The Green Tea Supporting Girl Is Still Playing Her Role Today (GL) - Chapter 73

Chapter 73

After finishing breakfast, the trio headed straight to the client’s company. Xie Zhifei, who had just been fiercely scolding moments ago, now behaved obediently, addressing Mr. Zheng with deference and asking why he suddenly changed his intentions.

Mr. Zheng explained that another brand had made an offer the previous night, slightly higher than theirs, so he needed to reconsider.

The timing of the rival’s offer was too coincidental. Either Mr. Zheng was playing the middleman to drive up the price, or the other party was deliberately targeting them. Since only they and Mr. Zheng knew the quoted price, it was clear he had informed the other side, which was understandable.

“Our offer was carefully considered. Since Mr. Zheng has a better cooperation prospect with another party, we’ll take our leave and hope for future opportunities to work together.” Xie Zhifei stood up, ready to depart.

“Wait, we can still talk about the price. I genuinely want to work with Qisheng,” Mr. Zheng urged her to stay.

Xie Zhifei didn’t respond, glancing at Wen Pinghan instead. Wen Pinghan nodded slightly and asked with a smile, “So, Mr. Zheng, what exactly is your sincerity worth?”

Mr. Zheng proposed a price, one percentage point higher than their original offer but slightly lower than the rival’s. It was evident he wanted to collaborate with the established Qisheng while also pushing the price up.

As a business partner, this company was their most important long-term client, or Xie Zhifei wouldn’t have come in person to negotiate. Even a one percent increase wasn’t an outrageous demand, likely a move to maintain the long-term partnership.

“Mr. Zheng, this puts me in a tough spot. You know I’m just a market manager and have to report back to the higher-ups. You’re well aware of the price Qisheng has always offered you. You can’t expect a sudden hike just because I’m here, right?” Xie Zhifei said.

“I’m in a bind too. Everything’s getting more expensive—our raw materials included. The other company’s offer is quite a bit higher. I’m only considering this because of our long-term partnership, but you’ve got to ease my pain a little, don’t you?” Mr. Zheng replied.

Xie Zhifei stared at him silently. After both sides played their pity cards, they engaged in a quiet standoff.

“Mr. Zheng, if we increase by one percent, could you extend the after-sales service period?” Wen Pinghan asked.

“Isn’t three years enough?”

“Qisheng chose to work with you because of your quality. Appliances aren’t easily worn out, and three years is just the basic guarantee.”

“How many years are you thinking?”

“Five. With such fierce industry competition, you need quality to secure the loyalty of old clients like us, don’t you?” Wen Pinghan said.

Mr. Zheng pondered for a long time before asking, “Is this what Ms. Xie means too?”

Xie Zhifei nodded. “You can still think it over, but it’s best to give us an answer by tonight. We’re meeting other sincere partners tomorrow.”

In the car, the three exchanged glances and high-fived.

“Finally, I’m not singing a solo act,” Xie Zhifei said with a grin.

Wen Pinghan smiled softly.

Li Jiachuan analyzed, “Mr. Zheng has three options now: one, extend the after-sales period; two, revert to the original price; three, go with the other company.”

Xie Zhifei nodded. “Have we contacted the other sincere partners?”

“Already done on the way here. They said we can meet anytime,” Li Jiachuan replied.

After dinner, Mr. Zheng finally responded, agreeing to the one percent increase and extending the after-sales period.

“Alright, no need to run around tomorrow. I’ll head over early to sign the contract, then go back to the company. If there’s nothing else, you two can leave tonight if you’re in a hurry,” Xie Zhifei said.

Li Jiachuan, whose kids were on winter break, flew back that evening.

Late at night, Xie Zhifei slipped into Wen Pinghan’s room, smoothly sliding under the covers with a cheeky grin. “Li Jiachuan rushed back for his family. Why did you stay?”

“Five-star hotel. Why waste it?” Wen Pinghan replied.

Xie Zhifei let out a muffled laugh, playfully tickling her as punishment. Wen Pinghan burst into laughter, dodging until she reached the edge of the bed, where Xie Zhifei pulled her back.

Then, like the night before, Xie Zhifei rested her head on Wen Pinghan’s arm, gazing at her profile, utterly captivated. No matter how she looked, Wen Pinghan was beautiful, impossible to tire of.

With a face like that, even arguing would probably make her laugh.

“What are you thinking about?” Wen Pinghan asked.

“About arguing.”

“Sister, if we fought, who do you think would give in first?” Xie Zhifei asked curiously.

“No idea. Want to try?”

“No way, I don’t want to fight with you.” Xie Zhifei hugged her, nuzzling her head.

