Chapter 475: Chapter 465: All’s Fair in Warfare
He asked in surprise, "Oh, I thought when you painted, you would complete a painting in one go from start to finish. So you can actually sketch a framework and wait for inspiration to finish it?"
Su Xinyun was more than willing to share her life with Xu Xiangbei, "Yes, it’s just like some people write novels. They’ve only written a small part and stop when they have no inspiration. To me, inspiration is a kind of mood. I rely on my mood for everything I do. When I’m in a good mood, everything is smooth and quick; when I’m not, I’m sluggish and might stay in bed all day, even going a day without eating."
Xu Xiangbei jokingly said, "Your lack of inspiration sounds pretty much like my laziness."
Su Xinyun glared at Xu Xiangbei, smiling teasingly, "You’re the lazy one."
Curiously, Xu Xiangbei asked, "Did you two siblings come to Earth Sea for something? How long do you plan to stay here?"
"Xinyu is here for business, and as for me, there are some follow-up matters from the last art exhibition that need handling. I’m here to take care of some things but won’t stay more than three days."
Suddenly, a familiar voice came, "Miss Su, since you’re here, why not let me personally entertain you?"
Xu Xiangbei looked toward the voice, seeing Zhao Changheng standing next to Su Xinyu with a sycophantic smile.
Seeing Zhao Changheng, Xu Xiangbei put down his chopsticks and greeted with a smile, "Oh, it’s President Zhao. I’ve been looking for an opportunity to properly thank you for the shares. Come, join us for a bite; my treat today."
In Yanjing, Zhao Changheng had a bet with Xu Xiangbei but not only lost the bid but also 10% of Thunderbird Group’s shares. He hated Xu Xiangbei with a passion; the old and new resentments filled his heart. Seeing Xu Xiangbei made him seethe with rage.
His face suddenly turned cold as he glanced at Xu Xiangbei and suspiciously eyed Su Xinyu, his emotions heightened, his voice loud, "Miss Su, we’ve been working together for years, and you say this year’s allocation will change because of this brat? After all these years, you actually partner with him, reducing our share. That’s just too much."
Zhao Changheng’s agitated demeanor made Su Xinyu uncomfortable. The restaurant guests cast disapproving glances, making him lose face.
Su Xinyu put down her utensils, raised her head high, and scoffed, "What are you talking about? I reduced the market share because of the decrease in European toy shares. What does it have to do with Xu Xiangbei? You’re just too paranoid. Besides, decisions on toy chips are mine to make; your shouting here is pointless."
Su Xinyu’s explanation didn’t convince Zhao Changheng, who was naturally suspicious, his beady eyes darting around.
Seeing Su Xinyu’s angry expression, he realized he couldn’t afford to offend her. With Hengyu Company facing difficulties, they depended on the orders from Su Toy Company to survive.
Zhao Changheng’s tone became increasingly submissive, almost begging, "If you really must reduce the share, I can’t stop you. But please don’t give it to this brat. I have an irreconcilable feud with him. Miss Su, think of our years of cooperation as a favor."
Xu Xiangbei smirked disdainfully, "Brother Zhao, why so angry? Business is like a battlefield; naturally, you employ certain tactics. No need to take gains and losses so seriously. Just let it go."
Seeing Zhao Changheng plead with him, Su Xinyu held her head high, looking at Zhao Changheng contemptuously. He would not care about Zhao Changheng’s feelings; Su Xinyu was a proud person, always putting himself first.
Su Xinyu’s face chilled, sternly scolding, "You’re really shameless. All these years, giving you massive order shares, letting you earn lots, yet you’re not content and come bothering me while I eat. Get lost. If you nag any more, you won’t get a single order."
Xu Xiangbei’s eyes flashed with a hint of pity; Su Xinyu was ruthless and selfish, never showing gratitude despite having saved him, still cold and indifferent on meeting.
Zhao Changheng’s mouth twitched as he suppressed his anger, quietly leaving the restaurant, giving Xu Xiangbei a resentful glare as he departed.
Xu Xiangbei remained unfazed, pretending not to notice.
After dinner, Shen Congru smiled, "It’s still early before bedtime. How about going to Crown KTV for some singing?"
Su Xinyun’s delicate face showed a trace of fatigue, "I don’t like those night spots like KTV. I’d prefer heading back to the hotel early to rest."
Su Xinyu, however, agreed with Shen Congru’s suggestion, "Sure, Sis, head back early. I’ll go singing with Young Master Shen. What about you, President Xu?"
Xu Xiangbei smiled helplessly, "I can’t let Miss Su take a cab alone, can I? I’ll drive Miss Su back to the hotel and then join you at KTV, how’s that?"
Shen Congru bid farewell to Su Xinyun, "That’s the best solution. Goodbye, Miss Su. Rest well, Xu Xiangbei, we’ll be waiting for you at KTV."
Xu Xiangbei drove Su Xinyun back to the hotel, while Shen Congru drove off with Su Xinyu to Crown KTV.
After dropping Su Xinyun off at the hotel, Xu Xiangbei playfully said, "Not inviting me up for a coffee? Won’t it disturb anyone?"
Whether it was the alcohol or bashfulness, Su Xinyun’s delicate face blushed like sunset, making her look more alluring.
Su Xinyun covered her flushed face, "Sure, I’m staying in a single suite, so it won’t disturb anyone. It’s still early, so why not come up for a chat over a cup of coffee?"
Walking through the hotel’s soft carpet, they reached the door of the suite. Su Xinyun opened the door, taking off her slightly uncomfortable crystal high heels.
On the soft red carpet, her slender feet looked like peeled scallion bulbs.
Just as they gazed into each other’s eyes, right at the brink of a moment, Xu Xiangbei’s phone rang urgently, like cold water pouring over them, jolting them out of their heated, yearning state.
Seeing the call was from Shen Congru, who probably wanted him at the KTV.
Pressing the answer button, Xu Xiangbei impatiently said, "I’m on the way, will be there soon."
