Chapter 591: Intentional Obstruction

She knew perfectly well that Secretary Qian’s claim that Rong Ci was unavailable was merely an excuse—Rong Ci was deliberately ignoring her out of resentment over what had happened before.

But now their company’s project had hit a snag, and Changmo was their best option; even though she knew Rong Ci was deliberately stalling, Lian Ningqi still held her patience and spoke with Secretary Qian: “Then when will Director Rong be back?”

Secretary Qian said: “I’m sorry, Director Rong didn’t leave any instructions, and I’m not quite sure.”

Lian Ningqi knew no matter how much she said, it would be useless.

She said no more, merely murmured, “Then I’ll come again next time,” and hung up.

Then she called Lin Wu to ask if she had Rong Ci’s number.

Lin Wu: “No.”

Lian Ningqi: “Could you kindly ask Tingshen for it?”

Lin Wu knew why Lian Ningqi wanted to contact Rong Ci, and said: “Of course I can.”

Lian Ningqi waited in her car, and just a few minutes later, Lin Wu sent over Rong Ci’s number.

After thanking Lin Wu, Lian Ningqi called Rong Ci using her assistant’s number.

Rong Ci had anticipated she’d call from a different number; seeing an unknown caller, she didn’t answer.

Lian Ningqi hadn’t expected Rong Ci to be so cautious. She sent a message: 【Director Rong, I’m Lian Ningqi, Director of Lian Group. I’d like to discuss a potential collaboration—terms are open to your preference. When would you be available?】

Rong Ci saw the message but ignored it, set her phone aside, and returned to her work.

Seeing no reply, Lian Ningqi called again—Rong Ci blocked her number outright.

Lian Ningqi had thought she’d already lowered her pride; Rong Ci’s reaction was within her expectations, yet her expression still darkened.

Rong Ci didn’t care how Lian Ningqi fared. After blocking her, she returned to her work without distraction.

But that afternoon, she was going to Feng’s.

When she and several of her company’s engineers arrived downstairs, Lian Ningqi and her secretary appeared, blocking her path: “Director Rong, can we talk?”

Lian Ningqi hadn’t left—Rong Ci wasn’t surprised. Because of that morning’s call, Yu Moxun had inquired and learned their project was critically urgent; to resolve company matters, Lian Ningqi naturally had to exercise patience.

Rong Ci’s expression was cool: “I’m sorry, Director Lian, but my engineers and I have urgent matters to attend to.”

Rong Ci might truly be busy—but—

Lian Ningqi didn’t move aside. She looked at Rong Ci and said: “If Director Rong is occupied, I won’t intrude further. But could you at least give me a time?”

Rong Ci replied: “For this, Director Lian should contact my secretary directly—she’ll schedule according to my itinerary.”

With that, she stepped past Lian Ningqi to leave.

Hearing this, Lian Ningqi knew Rong Ci was evading. She blocked her path again, voice cold: “Director Rong, are you truly unavailable—or… do you still hold a grudge over what happened last time and are deliberately making things difficult for me?”

Rong Ci didn’t get angry. She smiled: “Yes, I’m holding a grudge over last time, and yes, I’m deliberately making things difficult for you. So what? Is that not allowed?”

Lian Ningqi hadn’t expected Rong Ci to be so blunt.

Rong Ci stepped past her and turned away without another word.