CHAPTER 188: CHAPTER 186: THE FIRST STEP TO INGRATIATION, SHAMELESSNESS

Si Yuhuan appeared in everyone’s line of sight.

Jiang Qimeng staggered, nearly falling.

She awkwardly went over and grabbed Si Yuhuan’s sleeve to explain, "Why are you here?"

Before the court session, she had tried to contact Si Yuhuan, hoping he would come. But he had been so indifferent he hadn’t even bothered to reply, so Jiang Qimeng never imagined he would actually show up.

"If I hadn’t come, how would I have seen you grandstanding like this?" Si Yuhuan frowned deeply, his expression dark and unpleasant.

It was Jian Xi who had sent the message asking him to come.

He had never imagined that the gentle, considerate, and understanding Jiang Qimeng would say such arrogant words in public. He felt like he understood her less and less.

Jiang Qimeng hurried to explain, "It’s really not what you think! Jian Xi provoked me just now. I spoke without thinking."

Jian Xi crossed her arms and chuckled. "Once or twice, perhaps. But is it always like this? Miss Jiang, you’re not just good at acting; you’re also quite the sophist!"

"Jian Xi, did you deliberately call Yuhan over? You orchestrated that whole scene just now! You’re framing me! You’re truly malicious!"

Jiang Qimeng dropped all pretense and started screaming hysterically, continuously proclaiming her innocence.

The noise gave Si Yuhuan a headache.

Just as he was about to intervene, a cold laugh came from behind him.

"Quite lively, isn’t it?"

Fu Shengyuan walked in, one hand in his suit pocket. A smile played on his lips as he approached Jian Xi and Wan Yu, nodding. "It seems I’ve come at an inopportune moment. Director Si, still haven’t sorted out your family matters?"

His tone was grating and infuriating.

Si Yuhuan, seething with anger, demanded, "Fu Shengyuan, what are you doing here?"

"I heard Miss Jian was sweeping the field, so naturally, I’m here to throw her a victory celebration."

Jian Xi hadn’t expected Fu Shengyuan to come. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, but she didn’t let it show. "That’s right, we do have a victory celebration. We won’t meddle with you and your white moonlight, who’s currently throwing a fit and threatening to make a dramatic scene."

Si Yuhuan was infuriated by her triumphant air.

She’s cheerfully taking Wan Yu’s hand and leaving with Fu Shengyuan to go have fun at a restaurant, he thought. And I’m supposed to stay here and endure Jiang Qimeng’s accusations and complaints?

"Jian Xi, stop right there!" Si Yuhuan tried to chase after her but was pulled back by Jiang Qimeng.

"Yuhan, don’t leave me!"

Si Yuhuan frowned. "Let go."

Jiang Qimeng was a sobbing, pitiful mess. "No! If I let go, you’ll leave me forever! Yuhan, she’s flirting with everyone! Are you still going to shamelessly chase after her? Can’t you see she doesn’t love you anymore?"

Jian Xi doesn’t love him anymore.

Si Yuhuan’s pupils constricted slightly. He didn’t shake off Jiang Qimeng’s arm, and his fiery demeanor instantly vanished.

Jiang Qimeng saw it all clearly but could only grit her teeth and deceive herself, pretending not to see that his heart had already been swayed.

"Yuhan, you only have me now. Jian Xi will become another man’s woman sooner or later. Perhaps she already belongs to Fu Shengyuan."

Si Yuhuan abruptly looked up.

His eyes, glinting with a bloodthirsty light, held a terrifying coldness. Jiang Qimeng, somewhat frightened, pressed on, "Fu Shengyuan is a significant figure, once the most dazzling presence in Beijing. Although he can’t compare to you now, the Fu Family has deep roots. Any woman he sets his sights on won’t be able to escape him."

If I say this, Si Yuhuan should finally let go, Jiang Qimeng thought.

But to her surprise, the next second, he pushed her away and strode out.

She’s right! he thought. But the one Si Yuhuan desires won’t escape either!

No matter how Jiang Qimeng called after him, he didn’t look back.

"AAARGH—Jian Xi, you deserve to die! I want you dead!"

