Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: Yu Xin’s Obstruction, Deliberate Showboating

The Monday morning building materials coordination meeting was held in the company's large conference room. Su Wan arrived ten minutes early. As she pushed open the door, she saw Chen Yuxin sitting next to Lu Chengyu, the two engaged in low conversation. Chen Yuxin wore a red dress adorned with tiny pearls, her makeup flawless, her hair styled in loose waves secured with a golden hairpin—elegant and affluent-looking.Spotting Su Wan, she curled her lips into an almost imperceptible smile and deliberately raised her voice to Lu Chengyu: "Chengyu, the granite you mentioned earlier—our factory has adjusted the production line. We can deliver next week, so rest assured."Lu Chengyu nodded, then turned to see Su Wan, his eyes softening with warmth. "You're here? Sit here," he said, gesturing to the empty seat beside him. Chen Yuxin's expression darkened slightly, but she maintained her elegant smile.Su Wan hesitated for a moment before walking over to take the seat. The meeting began soon after, with each supplier introducing their products in turn. When it was Hengyuan Group's turn, Chen Yuxin stepped onto the podium, holding a tablet displaying stone samples. Her voice was clear and her introduction detailed, but her gaze drifted to Lu Chengyu from time to time, and her words subtly referenced "the long-term cooperation between our two enterprises," "Mr. Lu and my father have been friends for years," and "we even danced together at the business dinner last time."Su Wan sat in the audience, notebook in hand, but didn't write a single word. Watching Chen Yuxin's confident demeanor on stage, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of bitterness. Though Lu Chengyu had explained everything, seeing him and Chen Yuxin together—looking so well-matched—still made her uneasy.After the meeting, Su Wan packed up her notebook and was about to leave when Chen Yuxin stopped her. Leaning against the conference room door with her arms crossed, Chen Yuxin's eyes held a provocative glint: "Designer Su, wait a minute. I have something to say to you."Lu Chengyu tried to follow, but was surrounded by other suppliers. He could only look at Su Wan helplessly, his eyes filled with concern. Su Wan shook her head at him, signaling she was okay, and followed Chen Yuxin to the corner of the corridor."Designer Su, I didn't expect you to take the lead on the Stellar project—impressive," Chen Yuxin pulled an exquisite handbag from her bag, gently caressing its chain. "But I must remind you: doing a project requires not only ability, but also strong backing. Look at Chengyu and me—our families have collaborated for years. I can help him solve building materials supply issues and expand his network. What can you do for him?"Seeing Chen Yuxin's arrogant attitude, Su Wan felt a flicker of anger, but remained calm: "Ms. Chen, projects rely on strength and team effort, not so-called 'backing.' I can guarantee the design quality of the Stellar project and complete the construction schedule on time—that's more than enough.""Enough?" Chen Yuxin scoffed, pulling a photo from her bag and handing it to Su Wan. In the photo, Lu Chengyu wore a black suit and Chen Yuxin a white evening gown, standing on a dinner stage. Chen Yuxin had her arm linked through Lu Chengyu's, a bright smile on her face. The backdrop read "Hengyuan Group & Chengyu Investment Strategic Cooperation Dinner." "Look," she said, "this was last week's business dinner. Many people thought we were a couple—even Chengyu's father joked that he hoped we'd confirm our relationship soon."Su Wan gripped the photo tightly, its edges digging into her palm. Staring at the intimate couple in the picture, she recalled the scene she'd witnessed at the mall. Her heart felt as if it had been struck hard, a sharp pain spreading through her chest. Tears blurred her vision, but she held them back."Ms. Chen, I think you're mistaken. Chengyu and I are just colleagues," Su Wan struggled to keep her voice steady, but her fingers trembled slightly."Colleagues?" Chen Yuxin took a step closer, lowering her voice with a hint of contempt. "Designer Su, you need to face reality. You and Chengyu are from completely different worlds. He's the president of Chengyu Investment and will inherit the family business someday. He needs a partner like me who can assist him in his career—not an ordinary designer who only knows how to draw. Do you really think he likes you? It's just a fleeting freshness. Once that fades, he'll choose someone of equal status—me."Su Wan's heart ached like it had been pierced by needles. She was about to retort when she heard Lu Chengyu's voice from behind: "Yu Xin, what are you saying?"Chen Yuxin turned, and upon seeing Lu Chengyu, her face instantly softened into a gentle smile, the arrogance and contempt vanishing without a trace. "Chengyu, I was just talking to Designer Su about the project—reminding her to pay attention to the stone delivery schedule."Lu Chengyu walked over to Su Wan, noticing her tear-glazed eyes and the photo in her hand. He immediately understood what had happened. His expression darkened, his eyes cold as he addressed Chen Yuxin: "Yu Xin, I've told you countless times—I have no romantic feelings for you. We're only business partners. Stop spreading these lies and harassing Su Wan, or we'll have to terminate our cooperation with Hengyuan Group."Chen Yuxin hadn't expected Lu Chengyu to humiliate her so publicly. Her face turned pale with anger and embarrassment. She stared at them for a moment, then turned and stormed off, slamming the door behind her.Su Wan looked up at Lu Chengyu, a faint smile tugging at her lips: "Thank you."Lu Chengyu squeezed her hand gently, his eyes softening. "I should have handled this sooner. I'm sorry you had to go through this."The two walked side by side toward the office area. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting warm light on them. Su Wan knew Chen Yuxin's obstruction was just the beginning, but with Lu Chengyu by her side, she felt brave enough to face any challenges that lay ahead.