The phone rang and Ji Feng immediately picked up.
The caller informed him: “Sorry Mr. Ji but I just asked around downstairs—that Xumi Yu from admin floor got drunk tonight and has already been taken away by someone.”
Hanging up, the corner of Ji Feng’s mouth curled in mixed irritation and mockery.
And to think he had felt slightly remorseful saying harsh words to her before, thus attempting to help shield her this time.
Turns out she needs no shielding from him whatsoever.
Had she truly wanted to reject those men, she wouldn’t have let herself drink excessively around them till being hauled off—she’s gotten drunk previously right? The disastrous outcome from that night couldn’t have slipped her mind already? Or one night stands are inconsequential to her definition of “consequences”?!
Moreover the morning after their drunken tryst, he specifically warned her to use her brains and watch her mouth in future, not carelessly drinking liquor around others. Yet she hardened an attitude, retorting for people to use their own brains and mouths instead. Yet now, those words were evidently worthless— she’s gotten dead drunk and whisked off by someone again!
So it could only mean she welcomes the outcome herself—a night of tumbling in the sheets might fetch her another two hundred thousand even.
Ji Feng suddenly felt extremely furious along with immense self-disgust towards that woman.
He resented how Duan Xuanzhang’s malice succeeded while his first time ended up being with that sort of woman. That sort of woman apathetic about such matters.
Now he could only blame himself for that brief softening of his heart.
Perhaps it was from that wounded gaze she shot his way. Or that alluring smile of hers amidst the fireworks.
But she clearly lacks any moral stand or self-respect in the end. Let whatever befalls her take its course then!
Ji Feng stared out the window observing vehicles and people shrinking to ants scuttling below. Clenching his fists, he told himself that if memories about that wretched night floated up again, he should just leap off this highest floor instead.
The next day, Xuerui went to the F&B department for a bit to verify menu plans with Chef Chen this week. On his return while ferrying juicy tidbits fished up from gossip teammate Li Kunlun regarding post-dinner affairs at the admin lounge last night—the moment he stepped through doors upstairs to deliver his report and important matters, Xuerui could no longer restrain the surging gossip forces within dying to regale Ji Feng with what he just heard.
Those twists and turns listened to earlier would surely catch boss off guard he believed.
But knowing Ji Feng would surely spout his usual “Don’t ever mention that woman before me” to emphasize his feigned impatience, he had to tantalize in unconventional methods—
“Boss, I heard people saying last night at the admin lounge…” Oh forget it.”
Ji Feng was tending his farm on tablet then. Hooked by that dangling sentence fragment, he did look up with narrowed eyes, demanding icily: “Have I been too generous letting you live lately? Spit it all unless dying by my hands is your wish.”
The bait worked as expected!
Seeing Ji Feng lower his eyes back to his game, Xuerui knew his ears were perked and ready to listen. So he vividly recounted Li Kunlun’s narration of last night’s developments to Ji Feng.
There were unusually sparse dirty rooms that morning since most were either checked-in or pending check-out occupants.
Currently checked-in rooms generally got cleaned starting two pm while check-out rooms had their cleaning tasks commenced once guests depart them.
Lacking dirty rooms to occupy them, the attendants usually returned to the housekeeping lounge for breaks after finishing other rooms.
Exploiting connections via her F&B buddy Li Kunlun, Wenxue Ke got him to prepare vats of warm sobering pear juice. He had wheeled these over just when the girls completed dirty rooms and were relaxing inside.
Li Kunlun conveniently stuck around, helping to ladle drinks while listening to them bring up last night.
After half a bowl, Wenxue Ke heaved a satisfied breath, complexion improving from the nourishment. She then started:
“Hey, Luo Qingping! If I may, you should treat Manager Xu nicer in future! She had already left yet still unhesitatingly turned back from your sole call to rescue not just you but all of us too!”
Upon returning to the private room last night and gauging the precarious situation with aggressive liquor flows going around, Xumi Yu hurriedly transmitted messages down her side for the girls to relay one another — these shady men don’t seem to harbor any proper intentions tonight. To free yourselves if desired, we would have to unite and fight poison with poison! Don’t let them intoxicate you senseless so spike their drinks first instead.
