Back on the top floor, Xue Rui helped Ji Feng transfer the takeaway noodles into a bowl.
The set of bowls were gifted to Ji Feng before, supposedly custom pieces for nobility. Ordinary people obtaining such rare precious ceramic would display them as decor. Yet Ji Feng simply used them as intended – vessels for eating food.
Within the fine custom ware a mound of somewhat unclear soup and mediocre looking noodles now sat conspicuously paired – no matter how one looked at it the noodles failed matching the quality of the containers.
Ji Feng frowned.
However he peered at it this food didn’t seem appetizing at all. But remembering how Xu Miyu ate those noodles with such relish, finishing them then lifting the bowl straight to face loudly slurping the last dregs of broth…
He decided to still give them a try after all.
Maybe they only looked bad yet tasted fine instead? Worth a chance anyway.
Ji Feng picked up his chopsticks, sampling a mouthful of noodles.
Beside him Xue Rui watched Ji Feng’s obvious distaste transform into decision to personally test the noodles, then utter revulsion the instant they entered his mouth.
As if he’d just tasted some foul poison Ji Feng spit out the noodles swiftly back up.
The very next second he flung the utensils onto the table and rushed off to rinse his mouth.
Returning afterwards he stood by the coffee table, stabbing a finger at the bowl of noodles, face dark as he interrogated Xue Rui: “Is this stuff even edible for humans?! It tastes more awful than chicken feed! Yet that woman seemed perfectly capable happily eating it – what is she, trying to commit some ‘Delicious Reaction’ scam?!”
Inside Xue Rui thought: How do you know it tastes worse than chicken feed? Have you eaten chicken feed before?
But he didn’t dare voice this, only secretly questioning and chuckling to himself instead.
Ji Feng’s sinister inquiry suddenly sounded by his ear: “What’re you standing there tittering about alone? Want me to buy you ten bowls this instant to finish before me?”
Xue Rui gave a full body tremor, promptly hiding all hints of his covert amusement in some deep abyss.
Ji Feng heaved a long sigh before most reluctantly telling Xue Rui: “Go get us a table downstairs at the Chinese restaurant then…”
Xue Rui froze first, reminding Ji Feng: “But chef Chen isn’t working today.” This man just said earlier without Chen nothing edible would emerge from that kitchen right?
“C’mere, try this bowl of noodles yourself.” Ji Feng grabbed Xue Rui shoving his head towards those noodles. “Taste for yourself exactly how awful they are. I know Chen isn’t here but after this still stuck on your palate anything else would be swallowable for you right?”
Xue Rui swiftly twisted free from proximity of the noodles, dashing for the elevators as if equipped with rocket powered wheels making straight for the second floor Chinese restaurant.
Xu Miyu arrived at the administrative level ready to start work.
After changing into uniform she was surprised to discover the off duty attendants had all shown up. Not only them, even some who should have ended shift hadn’t left either.
Moreover they weren’t in uniform but fine casual wear, hints of light to heavy makeup upon their faces.
Even Luo Qingping, Ke Wenxue and Yin Xiang were present.
Xu Miyu assumed they had some group event later and felt a fleeting moment regret at not being included.
But swiftly the blunt Ke Wenxue reacted first questioning her instead: “Jie*, how come you’ve changed into uniform? Didn’t you get the notice?”
Xu Miyu questioned back confusedly: “What notice?”
Ke Wenxue pondered then said: “Since you just started the manager probably doesn’t know you yet so informed our supervisor directly instead.”
She pulled Xu Miyu over rapidly updating her on the context.
“Jie, we’re all called here by Feng KaiXin. That name Feng KaiXin you should’ve heard during hiring, he’s the overall manager of our entire hotel’s Housekeeping Division. He often takes us administrative floor attendants to banquets he’s set up to swell numbers for him – says our batch specifically have the looks and competence for such things.”
Xu Miyu felt equally astonished and baffled by this.
“So it’s compulsory attendance, everyone has to go when called or else?” She asked.
