C22 You Pay and I Pay the Bug

"Master Su!"

Liu Qi hurried to the doorway, concern etched on his face. "What seems to be the problem, Master Su? Have I, Liu Qi, failed to host you properly?"

"It's not that; the coffee was actually quite good," Su Fei reassured him, casting a glance at Zhao Lu, who was visibly flustered. "It's just that some folks here don't take kindly to me handling business. They sent me packing this morning, so I'd rather not linger."

"Zhao Lu, what's this all about?"

Zhao Lu had always impressed Liu Qi with her sharp wit and efficiency, not to mention her striking beauty, which set her apart from the rest. Whenever Liu Qi had clients to entertain, he'd bring them to Zhao Lu, and thanks to her efforts, she had secured several major clients for GD Bank, making their partnership mutually beneficial.

Liu Qi had even considered taking things further with Zhao Lu, integrating her more deeply into his circle.

But today, of all days, an issue had arisen with Zhao Lu!

"I... I..." Zhao Lu struggled to find the words, on the verge of tears.

Su Fei turned back to Zhao Lu with a seemingly casual smile. "It's nothing, really. Miss Zhao believes that a 'slumdog' like me doesn't deserve a credit card, hence her decision to cancel my credit limit, isn't that right, Miss Zhao?"

"Ah! No, that's not it at all, Mr. Su!"

"Zhao Lu, is what Master Su is saying true?"

"I've placed so much trust in you over the years, constantly sending clients your way, and this is how you handle my business?"

Before Zhao Lu could offer an explanation, Liu Qi launched into a tirade. Thankfully, the soundproofing in the Supreme VIP room was quite effective.

"I need to head home; my family is waiting for me to cook," Su Fei said, a hint of irritation in his voice as he shrugged off Liu Qi's hand and strode towards the exit.

Now truly alarmed, Liu Qi blurted out, "Zhao Lu, if you can't convince Master Su to stay today, I won't bring my business here anymore!"

Zhao Lu snapped to attention, too distraught to even cry, and hurried after Su Fei. But Su Fei was quick on his feet and had already made it to the business hall, nearing the exit of GD Bank. Zhao Lu, in her elegant high heels, might have looked the part, but in that moment, they only hindered her as she struggled to keep pace with Su Fei.

"Master Su, please wait a moment."

Zhao Lu's voice was tinged with urgency as she quickened her pace. Despite her high heels and the slick marble tiles underfoot, she was determined to catch up to Su Fei. But just as she reached him, Zhao Lu's feet slipped, and she fell forward, instinctively grabbing onto Su Fei's leg.

Su Fei was momentarily taken aback when he felt his thigh suddenly embraced. He looked down at Zhao Lu with a mix of astonishment and confusion.

Was he really being publicly embraced by a beautiful woman?

The hall was filled with hundreds of patrons waiting for service, along with Zhao Lu's colleagues and subordinates from GD Bank, all of whom were now staring at the pair in amazement.

"Master Su, please, don't leave. I was wrong..."

Zhao Lu's plea was soft and imploring. Her large, expressive eyes were fixed on Su Fei as she clung to his thigh. Despite the many onlookers, which caused her cheeks and ears to turn a deep shade of red, she held on even tighter.

She wasn't just holding onto Su Fei's thigh for dear life; she was also keen on securing Liu Qi's support. She couldn't afford to offend either of them!

Zhao Lu internally berated herself for her earlier insolence. How could she have been so careless and underestimated such an influential figure?

Liu Qi quickly made his way out of his office and approached with a beaming smile, taking Su Fei's hand. "Master Su, let's continue our discussion inside. I assure you, Zhao Lu will apologize for her earlier disrespect. You're a generous man; please don't hold it against her."

With Zhao Lu's firm grip on his leg, Su Fei realized he wasn't going anywhere. Feeling the weight of curious glances from the crowd, he looked down at his feet, his face reddening. He cleared his throat and said, "I can't very well leave in this situation. Please let go; I'll stay."

