Coveted for a Long Time 56

Chapter 56

As soon as the words left his mouth, even Secretary Chen was stunned. He had been smiling politely, but now his expression hardened, and the look in his eyes changed. He glanced at Qiao Xi but couldn’t read her emotions. Boss Lu remained oblivious, chattering on endlessly.

Middle-aged men often share a common fault: self-righteous and unaware, as blind as if they had no eyes to read the room.

Secretary Chen hurriedly smoothed things over, raising a glass of wine. “Boss Lu, I toast you.”

Boss Lu drank readily, happy as could be, his face red and neck thick, reeking of alcohol and muddled. As the guest, he acted more like the host, talking nonsense about everything under the sun, eyes smiling into slits, wrinkles appearing at the corners.

These days, Qiao Xi had seen all kinds of big scenes. Those old slickers on the board made things difficult everywhere, making a fuss over small mistakes or tripping her up. She had also met many smiling tigers among partners—polite and straightforward on the surface, but biting hard for profit in secret, or shamelessly finding ways to delay payments. She dealt with them all, thinking she just had to endure. But meeting someone as shameless as Boss Lu was a first.

The alcohol Boss Lu drank flowed back from his stomach to his brain, making him drunk and confused. Qiao Xi not exploding was already giving him a way out, but he was tactless, thinking it was due to his great face. Chuckling, he poured wine for Qiao Xi, saying ambiguous words.

“I’ve been working with your dad for two or three years, and this is the first time I’ve seen you. Didn’t expect you to be so beautiful. Old Qiao really hides things deep; such a precious daughter, yet he never brought you out before.”

Among middle-aged men, Boss Lu’s appearance wasn’t bad, suggesting he must have been handsome and upright when young, likely popular. As the saying goes, appearance reflects the heart; people with such faces usually have good character. Whether naturally lowly or corrupted by the big dye vat of the business world for too long, his current appearance was truly indescribable.

His slit eyes finally opened, gaze wandering over Qiao Xi’s exquisite face.

“Come, come, Little Xi, right?” Boss Lu said with a smile, raising his glass. “Drink with Uncle, and everyone else. Here’s to a happy cooperation in the future, wishing our business more and more prosperous.”

When toasting, perhaps due to dizziness and unsteady hands, the glass shook, and wine spilled out—some on the table, some into Qiao Xi’s glass.

Spilling wine at the table—lovers of drinking culture think nothing of it, considering it a sign of enthusiasm and respect. The tactless Boss Lu didn’t feel anything wrong with himself, staring at Qiao Xi tipsily, signaling her to pick up her glass and clink.

Besides Secretary Chen, other employees from the two companies were present, all manager-level or above. If Qiao Jianliang were here, he would have to serve Boss Lu well. After all, cooperation doesn’t focus on details; as long as it succeeds, enduring for a moment is fine. Doing business requires tolerance.

Hearing those words and seeing Boss Lu toasting, the employees of both companies raised their glasses and stood up one after another. Secretary Chen sweated nervously. Seeing Qiao Xi sitting still, he hesitated for a long time but remained seated, firmly standing on Qiao Xi’s side.

Qiao Xi’s face was indifferent, revealing no thoughts or emotions. After a moment, she stood up holding the full glass of wine.

Boss Lu smiled instantly, corners of his mouth splitting open, his red face climbing with joy, simply delighted.

The younger generation is sensible and observant.

Secretary Chen couldn’t gauge Qiao Xi’s thoughts but stood up with her, hurriedly raising his glass, thinking she was really going to drink. Seeing Qiao Xi silent, he quickly helped reply, “Happy cooperation, happy cooperation. Boss Lu, in the future…”

Just as he finished saying “future,” before he could say the rest, a change occurred, abruptly interrupting his words.

Expressionless, Qiao Xi splashed the full glass of wine directly onto Boss Lu’s smiling face. Without hesitation, her movement clean and sharp. After splashing, she unhurriedly took a tissue to wipe her hands.

The red wine in the glass fell from Boss Lu’s face onto his white shirt, simply striking—bright red and wet, looking like a cup of paint had been thrown on him.

Red wine flowed down his cheeks, dripping incessantly, looking exceptionally wretched.

