Chapter 10, Struggle

Wei Qing recalled something and asked, "The students from the Fine Arts Department?" Zhou nodded, "Yes, classmates. Zhang Shuai has a strong foundation in his major, so I asked him for help."

After discussing with Zhang Shuai, who is more skilled in design and made several modifications, the final version was sent to Wei Qing. Wei Qing instructed her to contact the director of the publicity department directly, without needing to consult him on every matter. Zhou was taken aback; now he was acting like the president.

The two individuals carried their tools and headed to Wei Qing's company. It was not a towering skyscraper, but rather a low-key establishment with strict management, where all personnel entering and exiting were subject to checks. She only knew that Wei Qing was in the jewelry business, and "Yunma" was a renowned jewelry brand, a true diamond tycoon. However, upon arriving at his company, she discovered that he not only dealt in jewelry but also engaged in real estate and seemingly other businesses as well. In the language of his company, he was involved in any business that was profitable. He had extensive connections, ample funds, and backing from influential figures, which naturally made his business operations smooth and prosperous, explaining his lavish spending and willingness to part with large sums of money.

Wei Qing raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you all going back together?" He was still thinking about taking the opportunity to send Zhou Shi back, but it seemed that would not be possible.

Wei Qing felt somewhat displeased upon hearing her defend Zhang Shuai, and he muttered, "Zhou Shi, be careful with your words. How am I a dandy, bullying others with my power?" After all, he was regarded as a young talent in the eyes of many, a prominent figure in the city, and being spoken of in such a manner by Zhou Shi greatly angered him

Zhou thought he was exaggerating about Zhang Shuai being outstanding, and nodded, "Yes, Zhang Shuai is indeed impressive, hardworking and ambitious. Unlike other classmates in our class, who rely on their powerful families and spend their days idly, being carefree. Those who study art usually come from families that are not in dire financial straits. Of course, there are exceptions like Zhou."

He has ulterior motives and intends to investigate Zhang Shuai's background. As the saying goes, knowing oneself and knowing the enemy ensures victory in a hundred battles. He has invested so much time and effort in Zhou, how could he allow others to reap the benefits!

Zhou watched him eat in a suffocating manner, feeling quite relieved, and disdainfully said: "Serves you right!" He then left in a hurry. This left Wei Qing standing alone by the street, both angry and frustrated, yet with no outlet for his emotions

Upon hearing this, Wei Qing felt it was exactly what he wanted and secretly chuckled. When a petty person gains power, how can they not feel pleased! He looked at her and asked, "He kept it from you, aren't you angry?" He still wanted to sow discord.

The school fees were pressing, causing her to avoid the teachers and the principal, almost unable to lift her head, like a rat crossing the street. If it weren't for him, she wouldn't have to endure such hardship and humiliation; it was truly despicable! If she knew that Zhang Shuai was also driven away by his underhanded tactics, she would probably be filled with even more hatred.

The work was hastily wrapped up, and Zhang Shuai had not said anything. As the two of them just stepped out the door, someone approached them. Zhou saw from a distance that a car was parked by the roadside, and the person inside was none other than Director Zhang. Zhou then asked, "Zhang Shuai, will you be coming tomorrow? I can complete the remaining part by myself." The attitude of everyone towards him was clearly different; how could they continue working like this?

Zhou waved her hand and bounced away. Just after crossing the road, a car stopped in front of her. Wei Qing rolled down the window and said, "It's just on my way, let me give you a ride." Zhou hesitated, "Isn't that a bit inappropriate?" Wei Qing laughed at her, "What, are you afraid of this? It's not a den of dragons and tigers!" Zhou was young, and provoked by him, her temper flared. She thought to herself, it's just a ride, nothing serious; if one is upright, they need not fear shadows. Besides, she didn't want to squeeze onto a bus, so she stopped resisting and opened the car door to get in.

She did not wait for the car to come to a complete stop before attempting to open the door, but unfortunately, it was locked and she could not push it open. Wei Qing thought she was about to be sick, so he pressed the switch and even asked her if she was alright. Zhou forcefully swung the car door open, with a serious expression warning, "Wei Qing, I never want to ride in your car again." After saying this, she strode away.

Zhou slightly bent forward and said, "Director Wei," which could be considered a greeting. "Well, let's stop here for today; we can finish the rest tomorrow." He remained indifferent towards him.

For the Minister of War, being able to do this is considered the utmost in forbearance, as he has thought of everything for her. No woman has ever shown him such a disdainful expression, yet he has endured it in silence.

Wei Qing is truly infuriated, no longer caring for her. Since she does not know what is good for her, let her be. After all, it is not herself who will suffer and endure the hardships

Zhang Shuai nodded, set aside her tools, and pointed at her face, saying: "Zhou Shi, you have something splattered on your face here." Zhou Shi quickly wiped with the back of her hand while asking: "Is it here— is there still any now?"

