"Ho... Hotel?"
Chen Qian was stunned, having never expected Fang Ming to be so direct.
It was true that she was the spy arranged by Qin Xiao, but her original intention was to use her beauty and tactics to manipulate Fang Ming like a simp without ever letting him touch her.
She had never considered actually sacrificing herself.
As for Fang Ming? Seeing Chen Qian's reaction, he immediately looked curious: "We're all adults here. Didn't Young Master Qin mean for this when he had you follow me??"
Chen Qian's body stiffened involuntarily upon hearing this. A trace of panic and disgust flashed deep in her eyes, but she still forced a smile onto her face.
"Brother Fang, what are you saying?? Young Master Qin only asked me to follow you to learn. I'm to accompany you to banquets when there are any, but he never said I should... with you..."
"Is that so??"
Fang Ming was taken aback for a moment, then gave a self-deprecating laugh: "True, why would someone like me be worth Young Master Qin's effort? My apologies, it seems I misunderstood."
"It's fine, it's fine. I can understand," Chen Qian said with feigned generosity, though she felt nothing but contempt inside.
'A poor loser like you wanting to touch me? You're just a toad lusting after swan meat.'
However, playing hard to get and being occasionally generous was one of her tactics for manipulating men, so she showed no outward signs of disdain.
But just as Chen Qian was preparing to continue the conversation, Fang Ming suddenly stood up with his phone.
"In that case, let's call it a day. I've already paid the bill—it was 2180 yuan in total. We'll split it. I'll waive the change for you, so just transfer me 1000 yuan."
Hearing Fang Ming's words and seeing him get up to leave, Chen Qian was completely dumbfounded.
What did this guy mean? He's leaving just because I didn't agree to go to a hotel? And he wants to split the bill???
In all her life, when had she ever paid when eating with a guy... especially when dining alone with one?
"Brother Fang, you..."
Chen Qian struggled to maintain her smile, but her voice was already trembling slightly: "I was the one who invited you to this meal, how could I let you pay? Let me, I'll do it..."
After all, approaching Fang Ming was the mission Qin Xiao had given her; she had to keep up appearances.
"No need."
Fang Ming interrupted her directly: "Since this is a professional contact, we should each pay our own way to keep things clear. If there's anything you need to coordinate on for work in the future, just send a message or call. As for these private dinners?? They're unnecessary."
After saying this, he ignored Chen Qian's pale face, pulled back the bamboo curtain, and strode out.
'She's being used as a tool to spy on me, yet she's still acting all high and mighty? Isn't that hilarious?'
Before Fang Ming transmigrated, he had a girlfriend, but they broke up because he had no money.
The original host in this world was still a virgin. After all, before Qin Xiao's rebirth, Fang Ming's status wasn't high.
Few girls were willing to spend their lives with a low-paid lackey who only knew how to use flattery.
Even if this lackey was decent-looking.
Therefore, Fang Ming wouldn't have rejected Chen Qian's advances. Even if she wasn't a heroine, her figure and looks were right there.
There was nothing wrong with letting her relieve some of his life's stress, but unfortunately, this woman's awareness wasn't high enough.
Chen Qian didn't know what Fang Ming was thinking. After he left, she was absolutely fuming.
She was so beautiful and had so many pursuers; the fact that she was willing to eat with him should have been a blessing from his ancestors. Yet not only did Fang Ming split the bill, but he also just walked out because she wouldn't go to a hotel with him??
This made her doubt her own looks and abilities.
Chen Qian couldn't figure it out. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Finally, she decided to call Qin Xiao to complain.
When the call connected, her voice carried a sob as she recounted the recent events with much exaggeration, her tone filled with grievance and indignation.
"Young Master Qin, that Fang Ming is really too much. He wanted to take me to a hotel on our very first dinner. When I didn't agree, he just threw a fit and left. How can someone like that be worthy of your trust?"
She thought Qin Xiao would comfort her or even stand up for her.
After all, her father was an old servant who had driven for the Qin Family for twenty years, and she herself had always... harbored certain fantasies about Qin Xiao.
However, the voice that came from the other end of the line was so cold it made her whole body tremble.
"So, why didn't you agree?"
Chen Qian was stunned, thinking she had misheard.
"Young... Young Master Qin, what did you say? I am your..."
"I planted you by his side so you could be with him 24 hours a day as his girlfriend to monitor his every move. Although going to a hotel right after meeting is indeed a bit fast, why didn't you agree??"
"I..."
Chen Qian opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but found she couldn't utter a single word.
She had originally thought Qin Xiao just wanted her to manipulate Fang Ming. She didn't realize he was playing for keeps??
"Remember, what I want is for you to be able to grasp his movements and thoughts at all times."
Qin Xiao interrupted Chen Qian displeasurably: "As for how you do it, that's your business. If you can't even handle this small matter, then there's no need for you to stay at the Qin Corporation."
Beep... beep... beep... Qin Xiao hung up immediately after saying this.
Chen Qian stood there blankly with her phone in hand, unable to speak for a long while.
It turned out that in Qin Xiao's eyes, she wasn't one of his people at all—she wasn't even considered a person. She was just a tool, a tool used to win over and monitor Fang Ming.
If she couldn't fulfill her function as a tool, then she was worthless to the Qin Family and to Qin Xiao.
Chen Qian was dazed, having no idea what to do next!
On the other side, Fang Ming had no time to worry about her.
At this moment, his mind was filled with how to rescue the 'Abusive Novels Naive Flower' from that perverted Beijing Circle's Crown Prince.
Lu Chenzhou, a monster who had influence in both the underworld and the legal world of Beijing City. Compared to him, Fang Ming was like a firefly next to the bright moon.
But whether it was for the future development of the Chat Group or for the sake of the mission rewards, Fang Ming had to save her.
Shaking off Chen Qian's surveillance was the first step. Next, he needed to find a way to go to Beijing!
Lu Chenzhou was, after all, the Beijing Circle's Crown Prince, and the forces behind him were not to be underestimated. Calling the police from a distance would not only fail to save her but would also likely startle the snake by beating the grass, making the Little White Flower's fate even worse.
Therefore, even if he were to call the police to save her, he had to be there in person just in case.
"How can I go to Beijing to save her without making Qin Xiao suspicious??" Back in his rented room, Fang Ming rubbed his chin in deep thought.
Just ask for a leave of absence? That didn't seem right!
He wasn't sick, and he had no relatives. He couldn't find a sufficient reason to ask for so many days off.
Apply to go to Beijing to expand the market?? That wouldn't work either.
The Qin Family already had its own industries in Beijing. Even if they wanted to expand into new markets, it wouldn't be the turn of a special assistant like him.
"Maybe... I should try asking Chu Yao?"
Thinking of Chu Yao, Fang Ming had some ideas. After a brief period of reflection, he sank his consciousness into the Chat Group.
He connected to his phone and sent a message to Chu Yao.
[.]: "Ask the Manager for a leave of absence when you go to work tomorrow. We're going to Beijing."