CHAPTER 227: CHAPTER 213: POISON WILL ALSO BE SWALLOWED

The next day was Gu Qili’s first day as a supervisor. In the early morning, Mu Shuoqian specially got up early to pour water for her to take her medicine. She wasn’t present in the consulting room when the doctor instructed how many times a day she should take the medication and how much to take each time; it was Mu Shuoqian who went to collect the medicine and listened to the doctor’s advice. So, he was worried she wouldn’t know how to take those bottles and jars of medicine and got up early.

The hospital’s injection was particularly effective; Gu Qili’s throat was no longer clogged up, but the red rashes on her body hadn’t faded yet, and were still itchy from time to time. However, she had a meeting this morning and couldn’t call in sick on her first meeting.

"This is for noon, and this is for the evening." Mu Shuoqian placed the medication, which was packed in sealed small bags, into her backpack, with each bag labeled with writing – his handwriting, flamboyant and a delight to look at.

Gu Qili carefully placed the medicine and said, "You are so considerate, even if it was poison, I would willingly take it."

"You’ve read too many martial arts novels." Gu Qili touched her head and said, "Drive carefully."

"Got it, see you."

Mu Shuoqian stood at the door, watching her drive away until he slowly withdrew his gaze, gently landing on the vibrant new courtyard, with grapevines thriving and lavender sprouting, a lush green expanse.

And their life, like this garden, seemed to be rapidly flourishing in a thriving direction.

Mu Shuoqian lifted his head; the luxuries he oft dreamt of finally became reality. What he thought was impossible to have, now calmly in his grasp. It turns out, happiness could be this close, so close it felt like he had the whole world.

Just then, Mu Shuoqian’s phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID, and his originally relaxed expression immediately turned somber.

~

Gu Qili parked her car in the designated spot below the business building, glanced at her watch, it was still early before work began, so she re-checked the content she wrote for the meeting last night, making sure nothing was missed before she opened the car door and stepped out.

A text message alert sounded; it was the payment from the passenger she gave a ride to just a while ago. She satisfactorily glanced at it and put her phone back in her pocket. It was yet another bit of extra cash, so much that she couldn’t even keep track. But at this rate, by the time of his birthday, she should be able to save enough for two wine glasses.

When she arrived at the restaurant, some people were already there. Seeing her, they immediately smiled and shouted, "Qili..."

Then, as if realizing something, they quickly corrected themselves, still with a nervous look: "Supervisor, good morning."

Gu Qili smiled at her, and to avoid making her feel embarrassed, she specifically walked over to straighten her bow tie, "Morning, Nini."

Nini didn’t know how to express her happiness and turned to the other colleagues saying, "It’s so nice to have Qili as the supervisor, we no longer have to put up with Guo Jun’s gloomy face."

The supervisors had their own designated uniforms, which someone had delivered early in the morning, clean and brand new.

Gu Qili’s old work clothes, not worn for long, were retired, and she handed them over to logistics after washing.

)

"You’re the fastest-promoted employee in the history of the French Restaurant," said the logistics staff, who took the old clothes and recorded it, "So young and already so accomplished."

"I’m just filling in temporarily," Gu Qili signed her name on the form, "Thank you."

Many people have heard about her story. It’s said that the President personally authorized it, and it even made the Aus City morning news, credited with significant contributions, yet she looked so young.

When Gu Qili returned to the restaurant, everyone was already in their work uniforms, waiting for the meeting to start.

Conducting the morning meeting on the first day made Gu Qili a bit nervous. Just a few days ago, she was one of them, and now standing where Guo Jun once stood, she didn’t have Guo Jun’s complacent pride, but rather, a sense of unease. She was afraid of disappointing Mu Shuoqian if she didn’t do well, but it was also because of Mu Shuoqian that she was even more motivated to improve.

Gu Qili briefly summarized yesterday’s work and then began to assign tasks. Unlike Guo Jun, who would order anyone to work, she believed that an even and proper distribution of tasks would prevent chaos during peak times, without requiring one person to do the work of several.

She had previously researched everyone’s strengths and allocated positions accordingly: those with quick legs served food, those who were slower but shrewd took orders. As long as everyone found the role that suited them best, getting the restaurant’s rhythm going was hardly an issue.

After the meeting, everyone went back to their respective positions. Luan Yi was the last to leave, her role remained unchanged—she was still in charge of the beverage front desk.

