Tao's mother suddenly understood. "Wh—what? Xiao Fang is the future CEO?"
Tao Xinrou nodded. "And his real name isn't Fang Rong; his surname is Ying."
Tao's mother was even more shocked. "So... why would he hide his identity and come to our house?"
"I don't know exactly why he's hiding his identity yet, but he must have a secret. The CEO isn't someone you can just become. Besides, how can we let the CEO take care of us? We should be taking care of the CEO!"
"But you shouldn't have pushed the things back so bluntly. That made him lose face," Tao's mother scolded.
Tao Xinrou grimaced, then seemed to think of something and shot up from the sofa. "No, I need to figure out how to express my gratitude naturally without being too effusive. Mom, are our dishes clean enough? Should I hide that chipped bowl?"
While Tao Xinrou was torn between cleaning the living room again or changing into more appropriate home clothes, Fang Rong returned carrying several takeout boxes.
The aroma of the food filled the air.
The three of them ate as if attending a diplomatic banquet.
She tried to find safe topics: "This braised pork belly tastes authentic."
Fang Rong: "Mm, rich but not greasy."
"This fish is also delicious, not many bones."
Fang Rong: "Yes, I specifically bought it for Auntie. Auntie, please have some."
"Mom, don't you think this is better than the takeout we had last week?"
Tao's mother: "Huh? Oh, yes, yes. Xiao Fang is so thoughtful."
At this moment, Tao Xinrou felt she wasn't eating a meal but performing social etiquette.
*
After dinner, Fang Rong took the initiative to help clean up, then politely said goodbye and returned to his room.
The moment the door closed, the gentle, serene smile on his face receded like a tide, revealing a deep calm.
He unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, leaned back in his chair, and slid his finger across his phone screen to open the encrypted email Wang Anran had just sent, but his mind kept replaying the reactions of Tao Xinrou and her mother.
"Tao Xinrou..." he murmured her name.
This dinner tonight was really interesting.
Her enthusiastic demeanor flashed before his eyes, and he recalled how completely different she acted at the company.
Was all this just an ordinary landlord's attitude toward a tenant?
Unless... she knew more than he thought.
A hint of a smile curled at the corner of Fang Rong's lips. "Interesting."
*
Since then, the atmosphere in Tao's home had been a subtle kind of joy. Fang Rong was always being looked after by the Tao family, and even his personal belongings were treated specially.
Fang Rong was not used to it.
But beneath this peaceful facade, both sides were constantly observing each other.
At the hotel, another undercurrent was stirring.
Li Meili's resentment toward Tao Xinrou had never faded with time.
The last crystal loss incident had failed to subdue Tao Xinrou and resulted in Li Meili's own salary being cut for three months. This humiliation was a thorn in Li Meili's side. She found every way to make things difficult for Tao Xinrou, vowing to drive this "thorn in her side" out of the hotel.
She went to the manager's office. Zhang Hongbin was on the phone, speaking respectfully, presumably talking to someone from headquarters.
Li Meili didn't dare to interrupt and waited at the door. After a moment, Zhang Hongbin called her in. She entered softly and closed the door behind her.
"Manager, I've done a background check on the new employees. Most of the newcomers are ours, except for Tao Xinrou, Zheng Shuhui, and Fang Rong. They refuse to side with us." Li Meili bowed slightly, her tone ingratiating.
Zhang Hongbin leaned back in his leather chair, an unlit cigarette between his fingers, his brow slightly furrowed, his gaze cold.
He scoffed, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk as if hearing a joke. "Refuse to side with us? In this hotel, no one dares to challenge me, Zhang Hongbin." He looked up at Li Meili, thought for a moment, and continued, "I know about Tao Xinrou. She dared to oppose you in the last crystal case. She's tough. Zheng Shuhui is with her, harmless. As for Fang Rong..."
Zhang Hongbin paused. He recalled that the newcomer was usually so low-key he was almost invisible, flawless in his work, never said much, and had never tried to curry favor. This made Fang Rong unpredictable. "That one seems unremarkable but is hiding deep. He's silently taken a stand against us."
Li Meili quickly added, "You're right, Manager. These three are thorns in our side. If we don't get rid of them, they'll ruin our plans sooner or later. I must find a way to make them pay."
"They'll pay, but we can't rush. What we need are people who can be used by us, not to make enemies everywhere." He picked up a folder from the table and tossed it in front of Li Meili. "Give them one last chance. Either they submit, or they get out."
"Next Wednesday, a VIP is having a private party here. You arrange it."
Li Meili's eyes lit up. She immediately understood Zhang Hongbin's intention. "Don't worry, Manager. I'll make sure those two serve throughout the event. As long as they make one slip, I'll report it immediately and get them fired for 'dereliction of duty'!"
"Not just them—also Fang Rong. Let him do the inspection that day. Keep an eye on him too. If he dares to meddle in their affairs, find an excuse and take care of him together."
"Manager, rest assured. I'll handle it."
Zhang Hongbin nodded, stood up, walked over to Li Meili, and patted her shoulder. "Xiao Li, you already stumbled last time. This time, there can be no mistakes. I don't care what methods you use, but make sure those three understand that in Yunlu Hotel, what I say is the rule. If they're willing to listen, they can work obediently with me and enjoy the benefits. If they still resist, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Li Meili immediately straightened her back. "Yes!"
"This time, it must succeed—failure is not an option, or else..." Zhang Hongbin's tone turned ominous.
Li Meili swallowed and replied quickly, "Manager, I guarantee no failure this time!"
Author's note: --------------------
Tao Xinrou: Ahhh! Please, boss, don't give me gifts. See no evil, hear no evil, leave me alone.
(Nervous, wringing hands, scared.jpg)
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