Jiang Qimeng was incandescent with rage.

「...」

Yan Qing drove, observing his boss’s dark expression. He couldn’t help but speak up, "Director Si, Miss Jian actually cares a lot about the Jian Family, besides the old master. If you could..."

"Win over Jian’s Father and Jian’s Mother, and get on good terms with her brothers, Miss Jian would definitely be happy!"

"Maybe she’d even reconsider."

Yan Qing was eagerly awaiting praise when Si Yuhuan shot him a sidelong glance. "Mind your own business."

ER...

He’d really put his foot in it this time.

"So, Director Si, where are we going?"

Si Yuhuan said, "To the Jian Family residence."

Yan Qing was speechless. "..."

「...」

After leaving the courthouse, Jian Xi was taken to a restaurant by Fu Shengyuan.

Before they even stepped inside, Wan Yu started making clumsy excuses. "Oh dear, I just remembered! There are some people I need to interview at New Fashion Media. Xixi, why don’t you have a meal with Mr. Fu first?"

Jian Xi glared at her.

Wan Yu narrowed her eyes in response.

This guy is such a catch; Xixi has to seize this chance! she thought. He’s every bit as exceptional as Si Yuhuan—definitely a top-tier Diamond Bachelor.

Regardless of Jian Xi’s agreement, Wan Yu waved her hand dismissively. "Mr. Fu, I feel at ease leaving Xixi with you. I’ll head off now. You two enjoy your meal."

Fu Shengyuan smiled and bid her farewell.

After Wan Yu left, he touched his nose and chuckled. "Your friend is quite amusing. She’s trying to create some alone time for us. How thoughtful of her."

Jian Xi was speechless.

"She’s just eccentric; don’t mind her. Today’s my treat, just as I promised—I said I’d buy you a meal."

After they ordered, Jian Xi looked at Fu Shengyuan.

"I appreciate what you said today in front of Si Yuhuan. However, I need to make it clear: between you and me, it’s impossible." She smiled faintly, her rejection crisp and decisive, without any hesitation.

A flash of admiration crossed Fu Shengyuan’s eyes, making him even more eager to pursue her.

"That’s fine. You can refuse, and I can pursue. The two don’t conflict."

"Even if it means opposing Si Yuhuan and being targeted by him?" Jian Xi countered.

Fu Shengyuan spread his hands. "It seems we’re destined to be adversaries, whether I actively oppose him or not."

Jian Xi was silent. "..."

This man is too good with words.

"I have no plans to remarry. Not now, not ever."

The food arrived.

He served Jian Xi some dishes.

"Don’t speak so definitively. What if you suddenly have a change of heart?"

Jian Xi wanted to say more. But Fu Shengyuan’s intelligent eyes, which seemed capable of peering into one’s soul, held a mysterious glint. He said, "Rest assured, with my capabilities, I don’t need to rely on the Jian Group to strengthen my position."

Jian Xi was again left speechless. "..."

Forget it, let him think what he wants.

Her cellphone suddenly rang.

Jian Xi glanced at the screen. It was her older brother. She answered without hesitation.

"Come home for a bit."

HUH?

Si Yuhuan’s voice? She checked the caller ID—it was indeed her brother’s mobile number. She clenched her jaw. "What are you doing at the Jian Family’s house?"

"I felt like coming, so I did. After all, it’s my father-in-law’s house. Is there a problem with me paying a visit?"

Jian Xi desperately wanted to curse. Doesn’t he have any sense of shame? She glanced at Fu Shengyuan across the table and managed to restrain herself.

"Fine. I’ll be right back."

She looked at Fu Shengyuan apologetically.

"Is there something urgent at home? Do you need to leave?"

Jian Xi nodded.

He stood up like a gentleman. "It’s no problem at all. You go ahead. I’ll be fine here."

This man is too polite, too understanding, Jian Xi thought, feeling quite embarrassed.

"I’m sorry. I owe you this meal. Make that two. I’ll find a chance to make it up to you."

With that, she hurriedly grabbed her bag and rushed off.

After she left, Fu Shengyuan raised his gaze slightly, an enigmatic and meaningful smile playing on his lips.