Volume One, Chapter 13: Qin Weizhou

Qin Weizhou’s deep, unfathomable eyes flickered with a trace of impatience. “Do I really need to know?”

He Jingcheng chuckled softly, as if certain that the mere mention of that name would make Qin Weizhou withdraw from the partnership.

After all, Qin Weizhou disliked him, and naturally, he extended that disdain to everyone around him.

“It was Jiang Shuwei and a friend of hers who founded it,” He Jingcheng said coolly.

Qin Weizhou’s eyes remained steady, but on closer inspection, there was a hint of surprise beneath his gaze.

“Jiang Shuwei? That name sounds somewhat familiar,” Qin Weizhou said indifferently.

Beside him, his close friend Yan Feiye let out a chuckle. “Young Master Qin, it’s no surprise you recognize Jiang Shuwei—she’s the child bride of the He family. It’s quite possible she’s already Mr. He’s…”

“Wife,” He Jingcheng lowered his voice. “My wife created the studio. If you, Mr. Qin, are willing to favor us, I have no objections.”

Qin Weizhou’s expression flickered with conflict. The next moment, he responded coldly, “Sorry, I wasn’t fully informed. This matter is dropped.”

With that, Qin Weizhou ignored them and turned to leave with his two friends.

He Jingcheng smiled thinly, as if satisfied that his plan had succeeded.

Half an hour later, Zhou Haixin answered the phone and screamed, “What? Cancel the cooperation? May I ask why?”

“But we’ve already hired several people… Listen, let me finish. You can’t do business like this.”

Zhou Haixin flung the phone onto the sofa in frustration, pressing her hands to her forehead.

Jiang Shuwei, who was busy making designs on her computer, quickly asked, “Haixin, what happened?”

Zhou Haixin exploded in anger. “This Yun Tu is completely crazy! They approached us first, showered us with compliments, insisting we take on their project. We thought this cooperation was a sure thing. But just now, they kept apologizing on the phone and said maybe we could work together in the future… I’m stunned. Have they lost all integrity?”

Jiang Shuwei also found their reversal strange.

It was too abrupt. Normally, if someone initiates cooperation, it means they’re sincere.

To cancel without explanation must mean something else happened.

Pinching her brow, Zhou Haixin said, “Could it be a jealous competitor sabotaging us?”

Jiang Shuwei frowned as she analyzed, “As far as I know, we don’t have many competitors. Those with core capabilities? None at all.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Zhou Haixin was perplexed. “You already picked the office location. The building is nearly complete… Sigh, we haven’t even reached the stage of hosting guests before collapsing. Is starting a business really this hard?”

At the mention of the office location, Jiang Shuwei’s eyes flickered.

She quickly stood up from her desk. “Haixin, something’s off here. I’m going to Yun Tu.”

—

Zhou Haixin sprang up, stunned. “Shuwei, do you suspect someone’s scheming behind the scenes?”

“Better to find out first,” Jiang Shuwei said, grabbing her bag and heading out.

Yun Tu was a modestly sized internet company, already making a name for itself online. They chose to cooperate with 'Clear Vision' to boost the recognition of their image search library.

When Jiang Shuwei arrived, the head of Yun Tu, Mr. Zhang, was about to head to the cafeteria.

“You are…” Mr. Zhang’s eyes lit up upon seeing the strikingly beautiful young woman before him.

“Hello, Mr. Zhang. I’m one of the heads of Clear Vision, Jiang Shuwei,” she introduced herself.

Hearing “Clear Vision,” Mr. Zhang immediately wanted to avoid her.

No matter how beautiful she was, he dared not entertain her.

Jiang Shuwei blocked his way. “Mr. Zhang, haven’t eaten yet? My treat.”

Mr. Zhang shook his head bitterly. “No thanks, Miss Jiang. I know why you’re here.”

“If you know, why not talk to me?” Jiang Shuwei smiled gently, “It’s just a normal business discussion. It won’t take much of your time.”

“There’s nothing to discuss. Your Clear Vision is capable, but our higher-ups decided to change partners. I have no say in this,” Mr. Zhang said, looking troubled.

Jiang Shuwei was momentarily stunned. “Could you give me a contact for those higher-ups?”

“Miss Jiang, it’s no use. Our little Young Master Qin…” Mr. Zhang began but immediately stopped himself.

Jiang Shuwei’s eyes flickered, catching the key point.

Little Young Master Qin?

Qin Weizhou?

The legitimate first heir of Qin Group?

To think this project was being pushed by him.

“Uh… I didn’t say anything. I’m hungry, so I’ll eat first. Miss Jiang, let’s leave it at that. Some things aren’t worth getting tangled in,” Mr. Zhang said, then slipped away.

Jiang Shuwei lowered her gaze and clenched her handbag.

Mr. Zhang’s guilty expression proved the problem wasn’t with their company’s ability but that someone had cut off her project at the source.

Jiang Shuwei left Yun Tu and stood by the roadside, watching the traffic flow.

It seemed the culprit behind the scenes was either Su Mian or He Jingcheng.

—

The Su family’s status in Jingdu was average and insufficient to sway Qin Weizhou’s decision.

That left only one person.

“He Jingcheng, won’t you even let me live?” Jiang Shuwei hadn’t expected her husband, He Jingcheng, to interfere in her career. His first move was ruthless—seizing the office building for his new lover and crushing her fledgling business.

Her fingers whitened as she clenched her fists, lips biting tightly. No, she had built her career step by step. It couldn’t be snuffed out just because of Su Mian. How could she face Zhou Haixin, who had given up an overseas opportunity to work tirelessly with her in that cramped studio?

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Shuwei resolved to meet the person in charge.

But if she went straight to Qin Group now, she probably wouldn’t see Qin Weizhou.

In this circle, anyone’s habits and preferences could be remembered with a little effort.

Jiang Shuwei had a photographic memory. She recalled that Qin Weizhou liked to ride horses at a top club at dusk.

Biting her lip, she thought, no matter what, she had to go to the Crown Club.

At 5:30 p.m., Jiang Shuwei arrived at the Crown Club, a members-only venue with annual fees exceeding two million yuan, requiring asset verification for membership.

She entered effortlessly, using He Jingcheng’s phone number and a member password to access his private room.

Her access was thanks to the old master’s insistence that He Jingcheng teach her to ride horses, even keeping a horse here for her.

Five years had passed; she learned to ride, but the one who taught her never appeared again.

Jiang Shuwei had adopted a white horse here named Star Moon—a pure white horse with a gentle temperament.

She had stored two sets of riding gear here and now wore a gray-blue outfit, striking and elegant.

“Star Moon, long time no see. Did you miss me?” Jiang Shuwei gently stroked her horse, pressing close. Star Moon emitted a low whinny, as if responding.

With staff assistance, Jiang Shuwei led Star Moon toward the training ground.

At that moment, the VIP door opened. Qin Weizhou, dressed in black riding gear, emerged with two handsome men.

Jiang Shuwei’s eyes brightened.

It seemed this visit was not in vain.