"The manager knows you’re not convinced in your heart, but the manager asked me to tell Miss Qiaoqiao something. The rule of this world is the survival of the fittest, and there will never be a forever winner. When you are inferior to others, you can only accept your loss willingly. The manager is not a kind-hearted philanthropist and doesn’t owe anyone anything. What really matters in his heart is the amount of benefits you can bring him. You’d better be clear about that."
Xiaoyu’s first words when she came to see her were right to the point, leaving Qiaoqiao shocked and speechless, her face looking terrible.
"What does the manager mean...?" Qiaoqiao asked with difficulty, forcing a smile on her lips.
Xiaoyu’s expression didn’t carry any hint of hostility, but was rather calm and gentle: "The manager’s intention is to make Miss Qiaoqiao understand her position. If Miss Qiaoqiao feels wronged, you can think about how to change yourself or create a better version of yourself. If one day you can outshine the other girls, the manager would definitely support you without question."
Despite Xiaoyu’s gentle tone, Qiaoqiao didn’t dare to underestimate her. Instead, she swallowed and awkwardly replied, "I understand."
Qiaoqiao had never underestimated the manager’s means and abilities. The manager’s personal maid, Xiaoyu, wasn’t a minor character either.
"I’m here today, actually at the manager’s behest, because he was worried that Miss Qiaoqiao might feel unbalanced. But Miss Qiaoqiao should understand that your status depends on your abilities. The manager may not be kind-hearted, but he has sharp eyes. He will never miss any of Miss Qiaoqiao’s talents." Xiaoyu smiled before continuing:
"The manager also mentioned that if Miss Qiaoqiao doesn’t mind, he can give you another chance to accompany Hua Rao and Ru Lu as a supporting dancer. In short, he’s giving Miss Qiaoqiao a chance, whether you cherish it or not doesn’t matter, but... one should know how to be pragmatic. The manager pays attention to those who are outstanding and can bring him benefits. If you can’t bring significant benefits, it doesn’t matter. But if you cross the manager’s bottom line, it’s a point of no return."
Qiaoqiao’s face turned pale upon hearing this: "What’s the manager’s bottom line?"
Xiaoyu’s lips curved into a cold smile: "Betrayal."
"I-I wouldn’t dare!"
"The manager knows you won’t, but it’s better for both you and me to sound a warning beforehand, isn’t it?" Xiaoyu said with a gentle smile.
---
Having said his piece, Sun Yaowen was now intently watching Qiaoqiao, waiting for her response.
Given the circumstances, the offer he presented was quite tempting, and Qiaoqiao had no reason to refuse. Hence, he had some confidence.
But to his surprise, instead of answering, Qiaoqiao kept staring blankly, as if lost in thought. Growing impatient, Sun Yaowen eventually snapped, "What have you decided? Give me an answer!"
Qiaoqiao shivered and finally came to her senses, her eyes now filled with caution and timidity upon meeting Sun Yaowen’s gaze. "Thank you for your kindness, Young Master Sun, but I find the Flower House to be quite good, and I have no intention of relocating."
Sun Yaowen’s eyes widened in disbelief - she was actually refusing his offer!
"What do you mean by that?!" Sun Yaowen slammed the table, standing up. "Are you looking down on my Yihong Courtyard?"
It wasn’t that Qiaoqiao looked down on the Yihong Courtyard. In truth, if she were to go there and be pampered, her situation would surely be better than staying at the Flower House as a lowly dancer. However, despite her personality, there was a faint weakness in her bones.
This weakness became apparent when faced with the ruthless tactics of her manager. She knew the consequences of betrayal, and neither dared nor wanted to gamble.
Biting her lip, Qiaoqiao finally looked up and said, "I don’t mean to disrespect the Yihong Courtyard. It’s just that I’m insignificant and incapable of obtaining any inside information from the Flower House. Therefore, I’m unable to reciprocate Young Master Sun’s generosity."
A few days ago, when Xiaoyu suddenly came to her with a mixture of threats and gentle persuasion, Qiaoqiao was a bit puzzled. It was as if they suspected she could potentially betray them.
But now, as Sun Yaowen presented his offer, she finally understood. From the moment Sun Yaowen first approached her, the manager had anticipated his intentions and had Xiaoyu warn her beforehand. This alone demonstrated the manager’s cunning.
Was there anything they could hide from the manager? Perhaps, at the moment, the manager was already keeping an eye on Sun Yaowen, who was clueless! If she allowed Sun Yaowen to lead her into his plans, wouldn’t that be a path of self-destruction?
Qiaoqiao might have been a bit domineering at times, but she was not without her wits. Remembering Xiaoyu’s warnings, she was now as calm as could be.
Under no circumstances would she get involved with Sun Yaowen!
Furious and resentful, Sun Yaowen watched as his easy prey slipped through his fingers. He almost wanted to flip the table, sneering and pointing at Qiaoqiao’s nose. "You little mean person, how dare you look down on me?! Do you really think you’re so important? I approach you with kindness, yet you’re ungrateful and even dare to scorn me. Are you tired of living?!"
Then, he coarsely slapped Qiaoqiao’s face, sending her sprawling to the ground, her delicate cheek instantly swelling. Crying out in fear, she lay on the floor trembling, wailing for help. "Someone, help! Help me!"
Sun Yaowen, a dimwit at heart, thought that he had finally come up with a great idea to gain favor with Grandpa Sun. He never expected Qiaoqiao, the foolish woman, not to fall for it!
She was ruining Sun Yaowen’s plan!
Furious, Sun Yaowen wanted nothing more than to vent his anger on her.
He rushed over, grabbed Qiaoqiao by the collar, and prepared to slap her again. "You dare scream? You’re nothing but a lowly prostitute! I’m doing you a favor by hitting you; do you think you’re some rich young lady? If I beat you to death today, I’ll only have to compensate a hundred or so silver coins for your worthless life. I can afford that!"
Qiaoqiao’s face turned deathly pale, her breathing labored as she sobbed.
Making such a scene drew the attention of those outside, and Madam Chen’s face immediately darkened. Nobody liked having their business disrupted. In addition to ruining the night’s profits, it could mean offending an influential figure. Stamping her foot in frustration, Madam Chen swept up her skirt and dashed into Qiaoqiao’s room.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
