Chapter Five: Out of Reach

As she spoke, she handed over the document. Zong Yong reached out to take it, but at the same time, he gripped Shang Qi’s hand. Shang Qi immediately grew alert and glared at him. A veteran of such tactics, Zong Yong remained composed and said, "I’m sorry!"

Shang Qi did not suspect anything, assuming it was just a momentary slip. She smiled and replied, "It’s all right."

Zong Yong examined the document intently, offering his suggestions from time to time. With his years of extensive experience in human resources management, his eloquent and professional analysis truly impressed her.

She nodded repeatedly and said, "Let’s make the changes according to your suggestions!"

Zong Yong said, "Good. You’ve seen our quote; do you have any questions?"

With the end of the year approaching, the administrative budget was already tight. Mindful of cutting costs wherever possible, Shang Qi replied, "The Luo Corporation hopes to establish a long-term partnership with your firm. Could you offer a discount on the fees?"

Zong Yong stared at Shang Qi, narrowed his eyes, and said, "Vice President Shang, whether or not you get a discount depends entirely on how you handle things. I keep a room booked upstairs year-round. Why don’t we take our coffee up there?"

The implication was clear. Shang Qi’s face flushed red with indignation. She snapped, "Mr. Zong, do you have any idea what you are saying?"

Zong Yong laughed heartily and retorted shamelessly, "Are you complaining that I was too subtle? You came to a private room to meet me—why play the part of the innocent now?"

Furious, Shang Qi stood up and said, "Let’s consider the partnership off."

The collaboration with the Luo Corporation was a major project. While Zong Yong was lecherous, he knew how to weigh his priorities. He quickly tried to smooth things over: "Vice President Shang, let’s talk this through. We’ve come this far in our negotiations; we can’t just give up now!"

Shang Qi’s rapid rise in her career owed much to the support of Luo Yichen. With him watching over her, few dared to cause her trouble. Having never encountered such a situation, she was trembling with rage. Ignoring Zong Yong, she pushed the door open, intent on leaving.

Seeing the deal slipping away, Zong Yong grew angry and humiliated. His lust flared up again, and he grabbed Shang Qi, taunting her: "I don't care about this project anymore, but I’m going to have a taste of you! Why act so high and mighty? You only became a Vice President at the Luo Corporation because of your relationship with Luo Yichen. Who knows if you two are sharing a bed behind everyone's backs?"

Never having suffered such an insult, Shang Qi screamed, "Let go of me!"

"The soundproofing in this five-star cafe’s private room is excellent! You could scream until your throat gives out, and no one would hear you."

Terrified, Shang Qi struggled and managed to open the door just a crack. She cried out, "Don't touch me! Luo Yichen won't let you get away with this."

Zong Yong yanked her back, sneering, "Do you really think you’re Luo Yichen’s woman? Even if you have something going on, he wouldn't bother sticking his neck out for you!"

Shang Qi was truly frightened, tears already streaming down her face. Just as Zong Yong was about to lunge at her, the door burst open. Luo Yichen stormed in. He locked the door behind him and roared, "Let her go!"

The moment Zong Yong saw Luo Yichen, he let go of Shang Qi in a panic. He forced a smile and said, "Mr. Luo, what a coincidence! I was just joking with Vice President Shang; I meant nothing by it."

Without a word, Luo Yichen swung his fist, striking him hard. Having practiced Taekwondo since childhood, he was a formidable fighter. Zong Yong collapsed to the floor, his face covered in blood, too terrified to move. Fearing things had gone too far, Shang Qi held Luo Yichen back, saying, "He’s not moving anymore. Stop, please."

Luo Yichen knew exactly how much force he had used. He shouted at Zong Yong, "If you're a man, stop playing dead and get up! Do you want me to keep hitting you?"

Hearing this, Zong Yong scrambled to his feet, stammering, "Mr. Luo, please, have mercy! I never even touched a hair on Vice President Shang’s head."

Seeing that Shang Qi was still trembling, clutching his arm, Luo Yichen barked at Zong Yong, "Get out! If you dare breathe a word of what happened today, you’ll be spending your life in prison!"

Trembling, Zong Yong muttered, "I won't... I won't..." before crawling out of the room.

Luo Yichen turned to comfort her: "Qiqi, don't be afraid! I'm here."

Overwhelmed with grievances, Shang Qi buried her face in his chest and sobbed. Luo Yichen patted her back tenderly, soothing her: "Don't cry. It's all over now."

After a long while, Shang Qi stopped crying and asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I was in a meeting in the hotel conference room upstairs. During the break, I wanted to come down for a coffee. I never expected to hear your voice in the hallway."

"Thank goodness you came!" Shang Qi looked at Luo Yichen with gratitude.

"Did he really not do anything to you?" Luo Yichen asked, his face full of concern.

"No."

Seeing the two cups of coffee on the table, Luo Yichen asked, "Why did you agree to drink coffee with that man in private?"

"He is the head of a recruitment agency. I was discussing hiring matters with him."

Luo Yichen’s expression darkened as he questioned, "What kind of business requires meeting in a private room at a cafe? Do you have no common sense?"

Seeing him shift the blame onto her, Shang Qi retorted indignantly, "How is this my fault? He chose the location. I was so exhausted today that I agreed without thinking."

Luo Yichen advised her earnestly, "You need to be more careful in the future. Think twice before agreeing to what others suggest."

Shang Qi pouted and said, "You men are all the same."

"Why would you say that? How am I like him?" Luo Yichen looked visibly displeased.

"Aren't you also using your position to keep me at the company? Just now, Zong Yong even said that I only have this position because of my relationship with you. He even said that we..." Shang Qi’s face turned crimson, and she could not continue.

Luo Yichen understood what was bothering her. He explained, "Do you know why I always arrange for you to work overtime? It’s because I want you to grow quickly. The workplace isn't as simple as it appears on the surface. Although I am the President of the Luo Corporation, I cannot cover the sky with one hand. To manage a company, I must earn the respect of everyone. If your own capabilities weren't up to the task, I wouldn't have been able to secure these opportunities for you."

Shang Qi looked at Luo Yichen in surprise. She hadn't expected him to make such thoughtful arrangements for her. Looking back, she realized that her professional success over the past few years was indeed inseparable from Luo Yichen’s guidance. Whenever she was in charge of a project, he would always offer subtle reminders.

"Thank you, Mr. Luo," Shang Qi said, filled with gratitude.

Luo Yichen frowned. "This isn't the office. Call me Yichen."

Mindful of her status, Shang Qi turned to leave. Luo Yichen gripped her arm firmly and asked, "I’m already divorced. What exactly are you still hesitating for?"

"We are from different worlds. What I need is a man who is loyal for a lifetime."