Chapter 2: There Is a Traitor

Li Qingying glared at He Haoxuan and scolded, "He Haoxuan, you're such a useless man. All you know is how to talk flippantly—what else can you do? This is all your fault. If I can't get through this, I won't be able to remain general manager."

The more Li Qingying spoke, the sadder she became, her eyes reddening. It was said that her grandfather was abroad and out of contact, her uncles and cousins were not on her side and were even plotting to oust her—she felt utterly exhausted.

He Haoxuan frowned slightly. Usually, when he teased Li Qingying, she would ignore him, so why was she on the verge of tears tonight?

Noticing her own lapse in composure, Li Qingying took a deep breath and walked toward the door.

"It's so late. Where are you going?" Normally, He Haoxuan wouldn't care where she went, but tonight, sensing her distress, he worried she might get into trouble.

He had overheard her phone call earlier—someone seemed to be threatening her, saying that if she didn't comply, they'd continue to cut off her supplies.

"I have a business engagement," Li Qingying replied, her face remaining as frosty as ever despite the bitterness in her heart.

Yang Zhiyi, she knew, was not really interested in business; he had been pursuing her for a long time. Now he wanted to "talk"—clearly, he meant to pester her.

In the past, she would have ignored him, but if the shipment from Ruhuá Group didn't arrive soon, their own Baili Group would be in serious trouble.

A business engagement? So she wants to cuckold me? He Haoxuan thought to himself.

Although he didn't like Li Qingying, she was still his wife in name. How could he let another man touch her?

"You'll probably have to drink at this engagement. I'll drive you," he said. Without giving her a chance to refuse, He Haoxuan stood up, took the BMW X5 keys from her hand, and started for the door.

He was dressed in nothing but a T-shirt, beach shorts, and a pair of flip-flops, which made Li Qingying shake her head in silent dismay.

Her dream prince was supposed to be a successful and capable man, someone with the poise of a gentleman and exceptional qualities—

But the man before her, aside from his passable looks, was utterly unremarkable in every other respect.

Still, He Haoxuan had a point. If Yang Zhiyi insisted on drinking, she wouldn't be able to drive herself home.

When He Haoxuan parked the car in the starlit club's lot, Li Qingying got out. "Wait here," she said. "This is not an ordinary place. Don’t wander around and get yourself into trouble."

Starlit Club was the most renowned private club in Qingshan City—exclusively for members, and no one else. Even the most basic membership cost a million a year; Li Qingying herself had never been willing to pay for it.

The staff there were powerful enough that even a security guard was not someone a typical business boss would dare to provoke.

After Li Qingying left for the entrance, He Haoxuan turned off the engine, got out, and retrieved a small device from the back seat. "To think someone actually planted a bug in Li Qingying's car," he murmured.

Li Qingying, lacking a membership card, called Yang Zhiyi at the door. Soon, a medium-built young man hurried out excitedly. "Qingying, I've been waiting for you. Let's go in quickly."

When Yang Zhiyi reached to take her hand, Li Qingying sidestepped him. "Mr. Yang, it's getting late. Let's go in and get down to business. I need to go home."

Yang Zhiyi sneered inwardly: Li Qingying, you think you’ll go home? Impossible. Tonight, no matter what, I’ll have you.

In the luxuriously decorated private room, Li Qingying noticed there was no one else. A dozen bottles of red wine lined the table, setting her nerves on edge.

At first, Yang Zhiyi avoided business talk, just urging her to drink.

After each of them had finished a bottle, Li Qingying felt something was off. She stood up. "Mr. Yang, I came tonight to discuss the shipment. If you have no answer, I'll leave."

"Why so tense, Li Qingying? Sit down, let's talk terms," Yang Zhiyi said, seeing she was about to leave and deciding not to waste time any longer.

"Mr. Yang, this time it's you who breached the contract. You're going to take a significant loss," Li Qingying reminded him.

"Heh, Ruhuá Group is rich and fearless. That kind of loss is nothing to us," Yang Zhiyi shrugged indifferently. "Besides, we've looked into your situation. As long as we delay the shipment by a week or so, before you even file a lawsuit, you'll already be unable to endure the losses."

Li Qingying’s face changed. Yang Zhiyi had a deep understanding of Baili Group’s predicament—there must be a traitor within. "I’m begging you, please deliver the goods tomorrow."

"Qingying, let’s not beat around the bush. Stay with me tonight, and not only will I deliver the goods tomorrow, but I’ll waive the payment for this batch. How’s that?" Yang Zhiyi grinned smugly.

This shipment was worth over ten million—he was sure Li Qingying would give in.

Even a virtuous, untouchable woman would be tempted by such an offer, let alone Li Qingying, who was already married.

Thinking that she’d already been with that useless He Haoxuan enraged Yang Zhiyi all the more.

Li Qingying, this is just a trick. After tonight, when I have what I want, I’ll record some videos and blackmail you into coming back again. As for the payment? Of course, I’ll collect it. Men always renege after pulling up their pants.

"No," Li Qingying said firmly.

Yang Zhiyi laughed. "Li Qingying, I know everything. Plenty of people in Baili Group want you out. If I cut off your supplies for just three days, someone will move against you."

Li Qingying stared in shock. "So you’ve joined forces with them?"

"Think whatever you like, but I really do love you. I’m not making things hard—just one night, and all that money is yours. What more do you want? You’re not even pure anymore; that useless husband of yours already—"

Unable to bear any more, Li Qingying turned to leave, but Yang Zhiyi blocked her way. "You’re not getting away tonight. Even if you refuse, I’ll take you by force. With my family’s wealth, do you think I can’t handle you? Besides, who knows—you might end up enjoying it."

With that, Yang Zhiyi lunged at her.

Terrified, Li Qingying backed away, screaming, "Help! Stay away from me!"

She regretted coming alone—had she known Yang Zhiyi would behave so shamelessly, she would have brought someone else, even that useless He Haoxuan. At least she’d be safer. At this moment, she desperately wished He Haoxuan were there.

Suddenly, with a loud crack, the locked door was kicked open, and a figure burst into the room.

"He Haoxuan, help me!" Li Qingying cried out in relief as she saw him.

He Zhiyi sneered, "He Haoxuan? That worthless husband of yours? Listen up, I’m Yang Zhiyi, general manager of Ruhuá Group, worth hundreds of millions. Even Baili Group doesn’t dare cross me. You’re nothing but a live-in son-in-law of the Li family, even less qualified to provoke me. Get out and guard the door. When I’m done with your wife, I’ll call you in."