Chapter 93: A Perilous Situation

"President Li, Manager Zhao has responded to us," Ma Jiaojiao announced as she entered Li An'an's office at the pharmaceutical factory.

"What did he say?" Li An'an asked.

"He said he wants to meet us at the Sheraton Hotel for a face-to-face discussion," Ma Jiaojiao replied.

"Alright, you’ll come with me," Li An'an nodded.

Ma Jiaojiao agreed. Since it was she who had established contact with Zhao Degao, it made sense for her to accompany Li An'an.

Before leaving, Li An'an sent a message to Mo An, asking him to pick them up at the Sheraton Hotel later. After the incident with Qin Haoran, Li An'an had learned to be cautious, always leaving herself a backup plan. In her mind, as long as Mo Han was around, she felt safest.

The Sheraton was a five-star hotel, offering dining, entertainment, and accommodation all in one. Zhao Degao, favored by the Zuo family for special grooming, was indeed capable. At forty years old, he had become a typical middle-aged man—shiny-faced, corpulent, and his eyes revealed a cunning glint.

By the time Li An'an and Ma Jiaojiao arrived, Zhao Degao had already booked a table.

"Manager Zhao, this is President Li," Ma Jiaojiao introduced.

"Nice to meet you, President Li," Li An'an greeted him.

Zhao Degao was visibly struck by Li An'an's beauty. The fame of the "Li sisters" was well known in Qian City; he had heard of them, thinking it exaggerated internet hype. Now, face-to-face, he realized Li An'an was even more stunning than rumored. He finally understood why the second young master Zuo was so eager to possess her—even though she was already married.

"President Li, please, have a seat," Zhao Degao smiled, reaching out to shake her hand, but halfway through he withdrew, fearing Zuo Wenshan would find out and chop off his hand. He firmly believed Zuo Wenshan would do just that.

For Zuo Wenshan was a man with an intense possessive streak. His woman, even a handshake with another man, was unacceptable to him.

Li An'an’s eyes brightened, surprised by Zhao Degao’s gesture, but she thought nothing more of it and sat gracefully across from him. Ma Jiaojiao took the seat beside her.

The meal became a negotiation over the contract, with Zhao Degao repeatedly trying to toast Li An'an. Li An'an, formerly a project director and a shrewd individual, had intentionally brought Ma Jiaojiao for this very reason. Having worked together many times, Ma Jiaojiao always shielded her from being forced to drink at these business meals. Of course, not all her previous hosts had ulterior motives—none had actually managed to get them drunk. Moreover, Ma Jiaojiao could hold her liquor; a few glasses wouldn’t faze her.

After several rounds of toasts, the loan matter was nearly settled. But today, Ma Jiaojiao’s tolerance seemed diminished; she was already tipsy. Zhao Degao, seeing his obstacle faltering, perked up. He promptly toasted Ma Jiaojiao with a large glass, and when she finished it, she slumped back in her chair and soon fell into a deep sleep.

"President Li, to be honest, I’m delighted to be working with you. Here’s to our fruitful cooperation!" Zhao Degao toasted Li An'an again, thinking: Now that Ma Jiaojiao isn’t here to shield you, how will you refuse?

Li An'an politely declined, "Manager Zhao, I truly cannot drink, my apologies."

Zhao Degao’s expression darkened. "President Li, I can't just hand out billions in loans at will. Our bank’s quarterly quota has already been exceeded. I’m agreeing to a five-billion loan out of respect for you. Surely you won’t deny me this simple gesture?"

Li An'an hesitated. "But I really can't drink," she insisted. This was her bottom line. As a former project director, she knew what it meant when a client insisted she drink.

"Hmph. You claim you want a partnership, but won’t even share a toast? Clearly, you don’t respect me as manager. If Miss Li isn’t sincere about this cooperation, there’s no need to continue. The loan is hereby withdrawn!" Zhao Degao snorted, his attitude abruptly shifting.

Li An'an’s heart sank. Her drinking ability was genuinely poor. But with the Zuo family in Yuzhou targeting them, the pharmaceutical factory’s cash flow had dried up. She desperately needed substantial funds or the factory would soon face bankruptcy.

After prolonged hesitation, Li An'an looked at the glass of white spirits before her, gritted her teeth, picked it up, and thanked Zhao Degao, "Thank you, Manager Zhao."

With that, she drained the glass. The liquor burned her stomach like fire, and her head began to spin. Li An'an felt dizzy, her cheeks flushed. This only heightened her allure.

Zhao Degao was entranced; Li An'an was indeed a rare beauty. Unfortunately, she was coveted by his young master, so she’d never be his.

"The fame of the Li sisters is loud in Qian City. Who would have thought Li An'an would marry a nobody? The gossip about her and the Li family is everywhere—such a pity," Zhao Degao mused, shamelessly appraising Li An'an with regret.

At that moment, the private room door opened. Zuo Wenshan entered.

"Second Young Master," Zhao Degao hurried to greet him.

Zuo Wenshan glanced at Li An'an, then patted Zhao Degao’s shoulder with a smile, "Nicely done. Here’s your reward—take her to a secluded room and enjoy." He gestured toward the now-sleeping Ma Jiaojiao.

"Thank you, Second Young Master," Zhao Degao licked his lips, eyeing Ma Jiaojiao’s ripe figure, and desire ignited within him.

"Why are you here?" Li An'an’s heart sank at the sight of Zuo Wenshan. Just days ago, she and Mo Han had crossed him, and now she saw the links—this was a trap orchestrated by Zuo Wenshan through Zhao Degao.

"Surprised to see me?" Zuo Wenshan smiled. "If you obey me tonight, perhaps I’ll spare your Li family."

"What are you doing? Put her down, now!" Li An'an cried out as Zhao Degao carried Ma Jiaojiao toward the door. She tried to stand but was so dizzy she nearly collapsed.

"They’re off to their fun. Now it’s our turn," Zuo Wenshan laughed heartily.

"You shameless brute!" Li An'an glared furiously at him.

"Li An'an, just days ago you refused me. Did you expect to fall into my hands so soon?" Zuo Wenshan sneered, reaching for Li An'an's hand.