C12 12 Fawning

As the two executives and their team arrived at the entrance, a stretch Rolls-Royce glided up and stopped right in front of them. Zhang Qiubai had arrived, and this Rolls-Royce was his custom order, reportedly costing around $3 million. Just one car was worth a fifth of the Chen family's entire assets. Chen Yong and his son couldn't help but feel envious, dreaming of the day they could afford such a luxury vehicle.

Zhang Qiubai was a legendary figure in the city. He went from having nothing to amassing a fortune in just three years. His sharp instincts and bold investments consistently yielded profits exceeding tenfold, making everyone who partnered with him very wealthy. In town, everyone knew Zhang Qiubai as the man with the Midas touch. People were eager to work with him, but he was notoriously selective, rarely impressed by just anyone.

If it weren't for Chen Mengyao's painstaking efforts and meticulous planning, Zhang Qiubai wouldn't have even glanced at Fuhua Real Estate. Companies like Fuhua, a second-tier real estate firm, typically weren't on the radar of the prestigious Purple Gold Group. So, it was a shock to many when Zhang Qiubai personally came to Fuhua Real Estate to sign a contract.

"Director Zhang!" Chen Yong quickly stepped forward to greet him as Zhang Qiubai's car came to a stop. "Welcome to Fuhua."

Zhang Qiubai glanced at him, frowning slightly. "Where's Ms. Chen Mengyao?"

"Director Zhang, here's the thing. Director Chen is swamped with work and couldn't find the time to welcome you, so I, the CEO, had to step in personally."

"Yes, Director Zhang, it's really quite unacceptable of Chen Mengyao. Once we get upstairs, I'll definitely have a word with her," Chen Wenchao quickly added.

The father and son seemed to be covering for Chen Mengyao, but to the nearby executives, it sounded like something else entirely.

Busy with work? Yeah, right. She just skipped work, came back to the company, got a promotion and a raise, and now she's lounging in her new office, enjoying the air conditioning. Meanwhile, the CEO and these executives are out here in the blazing sun, playing the welcoming committee. It's outrageous.

They expected Zhang Qiubai to be upset, but instead, he just smiled and said, "It's no big deal."

"Wow, Zhang Qiubai is surprisingly calm about this."

"Seems like the rumors are true—Chen Mengyao and Zhang Qiubai must have something going on."

"That woman is something else. Just got married and already cheating on her husband, even bringing her lover to the company..."

The executives were silently cursing Chen Mengyao in their minds.

If Zhang Qiubai knew what they were thinking, he would definitely lose his temper on the spot. Are you kidding? This is what the higher-ups want—who dares to defy them? Do they really think military discipline is a joke? He wouldn't dare let Chen Mengyao come to greet him, not even in his wildest dreams.

"Let's go in."

Zhang Qiubai strode confidently into the company, with Chen Yong and others cautiously following behind. Within just two minutes, news spread throughout the company that Director Zhang from the finance group was here to sign a contract. Yet, as the project leader, Chen Mengyao not only didn't come out to greet him, but she also instructed the CEO and several top executives to welcome him downstairs.

Arrogant.

Disrespectful!

Is she planning to rule the company? The purity she showed before was all an act, and now her true colors are showing, sending a chill down everyone's spine. A woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets, and this woman is too cunning. You might be helping her count money even as she sells you out.

Many employees who were previously close to Chen Mengyao started distancing themselves, fearing they'd be implicated or looked down upon by others.

"Director Zhang, please have a seat in the conference room for a moment," Chen Yong said with a smile. "I'll go get Chen Mengyao."

"No, no, no," Zhang Qiubai stood up, waving his hands with a hint of urgency on his face. "How can I let Miss Chen Mengyao come to me? I should personally go to her."

Hearing this, Chen Yong was stunned.

Chen Wenchao was equally shocked!

The executives looked at Zhang Qiubai in disbelief, instinctively thinking he was upset.

As the head of a billion-dollar corporation, coming to a third-rate real estate company to sign a contract was already a concession.

Now, the person in charge of the project not only failed to greet him but also used the excuse of being busy to brush him off. Anyone would feel slighted.

“Director Zhang, please calm down.”

Chen Yong felt a pang of anxiety. Had he gone too far?

His intention was to tarnish Chen Mengyao's reputation, not to drive Zhang Qiubai away. If Zhang really left, what was the point of humbling himself to bring Chen Mengyao back?

Thinking of this, he quickly explained, “Director Zhang, Chen Mengyao is young and inexperienced. I'll bring her here right away to apologize to you.”

“Where is Miss Chen Mengyao?”

Zhang Qiubai's face showed impatience as he said, “Take me to her immediately!”

“Director Zhang, this...”

“Lead the way!”

Hearing this, Chen Yong felt a bitter taste in his mouth and gave Chen Wenchao a look. Chen Wenchao understood and quickly said, “Director Zhang, this way, please!”

Director Zhang was definitely angry!

It was all Chen Mengyao's fault; now the company's deal was in jeopardy.

The executives were extremely anxious. They had worked hard to secure a partnership with the investment group, and now, because of Chen Mengyao's arrogance, it was all falling apart.

As they walked along, several employees took notice. They saw a few executives with grim expressions, and Chen Yong looked particularly pale. Everyone exchanged puzzled glances.

"What's going on?"

"Didn't Director Zhang just arrive?"

"Where's he rushing off to?"

"Hey, it looks like Director Zhang is heading toward Chen Mengyao's new office!" someone in the crowd remarked.

In an instant, everyone craned their necks to look in that direction.

Meanwhile, in her office, Chen Mengyao was feeling restless. Yesterday, Chen Yong had only asked her to return to work; he hadn't mentioned anything about a promotion or a new office. This left her feeling anxious and uneasy.

"Uncle, maybe we should leave. I was fine with my previous office," she suggested.

Xiao Tian, sitting on the couch, replied calmly, "We're not going anywhere. We'll work right here."

"This office might be a bit simple, but it's better than the others. Let's make do for now."

Chen Mengyao was momentarily speechless, unsure of what to say. This office was more luxurious than the CEO's office—how could it be considered simple?

Just then, there was a knock on the office door.

"Come in," Chen Mengyao called out.

Outside, Chen Wenchao was feeling annoyed. Seriously? This woman couldn't even bother to open the door herself? Acting all high and mighty already?

He pushed the door open and saw Chen Mengyao sitting confidently at her desk, which only fueled his irritation. "Director Zhang, it seems Ms. Chen is busy and might not have time to see you."

Zhang Qiubai glanced at him and frowned, "Why are you being so loud? What if you disturb Miss Chen while she's working?!"

With that, he walked in, leaving everyone stunned.

As soon as he stepped into the office, his previously stern face broke into a wide smile. He approached with a slight bow, full of respect.

"Miss Chen, I apologize for dropping by unannounced. Please forgive any inconvenience."

His respectful demeanor left everyone completely dumbfounded. Especially Chen Wenchao, who felt a chill run down his spine. Looking at Zhang Qiubai's beaming expression, the word "sycophantic" came to mind.

Chen Mengyao was equally at a loss, witnessing the scene unfold. Chen Yong stood there, utterly shocked.

What on earth is going on here?