<h4>Chapter 1057: Chapter 1064: Liu Wei’s Request</h4>


    "How dare you say so," Gong Meiling nced toward the kitchen door and chided in a low voice, "You brought a woman back home for the night without giving us any heads up, leaving uspletely unprepared. Ling Chen, it’s not that Grandma is criticizing you, but even though society is very open now, you still shouldn’t be so reckless. You should at least consider the family’s feelings."


    Hearing this, Ling Chen finally understood and hurriedly exined, "Grandma, you’ve got it all wrong, nothing happened between Sister Xiyao and me."


    "Sister Xiyao?" Gong Meiling eximed in surprise, "You found a woman older than you?"


    "No, Grandma, as I said, it’s not what you think. Sister Xiyao is just staying here temporarily because she’s encountering some trouble."


    Gong Meiling asked in half-belief, "Really?"


    "Grandma, how would I dare lie to you," Ling Chen spread his hands, looking innocent.


    "Who knows, you little rascal didn’t inherit any of your dad’s good qualities."


    As they spoke, Yang Qingling brought Liu Xiyao down from upstairs. Hearing footsteps, Ling Chen bit into his bread and walked toward the kitchen door. He saw Liu Xiyao had changed into a light purple coat with light-colored jeans, her smooth long hair cascaded over her shoulders, making her look fresh and elegant.


    Last night at Tianyu Leisure Club, Liu Xiyao wore heavy makeup, though it couldn’t hide her beauty. However, Liu Xiyao without makeup was even more radiant, like a mature flower in full bloom, exuding her fragrance and charm freely.


    "Mom!" Sensing Yang Qingling’s slightly reproachful gaze, Ling Chen stered on a smile and quickly went over.


    "Alright, let’s have breakfast first. Xiyao, we made egg custard today, I wonder if you’d like it?"


    "Auntie, I’m not picky."


    "That’s good." Once seated, Yang Qingling instructed, "Ling Chen, after breakfast, go to the market and buy some groceries. Get whatever Xiyao likes to eat, understood?"


    Hearing this, Liu Xiyao hurriedly chimed in, "Auntie, there’s no need to go to all that trouble. I’m already incredibly grateful that you let me stay here."


    "Please don’t say that." Yang Qingling said, "You’re Ling Chen’s friend, treat this ce as your home, stay as long as you want, don’t think too much."


    After breakfast, Ling Chen checked the time and then took Liu Xiyao back to her ce to help her pack some clothes and also went to the market for groceries.


    ...


    Hongyu Group.


    Outside the chairman’s office, secretary Lan pushed open the door and walked to the desk with a stack of documents, looking at the busy Nanrong Wanqing. "Chairman, these are the documents that need signing."


    "Leave them there, I’ll look at themter," Nanrong Wanqing said without lifting her head.


    "Chairman, there’s one more thing. A man named Liu Wei called earlier, wanting to meet you. Would you like to schedule a time with him?"


    "Liu Wei?" Nanrong Wanqing lifted her head and asked, "Who is he?"


    "He said he’s from the Liu Family."


    "The Liu Family, huh?" Nanrong Wanqing frowned slightly and muttered, "We’ve already severed business ties with the Liu Family. What’s he looking for me for?" After a moment’s thought, Nanrong Wanqing said, "Alright, have hime overter, I’ll find time to see him."


    Lan nodded in agreement, "Okay."


    An hour passed, and a gentle knock on the office door was heard.


    "Come in!"


    As Nanrong Wanqing finished speaking, two people stepped in, a man and a woman, one being Lan, the other being Liu Wei, the owner of Tianyu Leisure Club.


    "Chairman Nanrong, hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you." Liu Wei stepped forward and greeted with a smile.


    "Mr. Liu." Nanrong Wanqing stood up, maintaining a subtle smile on her beautiful face, extending her hand. "Please, have a seat. Lan, could you make a cup of coffee for Mr. Liu?"


    "Thank you!"


    As the two sat down, Nanrong Wanqing straightforwardly asked, "Mr. Liu, is there something you need from me this time?"


    "Chairman Nanrong, it’s like this, Hongyu Group used to be closely partnered with the Liu Family, butter on, for several reasons, our business rtions were cut off. Now, our Liu Family is nning to expand into East Sea City, and since Chairman Nanrong and us have worked together before, I wanted to ask if you’re willing to continue working with the Liu Family?"


    "Mr. Liu, if you’vee to me about this, then I’m afraid I can only say I’m sorry. Hongyu Group already has partners, and the East Sea City market is already saturated. If I’m not mistaken, the industry the Liu Family is in is quite simr to Hongyu Group’s. Putting personal interests aside, just from a friend’s perspective, it’s not a suitable time for the Liu Family to enter East Sea City. Mr. Liu, I suggest you explore other cities where the opportunities might be greater than in East Sea."


    Nanrong Wanqing’s meaning was clear, and any smart person could hear her polite refusal.


    "Mr. Liu, your coffee." At this moment, Lan came over with a freshly brewed cup of coffee.


    "Thank you!"


    Liu Wei nodded, then turned to Nanrong Wanqing and said, "Miss Nanrong, could I talk to you alone? Just for a short while, I promise I won’t take up much of your valuable time."


    Nanrong Wanqing hesitated for a moment and then nodded, "No problem. Lan, you can go now."


    After Lan left the office, Liu Wei reached into his suit pocket and took out an exquisite wooden cigar case, picking a cigar from it.


    "Chairman Nanrong, do you mind?"


    Nanrong Wanqing smiled and said, "Please, Mr. Liu."


    Liu Wei lit the cigar, took a puff, and exhaled smoke before saying, "Chairman Nanrong, let me speak frankly. I believe you’ve heard about the Liu Family’s current situation. While we’re not what we used to be, it doesn’t mean we can’t rise again. As long as Chairman Nanrong is willing to lend a helping hand, the Liu Family will surely regain its former glory."


    "Mr. Liu, it’s not that I’m unwilling to help. If it were something else, for old times’ sake, I would undoubtedly lend a hand. But partnerships aren’t child’s y, and I also have a responsibility to my current partners. If the Liu Family joins, it would inevitably divide the profit of others. Mr. Liu, if you were in my ce, I suppose you wouldn’t agree either. Therefore, I really can’t help you with this matter."


    Despite Nanrong Wanqing’s rejection, Liu Wei didn’t mind andughed, "Chairman Nanrong, don’t be so quick to decide, I believe I can make you change your mind." Saying this, Liu Wei puffed on his cigar and gently exhaled toward Nanrong Wanqing.


    Smelling the faintly fragrant smoke, Nanrong Wanqing waved her hand and said, "Mr. Liu, I have another important meetingter. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave first."