After Divorce, My Ex-Wife Became My Creditor

At three in the afternoon, Han Qian couldn’t stand the atmosphere in the General Affairs Department any longer. The constant bickering and chaos made him get up and leave, heading to the main entrance to smoke and wait for the end of the workday. As soon as he left, he heard Liu Jiulong’s reprimands; it seemed he was also displeased with their colleagues, though his concern was mainly for Yang Lan.

Downstairs at the front desk, Han Qian engaged in some idle chatter with the young receptionist. She was wary of getting too involved with him, fearing trouble, as Han Qian was under the special attention of General Manager Yan.

Standing at the entrance of Rongyao, just as he was about to light a cigarette, one appeared before him. Han Qian turned his head, slightly surprised, then smiled and accepted the cigarette, offering his lighter to the other person before lighting his own. He took a deep drag, savoring the rich flavor as it filled his lungs, and exhaled with satisfaction.

Beside him, Gao Lvxing gazed at the distant street, smiling. His smile was different from others; his teeth remained apart, a trait his family’s old man often said made him look foolish. Yet Han Qian saw no trace of foolishness in Gao Lvxing, but rather a hint of carefree roguishness.

“Getting used to it?” Gao Lvxing asked, his eyes still fixed on the street, seemingly finding the passing cars more interesting than Han Qian. Han Qian replied with a smile.

“Easy to get used to luxury, but my wallet doesn’t allow it.”

Gao Lvxing took a puff, exhaled the smoke, and showed a self-deprecating smile.

“I used to think the same way, working hard all day for a hundred yuan, seeing others smoke hundred-yuan cigarettes. I wondered how much they earned a day, but I didn’t envy them because I knew I’d be like them someday. A bit of confidence in your twenties isn’t a bad thing.”

“Haha, Mr. Gao is right.”

Han Qian didn’t know much about Gao Lvxing and wasn’t sure how to respond, so he simply agreed with a laugh. Gao Lvxing continued with a smile.

“Han Qian, right? You’ve been with the company for a few days now. Rongyao is more humane than other companies; I hope you’ve gotten used to it. General Manager Yan is young and ambitious, coming from a rural background, not like the city’s well-bred ladies. Be patient with some things.”

“General Manager Yan is actually quite considerate, always thinking for the company.”

Han Qian cautiously replied, recalling how Yang Lan mentioned the discord between Gao Lvxing and Yan Qingqing. The company was divided into factions, with Yan Qingqing being a young upstart, naturally unable to win everyone over. Gao Lvxing, as the brother-in-law of the major shareholder, had been with the company from the start and had his supporters. Yet here he was, speaking on Yan Qingqing’s behalf?

Gao Lvxing seemed to ignore Han Qian’s words, tossing away his half-smoked cigarette with a smile.

“The airport project is impressive, but I don’t understand why you’re in the General Affairs Department. The Planning Department and Project Department would suit you, even the Marketing Department and Business Department would be a good fit. The General Affairs Department is a waste of talent, akin to a retirement home, where uninspired people gather with little ambition.”

“Mr. Gao’s words make sense. I initially interviewed for the Planning Department, but my contract was suddenly changed to the General Affairs Department. It doesn’t matter where I end up; as long as I can earn money, it’s all good.”

“Oh? Treating General Manager Yan as fate? Interesting thought, but women can only hold up half the sky. If you like the cigarettes, come to my office for more. I’m always generous to talent. Besides, the General Affairs Department will eventually be dissolved.”

As Gao Lvxing gestured towards the distance, he spoke softly.

“Do you know who drives a Porsche in our company? Aside from Yan Qingqing’s flashy Raptor, the company’s cars are all quite low-key.”

Han Qian was still pondering Gao Lvxing’s earlier words when his attention was suddenly diverted. Following Gao Lvxing’s gaze, his face fell instantly. Why was Li Jinhe’s car parked right at Rongyao’s main entrance? At the same time, a red BMW 320 pulled up in front of the company, and Sun Ya, dressed flamboyantly, stepped out with her bag. Her white suit added a certain flair to her appearance.

