Volume One, Chapter 62: Coercion

Offending the Crown Prince in Capital City makes every step a struggle.

Chu Xingzhi knew this all too well, which was why he came under the pretense of offering an apology, hoping to ease tensions between himself and Gu Yuandong.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Gu," he greeted.

Sheng Yuru chimed in sweetly, "Cousin Yuandong."

Pei Jingmo's indifferent gaze settled on them. "You two came together? Is there something you need?"

Although Sheng Yuru felt nervous before this second cousin, she had to steel herself if she wanted to win Chu Xingzhi.

"Cousin Yuandong, Xingzhi and I were just passing by, so we thought we'd drop in to see you."

She placed the small cakes she’d bought on the table, eager to please. "These are from Qianji Bakery. We waited in line for ages—please try them."

Pei Jingmo raised an eyebrow. "Just happened to drop by?"

Those simple words left Sheng Yuru momentarily at a loss.

Chu Xingzhi quickly spoke up, "Mr. Gu, I came here specifically to see you."

"Oh?"

Chu Xingzhi stood while Gu Yuandong sat opposite him. Though Chu was looking down, the man's powerful presence made him uneasy.

"I wanted to apologize for your birthday party. I'm sorry—my mistake caused you a terrible experience."

Chu Xingzhi was dressed in a white suit, meticulously groomed, handsome and striking. His expression was earnest, and his soulful eyes lent sincerity to his apology, easily convincing others.

But Pei Jingmo was not easily swayed—especially since they were rivals in love.

Despite his simmering jealousy and irritation at Chu Xingzhi being Song Qingyu's first love, his face remained calm and unruffled. "Mr. Chu, you went to great lengths to stage that drama. It wasn’t all that bad."

For Pei Jingmo, it truly wasn’t. Chu Xingzhi’s reckless actions had only made Song Qingyu more disappointed and disgusted with him.

Seeing Gu Yuandong unperturbed, Chu Xingzhi relaxed a little. "Mr. Gu is magnanimous. I judged you by my own standards."

Pei Jingmo barely reacted to the flattery. "Is there anything else?"

Sensing the impending dismissal, Chu Xingzhi grew anxious. "Mr. Gu, there’s one more matter—the infrastructure project in the southern district. The Chu Group is absolutely sincere in wanting to cooperate with Tianqi. I hope you'll give us a chance."

When business was mentioned, Pei Jingmo leaned back lazily in his chair, sharp eyes fixed on Chu Xingzhi. "Companies vying to partner with Tianqi for that project are countless. What makes you think I’d choose Chu Group?"

Chu Xingzhi felt at a loss, painfully aware that the competition was fierce and Chu Group fell short compared to other giants.

"We are one hundred percent sincere."

Pei Jingmo chuckled, "Which company isn’t one hundred percent sincere when it comes to working with Tianqi?"

"This..." Sweat broke out on Chu Xingzhi's back and palms. He glanced at Sheng Yuru.

Sheng Yuru quickly added, "Cousin Yuandong, it’s always best to work with someone you know well—people are unpredictable."

She paused, then continued, "Xingzhi was my classmate in university. I know him well. If you work with him, you can rest assured."

Both watched Gu Yuandong anxiously, each with their own motives.

Sheng Yuru needed to help Chu Xingzhi secure this project if she wanted to win his heart.

Chu Xingzhi needed it for the Chu Group's growth.

And all the power to decide rested with the man opposite them, whose masked face betrayed no emotion.

The office fell into a profound silence.

Every passing second was torture for Sheng Yuru and Chu Xingzhi.

Pei Jingmo, a master of manipulation, waited until they were near breaking point before finally looking at Sheng Yuru and speaking slowly.

"Yuru, you know I trust no one—unless they're family."

Chu Xingzhi was still processing the remark when Sheng Yuru instantly understood.

Her eyes flickered, and she cozily wrapped her arm around Chu Xingzhi’s. "Cousin Yuandong, Xingzhi and I are actually together now. I brought him today so you could meet him."

"Is that so?" Pei Jingmo looked at Chu Xingzhi. "You don’t look very willing. Are you being coerced?"

"Of course not! We’re very much in love—right, Xingzhi?"

Sheng Yuru pinched his arm, hinting that missing this chance would mean losing the opportunity forever.

Chu Xingzhi clenched his fists, his expression grim.

In seconds, his mind raced—thinking of Chu Group, Song Qingyu, and Gu Yuandong.

At last, under their scrutiny, he nodded with difficulty. "Yes."

Sheng Yuru, both smug and thrilled, turned to Gu Yuandong with a bright smile. "Cousin, what do you think of Xingzhi?"

Pei Jingmo curled his lips with a mocking smile. "He’s quite good. Suits you well."

Sheng Yuru’s smile nearly split her face.

"Since Mr. Chu is Yuru’s boyfriend, the infrastructure project in the southern district will go to him. Don’t let me down, Mr. Chu."

Sheng Yuru was ecstatic. "Thank you, Cousin Yuandong!"

Chu Xingzhi hadn’t expected that all his elaborate plans would fail, and simply becoming Sheng Yuru’s boyfriend would easily secure the project.

"Xingzhi, are you so happy you’re stunned? Hurry and thank my cousin."

Chu Xingzhi snapped back to attention. "Thank you, Mr. Gu."

Knock, knock, knock—

A knocking sounded. The visitor was He Shubai. "Mr. Gu, your guests have arrived."

Pei Jingmo nodded, and turned to Sheng Yuru and Chu Xingzhi. "I have other matters. You two head back first. Someone will contact Mr. Chu about the project."

Chu Xingzhi let out a deep sigh of relief, once again expressing his gratitude to Gu Yuandong.

They opened the office door, ready to leave, when Chu Xingzhi suddenly stiffened at the sight of the person outside, stopping dead in his tracks.

Qingyu—

He instinctively tried to shake off Sheng Yuru, but she held him tightly, whispering a warning in his ear, "My cousin is still watching. Do you want to ruin everything now?"

Chu Xingzhi gritted his teeth, fists clenched, forced to endure.

Song Qingyu hadn’t expected to run into Chu Xingzhi here either. Her gaze fell on Sheng Yuru's arm entwined with his.

Even with just a fleeting glance, Chu Xingzhi felt as if a thousand needles pricked his arm—utterly uncomfortable.

Damn it, and Qingyu had to see it.

Song Qingyu was indeed surprised that Chu Xingzhi and Sheng Yuru were together, but it no longer concerned her.

She merely glanced at them and walked into the president’s office.

Pei Jingmo took in the entire scene, his dark eyes flickering slightly, then turned to Sheng Yuru.

"Yuru, your mother was recently thinking of introducing you to someone. Now that you're with Young Master Chu, don’t forget to bring him home to meet her."