Ke Wenxue nodded: “Yup. Manager Feng highly values face, not going equals offending him. He’s the type to hold grudges plus he’s the hotel owner’s relative – really close kin too – so nobody dares cross him.”
“Anyway it’s nothing much, just drinking and chatting up whoever’s at his banquet. It’s fine going along, get to eat good stuff sometimes. But not attending risks losing this job you know.”
Ke Wenxue then shifted topics back: “Right, so nobody wants jeopardizing work all because offending Manager Feng over this. After all the pay here at Swire is quite high for the industry, and I’ve heard it’s similar circumstances in other hotels too. Might as well stick to one with highest benefits.”
After explaining Ke Wenxue urged Xu Miyu again: “Hurry up and get changed Jie, Manager Feng said to bring along all supervisors and leaders later.”
Xu Miyu frowned. “I’ve got to attend too? But I’m on duty today! With everyone gone who’s going to handle things on this floor then?”
Ke Wenxue replied: “Per norms it’s usually the plainer ones amongst us remaining behind, like little Du, little Geng etcetera…”
Xu Miyu felt it rather absurd: “The owner’s relative can disrupt scheduled duties just to fulfill banquet attendance demands?”
Ke Wenxue nodded: “Well of course, the owner’s kin get what they want.”
At her side Yin Xiang consoled: “Don’t fret too much Jie, it’s not nearly as bad as you think. Just sharing a meal and some drinks, everything provided is premium fare too. If lucky might even befriend some wealthy gentleman. Could really prove helpful if issues crop up in future!”
Xu Miyu stated: “I simply feel this shouldn’t be imposed through coercion. Whoever’s willing to go may go.”
She then shook her head indicating her stance against supporting such a banquet.
Just then Ke Wenxue said to Xu Miyu: “Jie please understand, Xiang does have a point too. It really is just a minor thing going. But if you insist otherwise offending Manager Feng and Sir Luo’s face risks summary dismissal, truly. Also if you refuse Manager Feng will definitely vent frustration onto us as well…”
“It’s only a meal so don’t act all prim and proper sacrificing our jobs for your sanctimony Supervisor Xu! Don’t destroy our rice bowls clinging onto some pristine image!” Luo Qingping also sniped from the side with neither warmth nor hostility.
She remained the sole attendant still antagonistic against Xu Miyu the supervisor.
Xu Miyu stood frozen in place for a good few seconds.
She felt it all outrageously unreasonable yet also recognized the trick of compelling attendance by holding peers hostage through warning of group retaliation for individual defiance. This was practically workplace gaslighting!
However unreasonable, to avoid implicating others Xu Miyu finally relented and went along in the end.
The banquet was on floor two’s Chinese Restaurant. The hotel’s second floor contained variously sized ballrooms. Outside the eateries like tea houses and cafes stood for more leisurely relaxing. There was also a broad open terrace.
Feng KaiXin’s event occupied the ‘Man Ting Fang’ suite. When Xu Miyu followed the others in she glimpsed apparent occupancy next door at the ‘Lin Jiang Xian’ too. Some restaurant attendants loitered by its doors awaiting chances for service.
Entering the ‘Man Ting Fang’ Xu Miyu noticed the extra large round table inside already seated over ten men. None very young. The man besides head seat directing things seemed slightly junior to the rest yet his eyes were equally murky, clearly also veteran of such alcohol soaked affairs. He was evidently the key guest Feng KaiXin intended honoring today.
Seeing the ladies enter his eyes lit up as he smiled at Feng KaiXin saying: “Manager Feng you didn’t lie! It really is ‘man ting fang*’ in here! These sweeties barely stepped in and the whole room’s filled up with fragrance already!”
He beckoned Feng KaiXin to have two to his liking sit by him. That guest addressed as ‘Mr Luo’ first picked Luo Qingping saying “This girl looks aloof, very distinctive!” Then he roved eyes over the group finally settling upon Xu Miyu.
