Chapter 35 Song Zhixu's gaze towards her was anything but innocent...
When Tang Ran saw those lines of text, she froze completely.
Song Zhixu deliberately approached her!
For the 5% stake in the Song family shares she held.
Song Wuqi approached her for the shares she held, but he didn't expect that Song Zhixu had the same purpose.
Oh!
In her previous life, she was tricked by Song Wuqi into signing an equity transfer agreement, but in the end, Tang's went bankrupt, her mother committed suicide by jumping into the sea, and her mother-in-law had a car accident because she couldn't bear the blow.
In this life, she saw through Song Wuqi, but almost fell into Song Zhixu's trap.
In an instant, an endless chill spread from Tang Ran's body, making her hands and feet cold.
Why? !
Why did they treat her like this?!
Does she look like an easily fooled idiot?
Time and time again! One after another!
Having seen through Song Wuqi, there is also Song Zhixu!
Why did they treat her like that!
Tang Ran clenched her fists, her anger roaring uncontrollably in her heart, wanting to confront Song Zhixu immediately.
She just wants the shares; as long as she gets enough, she doesn't necessarily want to hold onto them.
Someone as smart as Song Zhixu has plenty of peaceful ways to get the shares she holds.
Why did you have to choose to deceive her, just like Song Wuqi did?
That day in the car, Song Zhixu's expression was so sincere when he said he would help her.
She almost believed Song Zhixu, and even wanted to believe him.
Tang Ran slowly stopped taking a step, took a deep breath, and controlled the anger in her heart.
She hasn't even dealt with Song Wuqi yet, so she can't afford to break ties with Song Zhixu.
Moreover, she did not completely trust Song Zhixu.
Tang Ran let out a soft breath.
Yes, she didn't believe Song Zhixu; Song Zhixu hadn't fooled her yet.
She is no longer the fool she was in her previous life.
Song Zhixu deliberately approached her, but wasn't she also scheming?
Tang Ran braced her hands against the wall, trying to calm her breathing and regain her composure.
Slowly loosening her clenched fist, Tang Ran put the notebook back in its place and strode out of the study.
She could choose not to confront Song Zhixu immediately, but she didn't want to stay in this room for another second.
Song Zhixu was still on the phone with his business partner when he heard the noise and turned around to look in Tang Ran's direction.
Tang Ran lowered her eyes, avoiding eye contact with Song Zhixu, and said curtly, "I have something to do, so I won't be looking at the course materials today."
Without waiting for Song Zhixu's reaction, she walked straight to the entrance, afraid that if she looked at it for even a second, she would lose her temper.
Song Zhixu was surprised for a moment, then told the person on the other end of the phone to wait a moment, and called out to her, "Tang Ran".
Tang Ran paused for a moment, but did not stop. She opened the door and left.
哢哒.
The gate is already closed.
Song Zhixu's brows furrowed slightly.
Tang Ran's behavior was too abnormal.
Just like last time in the car, she sensed the menacing aura emanating from Tang Ran.
It's only been ten minutes since Tang Ran entered the study. What happened during that time that made her so angry?
After a brief chat with his partner, Song Zhixu hung up and dialed Assistant Jiang's number.
"What is Manager Song doing right now?"
She immediately asked Song Wuqi, and Assistant Jiang was taken aback for a moment before quickly responding, "Wait a moment."
She quickly dialed a number and asked about Song Wuqi's whereabouts.
"Ahem." Assistant Jiang organized his thoughts and replied to his boss, "Haojiang Hotel, with Assistant Ye."
Just as I expected.
Every time Tang Ran lost control of her emotions, it was for Song Wuqi.
Song Zhixu hung up the phone and her gaze fell on the cartoon cup on the coffee table.
After a moment, she sighed softly and dialed Song Wuqi's number.
At the hotel.
The temperature in the dimly lit room steadily increased.
Ye Xiaoyu gripped Song Wuqi's shoulders, her eyes gradually becoming unfocused.
Buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz~ Buzz buzz buzz buzz~
The vibration of the phone broke the romantic atmosphere.
Looking up at the screen, Song Wuqi immediately stopped what she was doing and reached for her phone, but Ye Xiaoyu, with tears in her eyes, grabbed her and wouldn't let her get up.
Song Wuqi patted her hand, "It's your aunt's phone call."
Ye Xiaoyu bit her lip and reluctantly let go of her.
"Auntie." Song Wuqi answered the phone, her voice hoarse.
Song Zhixu unscrewed the cartoon water bottle, walked to the water dispenser, and asked casually, "What are you doing?"
Song Wuqi panicked for a moment, subconsciously glancing at Ye Xiaoyu, but quickly calmed down and blurted out a lie: "I'm at home organizing the project materials for the central kitchen."
