novelraw Chapter 023 Blatant Favoritism
Chapter 023 Blatant Favoritism
The conversation was drawing to a close.
The last slide of the PPT turned to the four large characters "Win-Win Cooperation".
Lin Wan closed her laptop.
She smiled confidently, her gaze fixed intently on Jiang Ci.
This was her trump card, which she had been preparing for a long time.
"Jiang Ci, we are all aware of the potential of this project."
She leaned forward slightly, her tone softening, even carrying a hint of personal expectation.
"If you and I are in charge together, I am confident that I can win the gold medal in next year's 'Challenge Cup'."
She paused, then threw out the final bait:
"To make communication easier, we can arrange to meet at the library for evening study sessions from now on. After all, there are many details that need to be worked out, and some data can't be tested in the lab."
library.
One of the most ambiguous places on a university campus.
That's a dating hotspot for academically gifted students who are "evenly matched".
We read books together, did practice problems together, and could see each other's focused profiles when we looked up.
Lin Wan's implication was quite obvious.
This is a long-term, deep bond.
She's gambling.
I bet Jiang Ci's ambition for his career will surpass his doting on that "pretty face".
Although Wen Ning was wearing headphones, the variety show had already been suspended.
She heard the word "library".
The bitterness that had just been suppressed in my heart started bubbling up again.
Ok.
They all went to the library.
Is the next step going to be pulling all-nighters to finish our papers?
Wen Ning bit her lower lip.
She wanted to pull her hand out of Jiang Ci's palm.
I won't let him hold my hand anymore.
You're going to the library with someone else anyway, why are you still holding hands?
however.
She just moved a finger.
Jiang Ci suddenly tightened his grip, holding her firmly and preventing her from escaping.
"Feel sorry."
Jiang Ci spoke.
The voice was cold and crisp.
Without any hesitation or delay.
He closed the thick business plan in front of him with one hand and pushed it back to Lin Wan.
I refuse your offer.
Lin Wan's smile froze for a moment.
"Why? Is it because of the profit-sharing ratio? We can talk about it again..."
"It's not about the money."
Jiang Ci interrupted her.
He leaned back in his chair, his posture languid, yet exuding an aloofness that kept people at arm's length.
"First, Limitless already has a complete core team. Jia Pengxiu and Zhang Annian have been with me for two years, and they understand this project better than anyone else. There's no need to bring in a person in charge from outside."
This is a formal, businesslike refusal.
He gave his brothers face while also drawing a clear line between them.
Lin Wan's face paled.
"But...we complement each other in terms of resources..."
"second."
Jiang Ci interrupted again.
This time, his tone changed.
It has lost some of its coldness and hardness, and gained a hint of helplessness and... indulgence.
He turned his head.
His gaze shifted from Lin Wan to Wen Ning, who was wearing headphones and pretending to look at a tablet.
Wen Ning felt his gaze and blankly took off her headphones: "Huh?"
Jiang Ci looked at her, a slight smile playing on his lips.
Then, in front of Lin Wan, he slowly and deliberately said:
"You saw it too."
My girlfriend is quite clingy.
"If I don't spend time with her, she'll throw a tantrum and it'll be hard to appease her."
Wen Ning: "???"
She widened her eyes.
Who's being clingy?
Who's throwing a tantrum?
I've been sitting here quietly watching the variety show the whole time, and I haven't said a single word!
That's slander!
Although... although I was indeed upset just now, you can't say it in public! I lost face!
Jiang Ci ignored Wen Ning's shock.
He looked at Lin Wan again, his eyes open and honest, even with a hint of blatant boasting.
"So, I won't go to the library."
"I don't have that much time to spend there. When I'm free, I have to be with her."
A decisive goal.
A decisive and utter kill.
The air seemed to freeze.
Jia Pengxiu and Zhang Annian, standing next to him, were trying their best to suppress their laughter, their faces turning red.
That was a really clever move by the captain.
This isn't refusing to cooperate; it's practically shoving dog food into someone's mouth and then asking if it's tasty.
Lin Wan's smile vanished completely.
She lost.
She didn't lose to ability, nor did she lose to beauty.
She lost to being "clingy".
She lost to Jiang Ci's words, "I have to stay with her."
She took a deep breath and tidied up the documents on the table.
The movements were somewhat stiff.
"Since that's the case... then I won't force it."
"I hope we'll have the opportunity to work together again in the future."
She stood up and took one last, deep look at Wen Ning.
The girl was staring at Jiang Ci with a bewildered expression, seemingly not yet realizing what had happened.
Really... lucky.
"goodbye."
Lin Wan maintained her last shred of dignity and quickly left in her high heels.
His back looked somewhat disheveled.
……
Lin Wan left.
The oppressive, elite atmosphere dissipated instantly.
Jia Pengxiu finally couldn't hold back any longer and burst into wild laughter, slumped over the table:
"Hahaha! Brother Ci is awesome!"
"'Hard to coax'! Hahahaha! I think Lin Wan's face has turned green!"
"Sister-in-law, it has to be you! Only you can make Brother Ci give up making money and focus on chatting with him."
Wen Ning's cheeks flushed.
She turned her head angrily and glared at Jiang Ci.
"What nonsense are you talking about!"
"When have I ever been clingy? When have I ever thrown a tantrum?"
"You clearly didn't want to go, but you're using me as a shield! You're a bad person!"
Jiang Ci looked at her flustered appearance.
very good mood.
He released her hand that had been holding under the table and instead pinched her chin.
This forced her to look up.
"No trouble?"
He raised an eyebrow, his gaze falling on the milk tea cup in her hand.
"Then what is this?"
Wen Ning followed his gaze.
The once smooth plastic straw had been chewed beyond recognition.
The straw opening was flattened and covered with fine, dense teeth marks.
Miserable.
Wen Ning: "..."
The evidence is conclusive.
"Who just slammed their cup so loudly?"
Jiang Ci stroked her chin with his fingers, his voice low and chuckled.
Who's been sighing the whole time?
"This isn't considered throwing a tantrum? Huh?"
Wen Ning's face turned so red it was almost bleeding.
They've been exposed.
That "generous" persona has completely collapsed.
She's now a petty, jealous, and troublesome person who messes things up.
"I……"
Wen Ning wanted to refute, but couldn't find a reason.
Finally, he could only give a resigned hum, "That's because the straw is of poor quality!"
Jiang Ci chuckled softly.
He loosened her jaw.
He picked up her bag and stood up.
"I'm gone."
"Where to?"
Wen Ning remained seated, sulking.
"Didn't they say we needed to modify the code?"
"I won't change it."
Jiang Ci grabbed her hand and pulled her up.
"I'll take you somewhere."
"what?"
Jiang Ci led her outside.
Pushing open the door of the coffee shop, the sunlight outside was just right.
"I'll take you to eat soufflé."
He said.
Wen Ning was taken aback.
Soufflé?
That was her favorite dessert, and there was only one shop near University A that made it well, and there was always a long queue.
"Why did you suddenly go eat that?"
Wen Ning was puzzled.
Jiang Ci turned around and glanced at her.
His eyes held a hint of teasing, but also an undisguised doting affection.
"Let me take you to get something sweet."
"Suppress the sour taste in someone's mouth."