Chapter 11: Bad Attitude

Friday was the day Qin Huan and Ji Jingya had scheduled to review the design plans. Qin Huan and Song Yali were preparing in the conference room.

At 10:00 AM, Ji Jingya arrived on time. Fang Yicen, showing his respect, personally greeted her at the entrance. To everyone’s surprise, Jiang Jingchu was with her.

The Jiang heir’s arrival caused everyone to hold their breath. He had striking features: deep eyes, a high nose, thin lips, and a tall, athletic build. His shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, exuding a sophisticated yet slightly rebellious air.

As Jiang Jingchu and Ji Jingya disappeared around the corner, everyone exchanged glances.

God was unfair. He had given this man immense wealth and power, and astonishing good looks!

Jiang Jingchu hadn’t planned to come. When Ji Jingya called him yesterday, he’d declined, citing work. But his mother had somehow found out and scolded him, so he reluctantly agreed.

When Fang Yicen led them into the office, Qin Huan was facing away, adjusting the projector. She wore a beige knit sweater and high waisted wide leg jeans, her black hair neatly tied in a high ponytail. She looked neat and pure.

Jiang Jingchu saw her immediately, his gaze deepening, his fingers unconsciously curling in his pockets.

Qin Huan turned around when she heard the noise. Their eyes met briefly.  Jiang Jingchu had already masked his emotions; his dark eyes revealed nothing. He quickly looked away at Ji Jingya.

Qin Huan had anticipated meeting Jiang Jingchu eventually, but not until the 360° VR presentation. This showed how much he valued Ji Jingya.

They exchanged greetings. Fang Yicen respectfully seated them and gestured for them to begin.

Song Yali, always competitive, was even more enthusiastic seeing Jiang Jingchu.

“I’ll go first.”

She confidently presented her design, explaining it in detail.

Qin Huan watched attentively, comparing Song Yali’s design to her own. She felt a gaze on her, her back stiffening.

She glanced around but found nothing.  Jiang Jingchu was looking at the projector, not glancing her way.

Ji Jingya leaned in to whisper to him. He shook his head. Only after Qin Huan looked away did Jiang Jingchu look at her again, his gaze intense.

Ji Jingya had asked him if they needed a home theater, mentioning Qin Huan’s suggestion. 

Jiang Jingchu didn’t need one; he wouldn’t be living there. But the thought of Qin Huan suggesting something they used to do together for him and another woman irritated him.

He didn’t understand why she agreed to design his ex-boyfriend’s wedding house.

Song Yali’s presentation went five minutes over. Ji Jingya seemed satisfied.

Song Yali, confident of victory, sat next to Qin Huan. Jiang Jingchu raised an eyebrow.

It was Qin Huan’s turn. She took a deep breath, trying to remain calm.  Presenting her design, she was in her element, speaking fluently and clearly.

“Excuse me, may I interrupt?”

Jiang Jingchu’s voice interrupted her. She looked at him questioningly.

He lazily opened his eyes, his cold gaze fixed on Qin Huan.

“Ms. Qin, I need clarification. The leisure area could be maximized. Why is there a wall separating it?”

Qin Huan raised her eyebrows, meeting his gaze.

“That’s what I was going to explain. Separating the leisure area allows for a distinction between activity and rest. If you and Ms. Ji have a baby, it can easily be converted into a nursery without replanning.”

Although Ji Jingya had said they weren’t considering a baby, that didn’t mean they wouldn’t have one. So, she’d made a future-proof design.

Jiang Jingchu’s expression was subtle.  He tapped the table.

“How did you know we’d have two children?”

Qin Huan’s gaze flickered. She vaguely remembered Jiang Jingchu mentioning having at least two children if he got married.

So, she’d designed two nurseries.  But she couldn’t say that here.

She explained,

“Ms. Ji and Mr. Jiang have excellent genes. It would be a waste not to have two children. So, I thought it best to prepare two nurseries.”

Ji Jingya blushed. Song Yali’s face fell; she silently rolled her eyes at Qin Huan.  She thought Qin Huan had changed tactics, suddenly trying to flatter them.

Just as she was annoyed, Jiang Jingchu sneered.

“Ms. Qin seems to have her own ideas. That’s fitting for a designer, but…”

His tone turned cold.

“In your years of experience, do you ignore clients’ needs and rely solely on your assumptions?”

The room fell silent. Qin Huan had never been questioned about her professionalism.  She was stunned, her face flushing.

Ji Jingya tried to ease the tension, tugging Jiang Jingchu’s sleeve.

“It’s just a draft.  If you don’t like something, she can change it.”

Jiang Jingchu remained impassive.

Qin Huan pinched her hand.

“I apologize for the misunderstanding. I’ll be more careful.”

Then, she looked at Jiang Jingchu calmly.

“Mr. Jiang wasn’t present during the site survey. Now that you’re here, please share your needs and preferences. I’ll adjust the design accordingly.”

Everyone was stunned, including Song Yali. No one expected Qin Huan to confront the heir directly.

A sneer broke the silence.  Jiang Jingchu half closed his eyes.

“Ms. Qin, are you blaming me?”

Qin Huan said calmly,

“No, I’m just asking for guidance.”

“Asking for guidance.”

Jiang Jingchu stood up, brushing his trousers, and looked at Fang Yicen.

“There are other top design firms in North City. If your designers treat clients like this, there’s no need to continue this cooperation.”

He left the office.