This resulted in Xu Rujing looking at Liu Huanhuan with a hint of disgust.
Having been in the entertainment industry for years, she could spot a manipulative woman a mile away.
She hadn't expected to encounter such a repulsive person in the design circle.
Her tone softened. "Wen Yan's design for Sun Liyan was excellent. If she didn't like it, it can only mean her taste is questionable."
Xu Rujing also didn't think highly of Sun Liyan, a junior in the field.
Liu Huanhuan sensed Xu Rujing's coldness and felt displeased, but she didn't show it. "Perhaps it's a matter of personal preference!"
They went off to eat. Xu Rujing was also leaving, and before she departed, she said, "Be careful of that designer from earlier; she's not a good person."
Wen Yan nodded. "I know. Thank you."
She watched Xu Rujing leave and returned to the design department to continue her work. However, on her way, she bumped into a distinguished man, followed by a group of high-ranking officials, exuding an imposing aura.
There were only a few steps between them, yet it felt like a chasm separated them.
Wen Yan looked at his noble and aloof demeanor, her heart aching. As she prepared to walk past, she was suddenly called out.
"Miss Wen." The male voice was no longer artificially deep but had returned to its natural, low, and magnetic tone, like the resonant sound of an ancient cello.
Wen Yan paused.
Her voice was cold. "Mr. Ye, what business do you have with me?"
Such a detached tone made Zuo An glance over.
Was this still the obedient wife from before? Now she was so cold, her defenses were bristling.
"We're here to discuss business, and we're short a translator."
"Mr. Ye should find a professional translator. I'm just a designer," Wen Yan replied coldly.
Everyone was astonished. Who was this person that Mr. Ye himself had personally requested, yet she dared to refuse him? Zuo An, caught between them, was sweating profusely.
"What? Miss Wen can translate for others, but not for her own superior?" The man's lips, tinged with a seductive red, curved into a dismissive arc. "Don't worry, you'll be paid the standard rate, ten thousand."
His casual words were deeply humiliating.
He was doing this deliberately.
Wen Yan's nose suddenly stung.
In front of so many people, she feared she couldn't escape without consequences.
In the end, Wen Yan had no choice but to follow.
The business meeting was held at a renowned Michelin three-star restaurant in Haicheng, a place with a century of history. The ancient decor was evident everywhere, with tables and chairs made of rosewood, exuding an antique charm and a faint, refreshing fragrance that permeated the air, creating an atmosphere of pervasive elegance.
The clients were foreign businessmen.
Wen Yan performed her translation duties diligently.
However, the client's gaze shifted from her face and finally, with a light chuckle, he spoke in Chinese, "Your secretary's English is very good."
Mr. Ye: "Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Smith."
"I've been in China for so long, and I've never seen such a beautiful woman," Mr. Smith said, looking at Wen Yan with admiration.
Wen Yan was pretty and demure, but he had sensed an untamed spirit within her.
This conflicting aura was utterly captivating.
Mr. Ye's expression instantly turned cold. His hawk-like eyes swept over Wen Yan. This woman, he thought, just knew how to attract attention.
"Mr. Smith will be staying here for a few more days and will meet many women of different charms. Chinese women are all beautiful."
"But I've also been to China for many years, and she is the most special one," Mr. Smith said with a smile. "I believe she can play a crucial role in our cooperation."
Wen Yan instantly understood his meaning.
Was Mr. Smith implying that he would only agree to the cooperation if he had her?
The foreigner's deep-set eyes looked at Mr. Ye, seemingly waiting for his consent, as trading a woman for a project was an incredibly profitable deal.
Wen Yan also subconsciously looked at Mr. Ye.
A cold sweat broke out on her back.
"I believe what attracts Mr. Smith is our sincerity," Mr. Ye said calmly, his aura radiating power.
Mr. Smith understood and smiled, "I was just joking, why be so serious?"
The conversation finally returned to work.
Wen Yan breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, he hadn't done that.
But then again, she was still technically his wife, and he wouldn't tolerate being cuckolded.
Mr. Smith eventually agreed to the cooperation. As he was leaving, he asked Wen Yan for her contact information. Having just reached an agreement, Wen Yan couldn't afford to offend him, so she gave him her QR code. Mr. Smith left contentedly.
Soon, Wen Yan saw a friend request from him.
Just as she was about to accept it, a long, well-defined hand clasped her phone and directly chose to ignore it.
"What are you doing?" Wen Yan frowned and looked at him.
The man's dark eyes were cold. "Can you not live without men?"
Thinking of how Mr. Smith had looked at her, an inexplicable anger flared within him.
Wen Yan found him utterly unreasonable.
"Yes, I can't live without anyone, except you!" Wen Yan retorted.
Mr. Ye was genuinely taken aback. He stared at her for a moment before releasing her hand and waving for a waiter to come over.
"Order your meal." The man's tone was cold and fierce.
Wen Yan: "Me?"
"Is there anyone else here?"
"I'm not eating."
"Don't pretend. You, a country bumpkin, wouldn't be able to appreciate this Japanese cuisine anyway," Mr. Ye said dismissively, delivering a subtle blow.
Wen Yan: "..."
This scoundrel!
But since he was paying, why shouldn't she order? Wen Yan ordered a lot of her favorite dishes.
The dishes at the Michelin three-star restaurant were indeed exceptional. Wen Yan ate until she was stuffed and still wanted more. Looking at the exquisite leftover food, she asked, "Can I pack it?"
"You're paying, so of course, you can."
"What?" Wen Yan was stunned. It took her a moment to realize that she had to pay for it herself.
Damn capitalist!
Now she had even less reason to refuse. Wen Yan packed the food and followed Mr. Ye to pay the bill. Looking at the price on the receipt, Wen Yan's heart nearly broke.
She wished she hadn't ordered so much.
"Five thousand, deducted from your salary."
"...Got it," Wen Yan replied. She followed him out, muttering under her breath, "Stingy."
The man suddenly stopped, and Wen Yan bumped into his back.
"Are you cursing me?"
"No," Wen Yan said guiltily.
How could his hearing be so good?
The man looked at her with a half-smile. "Where are you going tonight?"
"Home, of course. I haven't found a place yet." Wen Yan said righteously.
Mr. Ye's eyes deepened, unfathomable.
Wen Yan misunderstood him. "You're not going to kick me out now, are you? We're still married in name!"
"I'm not that bored," the man said coldly and walked away.
Wen Yan looked at his aloof back, finding it rather inexplicable.
That night, Wen Yan slept on the sofa.
But when she got up to use the restroom in the middle of the night, she realized Leng Xunze hadn't returned. In the end, she went back to bed.
She thought, since Leng Xunze's identity was exposed, why would he still live in this dilapidated house? To him, this house was probably less comfortable than his own bathroom!
When she woke up in the morning, Wen Yan received a text message from him.
[Prepare lunch.]
Wen Yan rolled her eyes.
He wanted her to cook for him?
Dream on.
She only made a bento for herself and went to the company.
However, as soon as she arrived, she received a call from a client: "Designer Wen, my daughter suddenly said she doesn't want it anymore. Can you give me a refund? The design hasn't been finished yet, has it?"