This middle-aged man had a natural familiarity and slickness, unaware that once the acquisition was complete, Pei Shi’s first move would be to cut more than half of the executives, with Zhang Zhixing being the first to go.

“No need. She’s just a junior assistant. She can make her own arrangements.”

This wasn’t a high-end gathering, and Pei Shi didn’t want Bai Tao involved. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. As soon as he stepped out of the company and walked downstairs, Bai Tao, sitting by the glass window of the café, sensed him. Biting her straw, she looked out the window. When she saw Pei Shi, she broke into a radiant smile and waved childishly at him.

Pei Shi had no time to stop her before she put down her coffee, bounced out like a rabbit, and ran up to him like the wind.

Zhang Zhixing glanced at Pei Shi, then at Bai Tao, his eyes clearly drawn to her face. It wasn’t until Pei Shi showed obvious displeasure that the middle-aged man reluctantly looked away, though his gaze towards Pei Shi became more nuanced.

“President Pei, you have quite the sharp eye,” he laughed. He reached out to pat Pei Shi on the shoulder, but Pei Shi avoided it. Unbothered, Zhang Zhixing glanced at Bai Tao again and praised Pei Shi, “President Pei, you’re truly young and capable. You have an eye for our company’s most promising business line and also for hiring assistants with great potential…”

“But since we’ve run into each other, let’s all have dinner together. President Pei, you wouldn’t be so stingy, right? How much can a junior assistant eat anyway?” He turned to Bai Tao with a smile, “Young lady, join us. If your boss doesn’t treat you, Brother Zhang will.”

Pei Shi initially wanted Bai Tao to leave, but then reconsidered. Bai Tao was unfamiliar with the area, and her standout appearance coupled with her sheltered upbringing and lack of life experience made him think it was safer to keep her by his side. Though Zhang Zhixing was annoying, Pei Shi could control the duration of the dinner and leave early with Bai Tao, so he didn’t refute Zhang Zhixing and they all headed to the restaurant.

Zhang Zhixing, aware of Pei Shi’s background, started off restrained, offering a tentative toast, “President Pei, give me some face, have a drink with me!”

However, Pei Shi coldly refused, “I don’t drink.”

Zhang Zhixing laughed awkwardly, wary of Pei Shi’s status, and didn’t press further, instead targeting Yuan Mu, who ended up drinking a lot.

As the alcohol flowed, Zhang Zhixing became more talkative, and his bad table manners began to show. Whether truly drunk or just pretending, he refrained from offending Pei Shi directly but started making greasy jokes. Pei Shi, uninterested in continuing, suggested ending the dinner.

Unfortunately, emboldened by the alcohol, Zhang Zhixing wouldn’t let it go, “President Pei, if you won’t drink, let your little assistant drink with me! Just one drink and we’ll call it a night!”

“She doesn’t drink either.”

Feeling slighted by Pei Shi’s refusal, Zhang Zhixing, pretending to be drunk, began causing a scene, “President Pei, if you won’t drink, what’s the point of bringing an assistant? Are you just tired? I can have someone take you back to the hotel. The young lady looks like she hasn’t eaten much. We have the best late-night snacks here.” He then turned to Bai Tao, eyes gleaming, “Young lady, let me take you for some crayfish, they’re delicious!”

Bai Tao saw Pei Shi’s face darken, ready to erupt. He clearly couldn’t tolerate someone else flirting with her. Sensing the brewing conflict, Bai Tao decided to de-escalate. After all, Yuan Mu had mentioned on the plane that this acquisition was crucial for Pei Shi, and other companies were also vying for it. Losing this opportunity could significantly impact their business.

Before Pei Shi could react, Bai Tao stood up, “I’ll drink with Mr. Zhang! Here’s to a successful cooperation!”

However, just as Zhang Zhixing was about to hand her the glass, a slender, well-defined hand intercepted it.

“I’ll drink on her behalf.” Pei Shi’s voice carried a hint of anger, cold and authoritative, “After this drink, the dinner is over. Mr. Zhang, you’re drunk and should go home and sober up to avoid saying anything inappropriate.”

Pei Shi smiled thinly, his tone polite yet icy, “After all, our acquisition agreement isn’t signed yet. I’d hate to hear any of your company’s trade secrets while you’re drunk.”

With that, Pei Shi downed the glass of wine in one go and didn’t say another word. He even skipped the usual pleasantries. Zhang Zhixing, momentarily stunned, glanced between Bai Tao and Pei Shi, then quickly found a way to back down gracefully, uttering some platitudes before the group dispersed.

Pei Shi remained composed and unruffled until they got into the car. Once inside, his demeanor changed. 

“Drive faster.”

Bai Tao, seeing his irritation for the first time, watched as he roughly loosened his collar and tie, clearly annoyed.

Yuan Mu had mentioned that Pei Shi never drank during business dinners.

As soon as they arrived at the hotel, Pei Shi handed Bai Tao over to Sun Jing and went straight to his room without a word.

After such a day, Bai Tao was exhausted. But after a shower, she worried about Pei Shi next door.

Although it was just one drink, he had looked miserable, showing uncharacteristic agitation in the car. Was he alcohol intolerant? And was it that severe?

Remembering how Pei Shi protected her from both the dog and the alcohol today, Bai Tao felt it was only right to check on him and return the favor.

However, as soon as she reached his room, she noticed the door was ajar, and she heard a woman’s voice inside—

“President Pei, let me accompany you tonight. Don’t worry, Mr. Zhang has already told me that you can do whatever you want…”

The woman’s voice was thick and sultry, laden with heavy insinuation.

Bai Tao’s heart leapt into her throat. Was this the infamous “casting couch” scenario? Zhang Zhixing, that scoundrel, had actually arranged for a woman to be with Pei Shi?

Immediately, she felt a surge of energy, rolled up her sleeves, and was ready to rush in and chase away this intruding mistress. Her heart pounded rapidly, her chest felt tight, and she couldn’t explain why. She was filled with anxiety and fear, as if lingering outside the door for even a second longer would lead to a reaction from Pei Shi that would shatter all illusions…