The CEO's Pursuit Plan

chapter 2 Is there an answer so soon!?

After completing the notification and introduction procedures, the employees of Pangshi Group exchanged their thoughts with each other.

“Wow! So Mr. Gu isn’t a vegetarian after all!”

“Haha! I really didn’t expect it, Mr. Gu actually likes this type!”

“Look at the way she’s dressed, I bet… she might be a call girl!”

“Whoa! What’s going on here? Mr. Gu, who’s always been so pure, is actually calling a prostitute to the company? If this news gets out, the paparazzi will surely be all over this place!”

“Don’t talk nonsense. We don’t even know what they’re doing in there.”

“As soon as Mr. Gu heard Shang Qi’s name, he immediately told them to bring her in, and even said no one was allowed to disturb them. Who knows what they’re talking about inside?”

The closed door of the CEO’s office bore the weight of many curious questions.

When Gu Tianqi first saw Shang Qi, he truly thought there was something wrong with his eyes.

Although he tried to maintain the most dignified posture he could, his straight back still felt stiff, and he even experienced a tingling sensation on his scalp.

He couldn’t help but widen his eyes, trying to confirm whether the woman in front of him, dressed like a seductress, was really Shang Qi.

“Hey, don’t you recognize me?” Shang Qi leaned on the edge of the desk, winking and giving him a flirtatious smile.

“Uh…” Gu Tianqi stared at her, his eyes drawn to the low-cut neckline of her top, and he opened his lips to speak but hesitated.

“I’m Shang Qi. You’re such an important person, Mr. Gu, we just met not long ago!”

Aha! Gotcha! Where are his eyes? And he keeps saying he’s indifferent to women!

Shang Qi was quite pleased with herself for listening to her colleagues’ advice. See? She just showed a little skin, and now he looks like a deer caught in headlights!

While Shang Qi secretly smirked, a cold voice suddenly came from above her head.

“I didn’t forget, I was just wondering if you’ve come to the wrong place.” Does she think this is a brothel?

“Wrong place? Of course not. This is Pangshi Group’s headquarters, and I’m here to see you…”

“Exactly.” Gu Tianqi began operating his computer, seeming quite busy. “Because this is Pangshi Group’s headquarters, we don’t allow uninvited people to enter…”

“I’m not an uninvited person. I’m Shang Qi, and I’ve come specifically to discuss something with you,” she interrupted him.

“Discuss something?” Finally, he looked up. “Don’t you know that when you come to someone’s company to talk business, you should pay attention to your attire and appearance?”

“I did pay attention!” She didn’t just give it a little thought. Heaven knows her outfit was chosen after consulting with a group of people!

Some suggested she should show off her ample cleavage, since men are particularly hard to wean off. Others said her long legs were especially charming and shouldn’t be hidden. Her tight, low-waisted, super-short skirt met all of these requirements.

According to “research reports,” as soon as she appeared, his eyes would surely light up, and he would feel his blood rushing. But Shang Qi didn’t understand: just a moment ago, his eyes had already sparked with desire, so how did it all just fade away?

“So, what do you think of my appearance?” She stared at him eagerly. Just one look! You’ll be fire-eyed for sure!

“Ugly.” One simple word.

“Ugly… ugly!?” Shang Qi gasped, unable to believe it. “Really? How could that be? What’s ugly about it?”

Gu Tianqi really didn’t want to look at her again, but that was easier said than done!

“Is it my legs that are ugly?” she asked, revealing her long, beautiful legs.

“Maybe the fabric’s affecting the lines? I think the waist design has some problems, and the hips seem a little too loose…” As she adjusted her neckline, her breasts gently swayed.

Gu Tianqi closed his eyes, exhaled deeply, and suddenly heard her ask, “Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“What do you want me to say?” Gu Tianqi opened his eyes and growled in a low voice.

“I want your opinion! You need to be specific about what looks bad so I can go back and improve it for next time!”

Next time? Gu Tianqi straightened his posture, took a deep breath, and spoke in an extremely serious tone:

“Miss Shang, I must first let you know that I’m only meeting with you today because of your brother. I’m making an exception to meet with you without a formal appointment. However, I still must remind you that this is a place of business, so please pay attention to your behavior and manners.”

Shang Qi blinked, then chuckled at the sanctimonious Gu Tianqi. “Ha! As expected, they were right.”

Gu Tianqi didn’t understand what she was saying and could only furrow his brows as he watched Shang Qi muttering while rummaging through her purse.

“See? They said when dealing with people like you, we need to make the situation seem very formal first. Thankfully, we were well-prepared.”

“Who are they? And what kind of person do you think I am?” Gu Tianqi didn’t want to ask, but he couldn’t help it.

“Well… that’s a secret I can’t reveal.” Shang Qi remembered—maintaining an air of mystery is key to leaving space for imagination.

"Hmph!" Gu Tianqi rolled his eyes and opened the item she handed him. "What is this?"

"An invitation, of course! This is something our director specifically prepared for you, so it’s quite official. You should feel honored now, right?" She said, looking pleased with herself.

However, in reality, his "honor" was gradually fading.

