Yan Xia had been busy all day. In the afternoon, someone suddenly took away the materials for all her other projects, saying that she should focus on the international high school project first.
She wasn't stupid. Coupled with Fang Jiangyi's words in the morning, he still suspected and was on guard against her.
When it was time to get off work, Fang Jiangyi came to pick her up on time.
The welcome banquet held for Yan Xia was attended by all the managers and above in the company, which showed quite a bit of respect for her.
During the banquet, everyone was chatting and laughing merrily, and praises for her poured in. But she could tell the sincere compliments from the mere flattery.
Fang Jiangyi sat next to her. He even skipped the waiter and refilled her glass from time to time, showing extraordinary attentiveness.
Yan Xia was coaxed into drinking quite a lot. She wasn't a heavy drinker. After the meal, her head was already in a daze and she couldn't tell which way was up.
She was afraid that she might say something inappropriate if she got drunk, so she sent a message to Lu Qianzhou in advance, hoping that he could arrange someone to pick her up.
Perhaps due to the alcohol, she was no longer as vigilant as before. A smile always hung on her face. Her cheeks were flushed, and there was a charming allure in her eyes like blooming peach blossoms.
Suddenly, a hand under the table climbed up along her knee and groped her smooth leg. She froze instantly and looked up, but the hand had already been withdrawn.
She frowned and suddenly realized that outsiders only respected her because of the Lu family's background behind her. But after all, she was just an adopted daughter and could never compare with the real descendants of the Lu family. Everyone's flattery was just for show.
In fact, in the eyes of these people, she was just a paper tiger with a tough exterior. They didn't think that what they did to her was offensive.
It seemed that she was someone who could be easily manipulated.
Yan Xia's eyes turned cold. She suddenly stood up and in an instant, splashed a glass of wine in the face of the person.
The chatting in the private room stopped abruptly, and everyone was looking at her.
"Today is my first day at Shengshi. I'm young and have a lot to learn from all of you seniors. I hope you'll take care of me in the future.
But I have to make one thing clear. Although I've chosen Shengshi, my father has actually been worried about me and has someone secretly looking out for me.
I don't like to put on airs, but I'm a person who always pays back both kindness and grudges. I remember every single thing clearly."
She slammed the glass on the table and scanned the stunned people at the table.
"I hope you'll all bear with me." She seemed a bit drunk and propped one hand on the back of the chair. Her expression returned to normal. "Sorry, I've been impolite."
Someone said with a smile, "Manager Lu, you're being too serious. Your coming to Shengshi is like a tiger getting wings. We'll surely work together more harmoniously."
Fang Jiangyi had never shown his attitude and just let the situation develop. He offended no one and stayed out of it.
Yan Xia had been standing beside him. Suddenly, she leaned over and whispered in his ear.
"President Fang, I'll go out to answer a call."
The hair by her ear brushed against his ear. She took her phone and turned to walk out, still trying to control her steps. After closing the door, a dizzying feeling came over her like a tidal wave. Her steps were unsteady and she almost fell to the ground. Fortunately, someone reached out in time to hold her.
"Are you okay?" Fang Jiangyi held her with one arm. Although it was an ambiguous move, he kept a proper distance.
She frowned and shook her head. "Thank you for your concern, President Fang. I'm fine."
"Do you need me to take you home?"
Yan Xia looked up at him. His good - looking face was so close, his chest was broad, and his embrace was warm.
She had seen countless times the scenes of him holding her elder sister and deeply kissing her elder sister.
He clearly loved her elder sister so much. Why had things turned out to be so irreconcilable between them?
She suddenly reached out and touched his face.
Fang Jiangyi frowned and avoided it.
"Isn't it tiring to act one way in front of people and another way behind their backs? Aren't you afraid of being exposed one day when acting in front of so many people?" she asked out of the blue.
Her mind was still clear. Alcohol might have clouded her body, but not her mind. She just couldn't control her body well.
Fang Jiangyi was very confused. "What are you talking about?"
Yan Xia suddenly reached out and pushed him away. Then she supported herself against the wall and walked forward on her own.
The lights on the second floor were ambiguous. Before Fang Jiangyi could catch up, he suddenly heard Yan Xia call out "Third Brother" and then she threw herself into the arms of Lu Qianzhou who was coming towards them.
So Fang Jiangyi stopped in his tracks and watched from where he was.
He and Lu Qianzhou faced each other directly. It seemed that a lot of emotions had been pent up, and there was an invisible clash in the air.
Lu Qianzhou looked down at the person in his arms and suddenly sneered. "President Fang invited my sister to the banquet and got her drunk. Now where are you planning to take her?"
His tone was full of overbearing possessiveness.
Fang Jiangyi stared back at him. "It was your idea for her to come to Shengshi."
It wasn't a question but a statement.
Lu Qianzhou smiled. "What are you afraid of?"
Fang Jiangyi didn't want to get entangled in verbal arguments with him. His face was cold. "What do you want to do?"
"You used to like playing with me. Now I'm giving you a chance to curry favor."
Lu Qianzhou's smile was unrestrained and handsome. "By the way, I heard that your father will be released from prison soon. When he comes out, tell him that there's always a place for a sycophant."