Xiao Qiang

Xu Niang Xiao Qiang, one of the vice presidents of Hengda Group.

Though she holds the title of vice president, she hasn't made it to the board and seems to be in charge solely of the real estate division. Why is she reaching out to me?

Despite his surprise, Ye Chen accepted her friend request.

However, after adding him, she didn't immediately send a message. Ye Chen didn't care much and went about his day—brushing his teeth, washing his face, and enjoying a bowl of sea cucumber porridge cooked by Yi Nuo.

It wasn't until after he finished his routine that his phone finally buzzed.

Unsurprisingly, it was Xiao Qiang.

[Mr. Ye, don't tell me you just woke up... 😊]

Ye Chen felt speechless reading the message.

So what? Can't I just wake up now?

But he didn't overthink it and replied:

[President Xiao, is there something I can help you with?]

Xiao Qiang initially planned to exchange pleasantries, but seeing that Ye Chen wasn't playing along, she decided to skip the small talk.

[Mr. Ye, are you free to meet up for a chat?]

Ye Chen replied:

[Are you asking as Vice President of Hengda or as a private individual?]

Xiao Qiang: [Does it matter?]

Ye Chen: [It's not about whether it matters—it at least lets me weigh things properly.]

Xiao Qiang: [Uh... Why not just ask directly why I want to meet you?]

Ye Chen: [If you wanted to get straight to the point, you wouldn't have added me on WeChat to send a message. You'd have called me directly.]

Standing by the office window, Xiao Qiang raised an eyebrow.

This guy is something else.

That single reply made even Xiao Qiang, who studied psychology in college and used it to climb the corporate ladder, admire his grasp of human nature.

After a brief pause, she shook her head and laughed.

It made sense—someone without extraordinary skills wouldn't earn such admiration from their chairman, Xu Jia.

An ordinary person wouldn't receive an open-ended salary offer to join Hengda as a consultant.

Besides, Ye Chen was no longer who he used to be. His creation of Wuxia Cream already hinted at the rise of a financial powerhouse.

[So Mr. Ye, I really need to declare my identity before you'll consider meeting me?]

Xiao Qiang replied.

She didn't expect Ye Chen's response to drive her mad.

[Time and place.]

Four simple words. Xiao Qiang gritted her teeth in frustration.

Was he just messing with her this whole time?

But Xiao Qiang quickly calmed down. She had already experienced Ye Chen's unpredictable ways.

[Same place as last time—A Café. Does that work? Same as before, just mention my name.]

Ye Chen: [Time?]

Xiao Qiang: [Now. How about it?]

Ye Chen: [Sure.]

With that, Xiao Qiang ended the chat with a smile emoji.

Ye Chen didn't respond further. He could more or less guess why she wanted to meet.

After finishing his meal, Ye Chen didn't rush out. He washed the dishes and pot first, changed into casual clothes, and only then left the house.

A Café.

Without her professional attire, Xiao Qiang's casual look exuded an alluring charm that defied her age.

In her work clothes, she was a sophisticated career woman. Now, with long wavy hair and subtle makeup, she resembled a captivating, elegant woman that drew attention wherever she went.

Sitting by the window with a clear view of the entrance, Xiao Qiang stirred her Blue Mountain coffee and occasionally glanced up.

Soon, Ye Chen appeared.

She expected him to give his name at the counter and wait to be led in.

Instead, the staff bowed slightly and greeted him, "Mr. Ye."

Not just the greeter—every waiter in the café acknowledged him softly.

Xiao Qiang was stunned.

What's going on here?

Even as an A-level member, she never received this level of treatment.

[President Xiao, what's with that look?]

Ye Chen approached with a smile.

Xiao Qiang quickly masked her surprise.

[Nothing.] She returned to normal. [What would you like to drink?]

Ye Chen smiled at the waiter. [Just a glass of water, thank you.]

After the waiter left, Ye Chen dove straight in:

[President Xiao, is Chairman Xu testing the waters through you?]

Xiao Qiang raised an eyebrow. [What makes you ask that?]

Ye Chen replied calmly:

[I can't think of anything else besides Wuxia Cream that would make you meet me.]

Xiao Qiang chuckled bitterly.

[Mr. Ye, you're really bad at small talk, you know that?]

Before Ye Chen could respond, Xiao Qiang continued:

[It seems adding you on WeChat was the right move.]

Ye Chen smirked. [Because calling me directly would be too awkward?]

Xiao Qiang's eye twitched. [Has anyone ever told you you're too blunt?]

For some reason, she realized her usual advantage in micro-expressions and psychology didn't work on Ye Chen.

Normally, she controlled the pace of conversations.

But with Ye Chen, she always followed his lead.

Whether it was their first meeting, phone conversations, or negotiations over land acquisition for Jinzhong Village—she was constantly reacting to him.

It frustrated her immensely.

Ye Chen smiled. [Does it matter if I'm blunt? I doubt you're here to admire my charm.]

Xiao Qiang laughed helplessly.

[Alright, let's get to the point. Hengda Group's interest in various industries is well known. Is Chairman Xu interested in Wuxia Cream?]

Ye Chen's straightforward approach left Xiao Qiang no choice but to continue at his pace.

[Would you consider collaborating with Hengda?]

Ye Chen nodded. [Tell me more.]