Chapter 22: Mistaken for a Rival in Love?

After Assistant Lin left, Shen Anzhi twisted the imperial green jade ring on his finger and said, “Miss Song, we really need to expedite our collaboration.”

Song Xixi took a sip of tea and replied, “President Shen, you’ve considered everything thoroughly. I was just thinking it would be good for everyone to meet soon. After all, the progress of the project depends on the cooperation of all departments. Only when everyone fully understands the situation can the work proceed smoothly.”

Shen Anzhi nodded in satisfaction. “With your responsible and diligent attitude, Miss Song, I have even more confidence in this project. By the way, if you don’t have anything else to do right now, I can ask Assistant Lin to show you around the company. That way, you’ll be more familiar with the environment and can work more efficiently.”

Song Xixi considered this and thought it was a good idea—after all, she would be staying here for quite some time.

“All right, President Shen, please arrange that. I’m not very familiar with the Grand Science Group yet, so it’s a good opportunity to learn more.”

Shen Anzhi contacted Assistant Lin, who soon appeared at the office and gestured politely for her to follow.

“Miss Song, I’ll take you around now,” she said.

Along the way, Assistant Lin patiently introduced the layout of the various departments, the main facilities, and the daily regulations of the company.

Song Xixi listened attentively and occasionally asked questions. They chatted and laughed as they walked.

Meanwhile, Secretary Wang learned that Song Xixi had not only not been dismissed but was even assigned an office and that a meeting was scheduled that afternoon specifically to discuss the project with her. He was frustrated beyond words. Stomping his foot, he immediately opened WeChat and contacted Song Yanyan...

After touring the company with the staff and familiarizing herself with the departments, Song Xixi was led to the office assigned to her.

Pushing open the door, she was pleasantly surprised.

The office was not small—about fifteen square meters—decorated simply yet elegantly. The desk and chair were neatly arranged, and all the necessary office equipment was in place.

Moreover, it was located near Shen Anzhi’s office, which would make communication convenient.

She sat down in the comfortable chair, about to take a moment to rest and gather her thoughts, when her phone buzzed.

Looking at the screen, she saw a message from Shen Anzhi: “Miss Song, do you have time for lunch together at the restaurant next door?”

Instinctively, she touched her stomach.

“Gurgle, gurgle~” it was protesting.

She smiled softly and quickly typed back, “Okay.”

On the other side, Shen Anzhi sat in his office, staring at his phone. When he received her response, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

This Song Xixi was truly interesting—capable, straightforward, and amusing, so different from those who usually circled around him with hidden agendas.

When lunchtime arrived, Shen Anzhi knocked gently on Song Xixi’s office door.

“Miss Song, it’s time for lunch. Shall we go?”

Song Xixi stood up and opened the door. “President Shen, please wait a moment—I need to grab my bag.”

She turned back to fetch it and then followed him to the restaurant next door.

They entered the restaurant and chose a table by the window.

The atmosphere was elegant, with soft music flowing through the air.

Shen Anzhi handed her the menu, speaking in a casual tone, “Miss Song, take a look and see what you’d like. It’s on me today, so don’t be shy.”

Song Xixi glanced through the menu, about to decide what to order when—

Suddenly, Shen Anzhi stood up and called out behind her, “President Qin!”

At the sound of that name, Song Xixi’s muscles tensed instantly. She silently prayed it wasn’t the one person she least wanted to see.

But fate was cruel.

The next moment came a voice tinged with surprise and confusion: “President Shen, what brings you to the restaurant today?”

Song Xixi felt a headache coming on, reluctant to deal with the man she considered a dog.

Without thinking, she grabbed the menu and held it up to shield her face, silently hoping he hadn’t noticed her.

She had been careless—forgotten that Qin Ze’s company was also nearby.

Shen Anzhi smiled and replied, “President Qin, I’m here today with a partner to discuss a project over lunch. By the way, let me introduce you—this is Miss Song Xixi, an expert in the information field. We’re about to start an important project together.”

He looked at Song Xixi, signaling her to lower the menu and greet him.

Feeling helpless, Song Xixi slowly put down the menu, forcing a stiff smile as she said, “Hello, President Qin.”

Qin Ze’s gaze darkened as he stared at her, curling his lips slightly.

How was this woman here? And as a partner of Shen Anzhi?

Could it be that she was targeting Shen Anzhi?

The thought made his eyes redden in an instant.

Their eyes met, and invisible sparks crackled between them.

Shen Anzhi stood aside, his gaze flickering between the two.

Just from that look, he immediately knew they were acquainted—and judging by their demeanor, they had quite a history.

Though curious, he chose not to inquire and instead laughed, trying to ease the tension.

“President Qin, we have a meeting this afternoon, so we need to finish eating quickly and get back to prepare. Let’s chat again when we have time.”

Qin Ze, however, seemed not to notice the implied dismissal and raised an eyebrow.

“President Shen, why the rush? It’s rare to see you—let’s have a meal together.”

Without waiting for their response, he boldly pulled out a chair and sat down.

Shen Anzhi frowned slightly, displeased but unwilling to make a scene out of respect for their years of amicable cooperation.

Qin Ze was at ease, snatching the menu from Song Xixi’s hand and casually flipping through it.

“I know a few signature dishes here that are quite good. Miss Song, you should try them,” he said, signaling the waiter and ordering several dishes.

One of them happened to be Song Xixi’s favorite.

Upon hearing the name, she pressed her lips together.

This man was doing it deliberately—to unsettle her.

But she couldn’t lose her temper here and had to sit awkwardly, her face flushing red and white in turns.

Shen Anzhi gave a wry smile and rubbed his forehead.

Damn, he was being treated like a romantic rival?

After ordering, Qin Ze tossed the menu onto the table and leaned back.

“Miss Song, long time no see. Didn’t expect to run into you here. Seems we’re quite fated,” he teased, his tone sharp and grating to hear.