After finishing the call with Xu Ke, Lin Mengyao felt much calmer, and upon returning to the Lin Group, her expression reverted to its usual appearance.
With her mood lifted, Lin Mengyao entered the Lin Group only to run into Lin Mengxi at the entrance, instantly deflating her good mood. She had originally planned to pretend not to see her and go directly to Grandma Lin's office, but Lin Mengxi blocked her path.
"Oh, isn't this our Miss Lin Mengyao? How did the negotiations go? If you can't secure the deal, don't force it, otherwise, you'll really get kicked out by Grandma, and that won't be worth it. But seeing as we're sisters, if you swallow your pride and ask me for help, I might appeal to Grandma on your behalf to let you stay."
"I recall there's a manager position vacant at the warehouse. If you ask me nicely, I could have Grandma assign you there. How about it? I'm pretty thoughtful as a sister, aren't I?" Lin Mengxi said with a grin.
"You don't need to worry about my affairs, just take care of yourself." Lin Mengyao gave Lin Mengxi a sidelong glance and said coldly. Then, she walked like a proud swan towards the CEO's office, leaving behind Lin Mengxi with a twisted face.
Lin Mengxi stood in place, stomping her feet in anger, channeling all her fury towards the onlookers, "What are you looking at? Get back to work!" Lin Mengxi barked, then glared fiercely in the direction Lin Mengyao had left, her heart filled with boundless rage.
"Just a drowning dog, what's so arrogant? One day I'll trample you underfoot," Lin Mengxi thought.
In the chairman's office, Grandma Lin leaned back in her swivel chair with her eyes closed, and upon hearing a knock, she said in a calm voice, "Come in."
Only after hearing the sound of heels on the floor did she open her eyes.
"What are you here for? Have you finished what I asked you to do? Don't think just because you're from a neighboring family you can afford to take shortcuts." Grandma Lin gave Lin Mengyao a once-over, speaking testily, her tightly furrowed brows betraying a hint of impatience.
Lin Mengyao took a deep breath, suppressing the ache in her heart, and said stiffly, "The contract with Jiahe Group is signed. Please have a look."
Lin Mengyao pulled the file from her bag and placed it on Grandma Lin's desk.
Grandma Lin let her gaze travel over Lin Mengyao once more, this time filled with surprise.
Grandma Lin picked up the file from the desk and began to review it carefully.
Lin Mengyao stood in place without interrupting, and for a while, the only sound in the room was the rustling of paper.
After reading through the documents, Grandma Lin finally looked up, saying, "Not bad, but don't get too proud or complacent. If there's nothing else, you can leave now." She locked the contract in her drawer, her tone still flat, but her relaxed brows revealed she was pleased.
"I signed this contract, so the project leader..." Lin Mengyao left her sentence unfinished, but both understood her implication.
"I'll consider it. If there's nothing else, you can go." Grandma Lin said, giving Lin Mengyao a deep look.
Even though she couldn't read anything on Grandma Lin's face, not being rejected already felt like a success. Thinking of how she had secured this opportunity for the Lin Group among so many competitors, Lin Mengyao felt increasingly happy at the prospect of the leadership position falling into her hands.
Meanwhile, having hung up the call, Xu Ke was contemplating where to take Lin Mengyao to celebrate. Since their marriage, they hadn't gone out to eat alone, and Xu Ke wanted their first time to be memorable, so he decided on the Yunding Restaurant.
The Yunding Restaurant is an old establishment in Luocheng, located at the very center of the city. Its high position and glass walls offer a panoramic night view of Luocheng, and their signature roast duck is famous citywide, but reservations must be made in advance.
However, Xu Ke took this date exceptionally seriously, renting out the entire restaurant and instructing them to decorate it to his specifications, then sent the address via text without revealing it was the Yunding Restaurant, hoping to surprise Lin Mengyao.
As the time drew closer, Xu Ke took the elevator to the Yunding Restaurant, using the mirrors to ensure his appearance was impeccable before stepping inside.
"Sorry sir, the Yunding Restaurant is closed for a private event today." As Xu Ke approached the entrance, a waiter blocked him, discreetly eyeing him from head to toe as they spoke softly.
"I know," Xu Ke nodded, continuing to walk in.
"You know and still want to go in? The place is booked out." The waiter noted the lack of designer labels on Xu Ke, speaking with a hint of disdain and annoyance.
"I am the one who booked it," Xu Ke explained.
"You're saying you're the one who booked the place? Don't you worry about spraining your tongue with that lie? Do you know how much it costs to rent out the Yunding Restaurant for a night? It's not thirty bucks; it's three million. Look at your outfit—does it add up to three hundred? You're quite the braggart. Don't block the way; leave before I call security to throw you out." The waiter rolled his eyes, speaking impatiently.
The waiter's attitude made Xu Ke frown, but with Lin Mengyao arriving soon, he didn't want to waste time on this triviality. Just as he planned to prove himself with evidence, a teasing voice sounded from behind.
"What's going on here, blocking the entrance?"
"Evening, Young Master Shen." The waiter's eyes lit up as the newcomer arrived, rushing over eagerly with a fawning demeanor.
"Didn't you hear Young Master Shen is talking to you?" In Young Master Shen's embrace was an attractive woman with a sultry figure, who spoke impatiently, looking at the waiter with disdain as if he carried some disease.
"Well, someone booked the restaurant today, and this guy not only tried to barge in but claimed he was the one who booked it. I'm in the middle of kicking him out." The waiter explained with a smile.
"Someone booked it today? Who?" Young Master Shen lazily lifted his eyelids to glance at Xu Ke, but his interest was piqued by the earlier part of the waiter's sentence. Anyone capable of booking the Yunding Restaurant surely wielded substantial financial power, and with the Shen Family having cash flow issues recently, establishing a connection could potentially alleviate their crisis.