Chapter 6 : “I’m Sorry, I Overstepped.”

The three sat down, and Zhou Xu was the first to speak. “Old classmate, I’ve already gone over the details with you before. Whether it’s a mule or a horse, we’ll know once we give it a run. Our product is guaranteed to meet your needs.”

Fu Xingjian nodded, flashing a professional smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Alright, let’s start by looking at the demo.”

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

The phone on the table vibrated. Zhou Xu glanced at it; it was a call from his mother, likely related to his father’s illness. He didn’t have the luxury of maintaining business etiquette. After apologizing briefly to Fu Xingjian, he said, “Lin Ran is very capable and knows the product well.” With that, he left the room.

The spacious meeting room was now left with only Fu Xingjian and Lin Ran.

Lin Ran had never imagined she would meet Fu Xingjian again. After all, he had left for the U.S. before their graduation. Even if he returned to Xi City one day, given their different statuses and circles, the chance of running into him seemed slim.

The east and west sides of the city were worlds apart.

Yet, against all odds, not only had they met, but they had also coincidentally encountered each other twice. If her company won the Yutou project, they would likely cross paths even more frequently.

At that thought, Lin Ran silently prayed: It’s better if we don’t win the project.

“President Fu, shall I begin?”

Fu Xingjian glanced at her impassively. “Go ahead.”

Although Lin Ran had only been with Xinruan Technology for a year, she already had four years of prior experience in the industry and immense enthusiasm for her work. Within a short time, she had become a core member of her department. She was familiar with the company’s product offerings and team structure. She had personally prepared today’s demo, and her delivery seamlessly showcased the product’s strengths and features.

Fu Xingjian, on the other side of the table, observed her calm and professional demeanor, completely engrossed in the presentation, unaffected by external distractions. His thoughts wandered back to her cold indifference when she had rejected him after Saturday’s dinner. A faint heaviness settled in his chest.

His gaze drifted, and he irritably unfastened the cuff buttons on his sleeve.

“I’ve finished. Do you have any questions, President Fu?”

“President Fu, President Fu, President Fu,” she repeated the title smoothly, almost naturally.

“I don’t have any questions. It’s excellent. I’ll have Yi Ming handle the follow-up contract details.”

Lin Ran froze, and the coffee cup in her hand trembled, spilling some of its contents. Hastily, she grabbed a tissue to clean the table.

Fu Xingjian noted her flustered expression. “What’s wrong?”

“Uh,” Lin Ran’s usual composure showed cracks. “Isn’t it a bit hasty to confirm the contract now? After all, it’s a 20-million-yuan deal. I heard several other companies are also competing for Yutou’s project. Perhaps you should review their demos before making a decision.”

Fu Xingjian chuckled lightly. “Lin Ran, if Zhou Xu heard this, he’d probably be furious. Having an employee like you is truly his blessing.”

In her mind, Lin Ran instinctively retorted: Would you take that blessing if it were offered to you?

But she didn’t dare voice her thoughts aloud. He was her client, after all.

“I just think comparing options helps avoid losses. Once the contract is signed, you might have second thoughts.”

Fu Xingjian raised an eyebrow. “Even if we have second thoughts, we’ll pay the penalty. That’s not your concern.”

That’s not your concern.

Lin Ran’s face flushed abruptly, and a memory from years ago surfaced in her mind: “You’re overthinking. I never liked you.”

The present moment felt eerily like that past one.

Her body stiffened, and her breathing grew heavy.

Ha, she thought bitterly. Always so self-deluded.

“I’m sorry, I overstepped.”

Fu Xingjian belatedly realized the harshness of his earlier words and remained silent, offering no response.