Volume One, Chapter 19: What Do You Think You Are?

“Let the Lin Group handle the project,” Xu Qing said.

Bai Yulan smiled and replied, “Alright, I’ll make the arrangements. How about coming over for dinner with your sister-in-law later? I’d like to get to know her.”

“Okay,” Xu Qing responded, indifferent.

After hanging up, Xu Qing turned to Lin Xia and said, “President Bai said she wants to have dinner with you tonight.”

“That would truly be my honor!” Lin Xia was overjoyed.

She hadn’t expected this at all. Who would have thought that after Tan Qiutong’s provocations, the project initially meant for her would be handed over to the Lin Group instead, and Bai Yulan would also want to dine with her?

Secretary Liu rolled his eyes, his expression mocking. “You guys talk as if a casual phone call could change the Bai family’s decision. Ridiculous!”

Tan Qiutong frowned slightly. “Lin Xia, this isn’t the first time Xu Qing has lied. Don’t be fooled by him.”

Previously, Xu Qing claimed he secured the Deep Water Bay project for the Tan Group, but in truth, Ding Changqing had arranged it. Yet, Xu Qing shamelessly took credit.

And now, the same old act again. When would it end?

To Tan Qiutong, Xu Qing was nothing but a complete fraud, all smooth talk designed to deceive women.

Lin Xia scoffed. “Tan Qiutong, I think you’re the one who’s blind and has misjudged people. Thanks to you, I’ve got Xu Qing—what good fortune! You’re the one being fooled.”

Seeing Lin Xia’s smug look and Xu Qing’s gentle gaze toward her, Tan Qiutong felt increasingly bitter.

“Good fortune… More like bad luck,” Ding Changqing interjected unexpectedly.

Regardless of who actually secured the Deep Water Bay project for the Tan Group, Ding Changqing truly couldn’t understand how these female CEOs could fall for Xu Qing, a man living off others.

Tan Qiutong sighed. “Xu Qing, Ding Shao never brags. That’s the difference.”

Xu Qing’s face turned cold as he sneered, “If that’s what you think, so be it.”

Even before, Xu Qing wasn’t inclined to explain much, and now, with no lingering feelings for Tan Qiutong, he was even less interested.

Just then, a tall, burly young man wearing sunglasses entered.

He wore a gold chain around his neck and a flashy shirt, looking more like a hooligan than a merchant’s son.

“Well, well, this place is lively!” Fang Cheng swaggered in, a cocky smile on his face, a cigarette dangling from his lips as his eyes scanned the room behind his dark glasses.

This was Bai family’s event—no one should be causing trouble here.

Yet, some recognized this man immediately—

Fang Cheng, son of Fang Wuye, the underground kingpin of Bi City.

Fang Cheng’s gaze settled on Tan Qiutong, unable to look away, his eyes burning with desire.

“Tsk tsk… This trip wasn’t for nothing!” he muttered.

Flicking away his cigarette, he approached Tan Qiutong with a smile. “Hey, pretty lady, haven’t we met before? You look familiar.”

A flash of displeasure crossed Tan Qiutong’s eyes, but she ignored him.

“Beautiful, since fate’s brought us together, how about dinner after this boring meeting?” Fang Cheng suggested, utterly disregarding everyone’s stares, focused solely on Tan Qiutong.

“No interest,” she replied coolly.

Already upset by recent events, she found this nuisance irritating.

“Name your price. I don’t care how much it costs to get your attention. Money’s no problem for me,” Fang Cheng said with a sinister smile.

Tan Qiutong frowned, voice icy. “Get lost!”

“You’ve got spirit—I like that!” Fang Cheng’s excitement grew.

He reached out to touch her face.

Slap!

Tan Qiutong didn’t hesitate to strike his hand away, her tone cold. “Don’t touch me!”

The slap caught Fang Cheng off guard. Staring at his reddened hand, he exclaimed in disbelief, “You… you dared to hit me?”

His palm burned, and the spoiled heir’s expression darkened.

“You were rude first, you deserve it!” Tan Qiutong retorted sharply.

Fang Cheng growled, “Hmph! You’re asking for it! Don’t think I don’t hit women!”

Just as he moved to strike, Ding Changqing pushed him aside.

Ding Changqing’s temper flared. “Who do you think you are, causing trouble in Bi City’s Financial Center? This is a Bai family event!”

No one else from the Bai family paid attention, which puzzled him somewhat. But since Tan Qiutong was the woman he cared about, he wouldn’t let her be bullied in front of him.

“So what? I’m here to settle scores with Bai Yulan. Who do you think you are to stop me?” Fang Cheng snapped.

Ding Changqing snorted and provocatively challenged, “And what if I stop you? What rat hole did you crawl out of? Show me what you’ve got!”

“You’re asking for death!”

Fang Cheng didn’t hold back. He swung a punch at Ding Changqing’s face.

Ding Changqing wasn’t stupid—he dodged and countered with a punch to Fang Cheng’s face.

Ding Changqing’s blow was powerful, staggering Fang Cheng back several steps, nearly falling to the floor.

Fang Cheng’s face stung, and when he touched beneath his nose, he felt warm blood.

Ding Changqing boasted, “You’re just a street punk thinking you can fight me? Laughable! I’m a trained fighter!”

Secretary Liu quickly chimed in, “Well done, Young Master Ding! This kind of scumbag deserves a beating!”

“Good hit!”

“This place shouldn’t allow these thugs in—well done!”

Those unaware of Fang Cheng’s identity applauded, much to Ding Changqing’s delight.

He couldn’t let this chance to play hero pass by!

“Kid, do you know who I am?” Fang Cheng’s face darkened with menace, teeth clenched.

Ding Changqing ignored him, snarling, “I don’t care who you are! If you don’t want to die, get lost!”

“Fine! Just fine! You better not leave. You all wait for me!” Fang Cheng spat these words and quickly turned to leave.

Ding Changqing sneered, watching his retreating back. “Anyone can talk big. You’re just a blabbering fool! Let’s see how you’ll make me look bad!”

“Young Master Ding, you’re amazing! You knocked that punk down with one punch!” Secretary Liu flattered.

Ding Changqing basked in the praise, proudly saying, “Someone that lazy and arrogant? Ten of them wouldn’t stand a chance!”

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