Zhou is threatening: "If you don't let go, I'm going to call for help!" With so many people on the street, is she still afraid of him? After all, no one knows her, so she doesn't fear losing face. This tactic she learned from Wei Qing, applying it in real life.

Wei Qing still thought something had happened to her and hurriedly asked, "What happened, what happened?" Zhou glared at him fiercely and said, "I told you to stop, stop!" He asked with a puzzled expression, "Why should I stop?"

Zhou was moving the ladder and was about to step on it. Zhang Shuai held her back, saying, "I will finish the part above, you just take care of the part below." Zhou smiled at him, feeling grateful for his understanding and care. The two of them gradually developed a tacit cooperation, and the work was completed quickly. Seeing that everyone had finished work, Zhou threw down the items in her hands, took off her work uniform, and said, "Let's go back, we can continue tomorrow, there's no rush." After a whole day of hard work, she was tired. Covered in dirt, she just wanted to hurry back and take a hot shower. Seeing that everyone had finished work, Zhou threw down the items in her hands, took off her work uniform, and said, "Let's go back, we can continue tomorrow, there's no rush." After a whole day of hard work, she was tired. Covered in dirt, she just wanted to hurry back and take a hot shower.

Wei Qing did not want to embarrass her in public, so he took her hand and said impatiently, "Let's talk about it in the car." He was truly on the verge of losing his mind because of her; how could she be so capricious and unpredictable? Just a moment ago, they had been sitting in the car and talking well, and now her mood had changed in an instant!

Zhou wore a cold expression, remaining silent and merely glaring at him, her face looking quite frightening. Not understanding the situation, he noticed her poor complexion and quickly pulled over to the side of the road, asking: "What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

It seems that Zhou is still unaware that Zhang Shuai is the first powerful young master in their class, so he made slight adjustments to his daily schedule. The secretary came in to remind him, "General Wei, Director Zhang from the Tax Bureau has arrived and is already in the conference room." Wei Qing hurriedly went out to greet him, smiling and saying, "Director Zhang, I hope for your kind guidance."

Wei Qing nodded, "Take your time, no rush." He turned to assess Zhang Shuai, "Hello, thank you for your hard work." Zhang Shuai responded appropriately, "Thank you, General Wei, for your concern, it is my duty." He was neither servile nor arrogant, displaying considerable poise, unlike an ordinary student

Zhang Shuai shook his head, noticing that she had missed some spots, and took out a tissue to wipe it for her. The two stood extremely close, surrounded by the strong smell of paint, yet he seemed to still catch the unique fragrance of Zhou's hair. The subtle scent emanating from the young girl made his youthful heart race. Zhou was completely unaware of his unusual reaction, smiling as she thanked him and took the coat from the rack, waiting for him to return together.

The next day, he called Zhou and first inquired about a few work-related matters. Then he shifted to the main topic, casually asking, "Your classmate Zhang Shuai is quite remarkable." His words carried deeper meaning. The opportunity for Zhang Shuai and Zhou to be together was facilitated by him, which could be seen as shooting himself in the foot, so he needed to come up with a plan

Zhou was shaking his hands, the grip was extremely tight, it was completely useless, and he cursed angrily: "You are the one going crazy! Let go!" His angry shouts had already attracted the attention of passersby

The Minister indeed let go, watching her frown, visibly upset, with a very poor complexion

Zhang Shuai was climbing a ladder to paint the wall. When he turned his head and saw, he quickly jumped down and set aside the tools in his hands. Director Zhang frowned and asked, "What are you doing? Aren't you supposed to be at school?" Everyone was surprised, except for Wei Qing, who watched coldly.

Wei Qing deliberately said, "I didn't expect that your classmate is actually Director Zhang's son; it's really surprising and quite astonishing." Zhou nodded, "Yes, I just found out today; I was quite shocked earlier. He usually keeps a low profile and has never mentioned this before." Remembering something, he added, "Oh, by the way, Zhang Shuai might not come tomorrow; I'll finish the remaining work by myself. Just wanted to let you know."

Wei Qing disdainfully refused to argue with a woman, yet unable to contain his anger, he could only adopt a stern expression and educate her: "Is it reasonable for you to speak like this? You have bad luck, and you can blame it on me?"

Zhou clapped his hands and said, "Everything is ready, Zhang Shuai, let's go." He treated Wei Qing as if he were invisible.

It does not matter that he does not speak; once he does, I am reminded of the good deeds he has done. My anger rises, and I shout at him: "How dare you say anything? If it weren't for you, I would have paid my tuition long ago. Do I need to hide all over the school?"

