unedited
…..
“It is affecting the world market.” Herman, the eldest, answered. “The prices all over the world are affected by the current situation. Of course, we are doing our best to cope, just like every other oil company.”
“That is right,” Leon said. “We are doing our best, along with everyone else.”
“Do you think… is there a way to stop this?”
“No,” Leon answered. “At least not now. Maybe soon.”
“Hmmm.” Lily nodded. “To be honest, I agree with you. It will be difficult to focus on stopping them. I truly hope that someday, this will change.” However, an idea seemed to sprout in Lily’s mind. Surely, these pirates are selling the oil in the black market, right? She immediately wondered if Zhou Jingren knew something about this matter.
Now that Lily thought about it, Lilian always said that she does not like involving herself in shady deals and the black market. However… that is almost impossible considering the success of her business. At one point, Lilian must have known people in the black market too. However, if she was involved in the black market, George would surely mention this to Lily.
After a few minutes with the group, Lily was able to see two things. First, Leon and his eldest son are very knowledgeable in their business and two the second son is not here for the business but to open more opportunities for his fiance. Of course, Lily could understand why he wanted his fiance to get close to Lily.
“What is this?” Lily smiled at the box that Miss Montez gave her.
“A bangle from Bvlgari’s latest collection. It is a small token for welcoming us in this country.”
“Oh! Thank you.” She opened it and smiled at the rose gold bracelet with a couple of diamonds and pearls. She then gave it to Yang Mi so she could keep it. “That is so sweet of you.”
“You may not know this, but she is extremely close to the CEO of Bvlgari and even modeled for their campaign last year.” Her fiance said as pride swirled over him.
“Impressive,” Lily said, a little irritated at how the two would always interrupt her conversation with Leon and Herman. Are they really this oblivious that Lily is not that interested in talking about jewelry, bags, and this woman’s advocacy? Still, Lily smiled, her face not showing an iota of the irritation bubbling inside her.
Again, the conversation focused on Rein Corneel and his fiance. This continued until everyone finished their dinner. As Lily was not planning to antagonize everyone, she kept her mouth shut. Instead, she kept observing Leon and Herman’s reactions, scrutinizing their facial expressions as they listened to Athalia and Rein praise each other’s achievements. This continued until Lily decided to end the night and leave with Yang Mi and Qin Yuanfeng.
“That woman — They actually dared to bring someone like her in front of me.” She gritted her teeth as she sat inside the car. “They wanted to divert my attention so I would not ask some questions about the oil industry while we are dining.”
“Maybe they are just uncomfortable talking about their industry while eating?” Qin Yuanfeng said.
“Uncomfortable?” Lily lifted an eyebrow. “They must have forgotten that they wanted me to buy their company. They are here to convince me, not the other way around.” She uttered. These people have underestimated her and it is irritating every bone in her body. The ride towards the peak was full of silence as Lily thought of ways to stop this deal.
At this point, she already knew that Leon does not want this deal to happen. From bringing that woman, to the lack of interest in his eyes and his lack of enthusiasm. Everything about him was just so rude.
“The man is known as a misogynist.” Qin Yuanfeng said after a few minutes of silence. “Talking to a woman whose accomplishment and status is clearly above his… must have upset him. Your presence must have made him feel horrible. Maybe it has nothing to do with his business decisions.”
“Why are you defending him?”
“I am not.” Qin Yuanfeng shrugged. “This is based on research.”
“Screw research,” Lily said. They just arrived outside of the mansion. Without having second thoughts, she walked out of the car and went to her room to talk to her husband. Seeing this, Qin Yuanfeng just shook his head and followed Lily out of the car to go to his own room.
“Hey,” she kissed him before sitting on his lap. Her hands immediately tangled on his neck. “What are you doing?” she smiled. The irritation that she showed earlier vanished.
“I just arrived. I am reviewing some stuff from the presentation earlier. How was your dinner?” he asked.
“Boring.” She shrugged and kissed his temple. “Are you busy?”
He stared at her face for a few seconds before shaking his head helplessly. “What do you need me to do?”
“Hey! You are making it sound as if I am only doing this because I need something.”
“You only do this if you need something.” He chuckled. “That is a fact.” He wrapped his arms on her waist.
“I am not.”
“Then tell me… when was the last time that you sat on my lap? Hmm?” he lifted an eyebrow.
“That is only because… I am getting heavier.” She reasoned.
“And when was the last time that you held me like this?”
“That is only because my tummy is getting bigger… If I do this — ” She pressed her body against his. “You see? My tummy is not very comfortable.”
“Mrs. Zhou is really getting smarter and smarter every day.” Beaming, he pressed his lips against hers as his gaze turned gentle. “Do you want to ask something?”
“Heh… just a little information for research.”
“Research, eh?” he chuckled as he remembered how she always insisted that everything that she does is just a part of so-called research. For some reason, he found these actions adorable.
“Hmmm.” She nodded as if her life depended on it.
“Alright… let’s hear it.”
“I am curious… is there a way to hijack an oil tanker?” An evil gleam glinted in her eyes as she smiled. “You know… like what pirates do.”
….
Too sleepy. Will try to write another 5 chapters tomorrow.
Thank you for your support!