"Hmm, did you see the email sent by the Marketing Operations and R&D Department last month?" Song Zhixu asked in a calm tone.
With a gentle tap of my fingertip on the digital display, the hot water inlet opened, and after a brief sound of running water, the cup was refilled.
"I saw it."
Song Wuqi pulled Ye Xiaoyu's hand away, rubbed his temples and sat up, feeling a bad premonition that she shouldn't have brought up the central kitchen project.
Song Zhixu took a sip of honey water and put it down, his brows relaxing slightly. He then asked, "When can we get the preliminary plan?"
The central kitchen has five production lines, one of which is a meat processing line in cooperation with Tang's, while the remaining four production lines are managed by Song's own company.
The first phase of the factory is expected to be put into production by the end of the year, but the specific product categories and cooperative suppliers have not yet been finalized.
The marketing department provided information on over ninety suppliers, and together with the R&D department's more than six hundred products, these two sources were compared to select products suitable for the central kitchen project.
The initial plan was supposed to be finalized by the middle of this month, but Song Wuqi was focused on other projects and put the matter on hold.
The acquisition project failed, and the supermarket branch didn't have any major projects for her to showcase her abilities.
Song Wuqi learned that there was an ancient city development plan in Rongcheng.
She has been researching the ancient city project recently. If the project is feasible, she can use it to persuade her grandfather to let her work for the real estate branch.
The preliminary plan has been submitted by the project team, but she hasn't had time to review it and it hasn't been approved yet.
Song Wuqi gritted his teeth and replied, "We can confirm it today."
Since my aunt has already asked, I can't delay any longer. Otherwise, if it gets back to Grandpa, he'll think I'm slow to act.
She went through it carefully that evening and sent it to her aunt.
The next morning, Tang Ran went straight home and did not go to Shengming Mansion again.
She was afraid that if she saw Song Zhixu again, she would be unable to help but question her about why she had also lied to her.
For the next two days, she did not return to Shengming Mansion, nor did she send a text message to Song Zhixu to tell him when she would look at the remaining course materials.
Similarly, Song Zhixu did not send her any messages.
On Friday, Tang Ran and Miao Tiantian attended the Jiangcheng Young Entrepreneurs Exchange Meeting.
With Miao Tiantian, a woman with a vast network of connections, Tang Ran's circle of friends expanded at a visible and frenzied pace.
Tang Ran met Song Zhixu on the day of the meeting, but they were separated by a venue.
Song Zhixu was invited as a guest to participate in the roundtable discussion, while Tang Ran stood at the door and glanced at him before leaving.
Sunday.
On that day, a very popular band was performing at 'Crane'. To avoid the crowds at the entrance, the two of them deliberately entered through the bar's VIP entrance.
As luck would have it, while waiting for his friend, he ran into Sun Jiaojiao and her sycophantic sisters.
Upon seeing Tang Ran, Sun Jiaojiao revealed a smug smile, exactly the same as she had at the exhibition last time.
Seeing her expression, Tang Ran remembered something. She reached out and pulled Miao Tiantian over, whispering a few words to her.
Miao Tiantian nodded after hearing this, winked at her, and gave her an OK sign.
"Some people really have no manners. Why do they have to stand at the door and block the way in such a big hall?" A sarcastic voice came from beside them.
Sun Jiaojiao led three people toward them, and the one who spoke was one of her sycophantic friends, Lin Man.
This time, Tang Ran didn't see Li Lu, whom she had met at the banquet last time. She had heard that Li Lu and Sun Jiaojiao had broken up, but she didn't know the specific reason.
Hearing her provocative words, Miao Tiantian retorted directly: "Lin Man, does Sun Jiaojiao give you several kilograms of dog food every day to make you work so hard?"
"Miao Tiantian, what do you mean?!" Lin Man's voice was shrill, so angry that even her delicate tone broke down.
"What do you mean? It means exactly what you think it means. Didn't you understand? Why are you asking?" Miao Tiantian shrugged, looking at her like she was an idiot.
"Miao Tiantian!"
Lin Man was furious and reached out to grab Miao Tiantian.
Unexpectedly, she was able to reach out directly, and Miao Tiantian was completely unprepared. Fortunately, Tang Ran pulled her back, otherwise she would have been scratched.
"Wow, you're so ruthless! I almost had to get a rabies shot." Miao Tiantian patted her chest, still shaken.
She looked at Sun Jiaojiao, still sharpening her tongue, "Sun Jiaojiao, you have no sense of public morality at all. You don't even know to leash your dog when you take it out for a walk."
Sun Jiaojiao crossed her arms, looking completely unconcerned.
