The Green Tea Supporting Girl Is Still Playing Her Role Today (GL) - Chapter 26

Chapter 26

On Monday, Wen Pinghan received a call from Fang Ningshu, who said the Gu Corporation had a collaboration project to discuss and invited her to their headquarters for a detailed talk.

She immediately gathered the necessary materials and sent a message to Xie Zhifei, informing her she was heading to the Gu Corporation to discuss the collaboration.

Xie Zhifei: [Go for it! Nail this deal!]

Since this deal was a sure thing, Wen Pinghan wasn’t too nervous or worried as she headed to the Gu Corporation headquarters.

The headquarters was on the other side of the city, with a larger building footprint. A grand and beautiful sculpture stood in front of the entrance. After stating her purpose in the lobby, the guy at the elevator pressed the button for her, directing her to wait in the meeting room on the 36th floor.

The front desk had already called ahead, so when she arrived at the meeting room, Fang Ningshu showed up promptly.

“Ms. Wen, what a coincidence, we meet again,” Fang Ningshu said with a smile, gesturing to the sofa across from her. “Please, have a seat. Water or coffee?”

“Water.”

“Iced or warm?”

“Iced.”

“Alright, one moment.” Fang Ningshu personally went to get the water, giving Wen Pinghan a moment to settle into the unfamiliar environment.

Taking advantage of the brief pause, Wen Pinghan looked around, carefully observing her surroundings. The cityscape unfolded before her eyes.

“Nice view, isn’t it?” Fang Ningshu returned with a professional smile, handing her the water. “It’s even better at night.”

“You must have seen it plenty of times,” Wen Pinghan replied.

“Yeah. President Gu is always busy, so I spend most of my time with him in this building, looking at the view,” Fang Ningshu said, a trace of longing slipping into her words. If Wen Pinghan hadn’t known about her feelings, she might have mistaken her for a complete workaholic.

“That’s nice. You’ve both witnessed each other’s hard work,” Wen Pinghan said, going along with her.

Perhaps it was that comment that struck a chord, as Fang Ningshu’s smile gained a touch of sincerity. “Let’s talk about the collaboration. The Gu Corporation is building a mall—have you heard about it?”

“I have.” Wen Pinghan thought, ‘It’s being built near my new place.’

“We’ve been old friends with Qisheng, so we’re continuing our partnership this time. But this small deal probably wouldn’t catch Chairman Xie or Ms. Xie’s eye, so we specifically chose you to handle it. It’s also President Gu’s way of doing a favor for a friend like you.”

It wasn’t clear if this was Gu Zhizhang’s instruction, but Wen Pinghan leaned toward thinking Fang Ningshu was deliberately twisting his intentions, making it seem like this collaboration was only offered because Gu Zhizhang pitied or admired her.

Normally, she might have felt a bit humiliated, but Xie Zhifei had already prepared her: “Don’t worry, Sister. Ignore whatever Fang Ningshu says. Getting the deal is a win, and making money is what counts!”

“Then thank President Gu for his kindness,” Wen Pinghan said with a smile, ready to accept the project handed to her.

Fang Ningshu was slightly taken aback, seeing her accept so confidently. Her impression of Wen Pinghan worsened, feeling it wasn’t worth it for President Gu.

After discussing the collaboration terms, Fang Ningshu handed her the contract.

“I’ll take it back for our legal team to review before giving you a response,” Wen Pinghan said.

“No problem.” Fang Ningshu’s gaze paused as she glanced at someone approaching the door. She stood and called out, “President Gu.”

“All done?” Gu Zhizhang appeared at the door in a formal suit, loosening his tie. He looked at Wen Pinghan with a perfect smile. “It’s noon. Want to try our cafeteria and see how it is?”

Wen Pinghan thought for a moment and nodded. “Sure, I’ll trouble you then.”

“No trouble. I’ll take you there.” Gu Zhizhang hadn’t expected Wen Pinghan, who usually turned him down, to agree. A bit surprised, his smile widened, drawing noticeable attention.

Fang Ningshu’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. Seeing he hadn’t given her any tasks, she followed them.

Their arrival at the cafeteria caused quite a stir. First, it was President Gu’s first time dining in the employee cafeteria, and many employees who’d never seen him up close were struck by his good looks. Second, he’d brought a stunning, unfamiliar woman with him, and his attentive demeanor was hard to miss.

Gu Zhizhang noticed the many stares and, to make Wen Pinghan feel at ease, took her to a private room on the cafeteria’s second floor, sending Fang Ningshu to get food.

Many employees were familiar with Fang Ningshu. While she was getting food, several approached her, asking if President Gu had brought his girlfriend and gossiping curiously. Some even complimented their good match.

“No such thing. Eat your food and mind your own business,” Fang Ningshu said curtly, carrying the tray to the private room, her hands showing visible tension. Upon opening the door, she saw President Gu doting on Wen Pinghan, his expression full of care and affection.

Fang Ningshu glanced at Wen Pinghan, feeling indignant.

In terms of looks, Wen Pinghan was beautiful but not above other suitors. In terms of background, she couldn’t compare to Xie Zhifei. In terms of closeness, she couldn’t rival Fang Ningshu herself.

So what exactly made Wen Pinghan able to capture President Gu’s heart in such a short time?

The more she saw Gu Zhizhang’s gentle care toward this woman, the harder it was to suppress her urge to break through all obstacles. But not yet—she didn’t have the strength to make Gu Zhizhang see her differently or to make herself indispensable to him emotionally. So she had to carefully hide her feelings.

After the meal, Wen Pinghan sincerely commented, “Your cafeteria food is pretty good.”

“Really?” Gu Zhizhang was delighted. “Then come back sometime to try other dishes.”

Wen Pinghan smiled without replying and stood. “I’ve kept you from your meal. I need to get back to Qisheng to handle the contract.”