Xu Miyu deliberately hadn’t changed outfits, still in her supervisor gear. It was a tiny token of rebellion she wished expressing.
Yet amidst the sea of colorful dresses her somber black uniform instead stood out exceptionally.
Xu Miyu assumed this Mr Luo would naturally select someone younger by his side.
Unexpectedly he pointed right at her urging “I’ll take that other one too! Very appetizing vibes from her.”
Approaching her seat Xu Miyu actually felt rather nervous. She had phone tucked covertly in shirt pocket, set recording. In case anything happened tonight inexplicable sans evidence she at least had this safeguard prepared.
With all the ladies seated Feng KaiXin began plying alcohol.
“C’mon you two Mr Luo specially picked himself, hurry respect his toast!” Feng KaiXin orchestrated like an old madam.
Luo Qingping coolly gave Mr Luo a curtsip. He drank it grinning ear to ear.
Xu Miyu’s turn next. She refused: “I don’t drink.”
Mr Luo extended a hand over, patting her thigh suggestively up and down. As he did so he spoke: “No problem, one drink and you’ll learn!”
Xu Miyu instantly shot to her feet.
Mr Luo’s complexion shifted somewhat awkwardly and Feng KaiXin’s face clearly emerged traces of anger over loss of face.
“How could you be so poorly behaved? Still not apologizing respectfully to Mr Luo?” He rebuked unhappily.
By his side Mr Luo pulled a long face clearly awaiting Xu Miyu’s enlightenment into better manners and due apology towards himself.
Xu Miyu truly wished to just walk out then and there. But she glimpsed the pleading looks from all the other girls seated, silently beseeching her not to abandon them. Their expressions warned that if she simply left like this, Manager Feng would surely vent anger onto them later.
Xu Miyu suppressed her own indignance.
But no matter what she could not stoop to forcing herself to drink or apologize. Quelling disgust she conceded using a stall tactic, softly uttering “Excuse me a moment, bathroom!” before directly fleeing ere Feng KaiXin could react to obstruct her exit.
Departing she heard Feng KaiXin loudly summon their supervisor: “Manager Yang*, over here! Let me ask what’s up with this rude new supervisor of yours!”
Xu Miyu sighed inwardly.
Just returning from the bathroom without directly reentering the ‘Man Ting Fang’ suite she was immediately intercepted by an irate Feng KaiXin for a private talk.
“Xu Miyu isn’t it? I heard you’re already divorced so why still behaving so skittishly! This is the professional reality you chose facing the workforce – get it? The rest all managed toasts without issue so what’s wrong with you?!”
Xu Miyu steeled herself thinking: Be brave, don’t fear refusal! So she responded firmly despite slight quavering: “We’re here to work not drink though. And it’s not in our handbook that respecting toasts is a job requirement!”
She was instantly cut off: “Then it’s getting added to your handbook so you’ve got no more grounds for complaints! Work handbook – unbelievable!”
Arrogant ridicule accompanied by noxious alcoholic breath assailed her.
Just then that Mr Luo also emerged swaying tipsily from the ‘Man Ting Fang’.
Face thoroughly reddened his eyes even murkier than before, he kept wavering on feet while each breath seemed drenched in liquor as if he’d just bowled straight into a huge vat of spirits.
Raising a finger towards Xu Miyu’s face he declared: “I knew from the start this girl’s flavors get better the more I look! Fine! Bro Luo likes feisty dolls pretending to be goody prudes like you! Let’s go girlie, inside to chat more with Bro Luo. Luo took a shine first glance itself – you’re real unique. Got spice! C’mon, Luo promises an unforgettable night for you baby girl!”
Seeing Xu Miyu unmoving he turned pleading Feng KaiXin instead: “Old Feng I know you wanted my patronage right? Get this girl to drink with me and we’ll talk business. If she still refuses…” Mr Luo waved dismissively at Feng KaiXin while swaying on his feet, “no deal!”