Lin Man was furious after being repeatedly insulted.
"Miao Tiantian, I'll kill you!"
Tang Ran pulled Miao Tiantian behind her, ignoring Lin Man, and turned to face Sun Jiaojiao, coldly saying, "Sun Jiaojiao, do you want us to be on the front page of Jiangcheng today?"
The threatening tone was obvious: if Sun Jiaojiao continued to let Lin Man act crazy, Tang Ran wouldn't mind making a big scene and dragging her into the headlines.
Sun Jiaojiao is a dark and extremely contradictory person. On one hand, she does the most despicable and shameless things, while on the other hand, she tries her best to present a virtuous and righteous image to the outside world.
Some time ago, Sun Jiaojiao was recognized by the New Economy Daily as a role model for young women for her participation in public welfare.
She is the prototype of the protagonist Ye Xiaoyu made those sarcastic remarks in the orphanage.
Providing welfare is just a way to gain a good reputation.
Tang Ran doesn't care about her reputation and isn't afraid of making headlines for fighting, but Sun Jiaojiao is unwilling to do so.
"Manman." Sun Jiaojiao stepped forward and pulled Lin Man aside, gently advising her, "You are still the third young lady of the Lin family, why bother getting angry and arguing with someone who has no manners?"
Miao Tiantian's parents died in an accident when she was in elementary school. She also got into a fight with her classmates when she was a child because she was called a wild child and had no manners.
Having grown up on the same street, Sun Jiaojiao clearly knew how to touch Miao Tiantian's sore spots.
Miao Tiantian's expression changed, and she clenched her fist.
Seeing her reaction, Lin Man became smug. "Miao Tiantian, let's see how long you can be so smug. I heard that your cousin is going to marry Miss Jin."
After Miao Tiantian's father died, the Miao family business was handed over to Miao Tiantian's uncle.
Miao Tiantian's cousin is the executive vice president of Miao's Group, clearly being groomed as a successor. As for Miao Tiantian, she went to a branch of Miao's Group and became a lowly designer. Anyone with eyes could see that she had been sent to the frontier.
In Sun Jiaojiao and Lin Man's eyes, Miao Tiantian would be kicked out sooner or later. She wouldn't be the second young lady of the Miao family for long; she would only have the title.
Tang Ran grasped Miao Tiantian's fist and gave her a reassuring look, as if she could entrust her life to her.
She stepped forward, facing Sun Jiaojiao, and said sarcastically, "Your upbringing? Instigating others to bully classmates, taking nude photos of classmates, and driving someone to commit suicide, your Sun family's upbringing is truly excellent?"
Eight years ago, a female student at Jiangcheng No. 1 Middle School committed suicide. The news report stated that the female student could not bear the academic pressure and had a momentary lapse of judgment.
But in fact, the female student had been bullied by Sun Jiaojiao for a long time and chose to jump off the building when she had nowhere else to turn.
After the incident, the Sun family used their power to suppress the matter, and not many people knew the truth.
Sun Jiaojiao toned it down a bit after that incident, but old habits die hard. She didn't stop, she just stopped doing it herself.
"Such excellent upbringing, should I have someone make a documentary to promote the Sun family?"
The positive image established through participating in public welfare activities has brought great benefits to Sun Jiaojiao and her family.
If the bullying incident is brought to light, the initial benefits will likely turn into a poisonous backlash.
Sun Jiaojiao clearly realized this as well. She panicked for a moment, but quickly calmed down.
"Tang Ran, what nonsense are you spouting?"
That matter is long gone, all the evidence is gone. If Tang Ran really dares to do that, she dares to sue her for defamation.
"Whether you're talking nonsense or not, others may not know, but don't you, Sun Jiaojiao, know it yourself?"
Tang Ran stared into her eyes and said firmly, "Heaven is watching what people do. Heaven hasn't taken you away just because the time hasn't come yet."
His black pupils were cold and deep, and his imposing aura made Sun Jiaojiao momentarily lose her composure, as if Tang Ran's words were not just a threat or a scare tactic, but a prophecy for the future.
Someday in the future, she will really pay the price for what she did.
"Stop pretending."
Sun Jiaojiao took a step back and said meaningfully, "Instead of wasting time, you should think about how to manage the company well."
Recently, Sheng Tang poached two more clients from Tang's.
"No need for you to worry about that." Tang Ran smiled faintly. "Compared to the Tang family, your Sheng Tang needs to manage your subordinates better. You rack your brains but can only snatch a few small, unprofitable orders. Your work efficiency is too poor."
Sheng Tang attracts customers by lowering profit margins and offering low prices, a tactic that does attract some customers who only care about price.
