C12 Apologize to Director Zhang!

Soong Qingyue refrained from arguing and instead trudged back to her room, weary to the bone. The space felt hollow without Dabao and Erbao; their whereabouts were a mystery.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, Qingyue felt a wave of helplessness wash over her. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, searching for solace. Eventually, she reached for her phone and sent a message to a certain number.

Since returning from the café, Qingyue had cloistered herself in her room, not even taking a bite to eat. It wasn't until Ann Yun arrived with a dress that she realized she had spent the entire day in solitude.

"Wear this tonight," Ann Yun instructed, laying the dress on the table and scrutinizing Qingyue. "Make an effort to look your best. Drop the attitude as if the world owes you something."

Qingyue looked up, unable to contain her retort. "Don't you owe me?"

Ann Yun's brow creased, but she held back further comment. "You have one hour to get ready. I'll be waiting for you downstairs."

After Ann Yun departed, Qingyue remained motionless for what seemed like an eternity before finally examining the dress before her. As she scrutinized its style, her brow furrowed in distaste. The dress appeared unremarkable, yet on her, it might as well have been sheer gossamer.

Did Ann Yun actually expect her to sell herself in that?

Casting the dress aside, Qingyue slipped into a white gauze dress, applied minimal makeup, and descended the stairs. Naturally beautiful, her refined features exuded an ethereal chill, and in the white gauze, she resembled a celestial being untouched by earthly desires.

Ann Yun's gaze lingered on Qingyue, who reminded her of someone else, sparking a fleeting glint of malice in her eyes. "Why aren't you wearing the dress I picked out for you?"

Qingyue's smile was laced with irony. "Stepping out in that dress would guarantee a scandalous headline: 'First Miss Soong, the epitome of debauchery.'"

"At least you're aware of yourself. Now that you're ready, let's go," Ann Yun said, rising and heading for the door.

Without hesitation, Qingyue followed. The Orchid Club was the most prestigious establishment in the entire city.

The Orchid Club was a melting pot of characters.

Ann Yun and Zhang Yunshan clearly harbored ulterior motives, choosing this very place for their rendezvous. Soong Qingyue was keenly aware of their intentions.

After navigating a labyrinth of corridors, Ann Yun finally halted before a private room.

Upon opening the door, Ann Yun's face broke into a forced smile as she greeted Zhang Yunshan, "Director Zhang."

Zhang Yunshan's smile was all for show. "Director Ann, it's been a while."

Noticing Soong Qingyue, who lingered at the doorway, Ann Yun urged, "Come in, don't just stand there."

Despite having met Soong Qingyue before, Zhang Yunshan couldn't hide his astonishment at her presence. Yet, his dissatisfaction was palpable. "Director Ann, I'm here as a courtesy to you. If you botch this again, forget about any future talks of collaboration between Qiheng and Soong's."

Internally, Ann Yun had berated Zhang Yunshan endlessly.

The old coot was a real piece of work.

Nevertheless, she had to maintain decorum. Ann Yun coaxed Soong Qingyue to sit next to Zhang Yunshan, "Director Zhang, isn't my sincerity evident?"

Zhang Yunshan narrowed his eyes, "I recognize your sincerity, Director Ann, but I'm uncertain..."

He was well aware that Soong Qingyue wasn't one to be provoked lightly. Another incident like the last one, and he'd lose face completely.

"Rest assured, Director Zhang. My presence here today guarantees that everything will proceed without a hitch," Ann Yun assured him with a light smile.

Soong Qingyue sat to the side, her expression icy as she listened to them barter over her as though she were mere merchandise.

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