57: Back to Square One

By the time he got home, it was almost ten o'clock. Su Muqing was already asleep.

Since Shen Yifei didn't need to cultivate (a practice of refining one's inner energy for spiritual and physical advancement) at the moment, he took a shower and then collapsed onto the bed, falling into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Su Muqing finished her routine and descended the stairs in a professional business suit.

“There’s an early meeting today. Come with me to the company later,” the woman stated coolly, maintaining her perpetually aloof expression.

“Alright,” Shen Yifei shrugged, not pressing the matter.

The two exited the villa gates, and Shen Yifei got into Su Muqing’s Audi.

On the way, the atmosphere was silent.

The car's audio system played classical Chopin piano pieces. Her taste in music was quite distinctive, surprisingly similar to Shen Yifei's own preferences.

Most people rarely enjoyed classical piano; then again, neither Shen Yifei nor Su Muqing were "most people."

Upon arriving at Aylia International, they stepped into the company building where a group of executives and department heads were waiting in the lobby.

Yesterday, Su Muqing had notified all senior management to arrive twenty minutes early for the morning meeting.

A collection of elegantly dressed women, typically imposing figures in the corporate hierarchy, involuntarily lowered their heads upon seeing Su Muqing, bowing slightly, their expressions stiff with deference.

As the President, Su Muqing commanded an incredibly potent presence.

In the hearts of Aylia International's employees, Su Muqing was a veritable goddess – unyielding in her attitude, decisive in her actions, and possessing astute business acumen.

She was an object of admiration, yet due to her differing status, all employees could feel the powerful aura emanating from her. Some of the more timid female executives found their bodies trembling slightly, almost imperceptibly.

“Good morning, President Su!” a chorus of voices rang out.

Su Muqing began, “First, let me introduce everyone to Mr. Shen Yifei, who will be my new secretary from now on. I hope you all can get along well with him.”

Shen Yifei loudly declared, “My name is Shen Yifei! Hello, everyone! Hello!”

Su Muqing was a little speechless. The man was acting like an utter bumpkin.

She didn't expect Shen Yifei to be particularly capable; as long as he didn't cause her any trouble, that would be enough.

A few young female employees snickered, occasionally sneaking glances and shooting flirtatious looks at Shen Yifei, making him feel utterly uncomfortable.

Su Muqing then briefly pointed out some issues in the work performance of the company's executives over the recent period.

Several female executives who were reprimanded severely began to sweat, nodding their heads profusely and agreeing like chicks pecking at grain.

Not long after, Liu Xiaoxiao entered the Aylia International building, her professional office attire accentuating her sculpted, dream-like figure.

“Director Liu, you’ve arrived at a perfect time. Please inform everyone about the company’s objectives for this month.”

Su Muqing spoke to Liu Xiaoxiao, then walked away, Shen Yifei following closely behind.

Liu Xiaoxiao glared at Shen Yifei with her beautiful eyes, then cleared her throat and said with a serious expression, “Summer is fast approaching, and Huahai City (a major metropolitan area) is starting to experience rising temperatures. The company needs to intensify efforts in promoting our sun protection products and significantly increase shipment volumes…”

Shen Yifei had truly seen something new today. Neither Su Muqing nor Liu Xiaoxiao were mere ornaments; their intelligence and strategic minds were astounding. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to manage such a large company so impeccably.

They arrived at the President’s office.

“President Su, what should I do now?” Shen Yifei asked, sitting in a chair in front of Su Muqing’s desk, one leg crossed over the other.

Su Muqing raised an eyebrow. This man had absolutely no semblance of a secretary.

“Just wait outside and don’t disturb my work. I’ll call you when I need something done,” Su Muqing huffed.

“Alright,” Shen Yifei nodded, walking out the door and settling onto a public chair outside, idly playing with his phone.

