Chapter 17: Are There Any Women?

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At noon, Sheng Zhiyi invited Shen Yihuan to lunch.

As they chatted, Sheng Zhiyi asked seemingly offhandedly, “Does your brother have a secretary named Linda?”

The woman across from her answered honestly. “He does. Linda isn’t just beautiful—she’s highly capable too.”

At that, Sheng Zhiyi breathed a sigh of relief, though her doubts did not entirely vanish.

She went straight to the point. “Yihuan, does your brother have a woman?”

By instinct, she felt that Shen Yichi must have someone.

It was not a baseless suspicion or a wild guess.

The first time she had gone to Shen Yichi’s villa, his assistant had delivered some clothes. The brand on the shopping bag was a women’s clothing label.

The second time she became suspicious was because of that phone call in the morning.

Without even thinking, Shen Yihuan flatly denied it. “How could that be? My brother is so pure and aloof he’s practically become a monk. Where would he find a woman?”

Ever since her brother had broken up with that woman, he had never dated anyone else.

Forget women—even the mosquitoes in his house are male!

Seeing how certain and utterly convinced she was, Sheng Zhiyi’s suspicions disappeared completely.

Shen Yihuan would never lie to her.

Noticing the thoughtful look on her face, Shen Yihuan asked, “Zhiyi, what made you ask that?”

Sheng Zhiyi curved her lips. “I was simply curious. After all, a man as outstanding as your brother must have countless admirers.”

Whether in terms of personal ability or family background, he was one of the very best in the entire city of Rong.

Shen Yihuan looked proud and pleased. “There really are plenty of women who like my brother and pursue him. But all he thinks about is the company. He’s a complete workaholic and has no time for anything else.”

Then she added, “Don’t worry. There is absolutely no woman around my brother. I guarantee it.”

She would never tell Sheng Zhiyi about her brother’s past with Song Yanzi.

…

There was a business reception on Saturday evening.

Events like this were excellent opportunities for making connections.

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Song Yanzi naturally had no intention of missing it.

Her makeup was flawless that evening, and she wore a black dress.

Its figure-hugging design accentuated her graceful curves to perfection.

In high heels and with a glass of champagne in hand, she moved through the diverse crowd.

Every smile and gesture revealed an effortless elegance and composure.

In the past, her father and brother had managed the company, leaving her with nothing to worry about. She had lived a carefree, happy life.

Then everything changed overnight. One crisis after another struck her family, forcing her to grow up.

From a complete novice who knew nothing and could do nothing, she had become a woman capable of standing on her own, managing the company in perfect order. Only she knew the bitterness and hardship she had endured along the way.

Song Yanzi conversed and laughed with people from all walks of life, handling every situation with ease.

Shen Yichi and Sheng Zhiyi entered the banquet hall together.

Their appearance immediately caused quite a stir.

Shen Yichi wore an impeccably tailored, high-end suit. Tall, imposing, and strikingly handsome, he commanded attention.

Sheng Zhiyi was dressed in a gorgeous white gown, seeming almost ethereal—elegant and enchanting.

Setting aside their identities and family backgrounds, the sight of such a handsome man and beautiful woman standing together was enough to draw every eye in the room.

This was the first time the two of them had appeared together in public.

Previously, it had only been a rumor circulating within their social circle. Now that they had shown up together, it amounted to a public announcement.

Song Yanzi indifferently withdrew her gaze and drained the champagne in her glass.

Just as she was about to turn toward the restroom, Xu Jingcheng appeared before her.

He was dressed in a suit, a wineglass in hand, and offered her a gentle smile.

“President Song, long time no see.”

After she had clearly rejected his invitation the last time he asked her out, they had had no further contact.

Song Yanzi gave him a faint smile. “President Xu.”

Xu Jingcheng handed her a glass of champagne. “President Song, you’re so difficult to meet. Seeing you even once is harder than reaching the heavens.”

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Out of courtesy, Song Yanzi accepted the glass. “I’ve simply been too busy lately. You know what it’s like—a woman managing such a large company has a truly difficult time.”

Xu Jingcheng smiled. “It certainly isn’t easy. Have you never considered finding someone to rely on, someone who could help shoulder the burden?”

He admired Song Yanzi deeply and was very fond of her.

No man could resist a woman who was both beautiful and capable.

Song Yanzi lifted her lips in a smile. “I’d like that too, but marriage is a matter of fate. It can’t be forced.”

Fate was merely an excuse.

Xu Jingcheng’s smile remained bright. “President Song, I admire you very much. Why not consider me?”

He was completely direct.

Previously, he had confessed his feelings to her repeatedly through messages, only to be rejected outright. He had never expected him still to refuse to give up.

Holding her glass, Song Yanzi smiled radiantly. “Thank you for your affection, President Xu. You’re such an outstanding man—there must be plenty of people who like you. I’ll sit this one out.”

The man before her was not as simple as he appeared and had a poor reputation.

Shen Yichi had told her all of this, and he had also warned her to stay away from Xu Jingcheng.

His warning still rang in her ears.

What she had said was, in essence, a tactful rejection.

Xu Jingcheng kept smiling. “You’re joking, President Song.”

With that, he raised his glass. “In that case, perhaps we should just be friends.”

Song Yanzi clinked her glass against his. “Of course.”

Just as she was wondering how to extricate herself, her phone happened to ring.

She had not drunk the champagne. She casually placed the glass on the table and left.

When Xu Jingcheng saw that Song Yanzi had not touched her drink, his eyes suddenly turned cold.

As far as Song Yanzi was concerned, he was determined to have her.