Chapter 927: Chapter 926: Cold War

“Shaoting…” Shu Pan called out to him, but the door was already closed, and the sounds from outside were shut out.

Sitting on the sofa, frustrated, Shu Pan had intended for a sincere discussion. How had it ended with both parties parting in displeasure?

Just thinking of Gu Shaoting’s dark eyes gave Shu Pan a headache.

Gu Shaoting had always been autocratic and would not tolerate anyone challenging his authority.

This time, Shu Pan had crossed his bottom line.

After stepping out, Gu Shaoting cooled down a bit, then dialed He Ming’s number.

“Are you free? Let’s have a drink,” Gu Shaoting got straight to the point.

“Brother Ting, didn’t you say you’d cancel your engagements tonight to spend time with Shu Pan? How come you’re free to meet up with me?” He Ming, unafraid of death, still picked the words that hit where it hurt.

“Roll over here, stop with the nonsense, hurry up.” Gu Shaoting didn’t wait for He Ming to reply and had already hung up the phone.

He Ming looked at Ye Xiaomeng mournfully, “Dear, Brother Ting seems to be in a bad mood and wants me to keep him company.”

Actually, now that he had a baby, he really didn’t want to go out.

“You see young and beautiful secretaries every day and still have moments of bad mood?” Ye Xiaomeng deliberately spoke to sour Gu Shaoting.

“My dear wife, let’s drop this matter. It really is for work. Don’t tell Shu Pan, or she’ll start worrying needlessly.” He Ming knew that there were things that should not be told to women—if Brother Ting found out he had blabbed, there’d be hell to pay.

“Why shouldn’t I tell her? If it’s all above board, why fear someone finding out?” Ye Xiaomeng pressed for the truth.

“It’s really nothing. Uh, Brother Ting is waiting for me. You and the baby should sleep early, I will be back soon,” He Ming didn’t dare to continue, as his wife now ruled supreme.

Moreover, Confucius had said, “There are two things that are hard to nurture: women and servants.” The ancient teachings were not wrong.

“Come back early. Don’t return drunk. Take care of Gu Shaoting, and make sure he doesn’t do anything improper that might hurt Shu Pan,” Ye Xiaomeng felt a vague unease.

“As you command, my dear,” He Ming replied with a cheeky grin.

When He Ming arrived at the regular spot, Gu Shaoting had already ordered a table full of alcohol, intent on not returning sober.

“Brother Ting, sorry, I’m late,” He Ming sat opposite him.

Gu Shaoting glanced at him before finally speaking, “Xiaomeng didn’t let you out?”

“No, she didn’t… she didn’t say anything,” He Ming didn’t dare talk carelessly, as Brother Ting’s gaze felt like it would riddle him with a thousand holes.

“Drink,” Gu Shaoting poured him a full glass.

“Brother Ting, what’s bothering you?” Seeing Gu Shaoting’s mood, He Ming knew something had happened.

“He Ming, I’ve realized that even now, I still don’t understand Shu Pan very well. We were living a comfortable, stable life, and she had to stir things up. She actually wants to work, and at another company,” Gu Shaoting said to his friend; keeping it inside was suffocating.

“Well, the child is older now, and she might want to do something to ease the boredom. It’s not that bad, is it?” He Ming felt it was no big deal, not a matter worth making a fuss over.

After all, Shu Pan was so outstanding, and it had been admirable for her to stay at home, supporting her husband and raising her child for years.

“The point is she doesn’t want to work at Gu Group. She wants to go to some other company? Does she think it’s easy out there? Without my protection, what if she gets bullied?” This was the crux of Gu Shaoting’s troubles.

“Well, being together all the time isn’t that great either. People always want a bit of their own space,” He Ming felt a pang of sympathy for Shu Pan. He could understand, especially since Gu Shaoting’s desire for control was a bit strong.