Just half an hour prior, Dai Paipai had been relentlessly flirting with Li Qianfan.
Now, she was putting on an air of authority, demanding that Li Qianfan, who had entered without knocking, leave.
Why was she doing this?
It was nothing more than an attempt to further solidify her position in the company, beyond anyone's reach, in front of Old Su and the others.
The key was that she wanted to create a stark contrast between her public persona and her private one for Li Qianfan, to ignite something within him.
"She really is an extreme case of being outwardly reserved and inwardly passionate," Li Qianfan recalled Mo Hongti's words. He merely frowned and retreated.
After closing the door, he gently knocked.
"Come in," came Paipai Boss's melodious voice from inside.
Actually, she wanted to push her luck further and only let Li Qianfan in after his third knock.
Yet, she feared Li Qianfan might lose his patience.
"Boss Paipai, Vice President Su, everyone, hello."
Upon entering, Li Qianfan greeted Dai Paipai and the others before explaining, "I got stuck in traffic on the way to work, so I'm late."
As the CEO's secretary, she was supposed to be on duty by 7:30 AM, cleaning and organizing documents.
It was already nine in the morning.
"Mm, leave earlier next time," Dai Paipai said dismissively, then turned to Old Su and the others, smiling. "Vice President Su, please continue."
Although Zhao Lianjin and the other troublemakers had been kicked out of the company, they had also taken with them most of the upstream and downstream channel relationships.
Without those connections, the company's various businesses would undoubtedly be greatly affected.
Old Su and the others suggested pausing two production lines and resuming full production only after sorting out those relationships and stabilizing the company's upstream and downstream channels.
While Old Su and the others reported their work, Li Qianfan began his secretarial duties, refilling water for Old Su and the others.
Finally, he refilled Dai Paipai's water.
Only then did he notice that Dai Paipai's right foot, bare of its shoe, was resting inside a drawer beneath the desk.
Sitting up straight, Boss Paipai, with a serious expression, watched Old Su. But as Li Qianfan looked at her right foot, her toes, like silkworms, immediately splayed and wiggled seductively.
Pink peach blossoms, fluttering without wind.
Li Qianfan truly wanted to stomp on it.
Forty minutes later, Old Su and the others finished their reports and politely took their leave.
Li Qianfan, on behalf of Boss Paipai, escorted them out.
"You all go ahead, I have something to say to Secretary Li."
After asking the others to leave, Old Su winked at Li Qianfan and walked into the empty office opposite (formerly Secretary Xiao Niu's office).
"Son-in-law."
As soon as the door closed, Old Su eagerly asked in a low voice, "When can you fulfill the two things you promised Old Dad?"
The first matter—
The herbal medicine that could allow Old Su to display his prowess for at least half an hour?
He had waited until his flowers withered.
The second matter—
Of course, it was Li Qianfan's previous promise to help Old Su secure an order for thirty thousand sets of work clothes within a month.
Although the bet about who would be the sales champion was automatically voided with Zhao Lianjin's expulsion and Bao Shan and the others' dismissal, Old Su had been promoted to vice president and concurrently retained his position as director of the sales department.
Whether it was a bet or not no longer mattered.
As a new official, Old Su had to show everyone how he could perform admirably and secure an order for thirty thousand sets.
"Tomorrow is the weekend, I'll first help you solve the private problem of pleasing your mother," Li Qianfan patted his chest and guaranteed. "When Monday comes, we'll start the work plan for Vice President Su's grand display of power."
Old Su was overjoyed.
He clasped Li Qianfan's right hand and vigorously shook it. "Son-in-law, I knew you wouldn't disappoint Old Dad. No words needed, when the opportunity arises, Old Dad will invite you for a foot soak."
Old Su left.
His face was flushed, his steps were vigorous, no longer weak.
Li Qianfan returned to the CEO's office door. Just as he was about to push it open, he thought of something.
He raised his hand and knocked.
"Come in."
Dai Paipai's voice called out.
Li Qianfan then opened the door and went in.
Seeing it was him, Dai Paipai quickly lowered her eyes and picked up a report.
Beneath the desk, her bare right foot rested on her left ankle, wiggling invitingly at Li Qianfan.
She hoped Li Qianfan would come over and put her shoe on for her himself.
Dream on!
Li Qianfan certainly wouldn't indulge her, she wasn't Su Ziyu.
He merely placed the high heel on the corner of the desk.
Seeing this, Dai Paipai knew he was angry.
She felt a little scared and dared not pretend anymore.
She quickly came over, "limping," and obediently put on her shoe, apologizing in a low voice, "Dad, I was wrong. I won't do that again."
"It's fine," Li Qianfan said indifferently, looking at the computer. "The setbacks you've experienced during this period are more than what other women would encounter in a lifetime. You see me as your sole support for ensuring your own safety, mentally and professionally. To keep me, you'll stop at nothing and pay any price. I understand."
Seeing that he was not truly angry, Dai Paipai breathed a sigh of relief, quickly and diligently brewed tea for him, and offered a cigarette.
Then, standing behind him, she raised her small fists and gently massaged his shoulders.
"Don't worry, I won't abandon you."
Clearly aware of what the woman was worried about, Li Qianfan first reassured her, then said, "Go get busy. Your main job right now is to get the company running smoothly as soon as possible."
"Yes, Dad," Dai Paipai nodded obediently, turned, and walked towards the desk.
After only a few steps, she heard Li Qianfan say again, "From now on, don't tease me anymore. I still prefer the Teacher Dai I met that first day."
Dai Paipai stopped, and without turning back, asked, "Are you scared? Afraid you won't be able to withstand my advances and do something to betray Dean Su?"
"Yes," Li Qianfan admitted frankly. "After all, I'm a normal man, and you are a most charming woman with skillful tactics. I don't object to playing a little ambiguously. However, I will never do anything to betray Ziyu."
"Okay, I understand," Dai Paipai nodded and quickly walked behind the desk.
"Dad, you can't escape!" Dai Paipai roared in her heart, then quickly quelled her restless thoughts and began to work seriously. Her work state that morning was exceptionally good.
After lunch, Dai Paipai brewed Li Qianfan another cup of tea and said, "Dad, you must not have slept well last night. Go rest in the inner room."
Li Qianfan indeed had not slept well last night. Although his backache was gone, he had noticeable dark circles under his eyes.
"Alright, I'll go and get some sleep then." Li Qianfan didn't stand on ceremony, yawned, and walked into the resting room. The embroidered bed of Boss Paipai was exuding a intoxicating sweet fragrance; perhaps it had a calming effect?
As soon as Li Qianfan's head touched the pillow, his phone chimed with a message.
It was from Mo Hongti.
Three consecutive messages.
"Little brother, Du Tianci is coming to deal with me!"
"I'm also fully prepared to put on a good show."
"Heh, I'll give you a live broadcast of Young Master Du's power display."