Chapter 132 Who taught him to do business like this?
In the conference room, Wen Nian rarely restrained his usual frivolity and listened attentively to Jiang Tingwan's analysis of the project details.
His slender fingers occasionally took notes on the tablet, and his eyes always maintained just the right distance - not offending her, but enough for her to be aware of his presence.
Jiang Tingwan's voice gradually slowed down as she explained. She noticed Wen Nian's unusual restraint today.
The pair of eyes that always pretended to be in disguise were now drooping docilely, which really had some of the shadow of the real obedient in the past. The pen on her fingertips tapped unconsciously on the document, but even so, she would not forget his design.
Are you kidding...If Song Zhi hadn't paid to save her at that time, and he had succeeded in sowing discord, how would she have carried out the project?
Although she didn't think Song Zhi would spend 1 billion to save her at that time, if Song Zhi really didn't save her, what would her situation be like when they met again? Their plan would also fall apart.
"That's all the plans." Jiang Tingwan closed the folder and looked up at Wen Nian, "Master Wen, do you have any questions?"
Wen Nian's Adam's apple rolled slightly, and he slowly stood up. While keeping a safe distance, he gently grabbed her wrist and said softly, "Sister, can I invite you to dinner?"
How long has it been since it started again?
Jiang Tingwan frowned slightly and stared at where he held her wrist.
"No." Jiang Tingwan's voice was cold, but she would not compromise.
Seeing her decisive refusal, Wen Nian felt a slight pain in his heart.
"I can add another five points to the commission." His voice was somewhat flattering.
Talking business like this?
Jiang Tingwan raised her eyebrows.
Seeing her expression, Wen Nian thought she still disliked him, and was a little nervous: "Ten points, okay? Sister."
The assistant beside him hesitated to speak. This young master was so free-spirited in talking about business. If Mr. Wen knew...
But just as he was about to speak, Wen Nian gave him a look.
Jiang Tingwan found him a little amused when she saw him like this. Since he was so willing to do so, she had no reason to refuse.
She raised the corners of her lips, "Okay."
The two walked out of the building one after the other, and the setting sun stretched their shadows very long.
As soon as they walked out of the door, their footsteps stopped at the same time.
A black Maybach was parked here.
The car window was half-lowered, revealing Song Zhi's chiseled profile.
The eyes of the three people collided in the air, and time seemed to stand still for a second.
"Let's go." Jiang Tingwan said softly to Wen Nian, her voice just loud enough for Song Zhi to hear.
Wen Nian's heart moved. Does this mean that her relationship with Song Zhi did not progress further because of him?
"Okay, sister." Wen Nian didn't show it on his face and calmly opened the car door for her.
He pronounced the last two words clearly on purpose, and out of the corner of his eye he saw Song Zhi's hand on the armrest tighten slightly.
Inside the Maybach, Song Zhi's knuckles had turned white.
His father's condition became increasingly grim, and his mother was trying to control him and marry him off as soon as possible to seize the shares. All the fatigue surged into his heart.
He originally just wanted to see her from a distance, but he didn't expect to encounter such a scene.
In the rearview mirror, Wen Nian’s car was getting farther and farther away.
So, even if she knew about his deception and conspiracy, would she still choose to forgive him?
It turned out that he was the one who planned this game, and he was also the one who lost.
Wen Nian looked at the gradually shrinking Maybach through the rearview mirror, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
He knew that Song Zhi must be feeling bad at this moment.
But that’s not enough.
What he wanted was to be able to return and stand by Jiang Tingwan's side again, to have her forgive his plan, and to have her be like before and not be as defensive against him as she is now.
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The crystal chandelier cast tiny spots of light on the dining table. Wen Nian carefully pulled out a chair for Jiang Tingwan, restraining himself from touching her with his fingertips.
Jiang Tingwan sat down gracefully, her expression still distant.
But at least she was willing to have dinner with him - for Wen Nian, this was a great progress.
The waiter came forward to pour the wine, and the deep red liquid flowed in the glass.
