Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

All heads turned simultaneously to look at Fan Jie when he said that.

He stood at the door staring, blinking innocently.

Liu Zhixing’s eyes widened with surprise, as though he’d seen a ghost.

Zhang Chunhua had an expression of disbelief on his face.

Even Shi Nianyao was astonished.

Fan Jie continued, “Is this a bad time? I can always come back after you’ve settled all your differences.”

Liu Zhixing quickly went up to Fan Jie. “Mr Fan, you’re here!”

Fan Jie nodded and said in an embarrassed tone, “I’m so sorry. I had to reschedule my plans yesterday as something came up in the last minute. Have I caught you at a bad time coming unannounced today?”

“Not at all! We have time, of course!” Suddenly Liu Zhixing was all pleasant and polite towards Qiao Lian, a drastic change from just a moment ago, when he had been glaring at her furiously. “Hurry up, Xiao Lian1.Affectionate way of referring to Qiao Lian. Take Mr Fan to the meeting room.”

Qiao Lian simply nodded.

Everyone had left the meeting room by now.

Qiao Lian said in a business-like tone, as she picked up the audio recorder, “Mr Fan, would you mind if I recorded today’s interview?”

Fan Jie scratched his head. “Sister-in-law… are you still mad at me?”

Qiao Lian looked away. “No.”

She was more disappointed than angry.

But she understood too that Fan Jie didn’t have much of a choice either.

After all, Fan Jie was Shen Liangchuan’s friend, not hers.

Hence, it was better for her to keep an appropriate distance.

“Sister-in-law, I—”

“Mr Fan, shall we begin?”

Fan Jie was about to say something, but he stopped. Eventually he hung his head and said, “Sure.”

After the interview, Qiao Lian shook his hand and expressed her appreciation, “Thank you for working with us.”

She was cordial and polite.

Fan Jie again looked like he was on the verge of speaking, but he finally just gave a sigh. “You’re most welcome.”

Qiao Lian then saw Fan Jie out.

After Fan Jie left, Qiao Lian returned to her office upstairs and started to work on the interview article fully concentrated.

After finishing the interview article, however, the passing of time once more started tormenting Qiao Lian.

Her thoughts kept going back to the scene of the night before.

She couldn’t help but give out a bitter laugh.

Even if she had been at her worst mood and had given her pet dog a little kick, she would have eventually felt apologetic.

But what was she to this man Shen Liangchuan?

Qiao Lian tried her best to suppress her own bitterness and stop herself from thinking these things.

It was six in the evening.

The office was slowly emptying.

Qiao Lian didn’t feel like leaving, even though she had switched her computer off.

No matter how much she didn’t want to see Shen Liangchuan, Qiao Yi was waiting for her at home.

She went downstairs, intending to hail a cab on the street. However as she waited, a nondescript sedan halted beside her.

She froze momentarily when she recognized the familiar car.

Shortly after, the door of the front passenger seat was swung open. Looking in, she saw Shen Liangchuan in the driver seat, staring back at her.

He looked tired, probably from not having rested well the night before. But as usual, he was cold and aloof.

Qiao Lian clenched her fists and stood where she was, motionless.

She didn’t feel like getting into the car.

Shen Liangchuan silently responded with equal stubbornness, as though giving a signal that he wouldn’t leave if she didn’t get into the car.

The car door remained open and curious passers-by were stopping to observe this awkward scene. A small crowd was beginning to gather.

Shen Liangchuan didn’t have his sunglasses and mask on today.

Qiao Lian gritted her teeth as she realized this.

Eventually she got into the car.

Right after she shut the car door, Shen Liangchuan dropped a document on her lap. He was expressionless.

Qiao Lian’s gaze narrowed as she read the heading of the document.