Chapter Sixty-Three: No, I Disagree

Xue Tian'ai swaggered up the stairs, his feet splaying in a careless gait that seemed to declare to the world his second-generation rich kid status: the heavens come second, he comes first. His sharply defined features wore an expression of irreverence and playful disdain.

His outfit—a casual sports ensemble—and his laid-back demeanor were a stark contrast to the stern, businesslike image of the entire Menghua Group. His brash attire and the way he walked naturally drew the attention of several employees, yet not a single person dared to criticize him.

Perhaps even Xue Tian'ai himself was unaware that, in just a single day, his name had become the hottest topic within Menghua Group, almost as if he were trending online. Having just joined the company, he had already become the president’s personal assistant. What’s more, after provoking Su Jiaqi—the company’s most hot-tempered employee—he seemed to have faced no consequences. Today, he was still strutting around the office, alive and well.

Despite his seemingly inexpensive casual clothes, his chiseled face, refined features, and tall, slender figure made him the most frequently mentioned name among the female employees. In some departmental chat groups, several women had even asked about his phone number or contact info, but to no avail. Even the more senior staff had no idea how to reach him personally.

So, whenever Xue Tian'ai strolled through the office, some of the younger women would openly stare at him with hungry eyes, like wolves eyeing a tender rabbit. Xue Tian'ai, however, remained oblivious to their thoughts—and even if he had known, it wouldn’t have changed anything for him. He continued doing as he pleased, sauntering along with his signature swagger.

Soon, he returned to the twenty-third floor—the executive level where Qin Mengxue's office was located. As soon as he arrived, he was stopped by Yu Xiaoxiao, the little assistant.

“Assistant Xue, where did you go just now? Why were you downstairs for so long?” Yu Xiaoxiao asked, her eyes as round and sparkling as grapes.

At first, she’d thought Xue Tian'ai had simply gone downstairs to buy coffee again, as he had the day before. But to her surprise, he’d been gone for over an hour.

The question made Xue Tian'ai break out in a cold sweat. Where had he actually been? If he were to answer honestly, he'd have to say that he’d been kicked out of the office by his wife, Qin Mengxue, for playing games, and then went off to spend an intimate hour with his lover, Gan Bingning—almost getting caught in the act.

“It was just too boring sitting in the office, so I went downstairs to check out the pretty girls,” Xue Tian'ai replied, certainly not foolish enough to tell the truth.

“Did you see any pretty girls?” Yu Xiaoxiao blinked her big eyes and asked again.

“Tut tut, not a single one. I searched everywhere but didn't find anyone as good-looking as you, Miss Yu. What a pity. If I’d known, I would have just stayed upstairs and admired you instead.” Xue Tian'ai chuckled, bent down slightly, and looked at her face.

Yu Xiaoxiao blushed instantly under Xue Tian'ai’s gaze. “Assistant Xue, you’re so annoying, always teasing me.”

“Haha, I just didn't want you to be bored. Thought I'd add a little fun to your day!” With that, Xue Tian'ai made to walk towards Qin Mengxue’s office.

“There’s nothing fun about that!” Yu Xiaoxiao muttered quietly. Seeing him heading for Qin Mengxue’s office, she hurriedly called out, “Assistant Xue, President Qin is having a meeting with President Gan and President Su. Maybe you shouldn’t go in right now.”

“It should be fine. I’m just going back to my office; President Qin shouldn’t mind,” Xue Tian'ai replied, not slowing his pace. He smiled at Yu Xiaoxiao, then pushed open the office door and went in.

Yu Xiaoxiao watched him go, disappointed enough to stamp her foot. She had hoped that, upon hearing there was a meeting inside, Xue Tian'ai would stay out and chat with her a while. But things didn’t go as planned—he simply didn’t care. She couldn’t go into President Qin’s office to drag him out, so she returned to her desk and got back to work.

Inside, however, Xue Tian'ai immediately regretted his decision. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he realized that, upon opening the door, the three women sitting on the sofa all stopped what they were doing and turned to look at him.

Three beautiful faces greeted him, each with a different expression. Qin Mengxue’s brows were tightly furrowed, her face stern—she was clearly annoyed that Xue Tian'ai had walked in without knocking, yet again. Gan Bingning cast him a coquettish glance, her lovely eyes still rippling with affection, though the flush from their previous intimacy had faded. Su Jiaqi, on the other hand, glared at him with the fury of a vengeful spirit—her eyes practically spitting fire. After all, this scoundrel had groped both her chest and her behind—places no man her age had ever touched before! Both her “firsts” had been taken advantage of by this rascal!

