CHAPTER 202: CHAPTER 202: PLEASANT COOPERATION

He lightly caressed Bian Yue’s face, his gaze softly dimmed, and in a hoarse voice he said, "Yes, it’s not a mistake."

The sea at night in Xiangjiang was calm and without surges. When Bian Yue held Shen Jinci, at the peak of her emotions, she gently bit his collarbone, leaving teeth marks—a hint of possessiveness—as she earnestly declared, "This is mine."

Shen Jinci had fine beads of sweat on his forehead, his slender fingers clasping the back of her neck, his expression deep and tender, "All yours."

Only then did Bian Yue feel satisfied. Just as she was about to say something, a tingling surge overwhelmed her. Her breath caught for a moment, and she found herself unable to speak.

Meanwhile, Shen Jinci lightly kissed her brows and eyes, his voice restrained and husky, "If it hurts, just bite me."

Bian Yue looked at the teeth marks on his collarbone. She reached out to touch them and said in a soft voice, "I can’t bear to."

The night was still long, just like the boundless sea, with no end in sight.

And all Bian Yue could hear was Shen Jinci’s voice, coming from behind her, carrying a light sigh, finally satisfied, he softly said, "Yueyue, you’re such a good girl."

She was held by Shen Jinci in front of a floor-to-ceiling window, watching as the sea suddenly became tumultuous, the waters rising, engulfing all her rationality.

Bian Yue just watched as the waters grew more and more turbulent, as if brewing a gentle tsunami...

After a prolonged period of clear weather in Xiangjiang, it finally welcomed a brief spell of rain.

Bian Yue sat in the office, having just concluded a morning meeting.

Ah Si followed right behind Bian Yue with his fashionable pink hair, eagerly saying, "President Bian, I’ve been seriously attending acting classes recently, when can I play a supporting role?"

Bian Yue knew that Ah Si had recently gained popularity on variety shows. He was more patient than Meng Qi and now had a very loyal fanbase.

"What role would you like to play?"

Ah Si’s eyes lit up, hastily responding, "What do you think about me playing a modern idol?"

Bian Yue smiled, "Today is the premiere of ’Shengshi Yan’. After I wrap up these next few days, I’ll arrange a suitable script for you."

Ah Si smiled and thanked her, swearing that he would act well and not waste the opportunity Bian Yue had given him.

Bian Yue nodded, then Anny came running over with a phone.

Anny looked at Bian Yue with a tense expression, "President Bian, Xinghe says that President Lu wants to meet with you."

It was quite unexpected for Bian Yue.

It was supposed to be after the premiere’s day ended that they would meet, yet Lu Zhonian chose today.

Without hesitation, Bian Yue asked Anny for the time.

"Did Lu Zhonian specify when?"

Anny frowned, "It seems President Lu means immediately."

The morning rain brought humidity and warmth. As Bian Yue alighted at the entrance of the Xinghe building and opened the car door, she saw Lu Zhonian’s assistant.

The latter came forward with a smile and softly said, "President Bian, please come with me."

"Thank you."

Bian Yue sat down in the chairman’s office and saw Lu Zhonian, his back to her, arranging an antique vase on the shelf.

He spoke, his voice calm as if making casual conversation, "I heard your birthday party was quite lively."

"It was alright. It’s a pity that President Lu couldn’t make it," Bian Yue smiled. "It would have been livelier if you had come."

Lu Zhonian put down the blue and white porcelain vase, turned around, and looked at Bian Yue with a half-smile. As he sat down in front of her, he said, "I thought you wouldn’t want me to meet Shen Jinci."

While speaking, his gaze lingered on the ring on Bian Yue’s ring finger and suddenly his smile deepened, "The ring looks nice."

Bian Yue’s smile turned genuinely soft, "Thank you, it’s a gift from my husband."

Lu Zhonian, hearing ’my husband’ from Bian Yue, found it rather curious.

"Your relationship with Shen Jinci must be quite good," Lu Zhonian asked casually.

"Of course," Bian Yue spoke calmly, "but that has nothing to do with our cooperation."

Lu Zhonian chuckled lightly. He placed a gift box in front of Bian Yue, leaned back on the sofa, and said lightly, "This is my gift."

Bian Yue glanced at the elegant box in front of her and smiled, "Thank you, President Lu."

"You’re welcome. Let’s talk business now, Bian Yue. Regarding the cooperation, what are your thoughts?" Lu Zhonian raised an eyebrow, his tone casual, "The real-time data for ’Shengshi Yan’ today is quite impressive. I’m sure this drama will be a hit, and I’m even more sure that our cooperation would just be the beginning."

"I’ve thought a lot during this time. Regarding the cooperation you mentioned, I’m very keen. But we haven’t seen the premiere data yet, is President Lu sure about partnering with me now?" Bian Yue’s smile faded slightly, "Is President Lu so anxious because he’s afraid I’ll slip the deal?"

"It’s not really about losing the deal; I just don’t like taking risks. If we cooperate now, I still have a say. If Lixing sees the data and offers something more attractive, I might..."

Lu Zhonian smiled and left his sentence hanging.

Bian Yue understood Lu Zhonian’s intention.

He’d rather both take a small gamble than risk losing control of the situation.

Currently, because Bian Yue and Lixing haven’t signed the contract, Lu Zhonian could guess there were issues with the cooperation.

But if ’Shengshi Yan’s’ data performs well and Lixing concedes, Bian Yue might not necessarily still be sitting here discussing peacefully with him.

Lu Zhonian didn’t think that under the same conditions, Bian Yue would forego Lixing and choose him.

"Since President Lu is willing to bet, I am also willing to take a chance," Bian Yue said after a prolonged silence, slowly standing up, "The terms previously offered by President Lu were already very generous. There isn’t much to discuss, President Lu, it’s a pleasure to cooperate."

Lu Zhonian seemed surprised, his eyebrows raised as he restrained his smile, sizing up Bian Yue, "You agree so readily? Don’t you want to think it over?"

"I’ve thought about it enough," Bian Yue smiled composedly, "With Honey partnering with Xinghe, I will no longer just be a junior to be slaughtered in the film industry in Xiangjiang."

"Actually, if Lixing could offer conditions as favorable as mine, you would choose Lixing, right?" Lu Zhonian’s eyes scrutinized Bian Yue as he asked seemingly inadvertently.

Bian Yue replied calmly, "I would not choose Lixing as my biggest partner."

"Why?"

"President Lu, why ask what you already know? I cherish my marriage with my husband, and I don’t want business matters to ultimately tear us apart."

Her words were sharp and left no room for argument.

Yet Lu Zhonian’s smile became even more intriguing, "So, tearing apart with me, President Bian has no qualms?"

Bian Yue boldly extended her hand towards Lu Zhonian, "If such a day comes, President Lu would feel even less burden than I would."

Lu Zhonian silently looked at Bian Yue, then suddenly burst into laughter. He stood up, clasped Bian Yue’s hand, and said emphatically, "Then, let’s wish for a pleasurable cooperation, President Bian."

That very noon, Bian Yue signed a cooperation agreement with Lu Zhonian.