CHAPTER 228: CHAPTER 214 THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING

Gu Qili finished speaking and looked at the people, who all had smiles on their faces, becoming even more serious than before: "I hope everyone takes this as a warning. Instead of spending time gossiping about others behind their backs, it would be better to focus on your own work. Alright, meeting adjourned." Luan Yi was already unpopular among the restaurant staff, and now that she was being punished, everyone was secretly applauding, but out of respect for Qi Meihui’s authority, they only dared to be happy in their hearts.

No sooner had Qi Meihui been mentioned than she came stomping over in her high heels, looking furious – it was clear that Luan Yi must have gone to her to complain.

Everyone sensed trouble and were all worried for Gu Qili, who Qi Meihui had never liked, and probably hated intensely now.

Qi Meihui walked straight up to Gu Qili, but before she could speak, Gu Qili smiled and said, "Manager Qi, good morning."

As the saying goes, it’s hard to slap a smiling face – Qi Meihui’s intended words were halted by the smile on Gu Qili’s face, leaving her staring blankly, speechless.

One had to admit that the face in front of her was stunningly beautiful, especially when smiling – it was so captivating that even she, a fellow woman, could not help but be mesmerized.

"Manager Qi, your timing couldn’t be better, I just have something to report to you," Gu Qili said, standing straight and meticulously explaining the reason and outcome of the punishment just dealt, "It’s very clear in the employee handbook, and the responsibilities of a supervisor are also explicitly defined. Manager Qi, do you think my handling of the situation is in accordance with the restaurant’s regulations?"

Qi Meihui stared at her for three seconds, her gaze also sweeping across the waitstaff around who, although busy working, were all eavesdropping intently. Gu Qili had blocked all her possible retreats in advance, leaving her with nothing to say but agree.

However, Qi Meihui didn’t even want to say that much and strutted straight past Gu Qili toward the back office. Whether it was out of anger or not, after just two steps, she suddenly exclaimed in pain, one of her high heels twisting to the side, as her foot seemed twisted.

Gu Qili held back laughter, cursing inwardly: serves you right.

At this moment, a waiter hurried over and said, "Supervisor, President Li is looking for you."

As soon as Gu Qili left the restaurant, she saw Li Ruhai, his face so full of joy that it was almost dripping, stepping forward quickly upon seeing her, almost tearfully excited: "Miss Gu, the official notice has been sent, the General Manager and his party will be checking into our hotel in two days."

"Really?" Although she had received an indirect guarantee from Reynolds, she was still ecstatic upon confirmation of the news, "Congratulations, Director Li,"

The smile on Director Li’s face deepened, he humbly waved his hand: "Ah, it’s still too early to tell if things are going well. If the president is happy, that’s good, but if he’s still angry, I’ll have to continue to make amends. Miss Gu, thank you so much for this. If it weren’t for you, I would have been completely out of a job. You’re my great benefactor, if there’s anything you need from me, Li Ruhai, in the future, just say the word, and I’ll go through fire and water for you."

"We’re all just doing our jobs, it’s really nothing, Director Li, you don’t have to dwell on this matter," Gu Qili dismissed.

Li Ruhai nodded and said with admiration, "I’ve always admired the president’s insight, but now I’m even more certain – he really didn’t make the wrong choice."

"You flatter me."

Li Ruhai glanced at his watch and suddenly exclaimed, "Miss Gu, I have a report to submit, I can’t talk any longer, the president went out to see a client today and should be back soon, I have to get ready quickly to avoid a scolding."

When Mu Shuoqian and Xiao Ran returned in the evening, Xiao Ran was holding a contract that had been pending because the other party refused to loosen their grip; to Xiao Ran’s admiration, the president himself had easily handled it, even increasing the profit margin by an additional two percentage points.

The car had just parked when Yuan Yi suddenly said, "Young Master Qian, that woman..."

Mu Shuoqian then lifted his head, the parking lot lights were dim, but Yuan Yi had turned on the headlights, clearly illuminating the open space in front, where a woman was standing not far from the lights, looking their way.

"Don’t bother with her," said Mu Shuoqian, putting his phone in his pocket, his attitude cold.

Xiao Ran had already stepped out of the car on the other side and walked around to open the door for him.

As they were about to head for the elevator, Hu Jiaojiao suddenly hurried over. Xiao Ran remembered this woman; she had barged into the twenty-fourth floor last time, and he had had to compensate for a door in the president’s office, it was a big expense he couldn’t forget.

Xiao Ran’s expression turned serious, and he stepped forward to block Hu Jiaojiao’s path to Mu Shuoqian, secretly hoping Young Master Qian hadn’t decided to change the parking lot too, because he truly couldn’t afford that.

"Young Master Qian," Hu Jiaojiao called out from afar as Xiao Ran held out an arm to keep her at bay, "Young Master Qian, I have something very important to tell you."

Mu Shuoqian strode toward the elevator, ignoring her completely.

Seeing him moving further away, and with Xiao Ran blocking her like a post, Hu Jiaojiao had no choice but to jump up and shout, "Young Master Qian, this matter is about Gu Qili, are you sure you don’t want to know?"

