Chapter Twenty-One: Murphy's Entanglement

The Murphy Entanglement

Pushing open the heavy doors, Duan Fei and Chen Yu were both stunned. Sitting across the negotiation table was none other than Duan Fei’s arch-nemesis—Lin Wan’er of the Lin Group, a ruthless businesswoman notorious for her sharp tongue and cunning nature.

Lin Wan’er, wearing vibrant lipstick, curled her lips into a cold sneer. "What a small world, Duan Fei. I never imagined you would be reduced to fighting me for business."

Duan Fei retorted with a cold laugh, "Miss Lin, you jest. The business world is a battlefield; one succeeds based on their own merits."

"Merits?" Lin Wan’er laughed theatrically. "Based on yours? A woman discarded by Bei Mo, you think you’re qualified to talk to me about merits?"

Chen Yu could no longer contain his anger and was about to speak, but Duan Fei stopped him. She took a deep breath, struggling to maintain her composure. "Miss Lin, we are here to discuss business, not to reminisce. If you lack sincerity, then there is no need for us to waste time."

Lin Wan’er toyed with her fountain pen, a playful look in her eyes. "You want to talk business with me? Very well, then show me your sincerity." She tossed a document in front of Duan Fei. "These are my terms. If you accept, we cooperate. If not..." She paused intentionally, her gaze filled with disdain. "Then please see yourself out."

Duan Fei opened the file, her expression darkening with every passing second. The terms in the contract were outrageously harsh, essentially driving them into a corner.

"This is nothing but an exploitative clause!" Chen Yu shouted indignantly. "Lin Wan’er, you are going too far!"

Lin Wan’er shrugged, looking indifferent. "I can't help it. After all, you’re the ones begging for my help."

Duan Fei gripped her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. She knew that if she accepted this contract, the company might survive the immediate crisis, but it would be firmly under Lin Wan’er’s control, with no hope of ever recovering. However, if she refused, the company would have no choice but to declare bankruptcy.

The air in the room seemed to solidify, heavy enough to make breathing difficult. Duan Fei felt a wave of dizziness, an overwhelming sense of helplessness washing over her. She steadied herself and spoke slowly, "Miss Lin, regarding this contract..."

Duan Fei took a deep breath, preparing to brace herself and say "I accept," when a sudden thought flashed through her mind. She glanced calmly behind Lin Wan’er and noticed the assistant she had brought was checking her phone repeatedly, a flicker of anxiety on her face.

"I need some time to consider this contract," Duan Fei said, her tone calm but her gaze resolute.

Lin Wan’er was taken aback, clearly not expecting a refusal. She sneered, "Consider it? Fine. You have ten minutes. If you’re still cowering like this after ten minutes, don’t blame me for being ruthless."

Duan Fei ignored her and walked to the window. Outside the massive floor-to-ceiling windows lay the most prosperous view of the city. The towering skyscrapers, the endless stream of traffic, the flickering neon billboards—none of it seemed to have anything to do with her. She felt like a trapped beast, cornered by Lin Wan’er. Had all her efforts really come to nothing? A sense of exhaustion she had never known before washed over her, as if her strength had been drained, leaving her heart heavy with despair. The surrounding silence only deepened her sense of desolation.

*Buzz.* Her phone vibrated. It was a message from Chen Yu: *Sister Fei, I just found out that the Lin Group seems to be having some issues. Their capital chain might be tight.*

Duan Fei’s spirits surged; she felt as though she had grabbed a lifeline. She recalled the strange behavior of Lin Wan’er’s assistant and a bold hypothesis formed in her mind: Lin Wan’er was bluffing!

A cold smile touched her lips as she turned and walked back to the negotiation table. "Miss Lin, I accept your terms, but I want to add an additional clause!"

Lin Wan’er was stunned once more. She hadn't expected Duan Fei to counter-offer. Just as she was about to explode in anger, Duan Fei preempted her, quickly stating her demands.

Lin Wan’er’s expression shifted. She scrutinized Duan Fei, a flicker of unease crossing her mind. She suddenly realized that the woman before her was no longer the destitute heiress she could manipulate at will, but an unfathomable opponent.

Just then, her phone rang again. She glanced at the caller ID, and her face turned deathly pale.

"Fine. I agree," she said, gritting her teeth, the words practically squeezed through her lips. She stood up hurriedly. "That concludes today’s negotiations. I have other matters to attend to; I’m leaving."

Lin Wan’er and her entourage left in a disheveled hurry, looking like beaten dogs.

Chen Yu jumped up in excitement and hugged Duan Fei. "Sister Fei, you’re amazing! How did you do it? That was an absolute comeback!"

Duan Fei smiled softly. Although she didn’t say it aloud, she felt a sweetness in her heart.

Outside the negotiation room, a familiar figure leaned against the wall, a faint, imperceptible smile on his lips. Bei Mo glanced at his watch and murmured, "The real show has only just begun."

After the negotiations ended, Duan Fei and Chen Yu celebrated briefly. After all, this was the first major order their company had secured since its inception! Duan Fei generously ordered a table full of grilled skewers and crayfish, and popped two bottles of champagne. "We must drink until we drop tonight!" she said, raising her glass to Chen Yu.

Chen Yu was equally thrilled. "Sister Fei, you were possessed by a queen today! Even that old witch Lin Wan’er was intimidated by you!"

"A queen? Even a queen has to eat!" Duan Fei laughed, clinking her glass against his and taking a large gulp of champagne.

Halfway through the celebration, the door to the private room was pushed open, and Bei Mo appeared, looking dapper in a suit. The room went silent instantly, and all eyes fixed on him.

Bei Mo walked straight to Duan Fei, knelt on one knee, and pulled an exquisite box from his pocket. He opened it to reveal a sparkling diamond ring.

"Fei Fei, I know I was a bastard before. I didn't know how to cherish you. Now I see clearly—without you, I am like a shell without a soul, a walking corpse. Please give me another chance to pursue you again, won't you?" Bei Mo looked at Duan Fei with deep affection, his eyes filled with sincerity and longing.

The atmosphere in the room exploded. The onlookers pulled out their phones to record, some whispering to each other:

"My god! Is this a scene from a romance drama?"

"President Bei is actually this devoted? I’m sold!"

"Duan Fei is so lucky; even after divorce, the CEO is still chasing her!"

Duan Fei was also stunned. She had thought Bei Mo might come to apologize or try to make amends, but she never imagined he would propose a reconciliation in front of so many people!

"Um... President Bei, please get up. Everyone is watching," Duan Fei said, feeling somewhat awkward as she helped him up.

Bei Mo stood up and held her hand. "Fei Fei, give me a chance, okay? I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you."

Duan Fei did not refuse immediately, but instead replied, "Let me think about it."