Chapter 58: Discussing a Partnership

Once seated in the private dining room, the dim, warm lighting blended the sound of conversation with soft, gentle music.

Suddenly, a figure caught everyone's attention—William, a blonde and blue-eyed foreign businessman, whose gaze was fixed on Lu Qiqi like a magnet, revealing an undisguised admiration and greed in his eyes.

A playful smirk curled the corners of his lips. From time to time, he raised his glass to take a small sip of red wine, yet his eyes never strayed even half an inch from Lu Qiqi.

Sensing this unusual gaze, Lu Qiqi knitted her brows slightly and instinctively moved closer to Chu Linchen.

Seeing this, Chu Linchen’s gaze instantly turned sharp. Without a sound, he stepped between Lu Qiqi and William, using his body language to declare his territory as the atmosphere grew subtly tense.

Unable to restrain himself any longer, William wore an even more pronounced smile and slowly rose, traversing the dim light and shadow to walk toward Lu Qiqi.

Speaking in accented Mandarin, his voice was deep and magnetic, "Miss Lu, you are truly beautiful, like a fairy walking out of a painting."

As he spoke, he gently raised his hand, seemingly intending to touch a lock of Lu Qiqi’s hair resting on her shoulder, but Chu Linchen’s gaze, like a cold sword, instantly intercepted his approaching hand.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment. Under the dim lighting, Lu Qiqi’s expression appeared exceptionally aloof; she turned her head slightly to avoid William’s approach.

Lu Qiqi smiled and responded politely, "Hello."

Her smile was calm yet distant, like a gentle spring breeze sweeping across the surface of a river, carrying an unnoticeable hint of chill.

Her eyes gleamed with wisdom, and as she shifted them slightly, it seemed as though she could see right through a person's soul.

She bowed slightly, adopting a posture that was both polite and maintaining a respectful distance, cleverly evading William's further advance.

Under the dim lights, her figure appeared remarkably soft yet resolute, resembling an orchid quietly blooming within an exquisite ink-wash painting—refined yet possessing an unyielding backbone.

Her gaze shifted fluidly, and parting her lips, she looked at William with a gentle yet resolute smile. She gracefully raised the crystal wine glass in her hand; the red wine within shimmered like a gemstone, reflecting her wise and calm eyes.

"Mr. William, thank you for the compliment. It is truly my honor to gather with a gentleman like you."

With those words, she gracefully raised her glass in a toast to William, her movement carrying both the reservation of an oriental woman and an undeniable capability and directness. "To our initial acquaintance, and to our prospective cooperation in the future, cheers."

The red wine lightly touched her lips and was drained in one gulp. Her action conveyed an unspoken tacit understanding and anticipation, as if silently urging that this admiration be transformed into substantial business opportunities as soon as possible.

A flicker of amusement crossed William’s eyes, and he lightly clapped his hands. A waiter immediately brought over a glass of deep-colored, fragrant liquor.

A smug smile played at the corners of his mouth as he pushed the glass toward Lu Qiqi, saying in a slightly challenging tone, "Miss Lu, since you are so straightforward, how about treating this strong liquor as our sincerity for cooperation?"

The atmosphere in the private room suddenly tightened, and all eyes focused on Lu Qiqi.

She was slightly stunned for a moment, then took a deep breath, her gaze resolute.

Beneath the dim light, she slowly accepted the wine glass, her fingers lightly tracing the cold rim as if gathering all her courage.

She looked up, meeting William’s gaze, a flash of determination in her eyes.

Without hesitation, she abruptly raised the glass and drank it down in one go. The harsh liquor slid down her throat, leaving a burning sensation in its wake, but her expression remained unchanged. She merely pressed her lips together lightly, her gaze growing even more steadfast.

Just as Lu Qiqi finished the liquor and the atmosphere stagnated, a flicker of surprise and admiration crossed William's eyes. He was about to approach her once more, but Chu Linchen moved faster than him.

Chu Linchen pulled a thick contract from his briefcase, and with an elegant yet decisive motion, tossed it onto the table. The document emitted a cold, metallic sheen under the lights.

Chu Linchen’s gaze was as sharp as an eagle's as he stared straight at William, a non-negotiable smile at the corner of his mouth: "Mr. William, since you admire Miss Lu so much, why not take a look at this contract first? I believe you will be satisfied with the terms of our cooperation."

Before it could be said otherwise, Chu Linchen gave a gentle push, sliding the contract toward William with an attitude that silently declared: Before any funny business, let's talk business.

Chu Linchen’s movement was fluid and powerful. With a light smile carrying an unquestionable dominance, he said, "Mr. William, cooperation is all about a win-win outcome. I believe you can see our sincerity and strength within this contract. If we can finalize the details tonight, everyone will be happy."

"But if we cannot, well, the market is vast, and I, Chu Linchen, wouldn't mind personally going to your arch-rival to discuss our plans."

As he spoke, his fingers tapped lightly against the tabletop, producing a crisp sound like a battle drum, urging William to make a decision.

The contract lay quietly on the table, seemingly radiating an alluring glow, tempting William to open it and explore the mysteries and opportunities within.

William’s expression grew progressively solemn under Chu Linchen’s resounding words. Dropping his affected demeanor, he slowly picked up a pen and signed his name on the contract.

The rustling sound of the pen tip scratching against the paper was exceptionally clear within the private room.

Having signed, a smug smirk appeared at the corner of his mouth. It seemed he wanted to repeat his old trick, extending his hand toward Lu Qiqi in a flippant gesture to signify the successful partnership.

However, the moment his fingers brushed against Lu Qiqi's fingertips, Chu Linchen struck like lightning. He gripped William’s wrist firmly, his gaze as cold as ice: "Mr. William, please show some self-respect."

Without another word, Chu Linchen forcefully pulled William aside with a clean, decisive movement charged with irresistible force.

William's wrist was held tightly in Chu Linchen's grip, the smugness on his face freezing instantly.

Chu Linchen’s gaze seemed capable of piercing through a person's soul. With a forceful tug, William stumbled forward a few steps, nearly losing his balance.

The dim lighting cast mottled shadows over the two men, making the atmosphere so tense it was almost suffocating.

Pushing William aside, Chu Linchen looked on with burning eyes and a chilling tone: "Mr. William, please remember, this is a place to discuss business, not a venue to satisfy your personal desires."

Having said that, he turned around and gently patted Lu Qiqi’s shoulder, his gesture both tender and resolute.

Lu Qiqi looked up, a flash of gratitude in her eyes. Standing side by side facing William, their presence was by no means inferior.

William’s complexion turned livid under Chu Linchen’s stern presence. Suppressing his rising anger, his gaze shifted back and forth between Lu Qiqi and Chu Linchen.

Pushed aside by Chu Linchen to sit on the sofa, William adjusted his suit cuffs, attempting to recover his usual composure.