Just as she expected, Mu Shuoqian froze in his step, yet he didn’t turn back but coldly instructed Xiao Ran, "Take her up."

"Yes, Young Master Qian." Xiao Ran looked at the smug-faced Hu Jiaojiao and said coldly, "Let’s go."

Xiao Ran knew about Mu Shuoqian’s taboos and simply took Hu Jiaojiao to the employee lounge on the second floor.

For Hu Jiaojiao, being able to re-enter the official building was a breakthrough in itself. Sitting in a chair, she looked around nervously and curiously. A big company is indeed a big company; even an ordinary employee lounge is decorated sumptuously without losing warmth. On one side, a cabinet held various precise instruments, including a coffee machine, a juice machine, and others she couldn’t name. Clean glass cabinets displayed various cups, ready for everyone to enjoy different drinks at any time.

Beyond the drinks, there was an array of snacks and pastries, a plethora to choose from.

Hu Jiaojiao thought, if she could work here in the future, would the treatment in the president’s office surpass even this place?

While she was lost in her reverie, the door to the lounge was pushed open. Hu Jiaojiao quickly donned the smile she had practiced numerous times, slightly tilting her body to the right, believing her right face to be more beautiful. She wanted to show her best side to Mu Shuoqian.

But seeing who actually entered, her smile immediately stiffened on her face.

"Where’s Young Master Qian?" Hadn’t Mu Shuoqian had Xiao Ran bring her here to talk face-to-face? Why was only Xiao Ran the one who came in?

Xiao Ran gave her a cursory glance, placed the laptop he was carrying in front of her, displaying Mu Shuoqian engrossed in his work; he didn’t even lift his head, seemingly having no desire to look at her, his voice cutting through the air with icy indifference: "Speak quickly."

Hu Jiaojiao found it difficult to swallow. She hadn’t expected that after all her anticipation, what awaited her was Mu Shuoqian’s cold face through a screen. Under the table, her fists clenched tightly, vigorously rubbing her knees.

Perhaps not hearing her response, Mu Shuoqian’s voice grew more impatient: "Five minutes. You’ve got only five minutes. Get to the point."

Hu Jiaojiao thought to herself that Mu Shuoqian’s current coldness towards her was actually normal; he was still enchanted and infatuated with Gu Qili, naturally blind to anyone else’s merits. Once he discovers what kind of dissolute woman Gu Qili really is, he’ll start noticing her, and she was confident she’d outshine Gu Qili manifold times over.

She, who had always mirrored Gu Qili as if she were looking in a mirror, would undoubtedly become Mu Shuoqian’s next affection. No matter how much he despised women, he was still entangled with Gu Qili, after all; thus, it was just that he hadn’t met the right person yet.

With this thought in mind, Hu Jiaojiao’s previous downheartedness dissipated a bit. Staring at the face on the computer screen she longed for day and night, she said: "Young Master Qian, I brought some photos and videos with me. Once you see them, you’ll understand everything. Gu Qili used to be a social butterfly in Aus City’s high society, and who knows how many wealthy men she’s slept with..."

"Enough. Leave the photos and videos here, and then you can leave," Mu Shuoqian commanded without even lifting his head, shutting off the video call immediately.

Hu Jiaojiao stared blankly at the abruptly disconnected computer before she could react, Xiao Ran had already taken the laptop and extended his hand to her: "The items?"

"But Young Master Qian hasn’t seen them yet."

"Young Master Qian is very busy."

Hu Jiaojiao hesitated a moment, then set her bag on the table, opened the zipper, and took out a small paper bag, hesitating before handing it to Xiao Ran: "You must personally give this to Young Master Qian. It’s really important. He’ll understand everything once he sees it."

Xiao Ran took it, his demeanor neither hot nor cold: "You can leave now."

At Xiao Ran’s dismissive attitude, Hu Jiaojiao felt aggrieved; she clenched her fist in secret. Xiao Ran’s current behavior towards her was due to Mu Shuoqian not valuing her enough. Just wait until she successfully became Mu Shuoqian’s woman; that time, she’d love to see Xiao Ran regret his past demeanor, which would certainly be interesting.

Xiao Ran, carrying that bag of items, made his way to the president’s office. Mu Shuoqian was immersed in work, seemingly unaffected by the recent events.

Cautiously, Xiao Ran asked: "Young Master Qian, this thing—?"

"Dispose of it," Mu Shuoqian instructed without a glance, blunt and to the point.

He didn’t need to look to know what was inside; agreeing to let Hu Jiaojiao in was just to temporarily stabilize her.

Hu Jiaojiao walked along the road, one hand in her coat pocket and another clutching her phone, checking the time.

So much time had passed; surely Mu Shuoqian must have seen those photos and videos by now. She imagined his face must be livid with rage.

Suddenly, she was dying to know Gu Qili’s expression at this moment. It must be distorted with regret and anguish.

So, without a second’s hesitation, she pressed her number.

She wanted to tell her that this was just the beginning.