However, I have been unhappy for several consecutive days, and my mood has been greatly affected. I feel that I have lost face, and I have suffered a complete defeat in my endeavors, which is extremely frustrating. I truly do not know who is suffering.

When Wei Qing saw them packing up their tools and pushing the door open, he happened to witness this scene. His brows slightly furrowed, and he maintained a calm demeanor on the surface, asking, "Are you leaving?"

The people from Weiqing Company immediately treated Zhang Shuai with a different attitude. Someone brought over drinks and said, "Zhang Shuai, take a break first, and we will continue later." It was not good to make it too obvious, so they also called out to Zhou Shi, "Zhou Shi, you should take a breather too." Zhou Shi looked at Zhang Shuai and walked over to gulp down some drinks. In the time that followed, there was hardly any progress in their work; everyone surrounded Zhang Shuai, asking him various questions with great concern, while Zhou Shi could hardly get a word in. Zhang Shuai was very patient and handled the situation with ease, demonstrating good upbringing. In the time that followed, there was hardly any progress in their work; everyone surrounded Zhang Shuai, asking him various questions with great concern, while Zhou Shi could hardly get a word in. Zhang Shuai was very patient and handled the situation with ease, demonstrating good upbringing.

Wei Qing was truly baffled this time. He quickly got out of the car, grabbed her and shouted, "Zhou Shi, what are you going crazy about again!" Why do you always turn around and leave at the drop of a hat? Where did you learn such bad habits!

Zhou immediately retorted: "Why haven't you? If it weren't for you, would I be this unlucky? Calling you a wastrel is still too mild!" Zhou felt this was settling scores after the fact; ever since encountering him, he had not experienced a stroke of good luck. Just seeing his self-satisfied demeanor made Zhou furious. He thought he was young and accomplished, a pillar of the nation! If the country had a few more like him, who spent their days indulging in debauchery and only knew how to toy with women, it would surely perish!

Director Zhang, in his fifties, of medium height, exudes an imposing presence, and has a slightly corpulent physique, busily remarked: "Oh, Secretary Wei, you are too polite, let us not stand on ceremony." After concluding the official matters, Secretary Wei personally escorted Director Zhang and his party out, even inviting them to dinner, deliberately bypassing the publicity department which is currently under renovation.

Wei Qing pressed the button for the elevator to the underground parking lot, while Zhou pressed for the first floor. The two did not exchange a single word. The first floor arrived first, and Zhou stared at the tool bucket in his hand, stubbornly refusing to speak. Wei Qing realized that competing with her like a student was quite unbecoming, so he calmly asked: "Carrying so many things makes it inconvenient to take the bus. Stop sulking, I will give you a ride back. Don't worry, I will stop at the intersection, and no one will see us." He later thought that Zhou was probably afraid of what people at school would say, which is why she got off halfway.

After taking the elevator up, I circled back to the first floor, carrying a large load of items, and returned with great difficulty

Wei Qing opened the car door and invited her to get in. Zhou was so angry that his teeth itched; he snatched the tool bucket and said, "Wei Qing, if you dare to come looking for me again, I will get serious with you!" He initially wanted to throw the tool bucket at him, but upon seeing the paint inside, she thought to herself that if she really threw it, it would probably be him who would be in trouble, and his life might be at stake. Although she was arrogant and willful, she still knew her limits. She disdainfully thought that there was no need to continue the entanglement, so she gave up.

Zhou threw the things in her hand outwards and snatched the tool bucket from his hands before walking out. Wei Qing grabbed her, shouting in dissatisfaction: "Hey! What are you doing!" Zhou struggled to break free, but the elevator doors had already closed. She watched helplessly as she followed him to the underground parking lot, trembling with anger.

Zhang Shuai pondered for a moment and said, "I know it is somewhat inconvenient, but I still want to finish it." The person beside him quietly reminded, "Director Zhang is waiting." Zhou, hearing the prompt, quickly said, "There isn't much left anyway. Let's just let it go this time, next time we can find a place where no one knows you, and it won't be like this. I'll head back first." He smiled at him. Zhang Shuai was naturally aware of the subtlety in this; many people wanted to curry favor with him because of his father, and he could only sigh. After listening to her words, he smiled, nodded, and said, "Alright, next time we will work together again." Although these days had been tough, they were truly enjoyable. It is uncertain whether there will be such opportunities in the future.

Wei Qing recalled the art student who answered the phone for Zhou Shi, and it seemed to be this Zhang Shuai in front of him. He called out to them as they were about to leave: "Oh, by the way, there is one thing I almost forgot. Please write a report on your personal information, similar to a resume, and make it as detailed as possible. Include a photo, phone number, home address, bank card number, and the address where the card was issued, so that we can transfer the salary later."

