Chapter 9, Cooperation

Zhou was unaware of what scheme he was plotting, and impatiently urged, "What exactly do you want to say?" Wei Qing smiled and replied, "Now that you are here, I will tell you." Zhou scolded, "Are you out of your mind!"

Wei Qing remained composed and said to her, "This price might be a bit high." Zhou was quick to ask, "Then how much are you offering?" She had initially asked for an exorbitant price, so haggling was quite natural. Wei Qing replied nonchalantly, "Six thousand!" Zhou jumped up, "Six thousand? You should take a look at renowned artists; it would be fortunate if they didn't ask for one hundred thousand or eighty thousand!" Wei Qing smiled, "Unfortunately, you are not a renowned artist at the moment." She was merely a student now, nothing more.

Wei Qing stood in front of the window, looking into the mirror. It seemed that her face had been scratched by Zhou's nails, leaving a striking blood mark. He couldn't help but smile bitterly; when a woman becomes fierce, she truly becomes unreasonable. He saw her stumbling out of the restaurant, unaware as she was knocked to the ground by someone. She almost got hit by a car while crossing the street, her mind so disoriented that it was likely to lead to a tragedy. He thought to himself, after all, she is a student, unaccustomed to the storms of life, and her psyche might not be able to bear it. If something were to happen, it would not be what he wished to see. So he grabbed his coat and hurriedly chased after her.

Before hanging up, Wei Qing said: "Do you know where I am?"

Wei Qing was naturally annoyed by her words. Seeing that she was angry, it was normal for her to speak without thinking. Therefore, he chose not to argue with her and said, "I have the obligation to ensure you return to school safely tonight. If anything happens to you in the future, do not come looking for me"

The two individuals came out together, and at this moment, they had already transformed into an employer-employee relationship. Zhou was saying goodbye and was about to leave. Wei Qing called out to her, "Wait a moment." He took her to a nearby pharmacy, asked the pharmacist for some new cold medicine, handed it to her, and said, "Don't delay when you're sick; be careful that a minor illness doesn't turn into a major one, as that would be counterproductive"

Wei Qing raised an eyebrow, clearly calculating the accounts, and retorted, "How much do you think is appropriate?" Zhou was secretly calculating, estimating the market price to be around 8,000 to 10,000, and calmly said, "20,000." Since he asked like this, she might as well set a sky-high price and see how he would manage to pay it back.

Wei Qing threatened, "Otherwise, shall I have Director Wu invite you here?" Zhou was taken aback, "Wei Qing, just say what you have to say!" Wei Qing raised an eyebrow, "Alright, come over quickly, and I will naturally tell you what the matter is. I will be waiting for you in the restaurant"

Zhou said without hesitation: "Of course. How big is it?" He thought for a moment and replied: "About four meters long and two meters high." That project is quite substantial; she might not be able to handle it alone. Since it is work, she had no reason to decline, so she nodded: "Alright, I will do it. What about the price? How much are you planning to offer?" This task is not easy; it requires not only designing but also climbing up and down. It involves not just technical skills but also physical labor. Since it is work, she had no reason to decline, so she nodded: "Alright, I will do it. What about the price? How much are you planning to offer?" This task is not easy; it requires not only designing but also climbing up and down. It involves not just technical skills but also physical labor.

Wei Qing was furious to see her mistreating his precious sports car, his face turning green with anger as he shouted, "Zhou Shi, you crazy woman!" He quickly pulled her away. Wei Qing was very fond of this car and rarely allowed anyone to touch it.

In the center of the exhibition hall, the name Zhou Shi was prominently displayed, quite eye-catching. It depicted an oil painting approximately three feet long, with vibrant colors and smooth brushwork, showcasing a solid foundation in technique. After observing it for a while, he smiled and praised, "This painting is quite good." The head of the Fine Arts Department immediately added, "This student, Zhou Shi, excels in her studies and is also the recipient of the 'Yunma' scholarship. You may not remember her from the last award ceremony, Mr. Wei. The artistic value of this painting is quite high and it could be placed in a gallery for consignment." Wei Qing nodded, smiling and praising, "This painting is quite good." The head of the Fine Arts Department immediately reiterated, "This student, Zhou Shi, excels in her studies and is also the recipient of the 'Yunma' scholarship. You may not remember her from the last award ceremony, Mr. Wei. The artistic value of this painting is quite high and it could be placed in a gallery for consignment." Wei Qing nodded, smiled without speaking, and then strode out.

Wei Qing immediately recognized her voice and lazily called out, "Hey, Zhou Yi." Upon hearing him, Zhou Yi's drowsiness vanished in an instant, and with a cold expression, she asked, "How did you know my dormitory number"

Before she got out of the car, she wiped her face with a wet wipe and tidied her hair, which had been tousled by the wind. From a distance, she saw Li Mingcheng waiting for her at the entrance of Tsinghua University, looking around anxiously. She hurried over, and as she got closer, she realized that there was another person behind Li Mingcheng, and it was actually Zhang Ranyu.

