Chapter 46 (Second Update)
After the forum, there will be a charity reception, and everyone will have to move from the conference hall to the banquet hall downstairs.
When Qiao Wu came out of the audience, she was surrounded by the media, and Guo Liyan stood by her side to protect her safety.
The reporters thought they would see Lu Jinzhi, who had returned to China, but it turned out to be someone else. However, perhaps because this person's temperament and demeanor were so outstanding, no one was disappointed. Instead, they were even more enthusiastic.
"Chairman Qiao, Lu Jinzhi, the new president of Lu's Group, has not appeared in the media since returning to China. Is this related to the sudden and quiet change of chairman of the Lu's Charitable Foundation? Is there some irreconcilable conflict within the group?"
This is also what others want to know. Many attendees did not leave but watched Qiao Wu's interview from the outside.
Surrounded by microphones, Qiao Wu spoke gently and slowly: "The executive director of the foundation is still President Lu Jinzhi. I don't quite understand why you want to link the change of leadership to him and the development of the group. The previous chairman has reached retirement age, it's that simple. As for why you're keeping it quiet, I think it has little to do with what we're going to do in the future, because we just consider it a perfectly normal thing."
"The Lu family is doing very well both internally and externally. Thank you all for your concern." She glanced at the media and knew exactly what they were trying to fabricate. She continued, "President Lu is very busy. He will meet with everyone when he has the opportunity."
"You look very young. Are you confident that you can lead the foundation well?"
Qiao Wu: "Words are not enough. Please keep an eye on me in the future."
"Chairman Qiao, President Lu didn't attend his first charity event after taking office, but you represented him." Someone shoved a microphone in front of Qiao Wu. "I heard you became the chairman of the Lu Foundation at only 22 years old. Do you two have some kind of relationship?"
This question is somewhat ambiguous, but it's also one that others really wanted to ask but couldn't.
Qiao Wu glanced at the media names on the microphone and then laughed, "Does that mean we won't do charity if he doesn't come? I am indeed 22 years old, but your first question is not about my ability but about my relationship with President Lu. Do you usually ask others the same question? In your eyes, can't a 22-year-old stand in this position based on their own excellence? Then I suggest you broaden your horizons."
The reporter's face turned red from being rebuked.
"I think everyone is also concerned about this issue, so I can answer you clearly. Officially, Mr. Lu is my superior and leader, and we are supportive working partners. Personally, he is a very good friend of mine. I am standing here because he believes in my ability and character, and there is nothing else."
Her gaze swept lightly over the group of people. "So after today, I don't want anyone to write any biased comments or fabricated speculations about our relationship. Otherwise, I will pursue the corresponding responsibilities."
"As for the progress of Lu's public welfare projects, we welcome everyone to keep abreast of them."
After she finished speaking, she glanced at Guo Liyan, who immediately understood and cleared a path for her, escorting her away from the scene and into the banquet hall.
After the person left, the reporters quickly came to their senses and went to interview the others. Their previous ulterior motives were completely extinguished; this young chairman didn't seem easy to handle.
Looking at Qiao Wu's retreating figure, someone sighed, "Lu Jinzhi really never plays by the rules. Not only does he not show his face, but he also found such a chairman. He and the people around him are extraordinary."
At 22, most people are just graduating from university and would need several years of experience to join their own company.
But Qiao Wu was already able to answer any question from the host with ease and handle the reporters with ease, his aura was several streets ahead of others.
But Lu Jinzhi actually believed her.
These two are truly bold and daring.
"I heard that Qiao Wu was originally the Lu family's butler. How did they manage to poach such a talented person?"
Qin Lian, who had just come out from another group of reporters, heard the call stop.
To be honest, he was also curious to know.
No wonder Qiao Wu is Lu Jinzhi's lifeline; he even arranged for him to be at the front desk.
It's really a waste of his talents to discipline his younger brother.
When he pushed open the door and entered the banquet hall, Qiao Wu was already surrounded by many people asking him for information.
The people attending the party were all prominent figures, so they weren't as sharp as the media outside, handing out business cards to Qiao Wu and subtly trying to find out about her background.
Qiao Wu had Guo Liyan accept all the business cards, and unexpectedly met Qin Lian's gaze. She paused for a moment, then took the initiative to call out, "President Qin."
