“Miss Shen, you’re the only one who’s ever been so clear and straightforward in business. Aren’t you afraid I might refuse you? What would you do if you lost me as a partner?” Fu Yuan asked with genuine interest, his gaze on Shen Suyu unusual. He wanted to test her abilities—not because he didn’t trust her, but because he saw someone equally capable and naturally wanted to gauge her skills. Maybe he was also thinking about forming a friendship.
“If I lost you as a partner, I would have no choice but to find someone else. But I believe you like hearing the truth,” Shen Suyu replied gently. “And even if I’m wrong, I’ll accept the final outcome.” Her words made Fu Yuan beam with delight. Their personalities matched well enough to get along.
“Don’t worry, Miss Shen. I don’t like people who exaggerate. Your straightforwardness suits me perfectly. I’m willing to work with you,” he said.
“But just to clarify, a preliminary agreement isn’t a real agreement yet. You still need to tell me exactly what you need. As long as we can work together, everything is negotiable.”
“Alright.” They dropped the small talk and went straight to business. Gu Yanshen watched with furrowed brows—not angry, just concerned that Shen Suyu hadn’t eaten all day.
“Weren’t you supposed to treat me to a meal since you brought me here? Why not now? We can discuss business at the restaurant; there’s no rush,” she said.
“You’re a kind of boss yourself. Don’t let us go hungry while talking business,” Gu Yanshen said with a faint smile, his words slightly stiff. He wasn’t used to drawing people close—even friends—but he was willing to change for Shen Suyu.
“What?” Fu Yuan was visibly shocked to hear this. Was this really Gu Yanshen? He seemed so different from before.
“I mean, let’s eat first. If you don’t want to treat me, I can treat you—what matters is finding a restaurant first.”
“Business discussions shouldn’t happen on the street. I know you like dealing with people, but you have to have some rules,” Gu Yanshen said, slightly dissatisfied. He genuinely wanted to reprimand Fu Yuan; after all, he had explained everything clearly, yet Fu Yuan hadn’t understood.
“Of course I know we shouldn’t talk business on the street. I just got too excited and forgot the rules. Do you really need to remind me so many times?” Fu Yuan pouted, slightly annoyed but unwilling to say anything harsh. He understood Gu Yanshen liked Shen Suyu, otherwise he wouldn’t behave this way.
“I’m just saying casually. I’m not against you—I haven’t eaten all day,” Gu Yanshen explained awkwardly. “Even in the military, I rarely face such situations. If conditions allow, why should I force myself?”
Fu Yuan sighed helplessly. As a good friend, he couldn’t press further, though a subtle smile lingered in his eyes—his friend was definitely falling in love.
“Alright, alright. I don’t want to argue. Let’s eat. I’ve booked a table at a state-run restaurant, and the dishes are ready. If it weren’t for all the surprises Miss Shen gave me, we’d probably already be eating. Miss Shen, you go first.”
Fu Yuan no longer fussed and returned to his usual courteous demeanor, which finally made Shen Suyu smile genuinely. She was starving but had been too polite to mention it.
“No trouble at all. Don’t worry—once our deal goes through, I’ll treat you properly. I won’t let you down,” Shen Suyu said with a faint blush, showing honesty despite having little money.
“I really like Miss Shen’s character. We get along so well. If this happened with anyone else, they probably wouldn’t speak the truth,” Fu Yuan said freely. “But you do. That’s rare.”
Shen Suyu shrugged lightly. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I can’t pretend to be wealthy. I don’t even have money to pay upfront for business. I still owe Gu Yanshen a lot, so the business has to succeed first. There’s nothing wrong with being honest.”
Fu Yuan grinned. They chatted nonstop until reaching the restaurant, only then falling silent for a moment.
After the meal, Fu Yuan formally brought up business.
“I understand now what you mean. I want to discuss another deal that will guarantee profit. It might differ from your expectations—are you interested?” he asked cautiously, smiling as if determined to succeed.
“I trust that you’ve thought through the deal. There’s no need to ask my opinion—just tell me directly,” Shen Suyu said calmly. “I’m willing to take on any legal business that won’t cost me money.”
“I hope our cooperation isn’t just a one-time deal. I’d like it to last long-term—for example, if you run short on fabric, I can produce it. If you don’t need it, we could also collaborate at my factory. You don’t have one yet, but I have plenty,” Fu Yuan said, initially hesitant but realizing Shen Suyu had already laid her cards on the table.
“I don’t know if Miss Shen will agree, but this is a sudden idea. If it works, great. If not, that’s fine. I’ve never intended to trouble you, Gu Yanshen’s friend. I respect you and will follow your terms,” he concluded.