The entrance of Xu Corp. was made up of extensive pillars, made of gray steel. The foyer boasted simple elegance from the glass windows to its sleek black sofa that accentuated the area. Li Nuxie's car stopped a few steps away from the revolving door.
Picking up the paper bag, she went out of the car. She gave the keys to the valet before heading towards the building. No person was in sight, probably because it was lunch time. All the better, Li Nuxie thought.
Li Nuxie's footsteps echoed inside the lobby which made the receptionist raised her head. Who would be visiting? The receptionist drew her brows together as she raised her head. In front of her was a woman wearing a peach overcoat, a distinct noble aura enveloped her.
The receptionist gulped. She can count in her one hand the women who visited the Xu Corp. With how the woman carried herself, there was no doubt that she was a relative or a future Young Madam of the Xu Family.
The receptionist straightened her back, maintaining a professional demeanor. "Yes, Madam? What can I do for you?"
Li Nuxie smiled. "I am looking for Xu Ming," she raised the paper bag in her hand. "I have something to deliver for his sister."
The eyes of the receptionist almost bulged when she saw the logo on the paper bag. She read over the internet that only the people who gained access to the NU C's launching can have a paper bag like that. Even her, she liked the bikini brand but she can only be wishing about it. Even those who were members of the City S' elite society do not have a guarantee that they can attend or buy NU C.
"A moment, please. I'll just dial his secretary. Part of the protocol, madam," she lifted the phone from its cradle.
Li Nuxie nodded as her eyes roamed around the lobby. She took out from her bag her phone and sent a message to Li Chanying.
'Get me Xu Ming's number ASAP.'
Meanwhile, after three rings, someone picked up. "Vice President's Office," a woman's voice went through.
"Good afternoon, someone is looking for Vice President Xu," the receptionist told the other line.
"Vice President Xu does not have an appointment in the next two hours," the woman said.
The receptionist took a deep breath. "This is not a business appointment. She was here on a personal note."
A laugh was heard on the other line. Because it was eerily quiet, Li Nuxie heard the woman's laughter. "Miss Shang, how long have you been on your job?"
"T-Three years," the receptionist stuttered. Would she lose her job because she tried to curry favor with the woman in front of her?
"Then I suggest that you do your job well," a dialed tone followed.
The receptionist slumped her shoulders as she put the phone on its cradle. "I'm sorry, Madam. I couldn't get you through. I hope you understand," her voice sounded apologetic.
"It's fine," Li Nuxie said before lowering her head on the phone. It was a message from Li Chanying. She swiped it open. A smile hovered over her lips.
She dialed the number. She tapped her foot on the floor as she waited for the person to pick up. After five rings, it was picked up but no one spoke.
"Second Young Master Xu, it's Young Miss Li. I'm here at the lobby of Xu Corp.," she informed him. A shuffle was heard on the other side. It sounded like two people were battling for the phone.
For the receptionist's part, she buckled when the information reached her ears. Young Miss Li! She patted herself for not looking down on her. If not, she might be creating an enemy from a Triad member.
"Young Miss Li, it's a pleasure to hear from you. To whom do I owe this visit?" Xu Ming's voice went through.
"I prefer if we speak face to face. Last time, we didn't talk that much. How about coffee?" she suggested. "My treat," she further added.
"Sure, sure" Xu Ming laughed then coughed, as if someone had just punched him.
Li Nuxie wrinkled her forehead. "Are you okay?"
"Y-Yes. I'm going down. Wait for m—" a dialed tone soon followed.
Li Nuxie put her phone away, thinking why the call was cut through. She shrugged after. It doesn't matter. All that matter was that she was able to ask Xu Ming to meet her.
Inside Xu Ming's office, he was clutching his stomach. "Elder bro, why punch me?"
Xu Wei narrowed his eyes into slits. "Why did you accept it?"
"Would you like me to ditch her, then?" Xu Ming clutched his chest. "I am not heartless like you," he exclaimed.
Xu Wei didn't answer. His eyes were glued on the monitor. Li Nuxie was standing in front of the reception.
At the lobby, the receptionist stared at Li Nuxie. "Madam, why don't you take a seat while waiting for Second Young Master Xu?" she suggested.
Li Nuxie glanced at the receptionist. She knew the likes of this person. Although the receptionist appeared to be friendly, Li Nuxie knew that she was just currying favor. "Thank you but I rather stand."
"I didn't expect to see a familiar sight here," a woman's voice reached Li Nuxie's ears.
Li Nuxie's back went straight as she grasped on the handle of the paper bag. She clenched her jaw. Eight years. It has been eight years since she heard that irritating voice. Plastering a fake smile, she turned around. She thought she was ready.
But right now, all she wanted to do was tear that smile from the woman's face. The face that she hated for the last eight years.
Those slanted eyes that seemed to mock Li Nuxie. "Same here," She tilted her chin.
"Liu Lanzhi," she spat the words.