Chapter Seventy-Six: Don’t Think I’m Helpless Against You
True to his word, the very next day Bai Yunchuan arrived at Xiaoxiao’s company to complete the formalities. It was clear he was determined to go against his parents’ wishes, and Xiaoxiao had no right to stop him. She stood outside Manager Huang’s office, and after Bai Yunchuan had signed the forms, Manager Huang made only a token effort to persuade him to stay, while Nina followed suit with a few half-hearted words.
Not long after, Nina emerged from the office and, seeing Xiaoxiao, spoke with understanding, “Congratulations on ridding yourself of a big headache. You’ve finally made it through.”
Xiaoxiao forced a laugh. “Thanks.” In truth, she felt desolate. She and Bai Yunchuan had once been comrades in the same trench; even if she couldn’t do much for him and Yu Xin, at least she could offer cover. Now that Bai Yunchuan was out, in a sense, he was also protecting her reputation. After seeing the determination of his parents yesterday, it was hard to imagine they would still force him into anything outrageous.
“Oh, by the way, just a heads-up: Manager Huang will definitely want a heart-to-heart with you soon. Better prepare yourself.” With a graceful sway of her waist, Nina headed off to the PR department.
Once Bai Yunchuan finished his procedures, Xiaoxiao remained outside the office. Manager Huang and Bai Yunchuan came out together, and Xiaoxiao quickly said, “Let me walk you out.” Manager Huang had to swallow his words and return gloomily to his office.
Xiaoxiao accompanied Bai Yunchuan all the way to the underground parking lot. He unlocked his car remotely, the headlights flashing twice. “Go back, no need to see me off.”
She feigned a cheerful smile. “Next time, let’s invite Sister Xin and have dinner together. Even though the deal didn’t go through, the friendship remains.”
“I’ve caused you no end of trouble all this time. Both Yu Xin and I are grateful.”
“If you want to thank me, wait until your wedding day.” The two exchanged smiles. She added, “As your former matchmaker, let me give you one last piece of advice: don’t dress so dashing for blind dates in the future. Without me keeping an eye on you, who knows when you’ll stray.”
Watching Bai Yunchuan drive away, Xiaoxiao was reminded of her college graduation. Classmates bid farewell at the platform, the train carrying them off, never to return. Many who said goodbye never saw each other again.
Back upstairs, Manager Huang’s secretary waited by the elevator, and upon seeing Xiaoxiao, relayed the summons. She could only go, weighed down by gloom.
“Xiaoxiao, sit,” Manager Huang said, courteous but unable to hide his delight. “Well, with Bai Yunchuan gone, that’s one burden off my shoulders. Otherwise, at industry gatherings, I’d be laughed into my grave.”
“Manager, you shouldn’t say that,” Xiaoxiao retorted, unable to listen. “Marriage is such an important matter—you can’t decide it after meeting someone just once or twice.”
Manager Huang smirked. “Oh, come now. Bai Yunchuan’s been on dozens of dates; he was never here for marriage. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. Letting you play both sides under my nose—I've been more than patient. Before, he was willing to spend money, so I let him be the fool. If he wanted to be fleeced, who was I to stop him?” Manager Huang’s demeanor shifted, his tone now stern after the earlier pleasantries. “If you dare defy me again, don’t blame me for turning on you!”
Xiaoxiao almost laughed at his words. Since when did a weasel ever recognize anyone? The only thing he acknowledged was the figure on a banknote.
Every so-called ‘heart-to-heart’ with Manager Huang left her repulsed, especially today when she was already out of sorts. Before leaving, she couldn’t help but stubbornly retort, “Then please, Manager, let me know which clients I should accept and which I shouldn’t, after you’ve filtered their information.”
“Ning Xiaoxiao, don’t think I don’t have ways to deal with you!”
Xiaoxiao covered her ears. Yes, she had indeed breached professional ethics in Bai Yunchuan’s case—but at least she hadn’t betrayed her feelings. She comforted herself with that thought.