Chapter 103: Next Time You Lie, Make It Believable

Liang Xiucheng emerged from the conference room and spotted Ding Mei. Before Qiao Jiu could speak, he interjected, “Manager Ding, what are you doing here? Weren’t the documents already delivered?”

Ding Mei smiled warmly. “I wanted to have a word with Miss Qiao.”

Liang Xiucheng turned to Qiao Jiu. “Do you have time? Have you finished the tasks I assigned you?”

Qiao Jiu nearly laughed—rarely did she see Liang Xiucheng so petty. She replied, “Not yet, I’m on it now.”

Without noticing Ding Mei’s reaction, Qiao Jiu turned and walked away.

Liang Xiucheng remained standing, waiting until Qiao Jiu had walked a little distance before speaking again. “Manager Ding, some things I’m not suited to say, but I still want to remind you to know your place. Don’t meddle in everything without reason.”

Ding Mei’s smile didn’t falter. Having dealt with many significant occasions, she remained composed. “Thank you for the reminder, Manager Liang.”

Liang Xiucheng turned and left. Ding Mei stood still, unmoving.

She had acted on her own accord coming here today. The document wasn’t urgent, and even if it were, it wasn’t her place to deliver it.

Her main intention was to see Qiao Jiu. Last time, she had been too formal and distant. As Qiao Jiu had said, if one wanted to apologize, the posture had to be humble.

Her situation was somewhat difficult. She wasn’t sure if it was because she had been sarcastic toward Qiao Jiu before that Lu Fengzhou had become displeased and promoted someone else. Though the new person’s position wasn’t higher than hers, it was clear there was an intention to replace her.

Ding Mei hadn’t anticipated things turning out this way. She had misjudged the situation, assuming that since Lu Fengzhou and Qiao Jiu didn’t get along, it would be harmless for her to intervene.

Now, seeing how things had escalated, it seemed the rumor of their mutual hostility was false.

At least Lu Fengzhou was quite protective of Qiao Jiu.

She stood there for a while as employees from both companies passed by, glancing at her. Perhaps they meant no harm, but it made Ding Mei uncomfortable. After a few seconds, despite her reluctance, she turned and left.

Qiao Jiu had been a bit busy that morning but in good spirits, which boosted her efficiency.

By the end of the day, she had just finished all her tasks.

Humming a little tune, she tidied her desk. Just as she was about to leave, her phone in her bag rang.

She pulled it out and saw it was Guan Wei.

Answering cheerfully, “Hello!”

Guan Wei exclaimed, “You sound happy! What’s the good news?”

Qiao Jiu chuckled, “There is some. I’ll tell you when we meet.”

She asked, “What’s up? Why are you calling?”

Guan Wei said, “I’m coming to your company now. Let’s have lunch together.”

Qiao Jiu agreed, grabbed her bag, and headed downstairs.

She expected Guan Wei to be waiting outside the company, but she didn’t see her upon exiting. Instead, she spotted Xu Yi.

Bad luck—her good mood took a hit at the sight.

Liang Xiujin hadn’t come out yet. Xu Yi’s car was parked by the roadside. She leaned against it, phone in hand, apparently trying to call someone with no answer, growing a bit anxious.

Qiao Jiu had no choice but to pull out her phone and call Guan Wei.

Guan Wei picked up quickly. “Go straight on the right; you’ll see me at the corner.”

Qiao Jiu immediately understood the situation. “Why are you avoiding her? If anyone shouldn’t be ashamed, it’s her. What are you backing down for?”

Guan Wei sighed. “I’m not avoiding her. Just looking at them makes my eyes hurt. So, are we still having lunch or not?”

Qiao Jiu snorted and headed right. “Whatever happened to your old spirit? Come on, go over there, scold her, scratch her.”

Guan Wei laughed. “I’m not going to make her look better. She’s the one who appears warm and charming. Me? A shrew? I’m not stupid.”

Qiao Jiu hung up and reached the corner where Guan Wei’s car was parked.

She got in. “Let’s go.”

Guan Wei glanced toward the entrance of the two companies as the car pulled away.

Liang Xiujin was still inside; Xu Yi was still standing there.

After a moment, Guan Wei spoke, “What’s got you so happy? Share it with me; I need to lighten my mood.”

Qiao Jiu smiled. “Tell me, who’s more cunning—me or Lu Fengzhou?”

Guan Wei blinked, staring at her. “You really have the nerve to ask?”

She scoffed. “Your foundation’s been completely exposed. Don’t you realize it?”

Qiao Jiu lifted her chin. “It’s not over yet. Who knows?”

Guan Wei didn’t hold back. “What’s wrong? You got a little taste of outsmarting Lu Fengzhou and now you think you’re invincible?”

She clicked her tongue, expression grim. “My dad once told me about Lu Fengzhou—that he’s a schemer. Think about it, my dad’s an old fox—he’s so sharp at reading people. Back when you two were still married, my dad said you'd lose out sooner or later. People like him aren’t easy to control.”

Qiao Jiu took it lightly. She might not be smart enough, but if she strayed from the straight path, Lu Fengzhou might not be her match.

They randomly picked a restaurant. After ordering, Guan Wei said, “I’ve been on blind dates these past few days and I’m exhausted. Some guys look decent but the moment they open their mouth, it’s a disaster.”

Qiao Jiu was surprised, suddenly recalling Liang Xiujin asking if she knew about Guan Wei’s situation—apparently, he was aware of her blind dates.

She quickly asked, “Has Liang Xiujin contacted you recently?”

Guan Wei exhaled. “He calls and texts, but I don’t answer or reply. Then he goes silent. Does that count as contact?”

She laughed to herself. “Honestly, it’s unnecessary. Why go through the motions? We’re adults; a mutual understanding is enough.”

Besides, since she was now going on blind dates, Liang Xiujin must have heard about it. She thought that would settle everything.

The topic was awkward, so Qiao Jiu changed it. “Have you met anyone decent and felt a connection?”

Guan Wei’s expression fell. “Don’t mention it. After a few dates, I’ve discovered a whole new world.”

She clicked her tongue, her face telling its own story.

…

Lu Fengzhou stepped out of the elevator and immediately saw Ding Mei.

She was sitting on the lobby sofa, seemingly lost in thought for some time.

He glanced at her and started to walk away.

Hearing the movement, Ding Mei stood quickly and hurried over. “President Lu.”

Lu Fengzhou stopped. “What is it?”

His tone was neither warm nor cold—just the usual way he spoke to colleagues.

Ding Mei felt a bit tense. “There’s something I need to say.”

Lu Fengzhou checked his watch. “Half a minute. Go ahead.”

Though his tone hadn’t changed, Ding Mei sensed his impatience.

Taking a deep breath, she said, “Regarding what I said in front of Miss Qiao last time—I called to apologize afterward. Miss Qiao was understanding. I thought that would be the end of it, but I still felt I should explain to you. I didn’t think it through and spoke out of turn. That was my fault.”

Lu Fengzhou narrowed his eyes slightly. “She was understanding?”

Ding Mei’s heart skipped, but she nodded. “Miss Qiao is a decent person.”

Lu Fengzhou suddenly laughed coldly. “You really are something. Next time you lie, try to be believable.”