The sound drew everyone's attention, and they all turned around.
Although Qiao Wu is a member of the Lu family, he is still a newcomer.
Qin Lian is different; he is already the de facto head of the Qin family, and they can still distinguish between what is more important and what is less important.
"President Qin, it's been a long time!"
Qin Lian took a glass of wine from the waiter and couldn't help but laugh.
Qiao Wu usually treated him with a respectful but indifferent attitude, but today she took the initiative. After exchanging pleasantries with the others, he walked over and stood in front of her: "You're already the chairman of the board, and you didn't even tell me about such an important matter."
Qiao Wu lightly clinked glasses with him and joked, "Isn't it because I'm worried you'll try to poach me again?"
Qin Lian: "You really shouldn't say that."
How was your brother's return?
"You've been quite well-behaved lately," Qin Lian said. "Thanks to you."
"It was just something I did."
Besides Lu Jinzhi, Qin Lian was also a leading figure in the industry. The familiar tone and attitude of the two greatly shocked everyone around them.
It seems that Qiao Wu is not to be underestimated.
Seeing that they were talking, the people around them felt embarrassed to interrupt and dispersed.
At this moment, Qin Liancai couldn't help but lower his voice and say, "You're quite good at using people."
"What are you saying? This is called friendly exchange between the Lu and Qin families." Qiao Wu took a sip of wine and smiled, "It dispels the rumors of discord between the two families."
Qiao Wu did indeed take advantage of Qin Lian.
She had already achieved her goal of showing her face, and she felt that the rest of the unnecessary social interactions could be omitted. Now, many people were just looking at her as a stranger and junior, so everyone wanted to come over and test her. Out of politeness, she couldn't refuse.
However, Qin Lian's identity can effectively filter out some people who come to flirt with her, and it can also increase her value in the eyes of these people, so some people will naturally back down.
"What do you mean by rumors? It's also a fact." Qin Lian chuckled. "Lu Jinzhi and I never really got along, and you're the only one who's still friends with him."
Qiao Wu joked, "Aren't you afraid I'll tell on you?"
"Go ahead and sue him." Qin Lian looked fearless, though somewhat speechless. "I'm still on his blacklist because of you."
After making that phone call, she blocked him again. Only Lu Jinzhi would do something like that.
Qiao Wu couldn't help but chuckle.
Others might see Lu Jinzhi as a genius, but in her eyes, he was actually a straightforward person whose emotions were easy to understand, and maintaining interpersonal relationships was far too difficult for him.
"Don't laugh," Qin Lian said. "Using me comes at a price. Next time I need you, don't tell Lu Jinzhi."
Qiao Wu thought for a moment and said, "I'll try my best."
She mainly felt that Lu Jinzhi would have many ways to find out.
Qin Lian asked curiously, "Are you in full charge of this project?"
"That's the case right now."
Qin Lian nodded: "I'm looking forward to it."
What are you expecting?
"I wonder how much value the major artery really has," Qin Lian said in a cold voice, "whether it's worth staying on my blacklist for so long."
Although Qin Lian knew Qiao Wu's plans, he was in no hurry to leave. Chatting with Qiao Wu was more interesting than chatting with other people, and he didn't need to socialize.
If he stands there longer, Qiao Wu won't be able to refuse his help next time.
However, despite his plan, Qiao Wu was unwilling to stand with him any longer, as other people had already come over to greet him.
The foundation does not only rely on Lu's shares and donations for public welfare, but also has projects in cooperation with other companies, so Qiao Wu naturally wants to get to know more people.
So when she saw the right person, she didn't hesitate to leave Qin Lian behind.
Qin Lian: "..."
You're something else, no wonder you and Lu Jinzhi get along so well.
As the party continued into its second half, Qiao Wu had roughly figured out the relationships that could be built up. She excused herself to go to the restroom to clear her head.
She clearly didn't like drinking too much alcohol, and her eyes were constantly burning with desire.
When Lu Jinzhi called, she was still rinsing her fingertips with ice water to reduce the fever.
"It's not over yet?"
"Almost there." Qiao Wu glanced at the time. "Another call to let you know you're safe?"
Lu Jinzhi was watching the forum's live replay.
