Jiang Huai stole several glances through the rearview mirror, finding the atmosphere suffocating, yet Jiang Yousheng seemed entirely oblivious. He considered playing some music to break the tension, but one look at Gu Beichen’s grim expression killed the idea; he focused on driving.
Upon arriving at the venue, after a few brief pleasantries, both parties took their seats. Jiang Yousheng was far too striking—as the former heiress to Haicheng’s wealthiest family and Gu Beichen’s ex-wife, her presence was magnetic.
“President Wu, President Yu.” Having spent a year by Gu Beichen’s side, she had learned a thing or two. She flashed a warm, professional smile and greeted them one by one with practiced grace. After the introductions, she sat between them, her fragrance wafting through the air.
Beside her, President Wu stroked his chin, his eyes leering as he sized her up with blatant lust. “And this is?” He wasn’t from Haicheng; he was from the capital, so he likely didn’t recognize her. He tapped the table, his meaning clear.
The gaze of every man in the room instantly locked onto Jiang Yousheng, their eyes flickering with a flash of raw admiration. Usually, they wouldn’t dare look too closely, given she was with Gu Beichen. Everyone knew Gu Beichen took great care of his ex-wife; he was seen as a man of principle who looked after her family even after the Jiangs went bankrupt. Some even suspected they hadn’t actually divorced.
“This is the star of President Gu’s team—the beautiful, talented, and exceptionally capable Secretary Jiang.” Beside her, President Yu glanced at Gu Beichen. Seeing him remain silent, he began to tease, placing a heavy, suggestive emphasis on the word “capable.”
The men in the room broke into laughter. Had Gu Beichen not been there, they likely would have made a move already.
Jiang Yousheng’s face drained of all color. President Wu’s “salty pig hand” had already slid brazenly around her slender waist. She looked toward Gu Beichen, but he remained utterly indifferent, staring straight ahead.
Her expression soured instantly; her heart plummeted to her stomach. In the past, she would have smashed a wine bottle over his head. But now, she had to calculate. Gu Beichen’s silence meant he was abandoning her to this. If she wanted to stay, she had to endure.
She had seen scenes like this before. Steeling her nerves, she used all her strength to break free from the man’s grip.
“President Wu, let me start with a toast to you.” Jiang Yousheng stood up and downed several glasses in a row.
President Yu chuckled. “President Gu, if Secretary Jiang keeps drinking like that, I’m afraid she’ll get drunk.”
“It is her honor to drink with President Wu,” Gu Beichen said tonelessly.
The expressions of everyone present shifted. The light in the men’s eyes sharpened as they looked at Jiang Yousheng. President Wu began to reach for her again.
Jiang Yousheng didn’t look at Gu Beichen. She brushed the man’s hand away. “President Wu, there are too many people here.” By now she was tipsy, her voice carrying a flirtatious lilt and her cheeks flushed a soft pink.
Gu Beichen’s gaze swept over her, sharp and stinging. His thin lips were pressed into a straight line, his face darkening.
President Wu let out a lewd laugh. “President Gu, Secretary Jiang really is sensible and capable. Don’t worry, I’ll put extra effort into this project to make sure things get done for you.”
Jiang Yousheng felt her stomach churning with nausea, but she forced a charming smile as she poured more wine for President Wu. “President Gu, if the project goes through, does that count toward my performance review?”
Gu Beichen lifted his eyelids, spinning the stem of his wine glass between his fingers, his brow slightly furrowed. He ignored her. “President Wu, please, suit yourself.”
Staring at him, Jiang Yousheng let out a small laugh, though her vision suddenly blurred. Unable to restrain himself, President Wu grabbed her, pulling her toward the suites on the upper floor of the hotel.
“Baby, you’ve really got me craving you.”
“Let go of me!” Jiang Yousheng swung her bag directly into the man’s face, hitting him repeatedly, venting all the pent-up rage of the past few days onto him.
“You little bitch, you dare fight back!” President Wu wiped his forehead. Seeing blood, his fury exploded, and he lunged to grab her by the throat. Jiang Yousheng’s ankle twisted, and she collapsed to the floor.
“Sheng Sheng…”
A figure appeared behind her. A sudden, agonizing scream erupted from President Wu, and she was finally released. Gu Jin rushed over to support her while his people dragged President Wu away.
“Sheng Sheng.”
“Uncle…” Terrified, Jiang Yousheng burst into tears. Gu Jin took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders before leading her away.
As they rounded the corner, they ran into someone. Gu Beichen was leaning against the wall, his eyes cold and mocking as he stared at the two of them.