Xiao Linye stepped out of his office just in time to hear Kang Xuan’s remark to Lai Shuo. His expression darkened further. This Lai Shuo... very good! His audacity is really growing. In just a short while, a gloomy atmosphere permeated the entire office.
Lai Shuo was floored by Kang Xuan’s words. "That’s not it! When have I ever questioned the Boss?"
"Then what exactly did you mean by that question?" Kang Xuan pressed.
Lai Shuo sputtered, "What—what do I mean? I was just asking! Can’t I even ask?"
"No, you can’t!" Kang Xuan snapped. "Are the Boss’s affairs your business to pry into?"
When on earth did Kang Xuan’s tongue get so sharp? He used to be so good-tempered. Why are his words so barbed today?! At this moment, Lai Shuo hadn’t yet realized how different he was from his time abroad. Back then, he hadn’t been so preoccupied with other matters.
Kang Xuan didn’t engage him further. He shrugged Lai Shuo’s hand off his arm and walked away.
Agitated, Lai Shuo ran a hand through his hair. When he turned, he saw Xiao Linye standing at the office doorway; he hadn’t noticed him appear. Xiao Linye was watching him with a sinister gaze.
Lai Shuo’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly stepped forward and said respectfully, "Boss."
Xiao Linye asked flatly, "Questioning my methods?"
"Not at all!" Lai Shuo quickly shook his head. He could clearly hear the chill in Xiao Linye’s tone.
Damn it, why do I feel like I’m getting payback...!? Question the Boss? As if I’d dare. He truly hadn’t meant it that way, but now this mess had been stirred up. My brain’s just gone numb.
Xiao Linye snorted. "No?"
"Really, no! Don’t listen to Kang Xuan’s nonsense." What’s gotten into Kang Xuan today? How could he say something like that? If I didn’t know Kang Xuan so well, I’d almost suspect he was scheming against me. By the way, did he see the Boss come out just now? If he did and still said those things, then he’s really...
Xiao Linye said, "Regarding Boss Ye, think of a way to have her come work at the Xiao Corporation."
"Huh? Her again?" Lai Shuo blurted out, his mouth falling open in disbelief. No way, not this again!
At this point, Lai Shuo also felt that Ye Yuning was, after all, the owner of Manlang and had a large studio to manage. Demanding she come work at the Xiao Corporation seemed inappropriate from any perspective. However, what Xiao Linye wanted was for the Nanjia Peak project design to be completed as quickly as possible.
"If you mess this up again, you’re going straight to the Eastern Division," Xiao Linye said coldly. His tone left Lai Shuo no room to object.
Lai Shuo’s mouth twitched. "Boss Ye is already very unhappy with us because of this. Are you sure you still want her to come work at the Xiao Corporation?"
"Are you questioning me?" Xiao Linye didn’t answer directly, instead shooting him a frosty glance.
Lai Shuo shook his head. "I wouldn’t dare!" This is so incredibly hard, he thought. After a moment’s thought, he added, "If we handle it this way, Boss Ye definitely won’t cooperate with us on the next project."
Based on their past dealings and this recent period, Lai Shuo felt he had a good grasp of the petite woman’s temper. Previously, she had been difficult enough to flatly refuse cooperation when pushed. Under these circumstances, she would undoubtedly feel the same way.
Hearing this, Xiao Linye’s brow twitched slightly. Then he said icily, "If she won’t cooperate, then she won’t cooperate."
Lai Shuo shuddered at his words and instinctively asked, "Seriously?"
Good heavens, Boss! The Xiao Corporation has so many projects now that require design work. Is he really determined to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs? Even though I also find Boss Ye difficult to get along with, to just declare no future cooperation... He’s probably forgotten why they had to go back to Boss Ye for the Nanjia Peak project this time, hasn’t he?
In response to Lai Shuo’s doubt, Xiao Linye simply gave him a look. He said nothing, but the silent gaze made Lai Shuo tense up completely.
Fine, whatever the Boss says, goes. Even though I have no idea where he’s getting this confidence from right now. But still... I have to trust the Boss!
Ye Yuning had no inkling of the critical matters Xiao Linye and Lai Shuo had just discussed.
After Simon’s design progress report was sent over, Gui Xingli’s call came through. "I’ve seen the design drafts. They’re good. Dinner together tonight?"
Since their collaboration began, Gui Xingli had always treated Ye Yuning with a distinct, almost old-fashioned courtesy. Ye Yuning herself didn’t have a gentle demeanor; she was beautiful, yes, but with an aggressive edge to her beauty. Yet, whenever Gui Xingli spoke to her, he seemed entirely enveloped in an aura of gentleness.
Remembering that Xiao Linye had a banquet that evening, Ye Yuning readily agreed, "Alright. My treat tonight."
"Great," Gui Xingli replied promptly. "You choose the place."
Ye Yuning: "..." She had intended to ask Gui Xingli what he felt like eating, but he had already hung up.
She glanced at the time on her phone; it was already the end of the workday. As she packed her things to leave, she mulled over where to take Gui Xingli for dinner.