Today was another big day for the entire Pei Corporation since the release of the "Golden Amber" product. The finals of the product design competition were taking place today. So, since early morning, everyone in the Pei Corporation had been on edge, making nervous preparations for the afternoon finals.
On almost every floor, conversations like "The list of finalists is about to be announced. Are you ready?" could be heard. At the same time, the "challenge letter" that Xu Zixi had sent to Pei Weiwei back then was brought up again and again. The long - forgotten story about "Yuan Xi"'s background was once again put in the spotlight.
In the cafeteria, Zhou Yaru saw Xu Zixi from afar and waved to her enthusiastically. "Yuan Xi, over here!"
As soon as the name "Yuan Xi" was uttered, several pairs of eyes turned towards the entrance of the cafeteria. Xu Zixi walked in gracefully and calmly under everyone's gazes, followed by Dai Sha from the secretariat.
The noisy cafeteria fell silent for a moment. Then people lowered their heads and got back to their own business, but they were whispering among themselves:
"Someone posted a bet on the forum. Have you placed your bets? Who do you think will win, Miss Pei or Yuan Xi?"
"I bet on Miss Pei! She's the daughter of the Pei family. Just look at President Pei. He's so outstanding. Miss Pei must be great too. Winning this competition will be a piece of cake for her!"
"I also bet on Miss Pei. She graduated from university smoothly, while Yuan Xi didn't even finish college. It's obvious who's better!"
"Right! I bet on Miss Pei too! Our Miss Pei has a good family background, looks, and education. Yuan Xi doesn't stand a chance even before the competition!"
After saying that, everyone laughed quietly. Then an untimely voice said:
"I bet on Yuan Xi!"
It was Zhou Yaru. She was so angry at the others' ridicule and gossip that she couldn't help but stand up and speak for Xu Zixi.
Dai Sha also said, "I bet on Yuan Xi too!"
"Come on, you're her lackeys. Of course you bet on her to win."
"Birds of a feather flock together. Maybe they're just as restless as Yuan Xi. Hahaha!"
"I bet on her because she was the first one to chase after the robber for me. Unlike you guys, you're so cold - blooded. You just stand there and watch. She's much better than you who only talk behind others' backs!" Zhou Yaru said angrily.
"She dared to face the robber with a knife and protect her colleague. Chen Ziting, can you do that?" Dai Sha pointed at the woman who had just ridiculed them, her face full of sternness.
The female employee opened her mouth to say something but found she had no words to refute. She... of course she didn't have the guts! And everyone had seen Xu Zixi chasing after the robber for Zhou Yaru. For a moment, the cafeteria fell silent. Everyone buried their heads in their food and stopped discussing this matter.
"Come on, sit down and have a good meal. Aren't you hungry?" Xu Zixi pulled the two of them down. Her expression was so calm, as if they weren't talking about her at all.
Zhou Yaru said indignantly, "Yuan Xi, don't mind these snobs. If they had gotten to know you, they would know that you're far better than Miss Pei in every way!"
Dai Sha said, "Exactly. Yuan Xi is so nice! I believe you'll definitely make it to the finals tonight and beat Miss Pei!"
At this moment, the sound of high - heeled shoes clicking on the floor echoed in the cafeteria. Everyone looked up and saw Pei Weiwei strutting in with three female employees from the design department.
Here comes Miss Pei! There's going to be a show!
Pei Weiwei walked up to Xu Zixi, folded her arms, and sneered, "Oh, Yuan Xi, you're quite capable. You've got two loyal dogs protecting you in such a short time since you joined the company. Hehe, I advise you not to speak too confidently. Be careful that I'll slap your faces hard in the finals. By then, I'll kick you out of the Pei Corporation along with Yuan Xi."
Hearing Pei Weiwei's words, suppressed laughter could be heard everywhere.
It seemed that most people didn't think Xu Zixi had a chance against Pei Weiwei.
Zhou Yaru and Dai Sha exchanged a look, and there was obvious worry in their eyes.
But Xu Zixi, the person involved, seemed completely unaffected. She elegantly wiped the corner of her lips with a tissue, slowly stood up from the chair, turned around, and looked at Pei Weiwei with a half - smile.
"Miss Pei seems very confident in herself? You think your work will definitely be short - listed for the finals?"
Pei Weiwei rolled her eyes. "Of course!"
"I didn't expect that the list of finalists hasn't been announced yet, but Miss Pei is already so confident. I wonder if you got some insider information in advance? Can you share it with everyone?" Xu Zixi said with a smile.
The cafeteria fell silent for a second. Several pairs of eyes immediately shifted from Xu Zixi to Pei Weiwei. The biggest highlight of this competition was that it used an anonymous selection method. Everyone was on an equal footing. No one had any privileges, and no one had to worry about being retaliated against for offending their superiors. So, it gave all employees in the Pei Corporation a completely fair chance to show their talents.
Pei Weiwei didn't catch on for a moment and snorted, "Anyway, I'll definitely make it to the finals. As for you, it's hard to say. Just wait and see. I'll make you kneel and kowtow to me on the finals stage!"
Her words indirectly admitted that there was insider information in the competition. For a moment, the fairness of the competition was greatly discounted in everyone's minds, and Pei Weiwei's image also crumbled a bit. People had thought that the daughter of the Pei family was relying on her own talent and ability, but it turned out she still needed privileges? If privileges were allowed in this competition, would the other ordinary employees still have a chance?
In the cafeteria, some people who had bet on Pei Weiwei to win began to waver. Suddenly, they hoped that Xu Zixi would win more than Pei Weiwei. Not because they thought Xu Zixi was more outstanding than Pei Weiwei, but because of the ordinary people's natural resistance to class privileges.
Miss Xu obviously knew better how to use and manipulate people's minds.
She smiled at Pei Weiwei and said, "I'm looking forward to seeing you on the finals stage."
After saying that, she led Zhou Yaru and Dai Sha out of the cafeteria. Her aura was never affected by Pei Weiwei. She was still as confident and dazzling as ever. The wind she created as she walked made her floating hair look full of charm.
Pei Weiwei's eyes involuntarily followed her until her figure disappeared completely. Then Pei Weiwei came to her senses.
She clenched her fists uncomfortably and snorted. What's she showing off for? This bitch doesn't even know that there's a problem with her work and it can't even be read. See you on the finals stage? She should kowtow to me on the finals stage. Hahaha!
However, she didn't know that after this incident in the cafeteria, Xu Zixi's support rate, which had been only 2%, instantly soared to 45%.
The clock hands kept spinning. Finally, the moment of the finals of the design competition arrived.