C6 Senior Brother

Chapter VI: Xiang Dongnan

It was not long before the representative of the other party arrived.

The deputy was French, but his assistant and two other bosses were not. Lu Yao realized that one of the tall men looked a bit familiar, but she failed to place him in her memory.

But the man instantly recognized her. "Yao Yao," he called out with a smile, addressing her in the same way he used to years ago.

Looking at his warm and smiling eyes, comprehension finally dawned on Lu Yao.

Xiang Dongnan used to be her father's trainee and also worked at the court. They had studied together, but he had moved to Switzerland because of his family's business years ago.

"Dongnan." Lu Yao smiled back at him.

As they were in the middle of a business negotiation, they could not reminisce about old times right now. Lu Yao hoped they could talk later in private.

Lu Yao sat next to Mr. Chen. She listened to the French representative and translated his words to Mr. Chen. After Mr. Chen gave his reply, she translated it back to the representative in French.

This was a test of hearing. Every language was different, so there were always minute differences in the interpretations. Lu Yao tried her best to be accurate in her translation so that both the parties could understand each other.

Halfway through the negotiations, they ordered some wine. As Mr. Chen was preoccupied, Lu Yao was handed over his drinks. She did not want to refuse and draw unnecessary attention to herself, so she drank the two glasses of wine. However, her period was not yet over and she barely had an appetite. She knew that drinking on an empty stomach was a bad idea. Her face visibly paled.

Xiang Dongnan glanced at Lu Yao from the corner of his eyes and whispered a few words into the representative's ear. In a short while, the drinking abated. Most of the men switched to eating. Lu Yao relaxed, feeling a lot more comfortable now.

After an hour and a half, the negotiations were over. The two parties signed the contract.

Now that her job was over, Lu Yao thanked Chief Chen and went to the ladies' washroom. She felt like smoking a cigarette, but realized that she wasn't carrying a pack. She washed her hands and left.

When she turned round the corridor, she bumped right into Xiang Dongnan.

"Xiang Gongnan, thank you for what you did," Lu Yao said at once. If it was not for Xiang Dongnan, she might have been vomiting in the toilet right now.

"No problem." Xiang Dongnan smiled faintly. Seeing that her hands were wet, he took out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. "Dry your hands. You don't want to catch a cold."

Lu Yao did not refuse. She graciously took the handkerchief and wiped her hands before continuing to walk. "You used to always keep a handkerchief with you. I see that you still have that habit."

"I'm used to it," Xiang Dongnan said, falling into step beside her. "I heard the news about your father when I returned to the city. I wanted to reach out to you but didn't have your number."

"He deserves it," Lu Yao said with an expressionless look. "Dongnan, you don't have to sympathize with him. It was he who did not honor his position. He was too greedy."

Xiang Dongnan sighed quietly, then took out his business card and gave it to her: "I heard that he hasn't been sentenced yet. If you need anything, just let me know. After all, I had been his student for a few years."

Lu Yao hesitated before accepting the business card.

She would be lying if she said that the thought of asking Xiang Dongnan for money had not crossed her mind just now. However, two million was not a small sum to borrow. She could not get herself to ask him to lend her money. It would be too embarrassing for her, especially since her father had also been his teacher.

"Yes, I will tell you if I need anything." Lu Yao changed the subject quickly. "I heard you got married soon after moving to Switzerland. How is married life?"

"Not so good." A wry smile surfaced on Xiang Dongnan's face. "My wife is too out there and likes her fun. I can't control it. I see men visiting her every day. I can't stand it anymore and have asked her for a divorce."

Lu Yao did not expect to hear that and was momentarily stunned. "Don't you have a child? What about the child when the two of you get divorced?"

"I was afraid that she would be a bad influence on my daughter, so I gave my wife half of the property I had and was granted custody of my kid. I have brought my daughter with me. I plan to stay in the country for a while."

Xiang Dongnan noticed that Lu Yao was frowning and seemed a little embarrassed. He smiled and said, "Yao Yao, don't feel embarrassed. This is natural. If a husband and wife aren't suitable for each other, they have to get a divorce."

Lu Yao gave him a small smile but did not say anything.