Wen Nian stared at Jiang Tingwan's face, which was illuminated by the light, and finally mustered up the courage to speak: "Sister, I was wrong." His voice was very soft, "I shouldn't have lied to you in the beginning."
Jiang Tingwan paused for a moment as she picked up the wine glass, raised her eyebrows and looked at him: "Are you sure you want to tell me this now?"
"I'm afraid..." Wen Nian lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes casting a shadow under her eyes, "If you don't tell me earlier, you will not want to see me again after a while."
These words really hit the nail on the head for Jiang Tingwan.
She really only planned to be responsible for the initial docking of the project, and the follow-up would naturally be handed over to the team. Even with such a large investment, she couldn't do everything herself.
"The first time I met you," Wen Nian continued, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the wine glass, "I saw you being pulled into the box by Song Zhi, and I approached you because I thought it was interesting." He smiled bitterly, "Then I saw the news about you, and I mistakenly thought you were in that kind of relationship..."
Jiang Tingwan listened quietly and took a sip of wine with her red lips.
So the two of them knew each other from the beginning?
"I was arrogant and planned the kidnapping." Wen Nian continued, her voice getting lower and lower, "but I never meant to hurt you. I'm sorry, sister."
The background music in the restaurant just happened to switch to soothing piano music.
Jiang Tingwan looked at the "gray-haired boy" in front of her who bowed his head and admitted his mistake. He was very different from his previous disguised appearance. She suddenly found it a little funny.
She wasn't angry anymore.
It’s not because she is generous, but because these things are simply insignificant to her.
Whatever, he gave her so much money anyway.
"Hmm..." Jiang Tingwan propped up her chin and pretended to think, then said casually: "Okay."
Wen Nian looked up suddenly, with a light of surprise in his gray eyes: "Really?"
"It's fake," Jiang Tingwan said helplessly.
Wen Nian knew she was joking and slowly took out a velvet gift box from the inner pocket of his suit.
The dark blue box surface exudes low-key luxury under the warm light of the restaurant.
He gently opened it, revealing a platinum bracelet with a rare Paraiba tourmaline in the middle. The gem reflected a neon blue-green glow under the light, as dazzling as a tropical ocean.
"Sister, this is for you." Wen Nian carefully took out the jewelry, her fingertips trembling slightly.
Jiang Tingwan took a quick glance and immediately recognized the value of the gem—at least seven figures.
She leaned back calmly: "No need."
"If you accept it, I will increase the project commission by another 5 points." Wen Nian was prepared, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of her mouth: "Okay, sister?"
Who taught him to negotiate like this?
Jiang Tingwan's hand, which was about to hold the wine glass, paused in the air for a second.
She raised her eyes to look at Wen Nian, and there was a light flashing in the other's gray eyes.
The scene of him stepping on the man's head that day was still vivid in her mind, and now he had this flattering expression on his face, which made her laugh and cry.
After five seconds of silence, she slowly stretched her wrist to the table and said, "Wear it."
Wen Nian's fingertips felt slightly cold due to excitement.
He carefully lifted Jiang Tingwan's wrist, and the moment he touched her skin, his Adam's apple rolled unconsciously. The platinum chain gently wrapped around her slender wrist, and the gems hung down, just landing on her protruding wrist bones, making her skin look like snow.
"It suits you very well, sister." Wen Nian's voice was a little hoarse, "Just like the starlight under the sea."
Jiang Tingwan casually turned her wrist, and the gem swayed, refracting light that cast changing blue-green spots on her face.
"Okay." Jiang Tingwan said calmly. He had paid the money anyway, so he could just treat it as an endorsement for the jewelry...
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Halfway through, Jiang Tingwan left the table to go to the bathroom.
The light from the crystal chandelier was blocked out by the heavy door of the box.
As soon as she walked out of the bathroom corridor, she was pulled into the empty box next door by an irresistible force.
Her back hit the wall hard, and before the pain could spread, a hot body pressed down on her.
