Chapter 2: Irreconcilable Rivals

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In the chairman’s office at Everpeace Group, Song Yanzi sat in the executive chair while the secretary across from her methodically reported her upcoming schedule.

“President Song, President Shen just called to ask when you’ll be available. He wants to arrange a meeting with you.”

At that, Song Yanzi’s brows drew together almost imperceptibly.

The meeting was merely an excuse. What he really wanted was to settle the score.

Last night, her scheme had succeeded, and she had snatched the contract away from the Shen family.

After leaving the hotel that morning, she had blocked all of his contact information without the slightest hesitation.

After all, he was getting engaged. There was no need for them to remain in contact.

“Make up an excuse and brush him off. Or just ignore him.”

After tossing out those few words, Song Yanzi turned her attention back to work.

By the time she had finished everything and concluded her business engagements, it was already nine o’clock at night.

Dragging her exhausted body home, Song Yanzi returned to her apartment.

She had spent most of the previous night tangled up with Shen Yichi, and after an entire day of high-intensity work, she was now utterly drained.

She had just finished washing up and was preparing to lie down when her phone suddenly rang.

“Yanzi, I’m in trouble. Come save me, quickly.”

The caller was none other than her sister-in-law.

An hour later, Song Yanzi’s car arrived at Misty Lounge.

Xu Yaqi got into trouble every few days, and tonight was no exception.

Though Song Yanzi had long since grown accustomed to it, dealing with such matters repeatedly inevitably left her irritated.

If not for her elder brother, she would not have bothered with it at all.

In an upstairs private room, Song Yanzi pushed open the door and entered.

The room was awash with dazzling lights and fine liquor, thick with smoke and a jumble of mingled scents.

Song Yanzi swept her gaze across the room. Xu Yaqi was being held in a corner by bodyguards.

When she saw Song Yanzi, Xu Yaqi looked as though she had spotted her salvation and hurriedly cried out, “Yanzi, save me!”

Song Yanzi had already learned the general outline of what had happened over the phone.

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At the center of the sofa sat a group of wealthy young men and women.

The most dazzling among them was Shen Yihuan.

She was also the person Xu Yaqi had offended that night.

The two had quarreled over a minor disagreement, and Shen Yihuan had ordered her people to tie Xu Yaqi up.

As the Shen family’s beloved eldest daughter, Shen Yihuan had been showered with affection since childhood. Proud, willful, and indulged, she did as she pleased.

This was the Shen family’s territory, so naturally she could act without restraint.

Besides, the person she truly wanted to make things difficult for was Song Yanzi.

Song Yanzi walked over and got straight to the point.

“Tell me. What do you want?”

Shen Yihuan set down her wineglass and looked up.

Song Yanzi stood two meters away, without a trace of makeup. Even with a bare, unadorned face, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

Her pale-colored loungewear did little to conceal her graceful figure.

It was no exaggeration to say that she was one of the three most beautiful women in Rong City.

Shen Yihuan arched a brow. “Song Yanzi, is that how you ask someone for help?”

Song Yanzi’s tone remained even. “You’re mistaken. I’m not here to beg. I’m here to resolve the problem.”

Shen Yihuan detested her to the very core, so resolving tonight’s matter was bound to be troublesome.

At her words, Shen Yihuan burst into laughter, her face filled with disdain and contempt.

When she finally stopped laughing, she taunted, “Resolving the problem is simple. Get on your knees and apologize, and I’ll let bygones be bygones.”

She had finally found an opportunity to humiliate Song Yanzi. Of course she was not going to let it go easily.

Everyone in their circle knew that the Shen and Song families were irreconcilable enemies, locked in bitter opposition.

Now that the two women were at odds, everyone nearby watched with eager anticipation, waiting for the spectacle to unfold.

Song Yanzi raised a hand and casually tucked back her hair.

“Since you don’t want to resolve this properly, I’ll contact President Shen. He’s upstairs anyway.”

Shen Yihuan shouted a threat. “Song Yanzi, you dare try calling my brother?”

“Threats are the one thing I fear least.”

Song Yanzi’s eyes gleamed with provocation as she turned as if to leave.

“Song Yanzi, you shameless woman!” Shen Yihuan cursed furiously. She stood up and shouted, “Fine! Take her and get out!”

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The ploy worked exactly as intended. In the end, Song Yanzi led Xu Yaqi out of the private room.

Handling Shen Yihuan was effortless.

The reason Shen Yihuan had agreed so readily and chosen not to pursue the matter was that she did not want Song Yanzi to meet Shen Yichi.

Inside the elevator, Xu Yaqi cautiously glanced up at her.

“Yanzi, I’m sorry. I caused trouble for you again.”

It was the same apology once more. Song Yanzi had heard it so often that her ears had practically grown calluses.

“Stay away from the Shen family from now on. Don’t provoke them.” Song Yanzi’s expression remained impassive; she merely offered the warning.

The elevator doors opened. Just as she was about to step out, Song Yanzi froze when she saw the man standing outside.

Shen Yichi stood tall and straight in black trousers and a black shirt, one hand tucked into his pocket, his black coat draped over the crook of his arm.

He looked languid and unconcerned.

She had only been bluffing earlier, never expecting Shen Yichi to actually be there.

Their eyes met.

His dark eyes were unfathomable. His handsome face seemed devoid of emotion, yet beneath the surface lay a chilling coldness.

Song Yanzi calmly withdrew her gaze, avoiding that icy stare.

Two seconds later, she grabbed her sister-in-law and fled.

In the parking lot, Song Yanzi was just about to get into her car when a large hand seized her wrist.

The next moment, a tall, imperious figure loomed over her.

Under the dim lights, the man’s expression was stern.

Song Yanzi had never expected Shen Yichi to pursue her. For a moment, she stood stunned.

After her brief shock, she hurriedly reached out to push him away, but the man acted swiftly and decisively, pinning both her hands down as he pressed closer.

The cold body of the car was behind her; the man’s tall, warm body was in front. She could not move at all.

Shen Yichi lowered his head slightly and spoke in a hoarse voice.

“Song Yanzi, don’t you think it’s time we settled the score for the way you plotted against me?”