“Mm, now you know the answer, don’t you?”

Xie Zhifei grinned, tilting her head to kiss her. Wen Pinghan’s hands and feet were always cold, but her body wasn’t. Xie Zhifei’s hand accidentally brushed her stomach, so comfortable she kept stroking, and before she knew it, her hand slid upward.

Wen Pinghan froze, eyes widening in surprise, cheeks flushing. Before she could speak, Xie Zhifei kissed her again, and she soon forgot what she meant to say.

The next day at the signing, Xie Zhifei was radiant and full of energy.

Mr. Zheng chuckled. “Looks like today’s a good day.”

“Mm.” Xie Zhifei coughed twice, reining in her smug smile, calmly signing the contract and handing it to Wen Pinghan, who tucked it away.

“This Ms. Wen, you don’t look that old, do you?” Mr. Zheng suddenly asked.

“Twenty-eight,” Wen Pinghan replied.

“You don’t look it, but you handle things reliably.” After the meeting, Mr. Zheng had figured out their coordinated act had sped up the deal.

“You’re too kind,” Wen Pinghan said with a slight smile.

“Ms. Wen, do you have a boyfriend?” Mr. Zheng asked.

“What’s your angle?” Xie Zhifei shot him a sharp look. “She’s already taken.”

“Such a pity. I have a cousin who’s quite the catch—”

“No pity at all. Her partner’s great, absolutely perfect, couldn’t be more compatible!” Xie Zhifei cut him off with a smile.

“Well then, congratulations, Ms. Wen,” Mr. Zheng said with a chuckle.

“Thank you.” Wen Pinghan nodded with a smile, discreetly patting Xie Zhifei’s hand under the table.

After the business trip, the two returned to the company, leaving follow-up matters to Wen Pinghan and Li Jiachuan.

Xie Zhifei signed the documents that had piled up over the past two days, finally getting a moment to herself. Checking her phone, she saw a message from Wang Wan from half an hour ago.

Wang Wan: [My brother came back late last night and almost mistook Zhang Changsheng for Wen Pinghan!]

Xie Zhifei’s vision darkened as she quickly replied: [What happened? Was he drinking?]

Wang Wan: [Nope, just back from a trip. No time to drink. He’s been out of it all day.]

Xie Zhifei opened Zhang Changsheng’s chat, checked her social feed, and saw a book review she’d posted last night. Liking it, she found an excuse to message her.

[That book’s been on my shelf forever, but I haven’t had time to read it. Your review convinced me to start tonight!]

Zhang Changsheng: [You like this type of book too?]

Xie Zhifei: [No strong preferences, I like anything good [grinning].]

Zhang Changsheng: [Nice! I’ve got a few more books. I’ll give them to you next time we meet.]

Xie Zhifei: [Awesome, thanks! [kowtowing]]

Zhang Changsheng: [Ms. Xie, can I ask you something?]

Xie Zhifei: [Just call me Xie Zhifei. What’s up?]

Zhang Changsheng: [Does Gu Zhizhang like Wen Pinghan? If it’s not okay to say, no worries, I was too forward.]

Xie Zhifei: [Yeah, a lot of people know he likes her, but Sister’s turned him down multiple times.]

Zhang Changsheng: [I see. Last night he mistook me for her [sweating].]

Xie Zhifei: [He’s been drinking a lot lately. Best to steer clear so he doesn’t hurt you in a drunken fit.]

Zhang Changsheng: [Got it, thanks for the heads-up [happy].]

“Changsheng, come eat! I made your favorite pig’s feet today,” Gu’s mother called from the doorway.

“Thanks, Aunt.” Zhang Changsheng set down her book and phone, got up from the rocking chair, and joined her in the dining room.

Wang Wan and Gu Zhizhang were already at the table.

As she sat, Gu Zhizhang looked her over a few times, then put down his chopsticks and turned to leave.

“Zhizhang, sit down!” Gu’s mother scolded. “Is that how you treat a guest?”

Gu Zhizhang turned back irritably. “Mom, I know what you’re up to. She might look like her, but she’s not Wen Pinghan!”

Wang Wan immediately closed her phone game, looking up to watch the drama.

“Wen Pinghan, Wen Pinghan, what’s so great about her?!” Gu’s mother snapped.

Zhang Changsheng glanced at her.

Gu’s mother patted her hand reassuringly. “My son’s been bewitched by some woman lately. She’s cunning, and Zhizhang’s no match for her. Look at him, reduced to this mess.”

Gu Zhizhang, unshaven for days and radiating gloom, glared at his mother and stormed off for real this time.

