43: Things Escalated

Stepping into the Public Relations Manager's office, Liu Xiaoxiao spoke without ceremony: "Manager Shen, I have a task for you today!"

"What task, Director Liu?" Shen Yifei drawled, slouching back in the manager's chair, his legs casually crossed.

Liu Xiaoxiao's face darkened. Did this man have even an ounce of professionalism left in him?

"Last month, our company handled a product promotion campaign for a company called Hai Sha Textiles (a clothing manufacturing firm). It's been a month, and they still haven't paid us. The company has pressed them multiple times, but there's been no resolution. Later, I need you to go to their company and collect the debt," Liu Xiaoxiao stated bluntly.

Hai Sha Textiles (a clothing manufacturing firm) owed Lingya International (a fashion company) a significant sum for product promotion. Every time we tried to collect, they’d dodge with an endless string of excuses.

Either the boss was unavailable, or funds were temporarily tied up – in short, they found every possible pretext to refuse payment.

Collecting from a company like that was notoriously difficult. Not only were they unreasonable, but they also had ties to the underworld (criminal organizations). Forcing payment might just get someone beaten up.

Most employees at Lingya International Fashion Company were women, especially those in the Public Relations Department, who handled client interactions. Tasking these women with debt collection was indeed asking too much of them.

Handing this job to Shen Yifei was perfect – a chance to make this scoundrel taste some hardship! This was Liu Xiaoxiao's true intention.

"Is there any compensation?" Shen Yifei inquired.

"Compensation?!" Liu Xiaoxiao fumed, "This is your basic job duty! You want *compensation* for that?"

"Debt collection isn't exactly in my job description, is it?" Shen Yifei shrugged.

This guy wasn't falling for it? Liu Xiaoxiao felt a pang of frustration. Then, a brilliant idea struck her. She instantly put on a sweet smile. "Manager Shen, if you successfully collect this debt, I'll give you one percent—no, make that three percent commission!"

Shen Yifei's heart stirred. He quickly asked, "How much does that company owe?"

"Five million," Liu Xiaoxiao replied.

Five million? Three percent commission meant 150,000.

Shen Yifei was instantly tempted.

He'd extorted a one-million cheque from Qiao Lan previously, giving 300,000 to Lin Xifu, leaving him with 700,000. He shouldn't have been short on cash.

Yet, Shen Yifei always believed the more money, the better.

He ate, dressed, and lived at Su Muqing's house daily without spending a dime, but as a man, being utterly broke made Shen Yifei feel quite annoyed.

A little extra income wouldn't hurt.

Shen Yifei asked with a grin, "Director Liu, you promise, right? Three percent commission, no backing out!"

Liu Xiaoxiao chuckled softly, her smile dazzling. "Who do you take me for? I'm the company director. Why would I lie to a mere manager like you over such a paltry sum?"

At her words, Shen Yifei's face darkened. This woman was insufferably arrogant, making him sound like some lowly subordinate.

Fearing this woman would trick him again, Shen Yifei decided, "Then get me a written agreement."

"Alright," Liu Xiaoxiao giggled, immediately writing out an agreement and signing her name.

"Right then, I'm off to collect the debt!" Shen Yifei announced, beaming as he left the director's office.

Liu Xiaoxiao flashed a smug smile. This time, that scoundrel *had* to suffer a bit.

Collecting debt from that company wouldn't be simple at all.

"Director Liu, perhaps Manager Shen and I should go together?" Lin Caier quickly offered, still feeling a trace of worry.

Lin Caier was also aware of Hai Sha Textile Company's reputation.

"No need. Leave it to him." Liu Xiaoxiao shook her head with a sigh. "Assistant Lin, I feel obliged to warn you. I don't think Shen Yifei is trustworthy. Don't let him charm you; make sure to protect yourself!"

"Director Liu, I actually think you have too many preconceptions about Manager Shen. He's a very good person," Lin Caier couldn't help but chuckle. She hadn't expected Liu Xiaoxiao to dislike Shen Yifei so much, but perhaps that was for the best – at least no one would be vying with her for his attention.

