Chapter 20.3: Qian Heng and I? ? Kissed? ?

Gu Beiqing was clearly displeased with Qian Heng’s leisurely attitude and spoke sharply, “Attorney Qian, have you received your client’s approval to reject this? You haven’t even communicated with your client, yet you’re refusing our settlement offer for your own personal gain—”

“Oh? And what personal gain would that be? The divided assets will ultimately go to Ms. Bai. What does that have to do with me?”

Gu Beiqing let out a cold laugh. “I assume your agreement with Ms. Bai is a contingency fee arrangement, correct? If the case is settled and withdrawn, you won’t be able to charge a percentage of the assets she receives.”

Qian Heng wasn’t angered at all. Instead, he smiled lightly. “First, I, Qian Heng, always structure my contingency fee agreements so that my fees are payable at the agreed percentage regardless of settlement, litigation, or even termination of representation. Second, the Supreme Court has already set a precedent—attorneys can charge an additional contingency fee exceeding 24% even if the parties reach a settlement. Are you not aware of this?”

Gu Beiqing’s expression darkened slightly. It was clear he had underestimated Qian Heng’s combat prowess—and even more so, his venomous nature.

Despite having made the opposing lawyer look bad, Qian Heng seemed to greatly enjoy this one-sided domination. His mood was positively radiant, and there was even a smile tugging at his lips.

Devastatingly handsome—but equally ruthless.

“I refuse to accept this settlement agreement because I know this isn’t the best offer you can make. You can do better.” His tone was firm. “Mr. Xu, your company is in the critical phase of going public. At the same time we filed the lawsuit, we also requested a freeze on key shares of your company related to the IPO. You know exactly what that means for your listing. Once you go public, your wealth will multiply exponentially. Compared to that, the settlement amount you’re offering your ex-wife is nothing more than a drop in the ocean.”

“But.”

Qian Heng paused deliberately before continuing with a smile.

“If we don’t accept this settlement agreement and your IPO fails, how many billions in expected wealth will evaporate? So before coming back to negotiate with me, think carefully—who really stands to benefit more from signing this agreement?”

****

The meeting between the lawyers from both sides ended in an unpleasant stalemate.

As they were leaving, Xu Jun left first, and Gu Beiqing turned back to smile at Cheng Yao. “Let’s get together sometime when we’re free.”

That at least eased the tense atmosphere a little.

Although Qian Heng’s strategy was flawless, Cheng Yao still had some doubts. Once the others had left, she couldn’t help but ask, “Boss, is it really okay to reject the settlement outright without consulting Bai Xingmeng?”

“Of course not,” Qian Heng shot Cheng Yao a cold glance. “No matter how skilled or expensive a lawyer is, they can’t make decisions on behalf of their client. Even if the client makes the wrong choice, as a lawyer, your job is to respect it.”

“Then…”

“Before meeting Xu Jun, I had already spoken with Bai Xingmeng. She refuses to settle, no matter what terms Xu Jun offers.”

“Then why did you tell Xu Jun to reconsider and see if he could offer a better deal?”

“To give him hope for a settlement.”

“Huh?” Cheng Yao was confused. If they had no intention of settling, why give the other side false hope? “So… you’re trying to mislead them? Distract them so they won’t focus on preparing for the lawsuit?”

Qian Heng gave her a look as if she were an idiot. “Do you think I need to deceive others to win?”

“…”

“There’s no deep reason behind it. This is what Bai Xingmeng wants. As a lawyer, just do your job. You don’t need to analyze the client’s inner thoughts.” Qian Heng glanced at her. “Besides, don’t let your personal connections with the opposing lawyer affect your professionalism in the case.”

Cheng Yao: ???

Qian Heng scoffed coldly. “Don’t deny it. Do you think I’m blind? Flirting with the other lawyer right in front of me.”

Cheng Yao: ???

“If he’s your ex-boyfriend or current boyfriend, and you need to recuse yourself, apply for it sooner rather than later.”

Cheng Yao was utterly baffled. What was this nonsense? She hadn’t said a word, yet Qian Heng had somehow constructed an entire drama in his head?

