Volume One, Chapter 19: Encountering an Old Acquaintance Again

Although the matriarch of the Lu family was inwardly furious, she refrained from reprimanding too harshly. She had some understanding of Lu Qi’an’s recent busy projects and was aware of the wager involved. If they lost the bet, the Lu family would still have to rely on Qiao Ye in the future.

Therefore, the matriarch wanted to leave some room for maneuver and spoke to Qiao Ye without being overly severe.

“Xiao Ye, I know you’re very displeased about this suddenly appearing child, but no matter what, he is still blood of the Lu family. When he grows up, he can also join Lu Corporation to help ease your burdens.”

“The child is still young and must not be allowed to fall behind from the start. I remember that school on Sugar Bean is the best private school in the city. Find a way to get him transferred there.”

Hearing this, Qiao Ye immediately understood that Chu Yun’er had probably only mentioned the school to the matriarch. She recalled the photo she had taken before leaving and looked up at the matriarch with innocent eyes.

“Grandma, it’s not that I don’t want to help, but Yuanbao was just expelled from that school. Even if I had all the influence in the world, I couldn’t possibly make the principal retract the expulsion notice, could I?”

“Expelled?”

The matriarch was stunned upon hearing this and turned to Chu Yun’er for clarification.

“What does Xiao Ye mean? Was Yuanbao enrolled at that school before?”

Chu Yun’er bit her lip and nodded.

“There were indeed some inadvertent offenses against Doubao, but Yuanbao didn’t do it on purpose.”

“Miss Qiao was relentless, making a big fuss, and forced the principal to expel Yuanbao. Not only that, but she also ordered that no other noble schools accept him.”

“As a mother, I can’t just stand by and watch my child not have a chance to attend a good school.”

The matriarch now realized she had almost been misled and was being used as a pawn. Offending Doubao and having the principal expel Yuanbao was no mere accident.

“If the noble schools refuse to accept him, then a public school will do. We can hire a better tutor for him later,” the matriarch said coldly, anger simmering beneath her words.

She truly valued her great-grandson, but Lu family interests came first.

Qiao Ye hadn’t expected the matriarch to relent so quickly and was slightly surprised but somewhat comforted. Her expression softened considerably as she looked at the matriarch.

“Grandma, you’ve been having trouble sleeping lately. I’ve arranged for you to stay at a mountain retreat villa for a week to relax. The driver is waiting outside.”

“That’s good. I’m old now and can’t manage everything as I used to. These matters are for you young people to handle. Remember to live in harmony.”

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The matriarch realized she had almost misunderstood Qiao Ye and said nothing about refusal. She turned and left without further involvement, getting into the car and driving away.

With Lu Qi’an still absent, Chu Yun’er no longer bothered to pretend and glared venomously at Qiao Ye.

“Qiao Ye, what use are you if you can’t even lay eggs? Why do you cling to this position? Qi’an never liked you.”

“Whether he likes me or not is irrelevant. What I want is the company.”

Knowing exactly how to provoke her opponent, Qiao Ye lifted her chin slightly, casting a scornful glance as she sneered.

“Look at you now, playing the victim but failing to win anyone’s sympathy. You’re no different from a beggar on the street.”

“You—!” Chu Yun’er’s eyes widened in fury.

“How long do you think your triumph will last? Once Qi’an successfully secures that project, you’ll have to obediently leave the company!”

Qiao Ye glanced at her watch; it was nearly dinnertime. She had a meeting with project collaborators and didn’t have time to waste on words.

“Then pray all you want, pray that your stubborn husband can earn you a big house.”

With that, she clapped her hands and strode away.

Qiao Ye returned to the company to change clothes and barely made it to the restaurant at the appointed time.

She was surprised to see the collaborator who had arrived.

“Senior Li?”

Li Guang nodded slightly, still sporting the same tousled hair as in university, his demeanor clean and fresh, wearing half-rimmed glasses.

His well-tailored, stylish suit inspired instant goodwill.

“Good to see you again, Junior Sister Qiao.”

His voice was gentle, like a refreshing spring breeze.

“So you two know each other? That saves me from having to introduce. Let’s start the meal, sit down, eat slowly, and talk.”

Qiao Ye nodded faintly, looking across at Li Guang, who looked almost unchanged from their university days. She felt a strange stir inside.

She had rejected Li Guang’s confession once before. However, he hadn’t been persistent; after his confession, they remained friends.

After she married Lu Qi’an, Li Guang went abroad, and their contact gradually faded.

She hadn’t expected such a coincidence—to meet again after so many years.

“The project you mentioned last time—I’ve studied it carefully. I think the conditions you proposed are quite good, but I’ve also heard some rumors. Apparently, Lu Qi’an has returned,” said General Manager Zhang, bringing the conversation back to business.

“Yes, he is currently serving as vice president of the company. In this project, I still have complete authority,” Qiao Ye said calmly, nodding slightly.

“I trust what you say, Ms. Qiao, but this project will take at least half a year to complete. If something were to happen during that time—”

Zhang did not finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear. He had heard about the wager from some source and was worried that if she lost the bet and was forced out of the company, the project might be abandoned midway.

Qiao Ye had considered this risk but believed opportunity knocks but once.

Just as she was about to respond, Li Guang interjected.

“I find this project quite interesting. Why not make it a three-way partnership?”

Qiao Ye was surprised.

If Li Guang joined now, the risks on Zhang’s side would be significantly reduced.

Combined with the strong backing of the Yuansen Group, even if Lu Qi’an won, he would certainly attach great importance to this project.

“Well…” Zhang cast hopeful eyes at Qiao Ye.

She smiled faintly and nodded in agreement.

“If Director Li is willing to cooperate, a win-win situation for all is certainly ideal.”

But why Li Guang would do this puzzled Qiao Ye deeply. She couldn’t bring herself to ask in front of the others.

The three reached a preliminary consensus, and the rest of the dinner proceeded smoothly.

Qiao Ye drank little, leaving most of the wine to Zhang and Li Guang.

When the dinner ended, the clearly intoxicated Zhang was the first to leave.

Qiao Ye was about to call her driver, but Li Guang suddenly stopped her.

“It’s still early. Would you like to find somewhere to sit and chat? After all these years, there’s much I want to say to an old friend.”