"You, you're too prone to self-deprecation. A slight disturbance can shatter your confidence."
"Alright, stop looking so glum. Go do some work. Come with me somewhere after work."
"Where to?"
"You'll know when we get there."
Min'er knew that Ke Teng looking for her meant no good. She wondered what unpleasant task he would assign her.
She spent the day with a heavy heart and finally, it was time to leave work.
Everyone else had left. Ke Teng sent her a WeChat message, asking her to come to the office.
Upon entering, she saw a beautiful bag on his desk.
"Find a place to change into this outfit. Hurry. We're leaving."
Was it some important event that required changing clothes?
Despite her apprehension, Min'er obediently changed.
It was a black evening gown made of high-quality fabric.
Ke Teng had personally chosen it for her, considering her temperament.
Black naturally exuded elegance and sophistication. Paired with black high heels and matching crystal earrings,
Min'er transformed from a mere office clerk into a radiant and dignified lady.
Ke Teng was very pleased with her appearance. He stood up and took a look.
"You can drink, right?"
"Huh? Are we going to a cocktail party?"
"Something like that. It's okay if you can't drink. You'll be meeting your dear Zhan Bei Jue soon."
"If you can't drink, just lean into him, lean in hard."
Nan Shang Bank was a local private bank in Nancheng.
Although its scale was not as large as the state-owned banks, its policies were very accommodating.
To expand its business, they could always negotiate favorable interest rates during collaborations.
Thus, they had been cooperating with the Zhan Corporation for a long time.
For this financing, Zhan Bei Jue had specifically thought of them.
Zhou Jinbei had helped arrange the meeting for today.
At six in the afternoon, Zhan Bei Jue was discussing matters with Director Zou of Nan Shang Bank at a club.
After settling down and exchanging pleasantries, Zhan Bei Jue got straight to the point.
He hoped that based on their past cooperation, the loan interest rate could be reduced by 0.5 percent.
Given the magnitude of the project, even a minor adjustment in decimal points could save a considerable amount, and a 0.5 percent reduction required significant leverage.
Director Zou was not as forthright and decisive as usual.
After Zhan Bei Jue finished speaking, he began to deflect with vague talk.
He first discussed industry trends, then the global pandemic that had swept the world in the past two years, subtly hinting at the difficulties of doing business.
It seemed he found Zhan Bei Jue's request too demanding.
Did Zhan Bei Jue not understand his intentions?
He joked.
"Even you bankers are crying poverty. If other small startup entrepreneurs heard this, they'd think Nancheng was finished."
"Alright, we've cooperated so many times. There's no need to beat around the bush. If you have difficulties, just say so. I'll help as much as I can. You know my sincerity."
"Yes, yes. President Zhan is generous and dislikes indirectness. He's a rare good partner, and I enjoy working with you."
"But..."
"Director Zou, do you have something you can't say?"
"How should I put it?"
Director Zou wore a troubled expression and glanced at the door.
Zhan Bei Jue realized someone else was expected.
That old scoundrel, Zou, had also invited a third party to drive down the price.
Just as he was wondering who had such audacity, the door to the private room was pushed open precisely on time.
The moment he saw the person, Zhan Bei Jue's eyes narrowed slightly.
He thought to himself: It's him indeed.
Ke Teng had recovered quite well.
After such a major accident, he now looked almost the same as before.
Still as young and handsome, but judging by his gait and expression, he seemed to carry more aggression than before.
"Apologies, Director Zou. The traffic was a bit heavy. I'm late."
Old Director Zou stood up, first exchanging pleasantries with him, then turning to Zhan Bei Jue.
"President Zhan, I'm truly sorry for not informing you in advance. I was just..."
"Since we all know each other, why don't we not talk about work today? Let's just treat it as a casual gathering of friends. I hope you don't mind."
Would it matter if he minded? The person was already here.
Besides, he owed him a favor.
Zhan Bei Jue stood up, extended his hand, and said in a calm tone.
"Young Master Ke. Long time no see."
He had heard from Shen Min'er that his accident was quite severe.
To his surprise, upon seeing him today, this old man was still so robust.
Ke Teng glanced at him, shook hands with Director Zou first, and then turned to him.
"Indeed, it's been a long time. I heard President Zhan got married. Congratulations."
"Thank you. I didn't expect to see you today. If I had known, I would have brought her along."
"Nan Fang has been very worried about you, always wanting to visit you."
Showing off their affection?
Was this a power play?
Ke Teng smiled.
"I know. She's busy, so it's normal that she couldn't make time. Don't worry, I won't hold it against her."
"Come, have a seat."
After speaking, he called out towards the door.
"Come in, why are you standing there like a fool?"
A graceful, slender figure in black drifted in.
Zhan Bei Jue raised an eyebrow and saw it was that girl, Shen Min'er.
She was dressed beautifully.
This outfit suited her very well.
She looked like a well-bred lady from a distinguished family.
However, he felt a pang of displeasure.
Why was she with Ke Teng?
She was just a small office worker. For Ke Teng to notice her so quickly showed he had put in effort behind the scenes.
How foolish of Min'er to go with him, knowing he was using her.
"This is Director Zou, and this is our company's pride and joy, Sister Shen Min'er."
"Min'er, greet Director Zou."
Min'er walked to Ke Teng's side and politely bowed to Director Zou.
"Hello, Director Zou. It's an honor to meet you."
Old Zou was quite old. Judging by his appearance, he could easily be her father.
Yet, he wore a shameless smile.
"Hello. Ke Corporation is recruiting talent again. You have good judgment."
"Where did you find such a beautiful female employee? Recommend a few to our bank sometime."
Ke Teng smiled and said, "Is that hard to do?"
Then, he grabbed Shen Min'er's shoulder and made her turn to look at Zhan Bei Jue.
"I don't need to introduce this gentleman, do I?"
Min'er looked timid, not daring to look directly at Zhan Bei Jue.
"Ge."
Zhan Bei Jue ignored her.
Ke Teng led Min'er to sit on the sofa between them.
He sat next to Zhan Bei Jue, and Min'er sat next to Director Zou.
"I heard Shen Min'er is your sister, so I thought since there's no one else here today, I'd bring her along."
"President Zhan, you are blessed. So many sisters, each more beautiful than the last. You're usually so low-key, we never knew."
Whether Min'er was forced or willingly approached Ke Teng, it was not good news for Zhan Bei Jue.
He didn't want to hide his displeasure.
He did not respond to Ke Teng.
Seeing that he showed no surprise or warmth, but rather this attitude, Min'er felt a sense of disappointment.
As Ke Teng said those words, Min'er felt embarrassed and took the initiative to respond.
"What kind of sister am I? President Zhan is flattering me. We are not related by blood, so it's normal you don't know."
"Oh? You are not related by blood?"
Ke Teng put on a show of enjoying the drama.
"Then how did you become sisters?"