While Tang's loss of customers was indeed a loss, Sheng Tang also didn't gain anything, since it was a waste of effort to snatch a business that wasn't profitable.
"You'd better keep this positive outlook." Sun Jiaojiao sneered disdainfully.
"We'll see then. All you're good at is signing suppliers in advance!" Tang Ran said confidently.
Sun Jiaojiao looked coldly at Tang Ran, having already made up her mind.
Seeing that she had taken the bait, Tang Ran deliberately added fuel to the fire, "Sun Jiaojiao, if you like Song Wuqi, then come and snatch him openly and honestly. You don't have to resort to underhanded tricks all the time."
When Tang Ran brought up the matter again, Sun Jiaojiao's expression immediately changed.
"Oh my! So that's why you always like to cause trouble for Tang Ran. It turns out you've always had a crush on Song Wuqi?"
Miao Tiantian made an exaggerated expression, raising her eyebrows as if she had discovered something particularly surprising.
"Tsk tsk, judging from your expression, you haven't liked Song Wuqi for a long time, have you? You like her but don't dare to say it? Are you insecure and feel that you can't compare to Ranran?"
Her gaze swept over Sun Jiaojiao from head to toe. "That's true. You're not as pretty as my Ranran, and your family's company can't compare. Even if you wanted to steal Song Wuqi, you couldn't beat Ranran. It's normal that you're insecure and don't dare to confess."
Sun Jiaojiao wasn't afraid to confess her feelings; she was simply rejected.
Song Wuqi rejected her and then went to be with Tang Ran.
Upon hearing Miao Tiantian's words, Sun Jiaojiao could no longer maintain her composure; her face darkened and her eyes turned sinister.
Looking at her, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Tang Ran's eyes; she had achieved her goal.
The two sisters in the Sun family are equally wicked and stupid, but their personalities are completely different.
Sun Xiao is reckless and brainless; his pursuit of Tang Ran is so blatant that it's known throughout half of Jiangcheng.
Sun Jiaojiao was full of insidious tricks and had been coveting Song Wuqi for many years. In her previous life, she finally seduced Song Wuqi using underhanded methods.
Just then, a commotion broke out at the entrance. The performance was about to begin, and a large number of audience members had already entered.
Sun Jiaojiao stopped arguing with Tang Ran and led her sycophantic sisters inside.
As they brushed past each other, Tang Ran curled the corners of her lips and once again whispered a provocative remark.
"Whether it's a client or Song Wuqi, you can't take anything away from me if I don't want it!"
Sun Jiaojiao gave her a sinister look, her eyes burning with jealousy. "We'll see!"
Whether it's Song Wuqi or Tang Ran's clients, she'll snatch them all away!
Watching them go inside, Miao Tiantian winked at Tang Ran, a sly glint in her eyes.
Tang Ran gave her a thumbs up.
Miao Tiantian happily took Tang Ran's arm, "That was so much fun just now, wait a minute..."
She was halfway through her sentence when Tang Ran felt her arm being gripped tightly.
Before she could ask what was wrong, Miao Tiantian hid behind Tang Ran, a look of panic flashing across her face, muttering under her breath, "Why is she here too?"
Tang Ran subconsciously turned around and saw someone walking in through the VIP entrance.
With her signature long, wavy hair, striking features, and a deep, off-the-shoulder crimson dress that perfectly accentuated her shapely figure, she exuded both flamboyance and allure.
"Don't look, don't look." Miao Tiantian pulled her and turned directly into the corridor of the private room. "It's my picky client."
"Is Murong Yi your picky client?"
Tang Ran suddenly realized that Miao Tiantian first met Murong Yi at Shengming Mansion, and at that time she mistakenly thought that Miao Tiantian had met Song Zhixu.
"You know her too?" Miao Tiantian asked in surprise.
Tang Ran pursed her lips. "Song Zhixu's friend."
Miao Tiantian: ...
What a small world!
The two entered the private room and soon after, the rest of their friends arrived one after another.
Miao Tiantian invited about ten people in total.
Besides wanting to help Tang Ran expand her network, Miao Tiantian also wanted to take this opportunity to let Tang Ran see if there was anyone she liked.
Miao Tiantian was certain that Tang Ran preferred mature and intellectual women, so she specially invited several of them today.
Tang Ran was still nominally dating Song Wuqi, so Miao Tiantian didn't make it too obvious. Not all the people she invited were single; she just used the excuse of getting to know more friends to let Tang Ran get to know them better.
Tang Ran was unaware of Miao Tiantian's intentions, only assuming that she was helping her expand her network.
They were all young people of similar age. After playing a few rounds of games, everyone gradually relaxed. Miao Tiantian took the opportunity to take several photos and post them on her WeChat Moments.
