Chapter 620 - 620: Extra Episode 030: Can You Be Honest? Xin Zaozao (updated at midnight)
Chapter 620: Extra Episode 030: Can You Be Honest? Xin Zaozao (updated at midnight)
“You have such a treasure and you didn’t share?” Lina raised an eyebrow.
Xin Zaozao was taken aback for a few seconds.
She laughed lightly, “His skills actually aren’t that good. I supported him for other reasons, I never found him particularly attractive or useful. To be honest, I’ve grown tired of him.”
“The skills are lacking because you didn’t guide him properly. Give him to me for a few days, and I bet I can return you a different man.”
Xin Zaozao laughed again, saying nothing in response.
“What’s wrong, can’t bear to part with him?” Lina picked up her wine glass and took a couple swigs.
“It’s not that. I just don’t like making decisions for others.”
“So, you’re saying you need to ask him first.” Lina was straightforward.
“Asking would be better.”
“Then, when you go home tonight, ask him for me.” Lina laughed, “If he hadn’t been so skinny that night, he might have been mine.”
Xin Zaozao kept her smile, “Alright.”
Lina didn’t say more.
After dinner, Lina didn’t want to return home too early, so the two of them went to a bar.
Because of a major project being stuck with Lina, Xin Zaozao invited her for dinner from time to time. The goal was to land an international contract. Lina wasn’t opposed to partnering with her, but some details of the projects were still being negotiated, plus the headquarters were still running checks. Lina was also proactive to work with her and talked with Xin Zaozao often about the headquarters. They heard that the contract was nearly finalized, needing only a slight adjustment before being signed.
It was a critical moment.
If things went smoothly, the contract would be finalized.
Xin Zaozao accompanied Lina at the bar, singing and drinking, and invited some gigolos to join them.
A little later, Lina grew bored. She said, “Zaozao, it’s always the same crowd, don’t you get tired of it?”
“I can have the manager bring some new faces.”
“I’ve had enough of the whole scene, there’s nothing fun left.” Lina was losing interest.
“How about trying a new place?”
“That wouldn’t be any more fun.” Lina rejected the idea.
“It’s getting late, should I take you home early?”
“Zaozao, are you trying to play dumb with me?” Lina lit a cigarette, crossed her legs and smirked.
Xin Zaozao was taken by surprise, “Lina, just say what’s on your mind.”
“Playing dumb, yeah? Fine, Jin City women are all pretentious anyway, I’m used to it. I will be straightforward, call over the waiter from the other night.”
Xin Zaozao looked at Lina.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s just that… I haven’t asked him yet…”
“These things are a matter of mutual consent, what’s there to talk about? Just bring him here, I know how to handle it.”
Xin Zaozao chuckled, “Are you really that interested in him, Lina?”
“The things we can’t get are always the best.”
Xin Zaozao said, “I’ll call him over then.”
Lina nodded, then added, “Ever since returning to Jin City, the only person I’ve taken a liking to is you. That’s why I’m so keen to work with you. The headquarters are pretty much settled. Don’t worry, whatever I can fight for on your behalf, I will. I won’t let you suffer any losses.”
Lina, don’t joke around. Business is business, personal is personal. We shouldn’t mix the two.”
“That’s why I like your approach to things.”
Smiling, Xin Zaozao picked up her phone and moved to a quieter spot.
She dialed Mu Cidian.
He picked up, “Xin Zaozao.”
“Have you gone home yet?”
“Yes.”
“Come to the nightclub where you used to work, same room as before.”
“Have you had too much to drink?”
“Just come over.”
“Alright.”
Xin Zaozao hung up the call.
She leaned against the wall by the doorway.
She had never planned to make Mu Cidian do anything like this, but his charm was truly impressive. It had caught Lina’s eye.
She was very aware that while Lina seemed generous, she was actually extremely particular. If Xin Zaozao refused her this time, she was sure the contract would fall through.
This project had been in the works for almost half a year and everyone at the company was watching. It was a surefire investment that would open the door to international markets, an opportunity no businessman could refuse.
It was the final step.
Being a businesswoman herself, she couldn’t refuse either.
Xin Zaozao took a deep breath.
She returned to the private room.
Lina watched her.
She said, “I’ve invited him over but I didn’t mention why. Like you said, it’s a matter of mutual consent, so I won’t get involved.”
Lina nodded, “Don’t worry, I won’t put you in a difficult position.”
