Chapter 60:

Bai Jixi frowned, his icy gaze piercing straight at Secretary Lin.

Under such a sharp and penetrating stare, Secretary Lin’s heart trembled. Not daring to speak, he quickly lowered his head, waiting for Bai Jixi’s orders.

Secretary Lin knew that Chairman Bai was angry. Thinking of the chairman’s temper, he shivered—not everyone could withstand the pressure Bai Jixi exuded. With that in mind, Secretary Lin couldn’t help but feel resentment toward Xiao Lingqian, who had dragged him into this mess.

What a nightmare. The daughter of a mayor, shamelessly clinging to a man—even if the man was exceptional, couldn’t she have some dignity?

If he shows no affection, then I shall withdraw!

Where was the pride befitting a mayor’s daughter?

Well, don’t misunderstand—Secretary Lin only thought this because he wanted Xiao Lingqian to give up quickly and stop causing trouble for him.

Bai Jixi was inwardly agitated. His mood had been foul lately, and though he vaguely knew the reason, it only deepened his confusion. He didn’t understand why he kept thinking about her, why the mere memory of that gathering made him want to lash out. This unfamiliar emotion left him at a loss.

His already foul mood was further exacerbated by Xiao Lingqian’s repeated attempts to insert herself into his company. For someone with Bai Jixi’s temper, tolerating it this long was already a feat. And now, it was clear he had no intention of sparing her any more courtesy.

“Kick her out. If she comes again, just drive her away.”

Truth be told, he was no gentleman. The previous excuses he’d used to dismiss her were only out of respect for her father, the newly appointed mayor of Yuzhou. But her persistent visits, despite his obvious irritation, made it impossible to believe she wasn’t acting on her father’s orders. And he knew exactly what her father was scheming.

If that was the case, then there was no need to spare any face. A mere mayor? He didn’t even bat an eye at such a trivial figure.

Secretary Lin’s expression remained solemn, unsurprised by the order. Frankly, it aligned perfectly with his own wishes. “Understood!”

With that, he turned and left the office.

Back at his desk, Secretary Lin exhaled deeply, relieved to have escaped unscathed.

Something was off lately—Chairman Bai’s temper had been particularly volatile. Having worked as his secretary for five or six years, Secretary Lin knew that when Bai Jixi was angry, it wasn’t like most people. There were no outbursts, no shouting, no throwing things—just a cold, penetrating stare, an overwhelming aura that made you wish you could kneel and beg for forgiveness.

Honestly, Secretary Lin wanted no part of that.

Shaking his head, he dismissed his thoughts. Best not to speculate about the chairman’s state of mind. Just focus on doing the job well.

Picking up the phone, he was once again the efficient and capable Secretary Lin. “Hello, Xiao Zhang? Please inform Miss Xiao that Chairman Bai is occupied and unable to receive her. Ask her to come back another time. Oh, and from now on, if she visits again, use the same excuse to turn her away.”

At the front desk, Xiao Zhang respectfully hung up and glanced at the elegantly dressed woman lounging on the reception sofa.

Internally, she sneered. So what if she was the mayor’s daughter? Hmph, throwing herself at our Chairman Bai—what did she expect? Rejected, and now banned from entering Bai Corporation. Acting all high and mighty, looking down on me? Well, at least I’m still an employee here, free to come and go as I please.

Of course, Xiao Zhang only dared to think this. She couldn’t afford to offend the mayor’s daughter.

So she plastered on a polite, professional smile and called out, “Miss Xiao!”

Xiao Lingqian turned, seeing the receptionist beckoning her. She picked up her handbag and gracefully rose from the sofa. Surely, this meant she could finally go up. Confidently striding over, she asked nonchalantly, “Well? Can I go up now?”

Expecting an affirmative answer, she was instead met with: “I’m sorry, Miss Xiao. Chairman Bai is currently occupied. Secretary Lin asked me to convey his apologies. I’m afraid you won’t be able to meet him today.”

What?

Xiao Lingqian yanked off her sunglasses, her sharp eyes boring into the receptionist. “Are you sure? Did Chairman Bai even know I was here? Or are you lying to me?”

Xiao Zhang resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Secretary Lin was Chairman Bai’s personal secretary—his words were practically the chairman’s own. How could it be fake? And did she really think Xiao Zhang would dare to fabricate orders from the chairman?

Keeping her expression neutral, Xiao Zhang replied respectfully, “You must be joking. Secretary Lin relayed this message himself. It’s certainly not false.”

Xiao Lingqian knew who Secretary Lin was—Bai Jixi’s right-hand man, trusted for over five years. She had even considered trying to befriend him to get closer to Bai Jixi, but never got the chance.

If Secretary Lin said so, then it must be true. Running such a large company, of course he’d be busy. She’d just have to come another time.

It never crossed her mind that Bai Jixi might simply be brushing her off. In her eyes, given her status as the mayor’s daughter, he would never dare reject her.

With a resigned smile, she feigned magnanimity. “What unfortunate timing. Well, I’ll just have to visit again later.” She slipped her sunglasses back on and sauntered away.

The moment Xiao Lingqian left, Xiao Zhang’s smile dropped.