“Come, let’s eat. Ignore him. He’ll figure out who’s best for him eventually,” Gu’s mother said, serving Zhang Changsheng a piece of pig’s feet with a smile.

“Thanks, Aunt.” Zhang Changsheng looked down, ate the piece slowly, then sat up straight. “Aunt, is it true that woman’s so cunning?”

“Of course! I’ve seen her tricks with my own eyes,” Gu’s mother said through gritted teeth.

Zhang Changsheng glanced at Wang Wan, who sighed helplessly, propping her forehead with one hand and shaking her head.

After dinner, Zhang Changsheng chatted with Gu’s mother a bit before heading upstairs to read. At the study door, she ran into Gu Zhizhang.

She looked up at him.

From countless prior conversations, she’d imagined him as refined and confident, but in reality, he was somewhat aggressive.

“Zhang Changsheng, right?”

She nodded. “Hello.”

“I don’t care what my mom’s planning or what you’re after, moving into our house like this. But let me tell you, you’ll never be Wen Pinghan. I’ll never be with you, so give it up.” Gu Zhizhang turned to his bedroom.

“Wait.” Zhang Changsheng’s voice was calm, neither loud nor soft, just like her steady demeanor.

“I think you’ve misunderstood. I haven’t had time to form any intentions toward you, nor do I want to be someone else. Mr. Gu, confidence is a fine quality, but too much becomes arrogance, and that’s off-putting.”

“You’re lecturing me?” Gu Zhizhang scowled fiercely.

“I’m reminding you. Good night, Mr. Gu.” Zhang Changsheng passed him without a change in expression and went to her room.

Wang Wan, watching from behind, thought, ‘Brilliant, brilliant!’

Her view of Zhang Changsheng shifted instantly.

She couldn’t resist sharing the whole scene with Xie Zhifei, but after sending it, she froze—’Why did I send it to her?!’

So, she forwarded it to Fang Ningshu and Wen Pinghan to share the gossip.

The three’s irritation with Gu Zhizhang kept rising: +1+1+1+1+1+1…

The next day, Xie Zhifei visited headquarters and chatted with Xie Hongxu. After some small talk, she casually asked, “Dad, isn’t the Gu Group’s business struggling a bit?”

“Not exactly struggling, but it’s not as thriving as before. Especially under Gu Zhizhang’s leadership these past few years, it’s been declining. I heard he’s been down lately. If he doesn’t pull himself together, it might really go downhill,” Xie Hongxu said.

That’s why, when choosing a suitor for Xie Zhifei, Xie Hongxu hadn’t considered her childhood friend Gu Zhizhang. If he couldn’t handle the Gu Group, how could he take on Qisheng? Thankfully, Xie Zhifei had exceeded his expectations and could now stand on her own.

Proudly, he added, “I heard Gu Zhizhang’s been a mess over some woman lately. You can’t be like him. Love is love, work is work—don’t let a man distract you.”

“Don’t worry, no man’s stealing my focus!” Xie Zhifei assured.

“No idea who that woman is, making him like that. Don’t follow his example.”

“…” ‘Too late, I’m already smitten, thanks.’

“But why the sudden interest in the Gu family’s business?” Xie Hongxu asked.

“No reason. Just noticed Aunt’s been eager to find Gu Zhizhang a partner lately. Wondering if it’s because the Gu family’s in trouble?”

“In trouble? What’s that?”

“An internet meme.”

Xie Hongxu eyed her suspiciously. “What, you thinking of helping the Gu family?”

“No way, I’m just here to clap,” Xie Zhifei said with a smile.

“This kid, watch how you talk. Our families go way back.”

“Then why didn’t you ever tell me the real situation with the Gu family?” Xie Zhifei leaned on the table, smirking. “Dad, are you worried I’d help them if I knew?”

Xie Hongxu coughed guiltily.

“Alright, I’m heading back. Bye.”

Back at the company, Wen Pinghan and Li Jiachuan soon came to report on project progress. After a brief meeting, Li Jiachuan left to organize documents.

Xie Zhifei looked up at Wen Pinghan across from her, eyes sparkling. In an instant, she went from dependable manager to playful Xie Zhifei, reaching for Wen Pinghan’s hand. “Sister, can I come over for dinner tonight?”

Wen Pinghan flinched. “No.”

“Why not?”

“Because my girlfriend’s coming over,” Wen Pinghan said with a sly smile.

“I know you have a girlfriend. I don’t want to put you in a tough spot. Just delete our chat history so she doesn’t misunderstand,” Xie Zhifei said, dripping with green-tea charm.

Wen Pinghan: “…” ‘I lost.’