Chapter 133: Inviting Him to Dinner

In the afternoon, Bai Shuruo had business to attend to and needed to go out, so she had her driver wait downstairs with the car.

Just as she arrived at the underground parking garage, she heard people arguing.

To be precise, it wasn't an argument, but a man and a woman debating.

The woman was a high-level executive at the company; because she was in a rush, she had parked her car at the entrance upon returning, and the security guards, not daring to speak up, had filed a complaint with the Administrative Department, who in turn, not daring to offend her, had sent the newcomer Meng Ze down.

Meng Ze asked the female executive to move her car, but she was unwilling, and the two fell into a dispute.

Faced with the dispute, the female executive pulled rank, using her authority to pressure Meng Ze: "You, a lowly administrative clerk, why are you meddling in such trivial matters? Aren't you afraid I'll complain to your department head and have him fire you? Let me pass!"

Meng Ze did not yield either; beyond being neither servile nor overbearing, he also showed a hint of indifference: "You may complain. As long as my boss hasn't fired me, I will block the way and not let you pass, unless you hit me."

"You..."

The two argued for a while longer, and the female executive eventually felt helpless; she was in the wrong to begin with, and if she played the villain and accused him first, it wouldn't be good if the matter blew up.

But she was a high-level executive after all, and parking the car herself would make her lose face, so she simply tossed the keys to Meng Ze: "You park it for me."

Meng Ze took the keys, got into the car decisively, parked it neatly, returned the keys to the female executive, and said, "Department Head Yan, no offense intended."

The female executive took the keys and walked away in a huff.

Bai Shuruo, who had witnessed everything, walked toward Meng Ze.

Meng Ze had not left yet; he clearly knew Bai Shuruo was there.

"Supervisor Bai, you've been watching the show for quite a while, haven't you? Oh no, I should call you Bai Vice President now," Meng Ze said.

Bai Shuruo smiled: "You did very well just now."

"It's my duty," Meng Ze said. "Where is Bai Vice President headed?"

"Going out for a bit to discuss some matters with people from the city."

"Then have a safe trip, Bai Vice President."

Bai Shuruo took two steps, then turned back and said: "Meng Ze, are you free after work? Let me treat you to a meal; consider it a welcome banquet for your arrival in Beishi."

Meng Ze smiled: "This tactic of yours, Bai Vice President—a slap followed by a sweet date—is something I, coming from a small place, truly don't understand. However, I accept your tactic; dinner is no problem, just tell me what time."

"I'll find you once I'm done with my work," Bai Shuruo smiled, then got into her own exclusive business car.

Meng Ze watched the car drive away, then returned to the office himself.

As soon as the Administrative Department Head saw him return, they hurried over to ask: "Was the matter resolved?"

"Resolved," Meng Ze said indifferently.

"There wasn't a conflict, was there?"

"Naturally, there wasn't."

"That's good. You kid really have talent; that's exactly why I took a liking to you and sent you down there."

Meng Ze curled the corners of his mouth but said nothing.

He returned to his seat and glanced at Han Caiyi across from him.

Han Caiyi appeared to be working diligently, but her computer screen was displaying information on various new products.

Han Caiyi seemed to notice Meng Ze watching her; she looked up and glared at him: "What are you looking at? It was just a small matter handled downstairs; anyone could have done it well, it's just a matter of whether they want to or not."

Meng Ze ignored her.

Bai Shuruo had originally thought this social engagement would be quick, but she hadn't expected it to be a challenge as well.

This was a business event held in Beishi; besides meeting different people, she was also asked on the spot to go up and give a speech.

Fortunately, she had built up her courage during this time; with her courage grown, her presence followed, and after rambling for a few sentences, the row below was applauding.

After the event ended, she sat in the car, so exhausted she was almost falling asleep.

"Bai Vice President, are you returning to the hospital or the company?" the driver asked her.

"Back to the hospital," Bai Shuruo said.

It was almost dark, so she might as well return to the hospital.

Besides, if there were any urgent matters, Linda and the others would email her.

She processed emails in the car for a while and approved several documents, only then suddenly remembering that she had said she would treat Meng Ze to a meal; she hadn't expected to be so busy.

She hurriedly sent a message to Meng Ze: 【Meng Ze, I'm sorry, I promised to treat you to a meal today, but the event here ran too late. How about I treat you to lunch tomorrow instead?】

Meng Ze's message returned quickly: 【I understand, Bai Vice President. Your position is one of a thousand tasks; treat me when you have time. I am at your beck and call.】

Bai Shuruo looked at the tone of the message and knew that was just Meng Ze's temperament, so she didn't think much of it.

It wasn't until the third day at noon that Bai Shuruo actually treated Meng Ze to a meal.

She was truly too busy; either meetings dragged on, or there were emergencies somewhere that required her to make decisions.

And the place for the meal wasn't a restaurant outside, but the kitchen in her President's office.

When Meng Ze arrived at this office, he looked left and right, just as Bai Shuruo had the first time she came.

"So opulent!" Meng Ze sighed: "I want to be reincarnated as a beauty in my next life and marry a husband like this, so that I can take over his company when he falls."

Bai Shuruo didn't like Meng Ze joking about such things, but she also understood that people are prone to jealousy, especially since this was his first time here.

"Don't bother being reincarnated as a beauty; wouldn't it be better to be reincarnated into a wealthy family as a young master?" Bai Shuruo said.

"Forget it, I don't have that fate. Such things require accumulating virtue; with my character, it'll be good enough if I can be a dog or a pig in the next life."

"You still believe in these things?"

"I do, don't you?" Meng Ze asked.

Bai Shuruo smiled: "Whatever, let's just finish this life first."

She had the chef prepare five dishes and one soup, then invited Meng Ze to sit down and taste them, saying: "This is my usual working meal; try it, the taste is quite good. Of course, this is Fengcheng cuisine, prepared to my palate."

Meng Ze tasted a piece of white-cut chicken and said: "Not only is it good, it's also very healthy. I have a big appetite and eat a lot; Bai Vice President doesn't mind, right?"

"I don't mind," Bai Shuruo said indifferently.

Meng Ze certainly had a big appetite; he ate in large mouthfuls, and it looked like he truly enjoyed these dishes.

As she ate, Bai Shuruo asked, "By the way, I looked at your resume, and the family members column only listed your grandfather. What about your parents?"

"Dead," Meng Ze said.

Bai Shuruo paused, then continued, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that question."

"It doesn't matter, it's a fact," Meng Ze said while eating.

"Then you should eat more," Bai Shuruo said; not knowing how to comfort him, she picked up a chicken leg and placed it in his bowl.

Meng Ze was stunned for a moment, then smiled again: "Bai Vice President's way of comforting people is quite unique."

"Then do you like chicken legs?"

"I'm not a picky eater; I can eat anything," Meng Ze said.

Bai Shuruo smiled and said, "Then I can rest easy."

Only then did Meng Ze ask about Bai Shuruo's situation: "Bai Vice President, do you feel pressured sitting in such a large office all by yourself?"