The cool breeze from the window drifted in, carrying a slight dampness in the fresh morning air. Chi Qingwei, who had still been somewhat drowsy, slowly opened her eyes as her thoughts gradually sharpened.
She had come to the office early today to tackle her workload. Perhaps it was because her heat cycle was approaching, but she found herself feeling unusually fatigued.
Picking up her phone, she began scrolling through the latest news. Somehow, her fingers inadvertently tapped open the chat window with Shen Zuofeng. Since Shen Zuofeng had mentioned she would be away on a business trip for a few days, there hadn’t been a single message from her since.
“President Chi.” Xiao Xi knocked and entered, holding a steaming cup of coffee. She carefully placed it on Chi Qingwei’s right-hand side and stood nearby, her expression hesitant.
“Hmm? What is it?” Noticing that Xiao Xi hadn’t left, Chi Qingwei looked up at her with a questioning gaze.
“President Chi!” Xiao Xi bit her lip and said softly, “I heard that President Zhao from Jiangyang was beaten up.”
“President Zhao? Which President Zhao?” Chi Qingwei picked up her coffee cup nonchalantly.
“The one from Domu Clothing, Zhao Haisheng.”
Chi Qingwei thought for a moment before nodding in realization. She chuckled lightly and said, “Beaten up, huh? Serves him right.”
Chi Qingwei had no favorable impression of Zhao Haisheng. After one interaction, she found his demeanor thoroughly unpleasant, especially his habit of pretending to be kind and honest. If someone had indeed beaten him up out of sheer dislike, Chi Qingwei wouldn’t openly gloat, but she would secretly cheer for the assailant, just as she was doing now.
Xiao Xi fell silent for a moment before saying, “The one who beat him up was Miss Shen from Future Tech.”
“Hmm, what?” Chi Qingwei nodded, then looked up at Xiao Xi after processing the information.
Xiao Xi nodded again, confirming her statement.
“What happened?” Chi Qingwei asked.
Shen Zuofeng didn’t seem like the type to resort to violence.
Apparently, the order for the physical production of Seeking the Sword’s costumes was given to Domu, but Domu took the opportunity to raise the price, forcing Miss Shen to choose between paying over 300 million in advance breach of contract fees or spending the night with him.”
The incident had caused quite a stir in their circles, and since there were many people present at the time, a few couldn’t help but gossip about it.
Hearing this, Chi Qingwei’s expression visibly darkened. “So Miss Shen refused and beat him up instead?”
Xiao Xi nodded. “Yes, I heard Miss Shen is quite skilled, she took on five men and still came out on top.”
“They ganged up on her?” Chi Qingwei’s face grew even colder.
Xiao Xi was puzzled. Was the focus really on the ganging up? Shouldn’t it be on Shen Zuofeng’s impressive fighting skills?
“What’s the situation now?” Chi Qingwei pressed. Given Zhao Haisheng’s temperament, he wouldn’t just let this slide.
“He retaliated first, reporting to the police that Miss Shen assaulted him without reason. Miss Shen is currently detained at the detention center.”
Chi Qingwei fell silent. Zhao Haisheng’s blatant report to the police suggested he had connections to extricate himself from the situation. Moreover, his willingness to make such a public fuss, unafraid of others knowing he’d been beaten, hinted at some behind-the-scenes maneuvering. He was likely trying to tarnish Shen Zuofeng’s reputation.
“When did this happen?”
“About two days ago.”
Two days ago wasn’t that the day Shen Zuofeng had told her she was going on a business trip?
Chi Qingwei thought for a moment and said, “Get ready. We’ll head to Jiangyang City later.”
“Huh?” Xiao Xi was taken aback. She had only told Chi Qingwei about Shen Zuofeng because of their collaboration, expecting her to simply take note of it. Why would she make a special trip there?
“Just make the arrangements. Also, contact Chief Guo and let him know I want to meet Shen Zuofeng in person,” Chi Qingwei frowned.
This meant Shen Zuofeng had already been detained for at least two days and still hadn’t been released on bail. The only explanation was that the authorities in Jiangyang City saw Shen Zuofeng as a newcomer in the world of fame and fortune, unwilling to risk offending Zhao Haisheng, who had dominated the city for years, over her. Instead, they saw it as an opportunity to gain favor.
“Alright,” Xiao Xi nodded and hurried out to make the arrangements. She couldn’t help but think to herself, My cousin seems to have a rather special interest in this Miss Shen.
On the other side, Yang Huai rubbed the stubble that had recently sprouted on his chin, his expression bitter. “Even my stubble has grown out, and she’s still not out.”
Cai Meilin stood nearby with her arms crossed, watching the busy police officers in the distance. “What did the people sent to Zhao Haisheng say?”
Given their current standing, they had no real influence in Jiangyang. The locals would either grant them some courtesy or treat them strictly by the book.
“Tsk, that bastard Zhao Haisheng has some nerve. He said if we want him to let Zuofeng go, she has to go apologize to him in person. What he’s really after is obvious, he hasn’t given up his dirty intentions.” Yang Huai’s eyes darkened, his left hand nervously picking at the fabric of his pants. He was conflicted and troubled. Should I really turn to them?
Cai Meilin noticed his struggle, something she had seen multiple times over the past two days.
“Keep an eye on things here. I’m going out for a smoke,” Yang Huai stood up, pulling out a cigarette pack irritably. Am I really incapable without them?
