My girlfriend is from the future!

Jealous?

He Tianran's first thought was that he and Cao Aiqing had been exposed when they went up the mountain to pray for blessings. But then he thought, seven or eight days have passed. Isn't it too late for Yu Naoqiu to make trouble now? It doesn't make sense. Besides, if this woman knew that he was playing her, why would she be interested in kissing him?
and so……

"You think that because I haven't contacted you since that family dinner, and Cao Aiqing left so decisively, you think... I can't bear to part with her?"

Although He Tianran didn't want to think about emotions, after ruling out all other possibilities, this was the only thing he could think of. Of course, when he asked this question, the woman would definitely not answer in this way.

"I didn't say that. You just guessed. What, do I have to come up with a reason just to ask you out for dinner or drinks? These people here are my business partners. They can keep me company, but you can't?"

Yu Naoqiu slowly pulled back, shortening the distance between them.

Now that things had come to this, He Tianran understood that the other party's phrase "playing a certain role" actually referred to their "cooperative relationship," only this cooperation was mixed with too much of Yu Naoqiu's personal perverse sense of humor.

He Tianran didn't rush to speak. He simply extended his thumb and slowly wiped away the undried bloodstain on his lips with a blank expression.

Then, from the pile of expensive foreign liquors on the coffee table, he picked out a bottle of Perrier-Jouët that was still unopened. With practiced movements, he tore open the bottle seal, pulled out the cork, and made a soft "pop" sound. It was not very noticeable in the noisy private room, but Yu Naoqiu heard it.

He poured himself a glass and then added half a glass of champagne to the bland water in front of Yu Naoqiu.

"Since you know that you have to be fully immersed in playing a role, then you have to use the right props. What kind of behavior is it to drink water? In this kind of setting, being sober is the biggest weakness."

He Tianran's voice was so steady, it was as if he were instructing an actor on a scene.

He pushed the glass of champagne-mixed water back in front of Yu Naoqiu, the bubbles rising finely to the sides of the glass.

Yu Naoqiu looked at the glass of wine with a half-smile.

"When I came in just now, I heard that kid say something about giving money, giving money. A lot of people bet that I wouldn't come today, or that I would be stopped by the front desk after I came. Did you guys make a bet beforehand?"

He Tianran pointed to the greasy-haired man who was still standing by the door, trying to get close to Wu Xiao.

“That’s right. They don’t know what our relationship is yet, and your social circle doesn’t seem to overlap with your brother’s, so they don’t believe me when I say you’re coming.”

"Looks like you've won quite a bit from me this time. You're just using me to intimidate you, aren't you?"

"What, Mr. He, do you still care about such a small amount of money?"

"No, I suddenly want to make a bet with you too, to play a game."

He Tianran rubbed his hands together, his gaze fixed in one direction.

"What are you gambling?"

Following his gaze, Yu Naoqiu glanced at the rich second-generation who usually followed He Yuanchong around calling him "Brother Chong" the loudest, and became interested.

"Aren't you a psychologist? What are you saying? These people here are all your and Yuan Chong's business partners..."

He Tianran's lips curled slightly, and he said in a voice that only the two of them could hear:
"Then let's bet on whether that person wants to be a loyal and righteous sacrifice, or a clever opportunist."

Yu Naoqiu was taken aback, then a hint of suspicion flashed in his eyes: "You know him?"

He Tianran shook his head. "I don't know him."

"That's impossible. Zhang Yang's family is in the building materials business, and most of their business now relies on projects in the Yuanchong Port area. He's a loyal follower of your brother."

Yu Naoqiu's resolute answer clearly stated his position on this matter.

"So you're betting that he's reliable?"

"I'm betting he won't dare to risk his entire fortune to play along with you."

Yu Naoqiu's competitive spirit was completely aroused, and she stared at He Tianran.

He Tianran smiled and said nothing more. He then raised his glass and toasted the man named Zhang Yang at the door.