"Thank you, Master Su!" Zhao Lu finally released her hold.

"Right this way, Master Su," Liu Qi said, leading Su Fei further into the building, all the while maintaining a jovial conversation. Seizing the moment, he subtly gave Zhao Lu an approving thumbs up behind Su Fei's back.

Well done.

Zhao Lu exhaled deeply, thinking to herself, "I'm really putting it all on the line this time."

Zhao Lu picked herself up off the ground and immediately felt the weight of onlookers' stares, particularly from the men. Their gazes seemed to carry an unusual interest.

It was as though they were eyeing a succulent peach.

Zhao Lu involuntarily lowered her gaze.

"Ah!"

With a piercing scream, she quickly clutched her small suit jacket and dashed toward the staff corridor. Her fall had been so abrupt, and her bust so formidable, that it had popped open two buttons on her shirt collar!

No wonder Su Fei had averted his gaze after one look, and no wonder Liu Qi's thumbs-up had seemed so peculiar!

The thought made Zhao Lu's face flush with embarrassment.

...

"You want me to collaborate with you?"

Su Fei feigned astonishment, though inside, he was thrilled.

What was the most valuable thing nowadays? Talent!

And he was talent personified! Liu Qi should be the one pleading for his help!

Liu Qi leaned in and whispered to Su Fei, "Master Su, just think about it. You have the expertise, I have the capital; together, we're a powerhouse team, right?"

"If we team up, you'll handle stock selection, and I'll manage the investing and operations. Imagine if we could secure a six percent profit daily, no, even three percent would be extraordinary!"

Su Fei appeared to mull it over, but he had already decided. He was just playing it cool, wanting to whet Liu Qi's appetite a bit more.

That's how he'd secure the upper hand!

After a tense wait, with Liu Qi growing anxious, Su Fei finally spoke.

"Agreed."

Su Fei grinned and added, "But let's get one thing straight first—how we'll split the profits. It's best to avoid any uneven distribution later on."

"Absolutely," Liu Qi replied eagerly.

Having prepared the details in advance, Liu Qi took this opportunity, away from prying ears, to hash out the terms with Su Fei. When Zhao Lu, now in fresh attire, entered the Supreme VIP room, she caught the moment Su Fei and Liu Qi shook hands. She instantly grasped the significance of the gesture.

Su Fei had the technical expertise, and Liu Qi had the financial resources. It was only natural for these two to join forces and succeed.

Zhao Lu couldn't help but question herself: Was this man truly the so-called waste from the Shen family?

If someone with his stock trading skills was considered worthless, what did that make everyone else?

They would be the lowest of the low!

The more Zhao Lu observed Su Fei, the more conflicted she felt. Suddenly, an urge surged within her, and she blurted out, "Uh, Mr. Liu, may I join you as well?"

Zhao Lu knew exactly who Liu Qi was—a major client with millions at his disposal, ready to collaborate with Su Fei. Why shouldn't she give it a shot?

After all, who would willingly turn their back on money?

"You're interested in joining too?" Liu Qi was taken aback, instinctively glancing at Su Fei for his reaction. "You'll need to ask Master Su about that."

Seizing the opportunity, Liu Qi inquired further, "Master Su, is there some issue between you and Manager Zhao? If it's alright, may I play the role of mediator?"

"I'm no master; just call me Su Fei from now on," Su Fei responded, pulling a card from his pocket and placing it on the table with a hint of amusement. He briefly recounted his earlier unpleasant encounter with Zhao Lu, causing her face to flush with embarrassment.

"Manager Zhao, that was out of line. How could you speak to Fei like that?" Despite being visibly older than Su Fei, Liu Qi affectionately called him 'Fei', which even made Su Fei take a second look at him.

Liu Qi had the ability to both assert himself and step back when needed, and he certainly had the guts. He was indeed a character to be reckoned with.

Liu Qi picked up the credit card from the table and handed it to Zhao Lu, whispering meaningfully, "Do you know what to do?"

