Chapter 73: The Dominant Tough Girl

Seeing Shui Miao’s resolute response, Guo Ming and Guo Liang were momentarily at a loss for words.

Shui Miao walked into the hotel and headed straight for the maintenance department. As he arrived, he began to ponder: what methods would they devise next to achieve their goal? If he were in their shoes, what approach would he take? If he were Guo Ming, he thought he would probably seek help from Chen Bing, persuading him to intervene. If necessary, offering Chen Bing a small gift might help. As a last resort, he would even be willing to return the entire 1.2 million. However, once the money was fully returned, the brothers might end up turning against each other. If they continued to stay in Zhonghai and saw Chen Bing take over the small restaurant, would Guo Ming, with his intelligence level, suspect again that Shui Miao had ulterior motives?

“Eureka!”

After some contemplation, Shui Miao came up with a plan. He immediately called Chen Bing: “Chen Bing, if Guo Ming and Guo Liang come to plead with you, you can agree, but set a condition—have them transfer ownership of the small restaurant to you. Once the agreement is signed, you can legally take over the restaurant. Then you can assist them. If they worry about my objection, have Guo Ming pay an extra 300,000 to the hotel. If Guo Liang refuses to cooperate, let him suffer some loss as punishment.”

Letting Guo Ming bleed a bit more would scare him into leaving Zhonghai City for good.

“Great, no problem. I can handle this.”

Chen Bing was also thinking about this matter, and coincidentally, their thoughts aligned.

The catering department usually started operations at 4 PM. It was now 3:30 PM. Shui Miao took a sip of water and reflected on the day’s events, which felt surreal. He had not only become the catering manager but also taken on the arduous task of overhauling the hotel staff. Though busy and tiring, it was worth it for Lin Jie’s trust.

After finishing the water, Shui Miao checked the surveillance footage. When he saw a scene in one of the guest rooms, he saw a couple in the nude engaging in intimate activity. He immediately felt a cold sweat, glanced twice, and quickly turned off the camera feed. Although lust was a natural male trait and the scene was enticing, Shui Miao wasn’t a man without principles. He also knew that indulging too much in such sights could lead to addiction, making one perverted and eventually turning into someone like Lao Shao.

“The cameras in the guest rooms must be removed. If guests discover the cameras are on, it would be a huge problem.”

Shui Miao had control over the power switch for all the guest room cameras. After turning them off, he checked the other surveillance feeds and saw Xiao Tang leading three beautiful women, each backpack in hand, into the hotel lobby. These women were stunning, the kind of rare beauty found once in a thousand.

“Could it be? Did they find three beautiful repair workers?”

“No way! They might be the new girls Lin Jie found to replace Yin Yangyang and Feng Anan.”

“They are going to be my assistants. I must personally welcome them.”

Shui Miao quickly tidied his clothes, locked the maintenance room, and hurried toward the hotel lobby.

In the lobby, Xiao Tang invited the beautiful girls to sit on the sofa and rest while she prepared to call Shui Miao. Just as she was about to dial, Shui Miao pushed through the glass door of Zone B and entered.

“Manager, what a coincidence!”

Xiao Tang put down her phone and cheerfully approached: “Manager, the employment agency didn’t have suitable repair workers, so I asked a friend and found a recently discharged female soldier looking for work. Her name is Wang Xiaomi, and she even repaired tanks. Let her try here. The other two beautiful ladies I met at the hotel entrance—they seem to be looking for you.”

Wang Xiaomi stood up first, nervously saluted Shui Miao with a crisp “Snap!” and said, “Hello Manager, I’m Wang Xiaomi, just discharged. I’d like to apply for the repair worker position here!”

Wang Xiaomi wasn’t wearing makeup and looked very plain. Her nervousness suggested she was indeed a newly discharged soldier, unfamiliar with hotel settings and unaccustomed to interacting with managers. She probably came from the countryside, like him. People like her were honest and reliable, capable of fulfilling their duties. Shui Miao originally intended to ask her to wait while he greeted Lin Jie’s girls, but curiosity prompted him to ask, “What did you do in the military? Repair work doesn’t seem to suit you.”

“I was a reconnaissance soldier, from the countryside…”

Wang Xiaomi’s voice carried obvious sadness.

“What’s wrong with being from the countryside? I’m from the countryside too, and I’m an orphan. Wang Xiaomi, you’re hired at the hotel.” Shui Miao turned to Xiao Tang: “Xiao Tang, please show Wang Xiaomi around and explain the hotel situation. I’ll come later.”

“Alright, Manager.”