He was still working in the afternoon and didn't have time to watch the live stream, but he believed that Qiao Wu would do a good job.
"I'm already home." Hearing the languid tone in her voice, Lu Jinzhi paused for a moment while scrolling through the video before resuming his normal pace. He stopped when he saw the familiar figure on stage in the video, and then said, "You don't need to drink too much."
No one can force her to drink if she doesn't want to.
“You can use my name anytime outside,” he said.
Qiao Wu understood the meaning behind his words and said with a smile, "I don't want people to mention me again with the prefix 'Lu Jinzhi' in front of my name."
He paused for a second, then said, "I'm not a kite; I don't need anyone to hold the string for me to fly."
Lu Jinzhi turned down the volume in the video. The confident voice of the person in the black suit combined with the soft, slightly drunk voice from the phone, and he could already picture the expression on the person's face.
He chuckled softly: "Yes, you are Kunpeng."
Qiao Wu's temperature had dropped slightly, but the mention of Kunpeng made him rise again, and he became more energetic: "You're not here to report that you're safe, are you here to ask about the daily report's results?"
“There’s no need.” Lu Jinzhi scrolled back to watch the short video clip again. “It’s about time, so I’m just checking to make sure you’re safe.”
Qiao Wu was taken aback: "Mine?"
Lu Jinzhi's voice rose slightly at the end: "What, your rules don't include yourself?"
It's not included at all.
"I won't make those mistakes."
Perhaps she was truly under the influence of alcohol, because she spoke with a pride she didn't usually display.
In the past, Lu Jinzhi rarely saw the innocence of a child in Qiao Wu, but at this moment he unexpectedly felt it, which was quite wonderful.
They should have made a video call.
He wanted to see what her expression was like now.
Thinking this way, he did intend to do so, but before he could take action, Qiao Wu said, "I should go out now. I'm safe and sound and should be back at the hotel soon, don't worry."
Lu Jinzhi said with a hint of regret, "Hmm."
After hanging up the phone, he found the video of the interview.
Although the person who asked the question was very impolite, the person who answered it won his heart.
He and she were very good friends.
Lu Jinzhi listened to that sentence over and over again until he received a WeChat message from Qiao Wu on his phone.
Qiao Wu: "I can't write the daily report tonight, but it went smoothly. We discussed a few collaborations [super cool.jpg]."
So cool.
She said she wouldn't make mistakes, but this is what she actually looks like.
Lu Jinzhi remembered this regret and decided that next time, a video call would be better than a phone call.
As soon as Qiao Wu returned to the banquet hall, Guo Liyan handed her a glass of honey water.
He may not have much experience in other areas, but he's excellent at taking care of people: "Shall I change your water next?"
"No, I don't want to drink it."
Qiao Wu didn't want to get drunk from socializing, as that would be very uncontrollable.
Qiao Wu asked, "Did you write down all those business cards?"
"I've got it," Guo Liyan said immediately. "I'll organize it when I get back later and give you everything I need."
"Let's do it tomorrow. You've worked hard today, get some rest," Qiao Wu said. "Prepare the car..."
Before she could finish speaking, her phone rang again.
Looking down, I saw it was Lu Yingchi calling. Was he coming over again so late?
"Hello?"
"Hello, is this Qiao Wu?" came an unfamiliar male voice.
"Um, who are you?"
"I'm Lu Yingchi's class monitor. I'm really sorry to bother you, but we had a little conflict with someone here just now, and Lu Yingchi got a little injured. We're a bit worried about him. He said he was going to come see you tonight, so that's why I'm calling you."
Qiao Wu frowned: "Address."
At this moment, many students from the Finance Class 1 were crammed into the same room, looking helplessly at Lu Yingchi, who was sitting on the bed, soaking wet.
Earlier at the bar, the construction workers who had been drinking started to make a fuss when they saw their class's Youth League secretary coming to find someone.
There was a boy in the construction engineering class who started pursuing the class's student union secretary during military training. He was rejected many times but he kept pestering her. As a result, the students in the finance class had a bad impression of him. They even got into a fight while playing basketball, and it only calmed down after the matter was brought up to the counselor.
I never expected to run into them today. Those people even started making a fuss, and several grown men surrounded the Youth League Secretary, preventing him from leaving.
