seemingly asking something.
Just as he was about to take a step forward, Jin Lang was frozen in place by a call.
"Liu Yuwei, we are here."
A male voice sounded, his voice was gentle and his tone was intimate. It was like the warm sun in winter, but it made the listener's blood freeze instantly.
He looked in the direction of the voice and saw a tall man in a well-tailored blue casual suit waving at a woman. A smile could not be concealed in his peach-shaped eyes, and his other hand was tightly holding a soft and cute little girl of four or five years old.
Liu Yuwei heard the call and turned quickly towards them. She knelt down and gently patted the little girl's butt, her gesture hinting at a rebuke, yet also full of affection. The man, as if distressed, took the child from her arms, his movements skillful and natural.
Jin Lang stood there, his feet feeling like they were filled with lead. He watched the man open the car door, and Liu Yuwei and the child got in. The car slowly started and gradually disappeared from sight.
The dark night was like a sharp knife, cutting through his long-held fantasies and expectations.
"You are Jin Lang, right? I'm your fan. Can we take a photo together?" Two young girls who were waiting at the door saw Jin Lang standing there for a long time, and they mustered up the courage to come over.
"Sorry, it's a private trip, so it's not very convenient." Jin Lang replied in a low voice, put the phone in his pocket and walked back quickly.
"What? Isn't it said that he is always obedient to his fans..."
The night wind blew by, blowing away the last bit of warmth in people's hearts, leaving only endless loneliness and loss.
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