Xiao Tang was delighted to help a friend, which also enhanced her own reputation.

“Thank you, Manager!”

Wang Xiaomi looked gratefully at Shui Miao, feeling an instant connection since they were both from rural areas.

“No need to thank me. People like you choosing to work here is an honor for us.”

Shui Miao smiled slightly at Wang Xiaomi. In truth, he deeply admired the military. He had dreamed of becoming a soldier since childhood, but never had the opportunity. Seeing Wang Xiaomi, her soldierly demeanor, and that salute had already won his respect.

Xiao Tang led Wang Xiaomi away.

At that moment, the two beautiful women on the sofa stood up. Both were conservatively dressed—one in jeans and a denim jacket with sneakers, the other in trousers and a white shirt with low-heeled shoes. The denim-clad woman had short hair and a single-strap bag, exuding a tough, tomboyish aura. The other, with a ponytail and an elegant pink handbag, radiated the elegance of a professional businesswoman.

The tomboy wiped her nose with one finger and directly confronted Shui Miao: “You’re Shui Miao? Not bad! You’ve become a manager in no time. You’ve got some skills!”

This tomboy was none other than Lin Xue, the daughter of Lin Captain from Huanghai City’s Criminal Investigation Team.

The elegant businesswoman beside her was none other than the beautiful police officer Chu Miaoyi.

Chu Miaoyi and Lin Xue had just arrived in Huanghai City, checked into a hotel, and then left Yao Ye behind to visit Shui Miao at Linhai Hotel. Coincidentally, they witnessed Shui Miao hiring Wang Xiaomi. Impressed by Shui Miao’s performance, Lin Xue held him in high regard.

“Hehe, you two must be Lin Jie’s sisters. I’m Shui Miao. Nice to meet you,” Shui Miao mistook them for Lin Qing’er’s new assistants and extended his hand to shake Lin Xue’s.

Both Lin Xue and Chu Miaoyi were smart women. Upon hearing Shui Miao’s words, they realized he had mistaken them. Without clarifying, they exchanged glances and shook his hand.

“No problem, we hope to be taken care of in the future!”

Lin Xue grinned, patting Shui Miao’s shoulder as if greeting an old friend.

Lin Xue was physically strong, and her firm pat made Shui Miao feel the force immediately. He was secretly surprised. Lin Qing’er was indeed ruthless, sending such a tough girl. Judging by her outgoing personality, she must be here to take over the HR manager position from Yin Yangyang.

As for Chu Miaoyi, judging by her quiet demeanor, Shui Miao concluded she was here to take over the finance department.

“Hehe, mutual care, mutual care,” Shui Miao intentionally shifted sideways, awkwardly removing Lin Xue’s hand. “By the way, may I ask how to address you two? When do you plan to take over the HR and finance manager positions?”

“…”

Upon hearing this, both Lin Xue and Chu Miaoyi were momentarily taken aback and exchanged glances again.

“We… we’ll see first. No rush; we need to understand the situation first,” Lin Xue scratched her nose and gestured toward the sofa. “Come, Manager Shui, let’s sit down and chat.” She sat down, having no intention of actually taking over any departments. Her purpose was to investigate Shui Miao and get to know him better.

“Alright!”

Shui Miao didn’t want to offend Lin Jie’s new assistants, even if they weren’t actually sent by her. With such a tough girl present, he dared not easily offend her.

After sitting down, Shui Miao glanced at the two beautiful women and suddenly noticed the businesswoman staring at him intently. When their eyes met, she quickly averted her gaze, her face blushing.

What did that mean? Could she be interested in him?

Shui Miao felt a stir in his heart, his thoughts becoming a little chaotic. Undeniably, this beautiful woman was exactly his type—quiet, elegant, shy, and reserved. Coupled with Chu Miaoyi’s delicate beauty, she was like a celestial fairy to Shui Miao.

“Cough, cough, cough…”

Lin Xue noticed Shui Miao looking at Chu Miaoyi and deliberately coughed twice to interrupt him. Then, habitually adopting the tone of a police officer interrogating a suspect, she asked, “Shui Miao, where are you originally from? Who do you have at home?”

Upon hearing this, Shui Miao was momentarily stunned. Why was she asking such a personal question among colleagues? But he quickly thought that perhaps the beautiful girl beside her had taken a liking to him and had this tough girl investigate his background. Otherwise, a new colleague wouldn’t ask such an impolite question.

“Sister, why are you asking like that?”

Chu Miaoyi couldn’t bear to watch anymore. In her heart, Shui Miao was an upright person, not possibly a criminal.

