When Will My Childhood Sweetheart Marry Me?-Chapter 265: Obsessed and Unaware

That night, Jiang Shuyao had a very long dream.

She dreamt about her second year in Qi Middle School, during a physics competition where she almost arrived late because she forgot to set an alarm. In her rush to the exam hall, she realized she had forgotten to bring a pencil. Sitting next to her was a fair-faced boy who, seeing her plight, kindly handed over a spare pencil from his pencil case.

The morning breeze was gentle that day, and the boy’s smile was tranquil and warm.

The meeting with Lu Chen was scheduled for nine o’clock in the morning, in the Xinyuan conference room.

Jiang Shuyao stood in front of the wardrobe, carefully buttoning up Pei Yan’s shirt, "I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear formal attire. Should we find time to buy you a few sets?"

"There’s no rush, I don’t need them right now."

"When will you need them?"

Pei Yan’s lips curled into a smile, "Probably soon. Once I settle the HT matter, I will go talk to your dad."

Talk—

She blushed slightly. However, what did clothing have to do with something as significant as marriage?

The restructuring did not affect personnel access. Jiang Shuyao did not know how prosperous Xinyuan used to be, but now it could be described in just one phrase: deserted.

She had anticipated the impact the data breach scandal might have on Xinyuan, but seeing it with her own eyes was still unbelievable.

A company that had a yearly turnover of several hundred million vanished overnight; seals plastered on the glass doors of the CEO’s office and all departments. The only thing left was the large conference room that could accommodate hundreds of people.

As she approached the door, Jiang Shuyao stopped in her tracks, "You talk to him; I’ll wait for you outside."

Pei Yan smiled lightly and patted her head, "What, don’t you want to hear what Lu Chen is planning to tell me?"

She silently shook her head.

After a couple of seconds, she unconsciously glanced at the heavy double wooden doors and whispered, "If you leave the door slightly open, I might be able to hear your conversation."

Pei Yan nodded noncommittally, indicating that it was possible. Without saying more, he strode into the conference room. The door opened and closed behind him, leaving just the right gap for her.

Her actions now, leaning close to the crack in the door and perking up her ears, were unmistakably those of a voyeur.

Jiang Shuyao couldn’t understand why she was acting this way, but she had a strange feeling that Lu Chen’s request to meet wasn’t just about reconciliation.

Often, hiding in the shadows provides a clearer perspective to analyze an opponent’s intentions.

There was only Lu Chen in the conference room. He sat at the far end of the long conference table, facing the door. His black suit was immaculate, in stark contrast to Pei Yan’s usual casual style. President Lu indeed seemed more in line with the demeanor expected of businessmen in his circle.

It must be said, Uncle Pei’s laissez-faire approach in grooming Pei Yan was indeed painstaking.

Rare are the fathers in this world who are willing to give their sons ample time to pursue what they love.

In comparison to Lu Chen, Pei Yan was indeed much luckier.

However, in some ways, Lu Chen’s present situation wasn’t solely due to abrupt familial changes; more importantly, it stemmed from his innate competitive nature.

He relished the struggle for fame and fortune, coveted money and status, and even during his university days, he possessed a sophistication far beyond his peers.

Some people are naturally suited for this turbulent business world; those whose hearts face the sun will find a bright path ahead, otherwise, it leads to an abyss.

Unfortunately, Lu Chen’s first step was already amiss.

Pei Yan sat near the door, facing him from afar, lighting a cigarette and leisurely waiting for the other to speak first.

However, Lu Chen didn’t dive into the main topic right away but placed the document in his hands on the table.

"Why didn’t you bring her in with you?" he began, his expression slightly obscure, "I really want to know, where did you get the confidence to think that I didn’t touch her that night?"

Pei Yan smoked leisurely, seemingly oblivious to the content of the conversation, as he tilted his chin up.

"Recovering quite well."

Lu Chen’s thin lips were tightly pursed.

Leaning forward, Pei Yan asked with a half-smile, "I’m also very curious how many fingers President Lu has been using to code since then?"

Lu Chen gritted his teeth, staring intently at the man across from him.

So, what he thought was a fair exchange for a five-year chip was a joke from the start.

"I gave you two years to see Yuan Chong for what he truly is, but you are too stubborn," Pei Yan pointed to his head, "A good hand played terribly, and now you wait like a prisoner to be sentenced and punished."

The atmosphere in the conference room was tense, while Jiang Shuyao outside the door was in deep trouble.

She hadn’t recovered from Lu Chen’s first remark when Pei Yan’s next words baffled her further.

The whole process seemed to be controlled by Pei Yan. It was rare to see Lu Chen rendered speechless after so many confrontations.

"I came here today, not to discuss the old grudges of the past," Pei Yan fiddled with his lighter, appearing solemn yet casual, "I can have Yunteng drop the lawsuit, and I can help resolve the crisis Xinyuan is facing now. Just provide all the evidence against Yuan Chong, and within three days, I will get Xinyuan back on track."

Lu Chen squinted his eyes, "Why should I believe you can help Xinyuan resolve the crisis, Pei Yan? You think too highly of yourself."

Ha.

Pei Yan raised an eyebrow, "You can choose not to believe, but Xinyuan can’t wait. Ask yourself, do you have any other options?"

Indeed, he had no choice.

Yuan Chong clearly used Xinyuan as a pawn. No matter whether he advanced or retreated, he couldn’t erase the stain of being controlled by that man.

Lu Chen clenched his fist under the table. The moment he had decided to meet with Pei Yan, he should have been prepared to lower his stance and reconcile.

But in moments like these, the humiliation still weighed heavily, making it hard for him to breathe.

Life was never fair.

Some things come effortlessly to others, but for some, they come at a hundredfold cost.

He never wanted to make an enemy of Pei Yan voluntarily, but it seemed fate had other plans. Everything he tried to do was always unexpectedly thwarted by Pei Yan.

The girl he once liked, the programming contest three years ago, and this scheme against Yunteng.

Pei Yan seemed to be his nemesis.

Now, to bow down to his nemesis was not something he could accept.

As it turned out, Yuan Chong was like a ticking time bomb, keeping Pei Yan restless as long as it existed.

Lu Chen stared at the settlement agreement in front of him, falling into silence for a full five minutes.

Just wait.

From what he knew of Yuan Chong, he wouldn’t just sit and wait for Pei Yan to dig up the evidence in his hands.

The news of today’s meeting would soon reach the Capital, and Lu Chen suddenly wanted to take a gamble.

He would bet that Yuan Chong’s offer was more tempting than Pei Yan’s.

The conference room remained silent for a long time, and perhaps Pei Yan had guessed what Lu Chen was thinking, as he chuckled and stood up from his chair.

"Delusional."

With a cold remark, he slammed the door and left.