Chapter 21: The Stolen Project

“I’m not making a scene!” Xu Miao’s gaze was unwavering as she looked straight at Pei Qizhou, her voice filled with resolve. “Qizhou, can’t you trust me this once?”

Pei Qizhou’s brows drew tightly together. He could clearly see the determination and conviction in Xu Miao’s eyes. Even so, hesitation and doubt still lingered in his heart.

“I need to think about it,” he replied coolly, his voice betraying little emotion.

A glimmer of hope stirred in Xu Miao’s heart. She knew that his words meant he had not completely rejected her request. Perhaps there was still a chance.

She drew a deep breath, trying to calm her agitated emotions, then said slowly, “I understand how important this project is to you. I don’t want my involvement to introduce any instability, either. But I promise you that I’ll give it everything I have. I won’t let you down.”

Her voice was filled with determination, as though she were trying to show Pei Qizhou the sincerity of her resolve.

Pei Qizhou remained silent for a while. His gaze shifted restlessly over Xu Miao, as if assessing her determination and abilities.

He carefully observed every expression and movement, attempting to find some clue that would convince him.

At last, he nodded, his tone softening slightly. “All right. Go home for now and let me think it over.”

Although his voice remained calm, Xu Miao detected a faint glimmer of hope in it.

After Xu Miao left, Pei Qizhou picked up his phone and dialed the project manager.

When the call connected, he asked, “Are you still at the office?”

The project manager’s voice came through the receiver, carrying a hint of tension and unease. “Yes, Mr. Pei. I’m still at the office.”

Pei Qizhou’s voice was low and stern as he continued, “Come to my office.”

The project manager immediately put down her work and hurried toward Pei Qizhou’s office.

Her heart was filled with apprehension and unease. She had no idea what was about to happen.

She knocked on the door and, after receiving permission to enter, pushed it open.

Pei Qizhou sat behind his desk, watching her expressionlessly.

The project manager stood before the desk, waiting for his instructions. Pei Qizhou got straight to the point. “What’s your opinion of Xu Miao?”

The project manager hesitated before answering cautiously, “I don’t know Miss Xu very well, but it’s obvious that she was very serious about the project today.”

She did not know what kind of relationship Xu Miao and Pei Qizhou had, and she did not dare to say anything carelessly.

“If it’s possible,” Pei Qizhou said softly, a thoughtful look in his eyes, “I’d like Xu Miao to take Yao Shan’s place on the project.”

He lowered his head, appearing to busy himself with some documents, but his thoughts had clearly drifted elsewhere.

The project manager was startled when she heard this.

She had never expected Pei Qizhou to make such a suggestion.

She knew very well how important Yao Shan was to the company and how outstanding her abilities were. She was also fully aware of the enormous contribution Yao Shan had made to the Pei Corporation project.

Although Xu Miao had shown a strong desire to participate in the project that day, the project manager was far from certain that her experience and abilities were sufficient for such a responsibility.

“Mr. Pei, Miss Xu is new, after all, and she may not be familiar enough with the project.”

The project manager voiced her concern carefully, her tone guarded. “If she replaces Yao Shan, I’m worried it could have an adverse effect on the project’s schedule and quality.”

Pei Qizhou raised his head, his gaze firm and powerful. He seemed to have already made up his mind.

“I understand your concerns, but I’ve also seen Xu Miao’s determination and enthusiasm. She needs an opportunity to prove her abilities. Besides, I believe in your capabilities. You’re more than capable of helping her adapt quickly and master the knowledge necessary for the project.”

The project manager fell silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the various possibilities.

Finally, she nodded in understanding. “I understand, Mr. Pei. I’ll do everything I can to help Miss Xu and ensure the project proceeds smoothly.”

Pei Qizhou nodded in satisfaction, a faint smile of approval appearing on his face. “Good. Then it’s settled. Once you return, make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible. Help Xu Miao familiarize herself with the project details and ensure that she can integrate smoothly into the team and bring out her full potential.”

The moment the project manager walked out of the office, her face darkened like a sky heavy with storm clouds.

Deep down, she did not want Xu Miao to take Yao Shan’s place.

However, faced with Pei Qizhou’s decision, she felt she had no choice but to follow the company’s arrangements.

After returning to the office, she decided to tell Yao Shan the news herself.

The moment Yao Shan entered the office, she noticed that the project manager’s expression was far from relaxed.

She had already prepared herself mentally, knowing that this day would come sooner or later.

“Manager, just tell me what’s happened. I can handle it,” Yao Shan said calmly, a trace of resolve in her eyes.

The project manager lowered her head, seemingly searching for the right words.

She looked up, concern filling her eyes, and said to Yao Shan, “Yao Shan, after careful consideration, the company has decided to have Xu Miao replace you on the Pei Corporation project.”

A flash of surprise crossed Yao Shan’s face, but she quickly regained her composure and replied firmly, “I understand, Manager. I respect the company’s decision.”

She paused before continuing, “However, if the project needs my assistance, I’ll be here whenever you need me.”

The project manager nodded, somewhat comforted by Yao Shan’s attitude. “Thank you, Yao Shan. Your professionalism and attitude have always been invaluable assets to our team. I’ll make sure your contributions are recognized.”

Yao Shan responded with a smile. “I believe the company will make the most appropriate arrangements. If Xu Miao needs to understand the project details, I’ll do my best to help her and ensure she can take over smoothly.”

The project manager rose to her feet and extended her hand, gratitude in her voice. “Thank you for your understanding, Yao Shan. Now, let’s work together to ensure a smooth transition for the project.”

Yao Shan clasped her hand and said resolutely, “No problem. I’ll do everything I can to ensure the project proceeds smoothly.”

The moment Yao Shan left the office, she lifted her head and struggled to hold back her tears, refusing to let them fall.

Deep inside, she was filled with shock and disappointment. She had never imagined that Pei Qizhou would make such a decision and allow Xu Miao to take her place.

Yao Shan walked silently out of the office, her heart a tangle of conflicting emotions. Yet she continued to preserve her dignity and professionalism.