Not long after, Liu Xiaoxiao walked up, carrying a stack of documents. She glanced at Shen Yifei and scoffed, “Shen Yifei, as an employee of this company, do you have any sense of decorum? How can you shamelessly sit there playing on your phone? Get up immediately and stand guard outside the CEO’s office!”

“I’m a secretary, not a security guard,” Shen Yifei grumbled, annoyed.

Liu Xiaoxiao’s temper flared. She let out a soft huff and threatened, “Are you going to stand or not?”

“Alright, alright, fine. But Director Liu, President Su hasn’t said anything, so why are you suddenly so concerned about me?” Shen Yifei felt exasperated. This woman was always at odds with him.

“Bah! Me, concerned about *you*? Dream on!” Liu Xiaoxiao shouted, visibly agitated.

“I’m just saying, Director Liu, can you stop constantly targeting me? What did I do to provoke you?” Shen Yifei said helplessly.

“Say one more word, and give me back yesterday’s money!”

Shen Yifei was at a loss. What could he do? He had, after all, managed to fleece that wealthy socialite (a beautiful, rich woman) out of a million.

Liu Xiaoxiao was in a terrible mood today and couldn’t help but argue a bit more with Shen Yifei.

After bickering with him, Liu Xiaoxiao felt her mood calm down slightly. She sighed and walked into the President's office.

“What’s wrong, Xiaoxiao? You look terrible,” Su Muqing took the documents, noticing Liu Xiaoxiao's gloomy expression, and couldn't help but ask.

“Same as you. My period, obviously,” Liu Xiaoxiao grumbled, pouting slightly.

Last night, Liu Xiaoxiao hadn't gone home, opting instead to stay at a hotel and suffering from insomnia.

Su Muqing sighed, “Xiaoxiao, what kind of relationship do we have? Tell me what’s bothering you?”

“Xiao Xue (a term of endearment), I think I’m going to have to marry someone else. I might need to take some time off this afternoon to meet that Qian Bowen,” Liu Xiaoxiao said, feeling drained.

After a night's rest, Liu Xiaoxiao’s mood had somewhat stabilized. But after calling her parents this morning, she learned they had already arranged a meeting with Qian Bowen! This time, there was no way to refuse.

“Qian Bowen again? Your aunt and uncle haven’t given up? Do they really insist on you marrying him?” Su Muqing frowned.

“It’s all because what we did last time got exposed. Qian Bowen isn’t stupid; he quickly explained the truth to my parents,” Liu Xiaoxiao pouted.

Qian Bowen was the eldest young master (heir) of Zhongheng Real Estate. His family was incredibly wealthy, and he was the future CEO of Zhongheng Real Estate – handsome, elegant, and refined. Liu Xiaoxiao’s parents had arranged the engagement between Liu Xiaoxiao and Qian Bowen long ago.

Last time, Su Muqing had found an actress from who knows where – an actress who was heavily pregnant.

That actress, bribed by Su Muqing, had, in front of Liu Xiaoxiao’s parents, vehemently denounced Qian Bowen, accusing him of toying with women, being a despicable brute, and so on.

The performance was incredibly convincing, making Liu Xiaoxiao exclaim with satisfaction. Su Muqing’s plan was simply brilliant!

Of course, it was all just a staged act. That day, Qian Bowen suffered a huge humiliation, and Liu Xiaoxiao’s father immediately canceled the engagement.

But good times never lasted. The truth was finally exposed, the engagement was reinstated, and Liu Xiaoxiao also had a major falling out with her parents.

“Sigh, I thought my parents had woken up and recognized Qian Bowen for the beast he is. Who knew it would be back to square one,” Liu Xiaoxiao spread her hands, utterly frustrated.

“Was what we did last time too much? Did it backfire?” Su Muqing asked.

“Overboard? My foot!” Liu Xiaoxiao cursed, completely disregarding her goddess-like image. “I truly don’t know what kind of judgment my parents have, to favor such a shameless beast!”