Chapter 16

Lin Koukou looked at him: “Didn’t you just say you were going to buy lottery tickets? Might as well grab me a pack while you’re at it, no big deal, right?”

Yuan Zengxi: “…”

No, I just want to know what’s with this “Daddy” self-reference!

His mind went completely blank for a good while before suddenly recalling that dinner table gossip he’d heard about Lin Koukou’s early career—

Rumor had it that during her first two years in the industry, when she was just beginning to show her edge and wasn’t yet famous, her aggressive style had led her to snatch three million-level deals from a fellow headhunter in quick succession.

Not long after, they crossed paths at an industry salon.

The headhunter who’d lost the deals recognized her and, with clear hostility, got into a verbal altercation. No one knows exactly what was said, but the headhunter ended up throwing a glass of red wine at Lin Koukou.

It wasn’t much wine.

Lin Koukou only got a few splashes on her clothes and cheek.

The situation wasn’t serious, but the act carried strong insulting implications. Everyone present froze, bracing themselves to intervene in what seemed like an imminent fight.

Unexpectedly, Lin Koukou remained perfectly calm.

In front of everyone, she smiled casually, picked up a napkin to wipe the wine from her cheek, and said leisurely to her aggressor: “Don’t be mad, dear son. Even if you work hard for another ten years, you still won’t catch up to Daddy here even if I closed deals with my feet.”

No one remembers how that headhunter reacted, but Lin Koukou’s retort spread throughout the entire Headhunter Circle through eyewitness accounts.

Soon after, that headhunter left the industry entirely, disappearing from public view.

Meanwhile, Lin Koukou surged ahead, quickly establishing herself as a rising star. Within two years she joined Direction, soon reaching the peak of her career.

But what had she said at that dinner when asked about it?

“Ahem, that was all in my younger days. I wouldn’t dare say such things now…”

Her expression then had been so mild and humble—completely different from the person before him now!

Yuan Zengxi’s mouth twitched at the memory: Humble my ass!

Seeing him still unmoved, Lin Koukou asked: “Not going?”

Yuan Zengxi said: “Can you really win this deal back?”

Lin Koukou smiled: “What do you think?”

Yuan Zengxi studied her for a moment before wordlessly turning to run to the convenience store for cigarettes.

He returned shortly.

Lin Koukou had waited outside. Taking the cigarettes from him, she expertly opened the pack, placed one between her lips, and lit it with a lighter.

The smooth motions betrayed her as a seasoned smoker.

Yuan Zengxi asked: “What’s your plan?”

Lin Koukou said: “Simple. Since Su Ying is blind to talent and won’t work with us, we’ll go straight to her boss.”

Yuan Zengxi was stunned.

Bypass-level cooperation? Said so casually! If a director-level like Su Ying wouldn’t give them the time of day, how could Jiang Shangbai’s CEO possibly favor them?

This was too…

After a long pause, he finally found his voice. But instead of questioning whether it was possible, he asked: “How do we find him?”

Lin Koukou gave him an appreciative look, pleased he wasn’t challenging her decision. “We still have Wang Liang, don’t we?”

Yuan Zengxi’s eyes widened: “That’s his boss we’re talking about. Would he dare?”

Lin Koukou said: “You think he wouldn’t?”

Yuan Zengxi thought for a moment and quickly adjusted his stance: “No, Consultant Lin is wise. Making the best use of everything and everyone—we helped him keep his job, so it’s time for him to repay us.”

46th floor, Tianxing Tower, Compass Headhunting.

Cheng Ji had specifically called Gu Xiangdong into his office today.

Gu Xiangdong had been with Direction for quite some time. In his thirties, his seniority was no less than He Chuang’s, and he had also worked under Lin Koukou early on. However, when Lin Koukou was around, she favored He Chuang more, leaving Gu Xiangdong feeling underappreciated and resentful.

So when Direction was acquired and Lin Koukou led the resistance, Gu Xiangdong seized the opportunity to betray her.

As one of her key subordinates, Gu Xiangdong controlled many clients and resources.

The main reason Direction dared to fire Lin Koukou back then was largely due to Gu Xiangdong. His defection allowed the company to retain its core business performance.

Afterward, Cheng Ji naturally promoted him to director. Gu Xiangdong obeyed his every command, giving Cheng Ji a long-missed sense of power and satisfaction.

However…

There was still a thorn in the company’s side.

Thinking back to the incident at the restaurant that day, Cheng Ji couldn’t help but fume: “Just because his performance is good enough, the group can’t bear to fire him. Now he dares to put on airs in front of me.”

Gu Xiangdong also harbored deep hatred for He Chuang.

When Lin Koukou was around, he resented He Chuang for getting more than he did. Unexpectedly, even after Lin Koukou left, He Chuang stayed behind, deliberately making things difficult for them and opposing them at every turn.

Gu Xiangdong said, “Don’t worry, I’m already tightening our grip on the business side. As long as we can take him down, the group won’t shield him if it doesn’t affect operations. I just closed a three-million-yuan deal with a solid ninety-thousand-yuan return. I’ll personally ensure he’s crushed this month.”

Cheng Ji replied, “I’ve always believed in you. When that woman Lin Koukou was here, she favored He Chuang at every turn, and I always thought you were underrated. But back then, I had no say in business matters. You’ve suffered all these years. Now is the time to prove your ability.”

