Chapter 6, A Terrible Meeting

Xiao Zhengyu nodded with a smile: "Nurse Tao, is the gentleman in the room?"

Due to the heavy traces of deliberation, Xue Yuan spoke at an extremely slow pace, yet exerted every ounce of strength in her body. Her chest rose and fell, and her collarbones seemed to tremble.

However, all the details went unnoticed by Xue Yuan; she felt that the sound of her own heartbeat drowned out everything else

A glimmer of mockery flashed in Xiao Zhengyu's eyes as he was about to speak, when suddenly he saw Li Xianming raise his hand abruptly and deliver a resounding slap to Li Youwei.

The area outside the elevator was crowded with people. Upon witnessing such a scene, one might assume it was a quarrel between a couple. Seeing the girl cry so pitifully, I couldn't help but feel sympathy and naturally made way for her. Xue Yuan insisted on not being accompanied, and Xiao Zhengyu, feeling helpless, took the elevator upstairs while enduring the disdainful gazes all around.

The wrist was completely restrained, appearing utterly at the mercy of others, and Xue Yuan was completely out of control: "What are you doing, you madman? Get away, what do you know!"

Your friend?" Li Tianming suddenly became interested. He walked to the wall and pressed a few switches, and the room instantly lit up as bright as day, turning illusions into reality, with everything laid bare. In the dim light, people tend to feel inexplicably alert and cautious, while in the light, everyone can gain courage and a certain spirit of fearlessness

Hearing that familiar voice, Li Tianming turned around and, upon recognizing that it was Xiao Zhengyu calling him, he smiled and said, "Zhengyu, you have arrived"

Xiao Zhengyu shook his head with a smile, quickly filled his stomach, and then checked the time: "Alright, it's about time. Let's go upstairs to meet Li Tianming."

The unexpected turn of events caused Xiao Zhengyu to furrow his brows; Li Tianming, on the other hand, crossed his arms and remained silent

Glancing over it without a detailed look, I have always felt that something like a company profile is meant for outsiders. Xue Yuan, holding her head in exasperation, said, "Have you ever seen anyone who would specifically count their own palm lines? It is essentially just a decorative item. Moreover, everyone says that in the entire Boyi, knowing General Manager Zhang is enough. Over the years, no one has ever seen this so-called general manager make an appearance; I even thought it was an honorary position, someone who is dispensable.

There is no need to think carefully; I indeed do not have that painting. If you knew me even a little, you would understand that I have never collected works by other artists, let alone those of an unknown painter

No, there is no name. Xue Yuan's left hand tightly pressed against her right hand, "because that painting has never truly been completed"

At this moment, Xiao Zhengyu was taken aback, instinctively standing up from his seat to support her shoulder. Xue Yuan did not look at him at all, but continued to stare directly at Li Tianming, struggling to move her lips, trembling as she asked: "Mr. Li, really, if you are willing to part with it, I can do anything..."

The food was no longer edible, as that man approached like a shadow of the sun, completely ignoring the gloomy aura emanating from her, and sat down beside her without any discomfort. She did not wish to pay attention to what he was doing, yet from the corner of her eye, she still noticed the faint smile at the corner of his mouth. Every cell in his body radiated an overwhelming sense of superiority and excessive arrogance.

Li Youwei, however, did not let her go, extending his arm to block her path in front of her chest: "What, you bumped into someone and you don't even have an apology?"

Xiao Zhengyu respectfully said: "Mr. Li"

Unfortunately, that ray of sunlight quickly vanished, and she immediately adopted an expression of disappointment, as if lamenting the failure to meet expectations. She seized his arm and said, "Alright, you will honestly explain everything to me shortly! Now come with me to greet those people!"

Xue Yuan stood up, wiped away a tear with her hand, and raised her tear-streaked face to look at him: "Thank you for today. But in any case, please do not follow me now."

Xue Yuan pondered for a moment before saying: "Almost, I am afraid of this person"

Aren't you done playing yet? When the interest strikes, you do whatever you want without caring about others' feelings! You are already this old, " Zhang Lingli suppressed her voice, but her anger was even more intense than before, " How long will you continue to be so irresponsible and reckless? "

Clearly standing on solid ground, Xue Yuan still stumbled beneath her feet

Seeing him being taken away like a chick by Zhang Lingli's hen, Xue Yuan finally let out a long breath, feeling for a moment as if she had escaped from the sea of suffering. Strangely, it was not just him; Xiao Zhengyu also sighed in relief, sitting down beside her and telling the chef, "One steak, medium rare."

