Chapter 197 - 197: Suzhou Embroidery Industry

Translator: _Min_

Zhao Xuan hesitated, then said, “Sir, 1 noticed you bought an embroidery pattern. I assumed you intended it for Miss Gu Dai since her company has recently been exploring the Suzhou embroidery industry.”

Song Ling snorted coldly, retorting, “I’ve also recently considered venturing into that industry.”

Zhao Xuan had never heard Song Ling express interest in Suzhou embroidery before, so this sudden inclination likely arose on a whim.

Sighing, Zhao Xuan remembered something, “Mr. Song, is the Suzhou embroidery industry on the rise? I heard that Young Master Zhou is also entering this field.”

Song Ling’s brow furrowed, “Zhou Ci?”

Zhao Xuan affirmed, “Yes.”

Song Ling closed his eyes momentarily, thoughtfully caressing the embroidery he had taken from his pocket.

With Gu Dai developing the Suzhou embroidery industry and Zhou Ci following suit, it indicated a possible collaboration between them.

Realizing this, Song Ling swiftly opened his eyes and dialed Zhou Ci’s number. When the call connected, he demanded, “Are you collaborating with Gu Dai on Suzhou embroidery?”

Zhou Ci saw no reason to hide the truth; after all, Song Ling would find out eventually. He replied simply, “Yes.”

After hearing Zhou Ci’s straightforward answer, Song Ling was silent for a long moment before firmly stating, “Don’t work with Gu Dai.”

Zhou Ci’s voice turned icy, “Mr. Song, whom the Zhou family collaborates with shouldn’t require the approval of the Song family, right?”

Regretting his impulsiveness, Song Ling sought to regain composure, “When are you planning to discuss the collaboration?”

Suspicion arose in Zhou Ci as he questioned, “What are you planning to do?”

Song Ling exhaled deeply, clarifying, “I’d like to join your Suzhou embroidery collaboration. When the time comes, I’ll attend the discussion with you.”

Zhou Ci’s wariness heightened, “Are you sure you’re seeking collaboration and not here to cause trouble?”

Song Ling’s expression darkened, “Do you think I would cause trouble?”

Zhou Ci remained silent, but internally, he felt sure of his suspicions.

While the old Song Ling would never intervene negatively, the man he’d become post-divorce with Gu Dai was unpredictable.

Seeing Zhou Ci’s silence, Song Ling’s mood soured even further, “Even if you don’t tell me, I can find out on my own.”

Challenged, Zhou Ci replied, “Even if you find out and decide to attend, do you think Gu Dai would want to see you? Especially after you outbid her for the Suzhou embroidery pattern she wanted.”

Zhou Ci’s question resonated with Song Ling, leaving him unable to respond, ultimately cutting the call short.

Given Song Ling’s personality, if someone had outbid him, he wouldn’t just refrain from collaborating but would likely retaliate.

Coldly, Song Ling directed Zhao Xuan, “Find out when Gu Dai and Zhou Ci are planning to meet. Inform me as soon as you get the information.”

Zhao Xuan nodded, “Understood, Mr. Song.”

On the surface, Zhao Xuan maintained a impassive facade, but internally, he was awash with doubt.

Mr. Songs pretense of indifference towards Gu Dai was thin at best. His urge to meddle in her business deals was a dead giveaway of his lingering attachment.

Zhao Xuan had a nagging feeling that if Song Ling didn’t act on his feelings for Gu Dai now, he might never get another chance. Sadly, all his subtle hints seemed lost on his boss.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Unbeknownst to Song Ling, Zhao Xuan was deeply concerned about his well-being.

Drowning in his thoughts, Song Ling wondered about the drastic changes in Gu Dai. What had happened in the short span since their separation to cause such transformation?

Elsewhere, Gu Dai and Meng Zhi reached their home.

Even when Gu Dai wasn’t looking at Meng Zhi, he sensed Meng Zhi’s lingering glances. Finally, she met his eyes, asking, “Third Brother, is there something on your mind? Something you want to discuss?”

After a brief pause, Meng Zhi hesitantly asked, “Daidai, is there something you’d like to share? Perhaps about the events following your encounter with Song Ling at today’s banquet?”