Third-floor office.
Murong Yi looked at the photos in her WeChat Moments, her eyes reflecting the cold light on the screen.
She didn't have time for the invitation Miao Tiantian gave her, but she did have time to organize such a big gathering.
It seems that Miao Tiantian has probably paired up all the outstanding single young women in Jiangcheng.
As she scrolled through the photos, Murong Yi paused, then zoomed in with two fingers.
The lights in the private room weren't bright enough, and she could only barely see clearly. She swiped to the next photo, which was much closer and brighter.
"Old Song, take a look, isn't this Tang Ran?"
With a look of anticipation in her eyes, Murong Yi held her phone up to Song Zhixu, introducing the people in the photos as she spoke.
"The vice president of Niemi Technology, the second daughter of Xinrou Paper Industry, the heiress of Jinmei Electrical Appliances, and the partner of Maiyue Medical—if I remember correctly, they're all single. This looks more like a blind date."
Murong Yi works in corporate investment consulting and has a good understanding of major companies in Jiangcheng. She can recognize almost all the people in the photos.
Song Zhixu glanced at it only once before looking away and returning to the tablet in his hand.
"Old Song, do you have feelings for Tang Ran or not?" Murong Yi couldn't understand her.
A few days ago, Song Zhixu was forced into a corner by her and told Murong Yi how she became familiar with Tang Ran.
Murong Yi's first reaction after hearing this was that Tang Ran was deliberately getting close to her.
Song Zhixu remained noncommittal.
She had already noticed this, but since she didn't sense any malice from Tang Ran, she didn't deliberately avoid him.
She also told Murong Yi that she wanted to see what Tang Ran's motives were.
But Murong Yi didn't believe her.
Song Zhixu appears gentle and kind, but she is not the kind of person who is kind to everyone.
By giving Song Wuqi a warning, sending Tang Ran flowers, and even letting Tang Ran into her house to look at course materials, Murong Yi couldn't help but feel that Song Zhixu wasn't as simple as she claimed, just doing a favor out of consideration for the two mothers being friends.
Song Zhixu raised his head, his expression indifferent: "You're very free?"
As longtime friends, Murong Yi could easily tell that Song Zhixu would deliberately change the subject when she didn't want to answer a question.
"At a time like this, you still have time to care whether I'm free or not?"
Murong Yi swiped her hand behind her back to show two photos, pointing to the coffee table piled high with colorful wine glasses.
"Look at all these colorful drinks! Mixing them together will make you drunk very easily. I guarantee that after we finish these glasses, someone will be lying in the same bed with someone else tonight!"
After saying that, Murong Yi couldn't help but click her tongue twice, "Young people these days really know how to have fun."
The words were spoken lightly, but there was always a hint of gritted teeth in the tone.
Song Zhixu's gaze fell on her phone screen again. This one was even clearer than the one Murong Yi had shown her, and the person in the foreground of the photo was Tang Ran.
She held a deck of cards in her hand, her eyes crinkling as she smiled at the girl playing cards with her across from her.
Luo Qing, a partner at Maiyue Medical, is one of this year's award-winning outstanding young entrepreneurs. She is young and promising, and humble and gentle.
"Tang Ranren is interesting, and her face is truly captivating. The way Luo Qing looks at her is exactly the same as how Qiu Yuan looks at her," Murong Yi continued, fanning the flames.
Having navigated the dating scene for so many years, she could tell at a glance that Luo Qing had a bit of a crush on Tang Ran.
"If you're free, take a look at the materials I sent you. Qi Hai Intelligent's research report is out. See if you have any questions."
Song Zhixu still didn't take the bait and instead brought up the company's new business.
"Making people work overtime on the weekend? Song the Skinflint, you're so inhumane!"
Murong Yi let out a couple of dry cries, took two steps back, opened the office door, and was about to leave.
She opened the door and went out, then came back, leaning halfway out to remind him again: "I've heard that Tang Ran isn't a very good drinker."
Inside the private room.
After getting married in her previous life, Tang Ran rarely went out. She was quite rusty when playing games at night, losing more than she won, and unknowingly drank quite a lot of alcohol.
Miao Tiantian ordered cocktails, which weren't very strong, but drinking too much of them still made her dizzy.
Realizing they had drunk a bit too much, Tang Ran and Miao Tiantian exchanged a glance and prepared to leave.
She pushed open the door and went out, just as Luo Qing was about to enter.
Tang Ran stepped aside.
Luo Qing didn't go in immediately, but glanced at the bag in her hand. "Miss Tang, are you going back?"
"Hmm." Tang Ran gestured with her hand across her neck and said with a smile, "I really can't drink anymore."