Gu Xiangdong hurriedly expressed his loyalty: “It’s all thanks to your promotion that I’ve had the chance to prove myself. Any achievements I make are only possible under your leadership, Director Cheng.”

The flattery was soothing.

Cheng Ji couldn’t help but pat Gu Xiangdong on the shoulder and laugh heartily. “Good, I knew I wasn’t wrong about you.”

After their conversation, the two stepped out of the office.

But who would have thought they’d run straight into someone coming down the hallway?

Gu Xiangdong’s expression darkened the moment he saw who it was.

None other than He Chuang—the very person they had just been plotting against behind closed doors.

His features were cold, his demeanor aloof.

With Lin Koukou gone, He Chuang had taken charge. His sharp edges, already unmistakable, hadn’t softened but had instead been honed even finer, making anyone who glimpsed him from afar feel as though they might be cut.

In comparison, Cheng Ji and Gu Xiangdong couldn’t help but seem lacking in presence.

He Chuang saw them but neither greeted them nor paused, walking past without hesitation.

Gu Xiangdong couldn’t resist muttering under his breath, “A grasshopper after autumn!”

Suddenly, He Chuang stopped in his tracks. “Director Gu.”

Gu Xiangdong thought he was about to curse him out.

But He Chuang turned around and unexpectedly asked, “Are you handling the Jiang Shangbai Liquor account?”

Gu Xiangdong froze for a moment.

It was just an ordinary question, yet at that instant, a chill ran down his spine.

This shouldn’t be happening.

He had only just taken on this account today, having just finalized the exclusive agreement over a phone call. Even his own subordinates might not be fully aware of it yet.

How did He Chuang know?

Gu Xiangdong grew wary, his expression filled with deep apprehension and even a hint of anger. “Are you trying to snatch it again?”

He Chuang suddenly laughed.

His features were naturally refined, and when he smiled, there was an almost youthful charm to him. The earlier coldness and sharpness seemed like an illusion as he cheerfully said, “That really is a great account. Congratulations.”

Congratulations?

After saying this, he left. But Gu Xiangdong remained standing there, an inexplicable sense of dread creeping into his heart.

Crossroads, Sun Kecheng’s office.

It was already past four in the afternoon. The weather wasn’t great today—gray and gloomy outside—and Sun Kecheng’s mood mirrored it, weighed down by frustration.

Pei Shu had been loitering in his office for a full two hours.

Standing by the sofa, he held a deck of cards and flicked them one by one toward the trash bin by the window. About three out of ten made it in; the rest landed outside.

His aim was embarrassingly bad.

Sun Kecheng had been watching him for a while and felt exhausted. “For heaven’s sake, are you really this free today? Don’t you have any cases to work on?”

Please, just leave my office already.

If you’re not working, at least let me handle my own tasks.

Pei Shu seemed to hear his silent plea but didn’t turn around, merely replying, “Cases? Nope. Your work isn’t urgent or important, so what’s the harm in me staying a little longer?”

Sun Kecheng was on the verge of losing it. “Didn’t you just take on the COO search for Huayang Pharmaceuticals a few days ago?”

Pei Shu scoffed. “Boring.”

Sun Kecheng pressed, “What about the entire operations department recruitment for Risheng Group?”

Pei Shu shrugged. “Too easy.”

Boring? Won’t do. Too easy? Won’t do either. Do you want to ascend to the heavens?

If he had a pillow on hand, Sun Kecheng would’ve smothered him right then.

Suddenly, he thought of something. “What about Hedong Heavy Industries? They’re looking for a few senior engineers. It’s a field we haven’t touched before—definitely interesting!”

Pei Shu finally stopped and glanced back at him.

Sun Kecheng dared to hope.

But Pei Shu coldly retorted, “For that measly fee? Just toss it to Meng Zhixing. Not worth my time.”

Sun Kecheng: “…”

World, just end already!

Pei Shu couldn’t even be bothered to humor him further and picked up the remaining cards to resume his flicking.

Sun Kecheng wanted to walk out.

Unexpectedly, after tossing one more card, Pei Shu suddenly paused and looked outside.

Surprised, Sun Kecheng followed his gaze.

Lin Koukou had returned.

She walked in with Yuan Zengxi, her expression indifferent, seemingly lost in thought as she headed toward her office. Her path took her right past their door.

Pei Shu’s eyes flickered, and he walked over, tapping twice on the glass wall.

*Knock knock.*

Lin Koukou heard it and glanced at him but showed no intention of engaging, continuing on her way.

*Knock knock.* Pei Shu tapped again.

Annoyed, Lin Koukou strode over and pushed open the office door. “What do you want?”

Pei Shu studied her expression: “You went to Jiang Shangbai’s side. Didn’t go well?”

Lin Koukou heard this and walked away immediately: “Whether it went well or not has nothing to do with you.”

Pei Shu raised an eyebrow, lost in thought.

Sun Kecheng, sitting on the sofa, saw his smile and suddenly felt he understood something: Damn, no wonder he wasn’t interested in any deals. You’re clearly eyeing the deal someone else is working on.

He looked at Pei Shu with a complicated gaze, his eyes full of unspoken thoughts.

Yet Pei Shu, unusually, didn’t notice his expression.

Lin Koukou didn’t deny it, which meant it hadn’t gone well. If she wouldn’t say, did he not have other ways to find out?

He chuckled and called out directly: “Yuan Zengxi, come in here.”