Chapter Seventeen: Only Eighteen Portions Purchased

Shangguan Miaomiao watched the person being flattered by the crowd, her hand clenching unconsciously. This should have been her stage—why did she have to interfere? Mo Yi ran over, bubbling with excitement as he painted a vivid picture. He was certain that if he reported Miss Shangguan’s affairs, his boss would be pleased. Among them, Mo Yi was the weakest in terms of physical strength, so Huangpu Shenqing had left him behind in the country. Now, it seemed that was not such a bad arrangement.

“I’ll give you a holiday for the New Year,” Huangpu Shenqing promised.

A holiday? Was their boss finally showing some humanity? Huangpu Shenqing never celebrated festivals; whenever other departments took time off, the secretary department worked overtime.

“Brilliant thinking, Boss,” came the response.

Shangguan Renran agreed to prepare a proposal for Director Wang. This was her first step, and she planned to conduct a field study in Lingnan.

“Minister, isn’t this a bit risky? You agreed to do Director Wang’s proposal—if things go wrong, wouldn’t that put the company’s reputation at stake?” Shangguan Miaomiao voiced her concerns once the crowd had dispersed.

“This is my own decision, unrelated to the company. If you think it’s inappropriate, and things fall apart, you can put all the blame on me,” Shangguan Renran replied, preparing to leave. The banquet was nearly over, and Ye Zuo should be arriving soon.

“I’ll take you home,” Huangpu Shenqing stepped forward, blocking her way.

“No need. Someone’s coming to pick me up. These clothes…” she began.

“Then I’ll walk you out,” Huangpu Shenqing insisted.

“As you wish,” she said, striding ahead. Outside, at the hotel entrance, Ye Zuo was already waiting.

“Miss,” Ye Zuo opened the car door, waiting for Shangguan Renran to enter, but noticed the man following her—Huangpu Shenqing.

“Thank you for the coat, Mr. Huangpu,” she said, although she hadn’t donned it willingly.

“Renran,” Huangpu Shenqing caught her hand. He remembered this man, and the impression was not good. He wondered why Ye Zuo was at Shangguan Renran’s side.

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“Please mind your manners, Mr. Huangpu,” Shangguan Renran evaded him, turned, and got into the car, leaving.

“Shangguan Renran…” Huangpu Shenqing stared at the car disappearing into the night, clenching the coat in his hands.

Mo Yi emerged just in time to witness this scene.

A moment ago, he’d been promised a New Year’s holiday; now, his boss was shrouded in gloom.

He felt deeply unsuited for his position and contemplated seeking Mo Jiu and Mo Shi instead.

“Miss, is the young master Huangpu trying to…?” Ye Zuo glanced at the woman in the back seat. That man had probed his mistress earlier—what did he want now? He would investigate thoroughly.

“It’s nothing. Tonight, I discussed a proposal. Send me the Lingnan project materials from Director Wang’s company,” she instructed. This was her first move, and she had to play it well.

“Yes, I’ll send it over before you go to bed.”

——

The next day, Shangguan Renran explained what she had promised the night before, in her own name.

After handling her current affairs, she planned to visit the site.

She was unaware that the whole department was gossiping about her.

“What does the Minister intend? Is she planning to handle everything by herself?”

“Come on, she’s the Minister. She brought two assistants. Why would she need us?”

“She arrived and took the Director’s position. Pity, our Director can only be overshadowed by her.”

“Do you think she’s the President’s daughter? Didn’t they say the President’s daughter was mixed race? She looks the part.”

“You think everyone surnamed Shangguan looks like that. Last time, you said our Director was.”

“What are you all talking about? The company isn’t a place for idle chatter,” Ye Xin’s stern voice rang out. She had just arrived and discovered these people gossiping behind Miss’s back.

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They hadn’t spoken up at the meeting, but now they were whispering in corners.

“Scatter, scatter,” the crowd returned to work. Sometimes, they’d say a few things, but nothing important; Shangguan Miaomiao usually turned a blind eye.

Because, sometimes, this was a way to win hearts.

Ye Xin walked in, “Miss, I feel the department is rather…”

“Unprofessional? In chaos?” Shangguan Renran replied, having noticed long ago.

Not only did they lack enthusiasm, but they were also unfocused and loved gossip.

Though such attitudes were inevitable, it was a violation of company rules during work hours.

“How did Miss know?” Ye Xin thought she’d been the first to discover it.

“Just wait—they’ll be weeded out gradually.”

…

“Good afternoon, everyone. You’ve all worked hard, so I bought you some coffee and milk tea,” Shangguan Miaomiao, dressed smartly, carried refreshments in both hands and addressed the department.

“Our Director is always so thoughtful, unlike others.”

“Of course! Our Director is beautiful and kind-hearted.”

“Thank you, Director.”

“Thank you, Director.”

“No need for thanks. You’re all my colleagues, and this is just afternoon tea,” Shangguan Miaomiao replied joyfully, distributing the treats.

Originally, the sales department had eighteen people; with Shangguan Renran and her team, there were now twenty-one, but she’d only bought eighteen servings, including her own.

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