CHAPTER 169: CHAPTER 167: NEVER FIGHT AN UNPREPARED BATTLE

Tianyao Group’s CEO, Fu Shengyuan, wasn’t there.

The secretary led her to the conference room. "I’m very sorry, our CEO isn’t in. Vice President Fu Luosheng will be meeting with you. We hope you understand, Miss Jian."

"Okay."

Jian Xi wore a white dress, her skin like creamy jade. Her delicate face exuded nobility and grace, and her high heels added to a commanding presence, giving her the distinct air of a powerful businesswoman. The secretary couldn’t help stealing a few extra glances. This was, after all, the former wife of the richest man—truly living up to her reputation, and stunningly beautiful.

Jian Xi had just taken a seat when a nonchalant, somewhat rakish figure appeared at the doorway. The man impatiently shoved the secretary aside. As his eyes fell upon Jian Xi, his previously indifferent expression instantly twisted into a lecherous grin. "Wow, Miss Jian, hello there! I’m Fu Luosheng, Vice President of Tianyao Group. You are absolutely gorgeous."

He took Jian Xi’s small hand and gave it a couple of squeezes. The feel of it sent a thrill straight to his core. He’d been with countless women, but compared to this one, all the others were trash. Jian Xi’s beauty was radiant, captivating him at a single glance and leaving him utterly smitten.

"Hello, President Fu. I have a project I’d like to discuss with Tianyao Group regarding a potential collaboration..." Jian Xi smoothly withdrew her hand. What a pervert!

As if oblivious to Jian Xi’s rejection, Fu Luosheng leaned in closer again. "What kind of project are you looking to collaborate on? My big brother isn’t here, so I call the shots. I was just wondering if Miss Jian might be interested in having dinner with me tomorrow night?"

Hah! How shameless! Jian Xi was just about to refuse when he continued, "Actually, Zhang Jiaming, the CEO of Junhua Group, invited me to dinner, and I happen to need a female companion."

Junhua Group? The real estate tycoon her elder brother had been trying to connect with for ages? Jian Xi had attempted to schedule a meeting with him several times to no avail. This could be a good opportunity to finally meet him.

"Alright then. It would be rude to refuse."

Fu Luosheng was ecstatic. He tried several times to put his arm around Jian Xi’s shoulder, but she deftly evaded him each time. Throughout their discussion about collaborating on applying innovative technological materials to clothing, he hadn’t paid attention to a single word she said.

Jian Xi exchanged a few more perfunctory remarks. Seeing no sign of Luo You at the company, she then took her leave.

Fu Luosheng effusively escorted her to the door, his gaze lingering on her reluctantly before he finally looked away. "Damn, what a knockout," he muttered, rubbing his hands together gleefully as he returned to his office, his mood excellent.

「On the day of the banquet.」

Jian Xi meticulously covered the hickeys on her neck and the mottled bruises on her body with concealer. She then carefully applied exquisite makeup. She wore a stunning, vibrant red long dress, her long, wavy hair flowing around her shoulders like thick seaweed. The moment she descended the stairs in her high heels, Fu Luosheng’s eyes practically bulged out of his head.

The man let out a wolf whistle and eagerly hopped out of the car to open her door, his obsequious eyes practically gleaming. "Miss Jian, you are truly a peerless beauty!"

Surprised that he had come to pick her up personally, Jian Xi arched an eyebrow and smiled faintly. "I appreciate you going to the trouble, President Fu."

"Nonsense! It’s my pleasure and duty to be of service to such a beautiful woman."

The flashy sports car sped off, merging into the flow of traffic.

The subtle, alluring fragrance from Jian Xi’s body tickled Fu Luosheng’s nostrils. He felt he’d never smelled such an intoxicating scent on a woman. A certain part of him began to stir restlessly; damn it, he wanted to take her right then and there. He barely managed to restrain himself until they reached the restaurant.

"After you, Miss Jian." He extended his arm, inviting her to take it as they entered.

Though repulsed, Jian Xi hooked her arm through his.

Yan Qing was there to pick up takeout for his boss. Si Yuhuan had been ill for three days, barely able to stomach any food or water—an unprecedented sickness for him. Old Master Si was frantic with worry, sending Yan Qing almost daily to buy various nutritious meals to present to his grandson, desperately hoping he would eat at least a mouthful.

