Chapter 15: What to do? I want to sponsor Lu Yi  

Lin Zhizhi and Lu Yi planned to part ways with the others at the entrance of the Atrium later.  

Just as the group reached the front desk in the lobby, a sudden exclamation of “Ah!” rang out.  

Lin Zhizhi looked over and saw that Song Nuan had bumped into a young man dressed in a suit.  

The young man had a very good attitude. Realizing that he had accidentally collided with someone, he immediately apologized and stayed to check if she was alright.  

“I’m so sorry, miss. It was entirely my fault for not paying attention.”  

When Lin Zhizhi glanced over, her eyes happened to meet the young man’s. His expression, initially filled with apology, suddenly lit up upon seeing her.  

If she wasn’t mistaken, that was a look of surprise and delight?  

The next moment, the young man quickly stepped forward, stopping just two or three steps away from Lin Zhizhi. As he approached, he even adjusted his suit before coming to a halt. He clasped his hands in front of him and bowed slightly.  

“President Lin, good day!”  

Lin Zhizhi was momentarily taken aback by his series of actions. After a brief pause, she regained her composure and smiled.  

“Hello. And you are?”  

There was no need to think too hard about it—only an employee of Lin Group would address her as President Lin. If he recognized her, he must have remembered her from the day she toured the employee area.  

Sure enough, upon hearing her question, the young man realized he had yet to introduce himself. He hurriedly said: “President Lin, I am an employee of the Marketing Department. Our department is having a gathering here today. I was just at the front desk signing the bill.”  

Lin Zhizhi suddenly recalled that the Atrium was indeed part of the Lin family’s business. Moreover, the employee benefits of Lin Group were quite generous. If a department or team managed to secure a major deal and brought in substantial revenue for the company, they would be rewarded with a complimentary feast at the Atrium.

Additionally, Lin Group employees could enjoy free or discounted meals at the Atrium simply by signing the bill under their employee status.  

After all, the cost of a meal for two at the Atrium was equivalent to two or three months’ salary for an average household, let alone the expenses of a large group gathering.  

Lin Zhizhi also took note that this employee mentioned he was from the Marketing Department. Wasn’t that Liu—the head of the Marketing Department?  

So, was this party organized by him?

Lin Zhizhi kept pondering in her heart, but her expression remained calm and composed. She continued to smile slightly, maintaining the appearance of an approachable and considerate boss who simply cared about her employees.  

“Oh? You’re from the Marketing Department? Did everyone from your department come?”  

The employee hurriedly replied: “Yes, President Lin. Our entire department is here, and our Section Chief is also present.”  

At that moment, Lin Zhizhi could only chuckle inwardly. Section Chief Liu really had some nerve. If she hadn’t coincidentally seen him walking with the masked man and found it suspicious enough to follow them, she never would have suspected that Section Chief Liu was biting the hand that fed him.  

She couldn’t tell whether Section Chief Liu was a sly and cunning old fox who remained vigilant while engaging in shady dealings — using the department party as cover — or if he was just an extraordinarily stingy person.

Even while conspiring against Lin Group, he still couldn’t resist taking advantage of the company’s resources by choosing the Atrium, which belonged to Lin Group.  

The employee seemed to want to continue speaking. Lin Zhizhi noticed him open his mouth slightly, but before he could utter a word, he suddenly pointed behind her.  

“President Lin, our Chief and the rest of the department are here.”  

Following the direction of his finger, Lin Zhizhi saw Section Chief Liu walking at the front of a group of around twenty men and women. Surrounded by the crowd, he strutted forward with an air of importance, appearing quite proud and imposing.  

At that moment, Section Chief Liu also caught sight of her. He immediately jogged toward her, his beer belly bouncing with every step. His short legs moved with a wheezing effort, creating an oddly amusing sight.  

Ah, truly, one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.  

Section Chief Liu panted slightly as he greeted her with a cheerful smile. “President Lin! What a coincidence! I was just thinking that our department has been working hard for quite some time, so I brought everyone here to the Atrium for a meal. I never expected to run into you! Are you here dining with friends as well?”  

As he spoke, Section Chief Liu cast a glance at Lin Zhizhi’s classmates standing nearby.  

Seeing how Section Chief Liu acted as if nothing had happened, Lin Zhizhi immediately knew he was an old fox. Without solid and direct evidence, he would never admit to anything.  

She had no intention of confronting him right now, either. With a smile, she replied: “Well, what a coincidence indeed. We were just about to leave. I didn’t expect to run into you here, Section Chief Liu.”  

Section Chief Liu chuckled and nodded enthusiastically in response.

After exchanging a few more words with Section Chief Liu, Lin Zhizhi casually dismissed him.  

“Alright then, Section Chief Liu, you can head back now. My classmates are still waiting for me.”  

“Alright, alright! We’ll head off now, President Lin.”  

The other employees chimed in as well. “Goodbye, President Lin.”  

They then followed Section Chief Liu and walked away.  

Lin Zhizhi glanced briefly at the backs of the departing employees before turning to the members of the student council who had been waiting patiently nearby. She smiled and said: “Sorry, everyone, for holding you up. Since we’re all here to have fun, enjoy yourselves — it’s on me tonight.”  

After saying that, she turned to Zhang Yi. “Senior, I won’t be joining you later. Could I trouble you to let me know the total amount? I’ll transfer it to you directly.”  

Zhang Yi readily agreed. “Alright, no problem. We should be the ones thanking you!”  

The others quickly followed suit, expressing their gratitude.  

Smiles lit up everyone’s faces as they voiced their thanks. After all, they had all witnessed what had just happened and now realized that Lin Zhizhi’s background was anything but ordinary.  

No matter what they truly thought deep down, everyone maintained a friendly and harmonious front.  

Lin Zhizhi didn’t care about what they thought. The only thing she cared about was Lu Yi’s opinion.  

Throughout the entire exchange, Lu Yi had stood quietly beside her without saying a word.  

Lin Zhizhi couldn’t help but wonder if the sudden exposure of her wealth and status might put pressure on Lu Yi, who was still in the early stages of his startup. The thought lingered in her mind as she unconsciously turned to look at him.  

When Lu Yi noticed Lin Zhizhi looking at him cautiously, with a hint of vulnerability, he was momentarily puzzled.

However, it didn’t take long for him to figure out what she was probably thinking. He let out a helpless smile.  

“What on earth is this girl thinking about all the time? Does she really think I’m that fragile?”  

Lu Yi reached out and took Lin Zhizhi’s hand, gently pulling her forward.  

“Alright, let’s go. Weren’t you saying you were sleepy earlier?”  

Lin Zhizhi looked at Lu Yi’s handsome and charming face.  

She couldn’t help but wonder… what to do? She kind of wanted to sponsor Lu Yi.