Leng Tianhao left, and Lu Chengwen picked up the phone: "Li Meiqin! Change the plan, transfer the money directly into Leng Qingqiu's personal account. No need for explanations, just do as I say."
After hanging up, Lu Chengwen was furious, slamming his fist on his desk: "What kind of outstanding entrepreneur is he? One of the four major families? Bullshit! Leng Tianhao, you're nothing but a money-grubbing dog! Leng Qingqiu is beautiful and capable, and you don't cherish her as your precious daughter? You're disgusting!"
He sat there, fuming, and muttered, "Leng Qingqiu won't be able to handle this shock... You want to screw me over? Fine, I'll transfer 10 billion directly to Leng Qingqiu. You kick her out? Without her, you won't get the money. Let's see how you play this game! You think you can outsmart me? If you weren't Leng Qingqiu's father, I'd kick your ass so hard you'd regret it!"
After venting his anger, Lu Chengwen slumped into his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling.
His mind was a mess.
Just then, a figure emerged from behind the door.
Leng Qingqiu stood there, tears streaming down her face, looking at Lu Chengwen with an expressionless gaze.
Lu Chengwen turned around instinctively and saw her. He jumped up from his chair as if electrocuted.
"Q-Q-Qingqiu? What are you doing here? How long have you been here?"
"I heard everything."
Lu Chengwen was stunned.
[Oh no! This is bad. She must be heartbroken. Who wouldn't be?]
[It's over. She must hate me and her father now. It's fine if she hates me—I can take it. But how will she face her father after this?]
"Qingqiu, listen... there are some things..."
"You don't need to explain. Nothing you say can change what happened."
Lu Chengwen couldn't find the words to continue.
Once Leng Qingqiu had overheard that conversation, there was no going back.
Even if he were as eloquent as Zhuge Liang, there was no way to smooth things over now.
Lu Chengwen looked at her with guilt. "I... I'm sorry."
Leng Qingqiu didn't respond. She just stared at him, tears falling silently.
Suddenly, Lu Chengwen exploded in anger: "Zhao Gang! Jiang Shihan! Get in here now!"
Zhao Gang and Jiang Shihan rushed in, both pale with fear. They knew something had gone terribly wrong.
"Are you two idiots? Why didn't you tell me Qingqiu was here? What's the point of having you around if you can't even do that? Pack your things and get out!"
Jiang Shihan was too shocked to react, while Zhao Gang immediately dropped to his knees. "Mr. Lu! I'm sorry! Please give me another chance!"
Leng Qingqiu spoke up firmly: "I forced them to let me in. If you want to blame someone, blame me."
Lu Chengwen's anger instantly deflated.
Leng Qingqiu turned to the two of them. "You can leave. This isn't your fault. I'm sorry for causing trouble."
"No, no, it's not your fault..." Zhao Gang stammered, pulling Jiang Shihan out of the room.
Just then, Li Meiqin hurried in, looking nervous. "Mr. Lu... the 10 billion transfer requires your signature."
Lu Chengwen nodded. "Bring it here."
As he was about to sign, Leng Qingqiu slammed her hand down on the document, her tear-filled eyes locking onto his.
Lu Chengwen looked at her and forced a bitter smile. "Don't be stubborn. Once I sign this, you'll have the money. You can keep leading Qianfeng and take it forward."
Leng Qingqiu stared at him. "Why... don't you want to marry me?"
Lu Chengwen gave a wry smile. "I won't buy you with money, and I won't force you. If you don't love me, being together would only make us miserable. What's the point?"
He gently moved her hand aside and signed the document, then handed the pen back to Li Meiqin.
His voice was soft and filled with regret. "Qingqiu, I know I've been terrible to you in the past, and I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused. If I could turn back time, I would never let any of this happen. If there's any way to make up for the pain I've caused you, I'll do anything."
"Consider this money a small token of my apology. Take it. You're a good person—smart, hardworking, and kind. Believe me, one day you'll meet your true soulmate. He'll be extraordinary, better than anyone else, full of virtues. He'll love you, cherish you, and protect you. He'll be the one you've been searching for, and with him, you'll never feel lonely again. Trust me, that day will come."
Leng Qingqiu snatched the signed transfer document from his hands.
"Qingqiu, what are you doing!?"
Leng Qingqiu turned to Li Meiqin. "You can leave."
Li Meiqin didn't need to be told twice. She bowed and quickly exited.
Lu Chengwen frowned. "You need this money."
"You're so rich. Why don't you just buy me?"
Lu Chengwen's eyes widened. "What... did you say?"
"I'm worth 10 billion, right? Buy me."
"I've already apologized. Isn't that enough? Please, just let me go. I promise I'll never bother you again..."
"I'm willing."
Lu Chengwen was exasperated. "Qingqiu, you're just saying this out of anger..."
"It's not anger. I've fallen for you."
Lu Chengwen stared at her for a few seconds, then let out a bitter laugh.
"Qingqiu, you... I know you're just upset right now..."
