I don't know if Pei Shi Yu mentioned the conflict between us to Director Li. Otherwise, neither publicly nor privately, he would have involved me.

After a moment of silence, just as I was about to speak, Director Li, thinking I was unwilling to go, explained everything clearly over the phone...

"Lin Che, in the future, I might have to bring you along whenever I go out for social engagements."

"Why?" I asked curiously.

"I'm not very good at holding my liquor. You've been around nightclubs, so you must be able to drink. Having you there can help me fend off drinks."

This reason made it difficult for me to refuse. In a way, I was going to protect him, and I was very willing to do that out of friendship.

"Alright then, tell me the address later. I'll take Xiao Wu and the others home and head straight over."

After I hung up, Xiao Wu asked, puzzled, "Aren't you taking us?"

"It wouldn't be fun. Pei Shi Yu will be there too, and everyone's seats will be arranged. I'm only going because I have to. Director Li wants me to fend off drinks; I can't refuse even if I wanted to."

"Then let's get off here," said A Cheng.

"Is that okay? Should I take you all the way?"

I said that, but the car had already pulled over to the side of the road. I transferred ten thousand yuan from my phone to Xiao Wu. It was easy enough for him to manage on his own, but with three people, the expenses would naturally be higher.

Although I had transferred the money, I was still worried about Xiao Wu, afraid he would squander it again. Before they got out of the car, I instinctively called out, "Xiao Wu..."

Xiao Wu seemed to understand me very well. With one hand on the door handle, he said with a smile, "I know, don't waste the money, tighten your belt."

I lightly patted his head and said, "Don't just talk; get out of the car."

After getting out, he leaned on the window and asked, "Brother Lin, how many days should this money last?"

"Spend it as you see fit, but deduct one hundred first."

"Brother Long," Xiao Wu immediately corrected.

"Too late!"

I left that sentence behind, and the car slowly started moving. My phone also received the address sent by Director Li. Perhaps the people at the recent gatherings were high-end, so they booked the best hotels in the provincial capital. The location was still a certain distance from me. It was already past five o'clock, and the whole city was jammed at this time. There was no way to go fast. I chose a route that was relatively longer but much wider.

When I arrived, I saw Director Li getting out of the car in the parking lot. I greeted him and asked, "You just got here too?"

"Yeah, how did you get here so fast?"

"I came straight here."

At this moment, I saw a familiar car body. The red, top-of-the-line BMW was Pei Shi Yu's car. The speed was very fast. I didn't know if she liked driving fast or if she had an emotional reaction when she saw me. It made me feel very uncomfortable.

"Shi Yu is here too. Let's wait for her for a while and go in together."

It didn't matter whether I answered or not. Director Li was already standing still, staring at her car. As soon as she got out of the car, he said with a smile, "Shi Yu, you drive fast enough."

I saw her just twitch her lips, her eyes never looking at me. In this awkward scene, I walked to the hotel boredly. They chatted behind me, and Pei Shi Yu's delicate voice came. The rhythm of her high heels on the ground made me feel more pressured as I walked in front.

The private room was as spacious as ever. We were the first to arrive. I chose to sit far away from them, keeping a right angle to Pei Shi Yu's seat, so that everyone wouldn't have to make awkward eye contact. She felt uncomfortable, and I was also afraid of her.

I picked up the cup and poured a cup of tea for Director Li first. Just as I sat down, I heard Director Li say, "Lin Che, pour a cup for Shi Yu too."

I was actually very unwilling to talk to her. I'm not stupid about that deliberate cold attitude. I glanced at her first, hoping she would just say no. I could be very diligent in serving Director Li, because he treated me like a friend.

Seeing that she didn't speak, I asked, "Do you want some?"

I stood half-up, looking at her. It seemed like she didn't intend to respond to me. The atmosphere was particularly tense, and I was in a dilemma with a humble attitude.

"Lin Che, in the future, when you are by my side, you have to act according to the situation. Don't ask others whether they want something or not. Just pour a cup."

Everyone understands the principle, but the problem is that the other party is Pei Shi Yu. Wouldn't it be redundant if I poured it and she disliked it!

I don't know if she was doing it on purpose or deliberately trying to embarrass me. Anyway, she had a very arrogant posture. The slap back then had already been returned a hundredfold. Since she gave me this opportunity, there was no need to always give me the cold shoulder. I felt it was a little too vindictive in such occasions, even if she usually ignored me.

There was nothing I could do, so I had to pick up the kettle again and put the poured boiled water in front of her.

"What's wrong between you two?" Director Li asked, puzzled.

Pei Shi Yu didn't answer, but I suddenly wanted to clear things up, taking advantage of this opportunity, because it was inevitable that we would meet in the future.

"We had a quarrel before, and it was very unpleasant..."

Pei Shi Yu, who had been silent all along, suddenly interrupted me in an icy tone: "Who quarreled with you? Don't make your own behavior sound so pleasant."

"Wasn't it caused by a quarrel? If you didn't intend to give the money, just say so. Why bother playing tricks? People earn hard-earned money, and you're not short of money. The other party came to us to ask for money. What's the difference between you and a nail户 (stubborn household)?"

"I paid for the renovation, but the quality was not up to standard, and you just dealt with it casually?"

"I also looked at the quality of the renovation. Your requirements are too harsh. Is it possible to tear it down and redo it according to your standards?"

My words may have angered her. She stood up from the chair, looking at me sharply, with a face full of contempt...

"This is a matter between me and the renovation company. What right do you have to interfere? I have the right to supervise the quality. You played hooligans for your own benefit, and you still have the nerve to bring it up! I'm embarrassed to even think about it. If it weren't for Director Li's sake, do you think you would be qualified to sit here!"

These words pierced my heart, as if she had reached the point of unbearable, looking at my expression as if I was very cheap.

I looked at her calmly. If I stayed in this room, then I would really be making things difficult for myself. I stood up with a thud, abandoning a timid look, and the decibel of my speech was also much higher.

"I'm really not qualified. If I have to force myself to be like this to earn some money, I'm not willing. I give up this cooperation with Director Li. In the future, as long as it's your family's business, I won't touch it..."

"Lin Che, what kind of attitude is this!"

I understand! Director Li can't afford to offend the woman in front of him either. I have already said my piece, and I have to be responsible for what I say.

I said to him in a very apologetic tone: "Director Li, I'm sorry! Anyway, the team is all your people. Just ask Lao Chen about the things on the construction site. There's nothing to explain at the beginning. Thank you for your care."