19: Today, thanks to you

Lan Yanran looked at him coldly, the sarcastic curve at the corner of her lips becoming increasingly evident.

"A misunderstanding?"

"CEO Zheng, you should head into the conference room first."

After saying this, she didn't spare Zheng Guangzhi another glance. She turned around and, clicking her high heels, walked straight toward the conference room.

Her haughty back looked like that of a queen returning in triumph.

Zheng Guangzhi stood rooted to the spot, feeling a burning pain on his face as if he had been slapped dozens of times in public!

...The conference room.

The atmosphere was oppressive to the extreme.

For Zheng Guangzhi, the next three hours were nothing short of a brutal public execution.

No matter how generous the terms of cooperation he proposed or how grand a blueprint for collaboration he painted.

Lan Yanran's response was always the same three cold words.

"I don't agree."

"Not interested."

"Next."

The team Zheng Guangzhi brought had spent days meticulously preparing a PPT, yet they hadn't even made it past the second slide.

He was about to go insane!

This wasn't a negotiation at all!

This was a one-sided slaughter!

He finally couldn't take it anymore.

"CEO Lan! Our Hongzhi Group came here with the utmost sincerity! Isn't acting like this a bit lacking in the spirit of cooperation?"

Lan Yanran raised her eyelids and swept a faint glance over him.

"Spirit of cooperation?"

"That depends on who I'm cooperating with."

Zheng Guangzhi almost spat out a mouthful of blood!

He understood completely now.

Lan Yanran hadn't intended to negotiate at all today!

She was here specifically to humiliate him!

But he couldn't figure it out!

Which part had gone wrong?

The intelligence clearly stated that during those few days every month, Lan Yanran would be in agonizing pain and her spirits would be low—it was when her willpower was at its weakest!

He had specifically chosen today to strike while she was down!

But why... why did she seem like a completely different person today?

Her aura was in full force, and she was firing on all cylinders, several times more powerful than the rumors suggested!

How did this look like a woman suffering from menstrual cramps?!

Could it be... the intelligence was wrong?

Zheng Guangzhi's mind was a complete mess.

Seeing that the negotiations were going nowhere, he could only swallow his humiliation and stand up.

"It seems CEO Lan is not in the best of states today, so we won't disturb you any further."

"I will bring my team to visit again tomorrow."

A faint, almost imperceptible smile finally appeared on Lan Yanran's face.

"Fine."

"I'll be waiting for you at the same time tomorrow."

Zheng Guangzhi led his people away with their tails between their legs.

The moment he stepped out of the Lantu Group's main gate, he was still pondering.

Why didn't Lan Yanran... look like she was on her period at all?

...*Bang.*

Lan Yanran returned to her office and closed the heavy solid wood door, shutting out everything outside.

She let out a long breath, and the indestructible mask of coldness on her face instantly crumbled.

In its place was a look of deep exhaustion.

Dealing with an old fox like Zheng Guangzhi was truly mentally draining.

She rubbed her throbbing temples and subconsciously walked toward the lounge inside.

As soon as she pushed open the hidden door, she froze.

She saw that Lin Chao hadn't left.

He was sitting quietly by the bed, his head lowered, seemingly focused on his phone.

Hearing the door open, Lin Chao looked up.

Their eyes met.

Seeing Lan Yanran return, Lin Chao's gaze immediately fell on her face, scrutinizing her carefully.

Then, as if a weight had been lifted from his mind, he let out a visible sigh of relief.

An indescribable, strange feeling welled up in Lan Yanran's heart.

She asked in surprise, "Why haven't you left yet?"

Lin Chao stood up with a gentle smile on his face, like the midday sun outside the window—warm but not blinding.

"I saw that your emotions were fluctuating quite a bit earlier, CEO Lan."

"I was worried it might cause hormonal changes in your body and lead to abdominal pain again, so I waited here a little longer."

He paused, his tone very sincere. "Seeing that your complexion looks good now, I'm relieved."

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

His words were perfectly composed and left no room for fault.

He explained why he had stayed while showing concern for her health in every word.

Lan Yanran's heart felt as if it had been gently nudged by something.

It felt very warm.

She glanced at the wall clock and realized it was almost one in the afternoon.

Lunchtime had long since passed.

"Wait."

As if possessed, she called out to Lin Chao, who had already reached the door. "It's already this late; you haven't eaten yet, have you?"

"Let me treat you to a simple meal."

A flash of joy crossed Lin Chao's eyes, but he quickly masked it. "How could I possibly..."

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Just think of it as my thanks to you."

Lan Yanran's tone carried a hint of finality that brooked no refusal.

This was exactly what Lin Chao wanted.

"Then... I shall humbly accept."

One after the other, the two left the office and went to a quiet private restaurant near the Lantu Group.

After they were seated, Lin Chao took the menu.

He didn't ask a single question about the cooperation, as if that matter had never happened.

His entire attention was focused on Lan Yanran.

"CEO Lan, how are you feeling now? Any more discomfort in your abdomen?"

Lan Yanran shook her head. "Much better, it hardly hurts anymore."

Lin Chao nodded and flipped through the menu, muttering softly to himself.

"Hmm... this seaweed soup is 'cold' in nature; we can't order that."

"Steamed crab is also a 'very cold' food, so that's out too."

"This Mutton Soup with Angelica and Ginger is good. It warms the center, tonifies deficiency, dispels cold, and relieves pain. It's perfect for you to drink right now."

"And we'll add Stir-fried Yam with Wood Ear Mushrooms to strengthen the spleen and benefit the stomach."

He ordered with such focus and seriousness, as if he were dealing with an extremely important matter.

Lan Yanran watched him quietly without saying a word.

But her heart was incredibly soft.

This man was truly considerate and genuinely cared about her health!

An unprecedented warm current instantly surged through Lan Yanran's entire body.

Causing her heart, which had been frozen for ten years, to show signs of melting.

The steaming Mutton Soup with Angelica and Ginger was served, the rich aroma of medicinal herbs and meat instantly filling the private room.

Lin Chao personally ladled a bowl for Lan Yanran and pushed it in front of her.

"CEO Lan, drink it while it's hot."

"It'll warm your body."

Lan Yanran gave an "mm," picked up the spoon, blew on it gently, and took small sips.

The warm broth slid down her throat, instantly dispelling the last trace of chill and exhaustion brought on by the negotiations.

Her tensed nerves relaxed along with it.

Putting down the spoon, she let out a long sigh of relief, but a look of undisguised disgust surfaced on her exquisite face.

She took the initiative to bring up the meeting just now.

"Today, thanks to you."