Li Tianming resides on the twenty-sixth floor of the hotel. The elevator ascends steadily. Xue Yuan fixates intently on the mirror inside the elevator, where her reflection shows her wearing a lake blue dress. The makeup at the corners of her eyes is somewhat smudged, and the black eyeliner has inexplicably thickened considerably, making her look like a weary panda. She wipes her face, strives to widen her eyes, and makes every effort to appear calm and rational.

Xue Yuan felt dizzy. When you are searching for a person, searching for something, and have already invested too much in it, there will be this light-headed feeling when it is right in front of you and looking at you. Xue Yuan steadied her mind, stepped out from behind Xiao Zhengyu, wore a calm smile, endured Li Tianming's gaze, and spoke with neither humility nor arrogance: "Hello, Mr. Li."

The steak was cooked to perfection when the chef presented it. After taking a few bites, Xiao Zhengyu replied to him: "Although he does not make an appearance, he is not an inconsequential figure."

"In fact, I have been considering this issue recently, and I will get back to you soon," Li Youwei said in a soothing tone. "Alright, don't be upset. Your outfit today is truly beautiful, you are indeed a beauty like jade. Zhengyu, don't you think so?"

Xue Yuan could no longer endure it, her palms clenched into fists, wishing she could strike out at any moment: "You talk too much. I have no interest in getting to know you"

Li Tianming sighed heavily and looked at Xue Yuan with sympathy: "I am sorry, Miss Xue, but I do not know the person you mentioned, Zhuang Dongrong, and I am not familiar with the painting you referred to; I have never seen it before"

"Alright, it won't take long," Xiao Zhengyu said, holding the door with one hand and nodding to Xue Yuan. "Please, go in."

However, Xue Yuan definitely did not want him to send her. Li Youwei slightly loosened his grip, and she immediately broke free, rushing to the elevator door at the other end of the corridor without looking back. Xiao Zhengyu quickly chased after her and finally pried open the elevator door at the last moment. The elevator was empty, and Xue Yuan was crouched on the floor, covering her face, with large droplets of water seeping through her fingers, yet she made no sound. Xiao Zhengyu gently patted her back and softly said when the elevator reached the first floor: "We have arrived, I will take you home." The elevator was empty, and Xue Yuan was crouched on the floor, covering her face, with large droplets of water seeping through her fingers, yet she made no sound. Xiao Zhengyu gently patted her back and softly said when the elevator reached the first floor: "We have arrived, I will take you home."

Xue Yuan was left without even a trace of surprise. Having lived for so long, she had experienced a few instances of being confessed to or pursued by boys, but she had never been so persistently entangled by someone she had just met. The situation exceeded her imagination, and she found it somewhat amusing instead. She merely furrowed her brows and stared into his eyes. Li Youwei's irises were transparent, tinted with varying shades of light brown. Xue Yuan sighed, pressing her temples, wondering how such a handsome man could be so mentally unstable. Li Youwei's irises were transparent, tinted with varying shades of light brown. Xue Yuan sighed, pressing her temples, wondering how such a handsome man could be so mentally unstable.

Xue Yuan felt a splitting headache, yet she was unable to move. Her gaze shifted from Li Youwei's shoulder, and she was pleasantly surprised to see Zhang Lingli and Xiao Zhengyu striding towards her.

Xue Yuan's gaze swept around the hall, and at the same time, she noticed that the luxurious curtains on the four walls had been drawn back at some point, revealing photographs—each depicting the masterpieces by renowned artists that would be auctioned off in ten days. The guests were all captivated, their emotions heightened, and the noise intensified. However, it was unclear when Li Tianming had already left.

Li Youwei sighed: "Alright. I will go. I will go."

Yes, Xiao Zhengyu confirmed once again

Xue Yuan recalled that on this particular night, he had been by Zhang Lingli's side, while she was able to enjoy a couple of glasses of red wine. As for him, he probably hadn't even had a sip of water; the job of a secretary is not one meant for humans. She remembered a fashionable movie in which a young female secretary, after enduring much torment, said: "When you do right, she takes it for granted, not even a thank you; when you do wrong, she turns into a witch." She couldn't help but feel sympathy for him. She remembered a fashionable movie in which a young female secretary, after enduring much torment, said: "When you do right, she takes it for granted, not even a thank you; when you do wrong, she turns into a witch." She couldn't help but feel sympathy for him.