“Alright, Ningshu, see her out,” Gu Zhizhang instructed.

Fang Ningshu’s expression shifted slightly, looking at him in disbelief. Normally, such escort duties were left to drivers, and she’d only personally escorted VIPs to show respect. Yet today, he was asking her to escort a mere marketing manager, revealing Wen Pinghan’s place in his heart.

“Yes.” Fang Ningshu lowered her head and said, “Ms. Wen, please come this way.”

Though she was to escort her, the driver handled the car. Fang Ningshu merely accompanied her, glancing at Wen Pinghan through the rearview mirror as she played on her phone. “Ms. Wen, anything you’d like to ask?”

“Hm? Ask what?” Wen Pinghan looked up.

Anything! Ask why President Gu treats you so specially! Ask about his romantic history!

“Nothing you’re curious about?” Fang Ningshu pressed.

“Oh, there is one thing.” Wen Pinghan immediately asked, “Is your cafeteria open to outsiders? Can I come eat next time? Can I bring friends?”

Fang Ningshu: “…”

In the end, Fang Ningshu gave her an employee card. Back at the office, she reported this to Gu Zhizhang, who was very pleased with her quick thinking and praised her. Fang Ningshu felt the praise stuck in her throat.

Back at the company, Wen Pinghan first took the contract to the legal department, then handed it to Xie Zhifei for review.

But she hadn’t expected the review to take place at her rental apartment.

No choice—the legal team finished reviewing after work hours. When she brought it to Xie Zhifei’s office, she was already preparing to leave. Xie Zhifei made the call: “Let’s go to your place to review it and have dinner.”

So, her young miss sat at the small dining table, eating noodles while flipping through the contract.

“Don’t spill soup on it,” Wen Pinghan reminded.

“Okay.” Xie Zhifei moved the noodle bowl aside, craning her neck to keep reading.

The effort looked painful, and Wen Pinghan felt her neck ache just watching. She reached over and snatched the contract. “Eat first, read later.”

“Alright, I’ll listen to Sister,” Xie Zhifei said, unbothered, eating and chatting. “This contract was prepared quickly. Since Fang Ningshu is your contact, she’s likely in charge. The efficiency is impressive—she’s quite capable.”

“Yeah.”

“She handles business externally and manages all of Gu Zhizhang’s personal affairs internally. What an all-around secretary,” Xie Zhifei said, thinking of her own secretary, whose rigid tone always made her drowsy.

The male lead’s aura was indeed strong, with such a high-caliber team.

Wen Pinghan nodded. “Her business skills are undeniable, and she’s good at networking. Just one trip to the cafeteria showed how many employees know her—she must interact with them often.”

“Interesting.” Xie Zhifei’s lips curved. “Let’s see if this fish takes our bait.”

“Stop grinning like a villain and eat your noodles. They’re getting soggy.”

“Oh, oh! Right away!” Xie Zhifei quickly ate, finishing a big bowl in no time.

Wen Pinghan went to the kitchen to wash dishes and noticed Xie Zhifei following. Puzzled, she looked at her. Xie Zhifei blinked: “Washing dishes.”

“Fine, you handle the second rinse.”

“Okay.”

After Wen Pinghan washed with detergent, she handed the dishes to Xie Zhifei, then wiped the counter, casually asking, “When are you heading back?”

“What, I just finished eating, and you’re kicking me out?” Xie Zhifei, rinsing the dishes, flicked water droplets at Wen Pinghan’s face.

“Hey, stop it.” Wen Pinghan raised her hand to shield her face, laughing. “So childish.”

“Hmph.” Xie Zhifei smugly shook her shoulders.

“By the way, how’s it going with Li Hongyan?” Wen Pinghan asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Didn’t you exchange WeChat last night? Has he not messaged you?” Wen Pinghan tossed the cloth into the sink and squeezed in beside her to wash.

“He has, but it’s all about company stuff. That guy’s probably not into women,” Xie Zhifei said.

“How do you know?”

“Xiaojing said so herself. She’s charmed countless people but failed with Li Hongyan,” Xie Zhifei said, marveling.

Wen Pinghan glanced at her face and smiled faintly. “That’s just her. How can you be sure all men in the world are into her type?”

“Fair point.” Xie Zhifei turned to her, eyes curving. “Your type is pretty charming, Sister.”

Wen Pinghan dried her hands and handed her the towel, smiling. “Why not talk about yourself?”

“Me?” Xie Zhifei shrugged. “I’ve never had luck with men since I was a kid.”

“Same here,” Wen Pinghan said with a laugh.

They locked eyes, neither believing the other.

“I’m stuffed. Let me sit for a bit.” Xie Zhifei rubbed her stomach and flopped onto the living room couch.

Wen Pinghan washed a box of strawberries and set them on the coffee table. “Want some?”

“Yeah.” Xie Zhifei reached out but couldn’t reach the table and was too lazy to move. “Feed me.”

“You’re so lazy. Get up and eat.”

“No way~ Sister~~~”

“Sister my foot. Do it yourself—work for your food.”

“Feed me, Sister, and I’ll be rich and prosperous!”

“…” Wen Pinghan stared at her silently.

Xie Zhifei, determined to act spoiled, gave up on words and started physically. She wriggled on the couch, legs flailing, and whined in a high-pitched voice, “Sister, my dear Sister~ Just feed me~”

Wen Pinghan was at a loss, picked up a strawberry, and held it to her mouth.

Xie Zhifei bit it, grinning at her. The next moment, she saw Wen Pinghan reach out and pull her skirt back down.

Apparently, while flailing, she hadn’t noticed her skirt had flipped up to her stomach.

Xie Zhifei: “…”

Suddenly, she turned into a clown, didn’t she?