The next day.
As soon as Xiao Yanzhi finished the meeting, he walked out of the conference hall unhurriedly. He lowered his eyes and glanced at his wristwatch.
"Xue An."
Xue An immediately stepped forward and took the documents from his hand. "Mr. Xiao, the car is ready. It's waiting outside the conference building. We'll reach the airport in about half an hour."
"What time will we arrive in Beicheng?" Xiao Yanzhi paused briefly. He wanted to take out his phone and send a message to Jiang Li but decided against it.
He'd see her in a few hours anyway.
Xue An replied respectfully, "Around 9 p.m. Beijing time."
Xiao Yanzhi nodded slightly. "Let's go."
This overseas trip was mainly about the investment in the previous joint project and the plans for the potential brand ambassadors of several enterprises. The workload was enormous, and he had to be extremely dedicated.
He completed all the tasks with great efficiency and was eager to return to China without a moment's delay.
On the flight back, Xue An hesitated several times.
He wanted to confirm whether the person Xiao Yanzhi asked him to inform was really Qin Yaoyao. But seeing his exhausted expression from the back - to - back work, he didn't dare to disturb him.
In the past few days, Xiao Yanzhi had hardly had a good night's sleep.
He closed his eyes, his eyebrows relaxed, and his expression was calm and at ease.
Since it was a rare chance for him to rest, Xue An didn't want to bother him.
He had just given Qin Yaoyao such an expensive gift, and now he was hurrying back to China. The person he wanted to see must be her.
Xue An speculated silently.
As soon as the plane landed, Xiao Yanzhi opened his eyes. His gaze fell on the apron outside the window.
He hadn't slept for long.
The short nap only made him more tired. He stood up, turned to look at Xue An, who was also sleeping, and walked over to nudge him.
Xue An woke up with a start. He immediately stood up to carry Xiao Yanzhi's luggage and glanced at his phone. "Mr. Xiao, Miss Qin is waiting for you outside the airport."
"Okay." Xiao Yanzhi replied absent - mindedly. He took a couple of steps before reacting to what he had just heard. His face changed slightly, and his voice suddenly turned cold.
"Who told you to inform her?"
...
In the arrival area of the airport.
Qin Yaoyao had dressed up specially. Although she wore a mask and a hat, seemingly trying to avoid being photographed by paparazzi, it was obviously a vain attempt.
She showed up at the airport so conspicuously at night. The paparazzi, who would swarm at the slightest hint of news, had already lurked among the other people waiting for arrivals.
"Why hasn't he arrived yet?" Qin Yaoyao pouted. There was a faint look of impatience on her carefully - made - up face.
Xue An clearly said he'd arrive at 9 p.m., but it was already half - past nine, and there was no sign of him.
She checked the time several times. Finally, unable to contain her restlessness, just as she was about to call Xue An, she saw two people walking out of the exit.
The man in front was tall and long - legged, and his well - tailored suit made him stand out.
"Ayan!" Qin Yaoyao immediately beamed with a bright smile. She ran all the way to him and threw herself into his arms, her voice clear and sweet. "Welcome back!"
At the same time, there were a series of camera shutter sounds.
Xiao Yanzhi didn't want to be surrounded and watched here. He grabbed Qin Yaoyao and rushed out of the airport. The car arranged for pick - up was parked in a prominent position in the parking lot.
Qin Yaoyao was almost pushed into the car by Xiao Yanzhi.
"Ayan, where are we going now?"
Qin Yaoyao was a little excited. It was already past 10 p.m. From Xiao Yanzhi's eager actions, she vaguely guessed something. Blushing, she said, "I can go home with you tonight."
Xiao Yanzhi's face froze in an instant. He didn't say a word, but the atmosphere became inexplicably oppressive.
His aura was cold.
Qin Yaoyao also sensed something was wrong. Her gaze gradually shifted to his face, with a look of confusion in her eyes. "Ayan, aren't you happy to see me?"
Xiao Yanzhi pursed his lips. When his eyes caught sight of the diamond necklace around her neck, the last bit of calm on his face disappeared.
"Who gave you the necklace?" His tone was terrifyingly cold, without any emotion. His gaze was also expressionless, but there was a hidden anger.
Qin Yaoyao's heart skipped a beat. She was stunned for a few seconds but still replied in a soft, coquettish voice, "Didn't Ayan ask Sister Yezi to give it to me as a New Year's gift?"
Humph!
Xiao Yanzhi sneered. He didn't need to think to know whose little trick this was.
He quietly pushed Qin Yaoyao away from him, keeping a certain distance. His cold gaze shifted to Xue An.
Xue An, sitting in the driver's seat, shivered.
Having worked for Xiao Yanzhi for so many years, he thought he knew his boss's mind well enough. But today, he had made a big mistake.
He had already started praying silently in his heart that if Jiang Yu fired him this month, he could still get his last - year's year - end bonus before leaving.
"Xue An." His voice was deep, and the commanding tone was intimidating. "You take Yaoyao home."
Xue An's nerves were on edge. Eager to atone for his mistake, he said, "Yes, Mr. Xiao. I'll take Miss Qin home right away."
"Miss Qin, please send me your address."
Qin Yaoyao was a little confused. She opened her mouth to ask why they couldn't go back in the same car, but when she met his cold and menacing eyes, she immediately didn't dare to say anything.
"You've been so busy on this business trip. Ayan, you should go back and rest early. See you tomorrow."
Xiao Yanzhi replied calmly and indifferently. He opened the car door and was about to step out when he suddenly remembered something.
"The necklace."
His tone was cold and he didn't say a single extra word.
Qin Yaoyao was stunned.
Seeing that she didn't understand what Xiao Yanzhi meant, Xue An was extremely anxious. He forced a smile on his face. "Miss Qin, this necklace is actually a special exhibit and can't be given away.
"You'd better return it to Mr. Xiao first. He will definitely make it up to you with a better one later."
When Qin Yaoyao heard this, she was a little reluctant.
She had already asked a jewelry appraiser to appraise it yesterday. This was no ordinary necklace.
Each gem on it was of royal - grade material, and even the inlaid diamonds around it were of the world's top - grade quality.
Especially the appraiser's exclamation: "I've only seen this on the necks of the royal family in the media!"
Didn't this mean that her current status was comparable to that of the royal family?
And now, she had to return such a precious and special necklace. She really didn't want to.
"But isn't this the New Year's gift you gave me?" Qin Yaoyao still wanted to fight for it. "I don't care if it's an exhibit or not. As long as it's from Ayan, I like it."
"Give it to me." Xiao Yanzhi's patience was almost exhausted. It was the first time he had spoken to her in such a cold and impatient tone.
This time, Qin Yaoyao didn't dare to make a scene anymore. She hurriedly took off the necklace around her neck and placed it back in Xiao Yanzhi's hands with both hands.