Xue Yuan had something on her mind and refused to sit down, stubbornly standing straight. However, her gaze was slightly lowered, fixed firmly on Li Tianming, as solid as a rock: "Mr. Li, I would like to ask you, in September twenty years ago, did you purchase a portrait named 'Happiness' from an art dealer named Zhuang Dongrong?"

"He has just returned and is resting, but he can also meet with guests. However, he is quite tired today and not in the best spirits, so please do not stay too long" said Nurse Tao eagerly

The hotel room where Li Tianming resided was undoubtedly one of the finest, spacious and deep, yet only a single ceiling light was turned on, resulting in very poor lighting, dim and shadowy, failing to illuminate even five meters away; the room was covered with a thick knitted carpet, and any sound made by shoes falling to the floor seemed to be absorbed completely.

The hotel room door was very narrow, making it impossible to get around. Xue Yuan raised her hand to push the arm blocking her way, but her wrist was instead firmly grasped by Li Youwei. She struggled a few times but found herself completely powerless, and was instead pressed hard against the door panel by Li Youwei's knee and elbow. In her anger, she kicked out, saying, "I told you to move! Don't block my way! Are you deaf?"

After gazing at her for a long time, Li Tianming finally revealed a rare smile: "Zhengyu, is she your friend?"

Who is the author of that painting? Are there any obvious markings on the painting, such as a name or the like

Upon turning around, Li Tianming stood not far behind with his hands clasped behind his back. Under the dazzling lights, his expression was as rigid as the frozen tundra of the Arctic

I do not know either, " Nurse Tao had a look as if she was about to cry. After you left, Mr. Li scolded young Mr. Li, saying, 'You spend all day flirting with women and neglecting your duties. How could I have a son like you?' Young Mr. Li replied, 'It's only natural for a son to follow in his father's footsteps, what's so strange about that?' Upon hearing this, Mr. Li suddenly lost his temper, and the two began to argue. I was so frightened that I ran out, so I did not hear anything else. Well... I have taken care of Mr. Li for half a year, and I have never seen him this angry before.

Li Youwei had his hands in his pockets, a bright smile on his face: "No, this time it is for real"

Xue Yuan's gaze lost focus, her face as pale as death. She softly murmured, "Is that so?" and then forcefully shook off Xiao Zhengyu's hand, turning to leave. Her steps were unsteady as she walked outside, but her eyes could no longer see anything clearly. The distance of just a few meters was traversed with great difficulty; first, her knee collided with the bed, then her forehead struck the coat rack—finally, she bumped into a tall figure at the door.

After Nurse Tao entered the room, she first helped Li Tianming with his breathing, took his medication, and measured his blood pressure. While she was busy with all this, Li Youwei remained indifferent, standing with his arms crossed and observing calmly. Suddenly, he turned his head and cast a cold glance towards the door. The two locked eyes unexpectedly in the air, engaging in a prolonged silent stare, neither showing any signs of retreat, until Xiao Zhengyu's phone vibrated unexpectedly.

Xue Yuan felt as if a bucket of cement had been poured over her head; apart from her eyelids, she was unable to even twitch or shiver. Thus, she quickly lifted her eyelids twice to confirm that she was indeed in the banquet hall, which resembled a paradise on earth.

Xue Yuan felt that after Zhang Lingli heard this sentence, her expression suddenly brightened. It was as if sunlight broke through a narrow gap in the overcast sky; although it lasted only a moment, it left a deep impression.

Li Youwei frowned, about to say something, but upon glancing at Xiao Zhengyu beside him, he immediately acquiesced: "Alright then, if you want to teach me a lesson, please wait a moment and let me escort her downstairs"

Xue Yuan felt both sorrowful and anxious, wanting nothing more than to find a place to hide herself. She stamped her foot and shouted: "Get out of the way! Get out of the way!"

There is no need to sneak a glance; just look at me directly

Xiao Zhengyu skillfully navigated around the bed and finally came to a stop, his gaze directed towards the tall floor-to-ceiling window. Following his line of sight, Xue Yuan finally spotted the figure standing with hands clasped behind his back by the window, which was none other than Li Tianming

Clearly, the facts are the same.

