Fu Jingshu stared at her, his deep gaze exuding immense pressure.
Shen Qingqing smiled faintly, "I know you are a very open-minded superior, and you certainly wouldn't exploit your employees. Besides, I just solved a difficult problem for you. Is it too much to ask for a day off?"
"Are you here to play?"
"What?"
Fu Jingshu asked again. Shen Qingqing frowned slightly, "What do you mean."
Fu Jingshu slowly rolled up his sleeves and looked at his watch. The second hand ticked, and his voice grew deeper. "If you're here to play, go back. If not, then follow instructions."
Having said that, Shen Qingqing couldn't refuse anymore. Otherwise, given this man's temper, he might just send her packing.
"Alright, I'll follow instructions."
Before they departed, Fu Jingshu had a formal gown sent to Shen Qingqing.
She put it on and, as she stepped out, Fu Jingshu, who was seated on the sofa, looked up. His gaze immediately turned profound. The woman was wearing a light blue evening gown. If red had made her appear resplendent, then blue made her appear exquisitely beautiful.
The blue color softened her inherent brilliance and sharpness, and coupled with her makeup for the day, she was gentle as water, captivating and moving.
"Master Fu?"
Hearing the woman's voice, Fu Jingshu withdrew his gaze, stood up, and said, "Let's go."
Shen Qingqing followed, finding his earlier glance very pleasing. After all, it was a silent compliment to her. Her mood improved considerably.
The two of them left and got into the car. The drive, about twenty minutes long, led them to a manor.
Upon alighting, Shen Qingqing was momentarily stunned. It was none other than Xi Rang Manor!
She curved her lips slightly. It seemed everything was falling into place effortlessly.
Fu Jingshu walked to the entrance and raised his right hand. Shen Qingqing, acting in a natural manner, offered her hand and placed it in his arm. As they crossed the threshold, they immediately drew everyone's attention.
It was already unusual for the renowned Master Fu to be seen with a woman, let alone one so beautiful and radiant.
With varied thoughts swirling in their minds, it appeared that Master Fu was no longer averse to women.
Given his status, as soon as they entered, someone approached to greet them and ushered them to their seats. Shen Qingqing observed that everyone at their table was a prominent figure.
Outside, they were bosses whom others fawned over. In front of Fu Jingshu, however, they were the ones bowing subserviently.
The host of the evening was none other than the President of Lin Group, Lin Shengfeng. As the host, he naturally rose to welcome them, but upon seeing the woman beside Fu Jingshu, his words carried a hint of probing.
"This young lady is so beautiful. May I ask where Master Fu found such a treasure?"
Fu Jingshu did not reply.
The atmosphere became momentarily awkward.
To ease the tension, someone interjected humorously, "If she weren't beautiful, she wouldn't have the honor of standing beside Master Fu. We all wondered why Master Fu never kept women before; now we know his standards are just too high."
"Master Fu wouldn't be interested in anyone less than stunning."
"But since Master Fu has a companion, why haven't we heard of her? Could it be that..."
The others exchanged glances and smiled with knowing comprehension.
If she was kept hidden from public view, she could only be a mistress.
Shen Qingqing maintained a proper smile, but her hand lightly squeezed Fu Jingshu's arm, signaling him to explain. Surely, this man wouldn't want his reputation tarnished by misunderstanding.
Just then, someone handed him a glass of wine. Fu Jingshu took it, glanced at Shen Qingqing, and his gaze swept over her face. "Indeed, she is very beautiful."
Shen Qingqing doubted her hearing and looked at him abruptly.
His statement seemed out of place, but to everyone present, a lack of denial was tantamount to an admission.
No one noticed a young woman approaching from not far away. Dressed in a princess gown, the delicate-looking girl had overheard their conversation. She carefully scrutinized Shen Qingqing and then let out a disdainful cold laugh.
Several bosses engaged Fu Jingshu in conversation, while Shen Qingqing played the role of a dutiful mascot, smiling constantly and remaining silent, appearing remarkably well-behaved.
This earned her the envy of some of the bosses.
Finding a beautiful and well-behaved mistress was no easy feat.
"Daddy!"
A clear voice rang out.
It was Lin Shengfeng's daughter, Lin Youtian. She was beautiful, with delicate features, and even her voice sounded as clear as a yellow oriole's. Though in her twenties, she looked no older than eighteen.
Lin Shengfeng chuckled, "My dear daughter is here."
Lin Youtian greeted all the uncles and aunties present, then looked at Fu Jingshu, her face beaming, "Master Fu, you're here."
Fu Jingshu gave a slight nod, acknowledging her.
Despite his coolness, any response was good. Lin Youtian's smile became even brighter. She didn't sit beside her father but moved to sit next to Shen Qingqing.
"Sister, it's your first time here, I'm afraid you might feel reserved, so I'll sit with you."
Shen Qingqing didn't actually feel reserved, but since it was the young lady's kind gesture, she didn't refuse.
As soon as Lin Youtian sat down, she raised her glass, "Sister, you're so beautiful. Let me toast you."
"I have a poor tolerance for alcohol, so I'll have to decline," Shen Qingqing politely refused.
Lin Youtian, however, was very enthusiastic, "Sister, don't worry. Everyone here is considered family. These uncles and aunties watched me grow up. You're someone Master Fu brought, so you're our guest. It's okay even if you drink too much; I'll take care of you."
Without further ado, she placed the glass into Shen Qingqing's hand.
Shen Qingqing narrowed her eyes slightly and glanced at Fu Jingshu. After all, this was his business dinner, and it was best not to escalate the situation. So, she drank it.
It was a gesture of respect to Lin Youtian.
To her surprise, Lin Youtian was relentless and poured her another glass, "Sister, I'm very curious. Master Fu is so busy with so many engagements every day. Does he always bring you along?"
Before Shen Qingqing could answer, she continued on her own.
"But what kind of job do you have that allows you to accompany Master Fu every day?"
"Or perhaps, Sister, you don't need to work. Then how do you support yourself? Oh... I forgot. With Master Fu around, you surely wouldn't have to worry about food or shelter."
This seemingly adorable girl's words were laced with sarcasm, implying Shen Qingqing had climbed her way up through her body. Her tongue was undeniably venomous.
Shen Qingqing endured it out of consideration for Fu Jingshu.
However, she didn't want to listen any longer and excused herself to go to the restroom. To her surprise, upon exiting, she encountered Lin Youtian in the corridor.
The sweetness from earlier vanished, replaced by a cold sneer, "Get away from Master Fu!"
Shen Qingqing said slowly, "You've finally shown your true colors."
"Who do you think you are, daring to come to a dinner like this? Shameless." Lin Youtian's voice was sweet, but her words were sharp as knives. "Do you think Master Fu favors you just because he brought you along? You're nothing but a dirty whore who used her body to get ahead!"