Chapter 10: Frustration

“President Song!”
“Hello, President Song!”
Song Mi greeted them one by one, shaking hands.
Those approaching her were all official representatives, among whom there was only one woman, just past forty. She was the leading business PR specialist employed by the authorities, surnamed Tan, and also today's host of the negotiation meeting.
In the business circles of Jinzhou City, she was undoubtedly a newcomer. Yet, with the scene unfolding before them, everyone present would have to regard her with newfound respect!
If the opening was due to Old Master Shen’s influence and arrangements, then what happened during the intermission was entirely thanks to her own capabilities.
Song Mi had not expected to encounter Bruce here.
After their eyes met in mutual recognition, Bruce walked straight up and gave her a hug, “Song, it’s been so long!”
She gracefully opened her arms, “It’s been so long!”
Bruce was as warm and enthusiastic as he’d been back at school. After a few pleasantries, he led Song Mi aside.
By coincidence, their seats were quite close to those reserved for the legal professionals.
Those seated nearby were conversing quietly in small groups, which only made the energy on their side appear rather… lively.
Bruce spoke with a classic British accent. Though his Chinese was impressively fluent, the unique Western pitch and expressive facial gestures made them stand out even more.
—Graduated from Worseton Business School.
—Fluent in five languages.
—Took the most courses, ranked first in every one; professors competed to mentor her.
—Debated with professors.
Bruce was chatting with a friend beside him, recounting nearly all of Song Mi’s “glorious achievements” back in school.
Song Mi maintained a gentle smile throughout, rarely interjecting, as if all Bruce’s lavish praise had nothing to do with her.
Interestingly, glances soon began to converge from all directions—some friendly, some curious, some indifferent, and some more ambiguous.
As the saying goes, words spoken carelessly may be taken to heart by listeners.
Before long, Song Mi found the right moment to join the conversation, skillfully steering the topic elsewhere. After exchanging a few remarks, she glanced down at her watch, “Excuse me, I’ll be away for a moment.”
A few minutes later, she indeed “happened” to meet the impeccably dressed Lawyer Wen in the corridor outside the restroom.
He clearly spotted her instantly.
But, just like their coincidental encounter in the elevator yesterday afternoon, he had no intention of greeting her first.
For some reason, Song Mi suddenly felt a bit… deflated.
This man before her did have a captivating face, a splendid physique, and exceptional skill. That night, they were in perfect harmony.
Was she perhaps tasting something new for the first time?
Once she realized this, she mocked herself inwardly, then dismissed the thought entirely, lowering her gaze, prepared to pass him by.
He spoke first, “President Song!”
Wen Yanli’s gaze instinctively swept over her right foot. Last night, though he rushed up in time to catch her, she’d twisted her foot in the process and must have injured it.
Moreover, she wasn’t wearing heels today.
Having collected herself, Song Mi didn’t even bother to spare him a sidelong glance, nor did she notice his careful observation. “Lawyer Wen.”
At her words, Wen Yanli’s eyes darkened.
So it wasn’t just his nerves playing tricks.
Since yesterday, he’d heard her address him as Lawyer Wen at least ten times, each one different.
But just now, this one was the most distinct.
“Is this how President Song always treats,”—that familiar sense of being retaliated against, just like last night, prompted him to stop impulsively—“those who come to her aid in moments of crisis?”