Li Youwei turned his head following Xue Yuan's gaze and discovered that the two people behind him showed no signs of surprise. They leisurely adjusted their clothes, stood up, and faced the two people in front of them, finally squinting their eyes and smiling.

No matter how one blinks, the room remains that very room, the sound of clinking glasses fills the air, and the seemingly harmless smile before me is undeniably real

As he spoke, he reached out his hand again. Xue Yuan was almost allergic to that pair of hands, frightened and retreating, only to be blocked by the back of the chair. The man looked at her with amusement, his hand surprisingly and properly stopping in front of her.

Zhang Lingli's eyes widened in anger, as if they could shoot fire: "Is the old problem happening again?"

Xue Yuan suddenly turned her head, glaring at him fiercely, wishing she could carve a hole in him.

Now, let me introduce myself once again, my name is Li Youwei

The man rested his elbow on the dining table, propping his chin up with one hand. In stark contrast to Xue Yuan's pent-up anger with no outlet, he wore a look of indulgent pleasure, appearing casual and generous, his elegant demeanor undiminished: "Ah, have I caused you some displeasure? It seems I just delivered the most unsuccessful self-introduction of my life. I truly apologize for that"

Xue Yuan seemed to have delivered a direct punch, and in an instant, stars danced before her eyes. She could hardly form a complete sentence: "Really... is it... true?"

This moment was truly powerful, and someone called out softly. The familiar voice made Xue Yuan raise her head; her eyes were blurry, and from the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of the person's facial features. She raised her hand and forcefully pushed, saying: "Step aside"

"How can that be?" The man named Li Youwei slightly furrowed his brow and said, "But I really like you and am very interested in you."

Peering through the crack of the door, Li Tianming and Li Youwei stood facing each other, their expressions unclear and the content of their conversation inaudible. However, judging by their tone and pace, it was undoubtedly a quarrel

Li Tianming smiled faintly, waved his hand, and signaled for them to sit down. It was a complete scene of having tea and engaging in heartfelt conversation. At that moment, Xue Yuan noticed a delicate small plate on the tea table, which contained several tablets. Before Xue Yuan could express her surprise, the plate of medicine was casually taken away by Nurse Tao Sun.

Xue Yuan traced the size of the canvas with her hand, speaking in a continuous tone, while closely observing Li Tianming's face. He was not an expressive person; there was no change in his facial expression. It was only due to the flickering of the light that his wrinkles appeared to diminish strangely, and the occasional white hair seemed even more striking.

Xue Yuan sighed repeatedly, picked up a spoon and played with it for a while before saying: "I understand now"

Xiao Zhengyu silently exclaimed that it was not good, pushed Nurse Tao into the room, and commanded in a stern voice: "Go check on Mr. Li and see what is wrong!"

Xue Yuan's emotional turmoil was not within Li Youwei's consideration. Her eyes were filled with rage, almost ferocious, but as the last syllable of that sentence fell, large drops of tears finally streamed down. Li Youwei was taken aback, increasing his grip, thinking that he had to pull her into the house by any means necessary, but then he heard a commanding voice from behind: "Enough, let her go"

Xiao Zhengyu stood at the door and pressed the doorbell. Soon, someone came to open the door; it was a very young nurse. Her face was beaming with a smile, and her voice was slightly elevated: "Secretary Xiao, you have arrived"

Li Tianming saw Xue Yuan again, and was taken aback, slightly surprised: "Who is this behind you?"

He is just that kind of person, lacking discretion in certain matters, and is as clingy as an ivy. Especially towards you..." Xiao Zhengyu choked the last few syllables of this sentence in his throat, replacing it with a normal expression, "In any case, be careful, don't let him find an opportunity. If anything happens, call me first.

It felt as if a meteorite had struck her brain; Xue Yuan's eyes were filled with stars, and the spoon in her hand clattered to the ground. Now it was Xiao Zhengyu's turn to sympathize with her: "Calm down. You must have seen the company profile when you joined the company, so you should recall it when you hear his name."

Recent events have gradually exceeded my understanding. Xue Yuan has known since a young age that those who suddenly take an interest in you can often be more frightening than your enemies. After struggling for a moment, Xue Yuan chose the latter of three options: to slap this person, to throw a drink in their face, or to leave without saying a word.

I remember, " said Xue Yuan, " but who is this Li Youwei? It seems that you have a very close relationship.