She urged them not to drink much for real when the men coerce more booze down their throats later. Either entirely drain cups then spit contents into towels or pour drinks secretly onto the floor when unnoticed. While one person pulled such tricks, others must run interference shielding her from attention, for instance by distracting the target with drink offers—just ensure the men swallow everything while girls themselves abstain from actual consumption.
Additionally, she specially reminded them that despite requiring some alcohol down herself tonight, they must bring her back to dorms without exception no matter what happened. Absolutely not letting anyone else take her away instead.
Xumi Yu rapidly conveyed those pointers to girls sitting nearby. They then relayed it amongst themselves till everyone responded back to Xumi Yu, vowing to definitely send her back safely tonight.
Power balance subsequently underwent an upheaval after they resumed drinking per normal.
The girls had never done anything similar during past dinner-and-drink sessions— neither cheating alcohol rounds nor banding up to overturn hosts.
With Xumi Yu leading the charge and firing up morale this time, they quickly consolidated into one tight clique, backing up one other seamlessly. For the first time, they not only avoided crumbling drunkenly but even succeeded flipping tables to flatten the male guests! This counter-kill felt incredibly empowering for these disadvantaged young women!
Unfortunately despite both outright chicanery and everyone’s eventual efforts running interference for Xumi Yu, she still couldn’t evade significant liquor portions forced down by the lecherous President Luo who seem bent on conquering her no matter what.
Thankfully from their united assistance, Xumi Yu finally wore out and felled President Luo in the end through sheer perseverance from all that liquor.
“Qingping, think about how much Manager Xu’s actions saved you last night! Without her you would have long been drunk comatose and carried off to be assaulted! Frankly speaking, if I were her, judging from your recurrent opposition towards her plus all those sabotaging tricks—even if you spammed my phone nonstop I still wouldn’t have turned back to fish you out! Such selfless fools are rare nowadays so know to appreciate them better.”
“That’s true. We really have Manager Xu to thank for directing us to first help one another yesterday right? Otherwise how could we band up to captivate then retaliate against those patrons forcing drinks on everyone? Something like this has never happened before! I even felt exhilarated somehow! To be honest, she’s now someone we should treasure for the greater good. So please be nicer to her from now on.”
Everyone echoed agreement with Xiang Yin’s words. With Xumi Yu around, their little collective seem to have grown more united, tighter knit and mutually supportive…
Hearing all that, Luo Qingping lowered her gaze wordlessly. After some moments, she mumbled out a noncommittal sound of assent.
Just then Xumi Yu entered, still pale from last night’s intense vomiting.
They quickly leapt up at her arrival to pepper questions about her state. Li Kunlun and Wenxue Ke fought to ladle hangover soup for her while Xiang Yin pulled over a seat, getting Xumi Yu to sit down. Even Luo Qingping fetched a warm towel over for Xumi Yu to pat away beads of cold sweat.
So much care left Xumi Yu’s heart feeling all warm. She felt last night’s episode was worthwhile. Protecting them led to obtaining their protection in return as well.
Xumi Yu gestured for everyone to take a seat. She had some things to say.
They instantly quietened obediently.
Xumi Yu glanced over Wenxue Ke, Xiang Yin and the rest before speaking: “I simply wanted to tell everyone— for incidents like last night in future, those keen to go can but I suggest declining for those who don’t wish to. In fact my advice is indeed not to go at all. Such drinking sessions aren’t exactly salubrious environments for young girls whereby getting drunk and hauled off alone could wreck your life. And bank on finding contacts to aid your future causes there? Fat chance! Majority just attended to take advantage instead.”
All of them nodded in consensus agreement with Xumi Yu. Xiang Yin secretly bowed her head since she was the one who claimed they could meet helpful seniors at such engagements. But she identified even more now with Xumi Yu’s perspective.
“But Manager Xu, what if Manager Feng makes things difficult for us later for not attending future sessions?” Wenxue Ke voiced everyone’s worries with resonating murmurs of agreement from a few girls.
Xumi Yu surveyed them before asking: “What if I say— the next time such incidents occur, directly reject Manager Feng’s requests? If he creates trouble I have means to handle him. Would you believe me?”
Xumi Yu didn’t bluster empty boasts. She has deliberated countermeasures already and felt assured to tell the girls so.
