Lin Ruoyan came home later and later, and when she did get home, she stayed in the study or her room.
It was as if they were completely separated within the same space.
Xu Jingyi also suddenly became busy, coming home very late every day.
Her people often reported Xu Jingyi's whereabouts to her.
After that day, the two didn't see each other for several days.
Lin Ruoyan came home later and later, and when she did get home, she stayed in the study or her room.
It was as if they were completely separated within the same space.
Xu Jingyi also suddenly became busy, coming home very late every day.
Her people often reported Xu Jingyi's whereabouts to her.
The business engagements, which used to be two or three times a week, had now doubled. But on the surface, those engagements seemed normal, just standard business procedures.
She managed such a large operation.
Although there were people to handle the specifics, she often had to go out to socialize to make things easier when doing business.
She had no choice but to do these things.
However, in Lin Ruoyan's eyes, the frequency was really quite high. She had people keep a close watch.
They had already established their positions, and she had become even more unreserved in her actions.
Even if Xu Jingyi discovered that she was being watched, Lin Ruoyan continued.
She was watching not entirely to find clues.
Another reason was that she was afraid Xu Jingyi would be taken advantage of outside.
After all, she was still her sister-in-law.
Outsiders would think that the relationship between the two women was quite good.
Without her brother as the connection, their relationship was even better than before.
The rumors gained more traction, especially since the two of them frequently attended events that required partners.
Lin Ruoyan was aware of the gossip, but she was still slightly surprised when she received Xu Jingyi's call.
"Hello, sister-in-law."
The environment on the other end sounded very noisy, with a mix of men and women talking and some playful jeering.
"Come on, let's eat together."
"Yeah, come on."
"Ruoyan…"
The voices of the others were cut off, and Xu Jingyi's slightly tipsy voice came through the phone, sounding very intimate.
Lin Ruoyan was momentarily dazed, but quickly realized that the other person was just putting on an act.
"Are you coming to eat with us? Director Wang and Director Zhang are here."
Lin Ruoyan didn't respond immediately, taking a moment to think before saying, "I still have some things to do at the company."
"Leave it for tomorrow. They all say they haven't seen you in ages. Let's drink and chat."
Lin Ruoyan knew that by saying that, Xu Jingyi truly wanted her to come.
Perhaps they had something important to discuss; the two people mentioned earlier were both city leaders.
"Okay, I'll be there soon."
She didn't ask for the address, sending out a message instead.
She received the address before she even got into her car.
When she arrived, the atmosphere inside was still lively. Even outside the private room, she could hear the noise.
She put on a professional smile and walked in.
"Hey, Xiao Lin's here?" Director Zhang, who had been mentioned earlier, saw her first and greeted her.
Lin Ruoyan greeted him back and then sat down next to Xu Jingyi.
The person next to Xu Jingyi was Director Wang. As soon as she sat down, Xu Jingyi pulled her arm and naturally started making small talk.
"Why are you still working overtime so late? Those things aren't that urgent. Don't wear yourself out.
Director Wang has been waiting for you for quite a while."
"It's my fault for being late. I'm really sorry.
I'll drink three shots as a penalty."
Satiated by food and emboldened by drink, many people had been glancing at her since she entered, especially those seated near Xu Jingyi, who drew a lot of attention.
After three glasses of wine, cheers erupted from the surrounding people.
"Director Lin, what a capacity for alcohol! A heroine among women, just like Director Lin!"
Lin Ruoyan wasn't shy.
Becoming the center of attention, she stood up calmly.
"Whether I have a good capacity for alcohol or not, I'll make sure to drink until everyone is happy. I'm late today; I'll propose a toast to all the leaders first."
With that, she tilted her head back and finished her glass again.
She turned the glass upside down, and not a drop of liquor remained. "I'll toast everyone individually later."
That marked the end of the opening.
The conversation in the private room resumed, and Director Wang, seated at the head table, finally spoke.
"How have things been going for you lately, Xiao Lin?"
The seemingly casual greeting contained a wealth of meaning.
Lin Ruoyan was considering how to respond when Xu Jingyi patted her thigh, looking very intimate. "Director Wang is concerned about you.
Director Wang has new projects recently.
If you find it difficult for Lin Corporation to handle them, those projects will go to someone else."
Lin Ruoyan then understood why Xu Jingyi had called her here.
"Director Wang, right?"
Xu Jingyi spoke directly, bypassing any pretense. It seemed they had already discussed things beforehand.
Bringing Lin Ruoyan along was likely just a formality, a heads-up after a round of drinks that had probably sealed the deal.
The business was mostly settled, and a significant amount of alcohol had been consumed. The slightly tipsy individuals earlier were now thoroughly drunk.
Lin Ruoyan kept glancing at Xu Jingyi, noticing the person talking to her staring intently at her chest, his gaze almost glued there.
Xu Jingyi, however, seemed unconcerned, chatting merrily and ignoring the arm draped over her.
She usually dressed casually, and it was obvious the other person was taking advantage, trying to get close to her.
Lin Ruoyan frowned slightly, downed her drink in one gulp, and then slumped onto the table. The clatter of the dishes drew Xu Jingyi's attention.
She hurried over and pulled Lin Ruoyan up from the table.
Lin Ruoyan leaned her head onto her shoulder. "Let's go, the business is done."
Her words were clear, and Xu Jingyi felt reassured.
She helped the other woman stand up, "Sorry, everyone. My sister can't handle her liquor, so I'll take her back first. This half-cup…"
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