Chapter Seventy-Six: Scheming Against Gu Qingming

Outside the music restaurant.

Xie Jinchuan had heard that Shen Qingli was dining here and thought he might orchestrate a chance encounter, just to see how she was doing lately.

But he never could have imagined that Shen Qingli would be eating with someone else!

That instantly ignited Xie Jinchuan’s temper.

Gu Qingming’s gaze lingered on Shen Qingli, so intently that if it could take physical form, it would surely be sticky and drawn out.

Xie Jinchuan’s assistant noticed his sour expression, glanced up, and saw Shen Qingli.

He’d always been curious; with the relationship between Xie Jinchuan and Shen Qingli being so close, why had they suddenly divorced? Now, seeing this scene, every question seemed answered—Shen Qingli must have found someone else!

“Mr. Xie...”

The assistant called out cautiously, only to hear Xie Jinchuan grit his teeth, “Get out of the car and check things out!”

“Yes, sir.”

The assistant hurried out to reserve a table. Xie Jinchuan wanted to linger near Shen Qingli, to remind her she still had a husband.

But when Xie Jinchuan entered, Shen Qingli merely glanced at him, then disinterestedly resumed eating.

Xie Jinchuan was so incensed he nearly marched over to assert his claim, but he held back.

He was the one who had insisted Shen Qingli leave; approaching her now would only expose himself and do him no good.

Gu Qingming sensed something was off with Shen Qingli, concern and care brimming in his eyes. “Sister Shen, what’s wrong?”

Sister Shen? How intimate! Xie Jinchuan was certain he’d never heard of such a grown son in the Shen family.

He sat down, eyes locked on Shen Qingli. If looks could kill, Gu Qingming would have been dead a thousand times over.

Shen Qingli tried hard to shift her gaze away from Xie Jinchuan, smiling as she reassured Gu Qingming. Then she swiftly messaged Green Cilantro, “Why is Xie Jinchuan here? Why didn’t you tell me when he was nearby?”

Had she known, she would have fled immediately.

Green Cilantro was caught between two fires, “I didn’t even know the Immortal was coming…”

With Xie Jinchuan’s abilities, it was effortless for him to hide his whereabouts from Green Cilantro if he wished.

Shen Qingli didn’t press Green Cilantro. Turning to Gu Qingming, she said, “I think I’ve eaten too much. How about we take a walk to digest?”

Leaving just as Xie Jinchuan arrived—her intentions could not be clearer.

Gu Qingming’s eyes flickered. He was well aware of Xie Jinchuan and Shen Qingli’s marriage and subsequent divorce; his sources were far from lacking, especially regarding anything to do with Shen Qingli.

“Alright, let’s go.”

Gu Qingming elegantly wiped the corner of his mouth. As they stood and walked out, he deliberately took Shen Qingli’s hand right in front of Xie Jinchuan.

Xie Jinchuan threw his knife and fork onto the plate, producing a sharp clatter. The waiter rushed over. “Mr. Xie, is there anything you’re dissatisfied with?”

The assistant was near tears. The problem wasn’t the restaurant—it was the people.

He glanced at the waiter to dismiss them, then heard Xie Jinchuan order, “Find out who that man is.”

The assistant didn’t even need to check his phone; he immediately recounted Gu Qingming’s history. Gu Qingming was so prominent it was hardly a surprise.

He explained he was a singer, which eased Xie Jinchuan’s worry a little, but it quickly returned.

No, even if it was work-related, it wasn’t safe. That man’s gaze at Shen Qingli was clearly filled with something more!

He would never allow a ticking time bomb beside Shen Qingli!

Shen Qingli had no inkling of Xie Jinchuan’s thoughts. After leaving the restaurant, she bit her fingertip anxiously.

Gu Qingming stood beside her, glancing over, worried she might still have lingering feelings for Xie Jinchuan. He feigned casualness, “Are you and Mr. Xie close?”

“Who’s close with him?”

Shen Qingli dropped her hand, her expression mature and composed as she looked ahead. “We’re not close; we’ve only met a few times for work.”

Her words were a clear lie—how could two people who’d been married not be close?

But hearing this, Gu Qingming was reassured; at least it proved she no longer harbored feelings for Xie Jinchuan.

“So it’s just work... Then, is there a chance I could treat you to a meal in the future?”

His gaze was determined, like a beast eyeing its prey.

Dong Yang frowned. Something about Gu Qingming felt off; should she warn Ms. Shen?

Unlike Dong Yang’s caution, Shen Qingli didn’t react at all, not even noticing the odd tone in Gu Qingming’s voice. She answered casually, “We’ll be in the same company soon, so there’ll be plenty of chances to dine together.”

Gu Qingming, pleased with her answer, smiled. “Then I’ll find a time when you’re free to have a meal together.”

After exchanging a few more words, they parted ways.

Gu Qingming had just arrived from the airport and rushed straight to the restaurant for business discussions; it was time he rested.

Shen Qingli herself hadn’t rested in days. Dong Yang, doubling as her driver, took her back to the small apartment she had temporarily rented.

“All right, if I need anything, I’ll call you. You should rest as well.”

Downstairs, Shen Qingli gave Dong Yang a few work instructions, then turned and went upstairs.

She never noticed the black car trailing her the whole way.

Xie Jinchuan sat inside, gazing at her back, his eyes filled with concern.

He knew all too well how exhausted Shen Qingli had been lately, especially with Qiao Yi Entertainment constantly suppressing them, trying to prevent Mingguang Media from growing. Shen Qingli had been handling everything herself, worn to the bone.

If she kept this up, her health would surely collapse.

The assistant watched Xie Jinchuan and couldn’t help but imagine—was the divorce something Mr. Xie was forced into? Maybe Shen Qingli had found Gu Qingming as a lover, and Mr. Xie, furious, demanded the divorce, though he still cared for her?

Ah, the affairs of the rich were too tangled; he could never make sense of it.

“Mr. Xie, shall we return to the company or the villa?”

Xie Jinchuan withdrew his gaze. Knowing Shen Qingli was safely home and not out with Gu Qingming was enough.

“To the villa.”

Meanwhile, Rong Qiao Yi and Ye Qingqing were busy with their collaboration.

She wanted to launch Ye Qingqing onto the screen. Director Li An had a new drama, and the script she’d seen was captivating. There was a role for an innocent junior disciple, perfect for Ye Qingqing.

She intended to secure this role for Ye Qingqing.

At the very least, she had to get ahead of Shen Qingli and raise Ye Qingqing’s profile.