When claiming capability to fix Feng Kaiyin, it’s because she recorded last night’s dialogues. All the lewd nonsense Feng Kaiyin spouted at the table, she specially consulted an expert earlier if those constituted sexual harassment against the girls.
Regretfully, since the girls didn’t explicitly reject him last night and some even stupidly played along occasionally, his legal responsibility could be excused off as consensual.
But just because his salacious words slipped through legal cracks didn’t mean ethical ones! Publicizing those exchanges would still humiliate and destroy him. His wife certainly wouldn’t let him off either.
Hence Xumi Yu decided that if Feng Kaiyin demanded the girls to cocktail events again in future, she would negotiate conditions with this recording.
But she wouldn’t bring it out unless absolutely necessary. Because the girls’ voices existed within too, especially a dumb few actually laughing along those lewd jesting men. When teased if you don’t drink we’re taking you home tonight, they even chuckled oh okay in efforts to avoid drinking—releasing such recordings wouldn’t bode well for them too as it could be misconstrued as flirtatious willingness. But it should sufficiently deter Feng Kaiyin.
Hearing Xumi Yu’s question: “Would you believe me?”
They beheld her face.
A quality of tranquil confidence laid within that was akin to someone committing an oath bound to fulfill.
“I believe.” A voice pioneered breaking the silence.
They turned to look. To their surprise, the first one pledging faith was Luo Qingping!
“I do too!” Second was Xiang Yin.
“Me as well!” Wenxue Ke ranked third place.
“I believe too!” “I do too!”
…
Affirmative responses rippled. Then a clear masculine voice abruptly blended within the chorus:
“I believe as well!”
They collectively glanced over to see Li Kunlun also brandishing his ladle, bellowing along with the rest.
Laughter all around ensued.
Xumi Yu started laughing too. It was her first time in life obtaining so many people’s trust. Their validation warmed her heart.
“If you believe me, then just adhere to what I advised—decline flat out if Manager Feng orders any of you to drinking sessions again. Just tell him I have already scheduled duties for everyone rendering you unavailable.” Xumi Yu added gently amidst mirth.
Beholding her smiling softly while speaking composedly, an invisible aura seem to surround her somehow. That gentle power led them to place reliance and trust in her.
Echoing back affirmative responses of “Okay!” spiritedly, they knocked backbowls together mimicking a celebratory toast…
The nourishing soup trickled down, leaving behind comfort and warmth in every stomach and heart.
Ji Feng listened expressionlessly the entire narration.
Initially still trying to multi-task by continuously tapping on his tablet farm while listening, his actions gradually slowed until finally stilling entirely.
Despite an impassive face, his mind was privately reeling through several upheavals.
What a relief…
She didn’t wake up on someone else’s bed ultimately. Instead she gritted through everything all the way till safely back in her own lodgings before permitting collapse. This showed greater restraint and self-control over him at least… Not bad.
And her returning trip was actually due to those young women — even that prior dissenter. This drunken episode was worth it then, since she even converted the final opposer through it.
Xuerui’s questioning voice sounded by his ear again: “Boss, what are your thoughts right now?”
Ji Feng cocked a brow slightly. His eyes instantaneously brimmed with familiar mocking contempt and disgust.
“This trash hotel—glittering exterior but rotten core! Gorgeous facade hiding sordid filth— even room attendants get pulled into drinking sessions now! Utterly dirty through and through!”
Xuerui swiftly placated: “Too true! Outward magnificence of Swis Hotel yet utterly trash management underneath that gloss.”
Ji Feng let out an icy laugh before lowering his eyes back to his tablet, hurriedly sowing neglected farmland.
“This is exactly the outcome when family politics dominate enterprise leadership! Sooner or later the business becomes an empty building hollowed out by parasites from favoritism and nepotism.”
Echoing that, Xuerui lamented: “In hindsight, wise choice residing here so stubbornly Boss! The longer one stays, the more problems surface for discovery!”
Ji Feng commanded Xuerui: “Later, tell Charles Wei that if similar unsavory episodes of coercing female attendants into drinks surface again, acquisition discussions will terminate immediately.”
Xuerui hastily acknowledged.
“Note down that housekeeping manager’s name too. Plus compile identities of all executive familial relations in this hotel. I want them all purged in future!” Ji Feng added.
