Su Mei asked Ji Mian's assistant to stop the car at a high-end mall named Morning Glade Plaza.
As she stepped out, she was immediately struck by a wave of emotions. This mall held deep significance for her; it was a creation of her parents, named after her and her brother. Her father, Su Tian, had named it with great care, combining their names—Chen, symbolizing a new day, freshness, and awakening, and Mei, symbolizing the Plum Blossom.
Her memories of a happier time flooded back. She recalled her father explaining the name: "I want this mall to be a harmony between nature and modern life." But as she looked around now, the mall seemed to have lost that vision.
The once vibrant plants looked rather dry, and the mall itself felt more materialistic and commercialized than she remembered. The essence of nature and harmony that her father had envisioned was long gone.
Seeing this, her blood boiled with anger, but she kept her emotions in check. She knew that she had to be patient, that her time for revenge would come. For now, she couldn't afford to take any risks, especially when she still didn't know who was loyal to her uncle.
With a sigh, Su Mei entered the mobile zone of the mall. The sleek displays of high-end mobiles and laptops caught her eye, and she walked through the space, selecting a phone and a laptop with the highest configurations. As she approached the billing counter, the salesperson was visibly excited. These were premium products, and the commission from their sale would undoubtedly boost her performance record.
"Can I pay online?" Su Mei asked, her voice calm and composed.
"Of course," the salesperson replied eagerly.
"Can I do it using my new devices ?" Su Mei inquired again. After a brief moment of hesitation, the salesperson nodded, slightly puzzled but still accommodating.
Su Mei quickly unlocked the products, setting them up with practiced ease. While her minor in computer science hadn't made her a tech expert on the level of Mo Hui or her brother Su Chen, who had studied technology in depth, she knew enough to secure her devices and ensure that her online presence left no trace. As she completed the setup..she entered the login in details of a foreign bank account.
Su Mei used the bank account that she and her brother had maintained while working in X country at "Premier League." The account, bolstered by their various coding and medical jobs, had more than enough funds to cover the high-end devices. After securing the bank details from the salesperson, she quickly made the payment. The salesperson was thrilled to see the amount credited and even happier when Su Mei requested a bag, which she paid extra for.
"Thank you, Miss. Happy shopping," the salesperson said, bowing and handing over the bag.
Su Mei packed the devices and walked out of the mobile zone. As she exited, she overheard a conversation between two saleswomen.
"Hey, isn't she Ms. Su Mei? That dumb heiress people talk about?" one of them asked, her tone full of curiosity.
The other saleswoman's eyes widened. "Su Mei? The owner of this mall?"
"Hey, why are you shouting? What owner? Don't you know the real owners are others now?" the second saleswoman replied dismissively.
"Who said that? Did they get her to sign the transfer papers? Or did they actually own anything? Clearly, she's the chairwoman now. Why are people so self-assuming?" Cu Anyi, who had been listening, said with frustration.
Su Mei, having heard their entire conversation, sat down on a nearby bench with a small smile. She decided to check Cu Anyi's background quickly. Within two minutes, she obtained Cu Anyi's record and another three minutes to verify that Cu Anyi was a competent and professional worker.
Both Cu Anyi and the other saleswoman noticed Su Mei approaching and stiffened with nervousness.
"H...How can we help you, Young Miss?" Cu Anyi stammered, her composure wavering.
Su Mei approached them, her face expressionless but her eyes brimming with emotion. "Do you have a minute to spare?" she asked calmly.
Seeing the beautiful lady asking her out...even as a girl she blushed and nodded.
"Of course, Young Miss, my shift ended a minute ago." Cu Anyi smiled nervously as she replied.
Su Mei nodded and waited patiently for her to pack her things. They both walked towards a café. Su Mei asked Cu Anyi to order while she ordered a coffee latte for herself. After Cu Anyi placed her order, they both waited as the server went to submit it.
"I don't want to waste time... I'm sorry that your only family recently... you have a business degree and are 25 this year... I can help you clear the debts made by your father and your study loan, all while giving you a satisfactory job... you are alone anyway, how about you follow me and stay with me?" Su Mei spoke as Cu Anyi stared at her in shock.
"Ho... How did you know all this?" Cu Anyi felt her heart skip a beat.
"I have my means. Be my assistant... what do you say?" Su Mei spoke with a warm smile.
Cu Anyi felt like she was struck by a beauty arrow... who said this woman is lifeless when she looks so full of life? Her face expressed emotions words couldn't capture. But she needed a minute to think... Could she trust her?
Seeing the hesitation...
"I can't tell you much, but I will pay off your debts and your father's, provide you with a place to live, and give you a salary sufficient for your needs. All I ask is for your assistance and loyalty," Su Mei said as the waiter brought their order.
Cu Anyi took a breath and raised her head.
"Ms. Su, I should let you know that I lost my last job for being a whistleblower... I graduated from a top college with a student loan and got a job at a good MNC. But when I reported some corruption and sexual misconduct, I was fired from my job... so I took this present job, hiding my past," Cu Anyi began.
Before Cu Anyi could continue...
"When I knew about your personal matter, do you think that I didn't know this? Still, hearing you speak... you proved me right that I chose you. I don't care about it because I won't do something illegal, and what you did is absolutely right. I would do the same if I were in your position... so, are you following me?" Su Mei said.
Unknown to Su Mei, these words were something Cu Anyi never imagined hearing. Everyone around blamed her, saying she was too righteous for no one's good. Her relatives criticized her, blaming her for her father's death and calling her names. This was the first time someone told her she was right.
Tears ran down Cu Anyi's face. Su Mei didn't ask her to stop crying because she believed crying is an expression just like laughter and anger. She didn't mind Cu Anyi crying; instead, she felt relieved that Cu Anyi had held it all in for too long.
"Ms. Su, I shall follow you," Cu Anyi said with a determined mind.