Boss Lu hadn’t reacted yet, only feeling a chill on his face, then his neck and chest. The strong smell of dry red wine assailed his nose, lingering.

Everyone in the private room was stunned, freezing in their original positions, daring not breathe loudly.

There was not a trace of annoyance or fear on Qiao Xi’s face, not even the pleasure of successful revenge. Still that calm and breezy appearance, wiping her hands clean, she said to Secretary Chen, “Take the contract; not signing.”

After speaking, she pulled out her chair, turned sideways, and walked away to leave.

Boss Lu finally recovered, his face turning liver-colored, red blood vessels climbing into his eyes. Furious, he slammed his fist on the table with a bang.

Really angry.

Everyone present was startled, hearts trembling violently.

“Leaving? Stop right there!” Boss Lu said angrily, full of vigor. Perhaps to preserve the last bit of dignity, he didn’t even raise his hand to wipe his face. It was the employee next to him who carefully handed over two tissues before he wiped his face.

Others were afraid, but Qiao Xi wasn’t. Recovering, she glanced sideways with raised eyebrows, red lips parting slightly: “What, Boss Lu still has something to say?”

This was her nature back in the compound—prickly all over, yet certain and calm. She just stood there, straight, not even giving a direct look.

Boss Lu was so angry his eyes were red. Simply an insult. Veins on his neck throbbed as he gritted his teeth and said, “What does this mean!”

Qiao Xi remained unruffled. “What do you think?”

“Is this how your dad taught you?!” Boss Lu still retained a shred of reason. Even in anger, he kept his so-called demeanor of a successful middle-aged man.

Actually, this meal was important to both sides, not a small order of tens or hundreds of thousands. The two companies had cooperated for a long time, maintaining a win-win situation. Now that one side was adamant about withdrawing, Boss Lu was quite panicked, so he used Qiao Jianliang to suppress Qiao Xi as soon as he spoke.

Unfortunately, Qiao Xi didn’t appreciate it. The corner of her lips curled sarcastically as she replied, “Boss Lu has no say in how my dad teaches me. Just mind your own business. If the wine isn’t enough, I’ll toast another glass, how about it?”

A blatant slap in the face. Boss Lu’s face turned green, looking so ugly his cheeks twitched. All employees remained silent, standing aside like quails. Secretary Chen subtly blocked Qiao Xi’s front side, still respectful but allowing no superfluous moves from Boss Lu.

A meal that should have been the best of both worlds ended in dispute and cursing. Red wine bottles shattered, leaving a mess on the floor.

Boss Lu shook with anger, pointing at Qiao Xi’s nose and cursing, threatening, “You wait and see. Just you wait. Let’s see if you dare to be arrogant in two days!”

Secretary Chen protected Qiao Xi as they left.

The cooperation between the two companies was terminated; the original friendly relationship shattered like glass falling from a building.

The matter was reported to the higher-ups that day, causing a huge uproar.

Business values profit; sacrifices are certain. This cooperation was originally a sure thing, but ending in such a situation made those old slickers in senior management almost vomit blood in anger, coming to find trouble immediately.

Of course, relatively civilized—a small temporary meeting with only the company’s senior management participating.

Secretary Chen was anxious like an ant on a hot pan, but there was no helping it now. He quickly taught Qiao Xi a set of rhetoric, insisting she must deal with these people.

Unknown who tipped her off privately, but Zhou Meihe rushed over. Putting on airs, she was more indignant than anyone present. Especially after Qiao Xi dealt with that group of old slickers, she slammed the table on the spot, shouting loudly, “Nonsense! Treating it like child’s play!”

Qiao Xi looked over.

Zhou Meihe continued, “Just because of this, you splashed wine all over him? Don’t even have this bit of tolerance? Do you know how long your dad ran back and forth for this deal? And Boss Lu is the company’s biggest client. Finally cooperating again this year, with double the order volume of last year. Your messing up now wastes so much of your dad’s effort, and the effort of so many people in the company!”

Accusations ceaseless, every sentence reasonable. Indeed, since Qiao Xi sat in this position, she should shoulder the due responsibility. But now, not only did she fail to do what she should, but her petty temper caused the company huge losses.

This was a serious dereliction of duty. If it were anyone else, they would have been held accountable long ago.

