Chapter 44 An Uncertain Future

Nie Yunyang came to work at the Splendid Court early in the morning, all fired up and ready to make a grand start, only to run into a beauty in a black uniform first, and then be asked to go pick up a brat for her. He had been feeling resentful about it for a while.

However, no sooner had he muttered a complaint than that same beauty in a black uniform appeared right behind him.

Nie Yunyang had many virtues, and one of them was an exceptionally strong memory. Hearing that icy voice, his heart instantly skipped a beat.

*Damn it, surely it can't be such a coincidence?*

Since Gao Chen knew this beauty in the black uniform, it meant she was indeed a member of the Splendid Court. As a newly hired employee, Nie Yunyang naturally did not dare to be negligent. His face shifted expressions as fast as a Sichuan opera face-changer; the second before, he looked as though he bore a deep-seated hatred, but the next second he was all smiles. "Ms. Xiang, the task you entrusted to me has already been completed."

The beauty in the black uniform paced elegantly toward Nie Yunyang, wearing a cold expression. "Thank you. However, would you care to explain who the 'she-devil' is?"

Standing to the side, Xiang Tao chuckled gloatingly. Previously, he had been utterly suppressed by Nie Yunyang—not only was he met with biting sarcasm, but he had even been slapped across the face. He had thought Nie Yunyang was someone formidable, but it turned out he was still easily subdued by his aunt.

"Ms. Xiang, you must be experiencing auditory hallucinations. Here are the car keys, returning them to their rightful owner."

Nie Yunyang's brain worked at lightning speed as he tried to change the subject.

Gao Chen was merely the security manager and could not possibly interrupt in front of the beauty in the black uniform, as she was one of the senior and distinguished members of the Splendid Court.

The beauty in the black uniform took the car keys and did not plan to pursue the matter further.

Just at that moment, Dai Zhenxuan, the person in charge of the Splendid Court, walked over and asked, "Shixuan, do you know Nie Yunyang?"

"Director Dai," Gao Chen greeted respectfully.

Dai Zhenxuan waved his hand and said, "Go ahead and attend to your duties."

Gao Chen cast a subtle glance at Nie Yunyang before turning away.

"We just met, not very well acquainted yet," the beauty in the black uniform replied.

*Nie Yunyang?*

A completely unremarkable name, and his looks weren't particularly handsome either. Xiang Shixuan wasn't very interested in him.

At that moment, Nie Yunyang was sizing up the newly arrived Dai Zhenxuan: around forty years old, with a short flattop, a square face, distinct and sharp facial contours, deep eyes, and a well-proportioned figure free of the beer belly common among successful men, indicating that he exercised regularly.

"Director Dai," Nie Yunyang said neither servilely nor overbearingly.

Dai Zhenxuan merely smiled without responding, his attention still focused on Xiang Shixuan.

Dai Zhenxuan treated every single member of the Splendid Court with utmost dedication and responsibility. He never viewed himself as a big boss, but rather kept a low profile to serve all the distinguished guests who came here.

"Taotao, what happened to your face?" Xiang Shixuan asked.

Xiang Tao smiled and said, "It's nothing. I accidentally took a fall while walking and just scraped some skin."

"Are you really okay?" Xiang Shixuan asked, half-convinced.

In her impression, Xiang Tao had always been a good student who behaved well at school and never caused trouble.

Today was Xiang Tao's birthday. His parents were both away on business trips in other places, leaving him all alone in Chongqing, which was why Xiang Shixuan had asked Nie Yunyang to pick him up and celebrate his birthday at the Splendid Court.

Xiang Tao stepped forward, affectionately hooking his arm around Xiang Shixuan's, and said, "Aunt, when have I ever lied to you?"

"Yunyang, take Xiaotao to get his wound treated," Dai Zhenxuan instructed.

New guests had arrived outside, and Dai Zhenxuan used this as an excuse to have Nie Yunyang take Xiang Tao away, so as to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.

Xiang Shixuan understood Dai Zhenxuan's intention, but instead of holding Nie Yunyang accountable for failing to properly look after him, she said, "Taotao, hurry up and go with your Uncle Nie to get your wound treated to prevent infection. I'll come see you later."

"Let's go," Xiang Tao said smugly.

Dejected, Nie Yunyang could only trail along behind him.

Outside the Splendid Court, a shaky, white-haired elderly man appeared at the grand entrance. Dai Zhenxuan and Xiang Shixuan hurried forward to welcome him, not daring to show the slightest bit of negligence.

Nie Yunyang had no idea where the infirmary was located and finally had to ask the front desk receptionist to find out the way.

