Chapter 386: A Heavy Heart

Wang Meijuan’s heart was heavy. She knew the reason Chen Qingdi wasn’t answering her calls was because she had angered him.

She was well aware of her predicament. If she couldn’t make peace with Chen Qingdi, her future would be grim. So, she decided to seek outside help and thought of Gu Shuang’Er.

Gu Shuang’Er was a high-level executive at Mingyue Group, known for her tact and poise, and was well-respected by many.

Wang Meijuan was acquainted with Gu Shuang’Er and knew she had a good relationship with Chen Qingdi. Perhaps Gu Shuang’Er could put in a good word for her. With that in mind, she dialed Gu Shuang’Er’s number.

"Shuang’Er, do you have a moment? I’d like to meet and talk," Wang Meijuan said, her tone as gentle as she could make it.

"Yes, I have time. Where would you like to meet?" Gu Shuang’Er asked.

"Let’s meet at the coffee shop downstairs from the Mingyue Group building," Wang Meijuan suggested.

The two soon sat down at the coffee shop. Looking at Wang Meijuan’s haggard expression, Gu Shuang’Er couldn’t help but feel curious. "What exactly did you do to anger Chairman Chen? He’s known for being so good-natured."

Wang Meijuan sighed. "To be honest, it’s all a misunderstanding. I was hoping you could help mediate things. I know you’re Chairman Chen’s right-hand woman; he’ll definitely listen to you."

Gu Shuang’Er didn’t agree right away. She mulled it over for a moment before saying, "I can try, but I can’t guarantee it’ll work."

Wang Meijuan’s heart leaped with joy. She knew Gu Shuang’Er was a measured person who didn’t make promises lightly. She took out an envelope and placed it on the table. "This is a check for two hundred thousand US dollars. If you can make this happen, there’s more where that came from."

Gu Shuang’Er glanced at the check on the table, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. She knew this was no small sum for Wang Meijuan, and she also knew that Chen Qingdi was indifferent to money. However, that didn’t mean she could simply intervene on his behalf.

"Wang, you’re putting me in a very difficult position," Gu Shuang’Er said, her brow furrowed. "I may have a good relationship with Chairman Chen, but I can’t just meddle in his personal affairs. Besides, the issue between you and him isn’t something money can solve."

Wang Meijuan was stunned. She hadn’t expected Gu Shuang’Er to be so direct with her refusal. She quickly explained, "Shuang’Er, I know this amount of money is nothing to you. But I really, really need your help right now. I promise I’ll make it up to you in the future."

Gu Shuang’Er gave a faint smile. "Wang, you’ve misunderstood. I’m not refusing to help because of the money. I just think that if there’s truly a misunderstanding between you, what you need is to be open and honest with each other, not try to smooth things over with cash."

Wang Meijuan fell silent for a moment. She knew Gu Shuang’Er was right. But she was truly out of options. "Shuang’Er, I know you’re a smart woman; you must have a better idea. As long as you’re willing to help, I’ll agree to any conditions."

Looking at Wang Meijuan’s desperate expression, Gu Shuang’Er felt a pang of sympathy. She knew Wang Meijuan’s feelings for Chen Qingdi were genuine, and she understood her desperation. However, she couldn’t violate her own principles just to help someone.

"Wang, it’s not that I won’t help you," Gu Shuang’Er said. "But this is truly something I can’t control. I can only do my best to talk to Chairman Chen. As for the outcome, that will be up to fate."

Wang Meijuan knew Gu Shuang’Er had done all she could. She looked at her gratefully. "Thank you, Shuang’Er. I’ll remember this kindness."

They chatted for a little while longer, and Wang Meijuan’s mood lightened somewhat. Though the matter wasn’t fully resolved, she had at least found a glimmer of hope. She knew she needed to be patient; perhaps things would take a turn for the better. Gu Shuang’Er had also promised to do her best to mediate and steer things in a positive direction. After agreeing to meet again when they had the chance, they both left the coffee shop.

That evening, while Chen Qingdi was still working overtime at the office, Gu Shuang’Er came in holding a steaming cup of coffee. She placed it gently on his desk, a warm smile on her face.

"Chairman, you’ve been working for hours. This coffee will help you wake up a bit. You should drink it while it’s hot."

Chen Qingdi looked up and saw the concern in Gu Shuang’Er’s eyes. He smiled and accepted the coffee, then pulled her into his lap.

"Gu Shuang’Er, you’re acting strange tonight. Why the sudden attentiveness? You must want to ask me for something."

In Chen Qingdi’s arms, Gu Shuang’Er’s heart began to race. She steadied herself and said, "Chairman, you’re as perceptive as ever. I do have a favor to ask you."

"Go on. As long as it’s not an outrageous request, I’ll consider it."

"I have a friend named Wang Meijuan. She used to work for Mingyue Group but was dismissed for certain reasons. I know you’re a fair and impartial man, Chairman, so I was hoping you could give her a chance to get her job back."

After Gu Shuang’Er finished speaking, Chen Qingdi’s expression darkened instantly. He let her go and said in a stern voice, "Gu Shuang’Er, you’re a smart woman. You should know the company has its rules. Wang Meijuan was dismissed for a reason. I don’t believe she’s a good fit for our company, so I can’t grant your request."

Gu Shuang’Er hadn’t expected such a decisive refusal from Chen Qingdi. She was stunned for a moment before saying, "Chairman, I know you’re a compassionate person. Wang Meijuan is in a very difficult situation right now. If you could just give her a chance, she would be eternally grateful."

"Gu Shuang’Er, don’t say another word. My mind is made up, and I won’t change it. And I think you’ve been getting a bit too involved lately. I don’t want my employees forming factions within the company. You should watch your conduct from now on."

Hearing this, Gu Shuang’Er knew there was no point in arguing further. She lowered her head silently, then turned and left the office.

Back in her dorm room, Gu Shuang’Er’s heart was heavy. She knew her attempt to plead for Wang Meijuan had failed completely, and it might even have created problems for her at work.

Just then, her younger sister, Li Shuang’Er, returned.

Seeing the look on her sister’s face, Li Shuang’Er asked with concern, "Sis, what’s wrong? You look upset."

Gu Shuang’Er sighed and told Li Shuang’Er everything that had happened. Li Shuang’Er frowned after hearing the story. "Sis, I still think we need to find a way to get the Chairman to agree. Otherwise, life is going to be really hard for Wang Meijuan."

"But the Chairman has already given a clear no. What else can we do?"

Li Shuang’Er thought for a moment. "I think we could try asking the Chairman’s wife, Shen Mingyue, to put in a good word. The Chairman always listens to her. If she’s willing to step in and help, it might turn things around."

Gu Shuang’Er’s eyes lit up. "That’s a great idea, sis. We can give it a try."