Chapter 323: Chapter 323

Seeing each other again turned out to be a bit embarrassing for Hua Xiaomo.

"Hello, Hua Xiaomo!" Qi Longbing, the first to arrive, took the initiative to walk over to her. Observing her formal attire, a faint smile touched his lips. She seemed to have matured a lot in the past five years, and her face now held a touch of a businesswoman’s decisiveness. Mostly, though, she still possessed her characteristic charm. However, recalling her words from the previous day, Qi Longbing felt it best not to press the matter and quickly moved on to business.

"I really didn’t expect that after so many years, not only have you started a company, but your company is doing very well. I’ve already looked over some materials from your company; you wield significant influence in the B4 game market. Our company is planning to start a few projects in this area as well, so I hope our future collaboration can proceed smoothly." Qi Longbing quickly dived into business matters.

Hua Xiaomo listened to Qi Longbing’s words, her head buzzing. Her eyes wide, she stared at him in disbelief. She found it incredible, utterly taken aback by this revelation. She had never considered which company would become their partner. Previously, Zi Yunsui hadn’t formally informed her of the specifics. She had never imagined that her collaborator would be City A’s leading enterprise, the Qi Imperial Court! Her game company, one must know, held significant influence in City B. However, compared to some large enterprises, its modest three hundred million in assets didn’t qualify it as very large-scale. So she had never even considered collaborating with the Qi Imperial Court, a corporation worth hundreds of billions. But, as it turned out, this was indeed the case.

Seeing her silence and astonished expression, Qi Longbing asked, "Is there a problem? Doesn’t your company wish to collaborate with ours?" He looked at her, a depth in his eyes that was hard to decipher. But is there really no chance for cooperation?

Meeting her again, however, gave him a feeling that she was desirable but unattainable. She already had a boyfriend, and it seemed their relationship had remained strong over these five years, as if there was no room for him to fit in anymore. Moreover, in their game company, Hua Xiaomo was the chairman and Zi Yunsui the general manager. Their collaboration had the distinct feel of a family business. Alright, I admit I’m a bit jealous. How come I don’t have the good fortune to start a ’husband-and-wife shop’ with Hua Xiaomo? Instead, I have to manage this huge enterprise all by myself. It’s truly exhausting. I also wish I had someone to start a small, cozy business with. It wouldn’t have to be big, just as long as we could be happy together, living a contented life. But is that just a pipe dream?

"Not at all, President Qi, you’re mistaken. I don’t object to collaborating with your company. On the contrary, I truly feel honored!" Hua Xiaomo quickly responded, her thoughts snapping back to the present, and she immediately adopted a professional demeanor. Friends are friends, and business is business. Naturally, since business interests were involved, if it benefited both their companies and themselves, why wouldn’t they collaborate?

"Good, let’s go inside to discuss then," Qi Longbing said, glancing at the reception room.

Hua Xiaomo nodded and followed him into the reception room.

The grand, spacious reception room wasn’t overly crowded but hosted several important figures. Aside from Wen Yajun, some managers of design projects arranged by President Qi had also quickly arrived. Upon seeing President Qi enter, they all stood up respectfully and said in unison, "President Qi!"

Hua Xiaomo, seeing so many people from the Qi Imperial Court, felt a flicker of recognition with most of them but still found the situation a bit awkward.

"This is Hua Xiaomo," Qi Longbing began. "I believe I don’t need to say much more. Most of the senior staff here are likely quite familiar with her. She is now the chairman of the Purple Demon Immortal Inquiry Limited Company. Our company will be cooperating with them on a joint game development project. I hope that our future collaboration will be pleasant for everyone." He gestured towards Hua Xiaomo’s seat.

"Please, take your seat as well, President Qi," Hua Xiaomo said, choosing a seat to his left. This placed her right next to Qi Longbing, who naturally occupied the central position.

Wen Yajun looked at Qi Longbing and after a moment asked, "Can we start the meeting now?"

Qi Longbing didn’t speak, but Hua Xiaomo quickly answered, "Could we wait a little longer? My general manager hasn’t arrived yet, and he’s more familiar with many of the game-related details than I am."

"Alright then, let’s wait a bit!" Qi Longbing agreed, an inexplicable wave of discomfort stirring within him. But what could he say? They were partners; naturally, they had to wait for Zi Yunsui. Moreover, Hua Xiaomo’s success today was likely largely due to this young man. Therefore, waiting for him was a given.

Soon enough, Zi Yunsui arrived. "My apologies, everyone! There was a traffic jam, so I’m late. I hope you haven’t been waiting long!"

"Not at all. Now that everyone is here, let’s start the meeting," Qi Longbing said, glancing at Hua Xiaomo.

But in that instant, were Hua Xiaomo’s eyes also looking at him? Yet, the moment he turned to meet her gaze, she quickly looked away. There was an indescribable feeling; her eyes seemed to hold a deep affection.

Qi Longbing’s usually composed heart began to pound. Was she really looking at me? he wondered. The feeling was incredibly intense.

The meeting didn’t last very long, but Qi Longbing’s gaze never strayed from Hua Xiaomo, his thoughts growing increasingly complex.

As the meeting was about to adjourn, Qi Longbing looked at Hua Xiaomo. "Our company has prepared a welcome party for today. We would be honored if you both could attend." Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡⁂𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⁂𝙣𝙚𝙩

"Thank you, President Qi. That’s very kind of you. We’ll see you tonight then!" Hua Xiaomo replied. She quickly turned her head to look at Zi Yunsui, a sudden flush inexplicably rising to her cheeks.

Zi Yunsui didn’t say much. He and Hua Xiaomo left the Century Haosheng Hotel together.

After Hua Xiaomo got into Zi Yunsui’s car, he didn’t start it immediately. Instead, he looked at her for a long moment before speaking.

"Are you really planning to attend the party tonight?" Zi Yunsui asked. An unreadable emotion flickered in his eyes, but he concealed it well, not wanting to burden her. If she wants to go, she can go. I have no objections... do I?