"Fanxing-jie, I have a principle when it comes to business," Gu Yining stated, her lips curling into a sly smirk. "If a product fails to satisfy the customer, it's considered a defective product. And the fate of a defective product is either to be reworked or to disappear from the market forever; it won't see the light of day again."
Ye Fanxing squinted, her surprise evident. "Does it really have to be like that? I really love this perfume. Can't we negotiate a bit more?"
Internally, Gu Yining scoffed at the idea. Negotiate? Seriously? If I keep entertaining her, who knows what other schemes she'll concoct with this perfume. It's hard to believe her naivety.
"No need," Gu Yining replied coldly. "My humble concoction doesn't deserve to grace your precious figure. The contract states a penalty of two million yuan for breach. I'll also refund your initial payment—so that totals four million. Here's a card with that amount."
She produced a bank card and the contract from her bag, handing the card over. If only Ye Fanxing knew how painful this was for her—losing two million without making a single yuan in profit, and now having to pay an additional two million.
Yet, Ye Fanxing hesitated, her hand lingering above the card without making contact. Gu Yining grew impatient, slamming the card onto the table, then tearing the contract in half without a second thought.
With a dramatic flourish, she tossed the shredded paper into the air, letting the white confetti drift down like snowflakes. They landed on Ye Fanxing's head, on the bed, and scattered everywhere around the room.
Just as Ye Fanxing was about to say something, Gu Yining was already on her feet. She forcefully stabbed the fruit knife into the bedside table. "Next time, don't throw knives around carelessly. If someone gets hurt, Fanxing-jie, your name will be trending for all the wrong reasons."
Her voice was steady but the undertone was lethal, eyes glinting with a dangerous light. The gleaming blade, standing upright on the table, seemed to reflect her fierce resolve.
With that, Gu Yining turned and strode out of the room, her presence commanding and undeniable. Watching her leave, Ye Fanxing swallowed hard. She would be lying if she said she wasn't scared. This woman was formidable—no wonder she was married to someone like Fu Hanyan.
Later that afternoon, Gu Yining and Xiao Xiao found themselves in a bustling bubble tea shop, famed for its delicious drinks.
Gu Yining had ordered a full-sugar red bean pudding milk tea, relishing the sickly sweet flavor; life was bitter enough, and she craved sweetness. Xiao Xiao opted for a cheese coconut tea, and the two settled at a window seat, immersed in their mobile game.
Suddenly, two girls entered the shop.
Yang Qin, in high heels and a flowing chiffon dress, linked arms with Gu Wenxuan, who wore a fitted spaghetti strap gown. "Wenxuan, this bubble tea shop is fantastic! It's really famous," Yang Qin chirped, her excitement barely contained.
Gu Wenxuan, however, wore a disdainful expression. "You brought me to this cheap place? Isn't that a bit beneath me? Can we really trust drinks that cost only ten or twenty yuan? How dirty can they be?"
Yang Qin chuckled awkwardly, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. "Well, it's all I can afford to treat you with… Or we could go to Starbucks instead?"
"Forget it. I'm too lazy to walk any further. Just order," Gu Wenxuan snapped dismissively.
Gu Yining, her ears sharp, had caught their conversation and removed one of her earbuds, allowing her hair to fall over her face to shield her identity. Although she hadn't donned her "ugly disguise" today, she knew Gu Wenxuan might still recognize her as Leon.
Today was not a day for confrontations; she just wanted to enjoy a peaceful afternoon tea without any drama.
Noticing the change in Gu Yining's demeanor, Xiao Xiao followed her gaze toward the newcomers. "Oh wow, two b*tches just walked in. No wonder the air feels so toxic all of a sudden," she murmured under her breath.
Gu Yining chuckled softly, her lips curving in amusement. "Aren't you worried they'll hear you and come over to pick a fight?"
"Not at all! With you here, Ningning, I know you'll protect me, right?" Xiao Xiao replied confidently, completely unfazed.
Gu Yining sighed internally. What kind of troublemaker have I befriended?* She shook her head, already anticipating the chaos that was bound to unfold. *If there's trouble to be stirred, it looks like I'll be the one dealing with it.