Zhou ran out with a face full of tears and looking disheveled, attracting the astonished gazes of passersby, but she paid them no mind. The night wind at the end of October rushed into her collar, bringing her a slight sense of clarity. She wiped her tears haphazardly and stood under the bus stop waiting for the bus. The aroma of corn from a roadside stall reminded her that she hadn't eaten dinner at all, as it had all been overturned. She rummaged through her wallet and bought an ear of corn, remembering to choose a large one.

Zhou did not expect it to be work, so he asked, "What kind of work? You go ahead and tell me." Wei Qing took a sip of tea and said leisurely, "Our company's cultural promotion department wants to create a large painting for publicity, just like the big blackboard in your bulletin board. The creativity needs to be good and eye-catching. Will you take it? The price can be discussed later."

Zhou caught a slight cold due to the chill, so he lay down in the dormitory to rest at noon. Just as he was dozing off, his phone rang. Upon seeing Wei Qing's number, he immediately hung up. It was truly annoying; why was he still pestering him! After a while, he heard the dormitory phone ring again, so he had no choice but to get up, yawning as he asked, "Hello, who is this?"

Zhou scolded: "Who cares! Whether I live or die is none of your business! Get out of the way." Seeing his shiny black Lamborghini was truly blinding, and recalling his despicable behavior from the night before ignited her anger, causing malice to rise within her. She kicked it with one foot. She was wearing thick boots today, so she wasn't worried about hurting her foot.

Zhou looked at him with great satisfaction and said, "You only just realized it now!" She had never considered herself a lady. Hmph! Serves you right! Venting her inner grievances, she then turned and left.

He smiled, "I am a businessman; it is unreasonable to incur losses in the book trade. 8,000, to reimburse travel expenses and meal costs. The price is not unreasonable." Zhou had no choice; after all, he was the boss, and she was the employee, so she could only grit her teeth and agree. No wonder Wei Qing is so wealthy; it turns out it is all earned by exploiting people like them!

Zhou hesitated, estimating that he was indeed having a meal with the school leaders. Early in the morning, he heard from his classmates that the elevator had been restricted, fearing that some important figure was coming. To his surprise, this person turned out to be him. After hesitating for a while, he said: "I won't go, the school leaders are all there." He was being difficult.

Wei Qing smiled: "I naturally have a way to find out." He didn't even need to check, as Zhou was using his scholarship; he had all her information, let alone a mere number

Li Mingcheng believed her, and the two of them comforted her for a while, wanting to take her to rest. She shook her head, saying it was late and she wanted to go back, to find someone to vent her feelings, which would make her feel much better. Li Mingcheng offered to take her home, but when she saw Zhang Ranyu, her anger flared up, and she insisted on refusing. Li Mingcheng called the taxi driver who had taken her home last time, which made her even more resentful. Before he could finish the call, she left first.

At this moment, in this scene, everything is so harmonious that it greatly alleviates her anger, and she obediently sits across from him. He asks, "What would you like to drink? Are you accustomed to drinking tea?" Zhou shakes her head; she has a cold, her mouth lacks flavor, and she does not wish to drink light tea. He immediately responds, "Then how about hot milk? You don't look well; your complexion is pale. What's wrong? Have you caught a cold?" He can tell at a glance that she is unwell.

She drank the remaining milk in one gulp, stood up, and said: "We will discuss the specific matters over the phone. I may need an assistant." The minister expressed no objection, saying, "You are in charge of this matter; just ensure it is done well. I will pay you immediately after I am satisfied with the inspection"

Zhang Ranyu also noticed and said to alleviate the situation: "Shishi, shall we go in and talk?" She called her Shishi just like Li Mingcheng, to show a sense of closeness. Zhou hated her to death! Shaking her head, she looked at her defiantly and said no, with a firm attitude. She was not angry and coaxed, "Alright, then don't cry for now, tell us what happened!"

As soon as the car drove off, I saw her casually jump onto a bus without even looking back. I could only follow slowly behind the bus. It was late at night, and a girl dared to act so recklessly; what if something happened! One stop after another passed, yet she did not get off. I thought to myself, could she have fallen asleep? Seeing the sign on the bus indicating it was going to Xiangshan, I angrily thought, what would she do if she really fell asleep and ended up in Xiangshan!

Zhou's hatred towards him was dispersed by what just happened with Li Mingcheng. Looking at him with disdain, he said: "You are just a strong | criminal, why would I get into your car!" It's not like I don't know how to avoid danger.

