The news reported that Huo Xiaohua was attending a charity event that morning, but the event had already concluded.
She checked the time; it was already half-past ten in the morning. With no other option, she stood by the roadside, hoping for a stroke of luck.
The sun blazed like fire. Shiran stood under the shade of a tree, a gentle breeze blowing. However, the wind that brushed past her face was laden with scorching heat, leaving her drenched in sweat.
Shiran was hot and thirsty but dared not use the restroom, fearing she might miss Huo Xiaohua's return to the company.
Heaven helps those who help themselves.
By one-ten in the afternoon, a black Lamborghini pulled up to the company entrance.
She glanced at the Lamborghini's license plate, recognizing it as Huo Xiaohua's designated vehicle.
Shiran's eyes lit up. Clutching her bag and walking in high heels, she jogged towards it, calling out, "Mr. Huo, Mr. Huo?"
She shouted several times.
It was precisely one-ten in the afternoon, the sun beating down fiercely. There was no one else around the company entrance. Her appearance immediately caught Huo Xiaohua's eye.
Huo Xiaohua, in his early forties, sported a slicked-back hairstyle. His skin was tanned, his features deep-set, and his brows conveyed the steady composure of a mature man. His posture was erect, dressed in a sharp suit. Every movement radiated an innate nobility and a gentlemanly elegance.
His initial impression was that of a man of impeccable taste, exuding immense charisma.
Shiran had seen photos of Huo Xiaohua online and found him to be a very handsome man. However, seeing him in person now, her eyes sparkled. While marveling at his handsomeness, she was also awed by the steady aura of someone experienced in the business world.
This "uncle" was so manly, so cool, and so charismatic.
"Are you looking for me?"
Huo Xiaohua looked at her, his gaze sweeping over her as if contemplating who she might be.
"Mr. Huo, my name is Shiran. I'm from Chaoyun Esports. May I trouble you for a few minutes to discuss a potential collaboration?"
Shiran got straight to the point, stating her purpose upfront.
Her secretary, seeing the scorching sun, unfurled an umbrella to shield Huo Xiaohua from the heat.
Huo Xiaohua looked at Shiran. He noticed her fair, collagen-rich face flushed red with heat, a fine sheen of sweat trickling down her forehead, indicating she had been waiting outside for a considerable time.
Although she had endured hardship, many others faced similar struggles, and Huo Xiaohua remained unmoved.
"Chaoyun Esports? I'm afraid I haven't heard of it."
He refused directly, his demeanor polite.
"Mr. Huo, Chaoyun Esports is..."
Shiran stepped forward to explain, but before she could finish, she heard Huo Xiaohua instruct his secretary, "It's quite hot. Get a bottle of water for the young lady."
"Yes, Mr. Huo." The secretary nodded and gave a signal to the bodyguard behind him. The bodyguard retrieved a bottle of water from the car.
Shiran had no interest in drinking water.
She hurried to catch up with Huo Xiaohua, eager to seize the opportunity, but was immediately blocked by two bodyguards.
"Miss, our Mr. Huo is very busy."
The secretary approached and handed the bottle of water to Shiran.
Shiran gazed longingly at the receding figure of Huo Xiaohua, stamping her foot in frustration and helplessness.
Utterly disappointed, she accepted the mineral water, unscrewed it, and gulped down half the bottle in one go.
Unwilling to give up, after leaving Cybertron Company, she racked her brain for any means to find out Huo Xiaohua's evening schedule. She learned that he had a business dinner in the Rose Private Room at Feiyun Hotel that evening.
"Feiyun? Feiyun?"
She murmured "Feiyun," a realization dawning upon her. Feiyun Hotel was Chu Xue's hotel.
Immediately, she dialed Chu Xue's number.
"Shiran?"
Because Chu Xue was very close to Meng Jingwei, Shiran and Chu Xue had become acquainted and exchanged contact numbers over time.
When Meng Jingwei left Lancheng, she had specifically asked Chu Xue to help Shiran if she encountered any difficulties.