Yu Xiaoduo stood up and added, “I’m not feeling too great today, so I’m taking a sick day. Also, I just went through a traumatic experience—it scared my bad back right out of me. Just give me a desk job and we’ll call it even.”
“Yu Xiaoduo! Do you think this place is run by your family?!”
Yu Xiaoduo shrugged. “It’s not run by my family, no—but it is run by my girlfriend’s family. Tsk tsk tsk, what a headache.”
“I’m reporting your absence to higher-ups.”
“Oh? And who do you think will be shown the door first—me or you?” Yu Xiaoduo flashed a grin, then sauntered right out the door, leaving Du Sheng tense and silent.
After Yu Xiaoduo left, Du Sheng didn’t even pick up the phone to report him. Just as Yu Xiaoduo had said—it wasn’t certain who’d be out first.
The fact that Yu Xiaoduo had been transferred to his department instead of being shipped off to another city or simply fired left Du Sheng puzzled. It was clear someone had left him a lifeline.
Du Sheng leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and began mulling over which path he should take next.
Meanwhile, Gu Wan’er had already arrived at the Ye Corporation building—which was literally just across the river. Standing in her office, she could even see the Ye building from her window.
“President Gu, please have a seat and wait a moment. President Ye is still in a meeting,” said the slender secretary as she brought in some pastries and tea before politely withdrawing from the office.
Gu Wan’er only took a small sip of tea. Her mind was racing not just with the earlier incident, but also with the project Ye Shishi wanted to discuss. She felt like her head was about to explode.
Maybe it was the drowsiness from her medication, but as she waited, Gu Wan’er eventually dozed off.
It was nearly 11:30 by the time Ye Shishi’s meeting ended. Ye Shishi was still dressed in her signature edgy, cool style—a stark contrast to Gu Wan’er’s more refined appearance.
“President Ye, President Gu has been waiting inside for almost an hour.”
“I know.”
Ye Shishi pushed the door open and walked in, half-expecting Gu Wan’er to throw some sarcastic jab her way. Instead, she found the woman fast asleep on the sofa.
“Hey, wake up.” Ye Shishi gave Gu Wan’er’s shoulder a gentle shake.
Gu Wan’er furrowed her brow and slowly opened her eyes. Seeing Ye Shishi standing there, she murmured, “What time is it?”
“Almost noon.” Ye Shishi sat down on the opposite sofa and took a bite of a osmanthus cake.
Gu Wan’er cut straight to the chase. “What’s the project?”
Ye Shishi walked over to her desk, opened a drawer, and pulled out a folder. “Take a look. I’m offering you twenty percent. If you like it, wire the money.”
Gu Wan’er flipped through the documents. It was an energy-sector investment—not a huge sum. Twenty percent shares would cost around one billion yuan. New energy had been quite profitable lately.
“Give me a little more.” Gu Wan’er knew Ye Shishi was reliable, so selling off a sure-win deal like this was practically a gift.
Ye Shishi crossed her elegant legs. “Call me ‘boss’ and I’ll throw in another ten percent.”
“Second-in-command, I think I’ll pass.”
The two women locked eyes, and the air between them seemed to crackle with tension. They were clearly stubborn about who was boss and who was second.
“I’ll get back to you in a few days.” Gu Wan’er was about to leave—she needed to review the details more thoroughly.
“Oh, by the way, where’s Yu Xiaoduo? Not trailing behind you today?”
“Second-in-command, are you feeling lovesick?”
“Whether I’m wet or not isn’t the point—but it looks like Yu Xiaoduo gave you quite the workout. You’re even walking funny.”
Gu Wan’er: “…”
“Heh, if he had his way with you, you probably wouldn’t even be able to get out of bed.” With that, Gu Wan’er opened the door and left, not bothering to trade insults any further. Some girls really had no filter.
Ye Shishi snorted dismissively, though she had to admit—Yu Xiaoduo was something else. He’d actually left the great Miss Gu limping.
On the other side of town, Yu Xiaoduo was scrounging a free meal at a BMW 4S dealership. He’d expected a nice spread, but instead, all they served was pickled green beans—even worse than the company cafeteria. This freeloading gig was giving him a headache.
His phone rang. Yu Xiaoduo glanced at the screen. “Hello, President Gu.”
“Hello, my foot.”
“Sounds like Second-in-command gave you a hard time.” Yu Xiaoduo teased. Those two women really went at each other like cats and dogs.
“Don’t even get me started. She actually said I—”
“Said you what?”
Gu Wan’er cut herself off and changed the subject: “How’s it going at the Security Department? Which post are you manning? I’ll come by for an inspection.”
“Good one, Gu Wan’er. You’re just gloating, aren’t you?”
“Not at all. I’m so worried about you.”
“Yeah, right. Tell that to someone who believes it.” Yu Xiaoduo was bouncing his crossed leg like crazy. Then he added, “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not even at the company. I’m out eating—a feast, actually. Delicious stuff.”
“You’re out? Why didn’t you say so earlier? We could’ve had lunch together.”
Yu Xiaoduo: “…”
Why didn’t you ask earlier? I’ve got my pride too! I can’t just force myself to tag along with a woman for a free meal. A man’s got to have standards!
“Your work comes first, President Gu. Even if it’s a feast, I’d set it aside for you. Let’s discuss business.”
“Oh, you’d give up a feast for me? I’m so touched.”
“That’s what a boyfriend is supposed to do.”
“Get out of here. Just come over.”
“On my way.”
Yu Xiaoduo hurried out of the 4S dealership, though his car would still need another ten days or half a month of repairs.
An hour later, Yu Xiaoduo was sitting in an ordinary clay pot rice restaurant.
“What’s wrong? Not to your liking?” Gu Wan’er asked curiously from across the table.
Yu Xiaoduo took a deep breath, forced a smile, and said, “Suddenly feeling a bit bloated. Ouch.”
“Ouch my foot! Eat up—I’ve got a surprise for you after.”
“Surprise?” Yu Xiaoduo’s expression shifted, and he grinned eagerly.
Gu Wan’er knew he was faking. “Yes. Eat, and you get a surprise. Don’t eat, and you’ll only get a fright.”
“Fine. If you’re lying to me, you’re dead—I’ll spank you so hard you won’t sit for a week.” He even waved his palm for emphasis. I’m the guy who went after Ye Shishi too, you know. I’m a beast—get it?
Gu Wan’er rolled her eyes and steered the conversation back. “So, what do you think I should do about today’s mess?”
“Bite down and don’t let go.” Those four simple words made Gu Wan’er pause in thought. Finally, she shot back: “You think I’m a dog?!”
“It’s just a metaphor. Don’t take it so personally.”
Gu Wan’er was speechless.
“Got some good news for you—I think Du Sheng might be swayable.”
“What do you mean?”
Yu Xiaoduo took a big mouthful of rice and chewed as he mumbled, “I tested the waters. Seems like he’s wavering. All we need is one of them to flip, and then a second will follow. We’ll take them apart one by one.”
“Impressive!” Gu Wan’er gave his arm a playful little punch.
“Of course. Call me ‘Brother Yu’ and let me bask in the glory.”
“Heh. No way.”
Yu Xiaoduo promptly flipped her off. Gu Wan’er didn’t back down and returned the gesture with equal vigor. The other diners stared in disbelief—a beautiful, elegant young woman making such a crude hand signal.
