Chapter 18 Turned Down Tens Of Billions

Although Huo Lichen had given her an extension for the deadline, it was Yan Wan's first time tackling a major task alone. She was busy with work all the way until the end of office hours. She stretched her body in her seat and headed for the toilet. Upon entering, she bumped into Shen Baimei. Since Yan Wan did not like her, she paid her no heed and proceeded straight to the stall. Shen Baimei glared at Yan Wan enviously. She blocked Yan Wan and shoved her, “Are you happy now? You managed to show off in front of the entire company.” Shen Baimei had exerted quite a bit of force on Yan Wan's shoulders. She couldn't help but stumble backward in pain. With a frown, Yan Wan warned her with contempt, “Shen Baimei, we're in the office now. So don't get rowdy with me.” The company barred all forms of violence as this would severely damage the reputation of both the company and the designers. Shen Baimei was well aware of it, but she was infuriated by Yan Wan. If it wasn't for Yan Wan, her design would have taken the first place, and she could have the opportunity to design an outfit for a man like Huo Lichen. Her status in the company would rise. Furthermore, she saw Huo Lichen holding Yan Wan in his office yesterday. If things had turned out differently, she could have been the one in his arms instead. All of this should have belonged to her, but it had been taken away by Yan Wan. “Yan Wan, don't think you can get away with this.” Shen Baimei snatched Yan Wan's phone and threw it into the toilet bowl. Yan Wan was fuming when she saw her phone in the toilet. “Are you mad?” “This is just a warning, Yan Wan. If you don't get out of this company, I won't go easy on you. I'll make sure I get you next time,” Shen Baimei threatened her and stormed off in her high heels. She slammed the toilet door as she left. Yan Wan was vexed. If only if this company didn't hire Shen Baimei. It's disgusting being colleagues with her. Yan Wan picked up her phone and wiped it clean, but the water had damaged it, and she could not turn it back on. Feeling helpless, she kept her phone away and headed outside. However, when she reached the door, she found out that it could not be opened. Did someone lock the door? It must be Shen Baimei. Yan Wan was speechless. What does she think she's doing? How could she lock the toilet door? She slammed the door and yelled, “Shen Baimei! Open the door! Stop being so childish! If you don't open it, I'll report this to the director and the president! Let's see how you'll explain yourself then!” Yan Wan's voice had turned hoarse, but Shen Baimei did not reply nor open the door. It was slightly past office hours, and there should be a cleaner coming to clean up the toilet. However, no one showed up. Yan Wan did not know what Shen Baimei did outside, but she felt uneasy. Does she intend to trap me here all night? As that thought flashed across her mind, a chill ran down her spine and she quickly leaned against the door. She started to panic while looking at the stalls in front of her. Soon, it was nine in the evening. There was not a single extra guest at the Elegant Garden International Hotel. The entire venue had been booked. Two rows of hostesses in short skirts were at the door. They nodded and greeted with equally sweet voices, “Welcome, Mr. Huo.” “Sir, Mr. James has already arrived. This way, please,” The hotel manager courteously showed him the way. Huo Lichen's handsome face was expressionless as he walked in with steady steps. Wei Qi followed closely behind him and placed a finger on his earpiece. He whispered to Huo Lichen, “Sir, Old Madam Huo just called. She told you to inform Ms. Yan that she's invited to dinner at home next weekend.” “Arrange it then,” Huo Lichen said casually. He did not seem to care much about it. Wei Qi was taken aback. He realized that his boss became colder toward Ms. Yan compared to yesterday. Has he lost interest in Ms. Yan already? Filled with doubts, Wei Qi followed Huo Lichen out of the elevator. The restaurant was well-furbished and high class. At this moment, there were no people in sight except for a handsome foreign man near the window. He was in his thirties and had a sharp look in his eye. He smiled courteously at Huo Lichen. He greeted him with perfect English, “Mr. Huo, you're very punctual.” He was not a moment too early or late. “I've made you wait, Mr. James,” Huo Lichen took the seat opposite him and exchanged pleasantries before moving on to the main topic. It was a major deal, and both sides had valued this project greatly. Both parties were elites in the corporate world. The discussion involved confidential information, and it seemed to be going well. James approved of Huo Lichen, and raised his glass to him, “Mr. Huo, you're as good as they say. I believe that I'll have a good time working with you.” “Cheers.” Huo Lichen clinked his glass. His expression was firm and composed. Following that, they discussed the details of the contract. Although it was of secondary importance, it was crucial for a major partnership like this. With a solemn look, Wei Qi walked over with his phone. As he approached Huo Lichen, he leaned toward him and whispered, “Sir, something cropped up with Ms. Yan.” Huo Lichen frowned, “What's going on?” “I just called Ms. Yan, but there was no response. Her family said that she did not return home, and when I checked the company attendance records, I noticed that she had yet to sign out. However, the security said that the office was already vacant. It could be a coincidence that he was unable to reach her, but something was definitely wrong if she had not even tapped out. Abruptly, Huo Lichen sprang up and marched outside. For the first time in his life, he felt like he had no control, and was flustered by it. He was worried that something terrible had happened to that woman. James stood up as well, and glared at Huo Lichen with displease. “Mr. Huo, we're not done with the contract yet. Where are you going?” “Something urgent came up. I'll settle this another time.” Huo Lichen replied hastily and did not even look back. James' face fell. He had valued this collaboration a lot, which was why he flew over from France personally. He did not expect something like this to happen. “Mr. Huo, is this the attitude that you're going to show us? If you leave now, it will give me doubts about your company's capabilities.” Huo Lichen paused in his tracks, and his towering figure seemed especially unapproachable. His tone was icy. “In that case, we can cancel the collaboration.” Having said that, he left the venue. James stared at him in shock. His face was pale from the burning rage. Wei Qi was overcome with astonishment too. This was a major deal that the company had wanted to seal for a long time, or else the boss would not have come over personally. However, he turned down a contract worth tens of billions for Ms. Yan.