Chapter 43
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Chapter 43: Investment Intention
A new turn of events had arrived, but Ye Xiao no longer felt attached to developing “Phantom Beast Palu”.
She currently had nearly three million on hand, and honestly, “Phantom Beast Palu” might not have been the best choice for a game project for a time-traveler from Earth (Blue Star).
There were many other excellent, top-selling titles from her previous life to consider.
Now that Lu Shiqing seemed interested in talking, Ye Xiao felt it would be rude to brush her off. Ignoring Chen Chen, who was striking all sorts of “cool” poses in the hallway as if he thought himself very suave, the three women walked past him.
Chen Chen had already planned how he’d use the MAX-level charm bestowed by his system to captivate Lu Shiqing and secure a 100 million dollar investment from her, thus gaining both business success and the beauty.
Lost in his own fantasy, he didn’t notice Lu Shiqing and the others leaving.
“Wait, hasn’t Mrs. Lu come out yet?”
“Uh, boss… Mrs. Lu just left with that girl who mocked us earlier…”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner!”
Chen Chen snapped, slapping his lackey on the shoulder.
He had spent a hefty amount this time maxing out his charm stat, only to be completely ignored by Lu Shiqing?
[System, what’s going on? Didn’t you say no one could resist the allure of a maxed-out charm level?]
[All theories are just that, theories. If Lu Shiqing already has someone she likes—or perhaps if she’s a lesbian—then unless you can transform into her ideal type or even a woman, your charm won’t affect her.]
[Damn it, you told me it was a universal appeal before!]
[Yes, universal for women who like men, men who like men, or those who are bisexual.]
“Boss, I just have to say, you look amazing today!”
“Even though the pitch fell through, boss, your confidence is as strong as ever! It’s inspiring!”
Listening to the system’s explanation and seeing his lackeys look at him with a strange glint in their eyes, Chen Chen suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
————
Meanwhile, after leaving the company, Lu Shiqing led Ye Xiao and Su Ruoxue to a Western-style hot pot restaurant. Once inside a private room, Ye Xiao asked,
“Sister Lu, aren’t we supposed to be discussing the collaboration? Or are you like those sleazy old men who conduct business over meals?”
“Oh, that?” Lu Shiqing replied,
“After a busy afternoon, aren’t you two hungry? I can’t focus on work when I’m starving, so let’s talk after we eat.”
She picked up her phone and began ordering through an app.
Thankfully, Ye Xiao no longer felt as enthusiastic or desperate about securing an investment, so the wait didn’t bother her.
After all, she preferred being here with Lu Shiqing rather than dealing with someone like Chen Chen.
The room grew quiet as Lu Shiqing put on a pair of small, white Bluetooth earphones, leaning back in her chair with her eyes half-closed.
If this had been earlier, Ye Xiao would have eagerly outlined her project’s advantages to Lu Shiqing.
However, after encountering the powerful Gu Financial Group, Ye Xiao’s desperation had been hidden behind her everyday jokes with Shen Yunchu and Ye Youran.
However, inwardly, she had been anxious. According to Su Ruoxue’s prophecy, Ye Xiao had limited time—no more than three years—before Gu Tingyuan would demolish everything she had.
Taking down such a behemoth required resources that she severely lacked, even with her system.
In her determination, she had nearly trapped herself in a narrow path, focused solely on one project.
Now, however, she wasn’t as fixated on impressing Lu Shiqing, especially as the cool weather—below 10 degrees—made it the perfect time for hot pot. Lu Shiqing chose a tomato base, which Ye Xiao didn’t mind.
After a simple meal, the server brought an impressive dessert and fruit platter, prompting Lu Shiqing to stretch comfortably, smiling as she said, “Aren’t you two having any?”
Ye Xiao remained silent, watching as Lu Shiqing used a small spoon to scoop out a bit of some unidentifiable dessert, bringing it to her lips and closing her eyes contentedly, like a sun-soaked cat.
“Moments like these are the happiest,” Lu Shiqing said with a smile. “Working is just a means to savor this.”
But she missed the reaction on Ye Xiao’s face, who wasn’t the least annoyed by the delay. She appeared more like she had right after leaving the meeting room, dejected yet endearingly in need of protection.
“Ye Xiao? Don’t you have anything you want to say?”
Lu Shiqing, still savoring her dessert, opened her eyes to look at her.
“Huh? Sister Lu, didn’t I make my points quite clear in your company’s conference room earlier? Or is Sister Lu’s memory so weak that you need me to repeat myself?”
Ye Xiao teased, clearly not in a mood to negotiate, as if she didn’t mind passing on the 50 million.
Lu Shiqing hadn’t expected her playful jab to be brushed off so easily.
“…Do you really want that 50 million Chinese currency investment?”
Lu Shiqing’s tone shifted to one of serious authority, as if awakening from a royal slumber, bringing a palpable weight to the conversation.
Ye Xiao, however, remained unfazed.
“If possible, yes, I’d want it. But if Sister Lu isn’t sincere about investing or lacks the funds, I won’t push it.”
Lu Shiqing’s expression froze, surprised by the response.
“I did say, didn’t I? Don’t underestimate me. I am genuinely interested. Although I don’t know what’s changed, it seems like you’re no longer as desperate for this investment.”