Proud senior schoolgirl was tender and sweet, we fell in love

Xie Xiao felt that these days were downright toxic: first Zhang Qiaoqiao, and now Yan Shi—all these people whom he hadn't seen for years now suddenly appeared.

And why did Xie Xiao remember that Yan Shi had gone to prison?

Even though he didn't know the sentenced years, the charge at that time must not have been minor.

When did he get released?

However, sitting down with Xu Hao at this moment, Xie Xiao had no time to ponder further.

This time Xu Hao brought him to meet with previous business partners, though some partnerships had expired.

They needed to be renegotiated.

The Luo family initially started with real estate, but after Luo Ming took over, he expanded into many other business areas.

It must be said that Luo Ming was a born businessman, seemingly at ease in any field.

Today's meeting, for example, was about the catering industry.

Approximately a year ago, Luo Ming had opened a chain of restaurants, and the pilot project was here in City B, which he had personally secured through numerous connections.

But the contract signed was short—just one year.

It was a trial period given to him by the other party.

In that year, Luo Ming's restaurant did very well; at least now it was a known trendy restaurant in City B, maintaining a high standard in its dishes.

Today's Mr. Ge was the supplier of ingredients.

Xie Xiao had reviewed the information before and was well prepared.

However, seeing Yan Shi was somewhat distracting.

After Xu Hao and Xie Xiao sat down, the group exchanged pleasantries.

Xie Xiao was very appropriate, and the other party could tell that Xu Hao valued his young assistant considerably, hence they showed some respect too.

But Xie Xiao continually felt a gaze on him, which likely belonged to Yan Shi.

Outwardly, he remained composed, but that gaze was anything but friendly.

During the meeting, Xie Xiao excused himself to go to the restroom, finally managing to leave the private room.

There was actually a restroom inside the private room, but Xie Xiao deliberately waited until someone went in before stating he needed to go out to use the restroom.

As he entered the restroom, surely enough, Yan Shi followed him in shortly after.

Xie Xiao went to wash his hands without uttering a word.

Yan Shi's leg was hindered, evident as he walked with a significant limp.

The Yan Shi standing there now was unlike the brazen and blustery student he was in high school—he appeared very sinister.

He approached and stood next to Xie Xiao at the sink, remaining silent at first.

Only when Xie Xiao finished washing his hands and was about to leave did he finally speak, "Xie Xiao!"

His voice had also changed, rough and gravelly.

Xie Xiao paused his step and looked at him through the mirror.

Yan Shi looked up and met his gaze.

After a moment, he said, "Xie Xiao, have you seen Zhou Mianmian?"

It was a direct question; he was here looking for Zhou Mianmian.

Xie Xiao frowned, "City B is so large, what do you think are the odds of encountering someone familiar?"

He thought about when he last saw Zhou Mianmian—it had been almost several months, and indeed, he hadn't seen her since.

Yan Shi looked at Xie Xiao and chuckled, "You think I am here to catch her? You still pity and cherish the fairer sex, Xie Xiao."

After speaking, it seemed like he recalled something, "Aren't you still with Luo Yanran? Why do you still care so much about Zhou Mianmian?"

Xie Xiao thought the guy was crazy and said somewhat speechlessly, "Since when have I ever been sentimental? Keep me out of your affair with Zhou Mianmian."

After saying that, he flicked his hand and turned to leave.

Yan Shi watched Xie Xiao's back. It was an incident from many years ago, yet he could clearly remember that back in high school, Xie Xiao had once told him to stay away from Zhou Mianmian.
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At that time, Yan Shi thought he was jealous and was rather pleased with himself.

Lately, Yan Shi had often wondered, was Xie Xiao hinting at something?

Did Xie Xiao know something from the start?

Ever since he got together with Zhou Mianmian, his life had become a complete mess...

Just as Xie Xiao was about to walk out, Yan Shi quietly said, "Hey, President Ge is not a good partner to collaborate with."

Xie Xiao paused, turned his head as if to look at him, but saw Yan Shi was already walking past him towards the exit.

Not stopping for a moment.

Xie Xiao watched his back, his brow furrowing. What did Yan Shi mean by that?

Was his warning credible?

Regardless, Xie Xiao still had to return to the private room to continue the social obligations.

After fulfilling his social obligations as Sister Huang had mentioned, he booked a foot massage room upstairs, and then Xie Xiao left.

Although several bosses warmly invited him, Xie Xiao still waved his hand, indicating he was not comfortable with it.

Xu Hao also said with a smile that young people didn't understand these things.

Xie Xiao sat down on a sofa outside, then pulled out his phone to search the news about President Ge's company.

Of course, there was nothing, but the good thing was that the deal was not going to be secured just over a meal.

He could still go back and discuss it with Uncle Xu.

However, Xie Xiao was more curious as to why Yan Shi had told him this.

Although they were classmates before, they were not particularly close; he really couldn't figure out why Yan Shi would kindly warn him...

Xie Xiao put down his phone and exhaled. The more he thought about it, the more confusing it became.

When he returned, it was the driver who picked him up, and Xu Hao had kept Xie Xiao from drinking too much alcohol.

At this moment, he felt somewhat tipsy himself.

Xie Xiao handed him water and some hangover medicine, "Uncle Xu, let's take you home first."

Xu Hao hummed in acknowledgment, his eyes closed wearily, "This time, it seems like President Ge wants to raise the price."

He frowned slightly, annoyed.

Remembering Yan Shi's warning, Xie Xiao hesitated for a moment before saying, "Uncle Xu, I heard some not-so-good news about President Ge. Shouldn't we clarify this matter further before proceeding with the cooperation?"

Xu Hao turned to look at him, "Hmm? What news?"

"It's just some rumor, and the person didn't clarify much, but the gist of it is that President Ge is not a good partner to work with. The person seemed hesitant, so they didn't go into details. That's why I think we should be more careful and maybe do some investigating?" Xie Xiao did not directly mention Yan Shi, as spreading this could make things difficult for Yan Shi.

After listening, Xu Hao fell silent for a moment, then looked at Xie Xiao, "Sometimes, a lot of what is leaked by competing companies is meant to confuse us. You need to know how to analyze."

Xie Xiao nodded, "I understand, but aren't we still in the negotiation phase? Although we have worked together before, it was only for a year, which is too short to develop deep trust, right?"

Xie Xiao smiled at Xu Hao, "Moreover, they also want to raise the price, and we definitely have our hesitations too. Why not spend some time to check things out more thoroughly?"

Xu Hao countered, "What about the supply issue in the meantime? We can't keep dragging it."

"Supply has never been an issue," Xie Xiao said confidently. "We initially chose to work with President Ge because of the low cost, not because he provided the best quality. Now that he's raising the price, his only advantage—being cost-effective—is gone..."

"Uncle Xu, Uncle Luo once told me that as long as we have money, we need not worry about finding partners."