Chapter Sixty-One: Unlucky Zheng Qingcang

Nie Yunyang had no desire to get involved in the petty intrigues of the reception department. Fight amongst yourselves all you want, he thought, just leave me out of it.

Yet, Zheng Qingcang just had to go out of his way to antagonize him. Perhaps it was because Nie Yunyang had shown too much brilliance upon first arriving at the Splendid Court, completely overshadowing Zheng Qingcang and stirring up intense envy, jealousy, and hatred within him.

Zheng Qingcang dared to barge into the private room not only because of his overwhelming arrogance—falsely believing he was actually somebody of importance at the Splendid Court—but also because his close association with Pu Chang had given him a distorted sense of self.

Secondly, Tang Yurong had deliberately orchestrated this to trip Zheng Qingcang up. Had she genuinely wanted to stop him, she easily could have.

Standing to the side and observing the unfolding scene, Nie Yunyang cast a sidelong glance at Tang Yurong. He knew this woman was guilty of settling personal scores under the guise of official business.

"Mr. Yuan, I'm sorry. It was my fault."

Realizing something was terribly amiss, Zheng Qingcang hurriedly offered an apology.

Yuan Wei didn't even deign to look at Zheng Qingcang, and Pu Chang couldn't be bothered either. A mere deputy manager of the reception department dared to act like brothers with him? His social circle wasn't that cheap.

Standing firmly on Yuan Wei's side without a shred of hesitation, Pu Chang let Yuan Wei make a scene while he stood by and watched as a spectator.

Yuan Wei's intention was glaringly obvious: as long as Nie Yunyang didn't intervene, he would keep making a fuss.

"Your fault? You think a simple apology cuts it? You burst in here and started bossing my friend around like you own the place. What the hell do you think you are? Do you own the Splendid Court?" Yuan Wei berated loudly.

Though cursing inwardly, Zheng Qingcang maintained a trembling, submissive facade.

Right at that moment, He Lei and Dai Zhenxuan both hurried into the private room. Whenever trouble arose, they were always the first to step forward and resolve it.

The core philosophy of the Splendid Court was that the interests of its members superseded everything else. As for the staff, they were entirely expendable; if necessary, they could simply replace the lot of them.

Upon entering the room, Dai Zhenxuan asked immediately, "Xiao Pu, what is going on here?"

Dai Zhenxuan had close ties with Cao Weihua and connections with the Pu family. Furthermore, having previously served as an official, his social standing was naturally leagues ahead of anything Zheng Qingcang could hope to reach.

"Uncle Dai, you'll have to ask him..." Pu Chang said, pointing directly at Yuan Wei.

Then, turning to Yuan Wei, he introduced, "Lao Yuan, this is the general manager of the Splendid Court, Director Dai."

"Hello, Director Dai." Yuan Wei immediately put on a smile and reached out to shake hands.

After exchanging a handshake, Dai Zhenxuan chuckled and said, "Mr. Yuan, my subordinates lack basic manners. Please forgive any offense they may have caused."

"Director Dai, it's nothing really. Nie Yunyang and I are high school classmates, and we haven't seen each other in ages. When I heard he was working here at the Splendid Court, I dragged Pu Chang along so we could catch up inside. Besides, I specifically instructed your qipao-clad attendants that no one was to be disturbed," Yuan Wei said slowly, pointing a finger at Zheng Qingcang. "And this bastard didn't even bother announcing himself at the door—he just barged right into our private room. As if that wasn't enough, he stood right in front of me and started tearing into my classmate. Dressed up like a human yet acting like a dog, who the hell does he think he's trying to impress?"

Hearing this, Dai Zhenxuan's expression darkened. He glared at Zheng Qingcang and demanded, "What is the meaning of this?"

"Director Dai, I'm sorry. I know I was wrong," Zheng Qingcang stammered.

Dai Zhenxuan let out a cold laugh. "What good is apologizing to me? You must be well aware of the rules here at the Splendid Court."

Knowing when to bend, Zheng Qingcang clenched his teeth, turned directly toward Yuan Wei, and began slapping himself across the face over a dozen times. The crisp, forceful smacks echoed clearly through the entire room.

"Mr. Yuan, I was blind and failed to recognize a person of your stature. Please be the bigger man and don't hold this against me."

Overwhelmed with humiliation, Zheng Qingcang wished the floor would open up so he could crawl straight into the earth.

Seeing that things had reached this stage, Yuan Wei knew it was time to wrap it up. He waved a hand dismissively and said, "Get lost. I don't want to see your face again!"

"Suspended for a week, your bonus for this month is forfeited, and your salary is cut in half. Now get out of my sight," Dai Zhenxuan added coldly.

Unable to voice any objections—a bitter pill he had to swallow in silence—Zheng Qingcang beat a wretched and humiliated retreat from the private room.

Dai Zhenxuan and He Lei remained inside. He Lei observed Nie Yunyang closely; ever since Yuan Wei mentioned they were high school classmates, she had noticed how utterly composed Nie Yunyang remained throughout the ordeal, completely unfazed. It was evident he hadn't taken Zheng Qingcang seriously at all, or else he would have stepped in to mediate long ago.

"My apologies for making a spectacle in front of Mr. Yuan," Dai Zhenxuan said politely.

Yuan Wei chuckled dismissively. "Director Dai, it was just a minor incident."

"Uncle Dai, we're all family here, no need to be so formal. You go ahead and take care of your business; we're just going to drink some tea and reminisce," Pu Chang chimed in.

"Very well. If you need anything at all, just call for it. You're always welcome to come by more often."