Next time? Even the time after that, you won’t get in. Acting all gracious—but fake is fake. Did she really think I didn’t notice the disdain beneath that smile? Ugh, some people just love making a spectacle of themselves. As if Chairman Bai would ever fall for someone like her.

Ah, speaking of which—Chairman Bai is so handsome!

Xiao Zhang clasped her cheeks, daydreaming about scenarios she’d concocted in her mind.

—

### Bai Jixi’s Office

After dismissing Secretary Lin, Bai Jixi found himself unable to focus on work. Glancing at his watch—5 PM, almost time to leave—he pushed the documents aside and decided to leave early.

The floor housing Bai Jixi’s office was reserved for Bai Corporation’s core executives. His office was set apart from the others, a reflection of his preference for solitude. Only Secretary Lin’s office was nearby, positioned diagonally across.

The wall of Secretary Lin’s office facing Bai Jixi’s door was one-way glass—visible from inside, opaque from outside.

So the moment Bai Jixi stepped out, Secretary Lin noticed. He hurried out to inquire, “Chairman Bai, is there something you need? If so, you could’ve just called me. No need to come yourself.”

“Nothing,” Bai Jixi said tersely. “I’m leaving early today. You can too.”

With that, he stepped into his private elevator, leaving a stunned Secretary Lin behind.

In the five or six years he’d worked for Bai Jixi, the chairman had always been the epitome of discipline—meticulous in work, devoid of frivolous pastimes. If there wasn’t an unavoidable social event, he’d go straight home after work, living almost like an ascetic.

For someone of his status and wealth, it was almost unbelievable. Yet that was how it had always been. And in all those years, Bai Jixi had never left early—sometimes even working overtime.

This was a first.

Something was definitely up.

Secretary Lin mentally reviewed Bai Jixi’s recent behavior, growing more convinced of his suspicion. But what could it be?

His curiosity wasn’t overwhelming, though. He entertained the thought briefly before letting it go. He knew better than to pry into the chairman’s affairs.

—

Bai Jixi drove away from the company, speeding down the road with reckless abandon. He pushed the car to its limits, weaving through traffic with practiced ease.

To an outsider, it would’ve been terrifying.

But the Bai family had a penchant for thrill-seeking in their blood. Take Bai Pengpeng, for instance—she loved racing, dominating tracks with her skills. And Bai Jixi was no different.

In his younger, wilder days, street racing had been a hobby—just another pastime, like horseback riding or golf. Never an obsession, just something to do when he had time. After taking over the company, he’d left it behind.

But geniuses were different from ordinary people. Even after years away, Bai Jixi’s skills hadn’t dulled.

It wasn’t until he reached Xinan Mountain that his mind finally cleared. He pulled over, stepping out to stand by the roadside.

He’d driven from the east side of the city to the west, crossing nearly the entire metropolis. By now, the sky had darkened.

Xinan Mountain was lively at night. Isolated, with sparse traffic and winding mountain roads, it was a hotspot for street racers.

As dusk fell, enthusiasts began gathering—just as they were now.

The roar of engines snapped Bai Jixi out of his thoughts. Only then did he realize where he’d ended up.

This uncharacteristic behavior startled even him. He could hardly believe he’d lost control like this, driven by such irrational frustration.

Just then, his phone rang.

Glancing at the screen: “Bo Zhanghua.”

Why was he calling?

Bai Jixi answered curtly, “What is it?”

“Nothing urgent. Just wanted to invite you out. Met a new friend from Hong Kong—we’re at Ye Qing. Interested?”

Bai Jixi frowned. “Don’t call me for things like this in the future.”

Without waiting for a response, he hung up.

The interruption dissipated some of his gloom. He almost laughed at how ridiculous he’d been acting lately.

In the end, he started the car and headed home.

—

### Meanwhile, at Ye Qing

Five or six well-dressed men lounged in a private room, drinking and laughing.

“Well?” Shao Zhuoguan swirled his glass of red wine, admiring its rich hue before inhaling its aroma.

The 1982 vintage—truly exceptional.

Bo Zhanghua forced a smile. “Ah, the chairman’s just too busy. No time to join us.”

As if he didn’t know Bai Jixi’s temperament—reserved, disliking crowds. Places like this were the last he’d want to visit. If not for Shao Zhuoguan’s background, Bo Zhanghua wouldn’t have even made the call.

Shooting a glance at the man across from him, Bo Zhanghua masked his disdain with a casual wave. “Oh well. At least we can relax without him here.”

“What?” Shao Zhuoguan stiffened, nearly spilling his wine. “He refused?”

Bo Zhanghua feigned ignorance. “What’s the matter? Running a corporation like Bai Group keeps anyone busy.”

Hearing “Bai Group,” Shao Zhuoguan snapped back to reality, realizing his slip. He laughed awkwardly. “Right, right. Of course he’s busy. Understandable.”

Bo Zhanghua raised his glass. “Shall we drink, then?”

Shao Zhuoguan clinked glasses and downed his wine in one gulp.

The dim lighting cast an ambiguous atmosphere, obscuring expressions. Bo Zhanghua couldn’t see Shao Zhuoguan’s face clearly, but he could guess.

Internally, he scoffed.

Falling from grace, yet still putting on airs. Pathetic.