CHAPTER 319: CHAPTER 319: THE FIRST UNDERSTANDING OF 1_1

Before Zhang Jingning could reply, his phone rang. He listened for two minutes, responding only with respectful affirmations. When he hung up, joy was instantly evident on his face. "A critical project of ours has finally been finalized!" he exclaimed. "It’s all thanks to Miss Zhou and her influence. One call from her and it was settled. We must find an opportunity to thank her properly. If we can use this chance to foster a relationship with the Zhou family, our future will be secure."

Zhou Xiaoxuan, perhaps not foreseeing her husband’s rapid change of tune, was taken aback. "If she asks me to do something," she stammered, "what am I supposed to do?"

Zhang Jingning brushed it off dismissively. "Just do whatever she asks."

Zhou Xiaoxuan asked, "Aren’t you scared of offending the Third Young Master now?"

"Just be cautious," Zhang Jingning replied. "It’s not like you’re going to commit murder or arson yourself."

Zhang Jingning said triumphantly, "The Zhou family wields immense power. A single word from Elder Zhou carries more weight than ten years of our efforts. Countless people want to curry favor with such a powerful family. Now that an opportunity has presented itself, how could we possibly let it slip by?"

"That won’t do," Zhou Xiaoxuan hesitated. "I may not like Yan Xixi, but I don’t want to harm her."

"This isn’t about harming her," Zhang Jingning argued. "Think about it. Zhou Ting clearly doesn’t want Yan Xixi pestering the Third Young Master anymore. If Yan Xixi is sensible and marries Huang Xiaojue soon, Zhou Ting probably won’t trouble her further. But if she keeps clinging to the Third Young Master, then things could get ugly."

Zhou Xiaoxuan was stunned. Only then did she realize she had it all backward. She was most afraid of Yan Xixi marrying Huang Xiaojue, but Zhou Ting clearly wished for precisely that. In fact, the sooner they married, the better.

After handling the latest reservations from regular clients, Xu Xiaoya meticulously checked the bank statements and cash journals again, then reviewed the first-quarter forecast report. Even with a week-long break for the New Year, sales had been strong. A pre-holiday rush and robust Valentine’s Day sales led to record-breaking revenue for two consecutive months, and the profits were very appealing.

She closed the ledger and sighed. How could Xixi bear to give up such a thriving shop?

she wondered. Giving it up is easy, but to build another one like it... she probably wouldn’t have the chance in her entire lifetime.

Was making such a huge sacrifice for Huang Xiaojue really worth it?

But since Xixi had already made her decision, Xu Xiaoya began her own preparations to leave. Out of immense gratitude to Wan Donglin, she handled the handover duties with exceptional care. She documented everything in detail, even writing down notes on her work experience and key operational points, intending to leave them for the new store manager.

However, Wan Donglin hadn’t sent anyone, nor was there any news. Xu Xiaoya had called Zhang Xiang once, but he was evasive, merely saying they hadn’t found a suitable candidate yet and telling her not to rush. Xu Xiaoya wasn’t actually rushing. Deep down, she was reluctant to leave just like that. Still, she began looking for other options. Following Yan Xixi’s idea, she also started using her work connections to diligently research that second-tier handbag brand.

As there was nothing else to do that day, she prepared to visit the brand’s boutique in the city. She wanted to secretly observe its layout, customer traffic, and other operational aspects. Just as she was about to head out, a sales associate approached her. "Manager," she said, "someone’s here to see you."

"Who?"

"Xiaoya, it’s me..."

Xu Xiaoya started, then saw Zhong Minghui hurrying over from the side. "Xiaoya," he said urgently, "I need to talk to you..."

Zhong Minghui had thinned down, and the smug, confident air he once carried was long gone from his face. "Xiaoya," he implored, "I won’t keep you long, just a few minutes... I want to return something to you..."