For her, Gu Gongli’s current rise to prominence was her own hellish nightmare.

The work in the morning went smoothly. When it came to mealtime, Gu Qili didn’t start eating until everyone was seated. Previously, when Guo Jun was there, no one dared to chat at the table, but now that Gu Qili was the supervisor, knowing her amiable nature, they no longer had any reservations, chatting about home life while eating.

Gu Qili listened and occasionally chimed in, maintaining a harmonious atmosphere until the lunch break ended.

There were chicken wings for lunch; she had eaten two. Although she had wiped her hands, there was still a lingering scent. The restaurant’s policy strictly prohibited all waitstaff from wearing perfume or carrying any scent that could affect the taste of the wine. To avoid affecting the work in the afternoon, Gu Qili got up and went to the employee restroom.

Restrooms are a breeding ground for gossip, and Gu Qili often sat in the stall listening to others talk about everything under the sun. She used to find it interesting, but today’s topic of conversation was clearly about her, and that voice was all too familiar.

"Do you think she got the supervisor position by what means? A college student who hasn’t even gotten her diploma, working in the hotel for less than a month, suddenly became a supervisor,"

Another person expressed disagreement: "But she is indeed talented. The newspaper said, ’The ethereal beauty with a voice that orchestrates an audio-visual feast.’ Newspapers wouldn’t exaggerate, would they?"

"Ha, why did so many people insist on appointing her? There are many more talented than she is, yet she was the one chosen. Have you never pondered this issue?"

Seeing the others falling silent, she continued to instigate: "I’ll tell you the truth, even that guy from the planning department, Li Ruhai, why else would he look at her as if a mouse just saw rice?"

Her reasoning seemed to strike a chord, and others simply fell silent.

"Just wait, the day might come when she sleeps her way up to the 24th floor and becomes the manager of the restaurant..."

"Since sleeping seems so useful, why don’t you go practice that skill?" Gu Qili pushed open the restroom door, and amidst people’s surprised faces, she walked out with calm strides directly to Luan Yi, looking at her slightly panicked face: "However, even if you wanted to sleep your way up, people might not necessarily want to sleep with you."

Luan Yi’s face unnaturally flushed, and as the protagonist appeared, the others hurriedly acted as if nothing had happened, dispersing completely in moments.

Gu Qili sighed, seemingly helpless: "Luan Yi, I searched for your novel online the other day. It’s about a mistress who, under the guise of true love, ruthlessly sabotages the current partner to climb up, right? I must say, your values have truly refreshed my lower limit. Calling yourself a writer like this, what would other writers think? However, considering your values are so distorted, it’s not surprising you can pull off such venomous acts. But while you’re free to say whatever you want, remember, your body has to bear the consequences of your words, you understand that, don’t you?"

After finishing, Gu Qili walked past her to the basin to wash her hands. After cleaning up, she looked coldly at Luan Yi who was still staring at her through the mirror: "Don’t wait until one day you’re regrettably begging me."

"Beg you? Gu Qili, you’re dreaming during the day; I would rather die than beg someone like you."

"All right, just wait and see."

After returning to the French Restaurant, Gu Qili called for a temporary meeting with everyone. The meeting’s content was straightforward—centered on Luan Yi.

She was usually kind and easy to talk to, but when she became serious, she was particularly stern. After spending so much time with Mu Shuoqian, she had learned well, and her actions began to exude his aura.

Just like now, as she faced Luan Yi, although her face was expressionless, she already commanded a sense of involuntary awe. This was truly frightening for the others to see, someone who had never been temperamental suddenly showing a fierce side.

"The employee manual clearly states, discussing about supervisors in private, spreading rumors, the first infraction results in the cancellation of this month’s bonuses, and the second leads to immediate termination. Luan Yi, today is your first time; besides losing this month’s bonus, I think you have too much free time at the front desk, hence why you’re spreading rumors. Effective immediately, you are reassigned to the kitchen to wash dishes until you recognize your mistake and return to your former position."

"What gives you the right to simply switch my position? Has my aunt agreed to this?" Luan Yi retorted defiantly, full of indignation.

Gu Qili behaved as if she heard a hilarious joke, but did not laugh. Instead, she looked at her seriously and patiently explained: "I believe you’re confused about two things: one, I am the supervisor and I have the authority to reassign your position; two, in this restaurant, there is only Supervisor Gu and Manager Qi, there is no ’your aunt’. Do you understand?"