The Chronicle Of Seducing A Mature Woman (GL) - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The Scapegoat

“I… I’m not entirely sure.” Zhong Xiao-ou could already feel the frost radiating from Gu Ming. She hadn’t dared to look up since entering the office, but now she finally met Gu Ming’s gaze. After just one look, she lowered her head again. Was this President Gu really as prone to scolding people as Chi Wei said? She had seemed quite kind-faced when Xiao-ou first saw her.

Gu Ming hesitated, remembering that this new employee had only been there for two days. She picked up the phone and dialed. “Did you guys give the latest renderings to the Planning Department?”

“Manager Wen, why aren’t you using the latest renderings on the promotional flyers?”

“Take this back,” Gu Ming said, turning to Xiao-ou. “Replace this rendering and resubmit it. Tell your Manager Wen to review small details like this carefully before sending them up next time.”

Xiao-ou hurried downstairs with the draft and returned to the Planning Department, immediately telling the designer to swap the image.

The designer, Wei Hang—a clean-cut, delicate-looking man—was confused. “How? I replaced it. I changed it back in the fifth draft.”

“Manager Wen gave me the final draft to take to President Gu for her signature. She was very unhappy. I got chewed out.”

Wei Hang pushed up his glasses and checked the files on his computer. He pulled up the folder for the final draft and compared them. Something was definitely off. “Did you grab the wrong draft?”

“Manager Wen gave me this one himself,” Xiao-ou said, completely bewildered.

Wei Hang stood up and went into the manager’s office. He found the true final draft on Wen Chao’s desk. “The final draft is right here. Take this up to President Gu for a signature. Once she signs it, bring it down immediately—the people from the printing factory are waiting.”

Xiao-ou was suspicious. So Manager Wen had given her the wrong draft? Luckily President Gu caught it; if it had gone to the printers like that, it would have been a disaster. Trembling, Xiao-ou returned to the tenth floor. Gu Ming reviewed it carefully and signed. Xiao-ou breathed a sigh of relief, only to have Wen Chao return from his meeting in a towering rage. He slammed his laptop onto his desk and summoned Xiao-ou inside.

“What happened?”

“The… the draft was the wrong one,” Xiao-ou said truthfully.

Outside, Wei Hang heard the commotion and explained, “The one sent up wasn’t the final draft; it was the fifth draft. That’s why President Gu lost her temper.”

“…” Wen Chao wiped the sweat from his forehead and took a deep breath. “Do you have any idea that President Gu just yelled at me over the phone? Zhong Xiao-ou, why can’t you handle such a small task? How could you grab the wrong draft? A secretary could do this job!”

“But… you were the one who gave me that one.” Xiao-ou stared at the large red ‘X’ Gu Ming had drawn on the fifth draft; it was painfully vivid.

“So you’re saying I gave you the wrong one? It’s my fault?” Wen Chao’s volume jumped an octave.

Xiao-ou didn’t dare say another word. She felt a suffocating sense of injustice. It was clearly his mistake.

“Fine. Is it at the printers yet? Go out and reflect on your actions.”

…

The Silver Lining and the “Mental Pillar”

Xiao-ou walked to the breakroom fuming and made herself a cup of coffee. She bumped into Chi Wei, who was changing the tea for her own boss, the “Old Monster.” Xiao-ou was so upset she didn’t notice the water overflowing from the dispenser until Chi Wei reached out to turn it off.

“Scolded by President Gu?” Chi Wei asked, handing her a tissue to dry her hands.

“Yeah. Something went wrong, but that’s not what’s depressing me. What’s depressing is that Manager Wen clearly gave me the wrong draft, and then he insisted it was my mistake.” Xiao-ou shook her head in frustration.

“Sigh,” Chi Wei lamented. “From now on, let’s call ourselves the Scapegoat Duo.”

Xiao-ou glared at her, then let out a bitter laugh and shook her head.

“The amount of times I’ve taken the fall for the ‘Old Monster’… it sucks having a boss like that.”

“But didn’t you say Manager Wen was approachable and kind?” Xiao-ou stirred her coffee. Having a few years of work experience, she knew this wasn’t uncommon. Carrying the weight for “pig teammates” or taking the blame for the boss was exactly why she had left her last company. Who knew it would be the same everywhere? Wherever there are people, there are power plays.

Thus, Xiao-ou began her probationary period at Classic International, stumbling along the way. Although the pressure was high and she was frequently scolded—and “Fatty Wen” was nothing like the approachable person Chi Wei had described, but rather a temperamental man who oscillated between a “smiling tiger” and a bitter middle-aged grouch—there was a upside. Her first month’s salary was significantly higher than her previous job. Standing before the ATM, Xiao-ou felt the career jump was worth it. Not to mention, she had the Vice President as her “mental pillar.”

