The next day.
Chen Lishu reluctantly saw Gu Xingdong off at the airport. Before parting, the two held each other tightly.
Gu Xingdong rubbed Chen Lishu's head and said, "I'll be back in ten days at most. When I return, I'll settle down in the capital with you. Then, I'll bring the children and Mom over."
"Ten more days..." Chen Lishu's spirits sank. For her, it felt like an eternity. It was better not to see him, but once they met, the longing intensified.
Gu Xingdong chuckled, changing the subject, "Yes, only ten days left. If you don't hurry up and finalize the kindergarten arrangements, won't the two children have to play for half a semester more when they come here? Then their studies will be half a semester behind their peers."
Hearing Gu Xingdong say this, Chen Lishu suddenly remembered that for the past three days, she had only been eating and drinking with Gu Xingdong and hadn't done any serious business. She quickly straightened up and said, "You're absolutely right! Don't worry, I'll find a good school for the two little brats in the next ten days."
Gu Xingdong raised an eyebrow, released his hold on Chen Lishu, and said to her with a serious expression, "I believe in you, Comrade Chen! Alright, I have to board the plane now. If we keep talking, all my schedules will be pushed back. Yang Zhiguo won't let me off!"
Chen Lishu nodded reluctantly, watching Gu Xingdong walk towards the security check. Only after he disappeared from her sight did she finally shift her gaze.
----
Back at the company, Chen Lishu looked listless. Even though she was the general manager and a strong woman in everyone's eyes, she was still a woman. At this moment, her delicate, feminine side was fully displayed.
This scene was witnessed by Lu Gen, who had returned after drinking. Knowing that yesterday's incident had left a bad impression on Chen Lishu, he dared not approach her to ask what was wrong. He could only follow her discreetly.
Just then, a strong voice called out from behind, "General Manager Chen!"
Chen Lishu and Lu Gen both turned their heads. The person who had arrived was Zhang Bin.
Since Lu Gen was walking close to the wall, intentionally lowering his presence, neither of them noticed him. Zhang Bin walked right past him.
Seeing Chen Lishu's dejected appearance, Zhang Bin was startled. It was the first time he had seen her like this.
He looked around and didn't see Gu Xingdong. He immediately had a guess and asked cautiously, "General Manager Chen, he's gone?"
"Mm," Chen Lishu replied, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Knowing the reason for Chen Lishu's dejection, Zhang Bin chuckled awkwardly and then comforted her, "General Manager Chen, what does this listless look suit you? He's left, but you still have to live your life. There are so many matters waiting for you to handle in the company.
Or do you want to take leave and go home to adjust your mood? It's okay not to work for a day. You can rest assured with me watching over things here."
Chen Lishu shook her head and refused, "It's not a big deal, I just feel a bit down. Don't worry, the work won't be delayed. I just need to adjust my mood."
After speaking, Chen Lishu and Zhang Bin simultaneously turned a corner and walked towards the CEO's office.
Lu Gen, who had been hiding in the corner and wanted to learn more about the situation, happened to see Su Nian standing at the entrance of the CEO's office. He immediately came to his senses and dared not approach. Instead, he took a detour towards the sales department.
After all, he hadn't forgotten that Chen Lishu had said that three strikes and you're out. If he trespassed into the CEO's office again without being summoned, he would really have to leave.
"Madam, has Brother Gu left?" When no one else was around, Su Nian would respectfully call Gu Xingdong "Commander Gu." However, when others were present, she still called him "Brother Gu," mainly to avoid drawing too much attention.
"Mm," Chen Lishu's spirits, which had finally lifted, wilted again.
Seeing this, Zhang Bin glared at Su Nian, feeling like she had failed to live up to his expectations. The person he had finally managed to appease was brought back to her original state by her words. Now, it was all messed up.
Zhang Bin, who completely misunderstood women's feelings, could only find a casual excuse and hastily left the CEO's office.
----
Meanwhile, in another office.
Lu Gen's heart was filled with uncontrollable excitement; he had no intention of finishing his work.
His mood was comparable to winning the lottery.
So, after tidying up his desk, he took leave and went home. He wanted to share this tremendous good news with Wu Xiaohong.
When Wu Xiaohong learned that Chen Lishu had been abandoned, she also jumped up from her chair happily and asked, "Is what you're saying true? You're not lying to me, are you?"
"Mom, men are all about face. Yesterday, I threatened that man. If he didn't leave Chen Lishu, I would tell his parents everything he had done!
Perhaps he was also worried about the matter being exposed. Coupled with the bank card I gave him, he must have thought that this money would be enough." Lu Gen crossed his arms, his eyes filled with unconcealed pride.
Upon hearing the words "bank card" from Mr. Lu, Wu Xiaohong's smile gradually stiffened.
What bank card? Hadn't this bank card already been handed over to her?
So, Wu Xiaohong cautiously approached Lu Gen and asked uncertainly, "Son, are you sure your information is correct? You didn't see that man today. Could it be that he had something else to do and wasn't with Chen Lishu?
I advise you to investigate clearly! Otherwise, if you act blindly and lose your job, what will you do? Although, with our status and education, finding a good job isn't difficult.
But to be honest, the benefits at Chen Lishu's company are the best I've seen among so many enterprises. It would be a pity to lose this job."
Hearing Wu Xiaohong's words, Lu Gen asked confusedly, "Mom, why are you acting so strangely today? I heard this news with my own ears. Shouldn't you be happy?"
Heard with his own ears? Wu Xiaohong's expression froze for a moment. Just as she was about to mention the bank card, she felt a pang of heartache when she thought about the 20,000 yuan in the card that was supposed to be given to a stranger.
Forget it. Perhaps this man was truly afraid of the matter being exposed and reaching his parents' ears, thus losing face, which was why he left.
Besides, Lu Gen heard this news with his own ears. Could she not believe her own son?
Wu Xiaohong clapped her thighs excitedly and said, "I knew my son was the best. He'll definitely handle this matter well! Now that Chen Lishu is pregnant, I'd like to see which man would be willing to marry her without any reservations!"