Chapter 28 Part 2

So, the one who had forced Xiao Mo to do what she disliked was her.

How much of what she thought was good for Xiao Mo had actually been imposed? In those two years, had Xiao Mo feared her more, or loved her more?

And the Capital Drama Theater?

Had that just been Xiao Mo guessing her wishes, pursuing it to make her happy, rather than a true dream Xiao Mo wanted to chase?

…

The Jinhuai Province Cultural and Tourism Bureau reached strategic partnerships with several major local enterprises. The companies pledged to leverage their strengths across ecology, culture, sports, health, and tourism to build an internationally renowned destination with high-quality, integrated development—aiming to position Jinhuai Province as a national tourism model.

The signing ceremony and discussions took up the entire morning.

As Shi Youwan exited the conference hall, she was blocked by employees from smaller attending units who had been waiting.

“President Shi, do you have time for a quick lunch? We’ve booked a private room at XXX.”

“President Shi, I’m President Li’s assistant from XXX Company. Could you spare a few minutes? It’ll be quick…”

“President Shi, our President Zhang has been waiting for your meeting notice since last month.”

“President Shi…”

“President Shi…”

The bosses hadn’t emerged yet, but their dutiful employees swarmed, desperate to secure a meeting with Shifeng Group’s president for their companies.

Qiao Ke blocked the front: “Sorry, everyone. President Shi is in a rush. For business visits, please book in advance with the group’s executive secretary.”

Zhang Kai pulled the car up to the curb and was about to get out to assist when Yin Man beat him to it.

“Make way! Is this how your bosses taught you to do things?”

Yin Man had a neat, sharp short haircut and fierce features. When she got fierce, she looked downright menacing—enough to scare kids to tears.

And she had a notorious temper.

Her shout silenced the crowd instantly. They exchanged uneasy glances, torn between failing their bosses’ orders and offending both Yin Man and Shi Youwan.

Not worth it.

“Youwan, this way.” Yin Man cleared the path, escorting Shi Youwan down the steps.

At the car, she even took Qiao Ke’s spot, sliding into the back right after Shi Youwan.

Normally, Qiao Ke would join in the back for discussions.

This time, she had to take the passenger seat.

New Yin Green Energy was also one of the companies signing the agreement, and the one who went on stage was her father. She had come here to see Shi Youwan and arrange another lunch together.

Shi Youwan had told her not to go to last night’s Mid-Autumn Charity Night, and her curiosity had been piqued to the point of nearly exploding.

She was extremely eager to know the reason and what had happened outside the banquet last night.

“Qiao Ke, go to XX Restaurant. I’ve already booked it.”

The person called turned back to seek approval, and Shi Youwan nodded slightly.

She did need to give Yin Man an explanation.

No matter how arrogant, domineering, or temperamental Yin Man appeared to the outside world, she was always soft-spoken and wholeheartedly devoted to Shi Youwan.

Regarding the marriage alliance, Shi Youwan had agreed only to back out midway, causing gossip for both families, yet Yin Man had never lost her temper or given her the cold shoulder.

How many people in the world could trust her unconditionally and let her “bully” them like Yin Man did?

There used to be Xiao Mo.

But now, Xiao Mo neither loved her nor trusted her.

Yin Man was very quiet in the car, holding her phone to reply to messages and handle work. She also informed the hotel staff that they would be served in twenty minutes.

They took the VIP-exclusive elevator to the fifth floor. As soon as they entered the private room, Yin Man’s mouth couldn’t stay shut.

“Youwan, your dark circles are a bit heavy.” She pulled out a chair and grinned cheekily. “What did you do after the banquet last night? Didn’t sleep the whole night?”

“I slept.”

“You slept?” Yin Man immediately perked up. “That sounds ambiguous. Spill the details.”

Miss Yin really knew how to bring up the wrong topic. Qiao Ke sighed inwardly and quietly closed the door for them.

As per usual, during the time President Shi dined with family or friends, she and Zhang Kai could eat at the same restaurant. They could order whatever they wanted—it would be reimbursed without any limit.

Qiao Ke walked to the lobby and sat at the small table nearest the private room. She messaged Zhang Kai to come eat.

While waiting, she also sent him the menu.

A server passed by her with a tray, and just the aroma made her appetite surge, so she craned her neck to see what dish it was.

By coincidence, following the server’s direction, she spotted two people sitting by the window—weren’t they Chi Yumo and Cheng Xiangxiang?

Should she tell President Shi?

She hesitated a bit.

Chi Yumo’s current attitude toward President Shi was clear—she didn’t want to see her, and even if they met, she wouldn’t acknowledge her.

After thinking it over, Qiao Ke decided to report it to her boss anyway.

