Chapter 226
“Tsk, a kept woman acting all high and mighty. The things she says, it’s embarrassing just to hear them.” The receptionist, after calling the assistant, noticed Xu Ke walking aside and looking around, and began whispering. Little did they know, Xu Ke heard every word clearly.
“Exactly, look at her acting so proud, like who was clinging onto us back then? Now she pretends like this, it’s disgusting.” Another receptionist chimed in with a scornful look.
“Don’t be so harsh. She managed to get Chairman Huang to support her as soon as she arrived. That’s something. And did you see how enthusiastic she was with that person just now? I bet she’s plotting something with him. Who knows if he’s even the boss of our company? Our boss rarely comes here, many don’t even recognize him. If she’s mistaken him, that would be a laugh.” The second person said, with a hint of glee in her eyes.
The two women seemed to envision something amusing, covering their mouths and giggling, causing Xu Ke to glance repeatedly in their direction.
Just as they were about to say more, the CEO’s private elevator opened. Liu Binglin, with gelled hair and a slightly flushed face, came out, a bit plump, and immediately approached Xu Ke, fawning, “Sir, why didn’t you notify us before coming? If I knew, I’d have been waiting for you at the entrance. How could I let you stand here so long without even a sip of hot water?”
“No need. I haven’t been to the company for a long time. Just came to look around. Let’s go up. I want to see how the employee training is going.” Xu Ke said without much expression, calmly entering the CEO elevator under many onlookers’ gaze, followed by Liu Binglin.
The once silent lobby exploded into a lively discussion once the elevator doors closed. The two receptionists exchanged shocked glances.
“How did that Liao Yanyan recognize our boss, who never visits?” one receptionist said, covering her mouth.
“That’s not the point now. The point is, did the boss hear what we just said? If he did get charmed by Liao Yanyan, considering her petty nature, she’d definitely say something in his ear. We’d lose our jobs.” The other receptionist had a hint of panic in her eyes.
“It’s fine. We spoke so softly, and the boss was far away. He shouldn’t have heard.”
While the receptionists worried about their jobs, the young dreamers in the lobby were full of regret.
“He was so close to me just now. I should’ve talked to him. Maybe I’d bypass the tests.” A good-looking young man said.
“I should’ve spoken up. That’s the CEO of Star Entertainment! Connecting with him could save me years of hard work,” a slightly immature-looking girl murmured.
Many shared the same thoughts, and as people realized the missed opportunity, their hearts ached. Yet, Xu Ke knew none of this.
At that moment, Xu Ke stood outside the dance studio with Liu Binglin, watching the young men and women inside dancing freely, sweating for their dreams.
“The new talent we’ve recruited is pretty good. They all seem quite hardworking.” Xu Ke commented to Liu Binglin.
“Indeed, these seedlings are promising. With your affirmation, their fortunes in the entertainment circle should be bright.” Liu Binglin, unable to grasp Xu Ke’s thoughts, flattered him as best he could.
In this moment, Liu Binglin had no desire to clash with Xu Ke. Over the past year, he’d witnessed how Xu Ke dealt with his opposition, losing any intention of taking control of Star Entertainment from the young boss.
“Train them well. Don’t let dirty dealings ruin these prospects. I won’t tolerate such nonsense. Also, straighten out your team. These kids came here to pursue dreams, not fall into a pit. I’ll give you a month to clean up the company. If I find someone spoiling the broth, I’ll throw them—and you—out together.” Xu Ke’s expression remained unchanged, his voice steady as he turned his gaze from the dance studio to Liu Binglin.
His neutral tone made Liu Binglin’s heart tremble, a cold sweat forming on his forehead almost instantly.
“Of course, of course. Absolutely no such things will happen. If I find any, I’ll deal with it severely. In a month, the company will be spotless, inside and out.” Liu Binglin took out a handkerchief to wipe his forehead.
Xu Ke looked into Liu Binglin’s eyes and only when he seemed about to buckle did Xu Ke nod, granting him a reprieve.
“Xu, what a coincidence, meeting you here. Are you here to watch the dance? I’ve learned a new dance recently. Would you like to give me some pointers?” Liao Yanyan approached in a dance costume, her hands behind her, looking at Xu Ke with anticipation, feeling a thrill at the challenge.
“We are talking here, why are you interrupting?” Blocked by Xu Ke, Liu Binglin stepped out, glaring at Liao Yanyan, full of anger and fear.
He’d never encountered such a clueless artist. Their boss just mentioned tidying the company’s atmosphere, and here she was, barging in. Did she have a death wish? Liu Binglin thought furiously, his tone unusually stern.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Liu. I didn’t see you. Please continue your conversation. I’ll leave now.” Almost immediately, tears welled up in Liao Yanyan’s eyes, her nose turning red with grievance. Her eyes, looking at Xu Ke, brimmed with pitiful innocence like a newborn fluffy animal, longing to be cradled. Unfortunately, she met Xu Ke, and such charm was wasted on him.