Feng KaiXin glared fiercely at Xu Miyu: “You heard Mr Luo promise he absolutely won’t shortchange you. Still not quickly getting in there?!” He propelled Xu Miyu back into the room.
Xu Miyu consented following Feng KaiXin not because his glower cowed her, but from glimpsing past the thrust open doors that Luo Qingping inside was indeed faring terribly from the enforced drinks.
Face a blazing red even her eyes seemed bloodshot.
At this rate whether passing out cold or needing a hospital she was clearly nearing limits.
And not just her. The other girls also all displayed flushed complexions and bewildered eyes.
Her heart sank thinking she must step in for them. Resolve solidifying she strode back inside – to the rescue Luo Qingping and the rest of them.
Within the adjacent “Lin Jiang Xian” Xue Rui ordered up dishes for Ji Feng.
Had they been personally prepared by chef Chen every selection would be Ji Feng’s favorites. But the replacements utterly ruined his appetite. He ate everything as if chewing wax, making sympathetic viewers watching also feel awful.
Xue Rui sat down accompanying Ji Feng’s meal too. While clearly finding each dish quite delicious himself he truly couldn’t comprehend how Ji Feng’s palate got so picky.
Finishing two bowls of rice while Ji Feng still prodded excruciatingly slow at his lone soup bowl, taking the occasional sip between frowns and muted huffs critiquing its flavor.
Two sets of footsteps sounded outside in succession. First heavy and messy, a group of men. They entered the neighboring suite.
More steps arrived after. These nimble and sprightly – clearly a bevy of lively young ladies. They too entered the next room.
Shortly the previous male group’s rowdy voices called for the ‘sweeties’ to quickly take their seats.
Listening in Ji Feng’s frown tightened.
Knowing his disposition’s perfectionism and sexual squeamishness Xue Rui grasped his extreme distaste for such occurrences of ‘brother girls’ mixing at booze gatherings. He considered it filth.
Noticing Ji Feng heavily fling down the soup spoon as if unwilling to even consume another morsel here contaminated by such tawdry chatter Xue Rui prepared taking initiative to leave this morally polluted environment.
But right then a very recognizable voice sounded from next door: I don’t drink.
Xue Rui instantly identified it as Xu Miyu’s voice.
Glancing over he was astonished discovering Ji Feng unexpectedly retrieving his spoon to painstakingly continue sipping soup instead of prior urgency departing.
Soon Xu Miyu’s voice sounded again saying she was off to the bathroom.
Then came the sounds of a pushing chairs back and footsteps past their door.
The neighboring room contained male voices. A rather crude one summoning loudly: “Manager Yang, get over here! Let me ask what’s up with this rude new supervisor of yours?!”
A feminine voice swiftly shuffled over, whispering out a report too softly for them to fully discern. Though the words for ‘divorce’ could vaguely be made out.
Ji Feng finally managed emptying that meager half bowl of rapidly cooling soup. Xue Rui reckoned the speed and difficulty of this endeavor were about on par with natural evaporation rates.
The emptied soup bowl was soon replaced in Ji Feng’s hands by his barely touched unfinished leftovers now under further relentless barrage of criticisms…husked grains not tender enough, overly tough meat, too intensely seasoned, vegetable leaves lacked freshness…
Xue Rui mentally implored him that if it’s so gross just stop eating and spare both the food and himself!
Unwilling watching Ji Feng’s hapless struggles with mere sustenance Xue Rui shifted focus out the glass windows instead.
At first glance he astonishingly discovered a familiar figure standing right outside directly facing them. From this interior vantage point over half her side profile was visible.
A sudden eruption of lights burst out the night sky.
Some fireworks display.
Their glare made Xue Rui blink rapidly readjusting his eyes back inward. He returned attention towards Ji Feng wondering how the sparring matched progressed.
Glancing back he discovered Ji Feng frozen stationary, food midair in chopsticks half lifted to mouth. He was presenting an exceptionally still portrait.