Wei Qing recalled this matter and felt a twinge of guilt, thus remaining silent, ignoring Zhou Shi's anger, and focusing solely on the road ahead. The more Zhou Shi thought about it, the angrier he became, feeling that the person before him had a vile character and questionable integrity, and it was better to keep his distance from him. Hadn't he suffered enough because of him? He felt he could no longer stay with him for even a moment longer, realizing that it was truly a moment of madness that had led him to get into his car. He shouted loudly at him: "Stop the car, stop the car!" He felt he could no longer stay with him for even a moment longer, realizing that it was truly a moment of madness that had led him to get into his car. He shouted loudly at him: "Stop the car, stop the car!"

The next day, Zhou accelerated the pace, working tirelessly for an entire day, and finally completed the painting work ahead of schedule. Her back ached, and her neck was stiff from tilting it for so long. While organizing her tools, she thought with relief that she would no longer have to see that bastard Wei Qing again! Even if there was work, she would not take it, to avoid the mutual disdain. She could find other part-time jobs.

Zhou and Zhang Shuai began their work carrying paint buckets and various brushes of different sizes. The people in the company were quite enthusiastic towards them, occasionally asking if they wanted water and praising their skills. In fact, these tasks are quite simple for someone studying art, as there is no technical difficulty involved; it is merely a large-scale project that requires patience and is completed gradually, bit by bit

Zhang Shuai smiled and said, "The art department has few classes, so I took on a small case outside to gain some experience." Someone I know introduced him, saying that Zhang Shuai is the only son of Director Zhang. I didn't expect to run into him here with General Wei; what a coincidence. Zhang Shuai was sweating profusely and looked quite dirty. The most awkward person should be Wei Qing, who hurriedly said, "I didn't expect Zhang Shuai to be Director Zhang's son, truly..."

Director Zhang was also aware of Wei Qing's awkwardness and quickly said, "It's fine, it's fine. It's good for children to come out and exercise, so they can understand the hardships of society. There's no need for General Wei to worry." He nodded and reminded Zhang Shuai, "Alright, you carry on, I will take my leave now." Although he said this, he walked over and brushed off the dust from Zhang Shuai's shoulders before leaving, and though he did not speak, it was evident that he felt a deep sense of concern.

Wei Qing asked, "You have a good relationship with Zhang Shuai?" Zhou nodded, "Yes, in our class, only he and I are studying seriously, and he usually helps me a lot. Ah—do you have anything else? A classmate is calling me." Wei Qing also heard someone calling her name from the other side, and although she wanted to inquire further, she had no choice but to hang up the phone.

The sky had darkened, and the people in the company had long since left work. She struggled to walk while carrying numerous tools. After finally making it to the corridor, Wei Qing pushed open the office door and stepped out, where the two of them unexpectedly ran into each other. Zhou, with a cold expression, did not greet her.

Zhou looked at him strangely and retorted, "Why should I be angry? This is someone else's private matter. If it were me, I wouldn't want to disclose it either; this shows that the person is well-mannered. Do you think Zhang Shuai is like you, a spoiled rich kid who bullies others with his power? He studies very seriously and excels in everything. It's truly rare for someone from such a well-off family to be like this." She had always looked down on Wei Qing and had no good feelings towards him, unable to help but mock him coldly. It's truly rare for someone from such a well-off family to be like this. She had always looked down on Wei Qing and had no good feelings towards him, unable to help but mock him coldly.

Zhou nodded and said, "Of course, we are classmates, so we will go back to school together"

Zhou found Zhang Shuai and discussed Wei Qing's case, asking if he was interested in sharing the profits equally. She could not complete it alone. After considering for a while, Zhang Shuai agreed, and the two went to purchase paint and tools. Zhou spent several nights working late at the computer to create design drawings, and she ended up with dark circles under her eyes. Earning Wei Qing's money was truly not easy.

Zhou noticed a large group of individuals in suits and leather shoes who appeared to be leaders passing by, so he moved the ladder aside. The director Zhang, who was walking at the front, inadvertently glanced over, stopped in his tracks, and exclaimed, "Zhang Shuai!" in great surprise

Wei Qing noticed that she had not left and, seeing that it was getting dark, was concerned that she might encounter some mishap alone, so he deliberately stayed. Now, seeing her like this, he recalled how she had embarrassed him in public last night, and his expression soured. Nevertheless, he walked over, took the tool bucket from her hand, and said nothing as he headed straight for the elevator. Zhou thought to himself that it was truly a case of enemies crossing paths, as they seemed to run into each other wherever they went, and he could only follow behind in frustration.