C97 Its All up to You!

Lin Xuan and Pei Qiuyu had just settled into a cozy fast-food joint when Lin Xuan ordered Qiuyu's favorite burger. He looked at her with concern and said, "Honey, don't stress too much about work. That company's decision not to hire you is their loss, not yours. Honestly, any company that brings someone with your talent on board is bound for success."

Qiuyu let out a sigh. "Sweetheart, you don't need to comfort me. Jobs are hard to come by these days. I guess I'll just have to keep trying my luck."

Lin Xuan pondered for a moment before suggesting, "How about working at Wang Baifa's C Group?"

Qiuyu quickly dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. "That's a massive corporation, and I already owe Director Wang so many favors. I couldn't possibly impose on him again. Plus, it would be so awkward. How would they even find a position for me? No, that's not an option."

Lin Xuan chuckled and offered another idea. "Then why not start your own business, dear? With your skills, I'm confident you'd thrive."

Qiuyu nearly choked on her drink in surprise. "Are you kidding, love? Start my own company?"

He smiled reassuringly. "Absolutely. You've gained so much experience over the years and built a solid network. I have no doubt you can handle it."

Still skeptical, Qiuyu laughed. "But starting a company requires capital—registration funds, start-up, and operating funds. Where am I supposed to find that kind of money?"

"Don't worry about that," Lin Xuan assured her. "I can help figure out the financial side of things."

Qiuyu's expression turned serious. "Honey, I know some big names in the industry might do us a favor, but let's not forget—we have no real connection to the Nine-star General. They only hosted our wedding out of courtesy and offered blessings. No one else might be aware of this, but we are acutely conscious of it."

"And the other tycoons? They're only helping us because of the Nine-star General's influence. If word gets out that we have no actual ties to him, our problems will only multiply!"

Lin Xuan chuckled. "No worries. Your husband here is a Nine-star General, after all."

He then smiled warmly and added, "But, my dear wife, whatever decision you make, you'll have my unconditional support."

Pei Qiuyu nodded in agreement. "I'm thinking, to strike out on my own, I don't need to start a big company. I can start by doing some preliminary design work, drafting, and budgeting for others. None of that requires registered capital."

Lin Xuan concurred, "Alright, I'm behind you all the way. Your husband will always be your rock-solid support!"

"Yes!" Pei Qiuyu nodded eagerly. "Honey, I believe in my abilities. I'll make it on my own and show everyone that I can thrive without the Pei family!"

Deciding to go solo was a significant step for Pei Qiuyu.

The Pei family would surely try to thwart her efforts if they found out she was venturing out alone.

And she'd likely face exclusion from other companies as well.

Going independent in this field was no easy feat.

Yet, Lin Xuan's unwavering support filled Pei Qiuyu with gratitude.

In such moments, having a loving man stand by her side, offering unconditional support, was a profound source of happiness.

Pei Qiuyu was confident that even if the whole world turned against her, Lin Xuan would remain steadfastly by her side.

Feeling encouraged and supported by Lin Xuan, she felt a lump in her throat and her eyes brimmed with tears.

Just then, Pei Qiuyu's phone rang.

After answering, she informed Lin Xuan, "That was H Corporation. I sent them my resume, and they've invited me for a meeting. I need to rush over."

"Another interview?" Lin Xuan inquired.

"Even as an independent, I need to secure projects. Networking with more companies can only help," Pei Qiuyu explained.

She quickly finished her burger, stood up, grabbed her bag, and said, "I'm off. You can catch a cab home later."

With that, she hurried out of the fast-food joint.

Lin Xuan, concerned for Pei Qiuyu's well-being and fearing another mishap, discreetly followed her.

At the bustling business plaza in A City, Lin Xuan was seated in a milk tea shop, just a stone's throw away from the coffee shop's expansive French windows. His gaze was fixed on Pei Qiuyu, who was standing with her back to him, engaged in conversation with a portly man clad in a sharp suit. She was discussing her resume with him, but it was clear the man's attention was elsewhere—ogling her chest and her slender, pale thighs.

He even made several attempts to graze her hand as she passed him documents, but Qiuyu deftly withdrew her hand each time.

Witnessing this, Lin Xuan's grip on his milk tea cup tightened, nearly shattering it.

The nerve of that man, trying to take liberties with his wife!

With a surge of anger, he shot up from his seat and strode out of the milk tea shop with purpose.

Meanwhile, Qiuyu, doing her best to hide her discomfort, mustered a smile and addressed the man across from her. "Director Zhang, here's the proposal I've prepared, along with my terms. If you think I'm a suitable candidate, perhaps we could start with a one-month trial period."

The man, feigning concern, responded, "Miss Pei, I'm somewhat familiar with your work capabilities. However, our company is currently facing operational challenges, and we're in the midst of downsizing our HR department."

"I do appreciate your talents, but I must admit, this is a tricky situation."

Qiuyu's heart sank. After all her effort, his response was noncommittal, leaving her to wonder about his true intentions.

Noticing her crestfallen look, the man offered a sly smile. "Actually, there might be a solution. After all, where there's a will, there's a way. I still call the shots at the company, and I'm quite impressed with your skills."

"How about this? Let's have dinner tonight at the Huayuan Hotel to discuss this further. What do you say?"

Qiuyu hesitated, "Director Zhang, I'm not sure that's appropriate."

For a married woman to dine alone with another man in the evening—regardless of the circumstances, such a scenario would not bode well for her reputation.

Unfazed, the man chuckled, "Oh, Miss Pei, you're overthinking it. How can I fully assess your potential without getting to know you better? Right?"

"It's a date then. See you tonight, okay?"

After saying this, he rose to his feet, ready to shake hands with Pei Qiuyu, his eyes briefly betraying a glint of lechery.

A stunning woman like her seeking him out—how could he possibly resist?

If Pei Qiuyu came to him tonight, he was confident he'd find a way to seduce her.

And if seduction failed, he had other means—slipping something into her drink, for instance. Regardless, he was determined to thoroughly enjoy Pei Qiuyu's company this evening.