Zhang Bin had intended to pour out his current feelings, but before he could utter a word, his gaze inadvertently fell upon Gu Xingdong beside him.
As the saying goes, a brief separation is like a new marriage. It had only been a short while since they last met, and they likely had endless things to discuss. Zhang Bin, finding himself between them, felt a bit like a third wheel.
With this thought, Zhang Bin, being self-aware, said, "We've discussed most of the work matters. I won't disturb you two from catching up. Oh, right, I'd like to treat you both to dinner after work today. You absolutely cannot refuse!
This dinner was supposed to happen a long time ago, mainly to thank CEO Chen for saving me from a dire situation. But the company has been so busy lately that I haven't had a chance to arrange it.
Now that the company's development is gradually stabilizing, and with your husband visiting the capital for the first time, I, as a local, naturally have to take this opportunity to host you. Otherwise, people might think we from the capital lack manners."
With Zhang Bin having said everything, Chen Lishu found herself unable to refuse with any good reason. Thus, she went along with his words, saying, "Alright, you arrange the time and place yourself. I'll trouble you for this evening."
Seeing Chen Lishu agree, Zhang Bin's smile widened. He repeatedly said, "No trouble, no trouble. Then this matter is happily decided. The time will be after work. I'll send you the address then."
After finishing, Zhang Bin stood up and left the space to Chen Lishu and Gu Xingdong. As he reached the doorway, he couldn't resist turning back and reiterating, "You two must be there!"
Chen Lishu nodded. After the office door closed, she immediately immersed herself in her work. Gu Xingdong sat beside her, watching her focused demeanor, and didn't feel bored even doing nothing.
----
It wasn't long before it was time to get off work. As Chen Lishu put down her work, she heard a notification sound.
She picked up her phone and glanced at the message. It was the hotel address sent by Zhang Bin.
To avoid making him wait too long, Chen Lishu linked arms with Gu Xingdong and they left the company, then took a taxi to the hotel.
As soon as they got out of the car, Zhang Bin's excited voice called out from behind, "CEO Chen, you're here!"
Chen Lishu turned in the direction of the sound. Not only Zhang Bin had arrived, but also his wife, Wei Xiaohua.
It seemed that the previous incident had left a shadow in Wei Xiaohua's mind, causing her to subtly shift her gaze away when meeting Chen Lishu's stare, not daring to meet her eyes directly.
Chen Lishu had no intention of dwelling on past events. Seeing Wei Xiaohua appear somewhat uneasy, she withdrew her gaze and said, "Why are you two still standing outside waiting? It's not like we're meeting for the first time. Is there a need to be so formal?"
Responding to Chen Lishu's teasing, Zhang Bin said with a serious expression, "CEO Chen helped me so much. In my heart, you are a distinguished guest and deserve to be received with the highest courtesy! It is only right that I come out to greet you personally."
Seeing that he was a grateful person, Chen Lishu's impression of him improved further. Both in character and capability, Zhang Bin was someone worth entrusting with the company's major affairs.
Noticing her silence, Zhang Bin and Wei Xiaohua remained standing at the entrance without going in. Chen Lishu quickly put aside her thoughts and said, "What are you still standing here for? Since the private room is booked, let's quickly take our seats. We can chat while we eat."
Hearing Chen Lishu's suggestion, Zhang Bin quickly echoed, "Yes, yes, yes. The food is also ready. We can discuss anything once we're seated. Don't go hungry, or it would be a failure of my hospitality."
With that, the four of them walked towards the booked private room.
As soon as they sat down at the table, a server brought the dishes.
Zhang Bin politely asked, "CEO Chen, please eat whatever you like. Don't be polite with me. Are the portion sizes sufficient? Is there anything you'd like to add?"
Seeing that both he and his wife seemed a bit reserved, Chen Lishu took a bite of a dish and then nodded, "The food tastes good, and the portions are enough for four people. No need to add anything. Let's eat quickly before it gets cold."
Zhang Bin was too lazy for such formalities. He poured a glass of wine for everyone in turn and raised his glass, saying, "I'll toast you all first. Seeing how good your relationship is, I'll wish you a century of harmony."
Chen Lishu and Gu Xingdong raised their glasses and obligingly drank the wine.
While they were lifting their glasses, Zhang Bin subtly glanced at Wei Xiaohua.
Wei Xiaohua was a bit awkward at first, but thinking of what Zhang Bin had told her at home, she eventually raised her glass and stammered, "CEO Chen, I'll toast you too.
I was petty-minded before and didn't understand the situation, causing trouble for the company and you. I never found an opportunity to apologize and felt uneasy. Today, we can finally gather together, and I can seek your forgiveness, CEO Chen. Shall we... shall we have a drink?"
Seeing Wei Xiaohua's cautious demeanor, Chen Lishu generously raised her glass and said, "I've already forgotten about that incident. You don't need to keep it on your mind. After this drink, that matter will be in the past!"
Hearing Chen Lishu say this, Wei Xiaohua immediately felt relieved. "CEO Chen is so magnanimous! Coming to dinner today is not just to apologize, but also to thank you. Thanks to your care these past few days, you not only revived the company but also gave Zhang Bin the opportunity for profit sharing.
You wouldn't believe it, but the money Zhang Bin has earned recently is more than his monthly income, and his work is also much easier than before. Now he even has free time to accompany me and the children. All of this credit is due to you."
Wei Xiaohua's expression was very sincere as she spoke.
In response to Wei Xiaohua's gratitude, Chen Lishu nonchalantly waved her hand, "What credit and no credit? This money is all earned through his hard work. There are many things in the company that require his attention.
Don't worry, as long as the company is profitable, I will not treat any employee unfairly. Zhang Bin's good fortune is yet to come. The bigger the company grows, the more I can offer!"
With Chen Lishu's assurance, the couple, who had been worried about their livelihood, finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Soon, the meal reached a very enjoyable point. Gu Xingdong, who had been silent, could now discuss work-related matters with Zhang Bin.
Chen Lishu also proved to be not as unapproachable as Wei Xiaohua had imagined. It turned out that Chen Lishu was not only proficient in business matters but also had considerable experience in childcare! Wei Xiaohua learned a lot about parenting from her.
Just as everyone was engrossed in conversation, the door to the private room was kicked open, and four or five people dressed in tight-fitting clothes swaggered in.