Chapter 288 Speechless

Song Ni had considered the possibility of encountering Ian at the show, but she hadn't expected to bump into him so directly upon arrival. It wasn't exactly a "bump," as Ian's family and her teacher were close friends. However, the moment she saw Ian's direct and somewhat aggressive gaze, Song Ni felt a rare sense of speechlessness towards a man. How could someone, knowing full well she was married, be so uninhibited? Barty had intended to make a formal introduction but noticed Song Ni's clear aversion to Ian. Why familiar? Perhaps it was two years ago when he had encouraged Song Ni to study in London; she had presented the same demeanor then. A detached gaze, a cool demeanor, though at least at that time, a smile still graced her lips. "Ian, how did you manage to anger Krist?" Ian frowned in distress. "I'm also very curious; Krist seems to really dislike me." Song Ni couldn't help but roll her eyes. Ian's current behavior was precisely what, in China, would be labeled as a "green tea" tactic, feigning innocence to provoke dislike. "Since you know I dislike you, could you possibly refrain from constantly seeking my attention?" Barty took a step to the side upon hearing Song Ni's words, exclaiming softly, "Wow, Ian's really in for it." Ian was also displeased upon hearing Song Ni's remark. "I was just looking for Barty; I had no idea you were here." Barty, caught in the crossfire: ... "Ah, right, it'll be more convenient to go together." Song Ni glanced over and said very coldly, "If the teacher doesn't want to drive, it won't cost much for just one person." Barty rubbed his nose. He had found it strange that Ian wasn't usually that warm towards him; their relationship was just ordinarily not intimate. Why had he invited himself along to the show this time? It turned out to be... What was that Chinese ancient poem? The intention isn't in the wine. Song Ni didn't participate in their conversation along the way, instead taking out her phone to message Vivian. As soon as she brought it up, Vivian launched into a lengthy tirade. "This show invited me too. The few of us from the company who were invited were planning to go together, and I was assigned to go with him." "I never thought this crown prince would be willing to go with me." "But he didn't refuse; when I went to ask him, he didn't say no." "Heh, he always acts like a proper gentleman, but today he completely ditched me at the company without a word. I only found out he went to find Barty when I called him. I'm speechless. He's my teacher, after all. Not inviting me, fine. But can you not stand me up at the last minute?" "I rented a car on short notice; it cost a fortune. It's one thing for this person to impede me at work, but he's also this disgusting in his personal dealings. I'm so angry, I want to quit!" "I really want to beat him up. I've only worked under him for a little over two months, and he's already made me lose my passion for work!" By the end, Vivian's voice became agitated, and she sent a voice message. Song Ni didn't have headphones on, so she turned the volume down to the lowest possible setting before playing it. Vivian's furious voice broke through the volume limit. "Ian, you useless scumbag, go die! You're a wicked, hopeless wretch!" Barty was startled. He first looked at Song Ni, then at the "useless scumbag" being cursed. Ian's gentlemanly facade ripped apart, his brows furrowed. Song Ni, however, remained unfazed. Vivian was right; the awkwardness wasn't hers. She even asked Vivian where she was, thinking they might be able to meet up halfway and give her a ride to vent. Unfortunately, Vivian was too far away to make it feasible. Song Ni put down her phone and said, "I never expected Mr. Ian, known for his gentlemanly demeanor, to break an agreement at the last minute. It seems external rumors cannot always be trusted." For the first time, Ian's face darkened in front of Song Ni. ... Upon reaching their destination, Song Ni rested in the hotel and took the opportunity to video call Tan Zheng. When she mentioned Ian, Tan Zheng's expression immediately soured. "Is that person mentally ill?" It was the first time Song Ni had ever heard Tan Zheng curse like that, and she couldn't help but laugh. Tan Zheng looked at her, his brows deeply furrowed. "You're still laughing?" Song Ni coughed lightly. "I just find your expression rather cute." Tan Zheng snorted. "Not amusing?" Song Ni shook her head frantically, but still couldn't hold back her laughter. "It's just... the way you called him mentally ill, I find it so incredibly cute, hahaha, it doesn't sound like you at all, hahahaha." Tan Zheng: ... After Song Ni finished laughing, Tan Zheng asked in a low voice, "What did you do?" "I cursed him too. It's the first time I've found this person so disgusting. I explicitly told him, and you also told him, so why is he so resistant?" Just as Tan Zheng was about to give further instructions, Song Ni's door was knocked. "Wait a moment." Song Ni opened the door, and Vivian barged in, her high heels clacking loudly. Just the sound of her footsteps conveyed her rage. "I just ran into Ian downstairs and went up to curse him out. Do you know what he said? That person is truly sick and unreasonable! He actually said it was his choice whether or not to pick me up, and I had no right to question him. I swear to go to hell! Can the Shen Group really be handed over to this idiot in the future?" Vivian's face was flushed red with anger. Song Ni handed her water with a smile. "It's not worth getting yourself sick over someone like that." Vivian drank the entire bottle of water before she finally calmed down somewhat. "If I continue to work under him, I'll truly get sick from anger. I can't continue this job with Krist. At the end of this quarter, I'm quitting directly." "And start a studio?" "That's not impossible." Song Ni's eyebrows lifted slightly, recalling something Tang Qin Yun had told her before. "You could find Joe; he has plenty of money. Have him invest in it for you." Vivian's eyes lit up instantly. "Oh, right! How did I forget!" Although Tang Qin Yun's company didn't have the deep foundations of Shen Group, it was a rare fashion conglomerate that had risen from China and was gradually gaining influence abroad. It was in a period of growth, so Vivian approaching Tang Qin Yun for investment wasn't a bad choice at all. This was practically paving a clear path for Vivian. Vivian immediately hugged Song Ni and kissed her on the cheek several times, Song Ni unable to evade her. Tan Zheng, who had been ignored for a long time on the video call, finally couldn't help but speak. "Stop kissing my wife." Vivian froze, hugging Song Ni and looking around for the source of the voice. Song Ni seized the opportunity to escape Vivian's grasp. Song Ni picked up her phone and gestured. "My husband and I are on a video call." Vivian immediately raised her hands in a look of feigned horror. "Zheng? You mean Zheng?" Song Ni: ... Who else could it be? "Ahem, Zheng, I only kissed your wife on the cheek. I won't do it again." Compared to Ian, for some reason, Vivian was more afraid of Tan Zheng. The less you know, the more mysterious, the more unfathomable.