078. Cheng Xiang, just what the hell are you?
It's almost 10pm by the time they came home from the Gu's, the night sky tonight is not very beautiful, dark clouds swirling and massing about, there isn't any moonlight and you cannot see any stars as well.
In the car, Su Yi Cheng secures his seatbelt and was just preparing to start the car to be on his way, when he turned and notices An Ran still holding unto the seatbelt and was just sitting in a daze.
Su Yi Cheng twitches his eyebrows, reaching over to secure the seatbelt for her, only then does An Ran reacts, turning over to look at him with an apologetic smile.
Su Yi Cheng starts the car and with a beautifully executed swerve, immediately gets on his way home smoothly.
There isn't much vehicle on the road at this time and the journey home is smooth.An Ran leans back on the seat and looks as if she is in deep thoughts.
Su Yi Cheng thinks she must be still worried about Lin Li, so he turn on some easy listening music, then reach out and holds her hand. When she looks over, he grins and says,"There is always a resolution for things, don't worry too much."
An Ran looks at him, pressing her lips, lightly sighing, her small hands caressing his palm, saying," It's so good having you here!"
Su Yi Cheng returns her smile then turns to focus on the road.
When the car stops in the condo's basement, as Su Yi Cheng was preparing to alight, An Ran asks,"Can you help me to gather Tong Wen Hai's information details?"
"Tong Wen Hai?" Su Yi Cheng frowns questioningly,"What do you want his information for?"
An Ran sighs and relates what happen in the afternoon to him.
Su Yi Cheng remains silent, tightening his brows and did not speak a word.
"I'm not sure what is going on between my mother and him but I can see that mother is quite afraid of him. In the afternoon, she was shivering as she holds unto my hand tightly." An Ran says.
" Actually the both of them were also acting very weirdly when Tong Wen Hai first met mother at You Ran Restaurant." Su Yi Cheng remembers.
An Ran nodded,"Exactly, I still remember after we got home that night, mom totally change, not speaking a single word and even retiring to bed early. And father ask me not to query this but was sitting in the living room alone the entire night. I do not know what relationship they have, I'm just worried about her but not knowing the situation, I cannot do anything at all. Even if I want to console her I have no idea how to approach the topic."
" Don't worry, it will be fine." Su Yi Cheng caresses her hair, consoling,"I'll get Secretary Zheng to check, and should be able to get some information and insight."
An Ran nodded,"Ok."
Su Yi Cheng lightly sigh, reach over with his hand and smooth over her tightened eyebrows,"Don't frown, if you frown you won't be pretty anymore."
An Ran nodded and try her best to force a smile, there has just been too many things happening recently, one after the other. She feels overwhelmed.
Su Yi Cheng knows she is trying her best, leans over kissing her forehead,"Come, let's go up."
An Ran nodded and alighted the car.
Back in the office, An Ran looked over the materials Huang De Xin had given her previously, preparing to first draw up a draft of the design. But she has never taken on such a case before and so she has no idea how to begin approaching it.
Undoubtedly, part of the reason is because her mind is still worried about Lin Li, she is still not sure if she should tell her about it. Actually, no matter if she tells her or not it will be hurtful. She has loved Cheng Xiang for 10 years now and is now even pregnant with his child, what's more the wedding is in a few days time, if she knows what happen at this time, how will she be able to take it? An Ran cannot even begin to imagine the consequences.
But if she don't tell her, Cheng Xiang's betrayal is still a fact, even if it is covered up very well, it will still be exposed in time and once Lin Li knows the truth she will still be hurt.
The result is the same no matter if she tells her or not, but she just does not want Lin Li to get hurt!
Leaning back against the black office chair, An Ran suddenly feels fatigued, exhaustion seems to be setting in and she begins to feel a headache coming on. She knows it is the result of a psychological stress rather than biological.
The phone on her desk rings at this time, it's the company's line and the caller ID shows it's Huang De Xin. She picks up the call. He's calling to ask her to prepare a little then to accompany him for a trip to 'Xu Dong* Construction'; next season, 'Jin Cheng*' and 'Xu Dong' are going to be cooperating on a city scale project.
An Ran nodded in response, forcing herself not to think about Lin Li's matter temporarily. Before she makes a decision, maybe she should confront Cheng Xiang again.
'Xu Dong Construction' is the leading developer in Jiang City, the president of the Construction Association Xiao Ying Tian is the CEO of 'Xu Dong Construction'. Rumor has it that the one responsible for consolidating 'Xu Dong Construction' as the premier construction developer in Jiang City is its leading designer as well as assistant manager - Eric.
Supposedly this Eric is very low profile, those in the know within the industry only knows that he is Chinese with an influential background. But no one knows more details about him. He is considered to be an amazing and mysterious person within the construction industry. For a period of time An Ran revered him as her idol because of his unique and exquisite designs.
