"Public Relations" was a glossy title for a job at an investment bank, but everyone knew what it really meant: wining, dining, and smiling for clients. To think he lumped her in with them. Did he believe last night had been Mr. Chen's doing as well? Fu Yanshi’s words stung Xu Qinghuan’s cheeks like a slap, but with others watching, she had no choice but to swallow her pride and stay put. She desperately needed this job. She needed the money for her mother's medical bills. Sensing the sudden chill in the room, Mr. Chen quickly plastered on a smile. "She’s always been an assistant, Mr. Fu. You’ve got the wrong idea. I just figured since you and Xu Qinghuan are both from Jingzhou, you might have something to talk about. That's the only reason I asked her to join us! If it bothers you, I'll send her away right now!" He shot a look at Xu Qinghuan, who immediately turned to leave, but Fu Yanshi’s voice stopped her. "Sit." "..." "Xu Qinghuan, didn't you hear him? Mr. Fu told you to sit." Xu Qinghuan had barely sat down, her back ramrod straight, when Mr. Chen shot her a harsh glare, silently urging her to pour Fu Yanshi’s wine. Lowering her gaze, she reached for the bottle of red wine, but as she went to pour, his hand covered the glass. "Mr. Chen, if you want a long career at Shengshi, these little tricks won't get you far. I've been following the Hanyang project. Shengshi is in a precarious position. Submit the application to cover your position immediately and do what you can to mitigate the losses." Fu Yanshi was clearly giving Mr. Chen an ultimatum, his deeply furrowed brows a clear sign of his displeasure. "Yes, yes, of course, Mr. Fu. This was my mistake, I swear, next time I'll..." "There won't be a next time." He pulled his hand back from the glass, grabbed his jacket, and rose. Without sparing anyone a second thought, he and his secretary walked out of the private room. He never once looked in her direction. Only after the door closed did Mr. Chen’s anger dare to surface, and he aimed it all at Xu Qinghuan. "What the hell did I bring you here for? Can't you even crack a smile? Did you think Mr. Fu came here to look at your miserable face?" "Mr. Chen, my duties as an assistant don't include drinking with clients. It's not part of my training." "Talking back to me now? Do you have any idea how much effort I put into arranging this dinner? I thought you were pretty and quick on your feet, but you're completely useless! I ought to just fire you!" Having vented his fury, Mr. Chen shot her one last venomous glare and stormed out, kicking the door on his way. It was the most humiliating moment Xu Qinghuan had ever endured in her professional life. She thought she would cry, but aside from a slight sting in her eyes, no tears came. She’d learned long ago, upon entering this industry, that the lower your rank, the lower you had to bow your head. What she hadn't expected was Fu Yanshi’s sheer coldness. She had thought… she’d thought that after what they’d shared, that once he knew it was her last night, he would show her at least a little consideration. The rumors about him being notoriously difficult were true after all. As she walked back to her hotel room, her heels clicking against the floor, her phone buzzed in her purse. It was Fu Jiajia. "Why did Chen kick you out of the Team Three group chat? What happened between you two?" "It's nothing." "The honey trap failed, huh?" Fu Jiajia could be sharp sometimes. "I always said that trick wouldn't work on someone as ascetic as Mr. Fu!" A humorless smile touched Xu Qinghuan's lips. "Him? Ascetic?" As if he wasn't the one who had left her completely spent the night before. "I'm just talking about the vibe he gives off! Anyway, our Mr. Fu already has someone. They say he's been in love with her for years." Fu Jiajia's careless words made Xu Qinghuan think of the numbers tattooed on Fu Yanshi's collarbone. 0825 It had to be a date.