Although They're Mentally ill, They're Extremely Easy to Comfort - Chapter 5

Sitting formally in the chairman’s seat, Qiao Bo’er picked up the company documents prepared in advance by Secretary Chu. After hastily flipping through a few pages, she questioned the head of the Business Department: “Have you heard of the Xiao Yunxi Studio?”

The manager was a little stunned, but quickly replied, “This studio has been established in Xuan City for several years. It has a good reputation, and some clients take their collections there for appraisal and valuation.”

Qiao Bo’er changed to a more relaxed posture, sitting sideways with her arm resting lazily on the table edge, presenting her stunningly exquisite profile to everyone.

She habitually toyed with a fountain pen, her demeanor arrogant: “I heard it was opened by a few friends in partnership?”

“We have conducted detailed background checks on all competitors in Xuan City. We have archived data on this studio. Would you like me to retrieve it for your review?”

“No need, just tell me verbally.”

The atmosphere was so oppressive that everyone found it hard to breathe, and the manager was sweating profusely. Fortunately, Xiao Yunxi had a surprisingly high profile, so he answered truthfully: “Xiao Yunxi is a combination of the three partners’ names: Xiao Mo, Su Yunjin, and Ling Xi. All of them graduated from the Archaeology Department of Xuanyi University. I also graduated from Xuanda, so I know a little about them.”

Upon hearing a certain person’s name, Qiao Bo’er’s tense expression finally eased slightly. She tapped the table with her pen cap, sounding intrigued: “Elaborate.”

“The three of them had outstanding academic research achievements in the Archaeology Department, but their personalities were distinct and eccentric, earning them the nickname ‘The Three Archaeology Oddities.’

Xiao Mo worked in archaeology for a few years after graduation, then returned to Xuan City and brought the other two together to establish the studio. He is in charge full-time and specializes in appraising porcelain and bronzeware.

Su Yunjin’s focus is managing a coffee shop. She’s essentially a hands-off boss at the studio, specializing in the appraisal of garments and jewelry from various dynasties.

Ling Xi’s parents are both archaeology scholars, so she was immersed in the field from a young age and chose the same major.

She is the only one among the three who is still dedicated to academic research after graduation. She is currently employed at Xuanyi University as an associate professor of paleography in the Archaeology Department and has considerable insight into authentic calligraphy.

Besides their respective areas of expertise, they are also proficient in valuing foreign collections. Their issued certificates are recognized by institutions and hold strong authority in the industry.”

Qiao Bo’er was very satisfied with the lineup of Xiao Yunxi, so satisfied that her gaze gradually became dim.

The big boss’s thoughts were hard to fathom. After scanning the crowd, her attitude suddenly turned hostile, and her cold tone made the management team present hold their breath.

“Did you all hear that clearly? Just a small studio like this has all sorts of experts working for them. It seems our huge Rongzhi company simply can’t compare.

Although the company was only recently established, if we’re going to do something, we should become the industry leader. Otherwise, don’t bother. How should a studio like this be handled? I’m giving you three months to deliver the answer I want. Meeting adjourned.”

Leaving the conference room, Qiao Bo’er suddenly stopped after only a few steps.

Chu Xi, following behind, preemptively asked about her needs before she could speak: “Boss, is there anything else?”

Qiao Bo’er turned back to glance at the management personnel gradually leaving, and made a cold demand: “Fire those few lecherous, fat men for me. If I see them again next time, I’ll assess you directly.”

Chu Xi wanted to ask for the reason, but she was already familiar with her boss’s uncompromising temperament; there was naturally a reason for firing someone.

Moreover, the company was hers; no one dared to defy her will, even if she decided to turn the world upside down on a whim.

She simply swallowed her doubts and replied, “Understood, I’ll handle it as soon as possible.”

Back in the Chairman’s Office of the Jiatai Group, Qiao Bo’er sat wearily in the boss chair for a short rest.

Secretary Chu walked in with a stack of documents: “General Manager Qiao, these urgent documents require your approval.”

“Just leave them for now.”

Chu Xi hesitated to speak, but didn’t want to disturb her too much, so she just stood by and waited.

“Is there something else?”

“I heard from Qu Ye that you were…”

“Hmph, he really can’t keep his mouth shut.”

“He must report certain matters to me truthfully. Protecting your safety is our most fundamental duty.” Chu Xi was meticulous and rigorous in her work, showing not just respect for Qiao Bo’er, but also comprehensive care.

“That’s enough, don’t make a fuss over every little thing.” Qiao Bo’er’s attitude was as cold as ever, disregarding Chu Xi’s concern.

“I sincerely apologize, I will be more mindful in the future… Regarding that studio, I have already arranged for the Rongzhi staff to draft a proposal. But I would still like to seek your opinion: is it better to merge with them, or find a way to make them dissolve?”

Qiao Bo’er did not directly answer Chu Xi’s question. She turned silently to look out the floor-to-ceiling window.

The twilight in Xuan City was captivating, its piercing sharpness fading to leave a debilitating sense of ease.

The sunset embraced the clouds like they were draped in a vibrant, sheer veil.

The golden hues gradually bled into layered reds, like paint diluted with water, with warm orange tones shimmering through the red. And this momentary beauty was visibly dissipating.

“It is fleeting, nestled in the seam between day and night. That’s why I favor the evening,” Qiao Bo’er said, holding her arm as she faced the sunset’s glow, her slender figure appearing somewhat lonely.

She suddenly asked, “Chu Xi, do you like Xuan City?”

Chu Xi lowered her eyes and responded gently: “I respect every decision Miss Bo’er makes. The twilight here is as pleasing as in Cinicynia.”

Qiao Bo’er closed her eyes quietly and lazily retorted: “They can’t be compared. This place is more worth lingering over.”

Chu Xi was one of the few bystanders in Qiao Bo’er’s world, and she understood what her boss was attached to. But a bystander should not speak too much, nor should they influence others’ choices.

“As long as Miss likes it, we will all like it… I wonder if Miss has any private plans for the evening. I heard there’s a cafe hidden in the bustling city. Perhaps we could go there to relax.”

…

“In a bit, I’ll have Yunjin stir-fry a few small dishes and make a black mocha. It’ll be great! After you’ve eaten and drunk your fill, you’ll naturally feel better. Let’s go, let’s go.” Xiao Mo suggested, grabbing Ling Xi and directly leaving the studio.

When it was time for dinner, the two liked to rush to the cafe. After all, they were both “minors” who, combined, were 60 years old and still didn’t know how to take care of themselves; freeloading food and drinks from Su Yunjin was their greatest joy.

Su Yunjin’s cafe was hidden among the intertwined alleys and tightly packed old buildings.

The clash of Chinese and Western cultures didn’t seem jarring. It must be said that she was a business prodigy; when everyone was skeptical of this concept, she deliberately went against the grain.

The name, “Not Entering” ( Bù Rù), was coined by Su Yunjin, the calligraphy was designed by Ling Xi, and the sign was hand-carved by Xiao Mo. The implied meaning of being a hermit but not entering the world was quite unique, and it surprisingly became a favorite among young people.

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