From Dropout to Housemaid-The Upper Crust's Favorite - Chapter 38 - Heartless

Jiang Xianyu and Su Linyuan locked eyes, and the situation involving Yao Guangzhang and Yuan Yi Technology began to form a coherent picture in her mind.

Jiang Xianyu asked Su Linyuan about the timeline of when they took over Yuan Yi Technology, and her understanding of the situation deepened.

Initially, Yao Guangzhang probably didn’t notice any issues with Yuan Yi Technology’s project. But as the project progressed, he discovered problems. If he exposed them halfway through, his failure to notice them earlier would cast doubt on his competence, especially with Zhou Qiang watching him like a hawk.

Moreover, his team had been working hard on the project for quite some time. If the project stalled due to his oversight, his subordinates would certainly harbor grievances.

So, he needed to shift the blame, and Zhou Qiang was the perfect scapegoat.

If Zhou Qiang took over and found the issues, it would be his problem for taking something he fought hard to get. It wouldn’t concern Yao Guangzhang.

If Zhou Qiang continued his aggressive approach and missed the issues, rushing into an IPO, he’d eventually face the consequences, possibly even resigning in disgrace.

Either way, Yao Guangzhang wouldn’t lose out.

The reason Yao Guangzhang approached Jiang Xianyu was likely to gauge Su Linyuan’s opinion on Yuan Yi Technology.

As Su Linyuan and Jiang Xianyu discussed, their theory seemed increasingly plausible.

However, Jiang Xianyu still had one question: “In the end, no matter how things unfold, Yao Guangzhang doesn’t really lose anything. Why would he care about your opinion on Yuan Yi Technology? He’s already distanced himself, hasn’t he? Why get involved again?”

Su Linyuan’s eyes deepened, “A businessman doesn’t rise early without profit. What drives him must be benefits.”

The one offering him benefits would naturally be Yuan Yi Technology, eager for a successful IPO.

Jiang Xianyu was surprised yet found it reasonable, “So Yuan Yi Technology is secretly exchanging benefits with Yao Guangzhang?”

Seeing her expression, Su Linyuan chuckled, “You’re right.”

Jiang Xianyu sighed, “At a time like this, you can still laugh, boss.”

Su Linyuan’s eyes sparkled even more, “Why not laugh? Isn’t it great that we discovered this now? If Yuan Yi Technology had successfully gone public, that would be the time to cry.”

Jiang Xianyu could only silently admire the composure of the president before her.

Noticing it was getting late, Jiang Xianyu said, “Now that everything’s clear, I’ll head back.”

Su Linyuan nodded, “Alright, drive safely.”

Jiang Xianyu waved at him and left with her lunchbox.

Watching her leave, Su Linyuan felt the urge to recruit her once more.

This time, Jiang Xianyu didn’t linger and went straight to the underground parking lot via the elevator.

Unbeknownst to her, as soon as she left, her friend was plunged into endless turmoil.

Liu Lijun leaned back in her chair, feeling despondent. Initially, she could advise her friend to stay calm and not be swayed by a handsome face. But from her years of experience in observing men, it was clear that Su Linyuan had unusual feelings for her friend, even if he hadn’t realized it yet.

They say the body is the most honest.

Whether someone likes another can be seen in their body language.

Their Mr. Su usually kept people at arm’s length, never having any physical contact with women. Although she wasn’t sure how he dealt with women who approached him privately, she had witnessed a few instances where someone accidentally touched Mr. Su’s hand, and he would quickly pull away and discreetly wipe his hand. Yet here he was, actively grabbing her sister’s wrist. How did that make sense?

She had every reason to suspect that Su Linyuan had feelings for her sister, feelings he wasn’t even aware of himself-those instinctive, physical ones. Now, she found herself at a loss for words. If it was a one-sided affection, she could advise caution, but if both parties were interested, she couldn’t just intervene recklessly.

She trusted Mr. Su’s capabilities; as long as he was willing, he could certainly protect the person he cared about.

Jiang Xianyu officially started working at Banshan Villa in early December, and now it was New Year’s Day. She had one more week before wrapping up her work there. Thinking about the upcoming end of her interactions with Su Linyuan, she felt a mix of relief and a tinge of melancholy deep down. Overall, though, relief prevailed.

While Jiang Xianyu was lost in thought, her phone rang. It was her sister, Chen Siling.

On the other end, Chen Siling’s voice was full of excitement. “Sis, it’s just a month until the New Year. Are you coming home this year?”

Jiang Xianyu hesitated for a moment before replying, “I am. I need to go back and see Uncle and the others.”

Every year, her uncle and aunt eagerly awaited her return for the New Year.

Chen Siling felt a pang of sadness for her sister. It was pitiful that going home for the New Year wasn’t about seeing her parents or grandparents but visiting her uncle’s family instead.

Suppressing her own heartache to avoid worrying her sister, she said, “Then let’s go together when the time comes!”

“Aren’t you filming over at the Film and Television City? Have you wrapped up there?” Jiang Xianyu asked.

Chen Siling laughed joyfully, “Yes, we wrapped up a few days ago. I’m not planning to take on any more work before the New Year. I’ll come to Hai City to find you, and we can go back together.”

“Great! If you’re free now, you can come over. The place I’m renting is quite nice; we can live together.”

Chen Siling eagerly agreed, “I’ll finish up what I’m doing here and then head over. I’ll cook and clean for you.”

Jiang Xianyu chuckled, “There’s no need for you to do all that.”

Chen Siling giggled in response.

Hearing her sister’s cheerful laughter always lifted Jiang Xianyu’s spirits.

After they hung up, Jiang Xianyu began planning for the New Year trip home. Once her work here was done, she didn’t plan to look for another job before the New Year. She and her sister would buy some New Year goods and gifts to take back. Of course, these were for her uncle’s family. Having already fallen out with her parents, she didn’t intend to maintain a facade of harmony.

During dinner, Su Linyuan and Jiang Xianyu sat at the table. Su Linyuan, noticing her quiet demeanor, asked, “Are you planning to take a few days off for New Year’s?”

Jiang Xianyu smiled and declined, “I have just one more week of work left here. If I take days off now, it would just extend my work period.”

Housemaids also have statutory holidays, but many arrangements are made through mutual agreement with employers. Working on statutory holidays usually means triple pay. This was Jiang Xianyu’s first statutory holiday since she started working as a housemaid. However, it was agreed beforehand that Qian would be home taking care of her daughter-in-law’s postpartum recovery for a month, and that wouldn’t change because of the holiday. So, Jiang Xianyu’s monthly salary was calculated based on actual days worked. If it coincided with a holiday, it meant triple pay.

Su Linyuan felt a bit stifled. “Why are you in such a hurry to leave?”

“That’s not what I meant,” Jiang Xianyu explained. “It’s just the mindset of a working person eager to complete their tasks.”

Su Linyuan scoffed, “Is it that my villa isn’t as comfortable as your rented place, or is the food here not as good as what you usually eat?”

Jiang Xianyu felt a bit overwhelmed. Her nature wouldn’t allow her to retort harshly to this man, who, despite his sarcastic words, meant no harm.

Seeing her silence, Su Linyuan felt even more frustrated. Looking at her face, he blurted out, “You’re heartless!”

With that, he pushed his bowl aside and went upstairs.