Chapter 835: Song Shicheng and Lu Yuanwei

“Damn woman! I already dumped her, yet she still keeps pestering me. She even asked me out for afternoon tea today.”

After hanging up the phone, Mike complained impatiently to the two others nearby.

The two men grinned knowingly and said, “Really, Mike? Then why did you agree to meet her? Isn’t it because you want to sleep with her again?”

“Damn it! I’m not that kind of person!”

Mike responded as if his tail had been stepped on, his voice rising several decibels.

“Alright, man, we’re not interested in the complexities of your private life. Just remember to inform your dad and grandpa about today’s events when you get back.”

Tony patted Mike on the shoulder, advising him without questioning the phone call too much.

After all, everyone knew Mike’s chaotic personal life. It wasn’t much different from their own. They’re just playing for the thrill. Women never seem satisfied, even though they were just having some fun. Yet they always imagine they can get more out of them.

“Don’t worry, I know. How about you guys come with me this afternoon? I’m really fed up with that damn woman. Her mouth is too vicious.”

Mike looked at the two men with a lifeless expression, as if begging for their help, trying to further dispel any suspicion.

Tony and Jim exchanged a glance, shook their heads, and joked, “We don’t exactly enjoy group sessions, so you’ll have to endure this one on your own.”

With that, the two men burst into laughter and quickened their pace as they left.

Watching them disappear, Mike’s expression gradually turned calm.

He wasn’t hiding anything; he was just planning to see what Xu Shaochen was up to.

Yes, that’s it. Just going to take a look, nothing more. He definitely wouldn’t fall into his trap.

Mike knew very well why Xu Shaochen had asked him out, but he still agreed to the meeting, even keeping it hidden from Tony and Jim.

Because, deep down, he wanted to see what Xu Shaochen had to offer and whether he’d be tempted.

……………

On the other side.

Xu Shaochen was about to head back to the company with Jenny when he received a call from Sun Hai.

“Hey, Brother Sun, what’s up?”

“Brother Xu, my friend has arrived. He’s waiting for us at the Starbucks near the airport. Let’s head over and have a chat.”

“Alright. Where are you now? I’ll come pick you up and then we’ll go together… Okay, got it.”

After hanging up, Xu Shaochen gave Jenny an apologetic look, “Looks like we won’t make it to the company today. Please drop me off at home first.”

“Get out of the car and take a cab yourself. I don’t have time to waste on you.”

Jenny continued to touch up her makeup, responding bluntly.

Xu Shaochen had no choice but to get out of the car and obediently hail a taxi.

Over twenty minutes later, he arrived home, picked up Sun Hai, and the two headed to the airport together.

………………

At the airport.

Inside a Starbucks.

Starbucks always seemed full. Some were sipping coffee, while many more were busy working on their laptops.

At a window seat sat two middle-aged men with yellowish complexions.

Both were dressed in suits, with a travel-worn look on their faces.

“Shicheng, how much longer is your friend going to make us wait? We’ve been here for almost twenty minutes.”

The middle-aged man in the silver suit looked at his watch, a bit impatient.

Song Shicheng sipped his coffee, smiling, “What’s the rush? Can’t handle a little wait? With all your years in the profession as a planner, hasn’t your patience been tested enough?”

“I just don’t get it. Why’d you abandon that project to take on a job where the other party hasn’t even fully explained things? Can it possibly be more lucrative or bigger than that project? What a joke! You’ve lost your mind!”

Lu Yuanwei really couldn’t understand his friend. Was he willing to risk his future on this?

“Yuanwei, I’ve known Old Sun for years. Though he didn’t give all the details, if he says it’s a major project, I’m sure it is.”

Song Shicheng’s tone remained unhurried, full of confidence in Sun Hai.

Lu Yuanwei snorted dismissively, “Not saying who hired you, not saying what the project is. What kind of major project operates under such secrecy? You’re too trusting. I bet the other party is setting you up.”

“Yuanwei!” Song Shicheng’s face darkened, his tone growing cold.

Sensing the shift, Lu Yuanwei quickly changed his tune, “Alright, alright! I’ll stop. Really, you’ve got such a temper!”

Another ten minutes passed when suddenly Song Shicheng said, “They’re here.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he stood up and waved to Sun Hai and Xu Shaochen.

Lu Yuanwei turned to look at the pair and frowned. Xu Shaochen looked too young.

Seeing Sun Hai walking alongside Xu Shaochen gave off a strangely mismatched vibe.

“Shicheng, long time no see. Thanks for going out of your way today.”

Sun Hai first gave Song Shicheng a hug, then introduced Xu Shaochen, “Brother Xu, this is the expert I mentioned, Song Shicheng.”

“Brother Song, thanks so much.” Xu Shaochen extended a hand toward Song Shicheng.

Song Shicheng was stunned, looking at Sun Hai in confusion, “What’s going on here?”

“Shicheng, this is your employer,” Sun Hai smiled slightly as he spoke.

Song Shicheng stared at Xu Shaochen in disbelief, feeling like Sun Hai must be joking.

What kind of work did he do?

He was a city planner.

And here was Xu Shaochen, a young kid who looked like he was still in college. What was he hiring him for? To tutor him?

“Mr. Sun, we didn’t come all this way just to be toyed with. Just who is this kid? What could he possibly hire us for? To design his house?”

Lu Yuanwei’s tone was hostile, his expression full of mockery as he glanced between Sun Hai and Xu Shaochen.

Only then did Song Shicheng come to his senses, shooting a look at Lu Yuanwei before turning to Sun Hai. “Old Sun, this is my colleague and friend, Lu Yuanwei. He can be blunt sometimes. Don’t take it personally.”

“No worries, no worries, Brother Lu’s feelings are understandable. But Shicheng, I’m not kidding you. Brother Xu really does have a major project for you both.”

Sun Hai waved it off, indicating he wasn’t offended. After all, Lu Yuanwei’s reaction was expected since they hadn’t explained things well upfront.

Lu Yuanwei faced Xu Shaochen, his smile not reaching his eyes, and said sarcastically, “Really? A major project you say? I’d love to hear what kind of project this kid has. Do you even realize how big the project Shicheng passed up to be here is?”

Xu Shaochen frowned and coldly replied, “No matter how big the project was, it has nothing to do with you. After all, I only invited Mr. Song.”

He clearly disliked Lu Yuanwei’s attitude. Xu Shaochen was never one to tolerate people he didn’t like.