Chapter 52: That Scoundrel, Off to Scam Another Drink!

Xu An’an went over to interview the director of “Scalding Passion,” a talented female filmmaker. She was planning to support the film when it premiered.

Just as she finished the interview and stepped out, she ran into Ning Xiyue and Shang Yan.

Ning Xiyue and Shang Yan were in lively conversation, as if they were old friends.

“President Shang, rest assured. I’ve known Ayu for many years, and I’m sure he’ll be willing to help with this. Wait for my good news,” Ning Xiyue said.

“Miss Ning, you’re certainly frank and straightforward. I enjoy dealing with people like you,” Shang Yan replied, then noticed Xu An’an. Her expression changed instantly. “Miss Xu, I remember refusing your interview request. Why are you still lingering around? Let me tell you, it’s too late for regrets now.”

“Unless, of course, you bow and apologize to me,” she added, clearly wanting double assurance.

Xu An’an’s gaze chilled. “President Shang, you’re mistaken. I’m here to—”

“Miss Xu, you followed Ayu last night, and now you’re following President Shang? You’re acting just like a paparazzo, sneaking around. That’s illegal, you know?” Ning Xiyue interrupted, “If Ayu finds out, he’ll be furious.”

As fate would have it, Jiang Yu arrived at that moment, intending to discuss business and take Ning Xiyue out to dinner.

He never expected to see Xu An’an here.

The memory of her carefree smile from the previous night made his heart skip a beat, leaving him unsettled.

What was happening?

“An’an.”

Hearing Jiang Yu call out to Xu An’an first, Ning Xiyue’s perfect smile cracked. She stepped forward deliberately. “Ayu, you’re here early.”

Jiang Yu, as if just noticing her, responded, “Just finished talking with a client.”

He had no choice. If he continued to do nothing, his father would only grow more disappointed in him, and how could he ever inherit Jiang Group?

Indeed, Jiang Group wasn’t entirely in Jiang Li’s hands yet.

He still had a chance.

Shang Yan coughed lightly, reminding Ning Xiyue not to forget her business—she cared nothing for romantic entanglements.

Ning Xiyue then explained Shang Yan’s wish to meet Jiang Li. “Ayu, this is President Shang. I’m sure you’ve heard of her—she’s a role model for women like us!”

Of course Jiang Yu had heard of Shang Yan.

But he didn’t dare arrange a meeting with Jiang Li. After last night, he’d barely slept, terrified; he’d never seen his uncle like that—utterly frightening.

“Sure, it’s just a word,” Jiang Yu said.

Men have their pride, and Jiang Yu was no exception. He didn’t want Xu An’an to look down on him, so he glanced at her. “An’an, why not join us for dinner?”

He realized he didn’t really know Xu An’an well.

Xu An’an declined gracefully. “I need to get back to the magazine. Enjoy your meal.”

Jiang Yu didn’t pursue her, believing that inviting her to dinner was already giving her enough face—it was she who didn’t appreciate it!

Watching Jiang Yu’s darkened face, Ning Xiyue secretly smiled.

Heh, he brought this upon himself; there’s no one else to blame!

“Young Master Jiang, I’ll wait for your good news,” Shang Yan said tactfully, then departed.

Xu An’an doubted Jiang Li would agree to meet Shang Yan. So many people wanted to see him every day, but none ever made it to the top of the list.

“Ah Li, wait for me!”

Hearing the familiar voice, Xu An’an couldn’t help but turn her head. She saw a tall, refined figure carrying a bottle of wine.

The woman behind him, dressed in a suit and high heels, hurried after him.

Xu An’an’s lips twitched.

That scoundrel was after another free drink!

“I brought more than just one bottle today!” The woman stopped, unable to keep up with Jiang Li’s long strides.

As expected, Jiang Li paused.

His eyes were cold and deep. “Where?”

“You’ll have dinner with me, won’t you? That’s not too much to ask, right?” The woman pleaded, swaying coquettishly. “Please? And my grandfather said we can finally open the wine he brewed twenty years ago!”

“Where are we eating?”

“Let’s go to this couples’ restaurant!”

“…”

Xu An’an was exasperated.

She watched as Jiang Li entered the couples’ restaurant, feeling inexplicably stifled. Drink yourself silly, then!

She turned and walked in the opposite direction.

“Miss Xu, what a coincidence!”

Gu Yang greeted her with delight. Ever since he’d seen that unfinished chess game, he’d been deeply interested in Xu An’an. Few women enjoyed chess, fewer still mastered it.

His grandfather even regarded her as a worthy rival.

Such talent was rare.

“My grandfather said, if you’re free, I should invite you to dinner. How about today?”

Remembering she owed Old Gu a favor, Xu An’an nodded. “Can we go to that restaurant?” She pointed at the couples’ restaurant nearby.

Gu Yang was briefly surprised but smiled. “Of course. I trust your taste.”

“This way, please,” the server led them ahead.

In the end, they were seated right next to Jiang Li.

“Ah Li, what would you like to eat?” The woman fluttered her lashes, putting on a show. “I’m not picky—anything is fine.”

When she turned and spotted Xu An’an, her eyes nearly popped out.

“You?!”

Jiang Li had already noticed Xu An’an and Gu Yang. His handsome face darkened almost to the point of dripping ink.

He said nothing, simply poured himself a glass of wine and drank.

“So the four of you know each other? Why not share a table?” the server suggested. “If you’re willing, we’ll provide a small gift.”

“Fine,” Jiang Li said.

Xu An’an was less than enthusiastic.

The server apologized, “Sorry, miss, I made a mistake. This last table was already reserved.”

“So we…”

“Xu An’an, why are you running? Are you scared?” Jiang Li’s expression was unreadable, betraying no emotion.

Gu Yang was curious about Xu An’an’s relationship with Jiang Li.

He certainly knew Jiang Li.

In all of Shanghai, there was hardly anyone who didn’t.

But today was Gu Yang’s first time meeting him, and he matched the rumors—difficult and demanding.

Gu Yang watched with interest.

“Miss Xu, I’m fine with anything.”

“Are you pressed for time?” Xu An’an asked, since their dinner was spontaneous.

Gu Yang remembered he had to inspect a construction site that afternoon, and nodded apologetically. “Yes, I have work later.”

Xu An’an sat down. “Then let’s eat here.”

She didn’t want to keep owing that meal.

She took a seat beside the woman, while Gu Yang naturally sat next to Jiang Li.

The woman shot Xu An’an a fierce glare, blaming her for spoiling her plans. She had hoped to get Jiang Li drunk and then do as she pleased.

Fine, since you don’t know how to appreciate kindness, don’t blame me for showing no mercy later!

“Excuse me, please make room,”

The server brought out the dishes. “Be careful, it’s very hot.”

A glint of malice flashed in the woman’s eyes.