At 9:30 p.m., Xue Qiandai and Huo Yunchao finished their dinner, packed two portions of unsalted meat for Xue Shi, and returned to Kunyu Bay.
Before long, the snow lion had been living with Huo Yunchao for a long time. When it saw her again, it was incredibly affectionate. It buried its huge head into Xue Qiandai's arms, making "roaring" sounds. Its two front paws stood upright, acting cute and silly, as if to say, "Mommy, don't you love me anymore? I'm super good and sensible."
Xue Qiandai's heart almost melted. She hugged the snow lion and stroked its fur, saying, "My snow lion, Mommy missed you so much. You've gotten so much fatter. You'll never find a partner if you keep getting like this."
The snow lion looked so wronged, licking its nose with a "woof". Last time they met, Mom complained about its thick fur; this time, she complained about its chubby body. Being a good dog isn't easy these days.
Huo Yunchao came out of the kitchen, having filled all the packaged meat into the dog bowl. Looking at the snow lion clinging to Xue Qiandai, he unkindly pulled it off. "Snow Lion, time to eat. You are the king of the plateau, not a little lapdog. Don't keep bothering your mother."
The snow lion roared. No, even the toughest man has a tender side; haven't you always been setting yourself up as a devoted CEO? My heart holds a lion, I sniff my mother, I want my mother.
Xue Qiandai watched the struggle between the person and the dog, a wide smile curving her lips. Those she cared about most were still by her side. "My beauty, I only held it for a short while. I've neglected it for so long; it's time to make it up to it."
Who knew Huo Yunchao would blurt out, "You haven't even hugged me yet! How could a pet possibly get a chance?"
Xue Qiandai: "..." She's even jealous of dogs. Is this still her Huo Meiren?
Snow Lion: "..." Look at my domineering gaze. If you want to compete for favor, come on.
However, the snow lion's nose twitched, and it immediately detected the aroma of the meaty bone. It wagged its tail and went to eat it without being held.
Xue Qiandai was furious. "The King of the Plateau has no backbone at all."
Huo Yunchao sat down beside her, lifted her small chin, and stared at the pearl on her lips: "Even Snow Lion knows this, isn't it a case of using the shape to supplement the shape?"
Then he pecked at it.
*
The Insider magazine headquarters.
Yuan Mu's workstation was spacious, and he spent the afternoon collecting information and researching topics for the next issue.
He learned about the team-building event from his colleague, whom everyone called Lao Hu. The event was to be held at a high-end restaurant not far from the magazine office.
Yuan Mu glanced at his phone; time was almost up. He greeted Lao Hu, "Brother Hu, let's go down together later, I don't know the way."
He remained humble and cautious, aiming to integrate into the magazine's circle as quickly as possible.
Old Hu gave him a meaningful look. "Ah, you can go now. I still have an article to write."
"Should I wait for you for a while?"
Old Hu waved his hands repeatedly, "No need, no need, you're the star today, the editor-in-chief and the others are all waiting for you."
Yuan Mu felt a moment of disappointment. Could it be that he had been too high-profile in joining the magazine, and that his colleagues were keeping their distance from him? But no, he was not arrogant at all.
He stopped thinking about it and went out, only to find that in other offices, his colleagues were all busy. What happened to the team building activity they were supposed to have?
But time was running out, and he strode towards the restaurant. Led by a waiter, he found a secluded private room, but as soon as he stepped inside, he froze.
There were only two people in the private room: Kang Cheng, the founder and editor-in-chief of the magazine, and Hua Se, an enemy who was extremely hostile to each other.
He realized it was all premeditated. Even his arrival at the magazine was part of Hua Se's scheme. She really had a long reach!
"You're here, sit here." Kang Cheng pointed to the seats with a beaming smile.
Since he was already there, he decided to make the best of it. Even if he couldn't stay, he wanted to maintain his final dignity.
Yuan Mu sat down with a swagger, still sporting a professional smile. "Editor-in-chief, you seem to be in high spirits today. Is there some good news?"
He glanced at Hua Se out of the corner of his eye. Hua Se's eyes were pure and innocent, seemingly harmless.
He's truly a born actor!
Kang Cheng gestured to the waiter, "The food is ready." Then he said to Yuan Mu, "You know this Miss Hua, right?"
"I'll recognize it, even if it turns to ashes." Yuan Mu nodded.
Kang Cheng smiled and said, "Miss Hua really appreciates you and has recommended you repeatedly. Otherwise, even though you are talented, you still wouldn't be able to get into our magazine. After all, magazines also have their own rules."
The so-called rules are meant to prevent cutthroat competition and poaching of talent from each other.
However, to Yuan Mu, this news was nothing short of explosive. Had Hua Se taken the wrong medicine or was she mentally unstable? Why would she be so kind as to introduce him? "Then, I should thank Miss Hua?"
They said thank you, but their attitude showed absolutely no sincerity.
Hua Se's bright eyes sparkled, and she smiled charmingly. "Those who earn their living through talent are always favored by Heaven. Mr. Yuan, there's no need to thank me."
Thank you, my foot!
The exchange of glances between the two men, observed by Kang Cheng, stirred up a storm of emotions. Yuan Mu and Hua Se clearly had a deep-seated connection.
Hua Se completely ignored Yuan Mu's hostility and continued, "Speaking of which, that article 'Huo Yunchao and His Business Empire' was really well written. The writing style was elegant and inspiring. I admire Mr. Yuan's writing style, which is why I hope that you will complete this next report as well."
Yuan Mu was even more surprised, wondering what Hua Se was up to.
The door to the private room opened, and the waiter entered politely, serving the dishes one by one. "Madam, sir, please enjoy your meal."
Kang Cheng showed great hospitality, saying, "Let's eat and chat. This issue's cover will feature Mr. Jin, oh, that is, Ms. Hua's boyfriend, and Xiao Yuan, you will be the lead writer. Moreover, to show her support for the magazine, Ms. Hua will also place an advertisement for the Hua Group in the cover. From now on, we will become long-term partners with the Jin and Hua families."
That's quite a grand gesture.
Appearing on the cover and placing advertisements—all this trouble couldn't possibly be just to deal with a nobody like Yuan Mu, could it? Yuan Mu didn't think he had that kind of power. But he couldn't help but look at Hua Se with newfound respect; this woman was no ordinary person. "Miss Hua is truly comparable to female Ba Qing and Zhou Ying!"
Ba Qing and Zhou Ying were both famous female businesswomen in history.
Yuan Mu praised her casually, while Hua Se smiled knowingly. "Mr. Yuan, you flatter me."
The meal was utterly unappetizing.
On the way back, Yuan Mu heard a car horn behind him. Hua Se was sitting in a red sports car, and she rolled down the window. "Mr. Yuan, let me give you a ride."
The streetlights cast a dim yellow glow, blurring Hua Se's vision, making it difficult to see clearly. Yuan Mu suddenly bent down, pointing at the car window. "Miss Hua, I imagine your time is very precious. Is it necessary to treat an unknown nobody like this? Just say what you want directly. Why beat around the bush? Even if I leave 'The Insider,' it's no big deal. I can afford to lose anything."
Hua Se smiled again, her smile soft and alluring, shimmering in the night. "Mr. Yuan, I don't think we have any irreconcilable conflicts. I'm a businesswoman, and businessmen prioritize profit. I find your value useful to me, so why not turn hostility into friendship? I want your friendship."
"I'm sorry, I'm not worthy of your name, nor do I want to," Yuanmu said, and strode away.
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