Ji Feng’s gaze itself was narrowed, staring fixedly outside at one spot.
That direction…wasn’t precisely where Xu Miyu stood?
Following his sight Xue Rui also turned to look.
Swiveling he too froze momentarily in place.
Outside Xu Miyu’s head was raised facing the fireworks as she smiled brightly.
Something about her smile made her seem a wholly different person. Eyes curved crescent, teeth neatly revealed, corners of lips gently upturned. She seemed lit up herself, the grin restoring purity and luminance.
Who knew this middling divorcée could still smile so beautifully.
Poised out there beaming up at the colorful explosions she truly resembled a picturesque portrait of joy.
Unfortunately the image was disrupted by her phone’s sudden loud ringing. Lowering her head taking the call her expression swiftly shifted into dejection and anger. She fiddled with her phone briefly before reentering the banquet hall.
Xue Rui turned observing Ji Feng whose brows seemed marginally knit again.
Like someone also engrossed by a pleasing sight before getting disturbed mid appreciation, the mood now spoilt.
He did eventually clear bowl.
Xue Rui promptly asked: “Boss, finished eating right? Shall we head upstairs then?”
More light footsteps sounded beyond, approaching the neighboring door.
Yet Ji Feng glanced up declaring instead: “Feels I’ve not eaten my fill. Get me another half bowl of rice.”
???
Xue Rui nearly dislocated jaw crashing onto floor.
Just before Xu Miyu smiled towards the fireworks her phone had jarringly rung.
Checking the caller ID she was astonished seeing it was from Luo Qingping.
Answering she was further surprised hearing Luo Qingping’s mildly pleading tone. Beyond her voice the unmistakable echo of flowing water could be detected.
Her words came out somewhat raspy too like she’d just vomited.
Xu Miyu deduced Luo Qingping must have gotten plied with drinks and rushed vomiting into the toilet.
“Xu Miyu I know you left. Please…come back a moment? I was wrong always antagonizing you because I envied you. I’m apologizing now!”
Listening to Luo Qingping’s apology filled Xu Miyu with incredulity. For her to lower head admitting error, what must have transpired inside the “Man Ting Fang”?
“…I thought tonight would be the same old meals and wine but seems I assumed wrong… If you don’t come back Manager Feng and Mr Luo will just double team me for drinks. I’m really unwell, soon to be overwhelmed! What if they get me blackout drunk and taken away tonight?!”
“Xu Miyu nobody else can save me. They seem stronger but truthfully I know you’ve got real capabilities. You’re the only one who can protect and stand up for us…for me…”
By the end Luo Qingping’s words even emerged slightly tearful.
This was the normally lofty and frigid figure persistently confrontational against her Xu Miyu the supervisor. Now even she was being worn down by these banquet games. Xu Miyu could well imagine the scenarios for the rest then.
Her heart clenched.
She believed regardless whether Luo Qingping or anyone else, as long as they were her subordinates it was her duty keeping them unharmed. This promise of reliable support was what she’d told the girls before too after all. Saying she would try her utmost serving as crutch for them, carrying what burdens she could.
So she couldn’t just abandon them. Now she had to head back inside that booze trap – to rescue Luo Qingping plus the others.
Xu Miyu sighed lightly. Bringing phone out from pockets she reactivated recording mode and turned around walking back towards the hall.
Soon as Xu Miyu reentered the “Man Ting Fang” she was directly hauled outside again by Feng KaiXin for another private chat.
“You Xu Miyu right?! Already divorced yet still behaving so skittishly over this?! You joined the workforce girl this is the professional reality you chose, got it?! They’ve all managed drinks without issues so why’re you making a fuss?!”
Mentally bracing herself Xu Miyu thought: Have courage, don’t fear voicing refusal! So she still responded firmly despite slight quavering: “But our duties don’t include attending banquets for drinking! And respecting alcohol toasts isn’t in our handbook requirements either!”
