Chapter 35: Shen Manli Joins the Company

"Ding-dong! One million has been credited to your Alipay account."

The sudden notification of a massive deposit made Bai Yu’s eyes widen in shock.

"Are you serious? Why are you sending me so much money? Take it back; I can't accept this. It’s too formal between us." Bai Yu frowned, and immediately, she initiated a refund for the transfer.

"Do you think it's not enough?" Lu Qiqi was a bit confused, completely misinterpreting Bai Yu’s intentions.

Upon receiving the notification that the money had been returned, Lu Qiqi promptly sent another million, totaling two million with a casual wave of her hand.

"My goodness! Have you lost your mind?" Bai Yu felt a throbbing headache coming on. "Given our relationship, there’s no need for cold hard cash. I promised to help you, but I cannot take your money."

Bai Yu insisted on refusing, but just as she was about to send it back again, Lu Qiqi blocked the attempt. "This is the payment you deserve; don't give it back!" Lu Qiqi’s tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

"You are just too extravagant!" Bai Yu sighed helplessly. She hadn't wanted to accept it, but she couldn't withstand her best friend’s enthusiasm and persistence, so she reluctantly agreed. "Fine, since I’ve taken your money, leave it to me. I will investigate this for you thoroughly."

"I’ll go get started on it right now." Bai Yu gave her word, promising to get to the bottom of the matter.

"Thank you!" Lu Qiqi felt genuinely grateful; having Bai Yu on the case helped ease her mind significantly.

The two chatted idly until a knock at the door prompted Lu Qiqi to put her phone away.

"Come in!"

"Why are you here?"

Lu Qiqi looked up and saw that the visitor was Shen Manli. A flicker of disgust crossed her eyes the moment she saw that face. Shen Manli had dressed up specifically for the occasion and walked in with a thick-skinned smile. As she entered, the office was instantly filled with the sweet aroma of coffee.

"Qiqi, you’ve been working so hard; you must be exhausted, right?" Shen Manli said with a sugary, ingratiating smile. "Try the cappuccino I just learned to make. No milk, no sugar—just the way you like it. I’m sure you’ll love it."

"What are you doing?" Lu Qiqi frowned at the coffee held out in Shen Manli's hand. Could there be something wrong with this cup?

"I just heard you’ve been so busy lately, so I wanted to help you perk up. I brewed this myself; you simply must have a taste." Shen Manli offered a faint, kindly smile.

Lu Qiqi’s expression remained skeptical; she clearly didn't believe Shen Manli was capable of such kindness. Ever since she found out about the shady connection between Shen Manli and Si Qinyu, she had lost all favor for her.

"Speak, what did you come to see me for?" Lu Qiqi couldn't be bothered with guessing games and went straight to the point. Her tone held a hint of impatience, which Shen Manli noticed but chose to ignore.

"Qiqi, there is something I want to talk to you about."

Hearing this, Lu Qiqi had a bad feeling; Shen Manli’s intentions were definitely not that simple. On the surface, however, Lu Qiqi had to pretend to be cordial. "Tell me, what is it?"

"I heard the company has a new project, and since I don't have much on my plate right now, could you let me be in charge of it?" Shen Manli finally revealed her true objective.

"This..." Lu Qiqi, fully aware of her goal, feigned a look of hesitation.

Shen Manli curled her lips into a smile and whispered, "I’ve been a secretary for so long without any real accomplishments. I just want to see if I can complete a project on my own this time."

Hearing this, Lu Qiqi raised an eyebrow, shook her head, and sighed, "This project already has someone in charge. I’m afraid I can’t hand it over to you." She leaned back slightly, testing her.

Shen Manli furrowed her brows, her words laced with a sense of urgency. "Ranran, then could you let me join the team? I really just want to learn." Thinking of the task she had been assigned by someone else, she grew increasingly anxious. Fearing that Lu Qiqi might refuse, she desperately tried to prove herself: "I am very hardworking, Qiqi. If you just agree to let me stay, I’ll do anything."

After a moment of thought, Lu Qiqi finally relented. "Fine, you can be in charge of this matter!" It would be better to keep Shen Manli close than to have her working against her from the shadows. She wanted to see exactly what Shen Manli was up to.

"That’s wonderful!" Shen Manli clapped her hands in excitement.

"Qiqi, what position will I be assigned for this project?"

"It’s not clear yet. What position do you want?" Lu Qiqi asked with a calm expression.

Shen Manli deliberately replied, "Anything as long as I can learn."

"Then try being the lead for now." In an unprecedented move, Lu Qiqi appointed Shen Manli as her secretary, acting as if she were being incredibly generous to her. Shen Manli hadn't expected things to go so smoothly; Lu Qiqi’s acting was so convincing that it successfully fooled her.

"Are you sure it’s appropriate to give me such a high position?" Shen Manli asked, genuinely surprised.

Lu Qiqi feigned a smile, indicating her recognition of Shen Manli’s capabilities: "You are so talented; you deserve it." Lu Qiqi heaped praise upon her, making Shen Manli so excited she nearly lost her head.

"Qiqi, I will work hard! I won't let you down!" Shen Manli excitedly grabbed Lu Qiqi’s hand, thanking her with a beaming smile. However, a malicious thought crossed her mind; since this woman had delivered herself on a silver platter, she had no one to blame but herself.

A sinister glint flashed in her eyes before Shen Manli returned to her harmless facade. "So, when do I start?" She was impatient to begin her role as a spy; she certainly wouldn't miss such a perfect opportunity.

"Today!"

To avoid raising any suspicions, Lu Qiqi played along with the friendly act and took Shen Manli’s hand. "I’ll personally introduce you at the company so everyone knows you’re in charge of this."

Not only did Lu Qiqi keep her on, but she also planned to introduce her personally. With a smile on her face, she left Shen Manli feeling flattered and incredulous that Lu Qiqi could be so kind—she was far too easy to trick.

Once they arrived before the department, Lu Qiqi announced to everyone, "Everyone, please pause your work for a moment. I have an announcement."

"Shen Manli will now be in charge of the current project. Let's give her a warm welcome!"

By parachute-dropping her into the position of Secretary-General in front of the entire company and personally introducing her, Lu Qiqi left the stage.

"Please, everyone, I look forward to your support."