On the red invitation card, neatly printed text read:

Mr. Shang: Hello.

First, congratulations! You have been selected!

After filtering through various candidates, our research institute has identified you as the best candidate for our "Genetic Evolution Research" program.

Therefore, you will be given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—to have your genetic code rearranged, to create the most perfect offspring possible!

To further the advancement of human science, the institute has assigned its best personnel, our Deputy Director Shang Qi, to assist you in executing this sacred task. She will dedicate herself to this cause and hopes you can seize this opportunity.

A special reminder: during this period, please refrain from alcohol and indulgence, maintain a normal routine, and keep your mood and health in good condition, as the best offspring can only be conceived when both body and mind are at their peak.

Deputy Director Shang will visit you soon to discuss the details, and further matters will be addressed later.

Sincerely,

Microbiology Technology Research Institute

"Once-in-a-lifetime? Sacrificial dedication?" Gu Tianqi slammed the letter shut, his lips twitching slightly. He wanted to laugh but couldn’t bring himself to do so, especially with her pair of eyes glued to him, circling around him like a hawk.

"Can I ask what you’re staring at?" Does she think he’s some kind of specimen under a microscope?

"I’m looking at…" Shang Qi raised her brows and said, "How did you suddenly get so ugly?"

"What!?"

"Just now! You looked really bad!"

"You…" Gu Tianqi frowned deeply, glaring at her.

"Yes! Much better this way." Shang Qi clapped her hands and laughed joyfully.

Yes!? He was about to go mad!

He suddenly jumped up from his seat and pushed the invitation forward. "I don’t want to waste time with small talk, so let’s just get straight to the point..."

"Straight to the baby-making talk?" Shang Qi eagerly interrupted, her eyes immediately sparkling.

Looking into those bright, glimmering eyes, Gu Tianqi was secretly amazed. This woman’s eyes were indeed captivating, especially when she was excited, which made her flushed face look even more innocent, like that of a young girl.

He didn’t think he would be moved by her, but he suddenly felt maybe he didn’t need to be so harsh with her.

"Fine! I think we really need to talk. In fact, if you hadn’t come to find me today, I would have gone looking for you myself."

Gu Tianqi sat back on the couch and gestured for her to take a seat.

"Really!?" Shang Qi immediately sat down energetically. "To talk about having a baby?"

"I want to talk about your letter." Gu Tianqi said directly.

"Letter?" Shang Qi was stunned for a moment, then realized. He was referring to the "love letter," wasn’t he? It was the work of her dear colleagues. She didn’t expect them to act so fast, and with such an effect, haha, another victory for the team!

"After reading the letter you sent, I think there are some things I need to tell you directly…"

"But if you’re too direct, I… I might still feel a little shy." She still wanted to preserve some modesty, keeping a little bit of her dignity. "Actually, some things are better kept inside, I feel it’s better that way. Anyway… I already know, so it’s fine."

"You already know?"

"Yes, I know everything." Shang Qi shot him a look that could kill. "Okay, I understand the feeling of being too moved to say anything, so you can just keep it in your heart. But since you insist on saying it out loud, then… I can’t be too shy either, right?"

Gu Tianqi glanced at her, his blank expression seeming to say—nothing could surprise him anymore.

Finally, he picked up the fax and slammed it down on the desk. His voice was almost a sigh, emphasizing a few specific words. "After reading it, I really couldn’t say anything, but it’s definitely not because I’m moved, so you don’t need to keep acting so shy!"

This man speaks like he’s reciting something? With so much emphasis and rhythm! But why does it feel like he’s mocking her?

Shang Qi picked up the letter, half-suspicious, and read it—

"Ha... hahahaha..." She hadn’t even finished reading before she broke into a wide grin, laughing uncontrollably.

"Is it funny?"

"Mm, it’s so funny… hehe…" Seriously? Struck by lightning? Wouldn’t high-voltage electricity be more fitting? Why didn’t they say he was swept away by a tsunami? Especially when she saw phrases like "summer ice cream" and such, she couldn’t stop laughing even more.

"Is it so fun to read the letter you wrote yourself?" He felt defeated once again.

"Fun? Of course..." She glanced at the signature at the end of the letter, and her smile instantly froze.

Was this really the work of her dear colleagues? Shang Qi racked her brain, wondering who could be the author of this love letter.

He interrupted her thoughts. "I should thank you, because occasionally sharing a joke can lift one's spirits, but I don't want this company to turn into a joke factory, so please don’t send me things like this again."

After he finished speaking, he observed her quiet, speechless demeanor, and suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable. He couldn’t quite explain why, but seeing her eyes lose their brightness made him feel a little guilty.

"Don't look like that..." He only thought it would be better for both of them to clear things up, with no intention of hurting her.

Suddenly, Shang Qi lifted her eyes and said, "Can I take this fax back?"

Gu Tianqi shrugged indifferently. The words of comfort he had almost uttered got stuck in his throat due to her next remark.

"Thank you. I’ll modify it and bring it back to you later."

Bring it back to him!? Tianqi’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at her carefully folding the fax.

Once his mind cleared, he said, "Anyway, I just want to tell you one thing—please stop bothering me from now on!"