"I'm not upset. A lot has happened these past few days, and I've seen who you really are. I genuinely like you. I truly want to be the young mistress of the Lu family."
Lu Chengwen looked at her, his face frozen in disbelief.
"Qingqiu, you..."
Leng Qingqiu seemed resolute. "I just want to ask you one thing: do you still like me?"
Lu Chengwen thought to himself: [Do I like you? How could I dare to like you?]
[What's going on? This isn't how it's supposed to be! For three years, I followed you around like a lost puppy, and you never even looked at me twice.]
[What's happened to you these past few days? Why the sudden change? What am I supposed to do?]
Thinking back on the past three years, Leng Qingqiu felt a pang of guilt.
She realized she hadn't given Lu Chengwen a fair chance, often treating him harshly.
Most people would have given up on her long ago, but he had stuck by her for three years.
Now, Leng Qingqiu couldn't remember why she had disliked him. Instead, she realized that her life had been filled with happiness because of him.
Recalling their past, she felt she had taken him for granted and owed him an apology.
"In the past... I was wrong. Please don't be mad at me. I'm sorry, okay?"
Lu Chengwen didn't understand her sudden change of heart. To him, it felt like she had done a complete 180 in her feelings toward him.
He couldn't comprehend it, nor could he accept it.
"Qingqiu, are you just saying this because of everything that's happened recently? Don't worry, I won't bother you anymore..."
"I want you to bother me!" Leng Qingqiu said quickly. "I was blind before, and you didn't help by acting so obnoxious. That's why I misunderstood you for so long."
"Misunderstood!?"
"Anyway, I finally understand how you really feel. I like you. I truly like you."
Lu Chengwen felt his head spinning.
"I think you're not thinking clearly. This is just a temporary emotional reaction."
"Fine. I know you're not that interested in me anymore. That's okay. You chased me for three years. Now it's my turn to chase you."
Lu Chengwen didn't know how to respond.
Leng Qingqiu smiled, a mix of happiness and sadness that made Lu Chengwen's heart ache.
"From today on, you'll see a change in me."
She glanced at the document in her hand. "Consider this money a loan. I'll pay you back once I've earned enough."
Suddenly, she leaned in and kissed him lightly on the lips, then blushed and said, "I'm leaving now. I'll... I'll contact you."
By the time Leng Qingqiu left, Lu Chengwen was still in shock.
He sat in his chair, completely drained, and didn't move for a long time.
When he finally walked out, Jiang Shihan immediately stood up, looking at him nervously.
Lu Chengwen paused, then said, "Oh, about earlier... I was out of line. I shouldn't have yelled at you."
Jiang Shihan quickly replied, "I'm sorry, Mr. Lu. It was my fault. I shouldn't have let her in without checking with you."
Lu Chengwen patted her shoulder. "Don't worry about it. I was just upset earlier. Leng Qingqiu can pretty much come and go as she pleases here—she's more powerful than I am. There's no way you could've stopped her. Take the day off and rest."
"No, no, I'm fine. I can work."
"Then stop crying. You're not looking your best." Lu Chengwen smiled.
Seeing him smile, Jiang Shihan immediately brightened up. "It won't happen again."
Just then, Zhao Gang walked in, looking nervous. "Mr. Lu."
Lu Chengwen turned to him. "What is it?"
Zhao Gang grinned awkwardly. "Ms. Xu is here to see you."
"Xu Xuejiao?"
"Yeah." Zhao Gang quickly added, "I stopped her, and she got mad. She even threatened to make things difficult for you when she saw you. But I followed your orders and didn't give her any special treatment. Now she's furious..."
Lu Chengwen's face twitched.
He thought to himself, [This is karma!]
[I yelled at Zhao Gang, and now he's so scared of losing his job that he's gone and offended Xu Xuejiao, the dark little princess.]
Lu Chengwen sighed. "From now on, give Ms. Xu the respect she deserves, understand?"
"Got it."
Zhao Gang looked like he was about to cry. The fact that Lu Chengwen mentioned "from now on" meant he still had a job.
Thank goodness! I can keep being a loyal lackey. Thank goodness!
Lu Chengwen hurried to the lounge, where he found Xu Xuejiao fuming, her chest heaving with anger.
He quickly put on a smile. "Ms. Xu, what an honor to have you here! I apologize for not greeting you properly earlier!"
Xu Xuejiao stood up. "Lu Chengwen, you've got some nerve!"
Lu Chengwen continued to smile. "Not at all, not at all. Something came up earlier, and I scolded Zhao Gang. He got scared and ended up offending you. My apologies."
"Tell me, why did you suddenly invest in the shantytown renovation project?"
Lu Chengwen groaned inwardly. "I... just felt like it."
"Are you sure it'll make money?"
"I'm sure it'll lose money."
Xu Xuejiao's eyes widened. "Then why did you and Leng Qingqiu invest in it? What are you two plotting?"
Lu Chengwen sighed inwardly.
[Long Aotian, where are you? Just come and end me already. I'm done.]