TDLVSC 17
Calm down, Jin Shiya! You already like someone!
After drinking several sips of lemonade, Jin Shiya finally regained her composure. However, the next moment, she looked up and saw Noland elegantly swirling his wine glass, tasting the sparkling wine.
After taking a sip, he criticized it: "The taste is average. I’ll bring my own next time."
Jin Shiya stood dumbfounded, struggling to comprehend the man's audacious behavior. His personality was so appalling that it seemed almost unbelievable. To make matters worse, the waiter was still nearby, and he had the audacity to speak like this in front of them. Was it really appropriate to be so brazen?
Even if it was the truth, he couldn’t just say it to their faces!
After finishing their dinner, Noland asked the waiter to turn on the restaurant's lights. A moment later, Sherman walked over with some documents and handed them to Jin Shiya.
"Thank you," she said, taking the documents and quickly flipping through them. They were the same ones Noland had sent her not too long ago.
Jin Shiya was completely stunned. What exactly was Noland Harris trying to convey?
Forget the previous collaboration for now—if they handed this project to their company, it would be like giving money away.
No one would do something nice for no reason, Jin Shiya thought. Could it be that this man really wanted to pursue her? The thought crossed her mind.
She hesitated for a long time, unsure of what this man truly meant.
Sherman, however, began speaking: "As you can see, this project still requires a female lead. If there are no issues, we would like your company to help us find a suitable candidate for the role."
Jin Shiya had no ambition to indulge in any tempting opportunities, but this "duang" moment felt like it hit her straight in the head.
(TN: "duang" refers to a sudden, surprising event that leaves a strong impression. It originated from a 2015 Chinese shampoo commercial featuring Jackie Chan that became a viral Chinese meme)
No matter how mature she was, she was still just a twenty-year-old girl. In her dazed state, she actually blurted out the question that had been lingering in her mind:
"Mr. Harris, you’re not... pursuing me, are you?"
Noland Harris, sitting there with a neutral expression, looked at Jin Shiya. But it was Sherman, sitting beside him, who straightened his back and silently thought: Finally!
Miss Jin Shiya, it's not just you—Sherman also feels the same way!
Noland's gaze swept over Jin Shiya, scanning her up and down. Jin Shiya sat there, honestly, feeling surprised that she had asked such a question.
While she was still embarrassed, Noland parted his lips and said something quite cruel: "What made you think that? Miss Jin Shiya, you're only twenty this year, and I'm already twenty-nine. No matter how you look at it, you're not in my range of potential partners."
He looked at her again, and Jin Shiya felt as though his gaze was one of utter disdain:
"Moreover, you're foolish, clumsy, and naive. You might get a bit more cunning in the future, but it'll only make you dumber. What exactly is there about you that’s worth my attention?"
Although she had already put herself down earlier, Jin Shiya was now completely furious at his words. "Yes, I'm foolish, clumsy, and naive. But your behavior, like giving away money, is no different from a rich second-generation trying to pursue a woman! It’s the lowest of tricks. If you’re not trying to court me, then what’s the point of going to all this trouble? Is it for fun?"
Jin Shiya looked like a cat whose fur had been ruffled. Sherman frowned. The last person who dared to behave so boldly in front of Noland had been thrown into the Pacific Ocean.
This was China, and while Noland's influence might not be as strong, ruining this young lady in the business world would be as easy as breathing for him.
Just as Sherman silently mourned for Jin Shiya, he heard Noland’s laughter—not the laugh of someone frustrated, but a genuine, pleased laugh!
—Shit!
Sherman guessed wrong again.