Luo Qing was poised and polite in her speech and manners. She even helped Tang Ran twice while playing games, so Tang Ran had a decent impression of her.
Tang Ran's phone rang; it was a message from Miao Tiantian.
Sweet or Not: [Your sister has created this opportunity for you, seize it! Good luck! .jpg]
Tang Ran didn't understand the meaning of her seemingly random statement.
Luo Qing's phone rang at that moment. She answered it and called out "Sweetie," then looked at Tang Ran.
Tang Ran paused for a moment, her head still spinning, before she finally understood the meaning of Miao Tiantian's text message. She turned to look at the private room.
Miao Tiantian held up her phone and winked at her.
"Okay, I understand."
After hanging up the phone, Luo Qing smiled and explained to Tang Ran, "Tian Tian told me to make sure you get back safely."
Tang Ran finally understood that Miao Tiantian was trying to arrange a marriage between her and her mother.
She wanted to refuse Luo Qing, but couldn't think of a suitable reason for the moment.
She wanted to explain things directly, but felt that would be presumptuous. What if Luo Qing was only giving her the gift because of Miao Tiantian's kindness and had no other intentions?
"I……"
Tang Ran had barely finished speaking when she heard a familiar voice.
"Tang Ran".
Tang Ran had been avoiding Song Zhixu for several days, but she never expected to run into her here.
The last time they met at 'Crane', Song Zhixu took off her mask and Tang Ran recognized her. This time, however, she recognized Song Zhixu's true face.
Song Zhixu walked gracefully toward them.
Luo Qing recognized her; the guest who presented her with the award at the youth exchange meeting was Song Zhixu.
"President Song," she greeted him.
"Mr. Luo."
Song Zhixu responded politely, then looked at Tang Ran and asked softly, "Are you going home?"
The bar corridor has no main lights, but is illuminated only by various irregularly patterned light panels on the walls.
The flickering red, purple, blue, pink, and yellow lights intertwine, creating a mysterious and ambiguous atmosphere.
Even though it's the same thing, in this context it always sounds like there's something inexplicable or hard to explain.
Tang Ran couldn't help but recall the news she had seen that day, in which Murong Yi said that Song Zhixu had feelings for her.
However, Tang Ran didn't take those words to heart at all. Song Zhixu had ulterior motives for approaching her, so how much of her affection could be genuine?
After calming down for the past few days, she was able to control her emotions when facing Song Zhixu.
She cannot afford to antagonize Song Zhixu before dealing with Song Wuqi.
Since Song Zhixu approached her with ulterior motives, couldn't she just turn the tables and use Song Zhixu without any burden?
"Let's go back." Tang Ran smiled sweetly at Song Zhixu, then said goodbye to Luo Qing, "My sister and I are going back, so we won't trouble Miss Luo any further."
Luo Qing nodded and didn't insist any further.
She had feelings for Tang Ran, but she could tell that Tang Ran was unwilling before Song Zhixu arrived.
When it comes to matters of the heart, it's all about mutual consent. Tang Ran wasn't willing, and she didn't want to force her. Now that she had a way out, there was no reason not to take it.
After leaving the bar with Song Zhixu, the two didn't exchange a word until they got into the car. Song Zhixu took several phone calls along the way, and Tang Ran really didn't want to speak.
She closed her eyes as soon as she got in the car, and Song Zhixu didn't try to talk to her after hanging up the phone.
Although she had already made up her mind to continue playing along with Song Zhixu, Tang Ran felt a sense of unease and frustration.
They remained silent the whole way. Whether it was the alcohol taking effect or Song Zhixu driving too steadily, Tang Ran felt dizzy, drunk, and sleepy. When she got out of the car, she was even a little unsteady on her feet.
As she entered the elevator, she tripped over herself. Song Zhixu reached out to help her, but Tang Ran jerked and slapped her hand away.
Song Zhixu paused for a moment, then silently withdrew his hand.
After regaining her balance against the elevator car, Tang Ran realized what she had done. She forced a smile and explained, "I drank a bit too much, please forgive me, sister."
"It's nothing." Song Zhixu's expression was calm, showing no displeasure at her actions. "A gathering with friends?"
"Mmm." Tang Ran nodded and closed her eyes.
She knew she had overreacted, but the less Song Zhixu argued with her, the angrier she became.
The fire in her heart kept raging, and Tang Ran felt that if she continued talking to Song Zhixu, she would definitely lose control.
Tang Ran thought she was in control, but little did she know that all her impatience was written all over her face.
Song Zhixu kept looking at Tang Ran, his gentle gaze carrying a hint of inquiry, until the elevator reached the nineteenth floor, at which point he looked away.