Outside the police station, a large tree stood in the courtyard, its massive canopy blocking the bright sunlight and casting dappled shadows on the ground.
After finishing his cigarette, Yang Huai gritted his teeth and pulled out his phone, dialing a number he hadn’t called in three years. As the ringing tone echoed in his ear, his initial frustration turned into nervousness. With each ring, his heart tightened further.
“Hello,” a deep male voice answered from the other end.
“Dad,” Yang Huai’s voice was hoarse.
“Mm, I know.” The man on the other end fell silent again, as if unsure how to communicate with his son.
“Dad, a friend of mine got into a fight and is being detained. Can you help get her out?” Yang Huai had no intention of catching up. He didn’t even know how to start, so he went straight to the point.
The man was silent for a long time before asking, “Is that the only reason you called?”
“Yes,” Yang Huai replied through gritted teeth.
“When you left home, you said you could live well without us,” the man’s voice was cold and rigid.
Yang Huai paused briefly. “Fine, I understand. I’m hanging up.” He ended the call immediately, as if afraid that even a second’s delay would reveal his vulnerability.
When Yang Huai walked back in, Cai Meilin adjusted her glasses and said calmly, “Are you alright?”
“It’s nothing.” Yang Huai shook his head and changed the subject. “How are the legal preparations going?”
“They’re ready to file the lawsuit. Now we just need to wait for the court to accept it,” Cai Meilin replied.
They had already signed a contract with Dom, so this counted as Dom’s unilateral breach of contract. Not only would they have to pay the contractual penalty, but they would also need to compensate for the economic losses caused by the breach.
Cai Meilin stood tall and straight. Now it was just a matter of seeing who would come out on top.
Yang Huai relaxed a little, but when he turned to look outside, he caught sight of an unexpected person and froze momentarily.
Seeing his reaction, Cai Meilin turned curiously toward the entrance and saw the young CEO of Chiliang Group, Chi Qingwei, striding in on a pair of stiletto heels. Dressed in a light gray suit, she exuded an aura of intellect and authority, her presence commanding and sharp.
“This…” Yang Huai was speechless.
Why would she come here? Could it be that Shen Zuofeng had stumbled upon some incredible luck? Falling for someone for the first time, and it turns out the other person feels the same way?
“CEO Chi,” Cai Meilin said, equally surprised at the sight of the woman before them.
“Ms. Cai, Mr. Yang,” Chi Qingwei nodded in acknowledgment. She had just arrived when a man hurried out from inside and approached her with a cheerful greeting.
“Ms. Chi, you’re here.”
“Yes. Where is she?” Chi Qingwei responded coolly.
“Just a moment, just a moment. I’ve already sent someone to bring her over. She’ll be here shortly,” the man said with a smile. Noticing the two still standing nearby, he feigned reproach. “Why didn’t you mention it earlier? If I’d known she was Ms. Chi’s person, I could have resolved this sooner.”
Yang Huai and Cai Meilin: “…”
Truly someone who treats people differently based on their status.
Still, they had to thank Chi Qingwei. Without her, Shen Zuofeng would have had to wait until the court hearing, meaning several more days in custody.
Soon, Shen Zuofeng was escorted before the group by two policewomen.
Chi Qingwei’s expression darkened as she took in Shen Zuofeng’s appearance, her gaze turning cold as she looked at the man standing nearby.
Shen Zuofeng was far from her usual self. Her suit was wrinkled, she looked exhausted, her eyes were bloodshot, and a bloody cut marred her pale, delicate face. Moreover, the way she walked suggested her arm wasn’t moving freely. Seeing Shen Zuofeng in this state, Chi Qingwei felt a surge of anger. Her icy stare fixed on the man, demanding an explanation.
The man flinched and quickly waved his hands. “This has nothing to do with us! She got into a fight herself!”
Shen Zuofeng stared at Chi Qingwei, feeling somewhat dazed. Was she hallucinating? Why would Chi Qingwei be here? Shouldn’t she be in Huaicheng?
“I’m taking her with me,” Chi Qingwei stated.
“Of course, of course,” the man quickly agreed, escorting the group out of the police station.
Shen Zuofeng walked beside Chi Qingwei, glancing sideways at her, still unable to believe it.
Chi Qingwei had actually come to Jiangyang City for her. And judging by the man’s attitude, it was Chi Qingwei who had secured her release.
“You’ve done quite well for yourself,” Chi Qingwei remarked, casting a sidelong glance at the person beside her. Her pale complexion made her appear much more fragile, like a delicate omega.
“Hmm?” Shen Zuofeng looked at her in confusion. Her mind had been on high alert, and now that she suddenly knew she was safe, her thoughts were muddled and slow to process as she relaxed.
“Taking on five people all by yourself, and ending up in a detention center?” Chi Qingwei said coldly. Though she had initially been pleased to hear that Zhao Haisheng had been beaten up, her mood soured the moment she learned it was Shen Zuofeng who had done it.
Taking on five people even if she was an alpha, she was still just one person. And facing someone as treacherous as Zhao Haisheng made it far too dangerous.
Shen Zuofeng pouted and suddenly reached out to grab Chi Qingwei’s hand, which hung by her side. In a low voice, she said, “Could you stop blaming me first? I was really happy to see you show up.”
Chi Qingwei: “…”
Judging by her tone, was she actually feeling wronged?