“Got it. I’ll make a memo.”
While responding, Xuerui also began preparing tea for Ji Feng. “Let me brew some tea to improve your mood Boss. Don’t let this hotel’s appalling management upset you. Just look at the fabulous weather outside presently!”
Ji Feng peered out the window following his cue. Indeed gorgeous conditions with vibrant sunlight and refreshing breeze.
Abruptly, an impulse flickered in Ji Feng’s mind — such scenic views would be great enjoyed out in the second floor terrace instead.
Right after that flash of inspiration crossed, his body reacted by rising from the sofa without even bothering to grab his coat while striding out towards the elevators.
Xuerui scrambled after in bafflement, snatching up his boss’s jacket as he hurried to catch up.
By the time Ji Feng alighted on second floor and marched straight into the terrace side gazebo, Xuerui still couldn’t comprehend what prompted his boss’s random mingling downstairs again.
Ji Feng sat at one of the outdoor seats within the pavilion, ordering the usual subpar Bi Luo Chun tea which he sipped while still wrinkling his nose in perpetual dissatisfaction.
Beside him, Xuerui remained confused. He truly couldn’t grasp why his boss’s mood kept fluctuating so unpredictably lately — darting unpredictably all over the place!
“Should be a clear night tonight.”
Xuerui suddenly heard Ji Feng utter that.
After a beat, he didn’t glance at the skies but swiftly unlocked his phone for a weather check instead, before sucking up: “How true! Cloudless all night. Boss your forecasts now even exceed reports!”
Ji Feng threw him a fleeting sideways glance still containing the usual traces of disdain: “Now Minister Ho would envy your sycophancy levels.” He raised his sight upwards again however.
For some reason, the fireworks blooming beautifully across last night’s skies drifted into his mind — along with that smiling countenance illuminated under them. Plus mercifully, his first time hadn’t ended up on an extremely appalling person after all…
An idea then sparked within. Although Ji Feng found it rather ludicrous himself, he still commanded Xuerui: “Prepare some fireworks. Hurry and complete whatever procedures necessary. I want a show here tonight that I can watch.”
Xuerui’s already overwhelmed mind then jammed up entirely — akin to vehicles completely obstructed within a cramped hutong, knotting up his every mental faculty.
Boss wants to view fireworks?
Wait—was he forgetting some major suitable occasion worth celebrating leading to Ji Feng’s delight?
His birthday? No. Even if it were, he wouldn’t be thrilled enough for pyrotechnics.
Some family matters resolved positively? Also unlikely since he was still terribly vexed over domestic issues mere days back.
Don’t tell him it’s the anniversary commemoration of playing that blasted farm game or something? No no, confirmed earlier that such celebrations have passed…
So ultimately why would Ji Feng be so happy as to suddenly desire viewing fireworks?
Xuerui cautiously probed Ji Feng: “For tonight’s fireworks show Boss…what would be the reason or purpose behind it?”
Ji Feng merely angled him a fleeting sideways glance, mouth lifting mockingly: “No purpose or reason. I just want to watch it. What, are prerequisites and picked dates necessary simply to view some fireworks?”
Xuerui instantly shut up.
Yes yes, who daredquestion when it’s the mighty boss’s wishes!
Ever since narrowly escaping assault by the lecherous President Luo during that perilous drinking session, Xumi Yu was resentfully fixated upon by name and face within manager Feng Kaiyin’s memory.
Normally Feng Kaiyin wouldn’t bother remembering identities of low level female attendants. Yet Xumi Yu’s lasting impression from that night was simply too memorable.
Despite not the youngest, she emitted an inexhaustible allure somehow. Silently beckoning people’s gaze and attraction increasingly the harsher external pressures aimed to stamp it out. Feng Kaiyin observed President Luo typically couldn’t care less about the rest—drinking together and chatting merely for diversion sake. Yet somehow he ended up inordinately fixated over Xumi Yu instead, bordering outright obsession to conquer her by night’s end.
Yet contradictorily, outward gentleness concealed exceptional mental strength whereby no amount of force could make her yield. In the end she wore out President Luo first.
