Chapter 23: Do You Really Think He Would Like You?

Ning Qian sat in her chair, watching as she entered, not even bothering to stand. Instead, she slapped a folder of documents down in front of her, raising her chin slightly, her expression full of arrogance.

“The project you wanted—our company has secured it.”

Shen Ling truly hadn’t expected that the shrewd beneficiary just now would turn out to be Ning Qian. The mighty Changyue Group, why would they be interested in such a small case?

She spoke calmly, “Congratulations.”

“I didn’t come here for your compliments.” Ning Qian picked up the folder and pushed it toward her. “This is the partnership you wanted. I can give it to you.”

There are no handouts without reason; anything gained always comes at a price.

Shen Ling understood this well. She raised her gaze, sweeping over her lightly, “I don’t think we have the kind of relationship where you’d just hand me a project.”

Ning Qian regarded her with disdain, her flawless makeup highlighting her triumphant expression.

“Of course. I just want you to know, whatever I set my sights on, I always get—including Bo Jinhang.”

In an instant, Shen Ling understood her intent. She wasn’t just here to flaunt her powerful backing and acquisition of the project; she was here to threaten, to warn her to stay away from Bo Jinhang.

Shen Ling glanced at the project proposal with contempt, laughing softly. “You think you can buy me with this? Doesn’t that seem a bit pathetic?”

Ning Qian was clearly enraged, her face turning icy as she gritted her teeth and spoke coldly, “Don’t be ungrateful. There’s still profit to be had now, but when he tires of you, you won’t be kept around.”

Shen Ling found her utterly ridiculous—knowing nothing, yet acting the part of mistress and demanding her departure. Truly absurd. Talking to someone like this was a headache.

“That’s between him and me. It’s none of your concern.”

Ning Qian’s cold eyes brimmed with barely concealed malice, her words harsh and forced, “You’re just a fickle woman who throws yourself at any man. Do you really think he’ll like you?”

She grew more and more vicious, her scarlet lips moving as she unleashed every venomous word she could muster.

Shen Ling clenched her fist, but after a moment’s thought, realized it was pointless to quarrel with such a person. She relaxed her brow and smiled coolly, “If you want to showcase your superiority, take your time. I won’t be joining you.”

With that, she turned and opened the door.

But unexpectedly, Ning Qian moved faster, grabbing the door handle and catching Shen Ling’s wrist with her other hand.

For a moment, the two were locked in a stalemate. Shen Ling’s expression grew cold, her brows drawing together as she snapped, “There’s nothing left to discuss between us. What exactly do you want?”

She simply found Ning Qian laughable—foolishly believing she could drive away every woman around Bo Jinhang. Without Shen Ling, there would only be someone else.

Ning Qian saw the contempt and mockery in her eyes, growing even more furious, her words spat out through clenched teeth.

“You don’t love Bo Jinhang at all. What right do you have to stay by his side?”

Shen Ling gave her a blank look and replied flatly, “Maybe you should ask Bo Jinhang that question.”

But she doubted Ning Qian would ever get an answer. Whether out of revenge or humiliation, Bo Jinhang would never reveal the truth to anyone.

Shen Ling tried to shake off Ning Qian’s grip, but was surprised by her strength—her slender fingers clamped tightly around Shen Ling’s wrist until bruises bloomed.

Pain flared, and Shen Ling’s face darkened. She shook her arm in anger, “Let go. Stop pestering me.”

But just then, Ning Qian’s grip suddenly slackened.

A crisp slap rang out.

The sudden turn of events cut through their entire confrontation. Shen Ling paused, momentarily stunned.