Plead for mercy?

This phrase seemed to touch some sensitive nerve of Ji Qinghe’s. His fingertips resting on the coffee cup paused, and he looked at Shen Qianzhan meaningfully: “You like it here?”

He raised his wrist to check the time.

Whether it was because he dealt with time professionally all year round, or because Ji Qinghe himself held time in reverence, every time he raised his wrist to check his watch, the lines from his brow to the corner of his eyes were like framed slow-motion scenes, his gaze deepening from shallow to profound, focused and serious.

Shen Qianzhan had seen him with his brow furrowed slightly, seemingly lost in waves of desire, looking soft from heart to body. That was a completely opposite existence from the man before her now – he was like having two opposing souls, one standing by the banks of a clear river, the other standing at the edge of a cliff’s abyss.

She quietly changed her breathing, calming her heartbeat.

Damn it, this man must have grown according to her aesthetic standards, hitting every mark perfectly.

Ji Qinghe, completely unaware of Shen Qianzhan’s brief moment of endless thoughts, slightly lowered his wrist and casually placed the coffee in the car door’s storage compartment: “Not enough time.”

Shen Qianzhan, who had been lost in admiring the enemy’s beauty and constantly on the verge of surrender, suddenly snapped back to attention: “What do you mean not enough time?”

She vigilantly placed the sealed document at the distance between them, like drawing a dividing line, attempting to mark clear boundaries with no deterrent power whatsoever.

The car interior was already an enclosed space where their breaths could intertwine within inches.

Shen Qianzhan’s futile behavior made Ji Qinghe couldn’t help but laugh. He lowered his gaze, his eyes deep and bright. Against the setting sun’s afterglow, his pupils seemed to have a golden arc, revealing a three-colored glazed luster: “Be more proactive, come sit over here?”

Shen Qianzhan’s face was written all over with resistance, but her mouth still stubbornly flattered: “Sitting here is quite good, I can take in CEO Ji’s distinguished handsomeness in full view.”

Ji Qinghe saw through her thoughts completely, his fingertip falling beside him, tapping: “Don’t make me say it a second time.”

Those in power who had been giving orders for years naturally possessed an irresistible dignity.

Shen Qianzhan almost instinctively shuddered, wanting to comply.

How did she initially think Ji Qinghe was a docile twilight wolf that she could manipulate at will when they first met? Through repeated confrontations, she suffered defeat after defeat, almost leaving her with indelible psychological trauma.

Seeing her being stubborn, Ji Qinghe reminded: “The first investment hasn’t arrived yet, it can be stopped at any time.”

What Shen Qianzhan feared least were threats: “We’re both cooperation parties bound by signed contracts, who are you trying to scare?”

Ji Qinghe’s gaze fell on her fingers unconsciously gripping her phone tightly, he smiled silently and gave her a way out: “The back seat’s soundproofing isn’t very good. Are you sure you want Ming Jue to listen to some private conversations?”

Not sure.

Shen Qianzhan borrowed the opportunity to climb down, following the steps to sit over. She maintained perfect boundaries, keeping a palm’s distance from Ji Qinghe – close enough to advance, far enough to retreat, not afraid of Old Dog Ji suddenly making improper advances.

Ji Qinghe understood her little schemes completely. Without making things too difficult, he only pushed his glasses up his nose: “Qiandeng’s internal disputes are not Bu Zhong Sui’s business to interfere with. As long as it doesn’t affect our mutual cooperation or damage Bu Zhong Sui’s interests, it’s none of my concern.”

“For your sake, I’ve already suppressed that document. But company resources are limited, we won’t provide unlimited assistance to Qiandeng again and again.” His thin lips pressed lightly, the color on his lips changing from pale to deep, suddenly taking on a somewhat bewitching quality: “Bu Zhong Sui will not only refuse to cooperate with Qiandeng, but when necessary will also take special measures to disengage in time. No one wants to be trapped in a quagmire. Producer Shen understands this principle, right?”

Shen Qianzhan naturally understood.