President Luo woke up so furious he went straight to hospital for IV rehydration while indignantly lodging complaints over the phone: “President Feng! Can you see what kind of people you’ve brought?! Are they here to accompany us or play us instead?! Not only drinking everyone under the table, I couldn’t even touch a hand after all that! Let’s end discussions over joint ventures between us! I’m finding more agreeable options elsewhere!”
He vented, hung up and even blocked Feng Kiyin’s number when the latter tried calling back — replacing Feng Kiyin’s voice with curt pre-recorded notification tones of being blacklisted for the receiver.
Feng Kiyin was livid at this huge loss of a lucrative golden goose he finally managed to get on the cusp of slowly exploiting through the marketing department for hefty kickbacks on the side.
Witnessing such profits on the verge of attainment flying off, his hatred for Xumi Yu pierced bone deep.
Yet by some absolutely dogshit luck, this girl insisted on pulling a major publicity stunt of salvaging their hotel’s reputation at this precise timing.
Rendering it temporarily impossible for him to dispose her for now!
Ever since cleverly preventing that lewd President Luo’s vile intentions using pure willpower alone in that liquor-laden dinner session, Xumi Yu started receiving anonymous phone threats warning ominously: “Xumi Yu, you just wait! I won’t let you off!”
Before she could finish feeling puzzled, a massive stunning piece of news broke and started circulating through the servant grapevine channels — about a VIP customer named Yan Junhao whom Xumi Yu valiantly rescued that very same night she rejected President Luo’s harrassment!
It turned out this astonishing figure wasn’t just anybody but one of the youngest scions from the prominent Yan family clan based in the imperial capital! After years overseas expanding the family empire, he has taken over regional development duties for Star City on behalf of Yan Group! On the cusp of turning thirty years old, his net worth allegedly exceeded one billion!
Not only immensely affluent, Yan Junhao’s outward appearance wasn’t lacking either. Reputedly quite a remarkable refined gentleman!
Hence that night when he arrived at Swis Hotel and discovered his room was still undergoing last minute intensive cleanings with linen changes and tub scrubbing etc before it could be released for check-in — this ultra rich young master didn’t kick up a big fuss as expected. He simply made a passing joke that came off sounding more like approval: “Oh? Quite the large scale spring cleaning operation going on here hmm! That’s right, cleanliness should be emphasized strongly for hospitality establishments!”
The senior receptionist attendant on duty Zhang Li browsed hotels under Yan Group’s listings once she received notice of this VIP’s arrival. Then she correlated and realized they were esteemed partners featured in top choices across various big chains. This provoked immense anxiety in her lest any missteps here caused Yan Group’s corporate decision makers to retract collaborations in fury. Immediately she discussed countermeasures with her supervisor — Xumi Yu, who was helping cover temporary supervisor duties due to low manpower shortage that night.
The most intuitive solution was offering to upgrade this VIP guest to the presidential suite. Yet all suites were currently occupied. Hence they could only apologize profusely about delays while explaining highest standards must be strictly met for the esteemed VIP’s room before presenting it over to him.
Fortunately, Yan Junhao didn’t get annoyed. He smiled gently and chose to hang around the side lobby enjoying after meal coffee while continuing waiting.
Zhang Li heaved relieved breaths before murmuring to Xumi Yu: “If we had free suites I would have directly upgraded him. After all, individuals are one thing but no one wishes getting the entire group’s partnerships revoked if offending arbitrarily…do continue expediting for his room!”
Xumi Yu rapped out clear acknowledgment, secretly resolving to augment vigor by joining the cleaning herself.
Half an hour later, just when attending supervisor Xumi Yu received front desk’s notification about preparations finally done for room release — ear piercing screams suddenly shrieked from the side lobby resting area!
She instantly bolted out anxiously and saw Yan Junhao single handedly grabbing hold of some crazed middle aged man wielding a fruit knife lunging towards the senior manager’s wife nearby!
That guy was deranged alright?!
Xumi Yu reacted extremely swiftly, pulling out the walkie talkie at her waist to shout broadcasting an emergency security request for backup before charging forward without thought and forcefully kicking that frenzied man away!
When hotel security came rushing and successfully constrained him, that lunatic was still rolling his eyes while crying out dementedly and struggling nonstop: “That vixen Grace hurt me badly in the past! I must butcher her… I want her dead!”
His target happened to be accompanying the senior manager here tonight to settle procedures for their wedding reception scheduled at Swis Hotel later.