Seeing Lin Caier defend Shen Yifei so readily, Liu Xiaoxiao was speechless. She truly had no idea what spell Shen Yifei had cast over Lin Caier.

These were not her immediate concerns. After giving a few more instructions, Liu Xiaoxiao took her files and headed up to the top-floor CEO's office.

Su Muqing was currently attending to official business in the CEO's office.

"Xiaoxiao, you're here. Perfect timing. Yesterday, I discussed Hai Sha Textile Company with the legal department. I've already secured a lawyer, so we can go collect the debt today," Su Muqing said, tidying the documents on her desk.

Liu Xiaoxiao's pretty face froze in disbelief. She quickly blurted, "Oh no, Xue! Why didn't you tell me sooner? I've already sent someone to collect the debt!"

Su Muqing paused, then immediately asked, "Who did you send?"

"The new Public Relations Manager, of course," Liu Xiaoxiao replied, sticking out her tongue.

Su Muqing sighed. "Xiaoxiao, this is no time for personal vendettas. I've already investigated thoroughly. Hai Sha Textiles has connections to the underworld (criminal organizations), and we've already handed the evidence over to the police. We're just waiting for them to act."

Liu Xiaoxiao gasped, a jolt of fear running through her. She felt like she'd seriously overplayed her hand. She quickly said, "Then I need to go call him back right away! It'll be terrible if that guy gets into any danger!"

Having said that, Liu Xiaoxiao bolted out of the CEO's office.

Su Muqing rubbed her temples, wondering who this Public Relations Manager was that made the usually composed Liu Xiaoxiao so intent on targeting him.

Liu Xiaoxiao pulled out her phone and dialed Shen Yifei's number.

"The number you have dialed is currently switched off."

Shen Yifei's phone had conveniently run out of battery, so he couldn't answer.

"Why is his phone off during working hours?!" Liu Xiaoxiao's delicate brows furrowed in annoyance.

Rushing downstairs, Shen Yifei was already long gone. With no other option, Liu Xiaoxiao had to drive after him.

Shen Yifei hailed a taxi and headed to the Western Suburbs.

Hai Sha Textile Company was located in an industrial park on the outskirts of the city.

Entering the company's building, Shen Yifei straightened his clothes. After all, he was representing Lingya International in a debt collection, so it was best to look presentable.

"Sir, are you looking for someone?" The receptionist called out, stopping Shen Yifei.

At the front desk, Shen Yifei smiled faintly. "Hello, beautiful. I'm Shen Yifei, Public Relations Manager for Lingya International. I'm here on behalf of my company to discuss something with your General Manager."

The receptionist's expression soured the moment she heard 'Lingya International.' She forced a polite smile. "Sir, do you have an appointment?"

"An appointment?" Shen Yifei's brow furrowed.

"Yes. If you don't have one, please leave. Our General Manager Liu is very busy," the receptionist told Shen Yifei.

Seeing her flustered expression, Shen Yifei vaguely guessed the receptionist was just trying to fob him off.

Shen Yifei casually pulled out his phone – it was dead.

No matter. Shen Yifei feigned pressing a few buttons with his finger, then held the phone to his ear. "Hello, General Manager Liu! Yes, hello, are you busy right now?"

"Not busy? Great. I'm right here downstairs at your company. Do you have a moment? You do? Excellent, excellent. I'll be right up to see you."

After that, Shen Yifei slipped his phone into his pocket and grinned at the receptionist. "I just got through to General Manager Liu. He says he has time."

The receptionist looked stunned. Shen Yifei's demeanor during the 'call' hadn't seemed fake.

"You don't believe me? How about you speak to General Manager Liu yourself?" Shen Yifei noticed the receptionist's skeptical look and immediately pulled his phone from his pocket, about to hand it to her.

"N-no… no need!" The receptionist quickly waved her hand.

Shen Yifei smiled nonchalantly. He'd been putting on an act the entire time. 'General Manager Liu' was a complete fabrication; his phone was dead, let alone capable of making calls.