The Yuehaijin Building was a renowned Chinese restaurant in Beijing. The hawthorn and date paste cake made by their chefs was delicious and a favorite among the city’s elite. Since the boss has such a poor appetite, maybe eating a little of this will help him feel more comfortable,

Yan Qing thought.

He never expected to see Jian Xi entering the restaurant arm-in-arm with another man! He quickly snapped a few photos and sent them to his boss. I’ve done what I can, Boss. Now your body better pull through! Maybe a good shock of anger will snap you right out of this illness!

「VIP Private Room.」

Jian Xi had just stepped inside when a well-trained attendant moved to pull out a chair for her.

"Out of the way!" Fu Luosheng interjected, shoving the attendant aside. "Miss Jian’s chair? I’ll get that for her myself!"

Jian Xi gave an awkward twitch of her lips and glanced around. The room was empty.

"President Fu, didn’t you say you had invited several other executives to join us for dinner?" It’s past the appointed time, and they still haven’t arrived. A bad feeling began to creep over Jian Xi.

Fu Luosheng gave a sly, oily chuckle and sidled closer to Jian Xi. "Now, don’t be impatient. Perhaps they’re just stuck in traffic."

"Do you take me for a fool?" Jian Xi’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes as she rose to leave. If it weren’t for the chance to meet Zhang Jiaming, the CEO of Junhua Group, why on earth would I have come here to be an escort for this piece of trash?

"Stop right there!" Fu Luosheng panicked, jumping up to grab Jian Xi’s shoulder. Her skin is so smooth and tender! "Miss Jian, don’t be in such a hurry!"

He shooed all the service staff out of the room and promptly locked the door.

Jian Xi stared at him intently. "President Fu, are you planning to resort to force?"

She had long heard that Tianyao Group’s CEO, Fu Shengyuan, was a man of extraordinary ability and formidable tactics. None of the Fu brothers were to be underestimated. The only exception was supposedly Vice President Fu Luosheng, a typical second-generation hedonist, proficient in all manner of debauchery—eating, drinking, womanizing, and gambling. Today, she was truly seeing his colors.

"I am the President of Yaowang Group! And I am also the eldest daughter of the Jian Family!" Jian Xi declared, attempting to use her status to intimidate him and make him reconsider any rash actions.

But she had miscalculated.

His smile turned even more sinister. He cracked his neck and leaned closer to Jian Xi. "And I *also* know you’re Si Yuhuan’s ex-wife!"

"You know that, and you still dare to touch me?" Jian Xi retreated until her back was against the window. It seems this man is absolutely determined to have me tonight! He looks presentable on the outside, but his actions are worse than an animal’s!

"Haha! I’ve played countless women, but never one from the wealthiest family! Look at you, so delicate and tender, beautiful like a doll. That high-and-mighty aura of yours is incredibly tantalizing. I bet you know plenty of ’moves’ in bed. The woman Si Yuhuan has tasted, I *must* taste too!"

He licked his lips, drawing nearer. "Once I’ve tasted you, you’ll be my woman. Then Yaowang Group, the Jian Family—they’ll all be mine."

His calculations were clicking away loudly. He wasn’t acting like a clueless rich brat at all.

He lunged at her, only to be met squarely by Jian Xi’s palm across his face. The crisp SMACK echoed with startling clarity in the private room. Jian Xi had put every ounce of her strength into that slap.

Fu Luosheng didn’t get angry. Instead, he clutched his stinging cheek and let out a short, derisive snort. He prodded the inside of his cheek with his tongue. Damn, that really fucking hurt! This woman plays for keeps!

"Interesting. A little wildcat!" Fu Luosheng glared at Jian Xi with a vicious glint in his eyes. "I’ll make you lie under me and beg for mercy, you’ll see."

I have to take her today! Otherwise, I’ll lose all face in Beijing! Only by conquering Jian Xi can I show those old geezers in the family who the true heir should be!

He used all his strength to shove Jian Xi against the glass window. One hand fumbled with the zipper of her dress, while the other roughly lifted her leg.

BANG!

The door was suddenly kicked open.