Thinking of the VP, Xiao-ou sighed while counting her money. Since that reporting incident, she hadn’t had any interaction with her. The VP held a high position and was rarely seen coming or going. In over a month, they had only crossed paths a couple of times.

…

A New Prospect

On payday, Xiao-ou was in a great mood and called Chi Wei to treat her to dinner.

“Hello? Where are you? I was just looking for you,” Chi Wei said as she picked up.

“I’m… downstairs checking my balance at the bank. Aren’t you off yet? Working late?”

“For a bit. I have something to tell you. I’ve been crazy busy all day and almost forgot the important stuff. Come up and wait for me.”

When they met, Chi Wei grabbed Xiao-ou’s phone. “Give me your phone.” She typed in a number. “This woman’s name is Wang Ling. I’ve already set up a date for you at 7:00 PM tonight near Wuhou Shrine. See? Even when I’m busy, I don’t forget your business.”

“Huh? Is there a photo? What does she do?” At the mention of a girlfriend, Xiao-ou’s heart fluttered.

Chi Wei showed her a photo. At first glance, Xiao-ou liked her—long hair and a very sweet smile.

“Ask her the details when you meet,” Chi Wei said.

“You’re not coming with me?”

“No, I won’t be done until 7:30. Go on your own.”

Chengdu in August was still sweltering. Xiao-ou looked at her outfit—a simple pale yellow T-shirt and jeans—and cursed Chi Wei for not telling her earlier so she could have dressed up.

…

The Date

When she arrived, she saw a woman in a corner waving her phone at her. Despite having been on countless blind dates, Xiao-ou was still nervous. As she approached, the woman stood up and said warmly, “Hello, Xiao-ou.”

“Sorry I’m late.” Xiao-ou put down her bag, feeling good. Her sixth sense told her this one might actually work out. Maybe she could finally say goodbye to being single.

“What do you like to eat?” Wang Ling asked considerately.

“You choose. I’m not a picky eater.”

Wang Ling pursed her lips and smiled. “Chi Wei said you were very picky.” She gave a knowing look. “Can you eat spicy food?”

“A bit.”

Xiao-ou felt today was her lucky day. The atmosphere of the date was pleasant.

“Where do you work?” “Tongzilin. You’re near the East Gate Bridge, right?” Wang Ling asked. “Yeah.” “Chi Wei said you just moved to her company. The new job must be a bit tough.” “Yeah, it’s okay. It’s just that the boss is a bit hard to deal with.” “People who bully newcomers are losers,” Wang Ling said.

Xiao-ou smiled appreciatively. It felt like Wang Ling already knew quite a bit about her.

“You have a nice smile,” Wang Ling added. Xiao-ou looked down, a bit embarrassed. “Don’t you have anything you want to ask me?” “What do you do for a living?” “I’m at CITIC Bank.” “Oh. How old are you? I’m 26.” Wang Ling paused. “I’m 27.” She looked at Xiao-ou with bright eyes. “Sorry, I sound like I’m conducting a census. Your turn to ask.” Wang Ling shook her head and laughed. “I already know everything I need to. Seeing you today, I’m even more satisfied.”

Xiao-ou was ecstatic. They chatted over dinner in a harmonious atmosphere. Wang Ling looked after her in a way that was comfortable without being overbearing. After dinner, Wang Ling asked, “What do you usually do after work?”

“Go home, cook, eat, watch dramas or variety shows.” Wang Ling remained silent. Xiao-ou toyed with her hair. “Is that too ‘homebody’?” “No, it’s cute.”

Aaaah! Xiao-ou thought. This woman is too good with words.

“Do you have to go home now? Or can you stay with me a bit longer? I’d prefer the latter.”

Since she put it that way—and since Xiao-ou really did want to spend more time with her—she replied, “Let’s take a walk.”

Unfortunately, Jinli was not a great place for a stroll. She didn’t know why Chi Wei had suggested this spot. Jinli was a famous tourist attraction in Chengdu, packed with backpackers and crowds. Eventually, Wang Ling suggested, “Let’s find a place to sit.”

They drifted into a small square and found a water bar that wasn’t overcrowded, ordering two iced drinks.

“I just added you on WeChat. Accept it,” Wang Ling said.

Xiao-ou pulled out her phone. She leaned back against the sofa, watching the flow of people outside. Light music played in the background; some people were singing softly, others talking in low voices.

Suddenly, Xiao-ou’s scalp began to tingle.

“When? Friday? I have a very important meeting on Friday. Shi Lei, don’t…”

Gu Ming looked at her phone after the call was cut off and sighed. She dialed back. “Is Friday the only time they can do? Then I’ll adjust my schedule. Okay, fine.”

Xiao-ou heard that captivating voice right next to her. she looked around and realized that President Gu—Gu Ming—was sitting right behind her on the back-to-back sofa.