Chapter 193 Su Qing Teases Bai Xiyuan

Tan Group, three in the afternoon. Bai Xiyuan, wearing sunglasses and accompanied by her agent, alighted from the car and entered the building. Upon clarifying her purpose, a staff member led the two to a reception room. The employees of the group were all busy with their work, heads bowed, and paid no extra attention to Bai Xiyuan. Accustomed to being the center of attention and showered with flattery wherever she went, this treatment made Bai Xiyuan a little uncomfortable. But discomfort aside, Tan Group was her lifeline right now. It didn't matter if other endorsements fell through; once she was associated with Tan Group, her ability to attract investment would naturally return. However, after being led to the reception room, apart from someone bringing in snacks and tea, no one else came. Bai Xiyuan waited for a full hour, long past the agreed-upon time. Finally, she couldn't bear it any longer. "Go and ask what's going on." Bai Xiyuan's agent was a sycophant. Having managed Bai Xiyuan, he had adopted a high-handed attitude in the industry over the years. Bai Xiyuan's status was high then, so people were willing to flatter her. Now, being neglected, his spoiled temper flared up instantly. He grabbed a staff member and started to vent his anger. Su Qing, after finishing her work, arrived to witness this scene. Her expression turned cold. She walked over and asked coldly, "What's going on?" Having been with Tan Zheng for so long, Su Qing had also learned a bit of his imposing presence, which was enough for ordinary people. The agent, about to utter profanities, forcefully suppressed them upon seeing Su Qing. Hearing the commotion, Bai Xiyuan, unable to sit still, also got up and hurried over. Su Qing glanced at the agent, then her gaze fell on Bai Xiyuan, and she said coldly, "Film Empress Bai?" Bai Xiyuan, having attended some social events at the Bai family, remained composed in the face of Su Qing's unrestrained pressure. "Yes." Su Qing dismissed the employee who had been scolded back to their workstation. "I was just on a video conference with the boss, so I'm late. My apologies." Hearing the word "boss," a spark ignited in Bai Xiyuan's eyes. Su Qing, with her sharp judgment, saw through Bai Xiyuan's thoughts at a glance. It seemed the madam was right; this Film Empress Bai did have ulterior motives towards the boss. Su Qing curved her lips into a perfectly commercial smile and extended her hand. "Film Empress Bai, let's talk inside." Because she heard something related to Tan Zheng, Bai Xiyuan's thoughts were slightly stirred, and she overlooked the coldness in Su Qing's eyes. "If you don't mind, please call me Xiyuan." Su Qing's lips twitched. "Miss Bai, please." Su Qing's demeanor was different from that of the other staff. Coupled with her previous statement, Bai Xiyuan had somewhat guessed her identity. She was likely Tan Zheng's assistant or secretary. She hadn't expected that the negotiation for this collaboration with Tan Group would involve Tan Zheng's assistant in person. Did this mean Tan Zheng also knew about this matter? Perhaps... perhaps he only said that in front of Song Ni that day, and he actually still remembered her. Thinking this, immense joy welled up in Bai Xiyuan's heart. Her gaze towards Su Qing became even more enthusiastic. Su Qing acted professionally, briefly outlining the benefits of collaborating with Tan Group, and then asked Bai Xiyuan to provide reasons why she was suitable. Bai Xiyuan had done sufficient preparation, and her agent also played his part. Typically, such discussions would involve professional lawyers, but Tan Group hadn't given a definitive answer beforehand, making the success of this collaboration uncertain. Bai Xiyuan had been extremely anxious before coming, but Su Qing's arrival gave her an eight-tenths certainty. Su Qing remained impassive, subtly observing Bai Xiyuan's expression. Seeing that she was still immersed in surprise, Su Qing's disdain grew. "Jade girl," "goddess" – to think she was a morally corrupt person with intentions towards a married man. The madam is so much better, her family background matching the boss, her personality genuine, and her methods… Su Qing liked her even more. She hadn't been on a video conference with the boss just now; she only said that at the madam's instruction. As expected, Bai Xiyuan assumed her boss was Tan Zheng and began to feel pleased with herself. As the saying goes, the greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment. The madam's strategy is truly brilliant, so brilliant. They had already reviewed Bai Xiyuan's information thoroughly. Even without the madam's intervention, they would have had to carefully assess Bai Xiyuan's qualifications. But now, there was no need. She was not qualified, and even if she were, they wouldn't hire her. After Bai Xiyuan finished her presentation, Su Qing closed the documents and placed them on the table, unwilling to even offer a polite platitude. "I'm sorry, Miss Bai." Bai Xiyuan's heart plummeted from a great height. "W-what do you mean by that?" Su Qing smiled faintly. "We understand your situation. We heard that many companies have been terminating their contracts with you recently, but you didn't mention it just now. I won't inquire about the reasons, but Tan Group will rigorously vet any spokesperson, no matter how small the role, and must strictly adhere to our standards." Bai Xiyuan was utterly stunned by Su Qing's words. She had kept the contract terminations quiet, and because they were so sudden, the brands hadn't issued any statements yet. How did Tan Group know? Su Qing stood up. "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now." With that, she turned to exit the conference room. If the collaboration with Tan Group fell through, she might truly have nothing left. Bai Xiyuan suddenly called out to Su Qing, "Wait, Miss Su." Su Qing stopped and turned around, seeing Bai Xiyuan tightly clutching her bag, her expression conflicted. "I... I know your boss." Hearing this, Su Qing raised an eyebrow. "You know Chairman Tan?" Bai Xiyuan's pupils widened. Wasn't her boss Tan Zheng? Su Qing scoffed inwardly, but maintained a professional smile. "N-no, I know your President Tan, Tan Zheng." Su Qing appeared to have an epiphany. "President Tan is also my boss." Bai Xiyuan seemed to grasp a lifeline. "Yes, President Tan and I are high school classmates. We..." Bai Xiyuan couldn't continue. It wasn't that she was being coy; she was genuinely confused about how to proceed. She was completely bewildered. Did Tan Zheng still remember her? Su Qing, however, nodded as if understanding and unceremoniously pinpointed Bai Xiyuan's intentions. "Miss Bai, you believe that because you and President Tan are high school classmates, it will influence this collaboration?" Bai Xiyuan opened her mouth but remained silent. Su Qing smiled. "Miss Bai might be overthinking. This collaboration is very small for our Tan Group, and President Tan is not aware of it at all." "Then you..." "Why would I come?" Su Qing's smile deepened. "I came to handle this matter on the madam's orders." Madam? Bai Xiyuan's pupils contracted, and her mind went blank for a moment.