She smiled with deep emotion and spoke clearly: "Mr. Li, your joke is really not amusing at all. I cannot appreciate it, nor can I engage with it."

Xue Yuan took a deep breath, just about to speak, when Xiao Zhengyu interrupted her: "She is a friend of mine, named Xue Yuan. She is very fond of your paintings and has some questions about your new works exhibited today. I brought her to meet you, and I hope you do not find this abrupt."

Li Tianming nodded affirmatively once again: "I have never had this painting, and I truly cannot be of assistance"

Xiao Zhengyu spoke after drinking a few glasses of plain water: "Are you annoyed by him?"

Li Tianming said with a pleasant expression: "Miss Xue, do you have any questions for me?"

It is better to do less than to do more. She picked up her plate with a frosty expression and walked far away, then sat down again

Could you please think it over again, is that alright

Indeed

This is impossible, how could you have never seen it! Back in the day...'' She trembled all over, unable to stand steady, ``I know, that painting may be very important to you, but it is even more important to me! I have done so much for it... for it...''

Standing at the door bullying a girl like this, you are not ashamed, but I find it embarrassing! You need not worry about other people's friends, Zhengyu will escort her downstairs, now come in!

She was wearing high heels and kicked out with all her might, the force was evident. Li Youwei merely raised his eyebrows slightly, but instead used greater strength to grip her wrist and pressed his leg against her knee: "Calm down! Since you are here, let's go inside and sit down properly to have a good talk. Do you think making a scene will get you what you want?"

Li Youwei turned his head and smiled at the astonished Nurse Tao, then walked towards Li Tianming, closely following Xiao Zhengyu.

The only thing that struck her as odd was Zhang Lingli's face, devoid of any trace of a smile

The air in the elevator was as thick and silent as syrup. Xiao Zhengyu calmly gazed ahead, the lake blue dress reflecting on the highly polished walls of the elevator, layer upon layer of reflections refracting until the entire space transformed into a watery blue.

Li Tianming's voice and attitude were indisputable, as stern as a leader giving a reprimand. Xiao Zhengyu had never seen Li Tianming so furious before, and for a moment, he was completely stunned; in contrast, Li Youwei remained composed, seemingly ignoring Li Tianming's words. Instead, with a deliberate smile, he leaned in and whispered to Xue Yuan, "We will meet again," before reluctantly releasing his grip. Their intimate posture was almost a kiss, leaving Nurse Tao beside them utterly dumbfounded.

Xiao Zhengyu only focused on the sharp gaze directed at him, without averting his eyes, and immediately responded respectfully to what Li Tianming had just said: "I will take Xue Yuan down right away"

"Do you think I am joking?" A glimmer of light flashed in Li Youwei's eyes. Xue Yuan thought he was about to do something again, and with a swift movement, she prepared to escape, only to be pressed back into her seat by his hand: "Xue Yuan, I am interested in you, and I never joke about this."

Did he tell you his name? Xiao Zhengyu seemed a bit hesitant to speak, more like he was resigned. Let's not dwell on that; he is the owner of Boyi, our direct superior.

At this moment, Xiao Zhengyu, who had been expressionless to the point of resembling a robot, finally smiled and said: "Of course"

This was truly a disastrous meeting, with every step of the situation beyond his expectations. However, Li Tianming may not necessarily be aware of all this, and it is necessary to provide him with an explanation. After carefully considering the wording all the way, it turned out that not a single phrase was applicable. The hotel room door was slightly ajar, and Nurse Tao stood at the door, trembling with fear. Upon seeing Xiao Zhengyu approaching, she hurriedly made a "shh" gesture.

Indeed

The slap was extremely crisp, audible even to those at the door. Li Youwei did not flinch, standing straight in place as if it were someone else who had just been struck; this slap drained all of Li Xianming's strength, causing him to stagger back two steps, and he barely managed to steady himself by leaning against the chair.

Xiao Zhengyu was at a loss and quietly asked, "How did they start arguing?"

The painting depicts a young girl dressed in a green military uniform, set against a backdrop of traditional Chinese ink wash landscape. The overall style of the painting is that of a traditional oil painting, and from a contemporary perspective, both the technique and artistry are not particularly remarkable. The canvas measures 90 centimeters in width and 105 centimeters in length. There are no copies of this painting, and I am unable to show you the original—you might be able to imagine it.