This slick-haired young man had been wanting to come over and offer a toast for a while. When He Tianran greeted him, he immediately brought over with his wine glass, his face showing obsequiousness and a hint of alcohol.
"Brother Tianran! Sister Qiu! What are you chatting about so intently? Come, come, let me toast you both! Thank you for joining us, Brother Tianran!"

He Tianran did not rush to clink glasses with Zhang Yang, nor did he focus his gaze on Zhang Yang's face. Instead, his gaze lingered on the slightly crooked tie at Zhang Yang's collar.

He put down his wine glass, reached out his hands, and helped the other person tidy up, a gesture that flattered and surprised the other person.

"Oh... I'm so sorry, Brother Tianran, I can do it myself."

The other person repeatedly declined, trying to straighten their collar themselves, but He Tianran didn't let go. Instead, while helping to straighten it, he said to himself:

"Zhang Yang, right? Old Zhang!"

Zhang Yang was taken aback. "Oh, Brother Tianran, you know me?"

He Tianran nodded after finishing tidying up. "I know, you're in the building materials supply business. You were the one who placed the order for that batch of steel in Haigang District. I heard your family put a lot of effort into this project. Thank you for your hard work!"

Yu Naoqiu blinked. Wasn't that what she had said to He Tianran just a second ago?
"You're being too polite, Brother Tianran. It's all just what we should do. We're all working together for mutual benefit, right?"

Zhang Yang was overjoyed. Although he knew that He Yuanchong was the person in charge of the Haigang District project, he was not surprised at all that He Tianran knew about it. Even if the other party was parachuted in halfway through the project, he would not feel anything was wrong. After all, Haigang District was such a big piece of meat, and it was a cooperation between Shanhai Group and Yu's Real Estate. It would be strange if He Tianran, the eldest son of the family, did not know to come in and get a piece of the pie.

Zhang Yang and He Tianran clinked glasses joyfully. After downing a mouthful of the yellow liquor, the latter asked a question that seemed to come out of nowhere:
"Hey Lao Zhang, are you a member of my brother's supercar club?"

"Huh? Oh... I mostly drive on construction sites, why would I buy a supercar..." At this point, Zhang Yang realized he'd misspoke and immediately emphasized his relationship with He Yuanchong: "But I usually hang out with Brother Chong and our group, when would I ever be left out? Hey, Brother Tianran, the club's vice president, Lao Sun, isn't he here today too?"

Zhang Yang pointed to the dark figure busy being intimate with a woman in a corner of the sofa, and was immediately somewhat annoyed by its lack of self-control.

"Damn it, this little head controls the big head's crap. You came over and didn't even come over to offer a toast. I'll call him over for you!"

"Hey~ Lao Zhang, don't rush, I need to talk to you about something."

He Tianran grabbed Zhang Yang's arm and pulled him to sit next to her.

"What's wrong, Brother Tianran?"

Zhang Yang was somewhat confused. He Tianran patted his knee and said in a tone that was both sincere and somewhat awkward:

"Old Zhang, you invested in the Yuanchong project, which is why you were able to obtain the qualification to supply building materials to the Haigang District, right?"

"No, that's right. What's wrong? Is there a problem with the materials? That's impossible. My dad and I personally checked them."

Looking at He Tianran's face, which kept asking for confirmation but seemed hesitant to speak, Zhang Yang suddenly felt a sense of unease rising in his heart.

Yu Naoqiu's eyes also became interesting. "Because I've invested money in you, you have to assign me some work. If there's a benefit, you'll open a door." This wasn't a particularly difficult thing to guess, but the woman didn't expect He Tianran to start from this point.

"Oh dear, it's not a problem with the steel, don't overthink it..."

He Tianran carefully chose his words before speaking, as if he were saying something very shameful:
"That's right. Yuan Chong has a cash hole of about 80 million. Last week, he went home and told his family that he is currently doing asset divestiture. In order to keep his current project in the port area, he applied to the group to extend the settlement cycle that originally belonged to you suppliers by six months."

