Chapter 12: Hello, Secretary of Qingzhou Group

Li Man raised her eyes and glared at Qin Mu, who laughed as she put on her sunglasses and sipped her coffee leisurely. “What’s that boss’s name? Cheng Yanyu, right? Such a pleasant name. I think he’s quite taken with you. You’ve always been popular with men.”

Li Man let go of the dog and took a sip of coffee, choosing not to respond.

It was true, after all.

Sitting not far from them, Wen Yang heard everything.

“I think that boss treats you really well—getting his shoulders wet while holding the umbrella for you.”

“Cheng Yanyu, right? Such a pleasant name. I think he’s quite taken with you.”

Wen Yang couldn’t sit still. She grabbed her coffee and left the café abruptly. Her movements weren’t loud, and in that corner of the café, she wasn’t particularly noticeable. However, because Qin Mu was seated sideways, she caught sight of a woman in the corner standing up hastily. The woman moved with urgency, tears in her eyes, her hair slightly disheveled. Her delicate features carried a frail charm.

Once outside the café, Wen Yang took deep breaths, tears streaming down her face. She put on her mask, standing in the sunlight, feeling lost and heartbroken. More than Cheng Yanyu’s infidelity, what hurt more was his feelings for Li Man. Love defies logic, and jealousy doesn’t care about fairness. What Wen Yang couldn’t understand was Li Man’s calm composure in all of this.

The sun was blazing, its heat prickling her skin.

Her iced coffee had turned warm.

At that moment, her phone rang. She glanced at it and instinctively tried to hang up, but with her tear-blurred vision, she accidentally answered.

The caller was Zheng Guili—her mother-in-law.

Zheng Guili spoke cheerfully, “Yangyang, your birthday’s coming up! Your dad and I are heading over next week to celebrate with you. What would you like? Just tell me, and I’ll start preparing today.”

Hearing her mother-in-law’s words, Wen Yang’s tears fell even harder, but she tried to suppress her emotions. In a muffled voice, she replied, “Mom, I don’t want anything special. It’s enough that you and Dad are coming.”

“I knew you’d say that! Well, I’ll take care of it. Your mom and I are going shopping this afternoon—it’s so hard to get her to go out,” Zheng Guili said, her tone full of warmth.

The more Wen Yang listened, the harder it became to hold back her tears.

She felt like she couldn’t stand any longer and struggled to respond. She quickly said, “Mom, I have something to take care of. I’ll call you back later.”

Hearing the tone of urgency, Zheng Guili replied, “Alright, then. Don’t overwork yourself. And don’t handle everything at home by yourself—get Cheng Yanyu to help. If it’s too much, we can hire a housekeeper…”

Wen Yang, still holding back her tears, assured her mother-in-law that it wasn’t necessary and hung up the phone.

Just then, Li Man and Qin Mu exited the café through another door, with Li Man leading the white shepherd dog toward the outdoor parking lot.

Wen Yang watched their retreating figures.

A sudden thought surged in her mind. She picked up her phone and called Yu Qing. Yu Qing was reviewing a manuscript with Xu Xu when she saw Wen Yang’s name and answered with concern, “Wen Yang?”

Wen Yang wiped away her tears and said, “Yu Qing, I need to know how to contact Fu Xingzhou.”

Yu Qing paused, realizing what might have prompted Wen Yang to ask this. Thinking of Li Man’s infuriating behavior, she quickly said, “I’ll look into it. I heard he’s been in Hong Kong recently, but I’m not sure if he’s back. One of my clients is a senior manager in his group—I’ll ask…”

“No need,” Xu Xu interjected, overhearing the conversation. He started flipping through his phone.

Yu Qing was surprised. “You have his contact?”

Xu Xu scoffed, “Of course. What big-shot’s contact don’t I have?”

Yu Qing: “…”

Xu Xu added, “What do you need him for, though?”

Yu Qing didn’t answer. Xu Xu and Cheng Yanyu were close friends, and if he knew about Wen Yang, Cheng Yanyu, Li Man, and Fu Xingzhou, he might side with Cheng Yanyu.

So it couldn’t be explained.