Zhou was filled with both anger and hatred, yet he could not express it, so he could only transform all of it into tears, crying in a manner that could shock the heavens and weep for the spirits. The students from Tsinghua stood at a distance, pointing and whispering, thinking that some tragic drama was unfolding. The crowd of onlookers grew larger, and with the idle chatter, Li Mingcheng felt somewhat embarrassed. No one here knew Zhou Shi, yet everyone was familiar with him.

Li Mingcheng nodded and said, "Shishi, what exactly happened?" Upon seeing the tone and expressions of the two, Zhou instantly realized that they were together, and his heart froze in an instant, filled with hatred towards Li Mingcheng. He pushed him away and turned his back to wipe his tears. An indescribable sadness enveloped him, truly desolate

For her, it can be described as a bolt from the blue, adding insult to injury

Zhou disdainfully said: "Come on, what could you possibly want from me!" Aside from ill intentions.

When she arrived at the restaurant, a waiter immediately approached her and politely asked, "Are you Miss Zhou? Please follow me this way." He led her to the private room upstairs, exhibiting exceptional courtesy and attentiveness

However, the one who truly hurt her was Li Mingcheng, and she finally understood that he did not like her at all. How many lovesick men and women find it difficult to extricate themselves from the whirlpool of emotions. Zhou is no exception; it is just a pity that her secret admiration seems to have never even had the chance to sprout, having ended before it even began

From a distance, he witnessed the scene just now! He realized that it was Zhou who had feelings, while the other party was indifferent. Not only that, but she was also already taken. Seeing her cry so heartbrokenly was truly pitiful! Yet that foolish boy knew nothing at all, which was truly infuriating. In fact, he himself was even more despicable, not even considering who had caused Zhou to be in such a tragic state!

Zhou, feeling helpless, sarcastically said: "You really have a way with things." Wei Qing, ignoring the remark, directly demanded: "Come out, I have something to discuss with you"

Zhou sat down dejectedly as he spoke, realizing that she was no match for Wei Qing in the business arena. Thus, she changed her offer: "Fifteen thousand." She thought it would be just enough to pay for her tuition. Wei Qing did not beat around the bush, replying, "Eight thousand. If you don't accept, I'll have to let someone else do it." Zhou gritted her teeth in frustration, muttering under her breath, "There’s no business without deceit."

Zhou pushed the door open and was greeted by a strong smell of smoke and alcohol. The table was in disarray, with someone busy tidying up. Wei Qing was sitting by the window, his eyes gazing outside, a cigarette pinched between his fingers, yet he did not smoke it, allowing the smoke to rise gently. The afternoon sunlight fell on his shoulder, casting intermingled shadows; at first glance, his profile appeared somewhat desolate. Noticing her standing at the door, he extinguished the cigarette in his hand and said, "You’re here, come sit over here." He called for the waiter to bring tea.

Zhou took a deep breath, her nose was severely congested, making it difficult to breathe. She said softly, "It's fine. Is there something you need from me?" He probably wouldn't seek out boredom again.

Wei Qing smiled, "Rest assured, they have already left. If you don't come soon, I will really call your Director Wu, and I am not afraid of anything." Zhou believed that he would follow through on his words; this person was shameless and capable of anything. He had no choice but to resign himself to his fate, get up, put on a light jacket, feeling dizzy and groggy.

Had she known this, she should not have sought out Li Mingcheng, only to bring about heartache, compounding her sorrows.

Zhou spent a difficult night filled with sadness and disappointment. However, the troubles in her life remain numerous. She faced the school's notice demanding the payment of tuition fees, which left her feeling overwhelmed. Currently, the matter of tuition fees seems even more elusive. She does not believe that the school would actually expel her; after all, who has seen the documents from the principal's office? Everyone can utter threats! Yet, this issue continues to weigh heavily on her mind, causing her great distress. She does not believe that the school would actually expel her; after all, who has seen the documents from the principal's office? Everyone can utter threats! Yet, this issue continues to weigh heavily on her mind, causing her great distress.

She suddenly lost her footing and fell to the ground with a thud; this was the second time she had fallen today. Li Ming immediately noticed her and hurried to help her up, asking, "What happened? Did you twist your ankle?" Zhang Ranyu also stepped forward to assist her.

After approximately more than ten stops, I saw her finally get off the bus, turn around, and walk to the side with a clear purpose, unlike the aimless wandering seen on the street. Thus, I quietly followed her in the car.

The principal smiled as he introduced the main building's exhibition hall: "This is the art exhibition of the Fine Arts Department, featuring works entirely created by the students of the Fine Arts Department, some of which are quite outstanding. The other exhibition hall is dedicated to jewelry, and to the left, there is a fashion exhibition hall. Although some of the works may be immature, they are very creative..."