She was currently trembling in fright while her fiance shielded her behind him. Furrowing his brows, he instructed security guards to handle per regulations and remove that psycho away while profusely thanking Yan Junhao for reacting so valiantly first. Then he turned towards Xumi Yu gesturing gratefully as well.
Xumi Yu hurriedly kept modest. It was their cause for alarm failing to detect suspicious individuals entering and only managed responding ex post facto.
After pacifying the traumatized pair, she quickly made arrangements for them to rest in the penthouse temporarily. Zhang Li instructed someone contact the local police department and hotel legal for follow up processing.
When Yan Junhao noticed Xumi Yu intended on staying back for statements later, he smiled gently and said no need. “You look rather weary. I can assist with police statements etc so please go back earlier to rest.”
Only when repeatedly declined did Xumi Yu nod before profusely thanking him once more along with Zhang Li.
That astonishing episode could have developed into horrific tragedy! By great fortune, Yan Junhao reacted right on time or consequences would be dire! Looks like patronizing their hotel today turned out most correct!
After a string of effusive praises, Xumi Yu suddenly asked rather daringly if Mr Yan had someone to attend to him right now? If not she could stay behind for any assistance needed?
Yan Junhao smiled kindly. “No need, you must be exhausted. Have a good rest!”
Xumi Yu acknowledged awkwardly before taking her leave.
Shortly after returning downstairs she received orders getting summoned up by Feng Kaiyin into his office for inquiries. Facing reproachful interrogations left her rather confused. Did she slip somewhere? But she merely assisted briefly per supervisor duties before Yan Junhao waved her off?
She gave candid detailed recounts of the episode. Yet strangely, the more she clarified, the darker Feng Kaiyin’s face sank as if…was he losing temper due to her contributions tonight?!
“Thing is, this Yan Junhao holds massive energy! Our hotel would become focal target receiving heavy external scrutiny after this incident! Do you understand how huge a risk it poses for us?! What if we get splashed in any negative coverage from subsequent media handling?! Plus if we can’t provide clear explanations, what if it provokes dissatisfaction from Yan family side later too?!”
Xumi Yu attempted explaining groundedly. “I believe Yan Junhao won’t implicate or fault us over madman’s actions tonight…”
She hasn’t finished when Feng Kaiyin slammed the desk lividly. “Who do you think you are?! How qualified are you to comment on what Yan Junhao would think?! Get out!! Let me warn you, coupled with recent complaints against you, if anything untoward erupts from this episode, I’ll have you fired!!”
Eyes wide frightened, Xumi Yu fled his office utterly baffled.
Nothing seemed amiss from her end? What complaints has manager Feng received?? Why did her tiny involvement stoke such unreasonable fury tonight?! It was just temporary backup duties! Requesting her special wasn’t even necessary originally! She merely helped a bit per conscience sake!!
Alas, hardly anyone cared to hear her defense…
Those anonymous threatening calls resumed the very next day. Vague yet terrifying all the same. Was it from superiors? But why?! Where exactly did she blunder?!
Barely taking a breather from this, fresh stunning news crashed the scene again — Yan Enterprise’s Young Master personally visited Manager Feng today with exceptional sincerity! Reason being to cordially invite their hotel over for principled collaboration discussions! He apologized for descending without early notice but expressed hoping to initiate builds first based on interpersonal relationships! Said he became so impressed by Swis Hotel’s service standards — swiftly reacting against potential calamity. Such quality sought precisely by Yan’s Enterprise for prospective cooperation! This fruitful connection tonight must have been brought together by fated affinity!
Flabbergasted gossiping crowds huddled excitedly. All deeming yesterday’s tragedy actually bred massive returns beyond anybody’s wildest imaginations! Becoming recognized then further cherry picked by mammoth conglomerates like Yan Group?!! Simply mythic stuff of legends!! Looks like heavens blessed Swis Hotel huh?! What an explosive soaring high note to kickstart this month!!
When the thrilled senior supervisor who oversaw administrative and housekeeping departments got wind of updates, she instructed Feng Kaiyin to bring Xumi Yu over specially for encouragement rewards.
Yet confronting the duo’s reactions utterly baffled her. One maintaining odd reticence while the other looked inexplicably resentful bordering livid…
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