If It’s Wrong, Then It’s Wrong - Chapter 74
Chapter 74: The Twenty-Sixth Day
Ji Mushan was speechless. He had intended to discuss a personal matter with Cheng Liu, but hadn’t expected her to change her demeanor so quickly.
One moment she was aggressively pushing for a collaboration, the next, she was the picture of sincerity and integrity.
Ji Mushan had seen his share of cunning businessmen, but Cheng Liu was in a league of her own.
Her shamelessness was unparalleled.
Right now, anyone would think she was a naive, easygoing young woman.
Who would have guessed that just moments ago, she had effortlessly exposed Tianqi Automobile’s predicament with a few casual remarks?
How could Chaozhou have fallen for someone like this?
“I know about you and Chaozhou,” Ji Mushan said, suppressing his emotions. “That's why a collaboration between Tianqi and Shenyin poses a risk.”
Seeing that Cheng Liu didn’t respond, he continued, “Chaozhou is my son. I’ll be leaving him all my shares in Tianqi. If those shares end up in your hands, I won't be able to face Tianqi Automobile.”
Ji Mushan was worried that after Cheng Liu and Ji Chaozhou got together, she would eventually take over Tianqi.
Cheng Liu remained silent, but Ji Mushan noticed a flicker of excitement in her eyes.
He frowned, puzzled.
“CEO Ji,” Cheng Liu said suddenly, standing up, her chair scraping against the floor.
Ji Mushan, startled, instinctively recoiled, assuming she was angry.
He understood how young people thought. He had been young once. He hated being judged and underestimated, so he said, “Don’t think that…”
Before he could finish, Cheng Liu, reaching across the table, took his hand, her expression filled with emotion: “I didn't realize you thought so highly of me, CEO Ji.”
“What?” Ji Mushan, stunned by her actions, couldn't comprehend what was happening.
Cheng Liu, slightly embarrassed: “So, you think Chaozhou and I will be a family one day.”
Ji Mushan, his face expressionless, pulled his hand away: “…” That was her conclusion after his lengthy explanation?
“CEO Ji, don’t worry. Although Chaozhou and I aren’t officially together yet, we’ll definitely get married,” Cheng Liu said sincerely. “We’ll be family one day.”
Ji Mushan was speechless. He couldn’t even begin to describe how he felt. It was more complicated than the day he had learned Cheng Liu had outbid him at the auction, then given the item to his son.
“Are you even here to discuss the collaboration?” Ji Mushan said, his face darkening. “Sit down.”
Cheng Liu obediently sat down, then said, “Okay, Dad.”
“Don’t call me that! Don’t try to get on my good side,” Ji Mushan said, his face twitching, yet he couldn't help but imagine Chaozhou addressing him so casually, his feelings towards Cheng Liu reaching a new level of complexity.
Cheng Liu, switching back to her CEO persona, her expression calm: “If you’re worried about your shares, just set up a proper distribution plan. That's your personal matter, CEO Ji. But collaborating with Shenyin Technology is an opportunity Tianqi can't afford to miss. I’m sure you can distinguish between personal and professional matters.”
“…” Ji Mushan, taking a moment to compose himself: “You’re right. But let's end our discussion here for today. Tianqi needs to hold an internal meeting. We’ll contact you when we have a decision.”
Cheng Liu nodded: “Shenyin Technology looks forward to collaborating with Tianqi Automobile.”
After she left, Ji Mushan, holding his head, sighed. He knew she was capable, but he hadn't expected her to be so shameless.
…
“How did it go?” He Bai asked, seeing Cheng Liu emerge from the meeting room. As soon as Ji Mushan had mentioned “personal reasons,” he had guessed it was about his relationship with Cheng Liu.
“CEO Ji is still considering. They’re holding an internal meeting,” Cheng Liu said, rubbing her wrist as she entered the elevator. “They’ll contact us.”
“Is it…because of his son?” He Bai asked, stepping into the elevator with her, unable to contain his curiosity.
Cheng Liu, looking at him: “It has nothing to do with him. It’s my fault.”
He Bai, looking down at the elevator floor, his heart sinking. She couldn’t even mention Ji Chaozhou’s name.
“We’ll have to negotiate the contract with Tianqi,” Cheng Liu said, turning back to face the elevator doors, as they opened. “Prepare accordingly. Ji Mushan is more difficult to deal with than our previous partners.”
He Bai followed her out: “Understood.”
Cheng Liu’s focus had always been on her work. Although she now had someone important in her life, she still maintained a clear distinction between her personal and professional affairs.
On their way back to the company, Cheng Liu received a call from Cheng Gui.
“Sister, I passed the first round! They’ve scheduled the second interview for tomorrow,” Cheng Gui said excitedly. Although the written exam and interviews were challenging, and there were multiple rounds, if he could get into this testing center, the opportunities would be immense.
“Congratulations! Remember to treat me to dinner when you get the job,” Cheng Liu said, sitting in the back seat.
“Definitely,” Cheng Gui said, having returned to her old apartment, a textbook in his hand. “Sister, I’m going to study.”
“Okay,” Cheng Liu said, then, before hanging up, added, “If you make it to the final interview, just answer honestly. If you don’t know something, just say so. Don’t try to embellish.”
The director of the testing center would be present at the final interview. She had researched him. He preferred sincere, hardworking people.
