Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 126: Slapped in the Face

Chapter 126: Chapter 126: Slapped in the Face

Knocking on Cheng Qiaobei’s office door, Wei Lai reported, "Manager Cheng, the meeting is scheduled in the T3 executive conference room. Are there any specific tea requirements?"

Jiang Wanyi liked floral tea, but Cheng Qiaobei hadn’t specifically instructed her.

"No special requirements, just the usual reception. Inform them to be there in ten minutes."

Wei Lai opened her mouth but hesitated. Cheng Qiaobei asked, "Is there anything else?"

She had been by Cheng Qiaobei’s side the longest and knew him well. Their relationship was both teacher and friend, with nothing taboo between them.

Wei Lai asked, "Does Chen Ningxi know about her?"

Cheng Qiaobei played with the pen in his hand, eyes downcast, and said, "She knows. I have nothing to hide from her."

Men as straightforward as Cheng Qiaobei were rare, at least around Wei Lai.

Wei Lai persisted, "Does she also know she’s here?"

Cheng Qiaobei replied, "Yes."

Wei Lai was surprised, "Not angry?"

Cheng Qiaobei said, "No. She knows I’m honest, so there’s no misunderstanding."

"That’s what you say, but women might still feel a bit uncomfortable. I hope the work finishes quickly, to avoid any misunderstandings," Wei Lai said with lingering worry.

Cheng Qiaobei added, "I didn’t mention today’s call to Ning Xi."

Wei Lai commented, "Given it’s a work relationship, there’s no need to inform her about every detail, right?"

Cheng Qiaobei said, "She was with me then."

"She was with you when you took the call?"

"Yes. We were both at the new apartment checking the construction progress."

Cheng Qiaobei felt a headache coming on since he promised but failed to deliver.

Wei Lai, considering it from a woman’s perspective, gave her opinion, "Actually, since you already told her yesterday, you should have told her today as well. Considering the situation now, you and Jiang Wanyi will meet often in the future. If Chen Ningxi finds out, would she mind?"

Cheng Qiaobei put down the pen, "I think she would. In her position, if she promised not to contact an ex and then did, I’d be upset too."

"So your current situation is..."

Cheng Qiaobei nodded, "Exactly, a slap in the face."

Seeing this, Wei Lai also felt a headache for him, "The partner company too, among so many people, they just had to send her."

Cheng Qiaobei checked his watch, stood up, and walked out, "Contact the people from the finance company, I’ll wait in the conference room."

Reaching a secluded spot, Cheng Qiaobei dialed Cheng Xiangheng’s number, but it was Deng Yan who answered.

"Hello, Manager Cheng."

"Where’s Mr. Cheng?"

Deng Yan said, "Mr. Cheng is in a meeting."

Liar!

"When will it end?"

"Not sure," Deng Yan said, "Do you need me to relay any message to Mr. Cheng?"

It was obvious Cheng Xiangheng had arranged this deliberately and didn’t want to take his call. "No need."

Looking down the long corridor, his mind was filled with the promises he made to Chen Ningxi last night. Now he couldn’t avoid her, fearing numerous encounters, and communication would inevitably include file transfers and video calls.

She had heard Jiang Wanyi’s voice. If they ran into each other one day, it would be like a ticking time bomb going off.

The people from the finance company gradually arrived in the conference room. Cheng Qiaobei politely shook hands with each one. When it came to Jiang Wanyi, he acted as if she were a stranger, touching her hand with four fingers and quickly withdrawing.

Jiang Wanyi smiled, "Hello, Manager Cheng."

Cheng Qiaobei replied, "Hello, Manager Jiang. Please have a seat."

Seeing Wei Lai sitting beside Cheng Qiaobei, her glance was wise and professional, likely aware of the situation between her and Cheng Qiaobei.

Jiang Wanyi signaled her assistant to distribute meeting materials, "Secretary Wei, your makeup today looks vibrant. Could you share the lipstick shade with me?"

To master the art of strategy, one must know the opponent well. A secretary close to Cheng Qiaobei couldn’t be simple. Building a good relationship with her might yield useful information.

