Campus Ace Girl-Chapter 387 - 388: Congwen, Long Time No See emmm

Over there, Tang Yuan’s hopes had been dashed, but she had a backup plan. She didn’t care for fame, but she certainly wanted to make money. She arranged to meet Shen Congwen, naturally keeping it from Gu Yuanshan. In matters like these, she felt Shen Congwen had the necessary abilities and connections.

Shen Congwen had been very busy lately managing Gu Corporation’s affairs. He rushed over to the teahouse and, upon sitting down, asked, "Mrs. Gu, you wished to see me about something?"

Tang Yuan, already seated, politely poured him a cup of tea. Only then did she slowly say, "I’d like to ask for your help with something. I don’t want Yuanshan to know about it."

Shen Congwen smiled. "If there’s anything, Mrs. Gu, please just ask."

Tang Yuan pondered for a moment, then said softly, "I want to invest in a company called Xin Li Culture. Can you help me arrange a meeting with the person in charge?"

Shen Congwen’s brow furrowed slightly. "Is there any particular reason?"

Tang Yuan didn’t beat around the bush. "Xin Li Culture is the domestic distributor for that new Disney film."

Shen Congwen understood. She wants a piece of the pie, he thought. He reminded her, "They might be seeking investment, but they won’t part with a large stake easily, and their asking price will be very high..."

Tang Yuan smiled faintly. "I want ten percent. Talk to them; the price can be negotiated."

These kinds of cultural companies are usually just shell corporations, she thought. They don’t have much substance; it’s just a short-term play.

Shen Congwen agreed to help her. After finishing his tea, he departed. Upon returning, he had his secretary contact the person in charge at Xin Li Culture to arrange a meeting.

The secretary quickly made the arrangements. "Vice President Shen, the other party said they’re free tomorrow evening and would like to have dinner with you."

It must be a woman, Shen Congwen thought. They often prefer to discuss business over dinner. He jotted down the location and phone number.

The next evening, Shen Congwen arrived at six o’clock. To show his sincerity, he had come half an hour early and already ordered several dishes typically favored by women. The restaurant, chosen by the other party, had a high-class ambiance and seemed quite suitable for a romantic date. A subtle, fresh fragrance permeated the air, and in one corner of the restaurant, someone played the violin, creating a wonderful atmosphere.

Shen Congwen felt rather awkward. What if the other party is a single woman in her forties, he wondered, and she makes some inappropriate demand? How should I handle that?

Just as he was mulling this over, a figure in pale grey confidently sat down opposite him.

Shen Congwen looked up and froze. It was Zhou Yunchen.

Shen Congwen lowered his gaze. "I’m waiting for someone."

"Oh?" Zhou Yunchen chuckled, casually picking up the note from the table. "The location is correct. And the phone number... I believe I’ve always used this one." He leaned in a little. "Congwen, did you delete my number again? Otherwise, how could you not remember it?"

Shen Congwen was aghast. He quickly snatched the note from Zhou Yunchen’s hand. A glance confirmed it: the number was indeed Zhou Yunchen’s. Damn it, I was too busy to check carefully! he fumed internally. I walked right into this! Now he was in a real bind, unsure whether to stay or leave. He could only grit his teeth and glare at Zhou Yunchen’s smug, triumphant expression.

Zhou Yunchen leaned back leisurely in his chair. "Ah, Congwen, it’s been so long. And you treat me with such unfamiliarity." He toyed with the silver candlestick on the table, his smile deepening. "Look at you. So considerate when dining with a woman, yet you treat me like an enemy. I believe I’ve always treated you well. Why this animosity? It makes no sense at all."

Shen Congwen turned his face away. "Stop your joking. If I’d known it was you, I wouldn’t have..."

"Can’t take a couple of jokes? You’re not a little girl," Zhou Yunchen said, thoroughly enjoying himself. "What, are you doing this sort of ingratiating task to please your future mother-in-law this time?" He leaned closer. "What if she turned out to be a woman in her forties who took a fancy to your pretty face? What would you do then?" Saying this, he lightly patted Shen Congwen’s exceptionally handsome cheek.

Shen Congwen was practically seething. This man... Does he always act so wantonly, without any regard for the occasion?! His face darkened. "Zhou Yunchen, I’m here to discuss business."

"Business? About Xin Li Culture’s shares?" Zhou Yunchen chuckled. "I thought we were here to catch up, Congwen. You’re so heartless."

Shen Congwen said in a low voice, "Let’s discuss this somewhere else."

Zhou Yunchen glanced around. "What’s wrong with here? It’s quite nice. Or are you only considerate when it’s a woman? Besides, the food will be served shortly. Being frugal and managing the household well makes a good man."

Just then, the waiter indeed began serving the dishes. Both men were strikingly handsome and imposing, causing the waiter to steal several glances at them while presenting the bill for signing.

Shen Congwen had lost all desire to talk to him and just wanted to get through the meal as quickly as possible.

Zhou Yunchen, however, was in high spirits. He raised his wine glass. "Have some wine."

Shen Congwen refused.

Zhou Yunchen pushed a glass towards him. "You’re not a little girl. If you’re a man, have a drink."

Perhaps provoked, Shen Congwen downed half the glass in one gulp, then choked. A flush spread across his refined face, a mix of crimson and warmth, making him look quite striking.

Zhou Yunchen held his wine glass, a deep smile playing on his lips. "I’ve long heard that Mr. Gu’s associate, Mr. Shen, is an excellent drinker. Only today do I realize those rumors weren’t true."

"Zhou Yunchen, that’s enough," Shen Congwen said in a low voice. "Why won’t you ever let me be?"

"Let you be?" Zhou Yunchen chuckled again. "I thought that term was reserved for enemies. And we have no feud between us."

Shen Congwen looked up, his eyes glistening slightly as he gazed at Zhou Yunchen.

Zhou Yunchen met his gaze, the earlier teasing gone from his face, replaced by a more serious expression. "Shen Congwen, not only do we have no feud, but you actually owe me a debt of gratitude."

Shen Congwen was taken aback. Recovering, he took a napkin, dabbed his nose, then leaned back in his chair. "Zhou Yunchen, explain clearly." He paused. "Is this how you repay your benefactor?"

Zhou Yunchen smiled. "You don’t like this method? Then tell me what you’d prefer. Perhaps I can accommodate you."

A wave of helplessness washed over Shen Congwen again. Here he goes again! he thought. Faced with this side of Zhou Yunchen, I’m utterly defenseless!

Zhou Yunchen stared at him, his smile slowly fading. "Congwen, listen to me. Leave Gu Yuanshan."

Shen Congwen smiled faintly. "What’s so bad about it?"

Zhou Yunchen placed some food on his plate. "Don’t tell me the position of Vice President at Gu Corporation is enough to buy you."

Shen Congwen took a bite before replying, "Mr. Gu has always treated me very well."

"Heh." Zhou Yunchen sneered. "You’re practically caught in the middle of their marital affairs, and you still think it’s ’very well’? Why do you think Tang Yuan asked *you* to do this? It’s because Gu Yuanshan doesn’t let her control her own finances. She wants you to be the scapegoat. You need to wise up!"

Shen Congwen paused. "Leave Mr. Gu... and go with you?" He paused again. "Zhou Yunchen, what position are you prepared to offer me?"