"Can't I?"
"No."
Xu Jiayi knitted his brows into a '川' shape. "Why not?"
Shi Xinxin said with mock seriousness, "Because I already have someone I like."
Xu Jiayi's eyebrows furrowed into a '川' shape. "Who?"
Shi Xinxin smiled mysteriously. "You definitely know him. His surname is Sheng, and his name is Sheng Chenjin."
Xu Jiayi narrowed his eyes. "Sheng Chenjin?" That name sounded familiar...
"That's right," Shi Xinxin nodded.
"Sheng Chenjin!" Xu Jiayi exclaimed.
Shi Xinxin asked doubtfully, "What's wrong?"
Xu Jiayi shook his head. "Nothing."
If he remembered correctly, Sheng Chenjin was the CEO of Sheng Corporation, the youngest son of Sheng Tianyou.
Of course, that was just what he had heard.
How could Sheng Tianyou, that old fox, have a simple son?
Even if he wanted to get close to himself, he wouldn't let Shi Xinxin know.
After all, the gap between their families was too large, and Shi Xinxin would never agree.
Seeing that he wasn't pressing further, Shi Xinxin breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good."
Xu Jiayi suddenly asked, "You haven't contacted Mr. Sheng in a long time, have you?"
"Yes, it's been almost half a year since we last contacted," Shi Xinxin replied.
Xu Jiayi continued to probe, "What do you think of Mr. Sheng?"
Shi Xinxin pouted. "He's quite good. He's handsome, wealthy, and most importantly, he's very gentlemanly towards girls."
Xu Jiayi curved his lips into a smile. "And you, do you consider yourself quite lucky?"
Shi Xinxin raised an eyebrow and retorted, "Aren't I lucky? Look at my parents. Although they're busy with work, they don't get off until eight or nine o'clock every night. They spend almost all 24 hours with me. I also have a brother. Although he's usually busy with work, if I'm in danger, he'll definitely rush to save me without hesitation."
Xu Jiayi smiled and nodded. "You are indeed very fortunate."
"That's why I say, Mr. Sheng is truly outstanding," Shi Xinxin said with an appreciative tone.
After a moment of silence, Xu Jiayi suddenly said, "Since you like Mr. Sheng so much, why don't you tell your parents? You can confess to them directly, or ask them to introduce someone to you, and these matters would be resolved."
Hearing this, Shi Xinxin froze for a second, then gave a bitter smile. "They are in an arranged marriage. They don't want me to marry Sheng Chenjin at all."
"You're not a good match?" Xu Jiayi asked in surprise, frowning.
Shi Xinxin nodded. "I don't understand business matters, and I've never interacted with the Sheng family. So, I'm not sure about the specifics. However, I believe my parents wouldn't harm me. They must have their reasons for disagreeing, so I don't dare to act rashly, for fear of hurting them if I fail."
"Then when do you plan to wait until?"
"Until they are willing to cancel the engagement."
"What if they don't agree? What will you do?"
Shi Xinxin lowered her head, her fists clenched, her gaze firm. "I will work hard to make them agree."
Xu Jiayi sighed and advised, "Xinxin, if you don't want to, don't force yourself. It won't be good for you or your parents."
"Don't worry, I won't force myself," Shi Xinxin said with a faint smile, but tears welled up in her eyes. "I just want to try and see if I can break through their stubbornness."
"You really love him," Xu Jiayi sighed softly. "Whether it's for yourself or for your parents, you should be brave once."
"I know," Shi Xinxin nodded, raising her hand to wipe away the tears at the corners of her eyes. "I will definitely succeed."
"Go for it," Xu Jiayi encouraged her.
"Thank you."
Xu Jiayi reached out and patted her head. "Silly girl."
Shi Xinxin smiled sweetly, as radiant and bright as sunshine.
After finishing their meal, they parted ways. Shi Xinxin took a car home.
As soon as the car stopped, she hastily pushed open the door and got out.
Entering the living room, a man in a black suit stood at the entrance, bowing respectfully. "Miss Shi, hello. Young Master sent me to invite you over."
"Oh, I'll be right there." Shi Xinxin turned and walked towards the staircase.
"Miss Shi, please take your time."
Shi Xinxin went upstairs and knocked on the door of the room.
"Come in," a low, magnetic voice echoed.
Shi Xinxin pushed the door open and saw a handsome, peerless face before her eyes, noble and cold, distinguished and elegant.
"Sheng Chenjin," she called out obediently, then walked towards him, hanging the bag she was carrying on the coat rack.
Sheng Chenjin slightly curved his lips into a faint smile. "You're here."
Shi Xinxin smiled, walked to the sofa, and sat down, asking, "What do you need me for?"
"My parents came to see me at the company today."
Shi Xinxin was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "I know about this. My mother called me last night and told me. Then she told me to get some rest and to report to your company early tomorrow morning. I think our new cooperation plan can be implemented immediately."
"Mm," Sheng Chenjin nodded. "Then you can stay here tonight, and we'll discuss it in detail."
"Can I not stay?" Shi Xinxin frowned. "I don't like staying in hotels."
"Do you want to stay at my villa, or at your rented apartment?"
Shi Xinxin: "..."
She blinked her eyes, not knowing what to say. After a long pause, she said, "I'll stay at the hotel then. I'll be at Shengshi Group at nine o'clock tomorrow morning."
"You're going to stay at the company?" Sheng Chenjin asked.
Shi Xinxin gritted her teeth. "I'm here to work."
Sheng Chenjin curved his lips, gazing at her with a half-smile, his deep, charming peach blossom eyes glowing with a soft light.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Shi Xinxin inexplicably felt a sense of pressure.
Sheng Chenjin's thin lips parted. "Because you're very cute."
Shi Xinxin choked, her face flushing with embarrassment. "Cough, cough, cough. Actually, you've really misunderstood. I'm really just here to work, not to date."
"I didn't say you were dating. I said you're cute."
"Sheng Chenjin, can you stop talking nonsense?" Shi Xinxin's face turned even redder, a mix of shame and anger. She glared at Sheng Chenjin.
She stood up, pointed at his nose, and rebuked, "I'm warning you, if you keep talking nonsense, I won't be polite."
"I'm telling the truth, why don't you believe me?" Sheng Chenjin spread his hands innocently, looking very hurt.
Shi Xinxin was so angry she felt breathless. "Sheng Chenjin, you're really enough."
"Alright, I'm not teasing you anymore. Sit down, let's officially discuss the cooperation plan now." Sheng Chenjin gestured for Shi Xinxin to sit down.
Shi Xinxin sat on the sofa, then picked up the folder on the coffee table and started reading it with keen interest.
After reading it once, she looked up and said to Sheng Chenjin, "I don't think there are any problems with this cooperation plan, but the person who needs to sign it must be you."
"Me?"
"Yes, since we are cooperating, your name must be on the cooperation plan."