Chapter 21: Yuan Kai's Order

Upon arriving at Li Guoqiang’s office, he invited Chen Xiao and his assistant to sit down while he went to retrieve the financial reports. He felt it necessary to show Chen Xiao the company’s financial status to instill confidence in his ability to repay the debt.

No sooner had Li left than a knock at the door signaled someone entering.

"Huh? Why is it you again? I told you yesterday there was no opportunity for cooperation. Are you here to pester President Li again today?"

The person who walked in was none other than Vice President Yang Ming.

Chen Xiao looked at him with a smile. Today, he was here as the landlord—the power dynamic had completely shifted. He toyed with the idea of showing his hand and blowing his cover.

"Let me tell you, it’s useless to go to anyone. When I say there’s no cooperation, there’s no cooperation. Don’t waste your time here."

Yang Ming was still fuming over the sight of Chen Xiao dining with Xu Wu, including the deliberate displays of intimacy he had witnessed at the office. He had been longing for Xu Wu for a long time, yet he hadn’t even managed to have a single meal with her. Seeing this kid out with her—dining together, walking hand in hand—made his blood boil. He was determined to give him a hard time; from now on, any business that Zhongjian took on would ensure that Dr. Feng Robotics was persona non grata.

"President Yang seems to be chasing people away," Chen Xiao said with a meaningful smile.

"Just get going already! Let’s not waste each other’s time!"

"Fine! Ma Jing, let’s go."

As he watched Chen Xiao leave without a backward glance, Yang Ming cursed under his breath, "Good riddance."

A short while later, Li Guoqiang returned with a stack of reports, only to find Chen Xiao gone and Yang Ming sitting in the chair opposite his desk, waiting for him.

"Where is President Chen?" Li asked.

President Chen? Yang Ming didn’t react at first. When he finally understood, he scoffed, "Boss, are you talking about that idiot salesman from Dr. Feng Robotics?"

"What doctor, what postdoc? I’m talking about President Chen Xiao!"

*Damn, he really knows how to inflate his own status,* Yang Ming thought. His first reaction was that Chen Xiao had lied about his identity—otherwise, how would he have the credentials to meet the General Manager? No wonder he brought an assistant along to keep up appearances.

He had to expose him. Yang Ming sneered, "President Chen my foot! He’s just a damn fool of a salesman!"

Li Guoqiang frowned as he listened to Yang Ming’s explanation, which was filled with added malice regarding Chen Xiao’s visit the previous day.

Once he understood the full picture, Li Guoqiang realized what was happening. It was indisputable that Chen Xiao was the landlord; he simply happened to be moonlighting as a salesman for Dr. Feng Robotics. It was a strange world indeed—someone so wealthy playing the role of a salesman just to experience life.

"Where is President Chen now?"

Yang Ming, surprised his boss was still calling him "President," replied, "That idiot? I chased him off!"

What? It was as if a thunderbolt had struck him. Li Guoqiang’s face turned crimson instantly.

"You... chased... him... away?" he asked, enunciating each word as if they were made of lead.

Unaware of why his boss was so agitated, Yang Ming nodded.

"Yang Ming, you absolute moron! Go get President Chen back here immediately. If you can’t bring him back, don’t bother returning—just hand in your resignation!"

Of course, he couldn't catch him; Chen Xiao had left ten minutes ago. Li Guoqiang didn't have time to explain the situation to Yang Ming, who was left completely bewildered, unable to fathom why his boss held Chen Xiao in such high regard.

"This is your last chance. Contact Dr. Feng Robotics immediately. We are going to their office to offer a formal apology! Bring every order we have that relates to Dr. Feng, and make sure you earn their forgiveness. Otherwise, pack your things and get out!"

The only reason he needed to contact Dr. Feng Robotics was that Li Guoqiang hadn't had the time to exchange contact information with Chen Xiao, and Yang Ming had thrown his business card in the trash the day before.

"Understood, boss. I have other matters to report to you—"

"Get out! Until this is resolved, drop everything else! Damn it, you incompetent fool!"

Red-faced, Yang Ming returned to his office to frantically organize the orders and make the appointment.

"Brother Chen Xiao, what just happened?" Ma Jing asked from the passenger seat.

"Nothing. They’ll come looking for us." Even if they didn't, it was fine; he would just have to focus on paying back the money. After all, two million in rent wasn't something to sneeze at.

***

That afternoon, at Dr. Feng Robotics Co., Ltd.

Chen Xiao was sitting in the corner playing League of Legends, while Ma Jing studied company documents, casting occasional glances at Chen Xiao. She hadn't expected him to be so "focused" when working.

Yuan Kai received a phone call, and when he returned, he seemed like a different person. He hurried to Feng Feifei’s office.

"President Feng, I’ve secured an order! It’s estimated to be worth 6 million. The head of the company is coming in person tomorrow to finalize the details!"

Feng Feifei was surprised. Had business suddenly become this easy? But she didn't doubt it, given that Yuan Kai was a veteran in the industry.

"Which company is it? Since their General Manager is coming, we should prepare for the reception."

"Zhongjian Equipment Co., Ltd. They are one of the larger general contractors in Jiangzhou."

She knew the company; they had been in contact for a long time but had never successfully collaborated. She hadn't expected Yuan Kai to land this deal. With Chen Xiao having just closed a 6-million-yuan deal and now this, it was a double blessing in just a few days!

Feng Feifei was thrilled. "Manager Yuan, you are in full charge of the reception. I will assist you!"

Soon, every department in the company was mobilized under Yuan Kai's direction.

"Receptionists, listen, when the guests arrive tomorrow, you need to greet them like this..."

"Admin, make sure the lunch for tomorrow is booked. Select the menu and show it to me..."

"HR, we don't have enough staff for the reception tomorrow; pull people from other departments to help!"

"IT, ensure the conference room equipment doesn't fail tomorrow..."

"Ma Jing..." He paused, then added, "Chen Xiao, never mind. Don't show up tomorrow. Just go out and do your sales work." He had intended to order him around, but decided it was better not to let him near such a major client.

The staff were all confused, but they knew a VIP was coming. Later, Yuan Kai "accidentally" let it slip that he had landed a massive order. Well, well, he was a hero now.

They didn't look at the deals Chen Xiao had brought in; now, President Feng was praising Yuan Kai to the skies. His flaws had become virtues, and his freckles were now "sunspots."

"Unbelievable! The company is about to take off. We've landed over 10 million in orders in just a few days. I heard we didn't even have that much all of last year!"

"The tide has turned! With sales elites like Manager Yuan and Chen Xiao, we’ll be getting promotions and raises before we know it!"

"I heard Manager Yuan’s deal is 6 million, and their boss is coming in person. The prestige is on another level; Chen Xiao can't compare!"

"That’s why Yuan is the manager and Chen Xiao is just a salesman. There’s still a gap in their skill levels!"

Yuan Kai spent the afternoon making the rounds to various departments, reaping a harvest of praise.

"Manager Yuan, you're amazing! The company's growth depends on you!"

"Manager Yuan, I bet you'll be promoted to Director soon for such a huge contribution!"

Having received so much adulation for the first time, he felt like he was walking on air.