Volume One, Chapter 21: This Woman Actually Doesn't Believe Him

Li Nanxun knocked on the door, and a cool, pleasant voice came from within: "Enter."

Li Nanxun opened the door and said calmly to Shen Chiyan, who was busy working, "Mr. Shen, Secretary Song is here."

Shen Chiyan, perhaps too preoccupied, merely gave a faint "hmm" without even lifting his head.

Although this was not Song Qinian's first time in Shen Chiyan's office, she was struck every time by its air of opulence. Everything in the office was minimalist, restricted to shades of black, white, and gray, yet the quality of the materials and luxurious decor prevented it from appearing dull or rigid, lending it a grand, imposing atmosphere instead. On the walls hung several black-and-white paintings, all previously auctioned at art exhibitions, each valued at over half a million.

As a married couple, Shen Chiyan was dripping with wealth, while she was destitute down to the last penny.

Song Qinian’s gaze drifted unconsciously toward Shen Chiyan. He was wearing a black suit paired with a white shirt and a black tie.

A black tie!

Song Qinian’s heart trembled slightly. Others might not know, but she was acutely aware that the tie Shen Chiyan wore served as a barometer for his mood. For instance, when he was in a good mood, he would wear colorful ties, usually red or blue. This black tie signaled that Shen Chiyan was in a terrible mood, which meant she had to be 120 percent alert and extra cautious.

However, thinking back, ever since she married Shen Chiyan, he had worn nothing but black ties, with the sole exception of the blue-and-white one gifted to him by Lin Qiutong. Had he not experienced a single happy day in these past three years?

After finishing his work, Shen Chiyan looked up to see Song Qinian with her head bowed, nervously picking at her fingernails. With her expression hidden, he couldn't tell what she was thinking.

"If I find a single nail clipping on the floor, do you know what the consequences will be?"

The sudden sound of Shen Chiyan’s voice startled Song Qinian. She quickly hid her hands behind her back, as if fearing he might chop them off. Shen Chiyan’s brow furrowed even deeper. He stood up and walked toward her, his presence overwhelmingly oppressive. Song Qinian instinctively took a step back.

"Take one more step back, and I will throw you off the eighteenth floor!"

Terrified, Song Qinian dared not move. Why was this man always talking about chopping off her hands or throwing her off a building? Seeing that she was finally compliant, his expression softened slightly. "Do you know why I called you here?"

Song Qinian shook her head. She wasn't a mind reader; how could she possibly know his intentions?

"I want you to pose as my wife."

Song Qinian was stunned. Pose as his wife? She was already his wife—why would she need to pretend?

Shen Chiyan walked right up to her, as if reading her thoughts. "I am negotiating an important partnership that requires a devoted, loving wife. You are my wife, yes, but there is no love between us. So, we must feign affection. Do you understand?"

Song Qinian’s heart was pierced by his words. He felt no love for her, yet she loved him so deeply. Seeing her gaze lowered and receiving no response, Shen Chiyan’s handsome face darkened. "If you are unwilling, you can leave now."

Song Qinian immediately looked up at him and gestured hurriedly, "I am willing, but I have a condition..."

A mocking curve touched the corner of Shen Chiyan’s mouth. "You’re quite clever, knowing how to negotiate with me at a time like this."

Song Qinian bit her lip and, under his sharp, dark gaze, braced herself. "I want to work in the planning department."

"Oh?"

Wasn't this woman the one who, back then, insisted on being his secretary by leaning on his grandmother’s support just to be by his side every day? Why the sudden interest in the planning department?

"The planning department... the salary is higher!"

Shen Chiyan: "..."

Although Song Qinian was his private secretary, her salary was indeed the lowest in the Dingsheng Group. She knew clearly that only by establishing herself in a department could she gain some independence. She had majored in business administration in university and was very confident in her professional skills.

Shen Chiyan suddenly felt quite irritated. He didn't know what kind of scheme she was brewing, but thinking that she couldn't stir up much trouble under his watch, he sneered, "Fine. As long as you help me secure this partnership, I will let you join the planning department and give you a bonus."

At the mention of a bonus, Song Qinian’s eyes lit up—a look that, in Shen Chiyan’s view, perfectly exemplified the phrase "money-grubbing."

A flicker of contempt crossed his eyes. "At least one hundred thousand."

One hundred thousand!

Song Qinian was both excited and thrilled; her blood began to race. Dingsheng Group was truly a massive corporation to offer such a high bonus. If she had one hundred thousand, she could pay back half of what she owed Qinqin. As for the other half, if she worked hard, saved a little, or perhaps encountered another opportunity like this, she should be able to pay it off within a year or two.

Shen Chiyan frowned at her expressive face and poured cold water on her enthusiasm. "I should remind you that the prerequisite for joining the planning department and receiving that bonus is helping me close this deal. Don't start spending money before the task is even done."

Song Qinian nodded vigorously. Then, a thought occurred to her, and she gestured to him, "I have no problem with that, but what about you..."

"Devotion" required effort from both sides. She already loved him, but he disliked her—even loathed her. Could he treat her like a beloved wife?

As it turned out, Song Qinian’s concerns were unnecessary. This was Shen Chiyan’s proposal, and it concerned the major expansion of the Dingsheng Group into overseas markets. Even if he were reluctant, he knew where his priorities lay. However, since it involved her work and her bonus, Song Qinian decided it was better to be clear.

In Shen Chiyan’s eyes, Song Qinian was a timid mute whom he could mold at will. Seeing her be so insistent because of money for the first time, he found himself in a sudden, foul mood.

"If the partnership fails because of you, the bonus is gone, but I promise that your transfer to the planning department will still happen."

For Song Qinian, this was already good news. Regardless of whether the partnership succeeded, her salary would at least be higher than before.

"But... if it fails because of you, not only will there be no bonus, but you can forget about ever joining the planning department!"

The pressure was now entirely on Song Qinian. Yet, without pressure, there is no motivation. She nodded heavily. Then, thinking of something else, she gestured with great seriousness, "Words are not enough. We need it in writing."

Shen Chiyan: "..."

This woman actually didn't trust him? Perhaps it was for the best; a written agreement would keep things strictly professional, and Song Qinian would hopefully stop harboring unrealistic thoughts.

Shen Chiyan immediately had Li Nanxun prepare a contract. As he signed it, Song Qinian’s eyes remained fixed on his hand. Only when she saw the three characters "Shen Chiyan" on the paper did she let out a long, heavy sigh of relief.

Shen Chiyan tossed the contract toward her. "Is this enough?"

Song Qinian clutched the contract like a treasure and nodded like a bird pecking at grain.