An Ran finish preparing what materials Huang De Xin wanted and proceeded to his office. When she was just about to knock on his door the door opened and Xiao Xiao stood there, face full of fury and her eyes look as if she can pierce through An Ran.
Gnashing her teeth she cry out furiously,"You are so ruthless!" after that she storm off after pushing past An Ran.
An Ran did not bother with her, she knows Xiao Xiao is not happy because she was the one being called to join the 'Xu Dong' negotiations instead of her. Normally the one accompanying Huang De Xin is Xiao Xiao, of course she would be miffed about being replaced.
An Ran is not especially clever, but even she knows that the reason Huang De Xin ask her to join in the negotiations is because of the change of her status, to make use of her identity as Mrs Su to exchange for better terms and conditions in the negotiations.
It is just how society works, if you do not have the background or the influence, people will treat you as a stalk of grass and not pay any attention to you. She has known this truth for more than 10 years now.
An Ran took a look at Xiao Xiao then step into the office, greeting,"Director."
Huang De Xin stood up from behind the desk and looks at her smiling,"An Ran ah, have you prepared everything that's needed?" As he speaks he takes up his briefcase.
"En, it's all ready." An Ran nodded in the affirmative.
Huang De Xin nodded, picked up the jacket still drapping on the back of the chair,"Good good, then let's go."
An Ran with a few of the other office colleagues as well as Huang De Xin proceeded to 'Xu Dong Construction' together, actually she's only there to make an appearance, to explain a little about the design concepts and meanings; for the details and the rest of the negotiations, she does not know much. In addition, the company has other professionals accompanying them for more in depth negotiations, she does not have to worry about that part. Strictly speaking her role in this meeting is to be a vase, to look pretty by the side.
The meeting lasted for more than two hours. By the time it ended it's almost 5pm, Xiao Ying Tian suddenly suggested having a meal at the new french restaurant near the office.
Huang De Xin nodded smilingly, although today's meeting fail to arrive at a concrete agreement but 'Xu Dong's' attitude seems favourable so it can be said to be a success.
As the group of people waits for the elevator Xiao Ying Tian stood besides An Ran and asks amicably,"I hear Special Assistant Su was in the hospital earlier, is he feeling better now?"
An Ran smile softly,"En, it's a chronic ailment, he was a little careless and drank too much thus inducing the episode, he's doing much better now, thanks Director Xiao for worrying."
Xiao Ying Tian nodded,'it's fine if everything's ok now."
"Ding_" the lift door opened, only to see an especially distinguish man stepped out, having refine features, wearing a tailored western casual suit, his hair was tousled slightly but it is also this slight disorder that emphasizes an aura of uncertainty and wildness.
Looking at the group gathered there, he remarked,"Wow so many people, it's so lively!"
Xiao Ying Tian looked at him and said with a smile," Zi Wen, we are just about to go for a meal, come join us."
The man shakes his head politely,"I'm just here to get some information, let's get a meal next time." Upon saying that he is just about to head towards his office.
Xiao Ying Tian was still thinking of replying but without waiting for his reply, the man who was just leaving suddenly stops in front of An Ran, looking at her for quite a while, before suddenly smiling and says,"Miss, have we met somewhere before?"
An Ran twinkle her eyebrows, her lips quivered a little considering his obviously outdated way of flirting but her face remains impassive,"I'm afraid you have the wrong person, Mister, I do not know you."
The smile on the man's face widens even more, extended his hand,"Eric, please to meet you."
An Ran staggered, completely taken aback that the person standing in front of her is non other than the mysterious and enigmatic Eric, and he is so young!
Reaching out hesitatingly, "Gu An Ran."
The man looked at her with a hint of intimacy when suddenly he turns towards Xiao Ying Tian,"I just realise, the information is not very urgent and I just happen to be hungry, I'll join you then."
The group left 'Xu Dong Construction' office building and walked towards the nearby restaurant.
Xiao Ying Tian and Huang De Xin are walking in front and talking ernestly. And Eric is walking with An Ran, trailing behind the group.
Looking at An Ran carrying a document bag AND a laptop bag, Eric offered graciously,"How can a fair maiden be carrying so many things?" and reach out for the bags, smiling,"As a gentleman, serving a lady is the most basic of duty."
An Ran looks at him coldly, she has never taken a liking to man with a glib tongue, they are obviously strangers yet he is acting as if they have a close relationship. No matter how one look at it it is so fake. She replied coldly, "No thanks."
It is not often he is rejected so simply and directly and Eric was momentarily stun at the rejection,"Is Miss Gu wary that I have other ulterior motives?"
An Ran did not turn her head but look straight ahead, reply impassively,"I'm already married, what motives do I to be wary about from you?" This man being Eric, the one named the genius of the Designing world, the one that she had once studied his designs over and over again, the one that she has once idolise, revered.. But the man in front of her is too far from the one from her ideals, except for being good looking, the man in front of her does not seem to have any manner of character depth or unique traits.
Sometimes people are just maschoistic in nature, the more you are rejected the more determined they are to have it. It is how Eric is right now.