She was instantly steamrolled over: “Then I’m adding it into your handbook so you’ve got no more grounds for complaints! Work handbook my ass, unbelievable!”
Arrogant ridicule accompanied by noxious alcoholic breath bombarding her once more. By now the indoor suites contained other men strongly urging the women drink. Xu Miyu could stand this no longer. Voice still unsteady with anger she declared: “I refuse drinking! And it’s illegal coercing employees this way!”
The man snorted disdainfully. “Illegality? Don’t think law applies same way towards distinguished guests and insignificant peasant staff! I’ll ask again – come drink or not?! Still wanna work here you better show cooperation!”
His arrogance finally sparked Xu Miyu’s tolerance limit. Thoughts sharply crystalizing she realized enough was enough. She would no longer compromise principles or personal boundaries merely hoping to hold onto this job. If she couldn’t assert basic dignity and free will then she refused being part of this workplace!
Meeting his eyes levelly without blinking Xu Miyu stated: “I quit right this instant! And I’ll report your misconducts to authorities!”
The man smirked coldly. “Go ahead reporting! Think they’ll care about nobodies accusing VIPs? I’ll counter sue you instead for defamation!” His smile contained utmost contempt. “Naive fool, you lowly workers wanting to accuse distinguished guests? Hilarious!”
He waved her off contemptuously. “Get lost! You can leave now!”
Xu Miyu gazed back calmly and turned to walk away. She felt surprisingly steady instead of panicked. Was this how it felt exerting personal willpower?
She took out her phone striding into the elevator, immediately calling manager Yang from Housekeeping Division to report everything occurring tonight. Finally when the call connected she took deep breath and began firmly recounting events from start to finish…
Within the ‘Lin Jiang Xian’ Ji Feng ate that extra rice bowl with usual difficulty then commanded Xue Rui: “Bring me the Thailand property files from study.”
This was the final leg conclusively blocking off disloyal Assistant Manager Duan’s* last avenue for funds abroad. With this sale finalized even Southeast Asia would leave no footholds remaining to support his usurpation plots.
Back in the city demolishing Duan would become all the simpler next.
Xue Rui obediently went fetching documents.
Flipping through them Ji Feng remarked: “You can head home now.”
Xue Rui fled as if escaping some catastrophe.
He figured today’s exceptionally odd and passive aggressive Ji Feng was clearly further affected by excessive negative energies from parents. Best avoid continued exposure for self preservation.
But preoccupied with escaping Xue Rui only realized after exiting that his car keys were left inside the suite.
Hurriedly dashing back in hoping to grab keys without notice he was startled seeing Ji Feng’s back facing the doorway engaging a phonecall instead.
“You’ve got a service attendant fluent in Thai right? Get her up to my floor, I need aid translating documents…What do you mean nobody Thai speaking on staff? How’re you even operating down there without grasping basics on your own employees? You definitely have someone Thai fluent – her name’s Xu Miyu! Yes, from your administrative floor! She’s highly Thai proficient! Arrange her here this instant to help me translate, I need her now! Any issues getting it done? Contact back soon as it’s handled!”
Jamming phone back grumpily post commander-in-chief act he suddenly noticed Xue Rui by the doors bent halfway over sneakily reaching for car keys atop the bar counter.
Catching each other’s eyes both involuntarily paused rather awkwardly.
“Uh boss…just forgot my car keys…” Xue Rui mumbled embarrassed explanation.
“Mm…you must be thinking I’m summoning her up to dodge the banquet right? Actually not, it’s because you left already so I could only find her for assistance. After all her Thai is decent.” Ji Feng furnished perfectly reasonable clarification yet hearing it somehow sparked an urge within Xue Rui towards vicarious mortification.
Truly obsessed over appearances…
Whether he himself stayed or left had no bearing! Boss you know Thai yourself!
But fearful of indirectly dying from residual hand flapping gestures of sympathy Xue Rui prudently fled the premises with keys in hand.
Left alone the phone swiftly rang its callback notice.
It was response for his previous imperious demands.
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