Daily Life of a Villain at Work [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 64

Chapter 64: The Fourth Day of Being a Stingy (Frugal) CEO~

The phone call before clocking out had left Wen Qingyun in a sour mood. With an expressionless face, she opened a short-video app and searched for keywords to find the video that had exposed her license plate.

It was a common tactic used by marketing accounts: crop the beginning and end, then craft a narrative based on a single image. The delivery rider, who was entirely at fault, was transformed into an oppressed member of the working class.

Clicking on the comments, Wen Qingyun didn’t even need to check their profiles to judge the demographic of the commenters in a heartbeat.

Since you made me feel unpleasant when I was already having a bad day, you should pay the price.

Wen Qingyun summoned the Legal Director and instructed her to track down these marketing accounts based on the keywords.

“President Wen, do you want them to take down the videos and apologize, or do you want them to be ‘re-educated’ in prison?” the Legal Director asked.

“Send them all in to experience free room and board. Also, include those in the comments making up stories about the car owner being a mistress or selling her body,” Wen Qingyun replied.

“Categorize the expenses as public relations fees,” Wen Qingyun added.

The people had to be dealt with, but the money wouldn’t come out of her own pocket.

Legal Director: “Understood, President Wen. This type of litigation might take some time. Should we report it to the police first and use an official police notice to restore the truth?”

Wen Qingyun nodded. “Yes, arrange it. Don’t reveal my identity; I don’t want the company’s stock price to fluctuate because of this.”

Dealing with people who spread rumors online for attention was simple, but if competitors used it to start a PR war, she would inevitably waste more time and energy.

That was something Wen Qingyun was unwilling to do; she would rather lie in bed and stare at the ceiling than waste time on trash.

…

Following the boss’s orders, the Cost Control department quickly produced a detailed repair quote. It was reviewed by the project lead and then sent to the work group containing representatives from both companies.

Fu Huan read the report carefully. He felt that charging maintenance fees on a sliding scale based on the car model made perfect sense. Confident, he replied “Okay” in the group chat and asked about the contract signing time.

Seeing this, Chu Qi silently deleted the 100-word draft in her notepad. She chose to be a spectator as Fu Huan, puffed up by the other party’s flattery, agreed to have them come over tomorrow at 2:00 PM to sign the contract.

She felt a bit weary, but since things had reached this point, she just wanted to get off work and eat.

Just as she tucked her things into her small bag, Fu Huan’s voice came from the office: “Xiao Chu, wait a moment. I have a dinner party later; I need you to accompany me.”

Chu Qi’s hand froze. She glanced at the time in the bottom right corner of her computer screen.

4:58 PM. Two minutes before clock-out time. He’s literally assigning a task at the buzzer.

Chu Qi silently plugged her phone back into the charger. After waiting for fifteen minutes, Fu Huan finally emerged from his office and signaled her to follow.

To earn her salary and bonus, Chu Qi dutifully played the role of a competent assistant during her off-hours.

When they arrived at the private dining room, Chu Qi realized this wasn’t a business dinner with partners; Fu Huan was just meeting friends. She was less of an assistant and more of a “plus-one” brought along to boost Fu Huan’s ego.

“Brother Fu Huan, where did you find this little lady? She looks quite easy on the eyes,” one man asked, staring directly at Chu Qi.

“Don’t talk nonsense. This is Xiao Chu, an assistant I hand-picked. Her work ability is outstanding,” Fu Huan laughed, clinking glasses with the man. “She’s been at Hongyi for four years; I can’t do without her now.”

“Haha, I see! As expected of Brother Fu Huan—totally different from us bums. You really have an eye for talent.”

Chu Qi maintained a professional smile, essentially tolerating Fu Huan’s narrative.

Inwardly, her opinion of her boss hit a new low. Especially when she saw his friends forcing drinks on the women beside them, she couldn’t help but frown.

How could Fu Huan have the nerve to bring me to a place like this? What am I in his eyes?

She was a worker providing labor for a salary, not a trophy to be displayed, and certainly not his property.

Chu Qi detested the way these people looked at her. By sharp contrast, she found Wen Qingyun to be a rare, decent human being.

When Wen Qingyun looked at her, there was an indescribable quality in her gaze. It made Chu Qi feel like they were equals—two people who could have a normal conversation.

Even though Wen Qingyun was a billionaire CEO and Chu Qi was just an assistant, she had never detected a hint of condescension or disdain in Wen Qingyun’s eyes.

After enduring two hours, Chu Qi was finally free. She wasted no time driving the heavily intoxicated Fu Huan back to his villa.

“Xiao Chu, I think highly of you. As long as you stay by my side, I won’t treat you poorly,” Fu Huan said with a drunken slur as he got out, still painting grand visions for her.

