“It’s not that we won’t approve it, it’s just a bit troublesome. Sigh, I’m going in first,” Xia Bingyun said with a hint of helplessness.
Li Se suddenly thought of something and stopped Xia Bingyun, saying, “Do you need help? There’s a big shot in my private room.”
“No need, I can handle it myself,” Xia Bingyun shook her head slightly.
However, Li Se was still a bit worried. He thought for a moment and said, “I’ll bring my friend to your private room later. Don’t worry, with him here, your approval will come through immediately.”
Xia Bingyun had a strange expression on her face. Was this going through the back door? But she didn’t say anything more and returned to her private room. In that private room sat a middle-aged man who was slightly stout with thinning hair.
“President Xia is really slow. I thought you had already left, not even wanting to approve it,” the middle-aged man snorted coldly.
Although Xia Bingyun really didn’t want to continue the meal with this middle-aged man, she still walked in with a smile and said, “Director Cao, what are you saying? I just met a friend and chatted for a while, which caused quite a bit of delay.”
“Then you must penalize yourself with a drink,” Director Cao said with a chuckle. His gaze at Xia Bingyun was somewhat eager, even malicious.
A flicker of disgust crossed Xia Bingyun’s face, but she still picked up her wine glass and drank it down in one gulp. She said, “Director Cao, regarding the approval…”
“No rush,” Director Cao waved his hand. “It’s rare to have a meal like this. I’m not really in the mood to talk about work matters for now.”
“If we’re not talking about work, then what are we talking about?” Xia Bingyun frowned.
Director Cao slowly reached out his hand, intending to touch Xia Bingyun’s fair hand, but he was dodged by Xia Bingyun. He only gave a dry laugh and continued, “President Xia, it’s already after work. Chatting about work matters is a bit too annoying. We can talk about other things. For example, President Xia, you probably don’t have a boyfriend yet, do you?”
Seeing that Xia Bingyun didn’t reply, Director Cao wasn’t angry. He reached out again to touch Xia Bingyun’s hand and continued, “The approval, for me, is just a matter of saying a word. The most important thing is whether this meal can make me happy and satisfied. If I’m not happy, then the approval will be difficult to handle.”
As Director Cao’s hand was about to grab hers, Xia Bingyun quickly picked up her wine glass and said, “Director Cao, another drink.”
Director Cao frowned, a little displeased, but he still picked up his wine glass, clinked it, and took a sip. “President Xia, I think you know what I want. As long as you make me happy and satisfied, the approval will be easy. Including any new products you launch in the future, the approvals will be processed directly.”
“Director Cao, I can give you some shares,” Xia Bingyun’s expression turned a few degrees colder.
“Shares?” Director Cao sneered. “Do you think I can take your shares? Besides, what do I need this for? President Xia, you are very beautiful and intelligent. I don’t want to speak too bluntly. We’ve dealt with each other before, and there’s no need for beating around the bush. I’ll be direct: I want you!”
If some things were not said explicitly, there might still be room for maneuvering. But once they were laid bare, it was a different matter entirely.
Xia Bingyun’s expression turned cold. “Director Cao, please respect yourself. I’m not that kind of woman. Moreover, with your age, you could be my father.”
“Yes, yes, yes, I want to be your godfather,” Director Cao laughed.
“Get lost!” Xia Bingyun shouted.
Director Cao’s expression immediately soured. He angrily said, “President Xia, do you really want to be like this? Let me tell you, if you don’t comply with my wishes, your new products will never get approved, and you’ll never get my approval. Don’t think that just because you’re cooperating with a large company, your own company has grown. Let me tell you, it’s impossible. Even if the company you’re cooperating with intervenes, it won’t be useful. Don’t think I don’t know how you managed to cooperate with this large company – it was nothing more than selling your body. Since that’s the case, why can’t I do the same?”
“Director Cao, then we have nothing more to discuss,” Xia Bingyun stood up abruptly. She couldn’t bring herself to sell her body for a new product. Let alone one product, even her entire company combined wouldn’t make her trade her body for it.
“President Xia, you should consider carefully. Can you afford the consequences?” Director Cao was not flustered. He poured himself another glass of wine and slowly drank it.
“If you offend me, you won’t be able to move an inch in Qingyun City. I also know quite a few directors in other departments. If I say a word, your company might face inspections from various departments. Nowadays, which company doesn’t have some shady dealings? Can your company withstand scrutiny?”
Threats, naked threats!
Director Cao was not worried that Xia Bingyun could cause any trouble. Opposing him would have no good outcome.
Xia Bingyun’s face turned a little unpleasant. She looked back at Director Cao and said sternly, “Director Cao, are you threatening me?”
“Does this count as a threat?” Director Cao was indifferent. “This is just me raising a finger. If you feel it’s a threat, that’s fine too. President Xia, everything can be discussed properly. Why make things unpleasant? Just spend one evening with me, and your company’s future will be smooth sailing.”
“Impossible!” Xia Bingyun replied decisively and turned to leave.
Director Cao’s face also darkened. He said coldly, “If you dare to walk out of this private room today, I can make sure your company can’t operate tomorrow!”
“What a big mouth!”
The private room door was opened at this moment.
Li Se walked in. He glanced at Director Cao and sneered, “You truly are in a position but not acting with integrity.”
“Insolence!” Director Cao slammed the table in anger. “What are you? Who let you in? Get out!”
Director Cao was genuinely enraged. What was his status? Eating here, and someone dared to barge into his private room! He suddenly thought of something and looked at Xia Bingyun, saying coldly, “President Xia, is this your friend? Make him get out, or the consequences will be severe!”
Director Cao was very angry, and the consequences would be severe.
Xia Bingyun did not speak. She knew that if Li Se had come in like this, he must have had a way to handle Director Cao. Moreover, she noticed that several other people had entered with Li Se.
“Director Cao certainly has a commanding presence,” another voice sounded. Song Xuehai also walked in.
“You motherf…” Director Cao was furious. Not only was there one person barging into his private room, but as he was about to explode, he was completely stunned, because he had clearly seen Song Xuehai’s appearance.
“Young Master… Young Master Song, why are you here?”