Although Cheng Liu felt Cheng Gui met his requirements, she worried he might try to change himself during the interview.
Cheng Gui agreed: “I understand, Sister.”
…
Back at the company, with an hour left before closing time, Cheng Liu, having finished most of her work, messaged Ji Chaozhou.
Cheng Liu: [Want to have dinner together tonight?]
Ji Chaozhou didn’t reply immediately. Or rather, he hadn't seen the message yet. He was at the Ranshan lab, blending perfumes.
Tang Fanglu, as usual, came to inquire about his progress.
Ever since Ji Chaozhou had taken over Ranshan, the number of new fragrance releases had drastically decreased.
Other brands typically released new perfumes quarterly, but Ranshan might not even release one in a year.
She had heard from the sales department that Ranshan's annual sales were increasing steadily, so there was no immediate concern.
But creating a classic fragrance was a long and difficult process. Releasing new fragrances regularly, even if not groundbreaking, would increase customer engagement and drive sales.
Besides, Tang Fanglu felt that any of Ji Chaozhou's discarded fragrances were good enough to be released, easily surpassing other brands.
“We need to release a new fragrance next quarter,” Tang Fanglu said, entering the lab. “It’s been over a year since our last release.”
As she spoke, she sniffed the air.
This time, there wasn't the extreme bitterness, sourness, or astringency. Ji Chaozhou seemed to have finally blended the scents harmoniously.
At first, there was a subtle astringency, a bitterness within it, building and swirling, then, at its peak, transforming into a hazy, almost intoxicating sour fragrance, drawing her in.
And beneath it, a faint sweetness, ethereal and fleeting, evoking a sense of unease, a fear that it might disappear.
Gradually, the scents merged, indistinguishable yet undeniably captivating, resonating deep within.
Tang Fanglu, having only taken a single sniff, felt like she had journeyed through a lifetime of memories, a bittersweet nostalgia for her youth.
“Is this…the new fragrance?” Tang Fanglu asked excitedly, looking at the perfume bottle in front of Ji Chaozhou.
It would be perfect for the next quarterly release.
Ji Chaozhou truly was a genius perfumer, each of his creations resonating deeply with those who smelled them.
“Not yet,” Ji Chaozhou said, sealing the bottle. “It’s only partially complete.”
Tang Fanglu stared at the bottle: Only partially complete?
“If this fragrance were released, it would be a sensation,” Tang Fanglu said confidently before leaving.
Ji Chaozhou, unfazed, placed the perfume bottle in the refrigerator, then prepared to leave.
He then noticed Cheng Liu’s message.
He pursed his lips, remembering his impulsive action last night, a faint blush spreading across his ears. He replied: [Okay.]
Cheng Liu, as if waiting for his message, immediately asked: [Eating out or at home?]
Ji Chaozhou looked at the last two words, then, after a long pause, replied: [As you wish.]
Cheng Liu: [Then I’ll go grocery shopping after work.]
Ji Chaozhou simply replied with an “mm,” then went to the parking garage to get his car.
By the time Cheng Liu had finished work, bought groceries, and returned to the villa, he was already home.
As before, Cheng Liu washed and chopped the vegetables, Ji Chaozhou cooked.
Having finished her tasks, Cheng Liu didn’t leave the kitchen, instead watching Ji Chaozhou.
Ji Chaozhou, strangely self-conscious tonight, remembering last night, didn’t want her gaze on him.
“Go wait outside,” Ji Chaozhou said, putting the lid on a pot, turning to look at Cheng Liu.
“I can help serve the food,” Cheng Liu said, not wanting to leave.
Ji Chaozhou’s hand, hanging at his side, suddenly felt hot. He said softly, “Cheng Liu.”
It was a gentle whisper, not his usual cold, warning tone.
Cheng Liu thought she detected a hint of affection in his voice and immediately surrendered: “Okay, I’ll go wait outside.”
With her intense gaze gone, Ji Chaozhou relaxed slightly. He pressed his lips together, looking down at his hand.
He shouldn’t have done that last night.
…
Cheng Liu, back in the living room, had nothing to do.
She checked her phone. No work messages, nothing interesting on her Moments feed, just Li Dong bragging about his wife taking him out, and Feng Shi gloating about Keda Technology’s successful contract with Z Province.
Cheng Liu leaned back on the sofa and sighed: She also wanted to go out with Chaozhou.
After a while, she turned on the TV, flipping through channels.
Twenty minutes later, the food was ready. Cheng Liu went to the kitchen to help serve, asking Ji Chaozhou, “Have you decided what to do for May Day?”
Ji Chaozhou, putting down a dish: “I have to work.”
“Oh,” Cheng Liu said, although slightly disappointed, not overly so. They were neighbors. They could see each other every day.
Ji Chaozhou, looking at her, tightened his grip on his chopsticks. He wanted to change his answer, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it.
They sat at the dining table, the TV still on in the living room, tuned to the 8 pm news.
“Heavy rainfall in Z Province has caused landslides in several areas. Rescue efforts are underway. However, this evening, an earthquake struck a city within Z Province. Currently…”
Cheng Liu, hearing the news report, put down her chopsticks. Ji Chaozhou, seeing this, followed her to the living room, watching as she turned up the volume, her expression growing increasingly serious.
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