After exiting the elevator, Tang Ran casually waved to Song Zhixu and left.
Song Zhixu watched her enter the door before turning around and going home.
The electronic lock opened, the entryway light turned on automatically, and Tang Ran kicked off her shoes and plopped down on the sofa barefoot.
She was so dizzy she could barely keep her eyes open, but she couldn't fall asleep no matter what she did. All she could think about was the fleeting look of disappointment on Song Zhixu's face after she pushed him away.
Even when she pretended to close her eyes, Tang Ran knew that Song Zhixu was watching her the whole time.
She hadn't thought so before, but after reading Murong Yi's words, Tang Ran was certain that Song Zhixu's gaze towards her was anything but innocent.
Of course, she didn't think Song Zhixu liked her that much. They were both adults, and some feelings didn't only arise when one was in love.
Moreover, Tang Ran was quite confident in her face.
Tang Ran twitched the corner of her mouth, revealing a mocking smile.
It turns out that Song Zhixu is also a superficial person who judges by appearance.
Ding-dong!
The doorbell rang once.
Tang Ran's eyes twitched, but she didn't even open her eyelids. She pulled a cushion over her head and continued to lie face down.
Ding-dong!
The doorbell rang a second time. Tang Ran grabbed a cushion and frowned as she looked at the screen.
The person outside the door was Song Zhixu.
Tang Ran closed her eyes again.
She didn't want to see her in the first place, and now that she saw her coming to see her again, Tang Ran's anger flared up again.
The doorbell didn't ring again, but Song Zhixu was still standing there on the video screen, showing no sign of leaving.
Tang Ran rubbed her head and sat up irritably, slamming the cushion in her hand onto the ground. She strode off the sofa and stormed out the door.
Song Zhixu was wearing the same clothes as before, but now he had a cup in his hand.
It was the Pikachu glass that Tang Ran had taken over a week ago.
The clear glass contained the same pale yellow liquid as that day, along with a sliced lime.
The small limes were bright green and plump, clearly not leftovers from a week ago, but freshly cut.
A strange feeling swept through her heart. Tang Ran paused for a moment, then frowned again.
No matter how much Song Zhixu does, it's all for the Song Group shares she holds. What's there to be moved about?
"Have some lime and honey water." Song Zhixu handed her the glass in his hand.
Tang Ran glanced at the cup, then looked at Song Zhixu with concern in her eyes and a warm smile.
He sneered inwardly.
Look, this is a true master. His acting skills are hundreds of times better than Song Wuqi's. You can't find a trace of pretense in his performance.
Unlike Song Wuqi, who only has expressions but no emotion in his eyes.
Tang Ran's eyes were glazed over, and she looked quite drunk.
She was indeed very drunk; she was only able to stand because she was leaning against the wall, barely managing to maintain a sliver of rationality.
Seeing that she didn't move and instead kept staring at his face, Song Zhixu tentatively asked, "Are you drunk again?"
Tang Ran's current state is very similar to the last time she was brought back by 'Crane'.
What does it mean to be drunk again?
When has she ever been drunk in front of Song Zhixu?
Tang Ran was thinking vaguely, but her mind was a complete mess, and she couldn't remember anything about it.
"Can you recognize who I am?" Song Zhixu asked softly.
Last time, Tang Ran mistook her for Song Wuqi.
Tang Ran's eyebrows furrowed even more tightly.
Did Song Zhixu think she was too drunk to recognize her?
Suddenly, an idea popped into Tang Ran's mind.
She didn't dwell on when she had been drunk in front of Song Zhixu; she only thought that this might be an opportunity.
Not hearing her reply, Song Zhixu took a step forward and lowered her head to meet Tang Ran's face.
Tang Ran was a beat slow on the uptake, and by the time she realized what was happening, Song Zhixu's face had suddenly loomed large in front of her.
She panicked for a moment for no apparent reason and instinctively tried to avoid it.
However, her body was not under her conscious control. Her upper body leaned back, but her feet did not follow the brain's instructions, causing her to lose her balance and fall backward.
Song Zhixu quickly reached out to pull Tang Ran, who was still holding a cup, so she could only use her arm to reach her.
She managed to stop them in time, but by the time they regained their balance, they were face to face.
The two were so close that they could clearly feel each other's breathing.
Tang Ran's already confused mind completely shut down, and she blankly turned her face away.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Song Zhixu's white throat bobbing.
The look in Song Zhixu's eyes when he looked at her in the elevator involuntarily popped into her mind again.
My mind is a complete mess, it's so annoying!
She tried to push Song Zhixu away, but Song Zhixu released her first.
Not having pushed anyone, Tang Ran's anger flared even more. She suddenly reached out and grabbed Song Zhixu's collar, pulling him forcefully towards herself.