It was clear to Zhao Lu that Liu Qi was graciously offering her a way to save face—a significant act of kindness. She quickly bowed to both Su Fei and Liu Qi, saying, "Please wait here; I'll take care of it immediately!"

Once Zhao Lu had left, she promptly instructed another attractive staff member to refresh the coffee, desserts, and fruit platter for Liu Qi and Su Fei. However, both men noticed that although this bank employee was quite pretty, she lacked that certain charm that Zhao Lu possessed.

The distinction between a luxurious peony and a simple wildflower by the roadside was evident.

Liu Qi nodded with a smile, recognizing the astute Zhao Lu he knew so well. In situations like these, she excelled at leveraging her most valuable asset.

Zhao Lu returned in no time, the duration of a coffee break. She approached Su Fei with respect, bowing deeply before presenting the credit card to him.

Though it was the same silver card as before, Su Fei was aware that something had changed.

"Fei, it's all taken care of," Zhao Lu said, glancing up at Su Fei to gauge his reaction. Pleased that he didn't mind being called "Fei," her voice softened with a hint of charm, "Even though it's the original credit card, I've exercised my authority to increase the limit to the maximum. I hope it meets your expectations."

The maximum limit meant a credit line of 100,000!

Su Fei regarded Zhao Lu with newfound admiration, understanding that banks had strict regulations. For someone without fixed assets, employment, or significant expenditures, there were explicit credit guidelines. Raising the limit to 100,000 indicated that Zhao Lu had made a considerable sacrifice.

It was highly likely she had vouched for Su Fei at the bank using her own name.

"Good, I accept it."

Having money means no need for nonsense!

Su Fei accepted the credit card, his gaze lingering on Zhao Lu for a prolonged moment. Silence filled the air, and Liu Qi, engrossed in his own world, busied himself with a toothpick and the fruit plate, oblivious to the unfolding scene.

He wouldn't dream of interfering with Fei's affairs. If Fei chose to take matters with Zhao Lu into his own hands right there in the VIP room, Liu Qi wouldn't utter a word. In fact, he'd even stand guard at the door for Fei!

Feeling the heat in her cheeks from Su Fei's intense stare, Zhao Lu was well aware of her most significant asset. The way a certain tycoon had looked at her with desire had sparked different thoughts in her mind.

While Zhao Lu was lost in her thoughts, Su Fei suddenly cracked a smile and said, "Manager Zhao, your sincerity is appreciated. Let's consider the incident this morning water under the bridge."

"How much are you willing to invest?"

"Ah?"

Zhao Lu was momentarily taken aback, but quickly grasped the situation. She hesitantly raised one finger, then, with a determined bite of her lip, switched to two fingers.

"Two hundred thousand? That's a considerable sum," Su Fei acknowledged with a nod.

"Two million. I'm hoping you can assist, Fei," Zhao Lu said, her eyes shining as she gave Su Fei another deep bow. She was putting forward all her savings.

Outwardly, Su Fei maintained a nonchalant demeanor, but internally, he was experiencing a whirlwind of emotions.

"Wow, I've been dealing with the wealthy all along. I really need to expand my horizons."

Su Fei kept these thoughts to himself, simply offering a smile as he said, "No problem. I'll take a fifty percent cut of the profits. If that's agreeable to you, we're all set."

Liu Qi, who had been reaching for a cherry tomato, paused, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.

He was lucky he hadn't crossed Su Fei.

During their recent negotiation, they had settled on Su Fei receiving thirty percent of the profits for each transaction. Naturally, if there were losses, Su Fei would shoulder seventy percent.

Zhao Lu had previously slighted Su Fei, so it was only natural for him to hike up his price.

But on second thought, it wasn't such a big deal. If Zhao Lu hadn't impressed him earlier, Fei might not have even considered partnering with her! Now that Fei had the technical edge, he held the power.

Reflecting on this, Liu Qi couldn't help but swell with pride.

Indeed, he was the clever one.