How could so many boys sitting here in the class tolerate this? Young people's tempers flare up easily. Fei Jingming went first, and the others followed closely behind, instantly kicking over several chairs.
Lu Yingchi, who was sitting in the corner, hadn't even recovered from being interrupted while watching the video when the stool flew around and a cup hit him on the forehead.
He had just stood up when he saw a girl being pushed and falling into the river next to the bar.
"Stop it, you all!" Lu Yingchi stepped out from the corner, leaping across the tabletop. He rushed over as he spoke, and without thinking, followed them down to rescue the people.
In the chaos, someone called out "Lu Yingchi," and the scene, which was about to spiral out of control, immediately calmed down.
"What are you standing there for!" Fei Jingming rushed to the riverbank. "Get them out of the water!"
When the construction workers saw him, they realized it was none other than Lu Yingchi who had fallen into the river! Lu Yingchi was so famous that the whole school knew him; when did he start hanging out with these ordinary people?
As a result, Lu Yingchi not only joined in the fun, but also got involved and even jumped into the river.
This is terrible!
However, Lu Yingchi was an expert swimmer and quickly rescued the girl who had fallen into the water.
But no one dared to make a sound, for fear that if Lu Yingchi asked who did it, his head would be bleeding!
The girl ran to check on the girl who had fallen into the water, and the boy ran over to surround Lu Yingchi: "Are you alright?"
Lu Yingchi slapped away the outstretched hand with a fierce look, staring intently at the construction workers, as if he wanted to skin them alive.
But after a while, all that could be seen was his chest heaving violently, and he made no other movements.
A person stepped forward shakily: "Brother Lu... Brother Lu".
"Get out!" Lu Yingchi pushed the person away, walked a few steps to the table and picked up his phone that was still on the table.
Standing in the shadows, the young master, soaking wet, pointed at the Youth League secretary and asked, "Who harassed you?"
The Youth League branch secretary weakly pointed to someone.
Immediately afterwards, we saw and heard Lu Yingchi call the police.
"Did you read all that stuff? Haven't you ever watched the legal channel?" The embarrassed young master Lu muttered to himself angrily after hanging up the phone, "I don't want to be visited in prison with my face blurred out."
Damn it, I wonder if Qiao Wu will visit me in prison.
She said she wouldn't go.
Everyone: "..."
In the end, the counselor went to the police station to bring the students back. It wasn't their fault, so they didn't say anything in the end.
But Lu Yingchi's room was packed with students.
"Brother." Ye Liang looked at Lu Yingchi, who had been sitting there for a long time with a dark complexion and a fancy band-aid on his forehead, but still refused to take a shower, and tried to ask, "Shall I give you my clothes to change into? You can make do with these for now?"
It's too late to buy clothes at this time.
"No need." Lu Yingchi was annoyed by the stares. "Why are you all looking at me? Go do what you're supposed to be doing."
He doesn't wear other people's clothes, and the bath towels in this guesthouse make him feel itchy just looking at them; he simply doesn't want to take a bath here.
Going back to my grandparents' house would be too far, and the servants there would definitely complain to Qiao Wu.
So he planned to find a hotel outside later, but all these people were gathered here, so solemnly that it was like they were sending him off to his funeral. He was too ashamed to stand up.
Just then, the sound of high heels clicking on the wooden floor echoed from the guesthouse corridor.
The crisp sound finally stopped at the doorway, followed by a knock.
The students standing at the door were the first to turn around and see who had come in, their eyes widening in surprise.
Because of Lu Yingchi, the classmates all watched the variety show and the live broadcast of that charity forum, so they naturally recognized who the person was.
When the person on TV suddenly appeared in front of them, tall and thin, her skin was so white under the light that it seemed to glow, and her features were even more three-dimensional and beautiful than they appeared on TV, she had no smile on her face, and her black dress made her seem unapproachable. The young people stammered on the spot.
"Brother Lu, it looks like your family has arrived!"
Sitting on the bed, Lu Yingchi frowned. What family?
There's no one at his house, only dogs.
etc……
He suddenly stood up.
"I was worried about you, so I borrowed your phone to call your sister just now," Fei Jingming explained. "Don't worry."