It was work hours, and as President Shi’s assistant, she should prioritize serving her boss. And the person President Shi cared about most was Chi Yumo. They had “run into” each other at the same restaurant—could she pretend not to see and not report it?

She knocked and entered, whispering in Shi Youwan’s ear: “President Shi, Miss Mo and Miss Cheng are also at this restaurant, at the window seat in the lobby.”

Upon hearing that Xiao Mo was there too, and with Cheng Xiangxiang no less, Shi Youwan’s heart grew chaotic again.

Imagining them going out together was different from seeing them side by side with her own eyes—the impact on her heart varied in intensity.

Xiao Mo hadn’t liked Cheng Xiangxiang a year ago, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t a year later. Just like a year ago, Xiao Mo’s heart had only been for her, but now it held no place for her.

She couldn’t sit still. Yet she worried that barging in rashly would only make Xiao Mo dislike her more.

Yin Man asked, “What’s wrong? Something urgent?”

It had only been a few minutes—she hadn’t even gotten any interesting tidbits out of Shi Youwan yet.

After a minute of internal struggle, Shi Youwan stood up. “Manman, eat by yourself. Don’t come out.” With that, she left the private room.

“…???” Yin Man was utterly baffled, forgetting to swallow the food in her mouth.

She had been Shi Youwan’s “lapdog” and “backup” for over ten years, known to everyone in Yinzhou City. Shi Youwan had never avoided it before—why was she suddenly “hiding” her?

Something was off!

Very, very off!

“Don’t come out?”

She was determined to go out and see. This time, she would “die” knowing the truth.

The restaurant was renowned, but its dishes were exorbitantly priced, catering to high-end business clientele. Even the cheapest stir-fried greens cost three figures, and major dishes often ran into thousands—not everyday fare for ordinary people.

At lunchtime, there weren’t many customers, and the lobby tables were fewer than the private rooms.

Private rooms required reservations.

Cheng Xiangxiang had asked her brother to book one, intending to celebrate Chi Yumo’s entry into a brilliant new phase of life with a feast of delicacies.

But after arriving, Chi Yumo wanted to sit in the lobby, saying it was brighter outside.

The dishes had just been served, and they’d only taken a few bites, when a mild, gentle voice drew their attention.

“Xiao Mo.”

The woman in a custom white suit approached the table. Her elegant makeup bore a friendly smile, and her updo was impeccable.

Shi Youwan was a household name in Yinzhou City; even if Cheng Xiangxiang hadn’t met her, she certainly recognized her.

“Miss Mo, Miss Cheng, what a coincidence. I’m President Shi’s personal assistant, Qiao Ke.” Qiao Ke was caught off guard by her boss’s unconventional move and hurried to explain. “Miss Shen introduced Mo Yu to everyone at last night’s Mid-Autumn Charity Night.”

Just a single encounter, and a big shot like Shi Youwan came over to greet Mo Yu personally? Was Mo Yu’s charm enough to catch the eye of Shifeng Group’s president?

After her surprise, Cheng Xiangxiang stood and bowed. “President Shi, hello. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Chi Yumo felt a mix of emotions.

But Qiao Ke had said they met through Shen Muxi, so a greeting upon seeing each other was normal, right?

She was about to stand when Shi Youwan pressed her shoulder. “No need for formalities.”

Looking at the barely touched dishes on the table, the great President Shi said something shocking: “What a coincidence. I just arrived—mind if I join you?”

Regardless of status or basic etiquette, neither Chi Yumo as Mo Yu nor Cheng Xiangxiang could refuse.

Who in the business world of Jinhuai would dare snub the renowned president of Shifeng Group? Though Cheng Xiangxiang didn’t participate in family business, she knew social graces and who couldn’t be offended.

Seeing Chi Yumo not respond, Cheng Xiangxiang smiled. “Of course not, President Shi. We’d be honored if you don’t mind.”

Shi Youwan sat down next to Chi Yumo.

Qiao Ke sighed inwardly and waved over a server. Her intention was to add an extra set of bowls and chopsticks, but the server was sharp.

He came over and asked, “President Shi, would you like to move to a private room with your friends?”

“No need.” Shi Youwan rejected the suggestion. “Just add two more sets of bowls and chopsticks. Thank you.”

Two more?

Qiao Ke wanted to vanish on the spot.

She had zero interest in eating melons up close in this battlefield; she just wanted to enjoy a lavish employee meal in some quiet corner with Zhang Kai.

But orders were orders.

Qiao Ke sat down next to Cheng Xiangxiang in self-resignation, wondering if her smile looked too fake and if President Shi would notice.

New bowls and chopsticks arrived, and the server asked, “Would any of you like to order more dishes?”

The served dishes—two meats and two veggies—were plenty for two but stingy for four.

Shi Youwan took the tablet from the server and tapped a few times. “These will do.”