She was there to pick up Gao Lvxing. Seeing him standing with Han Qian, she didn’t approach; she didn’t like Han Qian. But soon she realized neither of them was looking at her. Sun Ya frowned and cast a hostile glance at the slowly approaching white Porsche Panamera.

The car stopped directly in front of the BMW. Han Qian was in a dilemma. Should he go down and keep Wen Nuan in the car to avoid attention? But that would mean leaving Gao Lvxing behind. If he didn’t go, Wen Nuan’s presence would surely draw attention. As Han Qian was torn, Gao Lvxing spoke up.

“Is that the car of Changxiang shareholder Li Jinhe? Huh, the Wen Family really has strong connections. A license plate like 1234, is Li Jinhe here at Rongyao for something?”

Han Qian suddenly realized, and sweat beaded more heavily on his forehead. Li Jinhe didn’t like driving much; she usually rode a small electric scooter or occasionally drove an A6. What if it wasn’t Wen Nuan in the car but Li Jinhe? Han Qian panicked, but fortunately, the car door hadn’t opened yet.

Just then, his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, Han Qian was slightly taken aback. Yan Qingqing? He pressed the answer button and spoke softly.

“General Manager Yan, you wanted to speak with me?”

Gao Lvxing slightly frowned at the mention of General Manager Yan. Over the phone, Yan Qingqing spoke quietly.

“Is Gao Lvxing trying to win you over?”

Han Qian frowned slightly and whispered, “General Manager Yan, I just stepped out for some fresh air. I’ll be back soon.”

“No need to rush back. Could you ask your mother-in-law why she’s at Rongyao? I saw her car.”

Han Qian took a deep breath. It seemed Yan Qingqing was aware of his relationship with Wen Nuan. He hung up the phone, smiled apologetically at Gao Lvxing, and spoke softly.

“Mr. Gao, General Manager Yan asked me to inquire…”

Before he could finish, his phone rang again. This time it was Wen Nuan. Han Qian smiled apologetically at Gao Lvxing, then walked down the steps towards the Panamera. Just then, the car door opened, and Wen Nuan stepped out.

Wearing a white suit identical to Sun Ya’s, she exuded a different aura. However, Han Qian wasn’t in the mood to admire Wen Nuan. As he quickly approached, Wen Nuan noticed him and waved with a smile.

“Han Qian, are you off work?”

Gao Lvxing, who was just about to light a cigarette on the steps, paused slightly and frowned as he looked at Han Qian’s back. This newcomer seemed quite familiar with the vice president of Changxiang? Han Qian walked up, frowning and gritting his teeth.

“Young miss, do you think I don’t have enough trouble already?”

Wen Nuan understood what Han Qian meant, shrugged her shoulders indifferently, and replied.

“My car got damaged, and when I went to get a new one, Li Jinhe asked me to pick you up for dinner at her place tonight. As for trouble? Did I interrupt your date with Yan Qingqing? Hmm? Were you just with Gao Lvxing? Stay away from that guy, Han Qian, it’s for your own good.”

“You came all the way to Rongyao just for this?”

“I told you this morning, I’m picking you up after work today. Han Qian, did you forget what I said?”

“Alright! We’ll talk after work. There’s still an hour and a half left. Why don’t you go buy some groceries?”

“No, I’ll wait for you downstairs.”

Wen Nuan started showing her stubborn streak again, ignoring Han Qian. As she turned to head back to her car, she noticed Sun Ya across the way. Wen Nuan’s expression immediately darkened, seeing the disdain and hostility in Sun Ya’s eyes towards Han Qian.

Women understand women best.

Wen Nuan sighed and spoke in a voice just loud enough for those nearby to hear.

“If Rongyao is full of people like this, I wouldn’t worry about coming to pick you up.”

Sun Ya’s face flushed with anger, while Wen Nuan slammed the door and revved the engine, parking in the lot right outside Rongyao’s main entrance. Han Qian gave Sun Ya an awkward smile, and as he turned around, Gao Lvxing gave him a thumbs up with a lewd grin.

“Go on, don’t keep Vice President Wen waiting. You’re the hero today, I’ll let you leave two hours early.”

Han Qian’s heart sank. He realized he might have gotten himself into quite a predicament.