Chapter 18: Deliberate Act

The phone connected. "Come find me."

It was a call from Party A, and the tone was an unyielding command.

She had no intention of humoring anyone who came looking for her with his fiancée in tow.

Just as Song Yanzi was about to make an excuse to brush it off, her eyes caught sight of a man.

The chairman of Genesis Group—the very person Song Yanzi had come tonight primarily to see.

A smile blossomed on her face. She tossed aside the words "I'm busy" and hung up decisively.

Genesis Group was holding a bidding process, and for days she had been seeking an opportunity to meet the person in charge at Genesis.

But a heavyweight like Chairman Lin was not someone a small-time player like her could easily approach.

Several companies were fiercely competing in this tender.

Song Yanzi had been racking her brains to get close to them, and now the chance had finally arrived.

However, just as she stepped up to the man and was about to speak, Shen Yichi strolled over leisurely.

Chairman Lin greeted him with a raised step, "President Shen, what a coincidence."

Shen Yichi extended his hand calmly. "Chairman Lin, good to see you."

Standing a few paces away, Song Yanzi was stunned.

Shen Yichi stood tall and upright, chatting warmly with Chairman Lin.

From their conversation, it was clear they knew each other well and had a good relationship.

In such a situation, it would be inappropriate for her to interrupt with a casual greeting.

She shouldn’t have rejected Party A earlier—how reckless!

Song Yanzi gazed at Shen Yichi just as he lifted his eyes toward her.

From a short distance away, he raised an eyebrow with a half-smile—a look both teasing and triumphant.

The provocation and pride were unmistakable.

He did it deliberately because she had defied his order moments ago.

She cursed silently: petty and childish man.

Before long, Shen Yichi and Chairman Lin left, heading to the exclusive lounge.

Song Yanzi missed her chance but felt helpless.

---

Just as she was about to leave, a new WeChat message alert popped up.

Party A: 0388

That was a room number.

Song Yanzi knew the opportunity had come!

She replied simply, "Okay," then turned to take the elevator.

Unexpectedly, inside the elevator, she ran into Shen Yihuan and Sheng Zhiyi.

She hadn’t expected Shen Yihuan to be here as well!

Shen Yihuan looked up, her eyes full of shock and astonishment.

After a brief surprise, she warned Song Yanzi with a sharp glance.

Song Yanzi ignored the warning and stepped inside confidently.

The elevator doors closed, and the lift began its slow ascent.

Without turning around, Song Yanzi could feel the piercing gaze like a blade behind her.

Once calling her "sister-in-law" so warmly, now filled with hatred.

Sheng Zhiyi spoke up, "Yihuan, your brother is discussing business. Would it be inappropriate for us to interrupt like this?"

Shen Yihuan withdrew her gaze. "No, don’t worry. My brother likes you so much, he’s probably glad to see you. He wouldn’t care about that."

Ding—the elevator doors opened.

Song Yanzi stepped out.

Shen Yihuan watched the graceful figure disappear, her face expressionless but harboring resentment.

Once the doors closed, she resumed smiling as she continued chatting with Sheng Zhiyi.

After exiting the elevator, Song Yanzi pressed the button for the adjacent elevator. Once inside, she replied to Party A’s message.

"Your sister and fiancée are upstairs. It’s inconvenient. I’ll leave first."

Party A replied: "Afterwards, come to the Water Courtyard."

Originally, she didn’t want to respond, but reconsidered and changed her reply from "No" to "Okay."

Business was no place for jokes.

After a trip to the restroom, Song Yanzi prepared to leave.

Unexpectedly, she ran into Xu Jingcheng in the lobby.

---

Seeing Song Yanzi, he smiled with a playful charm, staggering slightly as he approached.

As he got closer, a strong smell of alcohol hit her.

Xu Jingcheng said, "You’re still here? Why don’t we go together? I’ll see you off."

With that, he reached out to grab her.

Quick and alert, Song Yanzi stepped back, avoiding his touch.

Maintaining her elegance and composure, she said, "No need, thank you for your kindness, President Xu."

She then bypassed him and walked away.

But the man, likely emboldened by drink, grew more daring.

He hurried after her, grabbing her hand. "Song Yanzi, you’re giving me attitude, huh?"

Song Yanzi shook him off forcefully, warning sharply, "Xu Jingcheng, please respect yourself. Don’t act so unruly and lose your dignity."

The man didn’t relent; instead, he grew more aggressive, pulling her inside.

Xu Jingcheng spoke as they walked, "Song Yanzi, why pretend to be so virtuous? The whole circle says you sleep your way to business deals. Today, I’m going to bed with you, no matter what."

Song Yanzi panicked, struggling fiercely. "Let go of me! If you don’t stop, I’ll call security."

The harsh words and rough behavior ignited her fury.

He had disguised himself as a gentleman before, but now his true nature was exposed.

A drunk man’s rudeness was unstoppable; her resistance was futile.

Song Yanzi was forced along. Though the lobby bustled with people, no one stepped forward to intervene.

After all, no one wanted trouble.

He dragged her to the elevator entrance.

At that moment, the doors opened, and Shen Yichi’s face came into view.

Their eyes met. The man’s expression was calm as he took in the scene.

Song Yanzi struggled hard a few times, but the man held her hand tightly.

Xu Jingcheng wasn’t truly drunk. Seeing Shen Yichi, he immediately greeted him, "President Shen."

Shen Yichi, Shen Yihuan, and Sheng Zhiyi all stepped out together.