With those parting words, Dai Zhenxuan led He Lei and the others out of the room.

Zheng Qingcang had stayed at the Splendid Court for far too long; today's debacle was precisely the lesson he deserved. Dai Zhenxuan was more than happy to see it happen, using the opportunity to keep him in line.

As for Tang Yurong, she was bursting with joy and wanted nothing more than to break into laughter, though she dared not show it too openly in front of Dai Zhenxuan.

In a flash, the room was left with only Nie Yunyang and his companions. Yuan Wei tossed a cigarette to each of the other two men and smiled, saying, "Boss, to be honest, working in a tiny little place like this is a massive injustice to your talents. I honestly don't get what's going on in your head. With your capabilities, you could thrive anywhere. Why on earth are you playing the role of a server here?"

"A good man doesn't dwell on past glories. I'm no second-generation trust fund kid; I can only earn an honest living through solid, down-to-earth work," Nie Yunyang replied.

A look of admiration crossed Pu Chang's face. Modern youths were becoming increasingly restless and impatient, making someone as grounded as Nie Yunyang a rare breed indeed.

"I still don't get your logic. Out of all the places in the world to work, why did you have to run off to the Splendid Court? Do you really enjoy serving people that much? I honestly have no idea how I'm supposed to explain this to Third and Fourth," Yuan Wei lamented, beating his chest in frustration.

Initially, he hadn't thought much of it, but witnessing a mere lackey presume to lecture Nie Yunyang today had instantly sent his blood boiling.

Nie Yunyang smiled faintly. "Er-ge, I have my reasons and my choices, so don't worry about it. Rest assured, I won't be stuck working here forever."

"Well, I can't figure you out for the life of me, but do whatever you want," Yuan Wei conceded.

"Alright, drink your tea, chat, and go back to whatever you were supposed to be doing."

Pu Chang and Yuan Wei only lingered at the Splendid Court for another hour before heading off to attend to their own affairs.

Zheng Qingcang had already stripped off his uniform and left the premises entirely.

Dai Zhenxuan made no move to approach Nie Yunyang over the incident, and He Lei merely offered a faint smile whenever she crossed paths with him.

While Nie Yunyang was busy tidying up a private room, Tang Yurong, the ice-cold beauty, pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Nie Yunyang lifted his head, saw that it was Tang Yurong, and calmly went right back to work without uttering a word.

"Yunyang, I must say, you really are full of surprises. You managed to pull the wool completely over my eyes."

Swaying with elegant grace, Tang Yurong walked right up to his side.

Exquisitely featured and blessed with a mesmerizing figure, she knew precisely how to appeal to men.

As Nie Yunyang crouched on the floor, looking up at her from a lateral angle, what stood out beyond her endless pair of legs in black silk was the breathtaking allure of her full, pert breasts.

Rising to his feet, Nie Yunyang said, "Deputy Manager Tang, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Yunyang, stop playing dumb. You are definitely no ordinary person. What on earth is your background? You passed your probation in half a month, you've got Director Dai backing you up, and you're on a first-name basis with high-rolling members. Are you some rich kid slumming it just to experience the hardships of life?" Tang Yurong pressed on relentlessly.

Stepping forward to close the distance, Nie Yunyang planted both hands firmly on the wine cabinet, trapping Tang Yurong beneath him. Their faces were mere inches apart, close enough for each to feel the warmth of the other's breath.

His gaze roamed over her seductive curves with unashamed boldness, causing her heart to race and a flush of crimson to creep up her cheeks.

"What do you think you're doing?" Tang Yurong asked nervously, her voice trembling slightly.

"You're about to find out."

A cold smile played on Nie Yunyang's lips. He reached out with his right hand and began to stroke her thigh, the smooth, supple texture of her skin palpable even through the sheer black silk stockings.

Her expression shifted drastically. Raising a hand, she aimed a sharp slap at his face, but Nie Yunyang intercepted her wrist mid-swing.

Undeterred, Tang Yurong lashed out with her other hand, but before it could connect with his cheek, he blocked it effortlessly with his forearm.

In the blink of an eye, she was completely pinned against the wine cabinet by his body. When she tried to kick him away, he deftly clamped his legs around hers, immobilizing her entirely.

The posture they now shared was intensely suggestive. Tang Yurong's arms were pulled upward and strained against the constraint, accentuating her alluring collarbones.

"You scoundrel! Let me go right now!"

Humiliated and enraged, Tang Yurong began shouting and thrashing.

Nie Yunyang shrugged nonchalantly. "Go ahead and scream. Shout loud enough to wake up the whole company, and let's see whose reputation takes the bigger hit."

"Do you really think I can't get you fired from the Splendid Court?" she threatened.

Leaning in close until he was practically pressing against her, Nie Yunyang inhaled the faint fragrance of her hair and taunted, "If you don't believe it, feel free to try. Let's see who ends up walking out the door first."

Tang Yurong's most sensitive spot was her ears. As Nie Yunyang exhaled softly against her earlobe, a wave of tingling warmth spread across her entire body, threatening to turn her limbs to jelly and melt her right into his arms.

"Please... just let me go, okay?" she pleaded.

A wicked, charming curve formed at the corner of Nie Yunyang's mouth. "Do what? I certainly feel like doing something, it's just that the venue leaves much to be desired."

"Deputy Manager Tang, consider this my final warning: don't ever try to use me as a pawn again. If something like this happens a second time, don't blame me for what follows!"

With those words, Nie Yunyang released her abruptly, turned on his heel, and walked out of the private room without looking back.