Anyway, no matter how one put it, regardless of how disgusting Boss Lu was, the business deal collapsed, and the responsibility lay with Qiao Xi.

Qiao Xi admitted it too, quietly listening to everyone’s criticism, listening to them accusing her one after another. Only when Zhou Meihe righteously scolded her for being impulsive and reckless, disregarding the company’s employees, and being overly selfish, did she reply lightly, “In what capacity is Auntie holding me accountable? Company employee?”

Zhou Meihe choked on the spot. She had nothing to do with the company; sitting here today was all due to secret operations and parachuting in. Now pointed out mercilessly by Qiao Xi, she stuck like a broken clockwork toy, not knowing how to reply.

Not a company employee, yet appearing at a senior management meeting—intriguing.

Qiao Xi admitted what she should, but she wouldn’t let others ride on her head. Scanning the room sharply, hands resting on the long table, waist slightly bent, she said resonantly, “You’ve said enough; now it’s my turn.”

Saying this, she glanced at Zhou Meihe again.

“I don’t care what you think in your hearts—whether you think I’m incompetent or messing around. But don’t forget, even if I don’t represent my dad, I can still sit here. I hold 15% of the shares; my voice is no lower than any of yours. Even if accountability is needed, it’s not your turn. Now I am the person in charge of the company; decision-making power lies with me. If dissatisfied, feel free to complain when my dad wakes up. But please get this clear: now I am your boss.”

A double meaning, warning both the senior management present and Zhou Meihe.

If Qiao Jianliang were making the decision today, this temporary meeting would absolutely not exist. He was the boss; subordinates only had the share to obey and suggest. But now these senior managers convened a meeting temporarily, just short of explicitly criticizing Qiao Xi. What did that represent?

These people never acknowledged Qiao Xi from start to finish, just forcing a duck onto a perch, letting her sit there.

Most of the senior management, though not saying it openly, looked down on Qiao Xi from the bottom of their hearts.

Qiao Xi couldn’t control what they thought. If it were sincere advice, she could accept it, but she absolutely wouldn’t allow anyone to overstep her; otherwise, the whole company would be in chaos before long. These words weren’t threats, spoken very harshly, letting everyone have a clear understanding of whose side to stand on.

Someone’s face changed repeatedly, probably dissatisfied but daring not say it directly, only saying, “Then this matter ends here? Cooperation discussed so well, now suddenly giving up, letting the company suffer huge losses for no reason? Little President Qiao, it’s not that we insist on questioning you, but think carefully; is this appropriate?”

Qiao Xi said unhurriedly, “Then what do you think is appropriate, President Xu? Or rather, what do you think I should do?”

The whole room stagnated.

**

The meeting ended, the conclusion not very friendly. The old slickers left the conference room with almost black faces.

Secretary Chen followed behind, informing Qiao Xi of the next arrangements. However, he hesitated. Once far away, he asked carefully, “Little President Qiao, what are your plans next?”

His attitude was sincere, different from those people, clearly recognizing his position.

Qiao Xi’s expression softened. “Do as you said first. I’m going to see someone tonight.”

Secretary Chen agreed without a shred of doubt.

Qiao Xi looked at him. “I will resolve this matter properly; don’t worry too much.”

Daring to splash that glass of wine, she would be responsible for her actions to the end.

Secretary Chen paused. After a moment, his face softened a bit, saying affirmatively, “We all believe in you.”

“We,” naturally including Secretary Fang. Qiao Xi was stunned, then nodded, completing the remaining tasks for today according to the schedule.

Later, Zhou Meihe came looking for her. But the tall and sturdy Secretary Fang knew the ins and outs of the matter clearly, knowing what Zhou Meihe came to do—nothing more than making Qiao Xi bow her head and apologize to Boss Lu. She believed face and dignity were secondary; actively admitting mistakes, reconciling, and not affecting the cooperative relationship between the two companies was the simplest and most direct method.

“Madam, this is the company. Please go back,” Secretary Fang said firmly.

“I have something urgent with Qiao Xi,” Zhou Meihe didn’t give up. “Will leave after saying it.”

Secretary Fang still didn’t allow it. “Little President Qiao is working; please don’t make things difficult for us.”

Anyway, just blocking, not letting Zhou Meihe see Qiao Xi. Eventually, Zhou Meihe left, but not the company; she went to find those senior managers to discuss matters.

