Lila Wei was here to distribute headsets. She respectfully placed the headset on my desk and gave me a small smile.
Then she did the same for Hugh Pei, also with a small smile.
And Hugh Pei, for once, also smiled back and even said, "Thank you."
This alone already signified Lila Wei's different meaning to him.
Lila Wei glanced at Hugh Pei again, a flash of admiration in her eyes. Even the most loyal woman couldn't deny the handsomeness of the face before her.
The young girl was shy. A simple "thank you" was enough to make her blush.
I suddenly thought, could it be that her earlier disregard for Hugh Pei was because she was afraid of her own heart being moved?
This little interlude quickly passed, and the summit officially began. The main topic was the joint development of A-City and C-City, as well as the development of the surrounding areas, to formulate feasible plans.
A-City had developed rapidly in recent years, and various markets were close to saturation. It was time to expand.
I didn't understand much about these things. Apart from listening to my dad, Hugh Pei, and my father-in-law talk, I spent most of the time lost in my own thoughts.
After the summit ended, my dad found me. "Zoe, why are you here too?"
"I was bored at home, so I came," I replied. My dad knew I wasn't cut out for business or politics, and this kind of occasion was even more boring for me, so he was very surprised to see me.
"You came with Hugh Pei, right?" My dad turned to look at Hugh Pei, who was chatting with someone not far away, every gesture exuding the air of a superior.
Compared to the other business tycoons, Hugh Pei was very young and already a dragon among men.
I nodded. "Yes."
"That's good. You're his wife, you should attend some occasions to solidify your status," my dad said earnestly.
Just then, my father-in-law came over. "In-law, long time no see!"
"Oh my, isn't it Chairman Pei? It's been almost half a year since we've seen each other." My dad shook the outstretched hand, and the two old men started a warm conversation.
I took the opportunity to slip away and started searching for Lila Wei. She should be getting paid and getting ready to leave by now, right?
I searched every corner of the conference hall and finally found her at the back door. She had indeed received her payment and was waiting for a ride-sharing car.
"Sis Zoe!" Lila Wei called out happily when she saw me.
"Lila Wei, so this is where you were working as a hostess?" I quickly walked over and started chatting with her naturally.
"Yes, this is my last part-time job of the summer. I'm planning to go out for a big meal with Julian to celebrate later!" Lila Wei enthusiastically invited me, "Do you want to join us?"
I nodded without a second thought. "Okay, but will I be interrupting you two lovebirds on your date?"
Lila Wei's face flushed red. "What lovebirds' date? We're just having a meal together. It's no trouble."
Men must all like women who blush so easily, right? They look like pure, pink roses, delicate and lovely.
Since Lila Wei didn't mind, I brazenly went with her. Julian Qi was already waiting at the agreed-upon barbecue restaurant. When he saw me, he was clearly flustered and quickly stood up. "Sis Zoe, Lila."
"I ran into Sis Zoe at work today, so I invited her to join us for barbecue. My treat today!" Lila Wei linked her arm with mine, as if we were good friends.
"Sorry, Julian, for being a third wheel," I said with an embarrassed smile.
Julian Qi shook his head frantically. "No, no, it's okay. Please, sit down!"
Lila Wei and I sat on one side, and Julian Qi sat opposite us. After ordering some food, a charcoal grill was placed in the iron stove on the table, with a round grill on top. The table was covered with large and small plates of ingredients.
After Lila Wei found out that I was also a graduate of A-University, she became very excited and chattered with me about many things related to the university. Julian Qi, on the other hand, was grilling pork belly for us, occasionally looking at Lila Wei with doting eyes, and then at me with a somewhat complicated expression.
Just as the atmosphere was getting harmonious, Lila Wei's phone buzzed. She picked it up and glanced at it. It was a text message.
I glanced over. It was a string of 8s. I couldn't think of anyone else but Hugh Pei.
He had made his move.
After seeing Hugh Pei's text, Lila Wei's expression changed. She seemed a little confused and a little surprised. She didn't reply, just put her phone down.
"Lila, who is it?" Julian Qi asked with a smile.
"A spam message from a salesperson," Lila Wei said, lowering her head to eat the grilled pork belly, her voice a little strained.
I looked at Julian Qi with pity. This silly boy was still happily grilling meat, completely unaware that a well-dressed beast was extending his claws towards his dear girlfriend.
I don't know what possessed me, but I stood up and said, "I'm going to the restroom."
Then I went to the restroom and sent Julian Qi a text: Don't you like the Panamera? Why didn't you drive it away that day?
He had even left the car keys at the main gate. Fortunately, the security at Mapleview Manor was top-notch, and no unauthorized personnel could enter. Otherwise, the car might have been stolen.
After sending the text, I touched up my makeup, tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, and returned to my seat.
Julian Qi didn't dare to look at me anymore and just kept grilling. My words and actions were just like those of a rich woman trying to keep a young gigolo.
And Lila Wei was also starting to get distracted. Because Hugh Pei, seeing that she hadn't replied, had called her directly.
She was startled and looked at the caller ID, then frantically hung up and quickly replied with a text. My peripheral vision couldn't make out the words.
"Lila Wei, you can just block that kind of spam call," I said, pretending not to know and kindly reminding her.
"Yes, I know," Lila Wei said, placing her phone face down on the table and nodding.
I don't know what Lila Wei replied, but Hugh Pei finally stopped harassing her. But this was just a temporary calm. Once he had his sights on you, even if you were the goddess on the moon, he would fly up and drag you down.
Everyone ate the barbecue with their own thoughts. After we finished, Julian Qi offered to take me and Lila Wei home. I refused, "Julian, you just take Lila Wei. I'll get a taxi home."
"Alright then, Sis Zoe, be safe," Julian Qi said, still not daring to look me in the eye.
"Don't worry," I said, hailing a taxi. I watched Julian Qi and Lila Wei get in their car before calling Leo Li to come and pick me up.
Fifteen minutes later, Leo Li appeared in front of me. I looked at his stoic and loyal face and sighed. "Leo Li, if only Hugh Pei were as readily available as you."
Leo Li's eyes flickered. After a long pause, he asked, "Madam, should I contact Mr. Pei now?"
I face-palmed. "You should just drive. And don't talk."
Leo Li nodded and drove me all the way back to Mapleview Manor. I wondered if my in-laws were still there. Had Hugh Pei gone back?