“It’s okay, there’s nothing much about me anyway,” Shui Miao, feeling warmth in his heart due to the girl’s concern, quickly responded. “I’m originally from a small village in the northern part of Huanghai City. I’m actually an orphan. There’s my grandfather at home, though he’s not my real grandfather. Also, I recently met a godfather when I returned to my hometown a few days ago. His name is Wang Yong. That’s about it.”

“Wang Yong! Is Wang Yong very capable? Why did he adopt you as his godson?” Lin Xue, reminded by Chu Miaoyi, softened her tone, no longer so harsh.

Why so many questions? These are my private matters! Feeling a bit awkward, Shui Miao scratched his head. “How should I say it? My grandfather is a feng shui master. Wang Yong had some work for my grandfather to do, and we went together. He found me sincere and adopted me as his godson. Oh, by the way, my godfather said he would come to develop in Zhonghai City in a few days. I’ll introduce you then and have him treat us to a meal.”

Shui Miao was indeed very straightforward, pouring out all his private matters at once.

Seeing Shui Miao’s sincerity, Lin Xue was a bit puzzled. “I mean, Shui Miao, you just came to Zhonghai City. How did you become a manager so quickly?”

“How should I say it? Originally, I won some money back home and wanted to treat my friends to a meal at the hotel before leaving to start a small business. But the hotel manager confronted me, and we argued. The hotel chairman, Lin, overheard and fired the manager due to his embezzlement. Finding me sincere, she asked if I was willing to manage the catering department. Since Chairman Lin valued me so much, I agreed.” Shui Miao shrugged, thinking, “You already know, why ask again?”

“Oh, so that’s how it was…”

Lin Xue, relying on her experience and observing Shui Miao’s expressions, found no sign of deception. He was telling the truth.

Chu Miaoyi listened intently, sighing, “Your experiences are really quite winding. How do you find the job as a manager?”

Upon hearing this, Shui Miao waved his hands repeatedly. “Don’t even ask. I used to think being a manager was comfortable, high-status, and impressive. But after becoming one, I found I didn’t even have time to sit and rest. All the department managers here have issues. That’s why Lin Jie sent you two to replace the finance and HR managers. With you here, I’ll have it easier. However, the most difficult to deal with is Gao Bo from the entertainment department. He’s powerful, with connections in both the underworld and the legitimate world. I really worry I can’t beat him.”

“If it’s so tiring and troublesome, why do you insist on stepping forward?”

Chu Miaoyi frowned, clearly concerned for Shui Miao.

“Yeah! Why are you, just a small worker, trying so hard? Could it be you have feelings for your chairman?” Lin Xue, an experienced woman, inferred from Shui Miao’s words that the hotel chairman might be a woman. According to her logic, only if the chairman was a woman would Shui Miao try so hard, perhaps because he was pursuing her.

“You already know the answer. Lin Jie has had such a hard life, isolating herself at home for three years over a lost love. The hotel was in chaos under those managers, and she trusted me so much. Of course, I have to help her since I have the ability. In my heart, she’s like my older sister.” Shui Miao felt a slight unease. Why were Lin Jie’s people asking these questions? Even if he admired Lin Jie, how could she, being so wealthy, ever look his way?

“I see. It’s because you’ve had a hard life yourself, so you can especially empathize with those in similar situations. Therefore, you’re indeed a very sincere person!” Lin Xue slapped her thigh, concluding her questioning. She had gathered enough information and determined Shui Miao was not a problem, so no further investigation was needed.

Chu Miaoyi, being sentimental, felt conflicted after hearing Shui Miao’s story and wished to help him somehow.

“Shui Miao, what’s your phone number? Can I have it?” Chu Miaoyi didn’t want to lose contact with Shui Miao, thinking as a police officer she might be able to help him in his current environment.

“Of course…”

Delighted that the beautiful girl was interested in him, Shui Miao’s heart warmed, and he quickly recited his phone number.

However, just as Shui Miao finished giving his number, three black cars screeched to a halt in front of the hotel. A group of thugs, armed with clubs and machetes, jumped out and charged into the hotel!

“Oh no! There are hooligans causing trouble. You two quickly hide!”

Seeing this, Shui Miao was shocked and immediately stood up, grabbing Lin Xue and Chu Miaoyi’s hands, pulling them toward the elevator.

“Why run? They’re just a few small-time thugs!”

Seeing the thugs, Lin Xue’s eyes lit up with excitement. She shook off Shui Miao’s hand, “Hiss,” and swiftly unzipped her backpack, pulling out a pair of nunchucks!