Even after following Sheng Shuocheng for so many years, Zhang Yi still found it extremely astonishing.
Jiang Li's attitude was straightforward and clear. She intended to leverage the fact that she had saved Sheng Shuocheng's life last time to ask for conditions.
According to Sheng Shuocheng's temper and disposition, he should have flung his sleeves and left.
But surprisingly, he didn't get angry. Instead, he allowed Jiang Li to continue her nonsense, which completely caught Zhang Yi off guard.
Even though his mind was in turmoil, he could only stand silently to one side.
"Since Miss Jiang is so candid, let's not waste any time." Sheng Shuocheng lowered his head and twirled the jade ring on his thumb. "What do you want? Just say it."
Jiang Li smiled brightly and didn't beat around the bush. "Mr. Sheng, you've recently been planning to invest in a film and television company, haven't you?"
"Yes, I do have such an intention." Sheng Shuocheng replied casually with a faint smile in his eyes.
Jiang Li sat up straight, her eyes shining brightly. "You should have investigated my background and know that I'm an artist of Jiangyu Entertainment."
"Currently in Beicheng, Jiangyu Entertainment has a certain influence. The company is relatively mature at present and has a very good development prospect in the future. It's a suitable investment target."
Her voice was firm and decisive, without any hesitation. She directly stated her purpose. "If possible, I hope you'll choose Jiangyu Entertainment."
Sheng Shuocheng looked at her, his gaze deep. "There's also Haiyin in Beicheng that has development prospects."
Jiang Li smiled immediately, her words full of confidence. "But the artists of Haiyin aren't as lucky as I am to have you owe them a favor, right?"
...
This meal was very relaxing. Sheng Shuocheng, who usually talked very little, unexpectedly took the initiative to chat with Jiang Li a few times today and would patiently listen to her from time to time.
When the meal was over, Jiang Li took out a tissue, wiped the corner of her mouth, and brought the topic back. "Regarding my request, you can consider it carefully. I believe that even without this favor between you and me, Jiangyu Entertainment is still a good choice for you."
Sheng Shuocheng looked at her and chuckled softly. "Miss Jiang, people are all selfish. The favor I owe you shouldn't be used to benefit others."
What he meant was to persuade her to ask for a condition for herself instead of going all out for a company that had nothing to do with her.
"How do you know that what I'm doing isn't for my own benefit?" She was very beautiful, and when she smiled, it was even more charming. The two shallow dimples on her face were really endearing.
Sheng Shuocheng's temple twitched.
He rested his arm on the table and tapped the table with his bent index finger. His brows showed calmness and composure. "Miss Jiang, I rarely want to make friends with kids. You're an exception."
Jiang Li immediately straightened her back.
"However, I'm sorry."
In an instant, all the hopes in Jiang Li's mind crashed, leaving only blankness.
...
When Jiang Li came out of the restaurant, her face was still pale.
She couldn't figure out which part had gone wrong. In the end, Sheng Shuocheng still rejected her request.
She recalled every word she had said to Sheng Shuocheng countless times in her mind but still couldn't find the problem.
Somehow, it started to snow in Beicheng.
Jiang Li's steps were a bit unsteady. She always felt that everything just now was an unrealistic dream.
Sheng Shuocheng seemed to agree with her at first, but in the end, he still rejected her mercilessly.
She should have guessed earlier that her meager skills were no match for Sheng Shuocheng.
Jiang Li pulled up the collar of her overcoat to prevent the snowflakes and cold wind from getting in and walked forward with her head down.
The man was tall and straight. At this moment, he was casually leaning against the car door, his eyes falling on her faintly.
There was already a thin layer of snow on the ground. When he stepped on it, it made a "creaking" sound.
"Jiang Li." The man's voice was very recognizable. It sounded even deeper and more pleasant in the snowy night.
He had been waiting for her for God knows how long.
Jiang Li looked up and stood still, looking at him with cold eyes.
Her slender and frail body stood under the street lamp. Although she was wrapped in a thick off - white overcoat, she still didn't look bulky.
She was so thin that it seemed as if a gust of wind could blow her away.
"Get in the car." Xiao Yanzhi's voice was expressionless. He had already guessed the result of this time. "I'll take you home."
---
In the private room of the restaurant.
Only Sheng Shuocheng and Zhang Yi were left in the room, and the atmosphere instantly became cold.
"Mr. Sheng, I'm a bit confused about your intention." Zhang Yi had held it in for the whole evening, but finally couldn't help but ask. "Do you plan to help Miss Jiang or not?"
Sheng Shuocheng lowered his eyes and looked at the cup of tea that Jiang Li had poured for him. His eyes gradually softened.
"Xiao Zhang, do you have a child?"
Being asked this question by Sheng Shuocheng, Zhang Yi paused for a moment and looked a bit uncomfortable. "Not yet."
Zhang Yi had been following Sheng Shuocheng for so many years, constantly running around for work. Where had he had the time to take care of his family?
"You can consider having a child."
After he finished the tea, he said calmly, "You handle the investment matter."
Zhang Yi was stunned for a few seconds.
"Okay, Mr. Sheng. I'll go and handle it right away."
---
In the next few days, Jiang Li was a bit absent - minded.
She wasn't sad because Sheng Shuocheng had rejected her. Instead, she didn't know where her problem lay.
More importantly, she had lost an opportunity.
An opportunity to negotiate on an equal footing with Xiao Yanzhi.
Qin Yaoyao somehow heard about this and was extremely happy. She kept going to the president's office for no reason.
Rumors gradually spread in the company, saying that Jiang Li's work efficiency had declined and that her confident promise had finally backfired on herself.
One afternoon, when Jiang Li had just finished filming outside and passed by Qin Yaoyao's seat, Qin Yaoyao suddenly stood up and blocked her way.
"Sister Jiang Li, I heard that you didn't succeed in negotiating the cooperation with the old President Sheng that night, right?"
There was still a hint of consolation in her tone. "But it's normal. I heard that the old President Sheng is extremely suspicious and hard to trust others. It's only natural that the negotiation didn't succeed. You don't need to blame yourself too much."
"Ayan doesn't blame you either. Just relax."
If it weren't for the gloating in her words, one might really have believed her consolation.
Jiang Li gave her a cold look and then turned around and entered her own lounge.
Xiao Ye trotted after Jiang Li. After closing the door, she couldn't help but mutter softly, "A smug villain."
Jiang Li remained silent and just pressed her temples.
After a while, suddenly there was a knock on the door of the lounge. Xue An pushed the door open and came in, her voice full of joy. "Sister Jiang Li, Assistant Zhang is here. He's waiting for you in the office."
Jiang Li's eyes lit up. She immediately stood up and quickly walked towards the president's office.