Xin Zaozao laughed and continued drinking with Lina.
Mu Cidian arrived twenty minutes later.
He must have left the moment he hung up the phone.
Upon entering the private room, he saw Xin Zaozao and Lina having a good time drinking, a couple of young masters attending to them, but in reality, they seemed to maintain some distance.
As soon as he arrived, the gaze of Xin Zaozao and Lina shifted towards him.
Mu Cidian thought Xin Zaozao was drunk, but for a moment it seemed she hadn’t lost her sobriety.
This made the moment slightly awkward.
Xin Zaozao, on the other hand, appeared rather at ease, “You, come sit here.”
Mu Cidian sat next to Xin Zaozao.
“Over here.”
Xin Zaozao indicated for him to sit between her and Lina.
Mu Cidian moved over.
Xin Zaozao said, “I’m going to the restroom.”
Lina watched Xin Zaozao, this woman indeed had a good emotional quotient.
Mu Cidian watched Xin Zaozao leave and had a vague understanding of something.
“What, does she look better than me?” Lina asked Mu Cidian.
Mu Cidian turned his head.
“In fact, she does look better. Every time we come to the bar, the young masters also prefer to attend to her. I’m quite jealous.” Lina picked up a glass of wine and handed it to Mu Cidian.
Mu Cidian accepted it, but decided not to drink.
“What, still not drinking?” Lina raised an eyebrow.
Mu Cidian took a sip.
It had been a while since he last drank, upon swallowing, he felt a burning sensation in his stomach.
Lina was pleased to see him finish the drink.
Satisfied, she also gulped down a glass.
“I heard you’re being kept by Xin Zaozao now?” Lina asked.
“Mhm.”
“How much does she pay you?”
“200,000.”
“Per month?”
“Mhm.”
“What if I give you 500,000?” Lina asked him.
Mu Cidian looked at her.
“Too little?”
“No, it’s just that I’m currently with Xin Zaozao…”
“Don’t worry about this, I won’t let you offend your benefactor. Xin Zaozao has just made it clear, she’s also tired of you. If you’re willing, you can follow me. She doesn’t mind.”
“Really?” Mu Cidian gave a faint smile.
“Are you that afraid of offending Xin Zaozao?” Lina looked at Mu Cidian and frowned unhappily.
“In our line of work, aren’t we all afraid of offending people like you?” Mu Cidian replied sarcastically.
“Indeed.” Lina nodded, “So there’s nothing to worry about now, just come home with me tonight.”
“I want to ask Xin Zaozao.”
“You really can’t let go, can you? Go ask if you want, but don’t say I didn’t warn you, my patience is limited.”
Mu Cidian had already stood up and walked towards the restroom.
He knocked on the door.
Xin Zaozao opened it.
Mu Cidian walked directly in and closed the door behind him.
Xin Zaozao glanced at him then nonchalantly turned on the faucet to wash her hands.
“Lina said she wants to keep me.”
“Mhm.” Xin Zaozao uttered a sound of affirmation.
“She told me that you’ve agreed?”
“Mhm.”
“Are you discussing a partnership with her?” Mu Cidian raised his eyebrows.
“That has nothing to do with it.”
“You want me to help you negotiate the agreement?” Mu Cidian continued asking.
“No.” Xin Zaozao denied.
It seemed she didn’t care that much, opened the restroom door and was about to leave.
Mu Cidian quickly pulled her back and forcefully pinned her against the wall.
Xin Zaozao’s expression darkened, “What are you doing?”
“Can you be honest for once?”
“Mu Cidian, remember your place. You have no right to treat me like this!”
“Why are you trying to pass me off to other women?” Mu Cidian’s face was close to hers.
“Shouldn’t you be thanking me? Your mother detests me so much she’d rather see you keep an old woman company than be kept by me. Now, it’s good. Lina is at least younger than Jenny and maintains herself well. As far as I know, she’s especially generous to men. As long as you can please her, you can earn more money from her. And moreover, it can dissolve the rift between you and your mother. Isn’t it a win-win?”
“Since when did you become so kind-hearted?”
“I didn’t. I’m just tired. Actually all our grudges were erased when you were in jail. As for Wan Quan, you were right, she can’t cause any trouble. The only way she won’t bother me is for you to stay away from me. I’m really fed up with you and your mother. Why would I spend my money to make my life difficult?” Xin Zaozao said nonchalantly.