Female lead’s Delusion of Starting Over

Chapter 101: Why Can’t We Forgive?

“President Su isn’t ready yet, huh? Let’s talk next time!” Lu Li said, his face betraying neither joy nor sorrow as he smiled at Su Bingqing, deliberately avoiding Zhang Ziqin’s gaze. He didn’t catch the pained and regretful look that flashed across Zhang Ziqin’s face.

Lu Li was feeling somewhat irritated. In Hangcheng, everyone was aware of his and Zhang Ziqin’s past, so what was Su Bingqing playing at by bringing her here today? To disgust him? Well, she succeeded. Lu Li was thoroughly disgusted.

Who would’ve thought Zhang Ziqin would still manage to come out and be a thorn in his side? Originally, he had planned to deal with her after taking over the Su and Liu families, when no one in Hangcheng could protect her.

Now, Lu Li regretted not getting rid of this annoyance earlier. Wouldn’t it have been better to remove this eyesore sooner?

Chen Xiaoyi shot Su Bingqing an annoyed glare, then turned her disgust towards Zhang Ziqin. What was Su Bingqing thinking, bringing Zhang Ziqin to Lu Li at this moment? Was it a display of power? Or was she hoping Lu Li still harbored feelings for Zhang Ziqin and would show mercy? Dream on!

“Wait, President Lu, I…” Before Su Bingqing could finish her explanation, the conference room door was firmly shut, silencing everything.

Su Bingqing was stunned. She didn’t expect Lu Li to be so uncompromising, not even willing to give her face. At that moment, she felt as Chen Ya had before.

Since her rebirth, Su Bingqing had hardly seen Lu Li, only hearing rumors of him and Chen Xiaoyi’s intimate relationship. His tolerance for Zhang Ziqin had vanished, replaced by an indescribable disgust.

“Bingqing, I shouldn’t have come. I’ve caused trouble, I’m sorry!” Zhang Ziqin could no longer keep up her facade of pride and aloofness. Lu Li’s cold indifference cut her deeply.

If not for Su Bingqing’s support, Zhang Ziqin might have already broken down.

Su Bingqing forced a bitter smile, “It’s not your fault, Ziqin. I insisted on bringing you here. I’m sorry.” She was torn. On one hand, Zhang Ziqin was her close friend who had truly changed for the better. Wasn’t the destruction of the Zhang Corporation enough of a price to pay?

Even Su Bingqing harbored some resentment towards Lu Li.

But sympathy for Zhang Ziqin? That was a stretch. Su Bingqing, having lived through the past, knew the future pain Zhang Ziqin would cause Lu Li.

“Well, it seems we can’t talk today. I’ll try scheduling another meeting tomorrow!” Su Bingqing sighed, shaking her head. Clearly, Lu Li had a significant grudge against Zhang Ziqin.

“I won’t come tomorrow. I don’t want to be a burden,” Zhang Ziqin said, her head low, tears threatening to fall.

Su Bingqing remained silent, knowing Zhang Ziqin was right. The Su Corporation was on the brink; merging with Lu Corporation was their last hope for salvaging anything.

“Annoyed already?” Lu Li quipped, catching Chen Xiaoyi’s disgruntled look, a hint of amusement in his smile.

“Brother Lu, Su Bingqing knows well how you feel about Zhang Ziqin, yet she dared to bring her here. She’s challenging you openly!” Chen Xiaoyi was livid, unable to accept Su Bingqing’s audacity.

“There’s no need to get angry. Just another lesson needed,” Lu Li said calmly, his annoyance easing as he caressed Chen Xiaoyi’s face. “Let’s focus on something pleasant instead. My eyes need cleansing after seeing that woman.”

“Okay!” Chen Xiaoyi agreed, feeling the need for some purification herself after the encounter.

But as they made their way to Lu Li’s office, an unexpected call disturbed them, causing both to frown in displeasure.

Chen Xiaoyi, feeling a mix of excitement and disappointment, readjusted her clothing and smiled softly at Lu Li, “Lu Gege, business first. We have plenty of time.”

Lu Li exhaled deeply, drawing Chen Xiaoyi into a hug, “Whoever is calling had better have a good reason.”

“What is it?” Lu Li answered the phone with a tone that brooked no nonsense.

“President Lu, Liu Menghan from Liu Corporation is here to see you,” the receptionist’s voice trembled.

“Inform her I’ll meet her in the conference room shortly,” Lu Li responded, suspecting a coordinated effort. Perhaps Liu Menghan’s decision was influenced by Zhang Ziqin’s actions.

“Let’s prioritize company matters,Brother Lu” Chen Xiaoyi whispered, ever understanding.

“Sigh, let’s wrap up with Liu Menghan within an hour and return,” Lu Li decided, setting aside personal time for business once more.

As Liu Menghan awaited Lu Li’s arrival, she couldn’t help but notice the departing figures of Su Bingqing and Zhang Ziqin, their expressions telling of an unsuccessful meeting. “Predictable,” she thought, “Everyone knows Lu Li has no fondness for Zhang Ziqin. Su Bingqing’s audacity in bringing her along is astonishing.”

“President Liu, President Lu asks that you wait in the conference room,” informed the receptionist.

Liu Menghan nodded, “Alright, I’ll wait.” The chess pieces were moving, and she was keen to see how the game would play out.