Games That People Play

Chapter 14: The Excelsior

Medical City

Lu Jinian's icy gaze travelled down Xinli's body which was clad in dark blue denim pants, black croptop blouse under a thick light brown coat. She shifted her weight on her right leg and mustered a warm smile.

"Mr, President, i will leave with Mo Lian first. I have to familiarize myself with my new job." She slightly nodded her head and before Lu Jinian could say anything, she walked past his bed after saying goodbye to his parents.

"Take your time, Lia" Huang Lin said over her shoulders as she made her way to the bathroom.

"Yeah, there's so much to learn, i'm sure my son will also brief you on complicated projects and transactions." Cheng Yue added.

Xinli nodded her head gratefully before gently closing the door. She heaved a sigh of relief once she was out of the suite and standing in the hospital corridor.

"Don't worry Miss Bai, things will get better." Mo Lian said with a small smile. It made her feel better and she gratefully smiled back.

They were heading to The Excelsior, one of the biggest and most luxurious hotel under Lu Jinian's helm. The Excelsior... something ticked off in Xinli's mind. Wasn't it the hotel where Houbin worked?

She felt anxious and ashamed over the fact that she just disappeared that night from their dinner date at The Hotpot, and the next thing he knew she suddenly wanted to go back to China. And now... she's still in NYC and worse, she will be the new incharge of the President's office.

Frankly, she didn't know how to explain to Houbin, let alone Xunan and Aunt Feng, why she's still in NYC. One more thing was Yuanrou... yes,Yuanrou. He was so good to her and she owe him an explanation. Xinli tried to brush off these worrisome thoughts and brought her mind into focus.

They were nearing the huge building, so beautifully landscaped and was standing so grandly in the midst of tall palm trees and lush greens. She marvelled at the grandness of this five star hotel. The big black sleek BMW slid quietly at a parking space right in front of the hotel that bore a stand with bold letters: VIP

"We're here," Mo Lian said to Xinli over his shoulder while looking at her in the rearview mirror.

"Okay, thanks" she replied while absent mindedly smoothening her coat. She felt a little nervous and she swallowed a few times before getting out of the car.

"Welcome to The Excelsior, Mr. Mo Lian and Miss Bai Xinli" the butler beamed at them, catching the car keys which was tossed by Mo Lian who nodded at him. Xinli smiled back and followed Mo Lian inside the hotel's grand entrance. The Yue group was very organized and they were clearly informed in advance of their arrival.

She immediately saw Houbin at the foyer with a dozen formally dressed employes, obviously expecting them. She kept her face formal yet warm as she took in the details of the massive reception area.

All the decorations and furnitures speak of the opulence and elegance of the place. She knew that only the richests among the richests could afford to stay in such a grand hotel. The Zenith paled in comparison, though it was also considered as a five star hotel in China.

"Welcome Miss Bai!" They chorused. Xinli was more surprised to see Houbin not surprised to see her. He only threw her a curious look briefly before he ushered them into the main reception area.

"This way, please," Houbin led the way with a smile plastered on his face. He actually knew nothing and he couldn't wait to ask Lia about how she ended up in The Excelsior, and as his direct superior at that!

They went into the lift which carried them to the top floor where the President's office was located. Upon reaching the 31st floor, the President's team was already gathered and waiting for them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, i would like to introduce to you the new incharge of the CEO's office while Second Young Master Yue recuperates at The Medical City" Houbin began the announcement. "This is Miss Bai Xinli, the Patriarch appointed her to take care of all current projects and official transactions under Pres. Yue Lu Jinian." He finished formally.

Xinli smiled warmly and said in a clear and confident voice: "Hello everyone, please call me Miss Lia. I am still young and not so experienced in this task, i hope you can help me and assist me as a team."

Most of them were dumbfounded. This woman was only 24 years old and what could she know in running a huge hotel like The Excelsior? Some were sckeptic while others smiled genuinely and welcomed Xinli to the group.

"Hello Miss Bai, i'm Han Ji Quian, the senior Secretary." She offered her hand with a smile that never reached her eyes. Xinli immediately noticed that Han Ji Quian disliked her at first glance, she shook her hand gently and felt a slight grip from the latter. Xinli's clear eyes looked at Han Ji's hand and then straight to her eyes. The woman immediately let go of Xinli's hand and pretended to act as though she was incharge of the group and clearly considered the new girl as an outsider.

At this point, Lan Chen appeared and immediately greeted Xinli politely. "Miss Bai, you're here, i'm so sorry for being late! The President had last minute instructions"

He said without giving Han Ji Quian a second look. "Please...?" He led her to the main office, Houbin hurried to open the door for her and smiled at her in secret. She also did so and thanked him for the courtesy.

Han Ji Quian was seething with anger when the door closed behind their backs. Only the Manager Houbin, PA Mo Lian, Corporate Assistant Lan Chen and Xinli were allowed inside the President's office. The other girls in the office threw her a pitiful look, while others secretly laughed at her haughtiness.

"Bai Xinli..." she fumed inwardly. "Do you think you belong here? You better keep your distance from Lu Jinian, or else..." Han Ji Quian's thin lips turned in an ugly twitch. Whatever evil plans she had in mind, only she knows.