In the darkness, the man's slender arm rested on her ear, and the familiar cold breath mixed with a faint scent of whiskey instantly surrounded her.
"Didn't you say you don't like him?" Song Zhi's voice was terribly low and hoarse, and every word seemed to be ground out from between his teeth. "Why are you still eating with him?"
Jiang Tingwan took a few seconds to adjust to the darkness, and finally saw the sharp outline of the person in front of him.
She frowned slightly: "Why are you here?"
"I'm not coming," Song Zhi's thumb rubbed heavily across the wrist bone where Wen Nian had just put the bracelet on her, "Do you want to stay with him all night again?
The blue-green Paraiba tourmaline glows faintly in the darkness, like some kind of silent provocation.
Song Zhi's eyes suddenly became frighteningly gloomy. He grabbed her wrist and pressed it against the wall with such force that he almost crushed her bones.
"This is none of your business." Jiang Tingwan struggled, not understanding why he was mad again, "Get out of the way."
But Song Zhi not only did not let go, but leaned forward and moved closer.
The tip of his nose was almost touching hers, and his breath was hot: "Why is it none of my business?" His other hand suddenly pinched her chin, and as soon as he finished speaking, his lips pressed down hard.
This kiss was full of violent possessiveness, and Song Zhi's teeth knocked against her lips. Jiang Tingwan's struggle was easily resolved by him, and she was firmly trapped between the wall and his chest.
Lack of oxygen made Jiang Tingwan's eyes go dark. She raised her knee to push, but Song Zhi, who had anticipated this, blocked it with his thigh.
He pried her teeth open with greater force, and his tongue went straight in, stirring her sensitive palate.
Jiang Tingwan's fingertips left several red marks on his back, but it only resulted in more ferocious plundering.
After an unknown amount of time, Song Zhi finally stepped back a little, giving her a chance to catch her breath.
An ambiguous silver thread was drawn between their lips. Jiang Tingwan's chest heaved violently, and her lips were ravaged until they were bright red like blood.
"You..." She just opened her mouth when Song Zhi lowered his head and bit her lower lip again, this time with less force, like a beast comforting its injured prey.
At this moment, footsteps were suddenly heard outside the door.
Could it be Wen Nian?
Jiang Tingwan's body tensed instantly.
Song Zhi noticed her reaction, his eyes darkened, and he bit her collarbone in revenge.
"Ugh... Jiang Tingwan felt pain but didn't dare to make any loud noise.
The man's footsteps were still lingering outside the door.
Just a few steps away, Jiang Tingwan was pressed against the wall by Song Zhi and kissed wildly.
His palm slid down her waistline, suddenly reaching into her coat, and kneading her waist hard through her shirt.
The excitement made Jiang Tingwan tremble all over, but Song Zhi whispered in her ear: "You say, if he pushes the door open and sees you like this..."
"Song Zhi!" Jiang Tingwan finally found her voice, but it was extremely weak due to lack of oxygen.
The door handle turned suddenly.
Both of their bodies froze at the same time.
"Locked?" Wen Nian's voice came, and he tried to turn the key again. It seemed that a waiter passed by, and he said again, "Call your manager to open this door for me."
Jiang Tingwan felt a little helpless. These two people were not easy to deal with.
Song Zhi suddenly chuckled and whispered in her ear: "What are you afraid of? We are not having an affair."
As he said this, he deliberately sucked a bright red mark on the side of her neck.
Wen Nian outside the door seemed to turn around and look for someone, and the footsteps gradually faded away.
Jiang Tingwan had just breathed a sigh of relief when Song Zhi suddenly grabbed her waist, picked her up, turned around and threw her on the sofa in the box.
His tie had been taken off at some point, and his eyes, which were always calm and composed, were now burning with terrifying desire.
"Song Zhi!" Realizing that things were getting out of control, Jiang Tingwan raised her hand and slapped him. The crisp sound was particularly harsh in the box, "Are you crazy? Figure out our relationship."
