Chapter 20: The Meeting Begins Promptly

The project manager stepped out of her office, her sharp gaze fixed on Xu Miao. She had no intention of yielding easily, yet she didn’t want a misunderstanding to cause the company to lose a potentially valuable talent.

“Miss Xu, I understand your enthusiasm for the project, but the company has its rules. Could you tell me what makes you so eager to join us?” The manager’s tone was calm but firm.

Xu Miao took a deep breath. She knew this was a critical moment; she had to make her determination clear.

“I know the Pei Group better than anyone else.”

In truth, she wanted to say she knew Pei Qizhou better than anyone, but she hadn’t dared to say it aloud.

The manager’s eyes narrowed slightly. It seemed the HR director’s suspicions were correct—Xu Miao really did have some connection to the Pei Group.

In that case, she couldn’t afford to refuse her outright. Yet, she was reluctant to let Xu Miao take Yao Shan’s place so easily.

“The Pei Group project already has someone in charge. If you want to work with us, I can assign you to other projects.”

She had no idea about this woman’s abilities; how could she dare entrust such an important project to her directly?

“I want nothing but the Pei Group project,” Xu Miao insisted.

If it weren’t to have better contact with Pei Qizhou, would she have even chosen to work here?

The project manager paused, sensing that Xu Miao’s persistence might conceal motives unknown to others. She also understood how crucial the Pei Group’s collaboration project was to the company—it could not afford any mistake.

“Alright, Miss Xu,” she said after a moment’s silence, “this afternoon we have a meeting with the Pei Group. If you’re willing, you can join us. That way, you’ll have a better chance to show whether you’re truly suited for this project.”

Upon hearing the manager’s proposal, a flicker of delight crossed Xu Miao’s eyes.

She recognized this as a rare opportunity to meet Pei Qizhou directly and to prove her worth.

“I’d be very glad to,” Xu Miao answered without hesitation.

The project manager nodded, satisfied with Xu Miao’s response, though she remained cautious.

She needed to ensure that Xu Miao’s presence at the meeting wouldn’t bring any negative repercussions to the company.

“Very well, we’ll start promptly at three in the afternoon,” the manager said before turning back to her office.

Once inside, her expression darkened.

Yao Shan noticed the manager’s unease and went to her office.

“What’s the matter, Manager?” she asked.

The manager recounted the earlier events to Yao Shan.

Yao Shan immediately guessed who they were talking about.

She hadn’t expected Xu Miao’s actions to be so swift.

“Let her go,” she said calmly.

Given Xu Miao’s connection to Pei Qizhou, if Pei knew she had been rejected here, it wouldn’t bode well for them.

Yao Shan’s composure took the manager by surprise. She had expected resistance on Yao Shan’s part.

But Yao Shan’s reaction was unusually calm, even indifferent.

Curious, the manager asked, “Aren’t you worried she might threaten your position?”

Yao Shan smiled lightly. “Some things are beyond our control.”

She sighed softly before adding, “You go with her this afternoon. I won’t be attending.”

Coincidentally, she didn’t want to see Pei Qizhou either.

The project manager felt a deep respect for Yao Shan’s calmness and strategic foresight.

She recognized Yao Shan’s status and contribution to the Pei Group project.

With Yao Shan stepping back, the manager gave more thought to Xu Miao’s involvement.

“Alright, then I’ll personally take Miss Xu to the meeting this afternoon,” she decided, determined to supervise Xu Miao closely to ensure everything went smoothly.

At three in the afternoon, the meeting began punctually.

Xu Miao sat quietly in a corner of the conference room, her eyes firm and hopeful.

Until Pei Qizhou entered and their eyes met for a moment.

He was momentarily stunned.

“Hello, Mr. Pei. I’m the new lead from Xinghe Group. From now on, I will be responsible for our cooperation with your company.”

Xu Miao stood, pretending not to know Pei Qizhou.

His gaze lingered on her briefly before he nodded politely. “Miss Xu, pleased to meet you.”

His expression revealed nothing unusual, but Xu Miao sensed the deeper meaning in his eyes.

“And the previous lead?” Pei Qizhou’s eyes shifted to the manager.

It was clear he was displeased that Yao Shan wasn’t present.

“It’s like this, Mr. Pei. Our meetings don’t require too many attendees. With Miss Xu here, Yao Shan’s presence isn’t necessary,” the project manager replied.

Her message was clear: Yao Shan’s absence was due to Xu Miao’s involvement.

With Xu Miao’s arrival, the atmosphere in the meeting grew subtly tense.

Though Pei Qizhou maintained professional courtesy, Xu Miao could feel his surprise and doubt beneath the surface.

She knew she had to prove her capability in the time to come, to ensure the Pei Group would not harbor reservations about Xinghe Group’s cooperation because of her sudden appearance.

The project manager sat opposite Xu Miao, scrutinizing her every move.

She found some comfort in Xu Miao’s confidence and composure but remained vigilant.

She knew Xu Miao’s presence might bring new opportunities but also unpredictable risks.

Halfway through the meeting, Pei Qizhou asked several detailed questions about the project.

As expected, Xu Miao couldn’t answer a single one.

She hadn’t done any preparation, so naturally, she was at a loss.

“Let’s conclude the meeting here,” Pei Qizhou said, setting down his materials and looking directly at Xu Miao.

“You’ll stay behind.”

He had something to say to her.

The project manager’s heart quickened, realizing the upcoming conversation might impact the cooperation between the company and the Pei Group.

Xu Miao felt a wave of nervousness but tried to remain calm. She stood and followed Pei Qizhou to the far side of the conference room.

Pei Qizhou closed the door, leaving only the two of them.

He turned toward her, his gaze sharp and piercing.

“What exactly are you doing?” Pei Qizhou’s voice was cold, markedly different from his usual tone.

At least, he had never spoken to Xu Miao like this before.

“I want to participate in this project,” Xu Miao said softly.

She could tell Pei Qizhou was angry.

But at this point, she had no choice but to admit it.

“Stop this nonsense,” Pei Qizhou frowned deeply.

He did not want Xu Miao involved in the project, and he certainly did not want Yao Shan to step aside.

After all, without Yao Shan, he wouldn’t care so much.