"Bothering you? It’s not bothering, it’s..."

"For the advancement of human scientific research? For an opportunity that comes once in a thousand years?" He mimicked the words from the "invitation letter."

"Mm-hmm, your memory is really good. Shows that your brain is developing well." She mentally took note of that.

"Thank you for the compliment, and thanks to you and your director’s kindness, but unfortunately, I’m sure I’m not up to the task."

"Why? You need to have confidence!" Shang Qi urged.

"I don’t need any confidence."

"You do, of course you do." Shang Qi took a deep breath, frowning as she muttered, "The books were right. That pride on the surface is just a cover for the deep insecurity inside..."

"Shang Qi!" He really didn’t understand what this woman was babbling about.

"I get it!" She raised her small face, serious, looking at him with deep sympathy. "Don’t worry, now that I know what the problem is, I’ll help you rebuild your confidence. You need to believe in yourself and tell yourself that you can do it!"

"I can't! I just can't!"

"How is that possible? Your body seems fine."

"I..." Gu Tianqi’s mood darkened, though he restrained the urge to explode. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the armrest. "What I mean by 'I can’t' is that I don’t want to have children with any woman, do you understand?"

"Why?"

Why!? This issue involved so many layers! Besides, did he really have to explain his inner thoughts to a woman he barely knew?

He waved his hand impatiently. "Anyway, this is ridiculous."

"Ridiculous? The continuation of life is one of humanity's most important tasks. How can you call it ridiculous?"

Gu Tianqi glanced at the woman who was completely out of touch with reality and finally understood why people said the Shang family had everything except logic.

"You’re just casually picking a man to have children with, don’t you think that’s ridiculous?"

"Who said I’m just picking anyone? This is based on a precise computer analysis, which shows that you and I are the best match."

"Computer!? You completely trust the computer? So if the computer picks someone, you’ll just accept it? For something so important, don’t you consider personal preferences?"

"Of course I’ve considered that! That’s exactly why I’m here to find you!"

"You’re willing? Why? Just because the computer says I’m suitable? Do you like me?"

"Yes!" She answered quickly, then immediately realized she might have left something out, so she quickly added, "But not when you’re rejecting me with that look on your face. It’s really annoying."

"You..." Was this an expression of affection or a challenge? He sneered. "OK, so you like me, but not love me. I thought a woman would want to find a man she truly loves before talking about having children, don’t you think?"

"Strictly speaking, you’re right. But that’s in general cases. However, 'general' doesn’t necessarily mean 'best'. Who can guarantee that having children after falling in love won’t have problems?"

"Are you done?" He took a big sip of tea.

"Mm." She made a "please continue" gesture.

"Now it’s my turn." He spoke decisively. "First, I don’t want to get married, so you don’t have to worry about me getting divorced. Second, I never thought about having children, so I don’t want to think about the next generation. Third, even if I were to have a child, I would want to have it with a woman I love, not with you. I don’t, and will never, love you! Do you understand?"

Gu Tianqi finished speaking in one breath, with a look of satisfaction on his face. But... after a long silence, he turned to look at her, and she was completely stunned.

"I heard you, but you spoke too fast, I couldn’t write it all down…" she complained.

"Oh, s**t!" Gu Tianqi walked back to his desk, wanting to press the intercom and ask his secretary to escort her out.

But... would it really be that simple to get rid of her?

Before leaving, Shang Qi gave a serious response: "As for the questions you just raised, to show my sincerity, I will take these back to study and see if there’s any good solution."

No, there’s no need to study anymore. As long as she stops showing up, everything will be fine... This was Gu Tianqi’s biggest hope, but unfortunately, the heavens didn’t seem to listen to his wishes…

A few days later, Shang Qi appeared again.

"Do you think I look good now?" This time, she wore a dark gray suit, had her hair styled in a bun, and was sporting thick-framed glasses, speaking with the air of an old scholar.

"A woman who has lost her femininity is the saddest thing." He smirked, throwing out a harsh comment. But he quickly regretted saying that. He should have just said "You look good" and dismissed her, then his office wouldn’t have turned into her personal fashion show.

Over the next few days, it was satin dresses, sailor uniforms… and eventually, even horseback riding outfits and nurse uniforms came out!

"Secretary Lin, from now on, Miss Shang’s requests to meet are to be refused." That was his final solution.

After issuing his ultimatum, things were quiet for a few days. But, it was only for a few days.

Soon, he began to "coincidentally" run into her. For example, at the restaurant where he regularly had lunch, or at the spot where he had afternoon tea… and so on.

Fine! How about changing my routine? He decided to start eating at a different place.

But, after avoiding these accidental encounters, the next string of accidents came one after another—her car would always break down or be towed near his office, and she would always be broke or her phone would die… and so on. Naturally, he became her go-to for help.

At first, Gu Tianqi would provide some support, like lending her a phone or giving her some change. But this quickly spiraled into endless situations, because when you lend something, she’d always find an excuse to show up at his company.

Gu Tianqi wasn’t a fool; he saw through her tricks. In the end, he decided to stop responding to any of her requests and see how long she could keep up the act! He thought to himself.