The third day was spent negotiating prices, and by the afternoon of the fourth day, the quantity, quality, and price had all been successfully settled.
Things had gone smoothly. Lu Jiaying had even managed to secure a price lower than they had expected, meaning she could claim credit upon their return. Everyone was delighted.
They decided to have a good rest for the night and head back the next day.
Unexpectedly, as they were chatting and laughing and just reaching the hotel lobby, they were stopped by a familiar figure.
"Mr. Li, Mr. Wang, Ms. Lu? What a coincidence, what brings you here as well?"
Looking up, they saw Xu Lei, the HR Director, wearing a vibrant bohemian-style long dress, perfectly made-up, with her hair down, large sunglasses, and a big canvas bag, appearing out of nowhere.
"Director Xu? What brings you here? And what's with the outfit?"
"Oh dear, I didn't expect to run into you all when I came out. I'm dressed too casually, my apologies."
Xu Lei smiled sheepishly at them and explained.
"The end of the year is our peak season in HR. After several months of hard work, things have stabilized recently, and I'm relatively free. I took my annual leave to take my parents out for a trip."
"We just checked in and didn't expect to see you. So this is where your business trip brought you."
Vice President Li and Vice President Wang nodded.
"Director Xu, you certainly know how to enjoy yourself. We've been swamped, and you're out traveling with your parents. We're envious, truly envious. Are you planning to take your aunt and uncle out for dinner?"
Xu Lei chuckled wryly at their words.
"Ah, don't mention it. It's difficult to please people when they get older."
"If I don't take them out, they stay home all day feeling bored with life. If I do take them out, they complain about being tired after just a few hours on the plane. They don't even want to go out for meals or shopping."
"Even though it's boring to be alone, I thought we couldn't waste this good weather sleeping in the hotel, so I came out by myself."
They all nodded, and then she changed the subject with a smile.
"Since you've just finished work, you must not have eaten yet. I'm bored being alone anyway, why don't we all go together?"
Although Lu Jiaying didn't particularly like her, they were all in the same company and saw each other daily, so a polite facade was necessary.
She didn't refuse.
To avoid making her wait any longer, they didn't even bother to change their clothes.
They inquired at the hotel reception for a well-regarded restaurant, left their belongings with the front desk, and headed out.
They took taxis to the restaurant, booked a private room, ordered their food, and began to chat animatedly.
Xu Lei sat next to Lu Jiaying, acting as if they were the best of friends.
They recounted how they were recruited into Grey Electric, how they stayed and matured step by step, took on responsibilities, and now handled everything with ease, speaking volubly and endlessly.
As they ate and drank, they unintentionally consumed an entire bottle of Wuliangye.
Xu Lei remarked that working in HR was often thankless and asked for their understanding if she had ever wronged anyone. She then ordered two more bottles of wine.
One was a bottle of Feitian Maotai, and the other was a bottle of white wine.
On the surface, it appeared to be a harmonious gathering, but in reality, Xu Lei had already planned this.
While they were out of the hotel, she had inquired with the front desk staff about this restaurant beforehand and ordered two bottles of wine.
What they were drinking now were the bottles Xu Lei had prepared in advance.
"Ms. Lu, like them, I have a thick skin and a stomach accustomed to sorghum liquor. We'll have the white spirits, and you and little Jiang can have this."
"Regarding what happened last time, I sincerely apologize. This is a white wine produced in Bordeaux, it's quite expensive and good for the skin. Please don't refuse my gesture."