“Gu Beiqing was my senior in university. He was in his first year of grad school when I was a freshman. When he was in his third year, we formed a study group to prepare for the bar exam together. I passed thanks to his guidance… After he graduated, he went abroad to Berkeley for his JD, and we lost contact. I didn’t even know he was back in the country until today—this is the first time we’ve met since then.”

“Oh.”

Worried about being removed from the case, Cheng Yao quickly added, “We were never in a romantic relationship, past or present. There’s nothing I need to recuse myself for. I won’t let personal connections affect my work!”

For some reason, Cheng Yao felt like she was explaining to a jealous spouse that she hadn’t cheated…

Qian Heng glanced at her. “No socializing until the case is over.”

Cheng Yao was desperate to stay on the case, so she swallowed her pride and humbly asked, “Anything else, Boss?”

Qian Heng looked at her and abruptly changed the subject. “What was your bar exam score?”

“Huh?” Cheng Yao scratched her head and chuckled. “Exactly 360. Sixty points per subject, just passing. One point more is a waste, one point less is a disaster. I got lucky…”

“He tutored you for the bar exam, and that’s all you got?”

Qian Heng scoffed, his expression full of disdain. “That’s pathetic.”

“…”

After throwing that insult, Qian Heng left the conference room, looking quite pleased with himself, leaving Cheng Yao staring after him in stunned silence.

She had no idea what had gotten into her boss today to make him so openly hostile toward Gu Beiqing.

Honestly, Qian Heng had nothing to worry about. Gu Beiqing could never match his level of venom. Qian Heng’s reign as the supreme master of toxicity was unshakable!

*****

After the meeting, as part of her routine, Cheng Yao needed to summarize the discussion and results for Bai Xingmeng. She quickly outlined the situation in an email and attached the full audio recording of the meeting.

Just as she finished sending the email and was about to organize the case evidence, she received a call from Qin Qin.

“Yao Yao!”

Hearing this overly affectionate greeting sent a chill down Cheng Yao’s spine. A greeting like that usually meant trouble…

Sure enough, Qin Qin’s voice was sweet and gentle: “I have a favor to ask you…”

“No way. Not happening!”

“Don’t be like that! I have to go on a last-minute business trip for two weeks. Can I ask you to take care of my son, Megatron?”

Megatron was a one-year-old Siberian Husky—energetic, destructive, and completely disobedient. Qin Qin had even hired a dog trainer, but with little success.

“Absolutely no—”

Before Cheng Yao could finish her firm rejection, Qin Qin cut her off and finalized the arrangement: “My flight is this afternoon. I’ll drop Megatron off at your place. Thanks, bestie! Love you!”

Then she decisively hung up.

“…”

Cheng Yao was on the verge of tears. She took a deep breath and decided to find an opportunity to casually ask her roommate about his opinion on keeping a dog.

Unexpectedly, that opportunity presented itself sooner than expected.

After delivering a document to Qian Heng, Cheng Yao casually glanced at his desk and noticed a framed watercolor painting—a cute dog was featured in the artwork.

“This dog is adorable!”

Qian Heng was momentarily stunned before realizing what she was referring to. He glanced at the painting. “Hmm. It’s alright.”

Oh? Promising lead!

Cheng Yao decided to push further. “I’ve always loved dogs. They’re lively, affectionate, and adorable. Dogs are humanity’s most loyal companions—the bond between humans and dogs goes back thousands of years—”

“Cheng Yao.”

“Yes?”

“No dogs allowed.”

“…”

“Just because there’s a watercolor painting on my desk—painted by my goddaughter, by the way—doesn’t mean I like dogs.” Qian Heng finally looked up. “I don’t.” He pursed his lips slightly. “Dogs are a hassle. First, they bark all the time—disturbing others. Second, they’re dirty—if you have a dog, you have to follow it around cleaning up its mess. Third, they’re dangerous—if it bites someone, you have to pay compensation. And with all the fake rabies vaccines these days, the risk is real.

“So, in conclusion, I absolutely will not allow a dog in this house. You’d better give up on that idea.”

“…”

Cheng Yao could only glare at him, too angry to speak.

Qian Heng cast her a nonchalant glance and delivered his final ultimatum: “It’s either you or the dog. If the dog stays, you go.”

“…”