Xu Xu didn’t press further. Back in university, he had admired Wen Yang quite a bit. Xu Xu’s fiery, perfectionist nature seemed to complement Wen Yang’s gentle demeanor. Unfortunately, Cheng Yanyu had made the first move.

Xu Xu sent Wen Yang Fu Xingzhou’s contact information, along with internal updates, mentioning that Fu Xingzhou was back in town for a drone launch event and might stay for about a week.

The number Xu Xu provided was for Fu Xingzhou’s secretary.

Standing under the scorching sun in front of the hotel, Wen Yang saw a message from Yu Qing telling her to wait for her help. But Wen Yang felt even more determined to handle it herself.

Yu Qing was busy enough.

She couldn’t burden her further.

She opened the contact, dialed the number, and waited as the phone rang.

After a few seconds, the line was answered by a male secretary. “Hello, this is the Secretary of Qingzhou Group.”

Wen Yang hesitated briefly before speaking. “Hello, my name is Wen Yang. I’d like to meet with Mr. Fu. Is he available today?”

Jiang Yue, Fu Xingzhou’s executive secretary, was well-versed in his boss’s schedule and meetings. Hearing Wen Yang only introduce herself by name, Jiang Yue asked with a polite smile, “Do you have an appointment, Miss Wen?”

Wen Yang pressed her lips together. “No, I don’t have an appointment. I’d like to meet him privately.”

The word “privately” carried an ambiguous tone.

Nonetheless, Jiang Yue maintained a courteous tone. “Mr. Fu is quite busy these days. May I ask what this is regarding? I can pass along a message.”

After a moment of silence, Wen Yang said, “It’s about his wife and my husband. Would you pass that on?”

Jiang Yue on the other end hesitated for a moment, then covered the phone and glanced toward the man sitting behind the desk, signing documents. Jiang Yue had attended their wedding when he had just been promoted, and later, when buying gifts or bags for Li Man, it had always gone through him. Over the past two years, Fu Xingzhou had been in Hong Kong, while Li Man’s studio and the elderly lady were in the southern city. Since Li Man had to stay in the mansion with the elderly lady, she hadn’t followed him to Hong Kong. The couple didn’t meet often, but they hadn’t completely lost touch either.

As for Li Man, Jiang Yue had always seen her as a woman who was both beautiful and charming, very captivating.

She was well-liked by everyone and had a great reputation.

That’s why Wen Yang’s words felt like a bombshell. Jiang Yue hesitated, then stepped forward and quietly spoke to Fu Xingzhou.

Fu Xingzhou paused mid-signature, his tone calm and crisp. “Ignore it.”

Jiang Yue understood his meaning immediately.

Such a person suddenly called and wanted to see him, with such a ridiculous reason. How could anyone just meet CEO Fu on a whim?

Turning back to the phone, Jiang Yue replied, “I’m sorry, Miss Wen. Mr. Fu is unavailable to meet.”

“Is that so?” Wen Yang’s voice trembled as she choked back tears. “I’m not trying to ruin his family. I just have something important to say and need his help. If he refuses to meet, then fine—I’ll have no choice but to cause a scene at Qingzhou Group.” Wen Yang bit her lip. Her voice was very restrained, but her tears reveal her helpless tone.

Jiang Yue had the call on speaker. Fu Xingzhou heard every word.

Jiang Yue looked at Fu Xingzhou.

Fu Xingzhou threw the pen in his hand onto the table, leaned back in his chair, and his handsome face grew colder.

Jiang Yue cleared his throat, covered the phone, and said to Fu Xingzhou, “Mr. Fu, I think she doesn’t seem to be lying. Should we look into this?”

If this turned out to be true, it would mean Mr. Fu had been wearing a “green hat” all this time.

It could cause an uproar in Nancheng.

Fu Xingzhou frowned slightly and said, “Let her come.”

Jiang Yue uncovered the phone and spoke to Wen Yang, “Ms. Wen, are you available now? Mr. Fu is at Zhongmao Tower and has about 30 minutes to spare. Could you come to the café downstairs?”

Wen Yang wiped away her tears. Hearing this, she replied, “Yes, I’ll be there right away.”

