Chapter Fifty-Three: The Turn of Events

When a man and a woman become intimately involved, their feelings for each other often soar to new heights. This was especially true for Shen Guodong and Liu Yueyu; their affection for one another was palpable, almost excessive, over the past few days. With Zhou Meiniang handling factory affairs, Shen Guodong had little to worry about—her capabilities were trustworthy.

Some of the smaller clients, after visiting the factory, had begun to return their orders. Small clients often faced financial constraints, but having done business for some time, their payment terms were more flexible. In contrast, when dealing with new clients, unfamiliarity meant they wouldn’t allow outstanding balances, which put considerable pressure on cash flow. This was, at least, a significant advantage.

“Most of those small clients have come back,” Zhou Meiniang said with a hint of resignation. “But once the larger clients switch suppliers, it’s not so easy to win them back. I’ve reached out to several big clients, but haven’t gotten any response. Even visiting their offices, I couldn’t meet the person in charge. Though… there is one exception.”

“An exception?” Shen Guodong asked curiously.

“Fengtian Zhonggang. Their manager is Wang Zhongshan, an older man in his fifties. He said he’d be willing to keep placing orders with our factory, but perhaps I’d have to accompany him for dinner or something similar. We all know what that old lecher is after. What do you think? Should I arrange a dinner with him to sound him out?”

Zhou Meiniang looked at Shen Guodong, deliberately probing. She wanted to know her place in this man's heart. If Shen Guodong simply pushed her into such a situation, then he might not be someone she could truly rely on.

“Don’t waste your little tricks on me,” Shen Guodong replied coolly. “Since you’re my woman, I won’t let anyone touch you—not even a hair on your head.”

If Fengtian Zhonggang had such intentions, then word had surely reached higher-ups. The old man was just trying to take advantage of the situation. “When I have time, I’ll go visit him myself,” Shen Guodong said calmly.

Although Zhou Meiniang was different from Liu Yueyu, Shen Guodong treated them the same; he would never let anyone lay a finger on either of them, not even entertain the thought. Hearing such a sincere promise from him, Zhou Meiniang was genuinely moved. She looked at him, then planted a kiss on his cheek.

“Why are you so adorable, little man?” she teased, her seductive gaze capable of disarming any man.

“Little man? What did you say!” Shen Guodong protested, clearly displeased with the nickname. No man would be happy with such a term—it was an insult.

Zhou Meiniang giggled, obviously doing it on purpose, knowing he wouldn’t like it. “What else should I call you? You’re younger than me, and as for a certain part of you, I don’t know if it’s really that big. If you want me to change how I address you, you’ll have to prove it with real actions!”

She laughed mischievously. Shen Guodong, unwilling to be outdone, pulled her into his arms and greedily inhaled her scent. “Time will prove everything. Do you think you can escape me?”

A woman like this could truly win a man’s heart. At least Shen Guodong found himself growing fonder of her, and any unnecessary words were superfluous.

Zhou Meiniang wasn’t afraid of his challenge; her seductive lips traced lightly, “Show me all your tricks—I’ll take them all. Just don’t blame me if you’re too tired to fulfill your duties afterward. I won’t be responsible!” She was indeed a temptress.

Every gesture and smile from her stirred the man’s desire. Who could resist such a woman? Shen Guodong himself found it increasingly hard to endure; she was within reach, yet just out of grasp—a torment, especially as she kept enticing him. Who could withstand such temptation?

“By the way, did you stay at Sister Wang’s house last night?” Shen Guodong suddenly asked, remembering something.

Zhou Meiniang pursed her lips in a sly smile. She hadn’t expected this man to be so petty. She’d spent so much time at home without any reaction from him, but now he was jealous—a little endearing, she had to admit.

“Of course I slept at Xiuzhi’s place. Why would I stay elsewhere?” she replied, shooting him a flirtatious glance.

Shen Guodong breathed a sigh of relief. “Did you talk to Wang Weihua? What did he say? Do you need me to step in?”

“Not yet. Yesterday I brought it up, but he said it was impossible—unless he died, he wouldn’t divorce. He treats me like a cash cow, but he’s mistaken. From now on, I won’t give him a single cent! No need for you to intervene yet; I’ll have a talk with him myself. He just wants money, but I won’t give him any. He’ll cave eventually. Then I’ll offer him a sum as compensation, and he’ll agree without much fuss. No need to overthink it—I’ve already planned it out.”

Since she had a plan, Shen Guodong had nothing more to add. He nodded slightly. “If you’ve already decided, I won’t say more. Handle it as you see fit. If there’s a problem you can’t solve, let me take care of it—I’ll make sure he falls in line.”

Villains are best dealt with by villains. Shen Guodong wouldn’t bother reasoning with such a person. For now, Zhou Meiniang would handle it, and if she couldn’t, he would step in.

Following Shen Guodong’s instructions, Zhou Meiniang contacted Wang Zhongshan to arrange a meeting, scheduling it for the afternoon.