Chapter 152: Had You Two Met Before?

Dou Yangyang wiped the cold sweat from her forehead, her stuttering response born of pure nerves. "No! No! I’m here specifically for Engineer Lin! I’m not quitting, I promise, I’m not quitting!"

"That’s enough." Knowing her temperament, Lin Xi gave Engineer Chen a look, signaling him to stop teasing her.

With Lin Xi coming to her rescue, Dou Yangyang finally let out a breath of relief and slipped away shortly after. Once she was gone, Chen couldn't help but ask, "That girl looks like she hasn't even finished university yet."

Lin Xi understood perfectly what Chen was implying. He was being tactful, but his subtext was clear: the girl seemed too dull and inexperienced, lacking the sharp wit he expected in their line of work. She didn't seem like the type of person Lin Xi would typically hire.

Returning to her desk, Lin Xi replied leisurely, "She just graduated. She’s a bit introverted, but she’s not slow. I’ve checked her academic records; they are solid, no padding."

"Impressive," Chen raised an eyebrow, surprised. "There are very few people who can earn such high praise from you, Engineer Lin. If I didn't know you better, I’d have thought she was a nepotism hire getting special treatment."

They were familiar enough that Chen didn't need to hold back with his jokes.

Lin Xi smiled. "It’s not special treatment. I just felt that someone like her is more grounded. She doesn't have a hidden agenda, so she can put her focus entirely on her work."

"That’s true," Chen conceded. "A bit dull, perhaps, but she doesn't have any ulterior motives. Maybe that’s exactly the kind of assistant you need."

Lin Xi glanced at the soy milk on the side and handed it to Chen and the others. "You guys drink this for me. Where do you want to eat tonight? I’ll make a reservation."

The group agreed that anywhere was fine; they weren't picky. "If Engineer Lin is treating us, why should we be the ones to choose? Anywhere is fine."

"Exactly, as long as there's food, we're happy!"

Lin Xi nodded with a smile. "Alright, let’s go to the usual place."

It had been a while since they had visited that entertainment club. Since she had been taking time off lately and hadn't socialized with them much, this was a good opportunity to catch up.

"Are we going there again?" The team was worried about Lin Xi spending too much money. "A simple meal would be fine."

"It’s no trouble." The venue was convenient for both dining and entertainment, and Lin Xi knew they liked it there, even if they were too polite to suggest it. "I have a club card a client gave me with some credit left on it; it would be a waste to let it sit. If I don't go with you guys, I’ll never find a reason to use it myself."

With the matter settled, the team stopped protesting. That evening, for the first time in a while, the entire R&D Department 1 clocked out on time. From the entrance to the private room, the assistant remained visibly reserved.

When it came time to pay, she stood up to take care of it, but Lin Xi gently pressed her back into her seat. "Don't bother. It’s a membership club, and I have a card provided by a friend."

"Oh... I see. Thank you, Engineer Lin!"

"Just eat your food," Lin Xi said, gesturing for her to focus on the meal and stop worrying about unnecessary things. "Have you found a place to live yet?"

Lin Xi asked suddenly, and Dou Yangyang, startled, immediately set down her chopsticks. "Not yet."

"What about the free housing provided by the company? Have you moved in?"

"Not yet... Sister Li from HR said my onboarding was too sudden and she’s still looking for a suitable place for me. It’ll probably take another two days. I’m staying at a friend’s place for now."

"Which district?"

"Huh?" Dou Yangyang wasn't sure why she was asking.

Lin Xi gestured toward Engineer Chen and the others across the table. They were drinking heavily, and it looked like the night was far from over.

"I’m staying a bit further out," Dou Yangyang replied, naming a direction. "It took me two and a half hours to get here this morning."

Lin Xi checked the time. "Take a taxi back later." The subway would likely be closed by then.

"Oh, okay." Dou Yangyang didn't dare argue.

Lin Xi understood her hesitation and added, "The company will reimburse you."

"Got it!" The young assistant’s eyes lit up, her voice noticeably brighter.

The restroom inside the private suite was occupied, so Lin Xi went outside. Just as she finished washing her hands and descended the steps, she bumped into Su Ran.

"Caught you at last," Su Ran blocked her path.

Lin Xi wasn't the least bit surprised to see her. She calmly lowered her gaze, applied hand cream, and silently moved to walk around her. Su Ran quickly followed. "Aren't you even surprised to see me?"

"Say what you have to say. You have less than a minute."

"What does that mean?" Su Ran froze.

Lin Xi’s eyebrows twitched slightly. She glanced at Su Ran, then looked ahead. Following her gaze, Su Ran turned around, dazed, and saw four or five figures marching toward her with swift steps—club staff and men in black suits.

The scene looked like they were capturing a fugitive. Su Ran had held onto a sliver of hope that they weren't here for her, until she was grabbed by the arms on both sides.

"..." Damn it, she was speechless.

"Wait, wait!" Su Ran broke free and clung tightly to Lin Xi’s arm. "I just have one question! I’ll leave right after I ask!"

Lin Xi looked at her. "Ask."

"Did you and Qin Yu date before?"

Lin Xi frowned. "No." She had no idea where Su Ran had come up with that conclusion.

"Hmm?" Su Ran clearly didn't believe her. "Didn't you go abroad back then because you broke up?"

Lin Xi: "..." Which version of the story was this? How come she, the person involved, knew nothing about it?

"That never happened."

"Then..."

"You’ve already asked two questions." Lin Xi glanced at Su Ran's hand. "Can you let go now?"

Su Ran was choked for words. The bodyguards nearby were watching her like hawks; there was no point in lingering. Certain that Lin Xi wasn't lying to her, Su Ran reluctantly let go and watched as Lin Xi walked away.

She had received a call from her father earlier that day, saying that Qin Yu had long since set his heart on someone else and that she should give up. Under her persistent questioning, she had finally heard Lin Xi’s name. Her father had even revealed that Qin Yu and Lin Xi had been together a long time ago, that Lin Xi had secretly dated him while still in school, and that she had gone abroad because they had broken up. Since their families were close, they had tried to keep things quiet.

In short, her father had spun a tale so detailed it sounded true. But she hadn't wanted to believe it, which was why she had come to ask Lin Xi.

However, judging by this, even if they hadn't been dating back then, they must have been on the verge of it. Her father wouldn't have fabricated such a story out of thin air; he must have heard whispers of something. It was just slightly misaligned with the truth.

Calculating the time, these two had truly spent years tormenting each other. It was no wonder Lin Xi was so confident. After all, this was Qin Yu—if a man like him could wait seven years for her, then if it were her, she would certainly be even more arrogant than Lin Xi when facing a love rival.