"Of course it's the latter!" Ji Siyue opened her eyes and said helplessly, "Qingying, you don't know. When we met, the hatred in his eyes when he looked at me was palpable. I'm afraid he'll take revenge on me."
She was even more afraid that she would accept his revenge willingly, so she had to avoid him.
"Then do you plan to keep this stalemate going?"
"What else can I do?"
"I'm afraid you won't be able to hold out for long." Qingying handed a contract to Ji Siyue and said, "General Manager Yang from the headquarters sent you a business deal. He wants you to go and negotiate in person."
"What does this have to do with the stalemate?"
"Take a look at whose business deal this is first."
Ji Siyue opened the folder and took a glance. Instantly, her body stiffened like a steel plate.
It was from the Qin Group.
"Still haven't found her?"
"Not yet. I've been to all the places Miss Ji might have gone to and asked all her former friends, but no one has seen her."
"What about the girl who bought the house?"
"She went back to work after staying at home for a few days. She didn't meet Miss Ji, and there's no direct evidence that they know each other."
Qin Chengyao slumped dejectedly in his office chair, his brows furrowed with weariness.
It would be better if she were still far away, and he could just wait hopelessly, rather than knowing she was back but unable to find her.
"Also, someone from the Chinese branch of JM Group will come to negotiate cooperation with you today."
"The JM Group hasn't performed very well in China this year. I need to think about it. Tell them not to rush."
"They changed their leader a month ago. Since taking office, the new leader has carried out major reforms, and the company's performance has been steadily improving. It's a very promising company. And coincidentally... the girl who bought the house also works at JM."
"...Alright, you go and meet them."
"Okay."
...
In the evening, the city lights came on.
Ji Siyue was lying on the sofa on the balcony, looking at the contract in her hand, struggling internally.
This contract was with the Qin Group. Maybe Brother Yang didn't know the details, but he must have high hopes for this deal, and it was extremely important for the current company. If she missed this contract because of her personal feelings, she would be a sinner to JM.
But if she went to the Qin Group in person, she might run into Qin Chengyao. What would she do then when old and new grudges were brought up?
"Ugh! So annoying!"
"What's so annoying?"
"Aah! You scared me! Who's there!"
Ji Siyue jumped up from the sofa and looked around.
"Over here!"
The voice sounded a bit helpless.
Ji Siyue looked in the direction of the voice and saw a man in sportswear standing on the balcony next to hers. He was tall and slender, holding a can of beer in his hand, as if enjoying the breeze.
"Are you my neighbor?"
"Isn't it obvious? You're the new tenant. It's been over a month, and I finally get to meet you. Hello, I'm your neighbor. My name is Xiao Zhang."
"Xiao Zhang? Sounds like 'arrogant' in Chinese!" Ji Siyue couldn't help but laugh. "What a great name!"
Xiao Zhang pretended not to understand and just chuckled. "Right? Isn't it great!"
"You seem to be troubled. Want a drink?" Xiao Zhang raised the beer in his hand.
Ji Siyue hesitated for a moment, then went back into her room. When she came out again, she was holding a can of beer.
"Let's drink."
Xiao Zhang smiled and raised his can again. The two of them, separated by the two balconies, watched the night view and drank together.
After finishing the beer, Ji Siyue, emboldened by the alcohol, called Qingying. "Qingying, get everything ready. I'll go to the Qin Group to negotiate the cooperation myself tomorrow."
"Okay, I'll make the arrangements."
"Alright."
She threw the phone aside and then lay down on the sofa and fell asleep.
When she woke up the next day, she unfortunately caught a cold.
"Achoo!"
"Aah! I feel so sick!"
Ji Siyue took a few pills casually and then went out to work.
As soon as she stepped out of the door, she ran into her neighbor, Xiao Zhang.
"What a coincidence, neighbor."
"What a coincidence." Ji Siyue replied listlessly.
"Are you sick? I have some medicine in my room. Let me get it for you?"
"No need." Ji Siyue waved her hand. "I've already taken some."
"You're not going to drive to work in this condition, are you? I'll give you a ride. I'm going to the city center. Where's your company?"
"My company is in the suburbs."
"It's okay. It's not on my way. I'll just treat it as a trip for fun. Anyway, I'm unemployed and don't have to worry about being late!"
In the end, Ji Siyue didn't let him give her a ride.
She didn't plan to become too close friends with this neighbor. One drink over the balcony last night was enough. There was no need to trouble him further.
Because of her illness, Ji Siyue drove very cautiously. Finally, she arrived at the company. Qingying was already waiting impatiently.
"General Manager Ji, why did you come so late?"
"I didn't dare to drive fast."
Only then did Qingying notice Ji Siyue's condition.
"Are you running a fever?" As she said this, she reached out and touched Ji Siyue's forehead.
"Ouch... It's really hot! Maybe you should..."
"No need. Follow the original plan. We must go."
The company was just starting to turn around. She couldn't back out of the deal because of her poor condition. If word got out, the company would have no future!
Although Qingying was worried about Ji Siyue's health, she still agreed and drove Ji Siyue to the Qin Group.
At the Qin Group's building, Ji Siyue sat in the car, looking inside through the car window. Her thoughts drifted back to a long - time ago.
At that time, she was also sitting in a car looking at the Qin Group's building, but she wasn't as confused and nervous as she was now. Because she knew that no matter what, that person would come.
Qingying opened the car door for her. "General Manager Ji, aren't you getting out?"
"Yeah, I am."
Ji Siyue put on her hat and sunglasses and handed all her stuff to Qingying. "Let's go."
"Yes."
The two walked all the way into the group. After getting directions from the receptionist, they finally arrived at the group's meeting room.
"Special Assistant Zhang will come to have a preliminary negotiation with you later. But they're in an international meeting right now, so it might take a while."
Ji Siyue looked at her watch and shook her head. "It's okay. I came early. I'll prepare first."
"Okay. Let me know if you need anything."
At the same time, on the other side, an important international meeting was going on.