Staring at the computer screen with an air of indifference, Su Wanwan had no desire to get involved in the matter. Facing Li Maya's insincere smile, she let out a cold snort. "Why seek the spotlight for yourself and drag others into it?"
Li Maya furrowed her brows slightly, earnestly trying to soothe her. "You've misunderstood. I'm not after attention. Everything I've done is for the company's sake. If I hadn't noticed everyone's indifferent reactions, I wouldn't have taken the initiative to step forward. Rest assured, if this effort truly revives the company, I will meticulously document every employee involved and report everything to President Ye, in full detail. This is a collective achievement, not mine alone."
Nods of approval rippled through the group in support."Count me in, Maya!""Me too! I just got my visa last month; might as well treat it as a trip abroad for relaxation.""Exactly. No matter the outcome, we've all done our part, and we have a clear conscience."
Hearing their fervent resolve, Li Maya's heart steadied somewhat. She smiled again at Su Wanwan. "Come with us."
Su Wanwan glanced sideways at Li Maya, wary of the schemes lurking behind her smile. Yet, she happened to need to travel abroad soon and could have the company cover expenses if she went with them—an opportunity to save some money for herself."Alright."
Li Maya barely concealed a sigh of relief, a faint glint of calculation flashing in her eyes. She flipped open her notebook, jotting down the participants' names, then created a group chat and gradually added everyone. "There will be ten of us this trip. I'll share the plan later, and please actively provide feedback in the group.""Don't worry, Maya! We're all behind you.""Everything's up to Maya!"
As a manager accustomed to frequent business trips, Li Maya was well-versed in traveling. That very night, she posted a document in the group outlining the basic procedures for the cooperation talks. Paige was a foreign company specializing in materials."My husband knows the manager at Paige Group and has already made the introductions. This trip will be to negotiate prices with them. If all goes well, we'll proceed with the formalities and sign the contract."
The name Paige stirred a faint sense of familiarity in Su Wanwan's mind."What are you staring at so intently?"A cool hand suddenly rested on Su Wanwan's shoulder, causing her to startle and instinctively switch off the screen.
Fu Liangmu stood behind her, towering with a gaze of quiet dominance. He wiped the droplets of water still clinging to his hair with a pristine white towel."I have some matters to attend to abroad," Su Wanwan said, steadying herself and smiling faintly.Fu Liangmu gave a curt acknowledgment. "Coincidentally, I'm going abroad too."Curious, Su Wanwan blinked. "What for?""Visiting a friend," he replied curtly.
Nodding, Su Wanwan watched as Fu Liangmu took a seat and ordered, "Come help me dry my hair."Obediently, she picked up the hairdryer and blew his hair calmly until her phone began to vibrate on the desk. Fu Liangmu slightly turned his head to avoid her hand, grabbed his phone, and stepped outside.
Su Wanwan put down the dryer and went into the bathroom.
Outside, Fu Liangmu leaned against the cold wall, his slender fingers gripping the phone tightly as he listened to a report."President, the bidding time three days from now has been moved from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Five companies will be attending."He gave a cool "hmm" from deep within his throat, long lashes lowering over his half-shielded dark eyes, his pupils reflecting the plan displayed on the tablet."Why the sudden change?" The bidding time had been set two months ago. Why alter it now, at the last moment? Every company participating had taken precious time from their busy schedules."It's said that someone had an emergency and requested a delay…"His expression darkened. "Understood. I will depart tomorrow."
Early the next morning, Fu Liangmu awoke amidst a cacophony of noise. His gaze flicked open to see a woman bustling about the room. Su Wanwan, clad in a long nightgown, was finishing packing, struggling to zip up her suitcase and dragging it upright. As she bent and straightened repeatedly, the gown lifted slightly, revealing a patch of skin whose hue differed subtly from the rest. Before Fu Liangmu could examine it further, Su Wanwan sighed in relief."Finally done."
He rose, voice cool. "What are you doing?"
Turning around, Su Wanwan explained, "I forgot to ask when you'd leave last night. I woke early this morning, chatted with Grandma, and only then learned you're leaving today. So, I packed some clothes and things for you…" Her fair skin flushed with delicate pink, strands of hair dampened by sweat clinging to her forehead. Her ebony eyes, as clear as spring water, shone brightly."Did I disturb your rest?"
Fu Liangmu shook his head and got out of bed."No, thank you.""You're welcome."
After she finished tidying, a servant carried Fu Liangmu's suitcase downstairs. The old matriarch grasped his hand, sighing deeply, her face pale with worry."Why do you have to run off abroad at a time like this? Aren't you afraid that while you're gone, some other man will seize the opportunity? Such a beautiful wife not by your side to guard—always itching to run off somewhere. Don't say I didn't warn you. If Wanwan meets a better man, I'll be the first to raise my hands and approve!"
Su Wanwan listened beside them, amused yet embarrassed, cheeks tinged with red."Grandma, what are you saying…"
After hearing her seriously, Fu Liangmu replied, "I'll be back soon.""Travel safely."
The old matriarch waved reluctantly at the departing car until it vanished from sight. Only then did she heave a long sigh and return inside.
Su Wanwan was about to leave for work when, just outside the villa, a sleek blue sports car glided to a stop before her. Fu Ziyang tumbled out anxiously, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her like a roly-poly doll, shouting desperately,"Where's my big brother? Where's my big brother?"
"He's gone to the airport. What's up?"Fu Ziyang slumped against the car, muttering frantically,"It's over, it's over, it's over…""This time it's really over…"
Seeing his dejected state, Su Wanwan knew the matter was serious."What happened? Tell me, maybe I can help."
Fu Ziyang's face was ashen."No one can help me now. This time, I'm truly doomed!"