The two stood outside the office, fuming with anger. However, due to their relationship with Tang Si and Shi Ran, they could only swallow their pride and endure.
Li Fan raised his hand to knock on the door, but Du Rui stopped him. "Let's not bother her. If she really gets angry and acquires the company, everything will be gone."
"Alright, I'll listen to you."
Li Fan's face was grim and unhappy. He dared not complain further, and could only leave with Du Rui.
At nine-thirty in the morning, Shi Ran, precisely on time, dialed Huo Xiaohua's number.
Beep, beep, beep—
The phone rang a few times before the other party answered.
"Mr. Huo, good morning."
"Mm, good morning."
The other party responded calmly.
"Calling you so early, I hope I haven't disturbed your work?"
Shi Ran had invited Huo Xiaohua to visit the company that day, and they had agreed on this time. So, she had prepared to call him at nine-thirty.
"Just finished some work."
"Really? That's great."
Shi Ran's slight joy was evident in her voice. She continued, "Mr. Huo, do you have time to visit our company today?"
"This... might not be convenient."
The other party sounded hesitant.
Shi Ran assumed Huo Xiaohua felt guilty about standing her up. She was somewhat helpless but, having prepared herself mentally, she said with a smile, "Since it's not convenient for you today, Mr. Huo, then tomorrow..."
"I'm truly sorry." Huo Xiaohua interrupted Shi Ran. "My car broke down and it's at the 4S shop. The company cars are all out, so... I'm really sorry, I have to break our appointment."
"Ah? Oh..."
Shi Ran blinked, then realized belatedly, "How about this, Mr. Huo, I can drive over to pick you up? I don't have much to do at the company anyway."
She had thought he was deliberately canceling, but it turned out he had no car and it was inconvenient to come.
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"
"It's perfectly fine, more than fine. Mr. Huo, please wait at your company. I'll be there to pick you up right away."
After speaking to Huo Xiaohua on the phone, Shi Ran hung up and left the company.
Half an hour later, she arrived downstairs at Cybertron Company. From afar, Shi Ran saw Huo Xiaohua walking out of the building and immediately got out of her car to greet him.
"Hi, Mr. Huo?"
Shi Ran walked up and greeted Huo Xiaohua.
"Shi Ran, thank you for your trouble. I..." As Huo Xiaohua was speaking, his phone rang. He took out his phone and said to Shi Ran, "Excuse me, I need to take this," before turning aside to answer.
"Okay, Father, I'll head back now."
Although she didn't know what the person on the other end was saying, Huo Xiaohua's words were like a bucket of cold water for Shi Ran.
Huo Xiaohua turned to look at her, shrugging helplessly. "I'm really sorry, there's a family emergency that requires me to go back. Can we reschedule my visit to your company for another day?"
The well-dressed, refined man wore a look of apology and helplessness.
"It's fine, it's fine." Shi Ran waved her hand, then suddenly thought of something. "Mr. Huo, since your car is being repaired, why don't I give you a ride?"
Adhering to respect and care for her clients, Shi Ran was exceedingly polite, eager to gain his favor.
Huo Xiaohua's brows furrowed slightly as he glanced around. "There aren't even any taxis at this hour?"
"Why bother with a taxi? I'll drive you, Mr. Huo. Get in."
Shi Ran walked to her sedan, opened the rear door, and gestured for Huo Xiaohua to get in.
"This..." Huo Xiaohua shook his head with a troubled expression, a wry smile on his lips. "I'm causing you trouble."
"Don't mention it, Mr. Huo. We're friends."