Zhang Yang's pupils contracted instantly. Although He Yuanchong's compensation was a secret, there were rumors circulating in the circle, but no one knew the specific details.

"Six months, Lao Zhang, your cash flow should be able to hold up... right?" At this point, Zhang Yang's face had turned deathly pale, and he had sobered up completely. For someone in the engineering supply business, a six-month extension of the payment period is like taking away half of their life.

“No… Brother Chong didn’t tell me about this. He said the earliest he could settle it is next month… And… and Brother Tianran, your Shanhai Group is so big, it’s impossible for you to… impossible for you to owe me this little bit of construction payment…”

Zhang Yang's voice began to tremble as he tried to comfort himself.

"He said it was the earliest, and he definitely won't owe any money, it's just a bit delayed. Is this your first time working on a project? Don't you know that big companies have budgets for these projects and that the accounting process is very complicated?"

"I...I...Is this true? Let me call He Yuanchong to confirm."

Zhang Yang was on the verge of tears and was about to pick up his phone when He Tianran pressed it down.

"Hey, do you know why Yuan Chong hasn't shown up lately?"

"He...he...didn't you guys say he was unwell or accidentally injured...?"

"Why are you sick? And why are you injured? Old Zhang, you don't seem like a fool. You're calling now, aren't you just exposing his weaknesses? Do you even know how to handle things? I'm his brother. If you don't believe me, then Miss Yu is here, isn't she? And why am I here today?"

"Miss Yu...?"

Under He Tianran's continuous persuasion, Zhang Yang had already believed seven-tenths of the story. When Zhang Yang called out Yu Naoqiu's name, and the women didn't know how to react, He Tianran had already revealed the foreshadowing he had planted in the beginning of the conversation.

"Hey, Lao Zhang, if you really want to confirm, Yuan Chong just took 20 million from the luxury car club not long ago to fill the hole. The vice president is right here, why don't you just ask him?"

Those words struck a nerve. The timing of this payment—early or late—made a huge difference. How could Zhang Yang not be anxious? He jumped to his feet, rushed over, pushed aside the woman cuddling with his "best friend," grabbed her collar, and yelled:

"Get up! Sun Rui! I have something to ask you!"

Zhang Yang's shout was rather shrill. The vice president Sun Rui, who had been called out, was already quite drunk. When he was pulled like that, all the wine in his hand spilled onto his crotch, and he immediately became furious.

"Zhang Yang, what's wrong with you! Are you fucking drunk?!"

"I'm asking you, didn't He Yuanchong withdraw 20 million from the club's account a few days ago? Did he?!"

The music in the private room had been turned off by the startled saleswoman at some point, and Zhang Yang's questioning voice sounded particularly jarring in the empty room.

Sun Rui was taken aback, his drunkenness mostly sobering up. He subconsciously glanced at He Tianran, who sat calmly not far away, then at Zhang Yang, whose face was flushed and veins were bulging. He stammered:

"You...how did you know? Brother Chong...he had a family emergency, he said he needed some money, and he'd pay it back in a couple of days..."

"Give it back my ass! He used it to fill the hole!"

Zhang Yang abruptly released his grip, and Old Sun slumped onto the sofa. Zhang Yang turned around, his entire body seemingly stripped of its backbone, and slumped against the edge of the coffee table, muttering to himself:
"It's over...it's all over...the 20 million has to be taken from the club, and that 80 million hole is definitely real...six months...don't even mention six months, I'll be bankrupt and liquidated in three months...He Yuanchong, you're a fucking bastard!"

This angry outburst was like a bomb that shattered this extravagant farce.

The dozen or so people present, although they usually have a lot of fun, all of them have some business dealings with He Yuanchong or Shanhai Group. Some, like Zhang Yang, have even staked their lives on the lucrative Haigang District.

Upon hearing keywords like "80 million deficit" and "delayed settlement," everyone's expressions changed drastically, and the originally lavish atmosphere of the gathering instantly collapsed, turning into a scene of panic.

