Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 264 - 265 Li Sijie’s Humiliation

Chapter 264: Chapter 265 Li Sijie’s Humiliation

"President Li, actually..." The atmosphere in the room was somewhat oppressive. Not only did Li Sijie turn to look at He Yang, but Chen Qiusheng also turned his gaze towards him. Hesitating slightly, He Yang said, "Section Chief Chen is a man with a lot of power, and he has an even brighter future ahead. If you... were with him, you would have someone to rely on, wouldn’t you? And besides, you’re divorced, it’s normal to look for a shoulder to lean on. I think it’s quite a good arrangement."

Li Sijie’s mouth twitched, while Chen Qiusheng waved his hand dismissively and boasted, "Although I can’t offer you marriage, as long as you’re with me, I guarantee I’ll visit your place often. I’ll take care of all your issues since I have the social connections. Plus, rest assured, I won’t touch the money you make. In fact, I’ll give you opportunities to make even more money. Take, for example, starting a fire equipment company; just one word from me, and no business would dare not use your company’s equipment. You’ll definitely earn more than running this guildhall."

Such an offer would be a massive temptation for most people, since the profit margins on fire equipment are exceptionally high—especially with someone like Chen Qiusheng calling the shots, sales and profits would be guaranteed.

However, after hearing this, Li Sijie felt waves of nausea. If this guy were single, his proposal might seem somewhat normal, but he clearly had a wife—wasn’t he effectively asking her to be his mistress?

Even though Li Sijie was divorced and her heart had been wounded, she wouldn’t stoop so low as to be someone’s mistress.

Taking a deep breath, Li Sijie faced Chen Qiusheng and said, "Section Chief Chen, I’m truly sorry, but I can’t agree to this. When I, Li Sijie, do business, I pride myself on integrity and doing business with a conscience. I don’t want to engage in any unscrupulous activities."

Chen Qiusheng’s face darkened, and he said, "President Li, you should think this over carefully. Whether your guildhall can continue operating is just a matter of my say-so."

Li Sijie clenched her fists and retorted, "Section Chief Chen, I believe you are a broad-minded individual who wouldn’t let personal matters affect professional ones with retaliation."

Chen Qiusheng slapped the table abruptly, seething with anger, "What if I just want to retaliate against you?"

"I..." Li Sijie was at a loss for words, not expecting Chen Qiusheng to be so arrogant and shameless.

"I’ll tell you straight, I’m interested in you. If you’d just agree to be my lover, everything would be fine. But if you don’t agree, hmph, then don’t bother keeping your guildhall open," he threatened blatantly and arrogantly, infuriating Li Sijie until she was blue in the face and furious, "Section Chief Chen, as a respectable state official, you’re using your government-bestowed power to oppress the people. Do you really think what you’re doing is right?"

Chen Qiusheng shot up from his seat, looming over her with both hands on the table, his eyes piercing into Li Sijie as he declared, "Whether I say it’s right or not is up to me. Li Sijie, it comes down to your decision—do you agree or not?"

Feeling a strong sense of oppression, Li Sijie took in a deep breath and slowly stood up, saying, "I do not agree!"

Her voice was not loud, but her response was resolute and unwavering.

Seeing the two at a total impasse, He Yang quickly stood and interjected, "Let’s not be rash. President Li, you’re being silly. Why do you think a woman works so hard in business? Isn’t it to make money? Here’s an excellent opportunity for you to make money—how can you refuse? Besides, what’s so complicated about the relationship between a man and a woman? Just keep Section Chief Chen company occasionally, and even if you want to get married to someone else later, Section Chief Chen won’t get in the way, right?"

With He Yang smoothing things over, Chen Qiusheng grunted, "Indeed, if you want to get married, I, Chen Qiusheng, would not stand in your way." His words were false; first, he wanted to get Li Sijie in his grasp, and if later she dared seek another man, he’d certainly have ways to stop her.

Thoughts of Song Xiaodong suddenly filled Li Sijie’s mind. If he were her man, he would surely stand up for her. Lifting her head high, she said, "Sorry, but I already have a boyfriend."

Frowning, He Yang warned, "President Li, this isn’t something you can joke about or use to brush us off. If you’re not serious, I won’t be able to help you anymore."

Thinking of Song Xiaodong gave Li Sijie an inexplicable surge of confidence, and with a slight smile, she said, "My boyfriend will help me."

Chen Qiusheng’s expression turned icily somber, as he said deliberately, "Is that so? It looks like you’re quite determined, President Li. Fine! Very well! Then there’s nothing more to discuss. Your guildhall better get ready to close down."

"Is that so? I believe there’s still justice in this world; you, Section Chief Chen, don’t have the final word on everything." Li Sijie’s stance was remarkably tenacious at this moment.

"I’ll show you exactly how I have the final word." Chen Qiusheng’s face grew steely as he pulled out his phone and dialed, "Seal off the Hualong Guildhall." Then he hung up the phone."

Instantly, Li Sijie’s expression shifted, her face going ashen with anger as she pointed at Chen Qiusheng, her finger trembling as she said, "You... you..."

She knew full well that not even a temporary closure for a few days—let alone a permanent one—would plummet her guildhall’s business; Chen Qiusheng was truly ruthless in his ways.

Chen Qiusheng then sat down, propped his leg up leisurely and said, "Now, I’ll give you one last chance. If you agree and come drink with me obediently, I’ll call them off immediately. I suppose they’ll be at your guildhall in half an hour, and once it’s sealed, reopening it... hmph, won’t be so easy."

Li Sijie clenched her fists tighter, her lips white as she bit down on them, close to bleeding. She felt an unbearable humiliation and could no longer suppress the fury in her heart. With a swift grab, she picked up the wine glass in front of her and, lifting her hand, the contents splashed across Chen Qiusheng’s face.

"You wretched woman!" Chen Qiusheng hastily wiped the wine from his face, and in a furious outburst, he lunged towards Li Sijie, hand raised to strike her face.

Li Sijie closed her eyes; at that moment, she disregarded the impending slap, though her heart was filled with a sense of defiant satisfaction.

However, the slap never landed on her cheek. Instead, an all-too-familiar voice filled her ears, "Who dares to hit my woman!"