Chapter Twelve: No Need for a Reason

Su Mian was speechless. Although the appearance of these two had disturbed her good mood, she had principles at work and was not deliberately targeting anyone.

She was too tired to engage further, so she returned to her desk and quickly skimmed through the files on the screen, attempting to focus on her work.

However, the whispered conversations nearby still drifted into her ears from time to time, leaving her heart hanging in midair.

“Do you know? That’s Young Master Qin of the Qin family and his secretary. It’s said Young Master Qin is already engaged, yet he’s been seen with his secretary…”

“I’ve heard. The one engaged to Young Master Qin is actually our new assistant, Su.”

If this had happened earlier, Su Mian might have cared, but now she had resolved to let go. Whether it was Qin Yunzhen, Lin Qingqing, or anyone else, none could stir the ripples in her heart.

Seeing Su Mian so calm and treating him like a stranger, Qin Yunzhen was unwilling to let it go. He stood in front of Su Mian’s desk, hands pressed on the table as he leaned in.

Su Mian’s gaze lifted from the screen to look at him, maintaining a smile on her face. “Mr. Qin, is there anything else you need my assistance with?”

Qin Yunzhen’s eyes darkened with a complicated emotion, a flicker of struggle passing through them, but his tone remained indifferent. “Su Mian, we came to Yingtai this time to discuss cooperation with President Lin. Please allow us to meet him.”

Su Mian leaned back impatiently. “Mr. Qin, President Lin isn’t here. I don’t know when he’ll be back.”

Qin Yunzhen’s veins bulged with anger, convinced that Su Mian was toying with him under the guise of work.

Lin Qingqing smiled and took over the conversation. “Sister Su, please be lenient. Brother Yunzhen really is here to discuss cooperation, and this deal is very important to the Qin family. We beg you to let him meet President Lin. If you’re angry, take it out on me, but please don’t trouble Brother Yunzhen.”

Her voice was soft and fragile, as if on the verge of tears.

An onlooker might have thought Su Mian had mistreated her.

Su Mian rolled her eyes inwardly—Lin Qingqing was such a white lotus.

“Sorry, Miss Lin, I don’t understand what you’re saying. I’m just President Lin’s assistant. There’s no need for him to report his schedule to me. If you don’t believe me, you can ask someone else.”

Seeing Su Mian ignore him, Qin Yunzhen’s anger flared instinctively. He suddenly stormed into her workspace, grabbing her wrist and forcing her to stand.

“Qin Yunzhen! What are you doing? Let go of me!”

The pain from her wrist made Su Mian frown.

“Ah!”

In the next moment, she was pressed against the wall, the pain causing her to cry out involuntarily.

Qin Yunzhen closed in, warning harshly, “We’ll settle personal grudges later. Now, let me see Lin Mu immediately! Do you hear me?”

Su Mian closed her eyes and turned her head stubbornly. “I’ve already told you, he’s not here!”

Just as Qin Yunzhen was about to say more, footsteps approached nearby.

“Qin Yunzhen! Let her go!”

At that moment, Lin Mu entered, his gaze sweeping over Qin Yunzhen and Lin Qingqing before finally resting on Su Mian a short distance away.

Frowning, he walked over to Su Mian’s desk and gently helped her up. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

Su Mian rubbed her aching wrist, her eyes red as she shook her head.

“I’m fine. Sorry for causing trouble.”

“It’s good you’re okay.”

A flicker of fear crossed Lin Mu’s eyes, his tone sincere.

If something had happened to Su Mian in his company, it would be unforgivable!

He feared that Huo Beihan would tear him apart alive.

Noticing the interaction between Lin Mu and Su Mian, Qin Yunzhen clenched his fists tightly in the distance. Jealousy flared in his eyes, erupting briefly before being suppressed.

After comforting Su Mian, Lin Mu turned to the two behind him, his gaze radiating a chilling coldness.

“President Qin, did you come here just to make trouble on my turf?” Lin Mu’s aura was icy, sending a shiver through everyone present.

Qin Yunzhen quickly composed himself, forcing a smile. “President Lin, that’s not the case. It was just a misunderstanding. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Su Mian.”

“Oh?” Lin Mu was unimpressed. “How about I check the surveillance footage?”

“…”

Qin Yunzhen was momentarily speechless, then awkwardly said, “It was indeed an accident just now. Sorry for disturbing you, President Lin. I’m here on behalf of the Qin family to discuss a cooperation plan.”

Lin Mu smiled meaningfully. “A cooperation plan? Oh, I remember now. You want to bring investment to Yingtai, right? Sorry, I’ve already decided to terminate cooperation with the Qin family.”

At those words, Qin Yunzhen immediately frowned. “President Lin, why is that?”

“I’m the boss. Do I need a reason?” Lin Mu showed no mercy.

Qin Yunzhen’s expression darkened but he refused to give up.

“President Lin, I know I shouldn’t behave like this in your company. Please give me a chance so we can discuss properly.”

Lin Mu casually sat on the sofa without even glancing at him.

“There’s nothing to discuss. President Qin, please leave by the left exit.”

Hearing Lin Mu’s blunt dismissal, Qin Yunzhen’s face turned ashen.

He forced out an awkward smile. “President Lin, about the investment project… we can still talk.”

Lin Mu’s lips curled into a cold sneer. “No need. If you don’t leave now, I’ll have to call security.”

As he spoke, he dialed a number, briefly instructing security to escort them out.

Qin Yunzhen was furious but helpless.

A trace of resentment rose in his heart, yet he forced himself to remain calm.

“Fine, I’ll leave. But President Lin, I want to know why you’re terminating cooperation with the Qin family.”

“You don’t need to know.” Lin Mu toyed with the lighter in his hand, indifferent.

Qin Yunzhen cast a deep glance at Su Mian.

Then he turned and left the company with Lin Qingqing.

The moment they stepped out of Yingtai, Lin Qingqing snorted coldly, displeasure written across her face. “Yunzhen, those people really went too far, treating you like that! Could it be because they saw you arguing with Su Mian just now that we lost the cooperation?”

“…”

Qin Yunzhen said nothing, dragging on a cigarette and exhaling smoke.

The bulging vein on his forehead spoke volumes.

Su Mian! Well done, already cozying up to another man so quickly.

The two walked silently toward the parking lot, each harboring their own thoughts.

Seizing the moment, Lin Qingqing whispered into Qin Yunzhen’s ear like a dark little snake flicking its tongue, “Su Mian and Lin Mu are very close. Maybe they’ve already…”

However, before she could finish, Qin Yunzhen shot her a cold glare.

He no longer wanted to hear anything about Su Mian, at least not right now. He couldn’t bear it.

“That’s enough. I don’t want to hear any more.”

Qin Yunzhen cut her off coldly, closing his eyes. Seeing someone else protecting Su Mian stirred up complicated emotions in his heart once more.