After hanging up, Wen Yang adjusted her soaked mask, turned back upstairs, and freshened up in her hotel room. She changed into a light-colored dress and put on a fresh mask before heading out.

The Zhongmao Tower wasn’t far from the Silver Sea Hotel; she reached it for just the starting fare of a taxi ride.

Most office towers have a café on the ground floor, and this one was no exception. In fact, it was larger than the one at the Silver Sea. The café was nearly empty when Wen Yang pushed the door open and walked in. She chose a crescent-shaped chair and sat down. Shortly after, two tall figures approached her.

Fu Xingzhou’s handsome face, which she had seen in photos, was now in front of her as a living presence. Jiang Yue, standing beside him, asked, “Are you Ms. Wen?”

Meeting Fu Xingzhou’s sharp gaze, Wen Yang immediately looked away and nodded at Jiang Yue. “Hello, Secretary Jiang.”

Jiang Yue was a little surprised and smiled. “Ms. Wen, you even know my name. Looks like you’ve done your homework.”

Wen Yang said nothing. She knew that Fu Xingzhou had initially refused to meet her.

Fu Xingzhou sat down across from her. Even seated, he appeared tall and imposing, exuding an undeniable charisma. Wen Yang removed her mask, revealing a soft and beautiful face.

Wen Yang was undeniably attractive—a natural beauty with a pure, unpretentious charm. Even with faint traces of tears in her eyes, her fair complexion amplified her delicate and alluring appearance, making her look particularly fragile and captivating.

Jiang Yue raised an eyebrow slightly.

With a face like that, who would be willing to cheat?

Wen Yang looked directly at Fu Xingzhou.

Crossing his long legs, Fu Xingzhou leaned back and met her gaze. His voice was low and composed. “Speak.”

Wen Yang placed her hands on her lap, gripping the fabric of her soft skirt nervously. She met Fu Xingzhou’s eyes and said, “I hope you can persuade your wife to leave us alone.”

“We’re just an ordinary family; we can’t afford to play this game.”

Jiang Yue was taken aback.

He had assumed she was here to complain or demand justice, but instead, she was pleading and showing weakness.

Fu Xingzhou raised his eyebrows slightly, also surprised. His expression remained stoic as he studied Wen Yang.

Wen Yang didn’t shy away from his gaze. Her eyes, however, clearly showed the toll of repeated crying. If she had started yelling and accusing, Fu Xingzhou might have doubted her. But her demeanor lent her a certain credibility.

Instead of answering her, he turned slightly to Jiang Yue, who immediately lowered his head. Fu Xingzhou spoke in a low voice, “Look into it.”

Jiang Yue nodded firmly.

Sitting upright again, Fu Xingzhou looked at Wen Yang. His posture was relaxed, and his tone remained calm. “Instead of asking me for help, why not go back and persuade your husband to take responsibility for his family?”

Wen Yang’s eyes reddened slightly.

She nodded and said, “Excuse me.”

Fu Xingzhou didn’t respond, nor did he nod. He glanced at his watch.

With that, Wen Yang stood up, put her mask back on, and walked out of the café.

Once outside, she felt lost. Would persuasion really work? Could what had happened be erased, as if it never occurred?

How foolish she had been.

Standing at the bus stop, she found herself under a canopy of blooming crepe myrtles, their beauty momentarily captivating her.

A long, black luxury car drove past the stop. The rear window was partially open, and Fu Xingzhou was seated in the back. Their paths crossed briefly.

Jiang Yue, in the driver’s seat, noticed her standing there.

As the car moved on, Jiang Yue turned his gaze back to the road.

Sansukini: The CP’s first meeting. I don’t know what’s on Wen Yang’s mind, asking him to let Li Man leave them alone. The trust has already been broken. What’s heartbreaking was when she mentioned a few chapters back that she was pregnant, he acted shocked and in denial, because that is a cage for him. Even if it’s just her way of testing him, it shows how hypocritical he is. He showed love and affection while cheating, even asking his wife for a second chance despite the fact that he messaged his mistress that he wished he met her earlier. He should get a clue from her reply to that message that he’s just a “lay” for Li Man. He’s too naive.