However, it was apparent that Jiang Wanyi’s approach seemed a bit clumsy in Wei Lai’s eyes. She chuckled slightly, "Thanks for the compliment. The lipstick isn’t a luxury brand, probably not befitting Coordinator Jiang’s status."

Jiang Wanyi gracefully thanked her, "I’m not particular about brands as long as I like it."

Wei Lai said, "Is that so... I just bought one recently; I can have the service staff send it to your room later."

Jiang Wanyi replied, "I wouldn’t want to trouble you."

Wei Lai said, "No need to worry, Manager Jiang. A lipstick that a beauty like you approves is my honor."

Jiang Wanyi didn’t refuse further, "But it’s your favorite; I wouldn’t feel right taking it. Why don’t we exchange WeChat, and you can send me the link when you’re free?"

With that, Wei Lai found herself unable to either give or refuse.

"Manager Jiang, this is just a lipstick. After the meeting, I can bring it to you on the way back," Wei Lai wouldn’t add the collaboration partner for something like this.

Since Jiang Wanyi was the representation of the other company, she wasn’t rushing to discuss work, and the others couldn’t urge her.

When Cheng Qiaobei saw the time was right, he spoke, "Manager Jiang, aside from these data, does your company have any prepared plans?"

Jiang Wanyi indicated to her side assistant, "Secretary Lin."

Lin Shuxing took the documents out of his briefcase, walked to Cheng Qiaobei’s side, and placed them on the table in front of him.

In the following hours, both sides discussed cooperation intentions and details.

During lunch break, as the hotel host, Cheng Qiaobei invited Jiang Wanyi and her team to dine at the restaurant.

When asking about preferences, Jiang Wanyi couldn’t believe Cheng Qiaobei had forgotten her favorite dishes but chose not to show familiarity with him in front of others.

Jiang Wanyi said, "I’ve had a stomach problem lately. My private doctor advises me to watch my diet, avoid heavy foods. Manager Cheng, you decide."

As the hosting side heard about the stomach issues, courtesy would lead them to express concern, and Cheng Qiaobei wouldn’t miss the chance.

"In your line of work, it’s tough with high intensity and irregular meals. You should take care," he said.

Jiang Wanyi nodded, "Thank you for your concern, Manager Cheng."

"It’s only right. If you fall ill, how will we continue this partnership?"

Cheng Qiaobei arranged light dishes for Jiang Wanyi and ensured that the preferences of the other entourage members were considered.

During the meal, discussions largely stayed on the project, concluding with Cheng Qiaobei escorting them to the elevator.

Jiang Wanyi suddenly called out to him, "Manager Cheng, can I speak with you briefly?"

Guessing her intention, Cheng Qiaobei complied, "Sure."

Once they reached the end of the corridor, Jiang Wanyi said, "Since we’ll be coordinating work in the future, please take me off your blacklist and add me back on WeChat."

As he had expected, Cheng Qiaobei had no reason to refuse.

Jiang Wanyi continued, "For work matters, let’s not intrude on my personal time. If you hadn’t deleted my contact, I wouldn’t need to reach you alone now. Rest assured, I won’t use work to rekindle an ended relationship."

After saying this, she left. Cheng Qiaobei didn’t mind much, returning to the office and asking Wei Lai to close the door.

Wei Lai remarked, "She’s highly capable and quick-thinking. Collaborating will be enjoyable. But off work, I wouldn’t choose to be friends; her scheming is too apparent."

It had been the same back then; seeing through Jiang Wanyi, he resolutely decided to part ways.

Cheng Qiaobei asked, "How many days did the head office book for them?"

Wei Lai answered, "Secretary Deng called, booking for now a month."

That long?

Cheng Qiaobei said, "Okay, got it, carry on."

The afternoon sun was warm, the wind gentle and clouds light. The office was quiet enough to hear a pin drop, as he contemplated the sunlight below.

With a sudden buzz, his phone vibrated. Turning it over, he saw it was Chen Ningxi’s call.