Chapter 133: Promotion

The address Chen Huiting left on WeChat was for the dining area on the fourth floor of the shopping mall.

The restaurant specialized in Chaoshan beef hot pot. Naturally, for a birthday banquet, they had reserved a private room.

Qi Yan and Li Ruoke had just reached the entrance when they saw Xu Dan and Dong Ye wandering nearby. As soon as Xu Dan spotted them, a playful, unreserved grin spread across her face. She hurried over to look them up and down, focusing her attention squarely on Li Ruoke.

"Oh my... tsk, tsk, tsk. And who might this be? Aren't you going to introduce us?"

Qi Yan had expected this gossip to be the first one to pounce. He replied with a smile, "This... is the famous 'Coco-jiang'."

Xu Dan’s eyes lit up, and she put on an exaggerated expression. "Oh! I've heard so much about you! No wonder Qi Yan, who could never hold down a job at any company, has managed to stay with you for so long. He’s been telling me lately that his business partner is a beauty; I was a bit skeptical, but looking at you now... it’s true."

Receiving such a compliment right off the bat, Li Ruoke was naturally pleased. She replied politely, "Is that so? He praises me like that? Well, nice to meet you both. I’m Li Ruoke, just call me Coco?"

Qi Yan made the introductions. "Old Li, these two are the 'legendary'... Dong Ye and Xu Dan, a couple. He’s my closest roommate and brother from my college days until now, and she is my bestie, *shimida*."

Xu Dan reached out to shake Li Ruoke’s hand. "Nice to meet you, nice to meet you. I’m the legendary one."

Li Ruoke nodded. "Haha, really? Yes, I’ve heard about you two quite often. Qi Yan mentions you both quite a lot..."

The four of them stood outside the private room, exchanging pleasantries and lighthearted banter. Suddenly, Dong Ye began to talk about something exciting, his face beaming with such enthusiasm that he looked as if he had just won the lottery.

"Hey, Qi Yan, let me tell you some earth-shattering good news! Ahem..." He cleared his throat, straightened his back, and adjusted his collar. "I, yours truly, have gloriously... been promoted!"

Just meeting new friends, Li Ruoke played the part of a considerate girlfriend perfectly, instinctively clapping her hands with delight.

***

Qi Yan’s smile, however, stiffened. "Pro... promoted?"

"That’s right! Let me tell you, they say your zodiac year is unlucky, but I’m the exception. I hadn't even finished my probation at the new job, and just two days ago, guess what happened? Heh heh heh... I went from being at Hengyu Co., Ltd. to being promoted to the Administrative Manager of the Xinzhou branch of Zhongmaoyuan, a subsidiary of the joint enterprise!"

Qi Yan was stunned. "You... how is that possible? How can that be? It doesn't make sense. You just said you hadn't been at the new company for long. It's only been a few days, so how did you go from an intern to a department manager?"

Dong Ye was brimming with irrepressible excitement. "Exactly! I’m just as puzzled myself. Even though I applied for a sales position at Hengyu, being made an administrative manager at the joint branch... it is a bit bizarre, but who cares! I never dreamed I’d hold a manager position before turning twenty-eight, and at such a huge company, heh heh heh."

Xu Dan, while a bit more reserved, was clearly just as thrilled. "Oh, he’s not the only one baffled; I can't make heads or tails of it either. Think about it... the three of us graduated from the same second-tier university. Our credentials are mediocre, and we have almost no experience. While top university graduates and overseas returnees are clamoring for these spots, this guy gets hit by a giant pie out of nowhere. Where’s the logic in that? I almost suspect... he might have been 'subject to unspoken rules'."

Dong Ye retorted indignantly, "Unspoken rules? Heh... you know full well what I look like. If they were looking for that, it wouldn't be my turn! But honestly, I still haven't figured out how it happened. It was so sudden. I haven't been able to sleep for two days; I keep feeling like I'm dreaming... but the facts are right in front of me, hard not to believe! The group chairman appointed me personally, effective next Monday!"

Qi Yan’s eyes widened instantly, and he grabbed Dong Ye’s arm. "She appointed you personally? Why? Why would she promote you for no reason?!"

Dong Ye was startled, not understanding his reaction. "What... what are you doing? Why are you so worked up?"

Qi Yan’s behavior was indeed unusually intense, leaving the two women stunned.

Xu Dan didn't understand why he had lost his composure, but she chimed in, "Oh, if you can't figure it out, just stop thinking about it. At least he wasn't 'subject to unspoken rules,' and you don't have any nepotistic connections, so just consider it... your ancestors' feng shui finally kicking in. Regardless, it’s a good thing. His salary has more than doubled. Who knows... by next spring, we might be able to prepare for 'that' thing. Ahem... though someone hasn't taken any real action yet, like proposing."

She said it with a hint of bitterness. Dong Ye smiled apologetically, patting his chest. "No rush, no rush. Isn't that just a matter of time? Once I get my first paycheck this month, I'll treat you all to a feast, and then I'll save up for a diamond ring. These things can't be rushed."

"That’s more like it," Xu Dan said smugly, leaning into his arms.

Qi Yan wanted to say something, but he was completely at a loss for words, only able to stammer, "This... Ye-zi... let me tell you... this thing... it..."

***

Just then, the door to the private room opened, and the birthday girl stepped out.

Chen Huiting was wearing light, elegant makeup and a pink coat. As soon as she stepped out, she saw them. "Hey? Why are you all standing out here? Since you're here, hurry inside. Dinner is about to start... Qi Yan? Come, come, everyone, hurry in and take a seat."

With that interruption, Qi Yan found himself unable to speak further.

Chen Huiting walked in, arm-in-arm with Xu Dan, with Dong Ye following close behind. Only Qi Yan and Li Ruoke remained standing at the door.

"What was that about just now? Isn't Dong Ye your best friend? His promotion is a good thing, so why did you look so terrified?" Li Ruoke asked curiously.

Qi Yan stared at her blankly, his brow furrowing. "A good thing? Do you know which conglomerate Hengyu and Maoyuan belong to? ...Dingtai."

Li Ruoke’s expression shifted, becoming just as blank as his. She uttered three "Oh"s in succession.

"Oh... oh... oh! ...My goodness."

As they stared at each other in shock, Chen Huiting poked her head back out from the room to urge them. "Why are you two still standing out there? Hurry in! It’s mostly just old classmates and alumni. Qi Yan, are you feeling shy or something? Bring your... bring your friend in and take a seat!"