"Zhang Yang, explain yourself clearly, what postponement?"

"Is Brother Chong really in debt?"

"Old Sun, was the money really taken away?"

A crowd gathered around, chattering amongst themselves, and the scene briefly spiraled out of control.

At the heart of this chaotic storm, He Tianran remained as quiet as an outsider.

He picked up the glass of champagne again, took a small sip, and then looked through the crystal-clear glass at Yu Naoqiu, who had remained silent beside him.

"Is this interesting? It's much more interesting than you calling me over, isn't it?" the man asked mischievously.

The woman remained silent for a long while. Even though Yu Naoqiu usually thrived on chaos, she still sincerely commented on the disorder caused by He Tianran's few words of instigation with just two words:
"Wonderful--"

Looking at the group of "die-hards" who usually fawned over He Yuanchong but were now cursing him because their interests had been harmed, Yu Naoqiu felt extremely ironic and amused.

“Dr. Yu, you’ve lent me your power once, but I haven’t gained anything from it. This isn’t something a ‘partner’ would do. Now I’m going to return the favor by lending you my power again to show my sincerity.”

"you mean……?"

Yu Naoqiu turned her head to the side, the lights in the private room illuminating her eyes with a dazzling light, leaving no trace of her coldness and aloofness.

He put down his wine glass and stood up.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Yang, who had been keeping a close eye on him, immediately rushed over as if grasping at a lifeline. His tearful appearance was a far cry from his earlier display of loyalty, calling him "Brother Chong" all the time.
"Brother Tianran! Young Master He! You have to save me! My batch of steel is..."

"All right."

He glanced around at the expectant "partners" and said calmly:
"Everyone, regarding the Harbor District project, I'm just an outsider. There are many things I can't and don't have the authority to interfere with. Today, I'm just conveying my brother's difficulties and apologies. Cooperation is all about openness and honesty. Since these things have been brought up, there's no doubt that someone will take responsibility. And the fact that we're gathered here isn't because of any particular person, but because we trust the Shanhai Group, and..."

He Tianran changed the subject, his gaze drifting back to Yu Naoqiu, who was sitting on the sofa, watching him as if he were watching a show.

"Although Yuan Chong has a hole in his body, the Yu family of Tianping Lake Group has a very healthy cash flow. Moreover, they are very experienced in the financial management of real estate projects. I believe that as a partner in this project, Miss Yu will not ignore everyone."

Zhang Yang was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what was happening.

That's right! He Yuanchong is no longer capable, but the project is still going! Yu Naoqiu is still here!
"Sister Qiu! President Yu! You can't abandon us!"

"Yes, Mr. Yu, we've always worked for you and Brother Chong. Now that Brother Chong is in trouble, please don't abandon us..."

Instantly, the crowd that had been surrounding He Tianran all surged toward Yu Naoqiu.

Yu Naoqiu sat on the sofa, looking at the group of people in front of him who were all fawning and eager to show their loyalty. He then looked up at He Tianran, who was standing outside the crowd, adjusting his cuffs with an air of indifference.

She got it.

This man not only won the game, but also packed up all the loot and gave it to her...

However, the price was that it once again strained her relationship with He Yuanchong.

If he agrees, then at this moment, Yu Naoqiu's status in the eyes of these people will completely replace He Yuanchong's.

A glint of surprise flashed in the woman's eyes. She stood up, her previous languid posture instantly vanishing, replaced by a kind and friendly smile.

"Okay, everyone, there's no need to be so nervous."

She spoke, and the room fell silent instantly. Looking at these opportunistic "partners," she smiled and said:

"Regarding your payment terms, bring the contract to my office tomorrow, and I will review it again. Since Tianping Lake is cooperating with Shanhai, we certainly won't let things fall apart at a time like this. I promise everyone, we will absolutely not let you suffer any losses, and there will be absolutely no delays in payment." (End of Chapter)