Xia Yuqing was Song Qiao's sensitive spot. If such a situation were to happen again, he would even disband the advertising department for her.
Seeing their boss's stern expression, everyone couldn't help but feel a sense of panic. Xia Yuqing's sudden arrival had indeed caused dissatisfaction among many. However, unlike Xue Mei, no one dared to be the first to speak out, initially only resorting to snide remarks behind her back.
It was only later that Xia Yuqing’s capabilities and personal charm gradually won them over.
But they hadn't expected the boss to be so invested in the matter, and their hearts suddenly sounded an alarm.
...
After resolving the company's internal turmoil, Song Qiao drove Xia Yuqing home.
His wife had been stimulated by the day's drama, and Song Qiao hoped she could return home to rest.
Upon arriving home, his mother-in-law was still harboring a misunderstanding about Song Qiao and Yuan Jianan and was sulking by herself. Seeing Song Qiao return, she didn't offer him a warm welcome.
"Hmph, you still know this is your home. Why aren't you going to live at that Miss Yuan's place?"
His mother-in-law shot Song Qiao a cold glance, taunting him sarcastically.
"Mom, there's really nothing between Jianan and me. You've truly misunderstood."
Song Qiao, between laughter and tears, put down his briefcase and explained to his mother-in-law.
"Mom, please don't be angry. I believe Song Qiao, and I also believe Jianan isn't that kind of person. What happened that night was indeed a misunderstanding."
Xia Yuqing's resentment towards Song Qiao had long since dissipated. Seeing her mother still harboring a misunderstanding towards her husband, she quickly spoke up to explain for him.
"Really?"
His mother-in-law's expression softened slightly, still regarding Song Qiao with a hint of suspicion.
Song Qiao, standing by, quickly nodded and assured her.
"I'll let it go this time. But remember, if I ever find out you've done anything to betray Yuqing, don't blame me for being harsh."
His mother-in-law issued a warning. Before Song Qiao could respond, she went into the kitchen to prepare dinner.
"Knock knock knock"
"Is Xiao Xia at home?"
Just then, a knock came from the door, accompanied by the voice of their downstairs neighbor, Aunt Shu.
Upon hearing this, Song Qiao quickly opened the door and warmly welcomed her in.
Aunt Shu was a good person, had an excellent relationship with his mother-in-law, and often visited their home.
"Xiao Song is home too. Then I've come at the perfect time today."
Aunt Shu chuckled, placing the gift she was holding gently on the table as she spoke.
Song Qiao smiled faintly, a hint of doubt creeping into his mind as to why Aunt Shu was visiting him, and with a gift at that.
His mother-in-law also emerged from the kitchen, warmly pouring tea for Aunt Shu.
"Xiao Song, Auntie has come this time because there's something I need your help with."
After some pleasantries, Aunt Shu said with a touch of embarrassment.
"Oh?"
"What does Aunt Shu need me to do? Tell me."
Song Qiao took a sip of his tea, not immediately agreeing.
"My grandson, Xiao Hu, graduated from university this year, and he's currently unemployed at home. See if you could..."
The implication was that she wanted Song Qiao to arrange a job for her grandson.
"Oh, just this little matter. No problem. I've met Xiao Hu; he's a smart kid. Let him work with Xiao Song tomorrow."
Before Song Qiao could reply, his mother-in-law waved her hand and agreed to the matter.
She and Aunt Shu had been neighbors for twenty to thirty years and naturally wouldn't refuse the request.
"Uh..."
Song Qiao, sitting by the side, couldn't help but frown. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Aunt Shu, if Xiao Hu has the ability, he can certainly come and try at my factory. But I think it's better if we still go through the necessary interview process."
At this, Aunt Shu's face turned somewhat awkward, and she couldn't help but glance at his mother-in-law.
"Xiao Song, you're being too formal. You know how close Auntie and I are. What need is there for an interview?"
His mother-in-law cast a displeased glance at Song Qiao and said.
Then, she looked at the restless Aunt Shu and said, "Sister Shu, please don't worry. Have Xiao Hu report to Xiao Song directly tomorrow. I'll handle this."
"That would be wonderful."
Aunt Shu said gratefully to his mother-in-law.
Song Qiao felt even more vexed. Why was his mother-in-law acting so out of character today, making decisions on his behalf without consulting him?
However, as outsiders were present, Song Qiao couldn't openly contradict his mother-in-law again, so he could only agree for now.
Seeing that the matter was settled, Aunt Shu's face lit up with joy. She didn't linger, offered a few more pleasantries, and then took her leave.
As soon as she left, his mother-in-law’s expression darkened.
"Xiao Song, what do you mean?"
"In front of outsiders, you didn't even give me, his mother, a little face?"
Song Qiao looked at his mother-in-law in surprise, pausing for a long time before saying:
"Mom, the company is getting bigger and bigger. As the boss, I can't abuse my power. Otherwise, people will gossip behind our backs. Besides, managing a company full of neighbors and relatives is not easy."
"Hmph, don't give me that nonsense. I've already promised Aunt Shu about Xiao Hu, so you must find a way to resolve it for them."
His mother-in-law's attitude wasn't usually this forceful, but she was still upset with Song Qiao and deliberately adopted a stern demeanor to see his reaction.
After all, Song Qiao had been very obedient to her a while ago.
"Mom, this..."
As Song Qiao was about to explain, Xia Yuqing suddenly spoke up:
"Song Qiao, if it's not possible, just agree to Mom. The work in your workshop doesn't require much skill. Shu Hu is a young man; he can surely handle it."
"If he can't do it later, you can always let him go."
As she spoke, she tugged at her husband's sleeve, signaling him not to argue with his mother.
"Alright then..."
Seeing this, Song Qiao nodded helplessly and agreed for the time being.
He was already contemplating which position he would place Shu Hu in for observation.
Seeing Song Qiao agree, his mother-in-law didn't say anything further.
...
The next morning, as soon as Song Qiao arrived at the company, Ah Wei rushed into his office.
"Boss, when I was coming upstairs, I saw someone causing trouble at the entrance of our company."
"What's going on?"
Song Qiao frowned and asked.
Ah Wei shook his head and replied, "I'm not quite sure what the issue is. I tried to chase him away, but he specifically asked to see you, saying that you told him to come to the factory to work."
"So I didn't dare to drive him away."
Song Qiao's expression darkened instantly, and he recalled the promise his mother-in-law had made on his behalf last night.
He turned, picked up his jacket, and instructed Ah Wei, "Let's go down and take a look."