C9 Waiting for the Right Moment

Mo Kai's eyes were deep and unreadable.

Qiao Ann was unaware that he had just caught the scene, her mind busy with thoughts. So, Huachen had signed an exclusive agreement with SRI. In that case, she had to go head-to-head with Mo Kai!

She smiled slowly, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling. Seizing the moment when Hee Sitang led the group on a lab tour, she darted over to Mo Kai and whispered, "Director Mo, have you reviewed my proposal?"

Mo Kai acted as if he hadn't heard her, not responding. Then he felt a tug on his sleeve.

He glanced at the instigator, his tone icy, "If Dr. Hee knew Miss Qiao was in one camp but loyal to another, he might not be pleased."

Qiao Ann silently fumed, thinking, "Why can't he just speak plainly?"

Yet she maintained a bright smile, trying to please him, "Director Mo, please review my proposal and give feedback! I'll definitely make any necessary changes!"

"I have no issues with the proposal."

"So, you have issues with me?"

Mo Kai didn't confirm or deny, calmly adjusting his sleeve before walking away.

Qiao Ann glared at his retreating figure, gritting her teeth.

Even after the specialist team finished their tour, Qiao Ann couldn't get another word with Mo Kai. He had left without her noticing.

The plan wasn't progressing, and Qiao Ann was feeling frustrated when her phone suddenly buzzed.

"Hello, Xiaoya, what's up?"

"Hey, Ms. Qiao, it looks like Wu Yao is making a move!"

"Oh?"

"One of her cousins in town is setting something up. She’s heading to Qianshou Restaurant tonight, aiming for Mo Kai."

"Well, I have to give Wu Yao some credit for that."

"Why?"

"Finally, she's showing some competition. Usually, she's too timid to be any fun."

Qiao Ann thought of Mo Kai's perpetually stoic face and suddenly wanted to see another woman try to break through his icy demeanor.

"Are you going tonight, Ms. Qiao?" Xiaoya asked hesitantly.

"Of course, where Wu Yao stirs things up, I can't be absent. Besides, where Mo Kai is, I have to be there too."

At Qianshou Restaurant.

Qiao Ann checked the time; it was already seven, but there was no sign of Mo Kai. Instead, she ran into Wu Yao, who was dressed to the nines in an elegant white gown that flowed to the floor. Her makeup seemed professionally done, with a subtle moon design at the corner of her eye—channeling a goddess-like aura.

"Manager Qiao, you sure have your ear to the ground. But waiting at the entrance like this isn’t quite the way to go," Wu Yao said, her voice sweet and soft.

"Hey, Moon, why don't you share some of your wisdom? After all, I don't have a cousin to rely on," Jo Ann teased, her tone dripping with mischief.

The tall, sturdy man beside Wu Yao suddenly blushed.

"Jo Ann, watch your mouth!"

"Oh, come on, why so serious? Relax those brows, you're going to smudge your makeup," Jo Ann pretended to reach out, as if to smooth her friend's forehead.

"You just wait, I'll make sure you're out of here by the end of the week!" Wu Yao snapped, taking a step back, eyes blazing with anger.

"Trash talk is free, whatever makes you happy. I'm out of here," Jo Ann said, turning with a wave, her hips swaying provocatively.

"What are you staring at? Your eyes are about to pop out! Where's Mo Kai? If I don't see him today, don't bother coming back!" Wu Yao huffed as she stormed off, nearly tripping over her long skirt.

Jo Ann caught the scene as she glanced back, shaking her head. She couldn't help but think that trying to impress a guy in a long skirt was pointless—it restricted movement and didn't let her shine.

That's why, when she needed to make an impression, she usually opted for a knee-length skirt with a slit, revealing just enough and allowing her to move freely.

Like when she needed to climb through a window, for instance, it was no problem at all.

In the cover of night, a pair of high heels flew through an open window, followed by a nimble figure slipping inside.

Qiao Ann landed smoothly in the most luxurious private room of the Qianshou Restaurant. She had just made a round to scout the situation. Today, this room had the biggest setup, with waiters bustling in and out, murmuring about Director Mo. Who else could Director Mo be? This was her battlefield for the day.

The restroom in the luxurious suite was incredibly opulent, almost as if it were gilded. A gentle fragrance filled the air, soothing and relieving stress. Qiao Ann locked the door behind her and perched on the sink. She was ready to wait for Mo.

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