Tears fell down with a "pat pat" sound, and her mood was extremely sorrowful! Just as she was crossing the road, a car blocked her path, and Wei Qing's head poked out from the window, "Get in the car, I'll give you a ride. Be careful like this, you might get into trouble!"

It would be strange if Zhou got in the car! He turned around and left. He hurriedly got out of the car and grabbed her, gently coaxing, "Get in the car, it's dangerous out here at night. Haven't you heard how many social news stories have come out of Beijing? Many female college students have been robbed, and even worse, some have been raped and killed!" He deliberately tried to scare her.

Zhou is petite and seemingly delicate, yet possesses considerable strength; that kick was quite damaging. Wei Qing, seeing that his beloved car is unharmed, can only manage a bitter smile in his frustration. Zhou, this woman, appears pure and fragile, but unexpectedly, she is so fierce and unruly

Zhou returned to school, her eyes clearly red and swollen, and her voice somewhat hoarse. She was afraid of being seen and ridiculed, so she went to bed early. Liu Nuo asked her if she was sick, and she casually replied that she was not feeling well and that a good sleep would make her better. The events of the night lingered in her mind like a fog, refusing to dissipate.

Li Mingcheng anxiously pressed her to reveal what major incident had occurred. If she did not speak up, he would have no choice but to call her father. She was unable to tell him the truth at that moment, so she hastily fabricated a story, tearfully claiming that she was being bullied by someone at school and that the school had unjustly criticized her without investigating the matter. Zhou, the person in question, was also someone who lied without preparation, yet his account was coherent, well-structured, and supported by evidence, leaving no room for suspicion.

He also meant well, and Zhou did not refuse, taking it in hand and saying thank you. Wei Qing extended his hand again, smiling and saying: "Zhou, my classmate, I wish us a pleasant cooperation." Resuming his elite persona in the marketplace. Zhou also extended his hand, shaking it firmly and smiling, saying: "Good." This handshake marked a new beginning for them.

The school leadership is raising funds everywhere for the construction of a new cafeteria. In order to win over Wei Qing, they invited him to visit the school and provide guidance, with the principal personally accompanying him. Following them was a large group of senior school leaders. A lift that is usually used by students was prohibited from operation, becoming a dedicated lift for Wei Qing and others.

Wei Qing noticed that she had become quite haggard after not seeing her for a few days, yet her expression remained cold. He then shifted the conversation to serious matters, "You study fine arts, don't you? I have a small case; will you take it?" He had lost Zhou Shi's work, and this was intended as compensation.

She quietly avoided Zhang Ranyu's support, and for a moment, sorrow overwhelmed her. She collapsed onto Li Mingcheng, crying loudly and inconsolably, drawing the attention of many onlookers. Zhang Ranyu was still beside her, patting her shoulder and urging her not to cry, encouraging her to speak out about whatever was troubling her

Wei Qing did not wait for him to finish speaking and had already stood in front of the display case, admiring it closely. He smiled and said, "Your school's students are exceptionally talented and will surely have a bright future." The principal hurriedly replied, "We hope that Mr. Wei will take good care of us." Wei Qing nodded without saying a word and continued to look around. In fact, he had no real interest in admiring the exhibits; he was simply trying to find out if there were any paintings by Zhou Shi inside.

Zhou scrutinized him repeatedly, unsure of his intentions, and pondered for a while. He shrugged and said, "If you don't take it, naturally someone else will do it; I was just asking you." Zhou saw that he seemed to be purely focused on work, so he asked, "Is it the kind of painting and spray painting on the wall?" He nodded, "Pretty much. It's just for promotional purposes, but it needs to be done well. Are you confident about it?"

Zhou called Li Mingcheng while in the car, crying uncontrollably, "Li Mingcheng—woo woo—" Li Mingcheng, startled, hurriedly asked her what was wrong, urging her not to cry and to calm down first. Zhou was incoherent and did not know what she was saying, but in the end, she kept sobbing that she wanted to find him, saying she was already on the way. He quickly reminded her to pay attention to safety and to be sure not to have any accidents. He comforted her all the way, and her emotions gradually improved.

Zhou let out a cold snort and said, "Why should I care?" Wei Qing continued on his own, saying, "I am at a restaurant near your school, having a meal with your school's principal and the director. Director Wu from your department praised your excellent grades and said you have a bright future ahead."

In terms of emotions, life, and studies, everything seems to be unsatisfactory, and she is truly struggling to cope. However, life must go on regardless. Among her peers, it cannot be denied that her struggles are quite arduous.

The school leaders insisted on having him stay for lunch, offering him warm hospitality. Wei Qing's eyes turned red from drinking as he leaned on the sofa to call Zhou Shi. No one answered for a long time; he knew Zhou Shi's temperament and persevered in dialing again, but the phone was already turned off. It seemed that Zhou truly hated him, even refusing to answer the phone. He shrugged and continued to call using a different number