"Well, I'm crazy." Song Zhi didn't dodge or evade, but instead stroked her hot cheek with his hot palm, and said in a deep and sick voice, "Wait for me for a while, and stay with me, okay?"
"Not good." Jiang Tingwan said firmly. After dealing with Wen Nian, here comes Song Zhi. Are they going to torture her to death?
"Then why are you with him?" Song Zhi's voice suddenly became gloomy.
Of course it was because he was so rich, but Jiang Tingwan was too lazy to explain this to him. She was afraid that if she told him this, Song Zhi would become even more aggressive towards her.
Although Jiang Tingwan would be happy to see him spend money like Wen Nian, she has not forgotten that Song still has his mother. This money is not as easy to get as the money in Wen Nian's hand.
Jiang Tingwan looked him straight in the eye: "It's my freedom to be with whomever I want." She spoke each word with emphasis, "Song Zhi, I don't owe you anything."
When Song Zhi heard this, his heart sank even more. He slowly loosened his grip and took a step back.
His eyes were terribly bright in the darkness. "It doesn't matter." He straightened his messed-up tie, his voice extremely hoarse. "No matter what, I'll let you stay by my side."
The door of the box opened and closed, and Jiang Tingwan sat alone in the dark, the Paraiba tourmaline on her wrist flashing an eerie blue light.
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Jiang Tingwan ended up leaving the dinner early.
She stood in the cold wind at the back door of the restaurant, tightened the collar of her coat, and finally sent only a message to Wen Nian, leaving first on the pretext of feeling unwell.
Wen Nian replied quickly, and his words were full of cautious concern. Jiang Tingwan's tone was distant, and he didn't even dare to offer to take her home.
Jiang Tingwan looked at the screen of her mobile phone. In fact, she was not at all moved by Wen Nian's flattery. She thought she had made it very clear, and if she was forced to accept it, she would not be able to do it.
Whether it was Song Zhi's dominance or Wen Nian's flattery, she actually didn't like either. This feeling of being pressed step by step didn't make her feel comfortable, but disgusted.
In the following days, Wen Nian noticed her deliberate distance and became more restrained.
Apart from necessary project docking, he seldom appeared in front of Jiang Tingwan. However, every time they met, his gray eyes would always glance at her wrist to confirm that the bracelet was still there.
Jiang Tingwan knew it well, but was too lazy to expose it.
After all, the extra revenue brought by this bracelet is indeed considerable, so it can be regarded as an "additional clause" of business cooperation.
As for Song Zhi, there was no movement at all.
Winter comes quickly and suddenly in the port city, and the cold wind blows dead leaves against the glass windows.
Undercurrents surged within the Song Group, and the news of Song Cheng's serious illness spread quickly, and several illegitimate children began to make moves. Song Zhi was busy dealing with the family's internal struggles and naturally had no time to take care of other things.
Jiang Tingwan stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in the office, overlooking the city shrouded in cold fog.
She gently stroked the tourmaline on her wrist, and thought of what he said that day -
"I'll keep you by my side no matter what."
How could he keep her by his side at this critical moment?
The previous kidnapping was planned by Wen Nian and did not cause any harm to her.
But if she still stays by his side so openly now, how can he ensure that the illegitimate son of the Song family will not harm her?
Song Zhi wants her, but he can't overcome the family's resistance; Wen Nian likes her, but he thinks he can manipulate her feelings.
Her cell phone suddenly vibrated, interrupting her thoughts.
This is a message from Zhou Luoyao:
[Boss Jiang, something happened at the Song family. Song Zhi's second brother designed a plan to have someone hit Song Zhi, and when the Song family member found out, he was so angry that he was admitted to the ICU.]
Jiang Tingwan stared at the screen for a few seconds, feeling helpless.
To do these things at this time, this illegitimate child was simply hopelessly stupid, but she then thought of their "golden stock" now. If something happened to Song Zhi at this time, it would inevitably cause the stock price to fall.