Faced with the three women, Xue Tian'ai’s head throbbed. He had completely overlooked the awkwardness of facing them all at once.

“Heh heh, don’t mind me—just pretend I’m not here and keep talking.” Xue Tian'ai grinned and made his way to his desk.

“Xue Tian'ai, wait!” Qin Mengxue called out, her lovely brows still knitted together.

“Yes, President Qin?” Xue Tian'ai stopped and looked at her, puzzled.

Qin Mengxue had intended to warn him not to play games during the meeting, but she could feel Gan Bingning and Su Jiaqi’s eyes on her. If she reminded him now, would it seem too intimate? Would it arouse their suspicions regarding her relationship with Xue Tian'ai?

But if she didn’t say anything, she worried that Xue Tian'ai really would start playing games without regard for the occasion—something entirely in character for him. That would be even worse.

Caught in indecision, Qin Mengxue hesitated, unsure what to do. Seeing her momentarily lost in thought, Xue Tian'ai felt a wave of frustration. What did this woman want? Why call him only to freeze up, especially with others watching?

“President Qin, is there something you’d like? Just say the word—if it’s within my power, I’ll go through fire and water to get it done!” Xue Tian'ai spoke up to ease the awkwardness.

“Oh, right. Since you’re my assistant, I’d like you to sit in on this meeting and share any opinions you might have.” Qin Mengxue regained her composure and changed tack, inviting him to listen in. At least this way, she wouldn’t have to worry about him gaming in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Understood.” Xue Tian'ai nodded and promptly sat down on the sofa beside Qin Mengxue.

But now, Xue Tian'ai’s headache only grew worse. Sitting opposite him were Gan Bingning and Su Jiaqi—Su Jiaqi still brimming with anger, and Gan Bingning casting him flirtatious glances. What made things worse was that this time, it was right in front of his wife. If his affair were exposed here, things would get truly interesting.

So Xue Tian'ai could only make a subtle gesture, pointing at Qin Mengxue beside him and then at the file on the table, signaling to Gan Bingning to rein herself in. Gan Bingning, not being a fool, caught his meaning and restrained her affectionate gaze, though she couldn’t help sneaking sidelong glances at him now and then.

“Where were we?” Qin Mengxue, seeing Xue Tian'ai sitting quietly, breathed a small sigh of relief and prepared to resume the meeting.

“President Qin, we were discussing which construction materials supplier to choose,” Su Jiaqi replied, shooting Xue Tian'ai a venomous glare.

Xue Tian'ai, apparently used to Su Jiaqi’s hostility, paid her little mind and picked up a file from the table to study.

“What are your thoughts? Which supplier do you think is most suitable?” Qin Mengxue asked.

“I think we should go with Tiandi Materials from Anshan City,” Su Jiaqi answered first, then paused before continuing. “Although their quality is a bit lower than Tianming Group’s, their reputation is good, and overall, their price-performance ratio is the best of all the bids we received. So I personally believe they’re the more suitable choice.”

At this, Xue Tian'ai’s expression changed abruptly at the mention of Tianming Group. His face grew serious, but he remained silent, focusing intently on the document he had picked up to cover his reaction.

“Bingning, what do you think?” Qin Mengxue asked, turning to Gan Bingning.

“President Qin, I agree with President Su. I also think Tiandi Materials offers the best value at this time. Besides, Tianming Group’s quote is much higher than before,” Gan Bingning replied.

“Alright, I understand your perspectives.” Qin Mengxue’s brows furrowed as she fell into deep thought. In truth, she had wanted to collaborate with Ye Hairuo of Tianming Group—their materials were the best, and Ye Hairuo had personally visited Menghua Group to discuss the possibility of working together on the Yangda bid. She was still Qin Mengxue’s ideal partner.

But this time, Tianming Group’s quote was much higher than before, making their offer far less competitive.

After a moment’s reflection, Qin Mengxue took a deep breath, ready to speak. But before she could say a word, Xue Tian'ai, who had been silent by her side, suddenly spoke up.

“No, I disagree!”