The incident at noon had thoroughly exposed the animosity between the two women.
Although no overt conflict arose, there was no longer any need for pretense in private. She was clearly there to vent her anger.
She spoke harshly, and Lu Jiaying was not about to concede ground.
"Why are you so invested in my assistant? Do you think he's young, handsome, and well-built, and you have a crush on him?"
"What?" Xu Lei seemed to hear an outrageous joke and couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Your assistant is indeed quite the pretty boy. Young, handsome, and good-looking, he must be quite capable in that department too. However, I have my integrity and am not interested in such things."
"Director Lu is different. You maintain your condition so well, having such a gem by your side, you must be very happy every day being pampered by him, right?"
The hidden meaning in her words was self-evident, as if she knew something. Indeed, the wine that night was provided by her, the setup orchestrated by her, and one could guess what had transpired. However, without concrete evidence, Lu Jiaying would not admit anything.
"Anyway, seeing him makes me happier than seeing you. Who doesn't like young and beautiful people, right, Director Xu?" The implication was: you old hag, why are you still showing your face to me?
How could Xu Lei not understand? Her face instantly fell, and she glared at Lu Jiaying in anger.
"Shameless creature, this is still the company! Publicly having such a relationship with your assistant, and you're proud of it? I never realized, Lu Jiaying, that you have such a thick skin."
Lu Jiaying looked at her calmly.
"I didn't realize either that Director Xu has such a thick skin, not only in appearance but also two-faced and venomous."
"Have I offended you in any way? To make things difficult for me time and time again, do you think I'm really afraid to fall out with you?"
"Hahahaha. You've finally revealed your true feelings. Lu Jiaying, you've been holding it in for a long time, haven't you?"
Xu Lei threw her head back and laughed heartily, "You indeed have the capital to fall out with me. Because you served Mr. Hu well in the past, he was willing to protect you. But now, you might not have that much power."
"Oh?" Lu Jiaying raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Did you seize the opportunity to serve Mr. Hu well, and now he's willing to protect you?"
"You..." Xu Lei glared at her dismissively.
"I'm not as shameless as you, resorting to any means to achieve my goals. At your young age, why don't you do something better? You're constantly thinking about men."
"It's one thing to be thinking about Mr. Hu, but to be flirting with your assistant right under Mr. Hu's nose. You truly have quite the nerve."
"Even if Mr. Hu is busy with his work and doesn't have time to manage your trivial matters, do you think other colleagues are blind? Has no one reported you to Mr. Hu?"
"Have you ever considered that if Mr. Hu found out, you would die a terrible death?"
Lu Jiaying nodded. "That person who reported me is you, isn't it?"
"Thank you for your hard work, Director Xu, for contributing so much to the company's gossip network. I would indeed die a terrible death, but isn't that what you've been waiting for?"
"Hurry up and go tell Mr. Hu. Make it as vivid as possible. I'll wait for you to pick up my pieces."
Seeing her fearlessness, daring to speak like this, Xu Lei was startled. She wondered if this woman was playing a psychological game, thinking she wouldn't dare to report it, or if she truly had no such relationship with Old Hu. Regardless, if she publicized her affairs and caused negative repercussions for the company, Hu Jiasheng would not spare her either. For this reason alone, Xu Lei was not afraid of her.
"Lu Jiaying, we are both women. And as you said, there isn't much of a feud between us. Therefore, I don't want to make things too ugly."
"I just have a strong sense of justice and like to act on behalf of heaven, disliking people like you stirring up trouble under my nose. So, my demands are not high."
Lu Jiaying was almost amused. Sense of justice? Acting on behalf of heaven? She'd better not strain her tongue! She suppressed a smile. "Oh? Please enlighten me, Director Xu."
"Before I make everything public and ruin your reputation, you should resign yourself. Leave Gray Electrical forever. As long as you can do this, I can help you cover up your scandalous affair with your assistant."
Lu Jiaying took two steps forward, almost touching Xu Lei's clothes. Being taller and wearing high heels, she was a full half-head above Xu Lei. She leaned down to meet her gaze, her beautiful eyes flickering.
"So, should I thank you for this? Director Xu, you are truly an upright and kind person."
"However, I don't need it. Feel free to do whatever you want. Don't be a coward. If you hesitate even a bit, you're a turtle's offspring."
With that, Lu Jiaying grabbed her chin, her eyes fiercely fixed on her.
"From this second on, I officially accept your challenge. Let's see who leaves Gray Electrical first, Director Xu. We'll wait and see."
"You!" Enraged by the provocative grip, Xu Lei raised her hand to slap her. Lu Jiaying, with quick reflexes, grabbed her hand, pushed it back forcefully, and then slapped her back.
"Don't try to fight me physically. You're old and past your prime, you're no match for me."
"You're really tired of living. Just drive your car into the river and end it all. Don't be like a maggot, only knowing how to disgust people all day long."
With that, she forcefully shook off Xu Lei. Xu Lei's face turned ashen with anger. Just as she was about to say more, Jiaying's phone rang. Glancing at her phone, she disdainfully walked around her and headed towards the parking lot exit while answering the call.
Xu Lei stood in place, watching her retreating, beautiful back, stamping her feet in anger.
"Lu Jiaying, you just wait. This isn't over between us!"
Jiang Jingyu sat in his car, having clearly witnessed the entire exchange between the two women. He had planned to drive home, but now he had other ideas. He followed Xu Lei's car and called his good friend Wen Ruxu. As expected, his number had been unblocked from the blacklist.
Upon receiving his call, Wen Ruxu apologized profusely like a fawning dog.
"Young Master, Young Master, please don't be angry. I had no choice but to do what I did before. Please let me explain."
"Your father personally sent people to find me and ordered me to cooperate. I was so scared, how could I dare not obey?"
"I don't know how you've been lately, I didn't dare to message you, afraid of disturbing you. I'm so happy to receive your call today. Please give me a chance to make amends. Shall I treat you to dinner tonight?"
Jiang Jingyu was not actually angry with him. His father had immense influence in Nan City; even Wen Ruxu's father showed him respect. Not to mention his son. However, he needed Wen Ruxu's help with something, so he had to put on a bit of an act.
"You sold me out for such a small matter. Six years of friendship is also nothing more than this."