Regarding the course of face, to not speak of reaching the peak of perfection, Jiang Chen had at least cultivated to a transcendental level, managing to withstand Lan Peizhi’s gaze with unfazed composure, and even maintaining an appropriately innocent smile.
Of course, he understood very well that this woman was not a kindred spirit, but evidently, she wasn’t the type to commit indiscriminate slaughter either.
No matter how you put it, a goodwill of 60 was right there.
At least that should be considered passing, right?
"The Shi Family wouldn’t be so stingy. You’ve been so dedicated and put in so much effort; aren’t they even going to cover a meal for you?"
Lan Peizhi started walking outside again.
Jiang Chen chuckled awkwardly, putting on a brave face as he closely followed her.
In reality, Shi Zhenhua had just asked, but Jiang Chen had brushed it off by claiming he had already eaten.
"Miss Lan exaggerates. I’m friends with Miss Shi, and everything I’ve done is merely what’s expected between friends."
Lan Peizhi repeated softly, then said in a faint voice, "You truly are a man of great moral integrity."
Jiang Chen accepted her words calmly, smiling without a word.
The two arrived outside the hospital.
A black sedan was parked by the curb.
As Lan Peizhi approached, a burly and muscular man waiting by the car respectfully opened the door for her.
Jiang Chen stopped in his tracks.
Following any further might really result in a beating.
Just as he was about to bid farewell, a faint voice came through.
Jiang Chen was startled, only to see Lan Peizhi already bending over to get into the car.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Jiang Chen felt encouraged and swiftly followed her in under the astonished gaze of the driver.
The inconspicuous sedan started smoothly in Capital City.
Jiang Chen sat upright and on guard, yet his mind didn’t rest for a moment, seeking to find topics of conversation.
"Miss Lan, is Qinyuan your property? If only I knew there were such great places in East Sea..."
"You’re better off staying away from there. I don’t want any trouble."
Jiang Chen, unfazed by the interruption, laughed and said, "You must be jesting, Miss Lan. Who would dare to trouble you?"
"The current acting chairman of Jinhai is one,"
Lan Peizhi stated flatly.
In that instant, Jiang Chen was left speechless.
With Shi Qianxi’s temperament, if she found out he was gallivanting and indulging in pleasures, she might indeed create an uproar.
That is, if she didn’t know who the owner of Qinyuan was.
Jiang Chen was well aware that the formidable lady by his side was someone even Shi Qianxi was wary of.
He didn’t go on to emphasize his "friendship" with Shi Qianxi.
Some things become more obscure the more you explain them.
"Nevertheless, I must thank you for your patronage."
Lan Peizhi continued, to put it precisely; if not for her intimidating background, she really wasn’t too difficult to get along with.
At least not too cold.
At least that’s how Jiang Chen felt at the moment,
"Haha, it’s solely because Miss Xia herself is quite outstanding."
Jiang Chen chuckled, then sighed, "That was my first visit to Qinyuan, and truly, it was an eye-opening experience. Qinyuan’s human-centric management philosophy deserves to be promoted across the entire industry."
"No matter how many pleasantries you say, I won’t give you back that 70 million."
Jiang Chen smiled wryly.
"I’m speaking from the heart. If Miss Xia weren’t at Qinyuan, she definitely wouldn’t be as content as she is now. Miss Xia is also someone who has had a hard life."
She sold herself for 70 million but ended up receiving only 5 million in her hands.
Qinyuan took the lion’s share.
Yet Jiang Chen didn’t think it was excessive.
Not because of empathy as a fellow property owner, but frankly, before entering Qinyuan, aside from her beauty, Xia Wanqing could be considered utterly without merit.
Her skills in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, social interaction, and the keen wit to dance gracefully through high society were all cultivated by Qinyuan.
Without Qinyuan as a platform, could she have auctioned herself for a sky-high price of 70 million to support her family?
Even 5 million would have been utterly impossible!
In this materialistic age, how many people cheapen themselves for a bag or a set of cosmetics.
However, Xia Wanqing was a clear-sighted girl who harbored no resentment towards Qinyuan’s cut.
"Miss Lan, I’ve heard that Qinyuan has never made such an exception before. Why were you willing to make an exception for Miss Xia?"
Jiang Chen turned his head to ask, not only to keep the atmosphere from growing cold but also out of genuine curiosity.
Although Xia Wanqing’s auction brought 65 million into Qinyuan’s coffers, for such a lucrative establishment, steadfastly maintaining rules was certainly more important than a short-term profit.
The use of the word "exception" by Jiang Chen wasn’t exaggerated at all.
"You ask too many questions."
Lan Peizhi responded in such a manner, making Jiang Chen quiet down in awkwardness.
Since she made it clear that she wasn’t interested in chatting further, it wasn’t good for Jiang Chen to continue pestering her. Annoying her would be counterproductive.
The difference between a low-level fawner and a high-level one is the mastery of such nuances.
Jiang Chen might not have been precise in the past, but by now, his skill had certainly improved.
A wisp of a faint fragrance drifted over, and Jiang Chen unconsciously took a light breath in.
It didn’t smell like fragrance nor perfume—a description-defying scent that was subtle yet endlessly captivating.
Even without conversation, time seemed to pass unnoticed, as if Einstein’s theory of relativity was proven once more. Unknowingly, the car came to a stop.
The burly man who was surely overqualified to be a mere driver got out of the car and opened the rear door.
Jiang Chen got out of the car.
Lan Peizhi followed suit.
"Miss Lan, you treated me to drinks last time at Qinyuan, so I should at least cover this meal," he said.