“Fu Han’s only advantage is entering the company a year earlier than me. How can he, a graduate from a mediocre university, compete with a dual-degree Master’s from abroad like me?”

“Xiao Chu, once I get the company shares, I’ll promote you to Vice President and get you on the board.”

Chu Qi let the words go in one ear and out the other. She handed him the keys. “Understood, President Fu. It’s late; I’ll be going now.”

“Take the car. Just park it at the company tomorrow. It’s not safe for you to take a cab alone at this hour,” Fu Huan said, emphasizing, “Don’t worry, I take care of my own.”

Chu Qi scoffed internally. If Fu Huan hadn’t dragged her to this dinner and forced her to be his driver, she would already be in bed after a nice meal. Where was this “safety risk” coming from?

Did Fu Huan actually think letting her drive his car home was a thoughtful gesture? Was he moved by his own “kindness”?

After roasting Fu Huan in her head, Chu Qi nimbly got into the driver’s seat. Before Fu Huan could speak again, she hit the gas and left the villa district.

…

The next afternoon, Chu Qi appeared in the conference room as the project assistant.

When she saw that Taixue Technology had only sent a project manager, a flash of disappointment crossed her eyes, but she quickly let it go.

Hongyi was smaller than Taixue; in this partnership, they were strictly the “Party B.” The fact that Wen Qingyun had personally received them last time was already a huge show of respect.

Since the terms had been discussed repeatedly, the signing process was smooth, finishing in under thirty minutes.

Looking at the fresh contract, the pride on Fu Huan’s face became even more obvious. After having Chu Qi see the guests out, he took the contract to the Chairman’s office to claim credit from his father.

Fu Hong was generally satisfied with the contract, especially the clause about adding their logo to the display icons.

“A very good idea. It seems your years abroad weren’t wasted; you’ve learned real skills,” Fu Hong praised.

Fu Huan accepted the praise without a hint of guilt. “Dad, I have other ideas too. It’s just that I joined this project halfway, so my influence was limited. That’s why I came up with this workaround.”

“Lately, the company wants to increase the competitiveness of our small household appliances. See if you have any good ideas,” Fu Hong tossed out a challenge.

“If your ideas are better than Fu Han’s, the projects he’s currently in charge of can be handed over to you.”

Hearing that he could stick it to Fu Han, Fu Huan’s eyes lit up. “Alright, I’ll go organize some thoughts and write a proposal for you in a few days.”

Fu Hong nodded. He didn’t mind his two sons fighting; in fact, he welcomed it. In his view, only the winner of such a struggle would be capable of inheriting his massive empire.

Fu Huan had attended business school abroad; he was great at “painting the big picture,” but market research and technical refinement were not his forte.

After staring at the data for two hours with an empty head, Fu Huan chose to dump the materials and his requirements onto Chu Qi, telling her to have a proposal ready by Friday.

Chu Qi, who was still cleaning up the mess left by the R&D Director, let out a slow breath. She glanced at the market research data—it was over a hundred pages—and habitually clicked “Print.”

There was less than half an hour until clock-out. By the time the documents finished printing, it would be time to go.

Perhaps because he had just assigned her a task, Fu Huan remained quiet for the final thirty minutes, even leaving the office five minutes early, dressed to the nines.

This was good news for Chu Qi. Stuffing the thick stack of papers into her bag, she finally got a chance to leave work on time.

During this work week, Chu Qi had poured her blood and sweat into the new proposal, only getting off work on time on Tuesday and Friday.

While Wen Qingyun didn’t have work-related headaches, she received an annoying phone call almost every day. It was either her father, who refused to listen to reason, or her mother, who was spineless and tried to make excuses for him.

“Let him take the phone. I have something to say to him,” Wen Qingyun’s patience finally snapped during the fourth call.

Mrs. Wen didn’t say a word and handed the phone to her husband. Mr. Wen took it and gave a cold snort. “What? Realizing you were wrong now?”

“Your living expenses are currently up to me. It was originally 200,000 per month each, but you’ve made me very unhappy this month. So, starting next month, it’s 100,000 each,” Wen Qingyun said curtly.

“If you make me even unhappier, it will be 50,000 starting in December.”

“Are you rebelling?! I am your father!” Mr. Wen shouted.

“Starting next month, it’s 50,000,” Wen Qingyun’s tone grew even colder. “If you don’t listen, I’ll have you sent abroad.”

“You know that the staff left by Grandfather and Grandmother only listen to me now. I’m the one paying their salaries.”

“If you don’t believe me, you can try. If you come to my house or the company to make a scene, I guarantee you’ll wake up the next morning in a completely foreign country.”

Wen Qingyun’s icy tone made Mr. Wen a bit fearful. The reason he had used “hardship” to temper his daughter since she was young was that he himself was incompetent.

But now, as his daughter gradually took control of the company, her tone and actions resembled her grandparents more and more, making him very uncomfortable.