"Well, well, so you really are an employee here. To think I actually believed you had some impressive skills; you're nothing special after all," Xiang Tao taunted.

Nie Yunyang's face darkened. "Do you believe me if I say I'll give you another slap?"

"I honestly don't. Do you dare cause trouble in the Splendid Court?"

With Xiang Shixuan backing him up, Xiang Tao felt much more confident.

Nie Yunyang took a deep breath. "Do you still want to get your revenge?"

"Yes!"

This was a sore spot for Xiang Tao, and he was determined to win back his lost face.

Nie Yunyang sneered. "Then keep your mouth shut."

Xiang Tao admitted defeat, obediently closed his mouth, and followed Nie Yunyang down to the infirmary on the basement level to have the doctor treat his wound.

Having fussed around all morning, both Nie Yunyang and Xiang Tao were hungry. The two came to the restaurant of the Splendid Court, where the food was quite impressive—ranging from chicken, duck, fish, and mutton to sea cucumber, shark fin, and fish maw, everything imaginable was available.

After they had eaten their fill, a beauty in a cheongsam trotted over and said, "Mr. Nie, Director Dai wants you to bring this young master upstairs."

Thus, led by the cheongsam-clad beauty, Nie Yunyang and Xiang Tao arrived at the private box on the third floor, only to find Dai Zhenxuan and Xiang Shixuan engaged in a lively and pleasant conversation.

"Shixuan, don't worry. I'll arrange everything for tonight properly, especially with Brother Cao holding down the fort."

"Then I shall await your good news."

Xiang Shixuan stood up, looked at Xiang Tao, and said, "Taotao, come with me."

Following behind his aunt, Xiang Tao glanced back at Nie Yunyang and muttered in a low voice, "Don't forget our agreement!"

Dai Zhenxuan asked Nie Yunyang to wait inside the private box for a moment while he personally escorted Xiang Shixuan and her nephew out. He always showed meticulous care toward the members of the Splendid Court.

Nie Yunyang let out a long sigh of relief and surveyed the private box before him. This room was noticeably larger than the one on the second floor, with a tea set in the center large enough to accommodate eight people.

Five minutes later, Dai Zhenxuan returned. He rarely paid personal attention to newly hired employees, but since Nie Yunyang had been arranged by Cao Weihua, he had to attach great importance to him.

"Director Dai," Nie Yunyang greeted politely.

Dai Zhenxuan smiled faintly. "Yunyang, there are no outsiders here, no need to be so formal. Just call me Brother Dai from now on."

"I'll do as you say," Nie Yunyang replied.

Dai Zhenxuan waved his hand. "Don't just stand there, let's sit down and talk."

"Alright."

Nie Yunyang found an empty chair and sat down.

Dai Zhenxuan picked up the teapot, poured a cup of tea, passed it over, and said, "Yunyang, Boss Cao has told me everything. You should already have some understanding of private clubs and know what the Splendid Court is all about. Boss Cao sending you here means he trusts you immensely. From now on, we are family, so feel free to bring up any requests you have regarding work."

"Director Dai, I don't have any requests for the time being. I just want to start from the grassroots level and improve my professional capabilities," Nie Yunyang said.

Dai Zhenxuan was silent for a moment, then praised, "A young man with ambition!"

"The Splendid Court is not particularly large, and our daily operations are divided into three main categories: reception, security, and logistics. Among them, reception is the most important; our core tenet is to serve every single distinguished guest well. Next is security—the guests who come here are either wealthy or noble, and if any of their important belongings were to go missing, the consequences would be unimaginable. Lastly, there is logistics, which handles the more miscellaneous chores."

"Yunyang, which one do you choose?"

"Reception and security are both fine, but I lean toward security. After all, my martial arts skills should rank pretty high around here," Nie Yunyang said.

Dai Zhenxuan thought for a moment and said, "You can start by working under Gao Chen. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask him and try to get familiar with the Splendid Court as soon as possible. As for which department you ultimately decide to join, let me know next month."

"I'll listen to Brother Dai," Nie Yunyang said with a smile.

Since he was already here, he would make the best of it. He had decided to go all out here rather than just going through the motions.

Dai Zhenxuan smiled and gave a well-intentioned reminder, "There are many veteran employees here. You can try to get along harmoniously with them, do a bit more work, suffer a few losses willingly, and build friendships with them. It will be very beneficial for your future development."

"I will," Nie Yunyang replied.

From this moment on, he officially became an employee of the Splendid Court. No matter what happened in the future, he had to persevere...