C15 How Can I Let Her Go out and Meet People?

She didn't mean to avoid talking to Tai Kefei; her mind was just a mess, and she didn't know how to start.

"Alright, remember to turn on your phone and give Mo Qian a call, okay? I've got something to do, so I'll head out now." Tai Kefei wasn't upset by Wen Mian's subtle hint to leave. She even blew her a kiss before going. "Don't turn off your phone next time, you workaholic. You never used to turn it off or be late. Something's really off today..."

Wen Mian managed to shut the door on Tai Kefei's endless chatter. Leaning against the door, her mind went blank for a long time before she finally dragged herself to freshen up.

"Yih Qianbo, that jerk! If you wanted revenge, fine, but why leave all these marks on me? Damn it, I better not see him again. If I do, I'll make sure he regrets it!" she muttered to herself, glaring at the reflection of the woman covered in red marks.

It wasn't just her body; her neck had several marks too. Tai Kefei's reaction wasn't exaggerated at all. Even Wen Mian was shocked when she first saw them.

How was she supposed to face anyone like this?

Biting her lower lip, Wen Mian stared at herself in the mirror for a moment before picking up some concealer and carefully covering the marks.

After applying three layers, she barely managed to cover the marks. Her concealer was brand new and expensive, and she used so much of it that it made her heart ache. After washing up and putting on her makeup, Wen Mian stared at the mirror for a while before leaving with a scowl. She wanted to smile, but it just wouldn't come.

This was Wen Mian's first time being late. As the most diligent and responsible manager at the Dark Night Royal Palace, tardiness was unheard of for her. So, when she walked into the lobby with a stormy expression, all the receptionists and waitstaff stopped talking and sat up straight, worried they might get called out by the clearly upset Wen Mian.

Gu lowered his head, pretending to be engrossed in his files.

"Gu," Wen Mian said as she approached the front desk, giving him a sidelong glance.

Gu felt a shiver run down his spine and reluctantly looked up, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace. "Ms. Mian, you're here."

"Yeah, why do you look like you've seen a ghost? Do I look that scary?" Wen Mian hadn't intended to pick a fight, but seeing everyone act like they were avoiding her sparked a bit of irritation.

"No, no, not at all, Ms. Mian. You're overthinking it. I was just focused on the files and didn't notice you come in," Gu quickly explained, shaking his head. "Ms. Mian, you don't look too well. Didn't sleep well?"

"Who says I didn't sleep well? I slept just fine." As soon as the words "didn't sleep well" slipped out, Wen Mian's expression changed. She pursed her lips and gruffly told Gu, "Your job at the front desk is to watch the entrance for guests. When they arrive, greet them immediately. Stop looking at documents during work hours. If I catch you doing it again, I'll dock your pay!"

"Yes, I understand," Gu replied, his face falling as he nodded with a mournful expression. "I'll keep a close eye on the entrance."

"Do your job well." With a cold glance, Wen Mian quickly walked away.

The servers in the lobby exchanged glances but stayed silent, avoiding any gossip. They knew that although Wen Mian was just the manager of the Dark Night Royal Palace, she had a special relationship with the owner. Her work ethic was strict and meticulous, and she treated the staff fairly, earning their respect and a bit of fear.

Besides, who knew? Wen Mian might one day become the owner of the Dark Night Royal Palace. No one wanted to cause trouble in front of a potential future boss.

Before leaving the manager's office, Wen Mian changed into her work uniform and gave her cheeks a firm pat. "Wen Mian, you need to focus on your work. That way, you won't overthink things."

With a deep breath, she opened the door and stepped out.

Just as she stepped out, a server rushed up to her, calling out, "Manager, manager!"

"What's the rush?" Wen Mian eyed her coolly, slightly furrowing her brow. "What's got you so worked up?"

"Sorry, manager, it's about the 333 VIP room again. The guest from yesterday is back and specifically asked for you. He's already sent all the hostesses away, saying he only wants to see you." The server steadied herself, looking troubled as she spoke to Wen Mian.

She didn't want to be so frantic, but the guest in room 333 was someone they couldn't afford to upset. She was doing well not to run for her life.

"Room 333 again?" Wen Mian raised an eyebrow. "The same guest as yesterday?"

"Yes, the same one," the server nodded. "Manager, what should we do? Director Mo isn't here today, and if he..."

"I'll go check it out." Wen Mian interrupted before the server could finish, adding, "Have a few security guards go up there too, just have them stand by the door."

Wen Mian remembered the guest from room 333 yesterday. He was indeed troublesome and a bit repulsive. Honestly, Wen Mian didn't want to see him.

But as the manager of the Dark Night Royal Palace, with Mo Qian absent, she was the highest authority here. This wasn't something she could just avoid.

Standing at the door of the 333 VIP room, Wen Mian looked at the plaque with a cold expression. Without hesitation, she pushed the door open...

Unexpectedly, the face of that troublesome guest from Mo Qian's memory didn't appear. Instead, it was a face she never imagined she'd see again, one she hoped never to encounter.

"Manager Wen, you finally arrived. You really kept me waiting."

Yih Qianbo?!

Wen Mian froze for a moment, then turned to leave.

"Where are you going, Manager Wen? You just got here and you're already leaving? Not even a drink with me? That's not how you treat a guest, especially a VIP." Yih Qianbo quickly stood up, grabbing Wen Mian's wrist with a mischievous smile that hinted at danger.

"Director Yih, you've misunderstood. I just thought since you're such a distinguished guest, I'd better serve you well."

No escape! Wen Mian swiftly turned back, offering Yih Qianbo her most sincere smile.

Ha, if only he knew how much she despised him. Why was this scoundrel here again? Wasn't his revenge complete? It's outrageous! Who would have thought the esteemed Third Young Master of the Yih family could be so petty?

Absolutely infuriating!

"Oh? Really? Then tell me, Manager Wen, how do you plan to serve me better?" Yih Qianbo smirked, his eyes lingering on Wen Mian, moving from her face down to her neck.

After pausing for a few seconds at her neck, Yih Qianbo reached out and wiped away the concealer she had applied. "Such a beautiful thing shouldn't be hidden."

"Director Yih..." Wen Mian barely struggled before Yih Qianbo firmly held her shoulder. The room was just the two of them, indicating Yih Qianbo had come prepared.

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