Chapter 8: A Meeting

Shen Ling went straight to Feng Qin’s office with the contract from Vinetree Group in hand.

"Here’s what you wanted."

Just as Feng Qin had done the day before, Shen Ling tossed the document onto the desk. Feng Qin was in the midst of reporting to the boss about Shen Ling’s irregular attendance when she caught sight of the contract; she froze in her chair.

A partnership with Vinetree Group?

She’d actually secured it!

Feng Qin could hardly believe it. She snatched up the document, scrutinizing it again and again before reluctantly retracting the message to her boss.

With this contract in hand, not to mention attendance records—if Shen Ling wanted Feng Qin’s position, the boss would probably agree with a delighted nod. Right now, Feng Qin didn’t dare provoke Shen Ling in the slightest.

Nevertheless, even as she admitted this to herself, Feng Qin gnawed her teeth in frustration. She couldn’t fathom what tricks Shen Ling possessed, turning every attempt to suppress her into yet another rung on her ladder upward!

Feng Qin seethed with resentment, but Shen Ling had neither the patience nor interest to spar with her any longer. She turned and left the office.

She’d barely taken a few steps when Zhou Bin’s persistent calls started lighting up her phone.

"I’m downstairs. Come down."

"I’m giving you ten minutes. If you don’t show up, I’ll come up to your office."

"Shen Ling, I’m being serious here. Don’t take this lightly."

Shen Ling had no idea what had set Zhou Bin off this time, but fearing he’d make a scene, she forced herself to meet him.

Stepping out the front doors, she immediately spotted Zhou Bin pacing anxiously by his car. She called out to him.

Startled, Zhou Bin rushed over, circling her once before roughly tugging open her collar to examine her neck. Only after confirming there were no suspicious marks did he breathe a sigh of relief.

Shen Ling frowned, straightening her clothes and fixing him with a cold stare. "What is the meaning of this?"

Faced with her question, Zhou Bin’s aggressive demeanor melted into a cheeky grin. "I just believe in clearing up misunderstandings as soon as they arise!"

Saying this, he thrust his phone toward her.

"Look! I received an anonymous email today accusing you of cheating with a client. Of course, I know my Lingling isn’t that sort of person, but I figured I’d better talk to you directly, just in case."

Anonymous email?

Shen Ling’s heart skipped a beat.

Could it have been Bo Jinkan?

She took the phone, her breath catching as she saw the photo. It showed her pressed tightly against Mr. He’s broad chest—her expression was clearly awkward, yet under the warm lighting, the scene appeared intimate and bashful. Worse still, Mr. He’s large, rough hand was securely wrapped around her waist—no matter how one looked at it, the image was far from innocent.

Zhou Bin, not seeing any guilt in her eyes, raised an eyebrow, his mood improving slightly, but he pressed on, probing, "Baby, aren’t you going to give me an explanation?"

"What exactly do you want me to explain?" Shen Ling’s thoughts were in chaos, and her response was distracted and perfunctory. Zhou Bin’s jealousy was the least of her concerns; what truly mattered was whether Bo Jinkan had sent the photo, and if so, to what end?

Zhou Bin’s gaze grew cold. He seized her wrist, forcing her to face him, demanding harshly, "Shen Ling, what do I mean to you?"

Snapping back to herself, Shen Ling’s expression turned icy. "Zhou Bin, our relationship is purely business. Don’t overstep."

His face darkened, but after a few deep breaths, he relented. "Baby, even if it’s just in private, we have to keep up the act of being in love. Otherwise, how can we convince outsiders?"

Her phone vibrated. Shen Ling caught a glimpse of a new message—a snippet that instantly set her on edge.

Zhou Bin slid his arm around her waist, trying to placate her. "Those men are all coveting you—I’m just looking out for you."

Without a word, Shen Ling brushed his hand away, her expression frigid. "I’ve been busy all day. I’m tired. You should go home."

Zhou Bin wanted to say more, but seeing her closed-off demeanor, he could only retreat awkwardly, rubbing his nose and reminding her as he left, "Get some rest."

The heavy sound of the door closing jolted Shen Ling’s thoughts. She opened her eyes and took out her phone, eagerly pulling up the text message.

"Meet me at Deep Blue Club."

An unfamiliar yet unmistakably familiar number, unsigned, with a tone that brooked no refusal—she couldn’t help but know exactly who it was.

She didn’t want to go, but she knew she owed Bo Jinkan. Whether she liked it or not, she had no choice.

Besides, she wanted answers from him herself.

After returning to the office to change, Shen Ling hailed a cab straight to Deep Blue Club.

It was a high-end private club. As soon as she arrived, a smiling attendant greeted her at the entrance.

"Miss Ye, Mr. Fu is already waiting for you. Please allow me to show you in."