Merchants prioritize profit. In the ups and downs of the business world, you never know which storm will defeat you. Being wise to protect oneself and preserving one’s strength has always been the primary principle of seeking benefit and avoiding harm.

In handling matters, Ji Qinghe was much more decisive than Shen Qianzhan. He didn’t give her a chance to speak, concluding: “If you only came to see me today to explain the situation, you can get off at the next intersection.”

Shen Qianzhan was choked speechless, her face alternating between pale and flushed.

Bu Zhong Sui suppressing this press release was indeed showing utmost benevolence and righteousness. Publicly speaking, Ji Qinghe was already giving her considerable face. Privately, she had always been committed to clarifying the relationship between them. After both parties reached consensus, there was no reason for her to tear up the agreement and demand his cooperation when trouble arose.

Moreover, how could Ji Qinghe cooperate?

Come forward to clarify they had no relationship? This man would absolutely never deny what had been done.

Shen Qianzhan swore on her fingers that if she dared make such a demand, Ji Qinghe would absolutely dare to do it all over again to help her remember. This bastard was like a cluster of kindling that would ignite upon contact with fire.

Better not to clarify – the more you explain, the darker it gets.

Her thoughts raced, finally awakening to realize her move was desperate and foolish.

Seeing her silence, Ji Qinghe raised an eyebrow slightly, throwing out a depth charge nonchalantly: “I have another idea.”

Shen Qianzhan looked toward the sound. His features were brightened by the remaining light, revealing rare gentleness: “Producer Shen could consider agreeing to my pursuit. As long as you’re willing, all of Bu Zhong Sui’s resources can be at your disposal.”

——

Shen Qianzhan got off at the intersection ahead.

It was rush hour – whether taxis or ride-hailing apps, everything was so full that no one accepted orders.

She stood at the intersection for a long time. Pedestrians changed wave after wave, but she still couldn’t get any vehicle to accept her order.

Beijing was too cold – cold enough that the north wind against her face was like the blades of slow torture, capable of freezing thoughts and solidifying time.

After who knows how many red lights changed, just when Shen Qianzhan was hesitating whether to try a different mode of transportation, a car stopped. The front passenger window slowly rolled down, and Su Zan waved at her: “Sister Zhan, get in.”

The warm car interior was like a warm shelter. Shen Qianzhan rubbed her frozen hands while adjusting the radio and asking: “How are you here?”

“CEO Ji sent me a location.” Su Zan noticed her poor complexion and spoke with some caution: “Said you wouldn’t be able to get a ride at this time, asked me to pick you up.”

Shen Qianzhan pursed her lips. Her lips were dry, half her lipstick had worn off, showing some mottled patches.

However, compared to the shock she’d just received, having imperfect appearance was nothing.

Ji Qinghe was like a god orchestrating the entire battle. From the moment she proposed meeting, he had been laying groundwork step by step, making magnificent preparations.

When he said everything only halfway, Shen Qianzhan could still cope. Given his deeply calculating and cautiously strategic character, she hadn’t expected him to be so forthright, not concealing his intention to exploit the situation at all.

Even her instinctive rejection was calculated in – a single sentence “you think about it, give me an answer in a few days” left her speechless.

Did Ji Qinghe like her that much? Not necessarily.

Between adults, lust always came more directly than love.

She rubbed her brow, which ached faintly from the wind, her voice weary: “What date is the annual party?”

Su Zan took advantage of the red light to flip through the calendar, answering: “Friday, two more days.”

She hummed in acknowledgment, closed her eyes, and said nothing more.

——

Shen Qianzhan always considered herself delicate and frail. After being blown by wind like yesterday, she should have had headaches and fever today, or at least sneezing and coughing. She even instructed Qiao Xin before bed to bring her some cold medicine to work tomorrow. Unexpectedly, when she woke up the next day, she was glowing with health, more beautiful than flowers, without the slightest hint of weakness from being thoroughly tested.

After being a producer for so long, her constitution was almost catching up to that of a steel Barbie.

Although somewhat disappointed she couldn’t be frail and weak for once, Shen Qianzhan quickly adjusted her state and threw herself into work.