The sudden force pulled Song Zhixu so hard that she stumbled and had to grab the cabinet in the entryway with her left hand to maintain her balance.
Looking down at Tang Ran with a puzzled expression, he unexpectedly met a pair of unusually angry eyes.
His fingers gripped the collar tightly, his knuckles turning white from the excessive force.
They were so close they could feel each other's breath, yet there wasn't a trace of romance between them.
Tang Ran stared into her eyes, her gaze sharp as a knife, her voice trembling with anger: "Why?"
Song Zhixu was forced to bend down and look into her eyes, facing her hostility for the first time.
She frowned in confusion. "What?"
Anger had long since overwhelmed reason, and Tang Ran had long since forgotten her plan to feign compliance.
Tang Ran gritted her teeth and demanded, "Why did you lie to me?"
A knowing glint flashed in Song Zhixu's eyes.
It seems they really do mistake her for Song Wuqi.
She sighed softly and explained in a low voice, "Tang Ran, you've mistaken me for someone else."
"Heh." Tang Ran scoffed dismissively, mocking, "You dare to do it but not admit it?"
Following her words, Song Zhixu asked, "What did I do?"
Tang Ran didn't say anything last time because she didn't want to force herself.
Tang Ran was like a wounded little animal; when startled, she would bristle and bare her claws to keep everyone away.
Song Zhixu wanted to know what had happened and how to quell Tang Ran's sudden outbursts of anger.
Since she was mistaken for Song Wuqi, she would make 'Song Wuqi' find out the truth.
"Why did you deliberately approach me?" Tang Ran asked instead of answering.
Did she think she could get away with it just because she was drunk?
Since we've already made it clear, let's just bring it up in the open.
If we can continue cooperating, then we will; if not, she will look for other allies.
"What do you mean?" Song Zhixu asked, puzzled.
Is Song Wuqi's relationship with Tang Ran for ulterior motives?
A thought flashed through Song Zhixu's mind, and he immediately thought of the Song Group shares held by Tang Ran.
Sure enough, the next second she heard Tang Ran's sarcasm, "Isn't it just that you want that 5% of the shares?"
Song Zhixu frowned slightly.
Tang Ran was so angry not only because Song Wuqi cheated on her, but also because she discovered that Song Wuqi had deceived her feelings for the sake of shares.
"What? You want it but don't dare admit it?" Tang Ran tightened her grip slightly, pulling the man closer. Her eyebrows arched slightly, and she spoke in an ambiguous tone, her breath sweet as orchids, "If it's not for the shares, is it for me?"
She moved without any restraint, and their noses were less than a finger's width apart.
As they spoke, the scorching heat of the liquor sprayed onto Song Zhixu's face, mixed with a rich, sweet fragrance, like the wisps of smoke from charging soldiers, expanding their territory for their master and probing the enemy's boundaries.
Song Zhixu's eyelashes trembled, and a blush quickly rose on her snow-white neck.
Tang Ran had been deliberately testing her, and seeing her reaction, a triumphant smile appeared on her face.
Song Zhixu turned her head away, trying to create some distance, but Tang Ran pulled her back again.
Helpless, she could only slow her breathing and lower her eyes to look at Tang Ran's face.
Tang Ran's skin was very fair, with translucent pinkish skin on her cheeks, much like a ripe peach on a tree branch.
Song Zhixu swallowed hard, then looked away and met her eyes.
Tang Ran's smile was unrestrained and charming, but her eyes were full of sarcasm.
Song Zhixu secretly breathed a sigh of relief and steered the conversation back on track, "So Wuqi is with you because of the 5% of shares you own?"
The logic behind this is sound, but the reasons are insufficient.
Moreover, this reason alone is not enough to cause such a big change in Tang Ran.
The Tang Ran she knew was bright and cheerful.
But the person in front of me is too sensitive, easily angered, and suspicious, as if they have experienced a huge upheaval.
Song Zhixu had a gut feeling that what Song Wuqi was doing was not just a simple matter of defrauding others of shares.
But I can't think of any other reason right now.
Could it be that Song Wuqi did something that actually harmed her body?
Song Zhixu lowered his eyes and secretly examined Tang Ran's body.
Her skin was smooth and fair, with no obvious scars.
Upon hearing Song Zhixu's words, Tang Ran's smile instantly froze.
It took me a while to piece together everything Song Zhixu had said.
So she went all in, even sacrificing her dignity to question her, and what was the result?
Song Zhixu always thought he had mistaken her for Song Wuqi.
They talked for so long, but it turns out they were just having a cross-server chat, talking at cross purposes.
And what did Song Zhixu mean by looking at her like that?
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