CHAPTER 264: CHAPTER 264: AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER WITH AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE

"What if I say it’s not?"

Wen Jiao forced out a faint smile, her hands clasped together as she apologized to Shen Zhaoli, "I stood you up before, always bickered with you, even spoke ill of you in front of Bian Yue. It was all my fault. Can you not say such scary things when it’s unnecessary!"

"When you marry a vicious man like Wei Shuqian, you’re not afraid. Why are you so scared when I propose to you?" Shen Zhaoli revealed a smile. He had a face so flawlessly handsome it defied critique.

Wen Jiao closed her eyes, refusing to look at him, and said helplessly, "I don’t plan to get married in this lifetime! Shen Zhaoli, someone like me is truly not suitable for marriage! Don’t you know? I’ve kept many pretty boys outside!"

"Got any photos?" Shen Zhaoli’s voice betrayed no emotion, "I want to see what your taste is like."

Wen Jiao truly didn’t want Shen Zhaoli to entertain any thoughts of marrying her. Hearing his request for photos, she immediately pulled out her phone and flipped through her album to show him a photo of Meng Qi, "Look, handsome, right? My latest fancy."

"That should be an old flame, right? I heard you knew him even before Wei Shuqian came back," Shen Zhaoli’s tone was flat.

Wen Jiao’s eyes widened in shock as she looked at Shen Zhaoli, blurting out subconsciously, "How do you know everything!"

"Wen Jiao, stop saying these meaningless words. I’m making a serious proposal to you now. If you truly think compatibility is more important than love, I would make a good marriage partner."

Seeing his earnest expression, Wen Jiao straightened up and looked up at him, "Let me ask you, could you accept your wife not coming home at night?"

"I could."

"She dates other men."

"Just don’t let me see it."

Wen Jiao laughed, her eyes curved and bold, dazzlingly bright, "I really dislike doing things secretly. If I date, it has to be open and aboveboard."

Seeing Shen Zhaoli’s expression cool and finally not speaking again, Wen Jiao breathed a sigh of relief and calmly said, "Shen Zhaoli, let’s pretend you haven’t been here today and that I never saw you. Your proposal just now, please keep it to yourself and don’t mention it to anyone, okay?"

After finishing, she escorted him, who was almost asleep, to the door, fearing he would speak again, and immediately closed it.

Once the door was shut, Wen Jiao patted her chest in relief, exclaiming, "What a nightmare! What madness for such a brat!"

Meanwhile, at Bian Group.

Bian Yue held a press conference in the afternoon which was going smoothly, but just as it was about to end, someone threw an ink-filled bottle towards the stage. Luckily, Annie, who was quick on her feet, shielded Bian Yue in time.

After the conference ended, Bian Yue ordered the instigator to be brought in.

In the CEO’s office, Bian Yue looked up and saw Zhuang Jie Ning wearing a cap, her face still shadowed.

She hadn’t been seen in a long while and looked to be in poor spirits, hair disheveled, her expression filled with malice, staring at herself furiously.

Bian Yue put down her pen and smiled carelessly, "Why, it’s you?"

"Bian Yue! What’s there to be proud of here? Don’t you have nightmares at night? You’ve taken what belongs to others as your own, how are you any different from a thief!"

"What belongs to others? Miss Zhuang, please clarify, I purchased these with clear prices. If you’re unhappy, why didn’t you pay for them?"

Zhuang Jie Ning’s face changed dramatically, she looked at Bian Yue, fists clenched, indignantly saying, "Now you’re speaking such cold words, it just makes you look morally corrupt! Bian Yue, if you truly aren’t guilty at all, then why didn’t you expose me publicly at the press conference just now?"

"Do you think I didn’t because I felt guilty? Zhuang Jie Ning, I refrained out of respect for you being Li Sihe’s widow. I didn’t want to disgrace Li Sihe."

"Don’t bring up that man to me!" Zhuang Jie Ning cut her off furiously, her voice trembling, "In this lifetime, I’ve been ruined by that man!"

Bian Yue’s face turned cold, "Lu Zhonian should have seen your father today. What do you think your father would do if he knew about your actions today?"

"Bian Yue, don’t act so self-righteous lecturing me! If I had Li Sihe’s child in my belly now, if I were the Li Family’s young mistress, would you dare to talk to me like this? You’re just depending on how your status and identity have changed from the past!"

Zhuang Jie Ning screamed out these words with all her might, then suddenly started to laugh.

Looking up, she glanced at the classically decorated office, her face tinged with nostalgia, "Do you know? I’m about to leave Xiangjiang. My father thinks I’ve brought shame to the family and wants to send me overseas. Today is my last day in Xiangjiang, and I chose to see you."

Bian Yue frowned, pressed the intercom, and ordered Bai Xu to come in.

As soon as Bai Xu entered, he saw Zhuang Jie Ning’s tearful and smiling state.

Zhuang Jie Ning hadn’t expected to see Bai Xu here, stunned for a moment, then her expression turned scornful, "Assistant Bai, you’re working under Bian Yue now? For such a small benefit, you’re really willing to be a dog!"

"Zhuang Jie Ning!" Bian Yue coldly interrupted, her face expressionless, "I didn’t embarrass you publicly at the press conference because I didn’t want to take things too far. There’s no animosity between your father and me, but if you continue to insult my partner, I will call the media here now!"

Bai Xu was quite calm, looking at Zhuang Jie Ning with a gentle smile, slowly saying, "Miss Zhuang, I was actually about to look for you. Since you’re already here, let me just say it directly, the funds you misused at Feng Cheng, I have already accounted for them. Now that Feng Cheng is part of Bian Group, please quickly return the money."

Zhuang Jie Ning felt a chill spread through her body, she looked at Bai Xu incredulously, scoffing, "What nonsense are you talking about? When did I misuse Feng Cheng’s money? I warn you, don’t slander me!"

"Of course, I have evidence before I dare to say so. Or perhaps, Miss Zhuang, would you like me to present the evidence in front of President Bian right now?"

Zhuang Jie Ning panicked, retreated two steps, and then, as if something had occurred to her, she suddenly turned and ran out.

Bian Yue pinched her brow, silent.

"Miss Bian, do you need me to take her to the police station?"

"No need. Inform Zhuang Yi and have him discipline his daughter properly." Bian Yue paused, then looked up at Bai Xu, "Has the former director of the orphanage arrived?"

"He has been here for half an hour, I’ll call him in."

Bian Yue closed her eyes, taking a moment to compose herself.

The next moment, she saw Bai Xu leading in a middle-aged man with a compliant expression. Bian Yue’s face changed dramatically, instinctively blurting out, "Uncle Song..."