The scriptwriter matter recently had some progress. Shao Chouxie had recommended a long-hidden master scriptwriter named Jiang Juanshan a couple days ago. Coincidentally, Jiang Juanshan was ranked first on the list of scriptwriters Shen Qianzhan had originally planned to invite. If it weren’t for his long retirement from the industry, her initial preferred choice would have been this master scriptwriter highly recognized by television stations.

She arranged to meet him this afternoon. After lunch break ended at noon, she set off early to wait at the agreed-upon teahouse.

Collaborating with a master scriptwriter who had works and experience was incredibly worry-free.

After Shen Qianzhan confirmed his willingness to cooperate, using Jiang Juanshan’s past representative works as a starting point, she discussed his thoughts and perspectives on script stories. She surprisingly discovered that although Jiang Juanshan had been hidden for many years, his status remained stable, and he was quite knowledgeable about current TV dramas, films, and web series.

She quietly checked Jiang Juanshan’s information on Baidu Encyclopedia.

Jiang Juanshan became famous young, immigrated overseas at thirty, and had been retired since. This return to China seemed to be just for vacation while resuming his old profession.

Shen Qianzhan was somewhat worried about the energy he could invest: “This drama is this year’s key project. From script to filming, it won’t be less than five months.”

Jiang Juanshan held his tea cup and drank some water, very understanding of her concerns: “I won’t hide it from you – I returned to China this time to handle some family matters. My wife and I have had a relationship breakdown and are going through divorce proceedings.”

Shen Qianzhan became more worried.

Could this unstable work state create amazingly brilliant scripts?

But their previous conversation had been too pleasant. Jiang Juanshan completely matched the interesting soul and steady experience she was looking for. She struggled a bit: “If we could have the honor of collaborating, script preparation would need to start after New Year. Time is quite tight, so the creative pressure on you would be significant.”

Jiang Juanshan placed his tea cup in the tea tray, his handsome features smiling gently as he said warmly: “Producer Shen can completely rest assured about my professional spirit. My private affairs are also clean and won’t drag down progress.”

Jiang Juanshan didn’t elaborate further.

Shen Qianzhan wasn’t interested in gossiping about his private matters either. She always trusted her judgment of people. After discussing rates, she had her answer.

Jiang Juanshan was modest and easygoing, not making outrageous demands. Combined with his proven ability and explosive reputation, Su Lanyi would have almost no difficulty with approval, so signing contracts was just a matter of the next few days.

After categorizing him as a core team member, Shen Qianzhan’s attitude became much more friendly: “Do you have a team, or do you always create independently?”

“I used to.” Jiang Juanshan refilled her empty tea cup with hot tea, looking up at her: “After all, writers have too many trivial matters that easily affect creative emotions. But I’ve been retired for five years, and my previous team has already disbanded.”

Shen Qianzhan expressed understanding. After all, cooperation details still needed Su Lanyi’s approval before they could continue in depth, so she simply reserved judgment.

Having resolved one worry and about to see dawn, Shen Qianzhan was in excellent spirits.

On the drive back to the company, she hummed off-key children’s songs, maintaining high emotions all the way back to her department and asking Qiao Xin to prepare work flows.

Su Zan, still executing her spy mission, was curious to the point of scratching her ears and cheeks, waiting until Qiao Xin came out of Shen Qianzhan’s office before approaching to inquire: “What happened to Sister Zhan to make her so happy?”

Qiao Xin pulled out her chair to sit while opening documents: “Found a one-in-ten-thousand scriptwriter, how could she not be happy?”

Su Zan, who hadn’t heard any advance notice, looked completely confused: “One-in-ten-thousand, who?”

Qiao Xin answered: “Jiang Juanshan.” Seeing Su Zan didn’t recognize the name, she looked excited and lowered her voice: “Famous from a young age, retired at the peak of success, low-key and hidden. Coming back this time, it’s simply a mature uncle demanding lives online, eee.”

Su Zan: Didn’t understand.

But vaguely felt that CEO Ji’s love rival had appeared?