Taking what she said as an excuse to avoid him, he smile widely,"Haha, I always prefer things with a challenge."
An Ran stop in her tracks, turn over and reply coldly,"Mr Eric, if you want to conquer a woman in order to prove your charms please find another person, I think I am not a suitable target to be your prey."
Eric looked at her, his smile stretching wider and wider, this woman is more interesting than he thought!
Actually he is not flirting, he genuinely has met her before at a cafe. She was seemingly at a matchmaking session, and has met the ultimate of utimate matchmaking partner. He was just sitting behind them at the time and heard the entire process. When she left he even specially turn over to take a look at her, so he remembers what she looks like. Because the whole episode is too hilarious it kept replaying in his mind and each time he had a big laugh from it. So he has an especially deep impression of her and recognised her the moment he laid eyes on her.
Both hands on his chest, Eric looked at her and says calmly,"Miss Gu are you baiting me? If you are then I must confess you have successfully ignited my curiousity in you."
"Mr Eric are you always so self-opinionated?" An Ran concede defeat at the arrogance of this man, his self superiority is too high. Just which part of her is trying to bait him and attract his attention?!
Eric laughs,"It isn't being opinionated, it's confidence." Making a self satisfied expression.
An Ran is tired of dealing with him and refuses to waste even a drop of saliva on this meaningless matter. Turning away from him, she took big steps to catch up with the rest of the group.
Eric was still about to say more, only to see her walking away with big steps leaving him standing alone with hands gesturing around looking comical. Looking at himself and the situation, Eric can only laugh soundlessly and shakes his head.
The group enters the newly opened restaurant, as the group is big they requested for a private room.
Actually having a meal is also another term for drinking, all those who have been in the business world will know how much socialsing needs to be done.
Xiao Ying Tian took the central seat in the table with Huang De Xing on his left. An Ran sat besides Huang De Xing. Eric was supposed to sit on Xiao Ying Tian's right but he insisted on sitting besides An Ran. Everyone just laughs knowingly and did not say anything else.
Although An Ran dislikes this she did not say it, maintaining a smile and remain seated.
The service attendent serves up both red and white wine, everyone had a little. After a cheer, Huang De Xin and Xiao Ying Tian began discussing about the future cooperating prospects of the two companies. These are just polite speech but what else can you talk about on the dinner table.
An Ran was a little bored looking at the delicacies on the table, not having any appetite. The food is too oily and does not induce her appetite, she picked up some green leafy vegetables to eat.
Sitting besides An Ran, Eric offers up a glass of wine,"Miss Gu, let's have a toast."
In front of everyone, An Ran is unable to refuse, took up her glass and took a sip of wine.
Placing down the glass, Eric continue chatting with her,"Miss Gu, normally what do you like to eat? Do you like travelling?"
An Ran puts down her chopsticks, look at him and reply,"What does what I like to eat or if I like to travel have anything to do with the partnership of our two companies?"
"Of course it does, it lets me understands you more and increases my interest in the partnership, maybe my inspiration will also be inspired earlier." Eric replied matter of factly.
"Has Mr Eric's inspirations always been from women?" An Ran says coldly, her tone carries a heavy tone of sarcasm.
"I don't see why it shouldn't be." Eric replied laughingly, seemingly unaffected.
An Ran took a look at him, turned and smilingly apologies to everyone,"I'm sorry, I'll be right back." Afterwards she got up and went to the washroom.
On the table, Xiao Ying Tian look at Eric, says laughingly,"Zi Wen, when was the last time you saw Ah Cheng?"
Eric took a bit to reply,"A few days ago I visited him at the hospital, what's up?"
Xiao Ying Tian smile and nodded,"Try not to make it troublesome for An Ran later."
Ye Zi Wen frowns, not comprehending,"What do you mean?"
Xiao Ying Tian looks at him with an expression of hidden meaning,"She has some influence and is not someone you should trifle with." After that, he continued talking with Huang De Xin and proceed to eat the dishes.
Ye Zi Wen continues frowning uncomprehending, he kept muttering in his heart, influence, what influence?
Exiting the private room, An Ran gave an extended sigh, taking out her mobile and called Su Yi Cheng. In the morning Su Yi Cheng have already informed her he may be late tonight due to a dinner. Looking at the situation now, her side may not end early as well, so it's better to call to inform him about it first.
The call connected very quickly, it seems Su Yi Cheng's side was a tad noisy, they are also at a dinner. She heard someone yell out a cheer.
"Are you home yet?" Su Yi Cheng asked over the phone.
"Not yet, I also have to socialize tonight, it may end late." An Ran replied.
"Then do you want me to fetch you later?"
"No need to, I'm not a small child, needing you to fetch me wherever I go." An Ran refused.
"Su Yi Cheng lightly laughs,"Haha, I always treat it as my privilege and benefit."
An Ran feels warmed by his words, his sweet nothings are always very warm and indirect but always touching.
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