Wei Yumeng retreated a few steps, finding herself trapped.
Perhaps, for her own safety, she could reconsider her choice of project collaborator.
But was such a person truly worth their cooperation?
The answer was undoubtedly no.
"Miss Wei, I advise you to make a decision quickly. The longer you delay, the more disadvantageous it will be for you."
Ms. Bao spoke with an air of arrogance.
She sat there like a queen, waiting for her prey to deliver itself.
Anyone else in this situation might have been considering a change of plans, but Wei Yumeng was not.
She would never treat the Zhan Corporation's project as a trivial matter.
Wei Yumeng took a deep breath, her gaze sharp as she looked at Ms. Bao. "I'm very sorry, but no matter what you do today, I will not change my mind. I will not allow Zhan Corporation to cooperate with people like you."
Upon hearing this, Ms. Bao was enraged.
She had used similar methods in many past project collaborations, and almost everyone had prioritized their own safety. Yet, the Wei Yumeng before her was completely unyielding.
In the coffee shop, several waitstaff overheard snippets of their conversation and gathered to whisper.
"Did you see? Ms. Bao brought someone over again. I bet it will end the same way as before."
"Exactly. Selling out the company for personal gain, isn't that just the daily routine for these white-collar workers?"
"I really don't ever want to understand their world."
It was late when Zhan Mohan finished work. He had assumed Wei Yumeng was already home and called to let her know he was finished.
However, after waiting for a long time, he only heard a busy signal on the other end of the line.
He had no choice but to call the children again.
"Hello? Daddy." Zhan Jinzhi's voice came through the receiver.
Zhan Mohan asked, "What is Yumeng doing?"
"Mom hasn't come home," Zhan Jinzhi replied. "She hasn't been seen since she left work."
Zhan Mohan frowned. Had his worries come true?
In fact, when he had received the list of companies seeking to align with him, he had noticed that one or two of them were known for their unscrupulous methods.
He had considered that after learning of their failure to secure his cooperation, they might try to cause trouble for Wei Yumeng. But Wei Yumeng had only made her decision today; the news shouldn't have reached them yet. Logically, nothing should have happened.
However, unexpected events could occur, and Zhan Mohan could not rule out any possibility.
He could not wait any longer. Since Wei Yumeng had mentioned she was going out for procurement, she would likely be at the supermarket she frequented. Perhaps he could find her there.
Wei Yumeng glanced at the time, finding Ms. Bao remarkably patient.
She had clearly stated her decision, yet the other woman refused to give up, preferring to stare at each other rather than consider alternative solutions.
But this prolonged stalemate was not a viable option. Did she really have to stay here and waste time with Ms. Bao?
"I'm going to the restroom," Wei Yumeng announced, standing up.
Ms. Bao sneered, "Don't bother. I've bought off the entire coffee shop. Even if you leave this room, you won't be able to escape."
Wei Yumeng frowned. She should not have let Ms. Bao choose the meeting location.
Time ticked by, and the two remained locked in a stalemate, neither willing to concede.
Then, Ms. Bao stood up and stretched.
"Miss Wei, I genuinely intended to wait here with you. But I apologize, I have other matters to attend to shortly. Therefore, I will have to leave you to the company of these bodyguards."
She gestured towards the door as more bodyguards entered.
"Keep an eye on her. If she agrees to sign the contract, let her go. If she refuses, she belongs to you tonight."
Upon hearing this, the bodyguards showed a rare spark of interest, their gazes lingering on Wei Yumeng with a suggestive glint.
Were they planning...
Wei Yumeng clenched her fists. She could not let them succeed, nor could she allow herself to be violated here.
But what could she do now? She was alone, how could she escape?
Just then, a familiar voice echoed from outside the private room.
"Sir, you cannot go in. This is a VIP exclusive room. You need VIP status to enter."
Zhan Mohan found this amusing. What place in the city could he not go?
"Move aside!"
"I'm sorry, sir, but I cannot break the rules."
It was Zhan Mohan... Wei Yumeng's heart stirred slightly. She glanced at Ms. Bao, who indeed showed a flicker of apprehension.
The bodyguards exchanged uneasy glances. They were well aware of Zhan Mohan's influence and knew they could not afford to cross him.
Wei Yumeng looked at Ms. Bao. "Ms. Bao, it seems the tables have turned. You must know what would happen to your company if my husband sees this."
Ms. Bao gritted her lips, a hint of resentment in her eyes. She had no idea how Zhan Mohan had found this place.
"If you let me go now, perhaps I can tell my husband that nothing happened, and we can drop this matter."
In her heart, Wei Yumeng did not wish for Zhan Mohan to develop any serious animosity with Ms. Bao's company. In the business world, encountering people was inevitable, and having one more friend was better than having one more enemy.
From outside, Zhan Mohan's voice continued, "Fang Xun, buy this entire establishment. Let's see who dares to block me."
Soon after, the manager rushed over.
"Mr. Zhan, I am truly sorry. It was our fault for not recognizing you. Please do not be offended."
The manager then looked at the nearby staff. "Why are you still blocking the way? The entire coffee shop now belongs to Mr. Zhan."
The staff hesitated, but they could no longer obstruct him and grudgingly stepped aside from the private room's entrance.
"Ms. Bao, you're running out of time to think."
Zhan Mohan's footsteps grew closer outside, followed by the sound of him turning the doorknob.
The door to the private room finally opened.
"Yumeng!" Zhan Mohan's expression was still tinged with worry. He couldn't let Wei Yumeng be in danger.
However, Wei Yumeng simply turned to him. "Mohan, why are you here?"
Zhan Mohan looked at the scene with surprise. A woman sat opposite Wei Yumeng, with various documents spread on the table between them. They were clearly discussing business.
But what he had overheard in the coffee shop suggested otherwise.
"Mr. Zhan, it's a pleasure to see you here," Ms. Bao said politely as she stood up.
Yet, a cold sweat had broken out on her forehead. She couldn't let Zhan Mohan see her waver, or she would have truly failed and lost everything.