CHAPTER 557: CHAPTER 477: WHO WOOS WHOM

As she spoke, she extended her hand. Lu Qing glanced at her once but didn’t shake her hand, leaving Fang Meiling visibly embarrassed.

She coyly said:

"Mr. Lu, why are you so cold? After all, I’m still a woman."

Lu Qing’s gaze carried a certain intimidation; with just a fleeting glance, she felt an icy chill spreading through her entire body.

He responded in a calm tone, "What is it?"

"I’m just—I really admire you. I’ve heard many stories about your achievements and wanted to meet you, maybe even learn from you."

At that moment, Wang Ye approached, a slight smile on his face, placing a hand on her shoulder as he said with a chuckle:

"Mr. Lu has always been indifferent to women. Now that he has such a beautiful wife, why would he even look at anyone else?"

Fang Meiling stomped her foot, feeling slighted. She said playfully:

"Young Master Wang, are you mocking me?"

"Mock you? Someone as graceful and ravishing as you? I wouldn’t dare. I can only think of ways to flatter you."

"Hmph, smooth talker."

Wang Ye flirted with Fang Meiling while subtly watching Lu Qing’s expression. That man—without a doubt, he was a formidable force. The head of the Wang Family had misjudged the situation, going head-to-head with him over the Lin Family matter, and now Wang Group’s stock prices had been plummeting relentlessly.

He was certain that Lu Qing was behind it.

Though the fools in the Wang Family remained clueless!

If he could establish a friendship with Lu Qing, that would undoubtedly be a powerful alliance. But if he became an enemy—he’d make for a terrifying adversary!

"Young Master Lu, if the opportunity arises, would you be interested in collaborating?"

He extended his hand. These words sounded like casual politeness, but Wang Ye knew full well who Lu Qing was.

Lu Qing curled his lips slightly:

"If Young Master Wang is interested, anytime works."

Their collaboration went far beyond mere business dealings—it was personal. It might even involve partnerships within the Wang Family itself.

Lu Qing had always been drawn to ambitious people, and Wang Ye certainly fit the mold.

What he wanted wasn’t just cooperation—he wanted control over the entire Wang Family.

"Mr. Lu, how straightforward of you. I hope we can become great friends."

His intention to show goodwill was unmistakable. Lu Qing’s eyes darkened slightly:

"Of course. I never turn away friends."

Their initial exchange had concluded. Wang Ye led Fang Meiling away, and Wang Zhi caught sight of the interaction. He sneered:

"That guy went to butter up Lu Qing? Doesn’t he realize the Lu Family and Wang Family have bad blood right now?"

Tang Yuanyuan overheard him and furrowed her brows, gently reminding him:

"Lu Qing is a very capable person. Forming goodwill with him is better than harboring animosity."

"What do you know? He refused to give face to my dad and even secretly targeted the Wang Family."

"The whole mess started because of the Lin Family. The old man was influenced by pillow talk and started targeting Lu Qing. Aren’t you enemies with her? Why are you also opposing Lu Qing? You should be the one pulling him closer—having him on your side would only be beneficial to you. Look at Wang Ye—by all accounts, he should resent Lu Qing even more than you do, but instead, he’s trying to win him over. What does that tell you?"

Wang Zhi had originally been annoyed at her lecturing but upon closer reflection, found her words somewhat sensible.

"So what you’re saying is, I should show goodwill to him? Win him over?"

"If you don’t, your uncle might be the one to gain favor with him. Don’t forget—while you are the old man’s grandson, he’s the son."

"That bastard."

Wang Zhi spat angrily. Tang Yuanyuan disliked how he talked, but she couldn’t control him. After all, he was the one chosen by her family. Her marriage was purely a political alliance. Still, if she had the freedom to choose, she would have chosen Wang Ye.