Rolling Beauty

Chapter 5: Suburban Horror

Shi Xiaofeng sat in front of his computer, and before he knew it, dawn had arrived. When he heard the noisy voices downstairs, he realized that an entire night had passed, and it was time to start a new workday.

I haven’t washed my face, brushed my teeth, or shaved my beard. I can’t let anyone see me like this, he thought. Fortunately, the office had toiletries. I’ll head to the bathroom while there aren’t many people around.

After freshening up, Shi Xiaofeng stepped out of the bathroom and immediately spotted Zhou Xiaoyi.

The bathroom was located at the end of the stairs, so he initially saw only her back.

For a brief moment, his gaze lingered on Zhou Xiaoyi’s curvaceous figure, admiring her shapely, graceful silhouette. Her legs were long and slender, making her tall frame all the more pleasing to the eye. Tall women really are something else! he thought. However, her conservative skirt left little to the imagination, leaving Shi Xiaofeng wishing for a glimpse of the “secrets” it concealed.

“Have you seen enough?” Zhou Xiaoyi’s icy voice broke his thoughts as she turned abruptly, glaring at him.

Shi Xiaofeng was so startled that he dropped his cup and toothbrush onto the floor. What on earth? Does she have eyes in the back of her head?

Seeing his flustered expression, Zhou Xiaoyi smirked slightly before her face returned to its stern demeanor. “As an employee of this company, you should learn to respect women, especially your female superiors!”

“Yes, understood, Sister Zhou!” Shi Xiaofeng blurted out without thinking.

Realizing his slip, his heart sank. Did I just call her ‘Sister Zhou’? Is the hangover playing tricks on me?

Zhou Xiaoyi’s face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. “What did you just say? Are you trying to mock me?”

Shi Xiaofeng awkwardly grinned. “What’s wrong with calling you sister? I checked the company directory yesterday. You’re a year older than me. If not ‘sister,’ what else should I call you?”

Zhou Xiaoyi’s expression turned furious. “Don’t think that just because you climbed the ranks to head the training department, you can take liberties! You should know that the training department is a subordinate unit of HR. I can have you fired at any time!”

Shi Xiaofeng held back a retort. A good man doesn’t argue with a woman. Since she’s beautiful, I’ll let this slide.

Seeing him remain silent, Zhou Xiaoyi’s expression softened slightly. “Yesterday, President Li informed me that the company needs to expand. We’re short on staff, so everyone has to multitask—”

She paused before continuing, “You’re the most qualified person in the HR department, so you must act as a pillar of support. From today, you’ll follow my orders and remain available at all times. Is that clear?”

“Yes, understood!” Shi Xiaofeng replied enthusiastically, even saluting for dramatic effect.

Zhou Xiaoyi couldn’t help but smile at his exaggerated behavior but quickly regained her sternness. “Don’t get too excited. Prepare yourself and report to my office immediately. We have a task today!”

Shi Xiaofeng nodded and walked away. It’s best if I don’t say, ‘I’m happy to work under a beautiful boss,’ or I’ll be in real trouble.

A few minutes later, Shi Xiaofeng entered Zhou Xiaoyi’s office. She seemed hesitant at first but composed herself as soon as she saw him.

“The place we’re heading to is quite remote,” she began. “Most of the company’s drivers are out, and I can’t drive.”

Shi Xiaofeng thumped his chest confidently. “No problem! I passed my driving test back in college!” In truth, he hadn’t driven in years, but he figured a skill like driving was never forgotten.

They set out shortly after, with Shi Xiaofeng quickly reacquainting himself with the car’s controls. As they left the city limits, he couldn’t help but comment, “Automatic cars are so boring. Where’s the fun without a clutch? Especially these Japanese cars—their bodies are so thin, one crash, and they’d crumble!”

From the backseat, Zhou Xiaoyi paled. “Don’t scare me! This is a Japanese car! Maybe we should call a taxi instead...”

Shi Xiaofeng laughed. “Relax, I’m a great driver! By the way, you still haven’t told me what today’s mission is.”

Zhou Xiaoyi explained, “We’re here for two reasons: to collect debts and to mediate disputes.”

Shi Xiaofeng raised an eyebrow. “Those sound like two separate issues. Aren’t disputes bound to arise during debt collection?”

Zhou Xiaoyi elaborated, “Our company invested in Dahua to build a factory in the outskirts. However, there’s been a stalemate over land compensation with the local villagers, halting the project. According to the contract, we can withdraw 80% of our funds, but coordination has failed so far. Our task is to resolve the conflict with Dahua and recover as much of our investment as possible.”

Shi Xiaofeng sighed. “Why send just the two of us for a multi-million-dollar project? And why me, of all people? I’m not exactly known for my diplomacy.”

Zhou Xiaoyi shook her head. “Our senior management is overwhelmed with other projects. Don’t worry—today’s negotiations will involve executives from Dahua and the village chief. Just be my backup and, if necessary, my bodyguard.” She flashed a bright smile.

Shi Xiaofeng wasn’t entirely convinced but said nothing.