"If your sister doesn't leave, she won't be able to get upstairs. Does that mean she'll have to wait downstairs for us to finish eating? That'll take at least three or four hours."
"So what? Let her wait." Li Baichi lifted his chin, looking arrogant to the extreme.
"Brother Baichi, I really admire you."
"That's right! Tonight, us boys have to drink a few rounds with you. Here's to *Epiphyllum* becoming a massive hit, and to Brother Baichi’s status rising higher and higher! When you make it big, don't forget about us!"
Li Baichi felt extremely puffed up. "Once I’m famous, there will be plenty of perks for you all!"
Over at the reception desk, the receptionist, having overheard Li Baichi’s remarks, immediately checked the information on her computer. She realized that these two guests were certainly not booked into any ordinary third-floor private room.
They had reserved the VIP suite on the top floor. She watched the backs of Li Baichi and his group as they walked away, feeling a bit confused.
However, she quickly regained her composure, flashed a smile, and spoke with extreme gentleness: "Ms. Li, your room is on the top floor. I’ll take you up."
The receptionist handed over the key card and then stepped out from behind the counter. The elevator to the top floor required a key card, which largely prevented people from trying to slip in unnoticed.
"Alright, thank you."
Gu Shinian followed behind in silence. He had heard Li Baichi’s words just moments ago, but since Li Qianqian hadn't reacted, he naturally chose to remain silent as well.
Top Floor, Room 666.
The receptionist stopped at the door, helped open it, and gestured for them to enter.
"Ms. Li, we have arrived."
"Good."
When the two walked in, a woman with short, neat hair, wearing a black shirt and jeans, was already seated inside.
"Sister Yu, long time no see. I’m sorry, we hit a bit of traffic on the way here." Li Qianqian reached out to shake her hand.
"It’s no trouble at all. I only just arrived myself," Sister Yu replied with a smile, shaking her hand warmly.
"This is Gu Shinian, whom I mentioned to you—he’s an exceptional pianist." Li Qianqian introduced the man behind her. "Xiaonian, this is Sister Yu, the Director of Human Resources at Fu Group."
"Hello, Sister Yu," Gu Shinian said proactively, reaching out to shake her hand.
"Xiaonian looks like a real talent. Let's sit down and talk."
Sister Yu remained all smiles, though she felt a trace of annoyance. She knew full well what kind of scheme Li Qianqian’s "feast" held. Although a branch office ribbon-cutting ceremony was a minor affair, and arranging a small artist for it wouldn't be a big deal, one favor usually led to another. If Li Qianqian kept coming to her for back-door deals, it would put her in a very difficult position. Yet, because the other party was someone whom Old Madam Fu had specifically mentioned they should look after, she couldn't afford to offend her.
"Sister Yu, I brought Xiaonian here because I wanted to secure an opportunity for him. I heard the Fu Group branch office ribbon-cutting ceremony needs a pianist—has the person been decided on yet?" Li Qianqian asked as she poured tea.
"Not yet. If you have a suitable candidate, just give me a list, and I will do my best to advocate for you." Sister Yu gave a standard smile, feeling restless, and placed her phone on the table to keep her emotions in check.
"The proper procedures must still be followed. I don't want to make things difficult for you; I'm simply recommending Xiaonian to you. If he doesn't make the cut, then it's just a matter of his skills being inferior."
Sister Yu’s eyes, which had been casual, narrowed. She paused with her teacup halfway to her lips, not having expected Li Qianqian to say such a thing. For a moment, she couldn't figure out what the woman was planning.
"I’ve had a piano prepared. Xiaonian, why don't you play a piece for Sister Yu?"
"Understood." Gu Shinian immediately caught on and walked over to the piano in the corner.
"Qianqian, you’re being too polite. Given our relationship, securing a spot for your artist is nothing at all." Sister Yu immediately spoke up to decide the matter. In her view, what kind of talent could someone recommended by Li Qianqian possibly have? Even if he were terrible, she would have to grit her teeth and say he was good.
"Sister Yu, business is business, and personal matters are personal. If there is a more suitable candidate, my artist will lose with no hard feelings. You must not show favoritism toward me in professional matters."
A flicker of surprise crossed Sister Yu’s eyes. It had been a long time, but Li Qianqian seemed like a different person. She had always been skilled at socializing and had extensive connections in the industry, but people like Li Qianqian had never been in her social circle; she had only been dealing with her for the sake of Old Madam Fu. But today, these words made her re-evaluate this person entirely.
She smiled. "Very well, then let’s listen to Xiaonian play the piano first. As it happens, the food hasn't been served yet."
Gu Shinian sat before the piano. His long, slender fingers danced across the keys, and a fresh, tranquil melody filled the room, soothing and calming.
Sister Yu’s eyes revealed her amazement. She had heard plenty of piano music in recent days, and the reason she hadn't made a decision on the spot was that all the players were on par with one another. But this young man’s music contained no personal affectation—it was pure and pleasing to the ear.
The piece ended.
Sister Yu no longer held her initial coldness. "Qianqian, where did you dig up this treasure? He plays beautifully. Xiaonian must have been studying piano for a long time, right?"
"I signed him. He started learning at seven. Even though he had to stop for a while, he has a solid eight years under his belt."
"That’s excellent. Have Xiaonian come to the Fu Group tomorrow to sign the contract."
"Thank you, Sister Yu. I’ll treat you to a meal another day."
"What are you saying? You’ve done me a huge favor; I should be the one treating you to a meal."
Sister Yu’s smile was much more genuine this time.
"Then I won’t stand on ceremony. You owe me a meal, then," Li Qianqian replied with ease.
"Deal!"
Just then, a waiter knocked on the door. "Excuse me, guests, is it convenient for us to come in and serve the meal?"
"Yes, please."
Rows of waiters entered carrying exquisitely plated dishes, and the previously empty table was instantly filled. Once the food was set, they exited one by one, closing the door behind them.
The three ate and chatted. Sister Yu was no longer as reserved as before, saying heartily:
"Qianqian, tell me, do you have any other artists under your wing that you can recommend? If there’s someone suitable, I won’t need to post the notice in the group chat."
"I do. I’ll send you their profiles later. Let them come for an audition, and you can keep whoever you find suitable."
"Done."
The meal was very enjoyable. Li Qianqian knew how to speak well, how to warm up the atmosphere, and her sense of propriety was perfectly balanced—she was entirely devoid of her previous arrogance.
Sister Yu truly liked the way she carried herself now; she had always had a good eye for people. Making a friend like Li Qianqian would surely be the right choice.
"Qianqian, let’s meet again when you’re free. Did you drive here? Do you need a ride?"
"No need, we drove ourselves. Drive safely on your way back."
"Alright, I’ll be going then."
"Mm."
Watching Sister Yu walk away, the sense of oddity in Gu Shinian’s heart grew even stronger. Or rather, ever since that day outside the Huangchao, he had felt that Li Qianqian had changed.
Had the old Li Qianqian ever been this tactful? Absolutely not.
Down on the third floor, the artists' gathering came to an end. Someone with a sharp eye slapped Li Baichi on the shoulder, pointing at Li Qianqian and her companion, who were standing face-to-face not far away.
"Holy crap, Baichi, your sister is still standing there waiting. She’s been there for two hours—are you really not going to go over and say a word to her?"
Yu Shushu saw it too. She checked the time on her watch and said in a soft, persuasive tone:
"Baichi, she has already lowered her head. Why not give her a chance? *Epiphyllum* is set to announce its cast at 8:00 PM tonight. It’s already 7:55 PM; it’s not worth holding a grudge against her at such a critical moment."