Around seven o’clock, the sky turned completely dark.

Finishing her work, Qiao Xi didn’t even have time to drink a sip of water, driving straight to find someone.

She was looking for Li Xunian.

Li Xunian had wide connections and was popular. In recent years, he navigated the business world with ease. Most importantly, he had an old friend surnamed Ji in the health food industry, worth four or five Boss Lus. Qiao Xi had met that old friend Ji once and heard Qiao Jianliang mention him. Qiao Jianliang wanted to establish a cooperative relationship with him but couldn’t make the connection.

She had called Li Xunian in the afternoon, saying she would visit.

On the phone, Li Xunian seemed in a good mood, agreeing very readily, even asking her to come in time for dinner.

Qiao Xi brought a pile of gifts over, mentally prepared. Unexpectedly, upon entering, she met Fu Bei, who shouldn’t have been there.

Fu Bei was playing chess with Li Xunian, looking like she had been there for a while.

Qiao Xi was stunned. Puzzled, she still called out first, “Teacher Li.”

Li Xunian smiled kindly, not standing on ceremony, responding and then asking her to make tea. As if anticipating why she came, he said before she could speak, “I know everything. Alright, I’ll take you to see Old Ji tomorrow.”

Qiao Xi was surprised first, then looked at Fu Bei on the side.

Fu Bei only lifted her eyelids, glancing sideways. This person dressed very formally today, visiting Li Xunian with full etiquette, coinciding exactly with her.

“Not a big deal; a phone call would have sufficed. Each of you insisting on running here specifically,” Li Xunian added. Although his tone carried a hint of complaint, he couldn’t help smiling. The old man usually had a bad temper, but today he was very easy to talk to, unknown why.

Qiao Xi hadn’t done anything; it must be related to Fu Bei, who arrived first. Being in the Li house, Qiao Xi couldn’t ask directly in front of Li Xunian. Only after leaving did she understand what happened.

Fu Bei acted fast, helping with a small favor.

On Sunday, Qiao Xi met that Boss Ji through Li Xunian’s introduction and had a face-to-face talk with full preparation. Boss Ji gave face, was straightforward, and had no airs, immediately setting a time and place for the next formal meeting.

Words weren’t explicit, but the intention to cooperate was very obvious.

The process couldn’t have been smoother, solving this matter easily. That day, Qiao Xi visited the hospital; everything went relatively smoothly. The day the contract was formally signed was also when Qiao Jianliang truly passed the critical period.

This process wasn’t short but extremely busy, so busy Qiao Xi didn’t feel how fast time passed, nor could she remember how long it had been since she got along well with Fu Bei, or even spoke a few sentences. She had been staying at the company recently, not even going to the university town. Fu Bei also seemed very busy. Until the day of signing the contract, after she ate with Boss Ji’s group, Fu Bei drove over to pick her up.

Qiao Xi was clearly in a good mood, letting Secretary Chen and the others leave first while she went to find Fu Bei.

Fu Bei came directly from school, wearing a small suit like her. Today she switched to a car with a wider cabin. Qiao Xi didn’t notice the brand, opening the door directly to sit in the passenger seat.

“How was today?” Fu Bei asked first.

“Pretty good,” Qiao Xi said, putting her bag in front and turning to look. “Very smooth. Contract signed, some follow-up matters left; should be resolved in a day or two.”

Fu Bei started the car. “That’s good.”

The two hadn’t been alone quietly like this for too long. Talking now felt like a reunion after a long separation. Perhaps this day was too special, with too many good things. When Fu Bei asked if there was anywhere she wanted to go, Qiao Xi’s brain short-circuited, and she actually said she wanted to watch a movie.

So they went.

Watched a romance movie. The plot was affected and devoid of content—a love triangle story, ordinary and unwatchable, tragically bad. The biggest highlight of the whole film was the looks of the male and female leads. Wasted an hour or two for nothing.

After the movie, Qiao Xi wanted to relax, so Fu Bei drove to the suburbs, then to a desolate and open riverside.

Moonlight was hazy, river water flowing forward.

Inside the car, Qiao Xi’s eyes were blindfolded, seeing nothing. Her hands were also bound by a tie, unable to break free.