Lu Yingchi was not in a hurry.
Why the hell isn't he in a hurry?
Qiao Wu forbids him from fighting!
Guo Liyan said to the stunned students at the door, "Excuse me, could you please make way?" Only then did everyone react and make way, allowing Qiao Wu to see Lu Yingchi's appearance clearly.
When the class monitor called her, he explained the situation, but Lu Yingchi's current situation was much worse than she had imagined.
Like a wet, unwanted, and wretched little dog.
Lu Yingchi had long forgotten that he was still angry with Qiao Wu. He couldn't find anywhere to cover himself, so he could only stand there awkwardly. After a long while, he finally managed to stammer out, "I didn't do anything."
"Hmm." Qiao Wu raised his hand. "Let me take a look at your head."
Lu Yingchi was covered in the stench of river water, but then the fragrant scent emanating from Qiao Wu wafted over, leaving him somewhat bewildered.
Before I could even react, I had already lowered my head and secretly sniffed it again.
“You’ve been drinking,” he said.
Qiao Wu casually agreed. Lu Yingchi's wound hadn't been treated; there were still bloodstains where the band-aid hadn't been applied. Peeling off the band-aid revealed a small cut, though it wasn't deep.
She felt relieved for the moment: "Are there any other injuries?"
Surrounded by the smell of alcohol and fragrance, Lu Yingchi felt dizzy and said, "No."
"Okay." Qiao Wu withdrew his hand. "Let's go."
Lu Yingchi's gaze followed her wrist as it moved: "Where to?"
"The hotel has prepared a room for you."
Lu Xiaogou, who had said during the day that he wouldn't go looking for her, wagged his tail and said, "Oh."
Qiao Wu then turned to look at the other students in the room: "Who is the class monitor?"
Fei Jingming immediately raised his hand: "Me!"
Qiao Wu smiled at him: "Thank you for calling me. You guys should get some rest. I'm taking Lu Yingchi with me."
"You're welcome, you're welcome." Fei Jingming quickly had someone make way for her.
The visit took only two simple minutes, but the people inside the room remained captivated by the man's every smile and gesture until the sound of his high heels faded away.
Ye Liang said blankly, "I think I know why Lu Yingchi went crazy because of the word 'bias'."
To be favored by such a person is a luxury.
Once you've got your hands on something, no one will want to let it go.
Following Qiao Wu to the hotel, Lu Yingchi, feeling unwell all over, didn't take a shower first. He stood at the door, frowning, and said, "I didn't let them call you."
"I know."
Are you angry?
"No."
"You haven't said a word," Lu Yingchi said stubbornly. "Why aren't you smiling?"
Qiao Wu sighed softly, helplessly: "How can I laugh when I see you like this?"
“I…” Lu Yingchi looked down at himself and realized how disheveled he looked. He quickly snatched the change of clothes that Guo Liyan had prepared for him and rushed into the bathroom.
When he came out again, Qiao Wu was sitting on the sofa tidying up his things.
Seeing him arrive, she patted the spot next to her and said, "Come here."
Lu Yingchi sniffed himself to make sure he didn't smell bad before walking over.
The fragrant hand rose again, holding a cotton swab and gently wiping the wound on his forehead.
"Why does the smell of alcohol get stronger?"
Qiao Wu: "...Because we're disinfecting you with alcohol."
"Oh." Lu Yingchi paused for two seconds, then asked, "Are you feeling sorry for me again?"
"Um."
Lu Yingchi lowered his head and asked, "Between me and Lu Xuan, who do you favor more?"
Qiao Wu pulled his wrist away: "If you ask such a childish question again, it's definitely not you."
Still dazed, Lu Yingchi instinctively grabbed her hand: "It's not done yet."
"It's almost healed. Any later and it would have healed by now." After saying that, Qiao Wu frowned slightly and looked down at Lu Yingchi's hand.
Lu Yingchi's fingers burned from being stared at, and he suddenly let go.
But Qiao Wu reached out again, her cool fingertips touching his head: "Lu Yingchi, do you have a fever?"
It's so cool.
Lu Yingchi blinked slowly, then his body stiffened, and he sprang back a great distance, furious and embarrassed: "Why are you swearing at me!"
Qiao Wu: "?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