She hesitated for a few seconds, but still ordered someone to prepare a car to go to the hospital.
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The corridor of the private hospital was so quiet that you could hear the sound of drips.
Jiang Tingwan walked through the corridor with a strong smell of disinfectant in high heels, and opened the door of the VIP ward under the guidance of Assistant Song Zhi.
The man on the hospital bed was half leaning against the bedside, with gauze on his forehead. His black hair, which was always combed meticulously, was scattered on his brow bone, weakening his former sharpness. It seemed that he had just experienced a car accident.
Seeing her come in, Song Zhi was obviously startled, and then his eyes darkened: "If you don't say you don't like me, why did you come to the hospital?"
Jiang Tingwan stood at the end of the bed, her eyes calmly scanning the monitoring electrodes on his chest: "See if you are dead." Her tone was unpretentious, as calm as if she was discussing the weather, "If you are dead, I have to find another investor quickly, otherwise the stock will fall."
Such words did not make Song Zhi unhappy, but when he looked at the way she spoke, he realized that she really didn't care about him at all. Song Zhi tightened his hands at his side.
After Jiang Tingwan confirmed that he was fine, she turned around and tried to leave, but Song Zhi grabbed her wrist.
The warmth of his palm came through my skin, and his strength was astonishingly great.
Jiang Tingwan frowned, "What happened again?"
"During this period, you will live in the place I arrange for you." His voice was hoarse, but there was no doubt about it.
Jiang Tingwan raised her eyebrows and blurted out subconsciously: "Why?"
"Our previous relationship..." Song Zhi's thumb unconsciously stroked her fair and smooth wrist, feeling the pulse inside, "It's inevitable that someone will be interested in you."
That's true.
The internal strife in the Song family has already turned bloody, and there is no guarantee that someone will not target her.
But Jiang Tingwan just pulled her hand back calmly: "No, it's not necessary."
She knew that there were people sent by Jiang Shixu around her, so the previous situation would not happen again, and she would also be on guard during this period.
What's more, if they really move in, their relationship will probably become ambiguous again.
"Are you so afraid of me?" Song Zhi seemed to see through her inner thoughts. He chuckled, his Adam's apple rolled, and a hint of self-mockery flashed in his eyes.
At the moment of the car accident, the first person he thought of was her.
When he saw her coming to the hospital to see him, he actually thought she wanted to care about him.
But he was still wrong.
That’s right, from the very beginning they knew each other because of interests, and now he came to the hospital for the interests of her company.
Song Zhi finally lowered his eyes and said calmly: "In that case, I'll listen to you."
If the illegitimate child over there might have some interest in her, he also has a way to divert their attention.
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After Jiang Tingwan left.
The lights in the hospital corridor were pale. Song's mother walked into the ward in high heels, followed by two assistants in suits.
When the woman heard that her son had been in a car accident, her face still showed an indifferent look.
She just glanced at Song Zhi's injuries and signaled her assistant to hand over a stack of information.
"These girls all have good family backgrounds," Song's mother's voice was as cold as ice, "decide on a marriage partner now. He won't be able to hold on for much longer."
That idiot designed a car accident for Song Zhi but didn't even hide his tail, which just happened to make Song Cheng feel more guilty towards Song Zhi. Now is the time to further consolidate his position.
Song Zhi's eyes fell on those carefully bound resumes. The celebrities in the photos were all graceful and elegant. Everyone envied the power and status of the wealthy and prestigious families, but both he and these ladies from the aristocratic families had to become objects of power exchange.
His long fingers flicked through the papers but he didn't pick up any.
Seeing him like this, Song's mother was about to explode, but she heard her son's calm voice: "Don't worry, mother. I already have a candidate."
"Who?" Song's mother frowned, and then thought of something, "You can't be..."
"You worry too much, it's not her." Song Zhi turned his head and looked out the window. The lights of Zhonggang City were like stars in the night sky. "I will satisfy you what you want."
His voice was soft but full of unquestionable power, "But don't forget what you said.
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