Lauren Bright had been in business for over a decade and could quickly tell that Ethan Blue was deliberately targeting Mia Turner.

From the moment Mia heard Ethan's voice, she had acted strangely. Furthermore, their successive exits and returns, with Ethan's collar stained with Mia's lipstick, made it hard for Lauren to believe nothing was happening between them.

With a smile plastered, Lauren tried to persuade further, "Mr. Blue, Mia is meticulously selected from all my subordinates. I can assure you that she is professional and outstanding in terms of business skills and service awareness."

"I'm aware that we're not the only ones eager to collaborate with Zhihui. However, I can guarantee that Leyi's quality is among the top in our industry, not just in Lujing City or the entire province but also nationwide. Our sales figures are always leading, and numerous clients affirm our reputation. Working with us, you won't have any worries."

Ethan knew all these things she spoke of. Otherwise, he wouldn't have attended today's dinner. But now, he just wanted to see Mia squirm.

Ethan had admitted that the past six months had been tough for him. Since Mia's resolute words, she had completely vanished from his world.

Every Saturday at 8 pm, Ethan still habitually waited in that room for Mia, hoping she would return, but she never did.

He tried contacting her, but she had blocked his only way of reaching her. When he tried calling from a different number, a cold, mechanical female voice replied: "The number you have dialled does not exist. Please check and dial again..."

Ethan had tried many ways to find Mia, but knowing nothing about her and considering the world's vastness, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

He never expected that her saying they wouldn't see each other again would be literal.

During those six months, Ethan often thought about forgetting Mia, but every time he tried, his mind was filled with memories of her, even down to every moment they spent together.

Ethan began to experience auditory hallucinations, hearing Mia's soft, sometimes coquettishly shy voice calling him 'Ethan', which severely affected his mental state. His friends even thought he had depression, fearing he might harm himself, and insisted on taking him to see a doctor.

Fortunately, the doctor concluded it was due to poor rest and overwork, which relieved his friends.

Ethan had fancifully thought that perhaps Mia regretted her words after saying them. Maybe she, too, like him, suffered from longing and had thought of finding him.

But he couldn't deceive himself. Mia was just like what others said - heartless. After hurting him with those harsh words, she disappeared, reappearing only when she thought she could use him for career advancement. Once her purpose was fulfilled, would she kick him aside again?

What did she take him for?

"Manager Bright, this deal involves millions. It's not a small amount, so of course, I need to be cautious," Ethan said, idly stroking his teacup with his thumb.

"Being cautious is understandable, but..." 

Before Lauren could finish, Ethan stood up, causing her to halt her words and rise uncertainly.

"Mr. Blue, what's happening?" Lauren asked, puzzled.

Ethan, buttoning his suit, said softly, "Monday at 9 am, send someone else to discuss with my assistant. I have other matters to attend to and must leave now."

Without a glance at Mia, he turned and walked towards the door.

Mia understood; he was pressuring her, holding a grudge over her previous rejection.

She abruptly stood up: "Mr. Blue."

Ethan paused, a smile curling his lips, and turned to look at her: "Manager Turner, is there something else?"

"I want to talk to you alone."

"Manager Turner, do you wish to discuss business or personal matters? For business, please schedule an appointment at my company's reception on Monday at 9 am. For personal matters, I'm always available."

The moment these words were spoken, besides Ethan himself, the others' expressions, especially Mia's, turned complex. She hadn't expected Ethan to acknowledge their private relationship so openly so openly.

She could feel Lauren and Ling Cheng sizing her up with probing gazes.

Mia knew that if she dared mention business, Ethan would turn and leave immediately. So, to seize this opportunity to talk to him and secure the partnership, she reluctantly said, "Personal matters."

Ethan's smile broadened, reaching his eyes, his voice tinged with obvious amusement: "I'll wait for you in the parking lot."

With that, he turned and left with Ling Cheng.

Once the door closed, Lauren asked Mia, "What's going on?"

Though the term 'friends with benefits' wasn't uncommon, discussing it concerning Mia was somewhat awkward, especially with Lauren.

"Our relationship is complicated. I'll explain later," Mia replied.

Lauren wasn't overly curious, as it was Mia's private matter, but she was concerned that Mia's relationship with Ethan, a significant client, might jeopardize the deal.

Squeezing Mia's arm gently, Lauren said softly, "You know why I don't want to marry? Because the only person who can give me security is myself. I've worked hard to climb the ladder and earn money. Now I've achieved fame and fortune, and that's the security I can hold onto."

"Mia, I've groomed you from the start. I see your ambition, so I hope you won't abandon your principles for other issues, especially not for romance."

Mia's drive reminded Lauren of her younger self, ambitious and career-focused.

But Lauren wasn't sure about the exact nature of Mia's relationship with Ethan. She just hoped that Mia's ambition wouldn't change.

"No matter what your relationship is, you must secure this partnership. It's the fastest shortcut in your career and the biggest, most important opportunity you've had so far. Failure might mean no more chances."

Mia understood perfectly. She had been with Leyi for five years, rising from employee to team leader to store manager. However, due to saturation in company positions, her career had stalled. With the company's restructuring, she finally saw a chance for promotion.

She had waited too long for this opportunity, and so had Lauren. Mia was determined to seize it, regardless of Lauren's advice.

"I know; I will secure it," Mia affirmed, glancing at the nearly untouched dishes before adding, "I'll leave this to you, Lauren."

"Sure, go ahead. Don't keep Mr. Blue waiting too long."

Mia nodded, picked up her bag, and swiftly walked out.

When she exited Leyi, a gust of cold wind made her shiver.

Ahead, Ethan leaned against his black car, one foot propped up, a cigarette dangling from his fingers. The embers flickered in the wind, and wisps of smoke curled around his hand in the cold breeze.

As if sensing Mia's presence, Ethan suddenly looked up and straight at her.