Remembering he was the father, he tried to sound powerful. “I am your father! If I hadn’t raised you strictly, could you have inherited such a family business from your grandparents?”

“Without me, you would have been sent abroad long ago, wouldn’t you?” Wen Qingyun retorted. “Don’t think I don’t know anything.”

“I’m asking you for the last time: 50,000 a month, or be kicked out of the country with no return?”

Mr. Wen didn’t dare speak. But remembering how Wen Qingyun used to obey his every word in high school, he felt a sense of imbalance.

“You weren’t like this before. In high school, you did whatever I told you. How did you become like this?”

Great. It seems some people really won’t learn until they hit rock bottom.

Wen Qingyun cut the call and dialed the butler. “Go ask my mother now: does she want to stay in the country, or go abroad with her husband?”

The butler didn’t dare delay and went to the third floor to ask in person.

Mrs. Wen was a person with no independent mind, but when forced to choose between her husband and her daughter, she knew which way the wind blew.

“Qingyun, I want to stay. I don’t want to go abroad,” Mrs. Wen said.

“Alright, I understand.” The furrow in Wen Qingyun’s brow relaxed slightly. “Put the butler on.”

“Arrange a private flight. Didn’t Grandfather buy a manor in Country Y? Put my father on the plane tomorrow. Once he arrives, take away his identification. He is not allowed back without my orders.”

The butler knew very well that Wen Qingyun now held the most shares in Taixue Group, so he agreed without hesitation and promised to handle it perfectly.

【Congratulations Host, mission progress increased. Current progress: 10%】

Hearing the system notification, Wen Qingyun was surprised. “Isn’t the main task to acquire Hongyi?”

【Yes. Based on big data analysis, the Host’s act of sending her father abroad directly avoids the negative PR impact of ‘filial impiety’ in the future. This indirectly increases Taixue Group’s market value, making the acquisition of Hongyi simpler.】

“What if I had sent my mother abroad too?” Wen Qingyun asked.

【No impact on mission progress.】

No impact meant that her mother was just weak-willed, but in her heart, she still hoped for Wen Qingyun’s success.

The progress jump improved Wen Qingyun’s mood. Seeing Chu Qi’s invite for a Saturday movie, she didn’t refuse immediately.

Chu Qi: A new buffet opened near the cinema. It’s all-you-can-eat for three hours. May I invite you to join me after the movie?

Ha. Does Chu Qi think she can successfully ask me out with just a meal? Am I that easy to invite?

Chu Qi: It’s 688 per person, and there’s a lucky draw. The grand prize is an annual pass—you can eat there anytime for a year.

Wen Qingyun: What time is the movie?

Chu Qi: 2:00 PM. Ends at 4:20 PM. It’s only a ten-minute walk to the restaurant.

Wen Qingyun: Okay.

Chu Qi: I’ll wait for you downstairs at 1:00 PM?

Wen Qingyun: Fine.

Since someone was offering their wallet and working as a chauffeur, why refuse?

Wen Qingyun put her phone down. Her annoyance had mostly dissipated, replaced by a much lighter mood. She started wondering if she could use Chu Qi’s luck to win that annual buffet pass.

Whether she’d actually go was one thing, but having the pass was important.

…

As it turned out, Chu Qi’s luck as a protagonist wasn’t that god-tier.

Chu Qi did both draws: one was a box of cookies, the other was a single-person “weekly pass.”

It was a weekly pass, but it could only be used on weekdays. It would activate next Monday, allowing one free lunch or dinner per day.

“I’ll probably have to work overtime next week. Why don’t you take it, Qingyun?” Chu Qi handed the card to Wen Qingyun.

Wen Qingyun took it. She wouldn’t turn down a free benefit.

They had seen the movie and eaten at the buffet. The final step was for Chu Qi to drive her home.

Before they even reached her door, Wen Qingyun’s phone rang. It was the property management.

“Ms. Wen, we are very sorry. There is a problem with the water and electricity system in Building 6, Unit 1. Repairs aren’t expected to be finished until 9:00 AM tomorrow. We are truly sorry for the inconvenience.”

“To apologize, we will provide a 20% discount on this month’s property fees. We hope you can understand this sudden emergency.”

The apology was sincere, and the security of the complex was indeed good, so Wen Qingyun didn’t argue. No water or power just meant she’d lie down and sleep.

“Is there a problem with the infrastructure?” Chu Qi, like a puppy catching the scent of a bone, immediately wagged her tail and offered an invitation.

“If you don’t mind, how about crashing at my place for the night?”

“Hmm?” Wen Qingyun raised an eyebrow. “You’re inviting me to stay at your house?”

“My rental isn’t huge, but I bought a 1.8-meter bed. It’s enough for two,” Chu Qi said with a tone of feigned nonchalance, but her reddening ears betrayed her true feelings.

