C13 Chapter 13

After work that evening, Su Jiyue sent her staff home first. She stayed behind to finish what was on her desk, tidied up, touched up her makeup, and only then drove to the private little restaurant President Li had mentioned.

The place was a bit out of the way, but by the time Su Jiyue arrived, several cars were already parked outside. Clearly, business here was doing just fine.

When the server led her to the table, Su Jiyue saw that President Li was already seated.

“Sorry, President Li. I got off work a little late—I kept you waiting!” Su Jiyue said with an apologetic smile as she sat down.

Hearing her voice, President Li’s face curled into a knowing smile. “No need to be so polite, Miss Su. Judging by how carefully you did your makeup, you must really care about our little date tonight.”

Su Jiyue couldn’t help rolling her eyes inward, cursing him as a dirty old man, but her expression stayed flawlessly pleasant. “President Li, you’re too kind. It’s an honor to have dinner with you—of course I’d want to look my best.”

Seemingly pleased with her answer, President Li nodded and handed her the menu. “I wasn’t sure what you like, so I ordered a few house specialties. Take a look—add anything you want.”

“You’re too generous, President Li. This place has a great reputation—I’d be happy with anything. I’ll go with your choices,” Su Jiyue said, passing the menu back.

“Haha, I really like how easygoing you are, Miss Su.” As President Li took the menu, he casually brushed his hand over the back of hers.

When his rough palm grazed her skin, Su Jiyue shivered despite herself. Forcing down her disgust, she kept smiling and smoothly pulled her hand back. “You flatter me, President Li.”

After they ordered, Su Jiyue poured him a glass of water. “About the loan—I’m going to need your help. The acquisition happened so suddenly that our cash flow got cut off. We’re in a real bind right now, and you’re the only one who can help me.”

“Sure, sure, Miss Su. After we eat, how about we head over to a hot springs spa and soak for a bit?” President Li said, and as he spoke, he casually reached out and grabbed the hand Su Jiyue had on the teapot. “I’ve admired you for a long time, Miss Su. I hope you’ll give me a chance.”

Hearing that, Su Jiyue rolled her eyes in secret, but she still forced a smile. “You’re too kind. It’s an honor to have your attention.”

“Miss Su, you still haven’t said yes.” Clearly unhappy with her dodging the question, President Li tightened his grip.

Su Jiyue saw the look on his face and panic flickered in her chest. She tried to pull her hand back, but his fingers clamped down like a vise.

“Heh. Su Jiyue, I thought you were so high and mighty. You just got married as the other woman, and now you can’t wait to come out and hook up with some random guy?” A mocking voice cut in out of nowhere. Su Jiyue went rigid and slowly turned around—of course it was Xia Miaomiao.

When she saw Su Jiyue looking at her, Xia Miaomiao snorted again. “What, you still can’t let go because you’re busy getting all cozy with some guy? Wow. You really do commit to being the side chick, don’t you?”

“Miss Su, what is she talking about? You’re married?” President Li’s voice turned sharp with irritation.

“No, President Li, it’s—”

“Oh, she absolutely is. She got her marriage license yesterday.” Before Su Jiyue could finish, Xia Miaomiao stepped forward, pressed a hand onto Su Jiyue’s shoulder, and smiled sweetly at President Li. “And guess what? It was with my boyfriend.” With that, she shot Su Jiyue a look full of contempt and walked off toward another table.

After she left, Su Jiyue glanced at the hand still trapped in his grip and let out a silent sigh. She knew things had just blown up.

“Miss Su, how about this?” After Xia Miaomiao walked away, President Li finally let go, grabbed the glass on the table and took a long drink, then dropped himself right beside Su Jiyue and pulled her in hard by the shoulder. “That loan you want—two hundred thousand—I’ll cover it myself. And you? You sleep with me for a few months. If I’m happy, maybe I’ll give you even more.”

After hearing him, Su Jiyue felt like she was about to grind her back teeth to dust. What a bastard.

If she refused, there was no way she’d get the loan.

But there was absolutely no chance she’d agree to it.

That left her with only one option: reveal who she was.

“Director Li, I’m with the Qin family...”

“Su Jiyue?” Before she could finish, a familiar voice spoke up behind her.