Ling Qingyu's sudden idea of helping her half-sister wasn't out of the notion. Well, Ling Muchen's call might be a reminder.
Since she came into this world after listening to Miss System's explanation, she had decided to help Ling Yunxiang escape the fate of becoming a heroine.
If her cheap sister met a good husband, who longed for and took great care of her, Ling Qingyu had no opposition.
But the relationship was meant to be a masochistic one, something she abhorred out of all the relationships.
So, she decided to thaw the cold sisterhood and intervened in her cheap sister's life. From the previous conversation, Ling Qingyu deduced three things.
First, Ling Yunxiang wasn't too appalling as stated in the media or rumors. Second, she could still read innocence from her sister's voice; Ling Qingyu wasn't sure if the voice was a pretense but even the sultriness contained in her tone didn't reduce the innocence.
Third, Ling Qingyu guessed her sister wasn't in any relationship yet. She even suspected Ling Yunxiang didn't even have experience in any romantic affair.
If the last deduction was correct, Ling Qingyu might have had an easier time. All of these could only be proven after meeting each other in person.
Throwing away the unrelated topics, Ling Qingyu focused on the current issues and found there wasn't anything she could deduce from the Shen family's visit.
She attempted several times and received no information in spite of the help from Athena. Of course, she disallowed Athena to hack other's information unless she ordered herself.
Athena's calculation wasn't any different from the prophecy like those during ancient times. The current predicament was that Ling Qingyu didn't have sufficient data for analysis.
To be frank, this might be the first interaction between her and the giant of Province N. She heard a knock and stood up.
Zhao Xiurong entered, gesturing the young man in. Ling Qingyu nodded in gratitude at her secretary.
There was no need for her to mention it as Zhao Xiurong left to prepare some refreshments.
The man was wearing a black business suit, a silver watch on his wrist, and a pair of shoes matching the outfit.
His hand grasped a paper bag with weight inside. Ling Qingyu guessed this might be a gift from the culture of Country C.
His aura exuded a successful businessman, full of appeal for the women. A fair skin and black hair, as he walked in, greeting Ling Qingyu's glance.
"What brings our great guest here to honor our company with your presence, Mr. Shen?" Ling Qingyu smiled and asked as politeness. "Please have a seat."
"Thank you." The man nodded and said, sitting down. He took a quick peek at the room, except for the luxurious mahogany furniture desk, Ling Qingyu usually worked at, the rest consisted of conventional corporate sense.
More of a wooden smell permeated the room. He gently pressed the cushion on the sofa he sat on and nodded inwardly.
Neat, tidy, and extravagant as well. Yet the layout was so simple, that one would almost overlook the exquisiteness.
Ling Qingyu also sat down on the opposite side and listened to what the man would say next.
"I hope my visit, doesn't disturb your work, Ms. Ling," The man spoke.
Ling Qingyu craved to say, of course, you ruin my working mood but out of concern for her appearance, she replied: "Of course, not."
"I heard about your accident in the past few days; it worries me to see a talented woman from our Province N almost disappear. I think the entire Province N resonates with my words. Thank heaven, you become stronger than before. My visit may be a bit sudden but that's to congratulate you on your health." The man stated his purpose.
"Thank you for your worries, Mister Shen. Perhaps, you might have overpraised my talent; I'm doing what I should do for my company's survival." Ling Qingyu returned a simple reply.
"Right. I forgot what's my real intention after seeing you, Miss Ling. You're more beautiful than what the rumors circulate in our circle. It really dazzles me. Here is my gift for you." The man took out a box from the bag, Ling Qingyu noticed.
It was wrapped in a bundle like a mystery, waiting for the predestined person to unfold the present.
Ling Qingyu glanced at the box and her hands pushed back, to gesture that she was resisting the gift. "Mister Shen, there's no need to do this."
"Please, Ms. Ling. There's nothing extravagant inside apart from representing our attitude. Please don't refuse our Shen family's gift. You don't need to be burdened with anything."
"Then, I'll be impolite to refuse." Ling Qingyu sighed and put away the box on the table.
The man's brow raised at Ling Qingyu's nonchalant attitude toward the gift. She didn't look flattered or proud.
As expected of what his father reminded, Ling Qingyu really couldn't be underestimated. She really didn't look forward to his family's connection.
The man recollected his thoughts and continued his speech. "I'd also like to express thanks for supporting our real estate, Ms. Ling. You've helped us out of the predicament. If not for your too-quick purchase, I would have met you on the day you bought."
"Shen family's real estate has its reputation and met my expectations. There is no need to thank me and I'm satisfied with the exchange." Ling Qingyu said calmly.
Why was the man still not stating his purpose? Ling Qingyu felt pain maintaining her composure.
"I hope Ms. Ling wasn't dissatisfied with service due to my absence."
"How dare I blame the Mister."
After an awkward short pause, the conversation continued.
"In another week, our Shen family would host the first auction. I'm sending the invitation to President Ling. Here." Mr. Shen took out an envelope and handed it over to Ling Qingyu.
After opening the envelope, Ling Qingyu read the invitations and smiled. "I'm grateful for your invitation. I'll make sure to show my presence there."
"I'm sure the rare items would satisfy Ms. Ling. I can guarantee with my family's reputation." The man clasped his hand and leaned forward.
Ling Qingyu nodded in agreement. "With Mister Shen's guarantee, it would be impolite of me, to fail to attend the auction."
"I'm certain, your presence will dazzle everyone who attends. Ms. Ling, don't mind me if I ask—how's the manor and the servants you hired?"
Ling Qingyu noticed the change of topics. The man's aim was to ask about her well-being and send the invitation, from the previous dialogue.
Now, the direction of the conversation might show his other purpose. Ling Qingyu replied: "Mr. Shen, there isn't anything to point at or speak of. I'm definitely satisfied."
"Shen family is happy to hear your delightful response. If you have any further cooperation, you can contact me through this card." The man took out his contact card and gave it to Ling Qingyu.
She understood this might be the second purpose of the man sitting opposite her. Her lascivious spending attracted the attention of Shen family
Ling Qingyu read the card and asked Athena to scan the information and record it. "Of course, I'm sure if there is any need, I'll gladly contact you. I only hope you don't refuse me by then."
A knock interrupted the two and Zhao Xiurong entered, bringing in drinks. Ling Qingyu also smiled at her entry.
The corporate atmosphere dissipated with the addition of Zhao Xiurong and the two parties discussed freely, analyzing the current market's situation and economy.
This time, there wasn't any pressure like colleagues working in a similar field, without representing each other's background.
Of course, Ling Qingyu retained the distance and wasn't eager to cooperate as much as the Shen family initially speculated.
The two parties were satisfied with the dialogue and the future remained a mystery. Whether friends or foes, Ling Qingyu believed time would tell based on the interests, each could provide.