Chu Qi was shy, and she was nervous.

Wen Qingyun was puzzled. “If I remember correctly, we’ve known each other for less than ten days. Why do you think I’d be willing to go to your house?”

“Maybe because I’m brave?” Chu Qi said earnestly. “If I don’t try, how will I know if you’re willing or not?”

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll do something to you?” Wen Qingyun felt a spark of interest. She didn’t exactly have a “saintly” reputation in the industry; what gave Chu Qi such boldness?

Chu Qi smiled. Her ears were red, but her skin was thick. “If something really happened between us, I’d feel like I’m the one who profited.”

Wen Qingyun: “…”

There’s really no arguing with that logic. Whether she “slept” with Chu Qi or vice versa, Chu Qi wouldn’t lose out.

“Take me home,” Wen Qingyun said coldly.

Chu Qi blinked, hiding the disappointment in her eyes. “Okay. But it’s not even nine yet; don’t you want to walk around a bit more?”

“I need to shower and wash my hair. It takes time,” Wen Qingyun said. “Not to mention, it’s a thirty-minute drive to your place.”

“Eh?” Chu Qi blinked again, but this time it wasn’t to hide disappointment; it was overflowing surprise. “You’re coming to my house?”

“Didn’t you invite me?” Wen Qingyun raised an eyebrow.

“Yes! Yes, I did! Then I’ll take you back now to… get your clothes?” Chu Qi’s voice was vibrating with excitement.

…

Half an hour later, Wen Qingyun fell into silence looking at the stalled elevator.

Chu Qi rubbed her nose. She had been so excited on the way that she completely forgot that a power failure meant the elevators were out.

“For the 18th floor… let’s just call it exercise?” Chu Qi said in a low voice.

Wen Qingyun pinched the bridge of her nose. She had already agreed; it would be too embarrassing to back out now.

Wen Qingyun maintained a calm expression. “Will you wait here, or come with me…?”

Chu Qi answered immediately: “I’ll go with you. The stairwell is pitch black; it’s safer with two people.”

Wen Qingyun didn’t refuse. Both of them turned on their phone flashlights and started climbing floor by floor.

On the way, they met neighbors huffing and puffing up the stairs, but their stamina was poor; Wen Qingyun and Chu Qi overtook them in no time.

16, 17, 18.

When she saw the “18F” sign, Chu Qi, who was panting like an ox, let out a long sigh of relief.

But the moment Wen Qingyun turned to look at her, she straightened her body, trying not to look like a complete weakling.

“We’re here. I’ll wait for you here?” Chu Qi flashed a smile.

Seeing the sweat-soaked hair clinging to Chu Qi’s forehead, Wen Qingyun silently opened the door with her key. Then, she tossed out two seemingly cold words: “Come in.”

A flash of surprise crossed Chu Qi’s eyes, but her body followed obediently. She took off her shoes in the foyer and stepped onto the cold tiles in just her socks.

Wen Qingyun moved quickly. A change of clothes and pajamas, plus her phone charger, were stuffed into a bag within two minutes.

Emerging from the bedroom, she saw Chu Qi standing in the living room, looking around curiously. A hint of speechlessness flashed in Wen Qingyun’s eyes.

She had let Chu Qi in so she could sit and rest, not stand there like a wooden post.

“Got everything?” Chu Qi turned around. The glint in her eyes made her look particularly pleasant.

“Mm. Let’s go,” Wen Qingyun nodded.

Going down was much easier than going up. Once they stepped out of the unit, Chu Qi felt the oncoming breeze was exceptionally sweet.

After driving back to her small apartment, Chu Qi became even more attentive. She quickly found a set of brand-new toiletries and gave the bathroom to Wen Qingyun.

Wen Qingyun wasn’t about to be polite. She took the bag inside, and the sound of splashing water soon drifted out.

Chu Qi sat on the sofa, trying to distract herself with a mobile game.

But her ears were exceptionally honest, listening intently to the sounds from the bathroom, mentally analyzing Wen Qingyun’s progress.

Is she washing her hair? The water hasn’t stopped.

It stopped for a bit. Is she applying body wash?

It’s been quiet for a while. She must be changing and drying her hair.

Chu Qi’s fingers moved out of muscle memory to clear blocks, but her mind was filled with images of Wen Qingyun.

Chu Qi admitted that she had liked Wen Qingyun from the first time they met.

But at that time, it was just admiration for an outstanding woman and a slight aspiration to be like her.

After seeing the short video, it was an impulse that led her to detour to the Taixue Group building.

Chu Qi had come without much hope. She had just planned to drive past slowly; if she didn’t see Wen Qingyun, she’d just treat it as a joyride after skipping work.

But she did see her. The moment their eyes met through the lowering car window, Chu Qi felt it was a fateful encounter.

They were meant to be.