Chapter Twenty-Seven: An Apology

Yu Youchu cast a look of disgust at Wan Ninghe. She knew that by muddying the waters and forcing a stalemate, Wan Ninghe was betting that if Yu Youchu let the matter drop, she would leave a poor impression on the company, and if she didn’t, her own reputation would suffer. In the end, Wan Ninghe had managed to seize an opportunity to stir up trouble.

Wan Ninghe lowered her gaze to hide the glint in her eyes. She knew the world was never short of self-righteous saints; as long as she played the victim, she could easily stir up their pity. Since she wasn’t the one who would be left to bear the grudge of the crowd, and because Yu Youchu could hardly afford to stand against so many people, she felt secure.

Just then, Cui Jing’s voice rang out. "Didn't I tell you both to take a step back yesterday? Why are you causing a scene again?"

Yu Youchu reacted quickly, cutting in before Wan Ninghe could speak. "I'm sorry, Sister Jing. We’ll get back to work right away."

Wan Ninghe was not about to let Yu Youchu dictate the outcome. If she walked away now, wouldn't all her efforts be in vain? As long as Yu Youchu remained at Huasheng, she would never stop harassing her! Panic surged through Wan Ninghe; she looked at Cui Jing, her body trembling uncontrollably.

"Enough. Both of you, come to my office."

It must be said that Cui Jing’s timing was excellent, helping her resolve a situation where she had been backed into a corner. Out of sight, Yu Youchu gave Cui Jing a mischievous wink. Cui Jing responded with a mock-threatening glare that lacked any real malice.

"I know all about what happened between you two," Cui Jing said once they were settled in her office. Though she lacked height, Cui Jing possessed a commanding presence that was impossible to ignore. "Yu Youchu, I know you are the victim here and feel deeply aggrieved."

Yu Youchu nodded, acting like an obedient rabbit in front of Cui Jing. Seeing her like this, Cui Jing hid a smile in her eyes before shifting her tone. "But the bet—that was something you proposed, wasn't it? You are all adults. Some jokes shouldn't be made so lightly."

Cui Jing looked deeply at Wan Ninghe. "Don't you agree?"

For some reason, even though Cui Jing was talking about Yu Youchu, Wan Ninghe felt as if she were the one being criticized. She nodded like a pecking chicken. "Sister Jing is right."

"I agree," Yu Youchu said calmly.

Wan Ninghe’s eyes lit up. Was Cui Jing actually siding with her? Could she still win?

"Sister Jing," Wan Ninghe said impatiently, "I was just provoked at the time, and my brain went blank when I made that bet with Youchu. I heard some rumors from I don't know where, saying Youchu was dragging down our work, and I was so angry that I just..."

Cui Jing cut her off. "Rumors? Where did you hear them?"

Yu Youchu felt goosebumps crawl across her skin at Wan Ninghe’s tone. This woman was truly a master of pretense.

Wan Ninghe bit the bullet. "This... it’s been too long, I’ve forgotten."

Cui Jing nodded. "In that case, my stance remains the same as yesterday. Just do as Yu Youchu asked—offer her an apology."

Yu Youchu understood that Cui Jing was doing this to protect her own image. If Wan Ninghe were truly forced to leave Huasheng, Yu Youchu’s reputation might suffer as well. Wan Ninghe nearly laughed aloud right in front of them.

"Yes, yes, Sister Jing, I’ll apologize to Youchu right now..."

"I believe I specified a public apology," Yu Youchu interrupted at the perfect moment.

Apologizing in front of Cui Jing alone meant nothing. She had backed down, but she had never said she would let the matter go easily. Cui Jing smiled inwardly; Yu Youchu certainly wasn't one to suffer a loss.

Wan Ninghe began to stutter, clearly unwilling.

Yu Youchu’s face turned cold. "If you aren't willing, then I’m leaving." She made a move to walk out, not even glancing at the hesitating Wan Ninghe.

"Wait!" In her desperation, Wan Ninghe grabbed Yu Youchu’s sleeve, but Yu Youchu shook her off and brushed her clothes with disgust, as if she had touched something filthy. Her eyes made it clear: she was really leaving.

Wan Ninghe’s face cycled through shades of green, white, and red. She looked to Cui Jing for support, but Cui Jing chose to look away. Just as Yu Youchu turned to leave for the second time, Wan Ninghe finally made up her mind. "Fine! I agree!"

Yu Youchu stopped. During the time Wan Ninghe had hesitated, she had already decided to look into the company’s surveillance footage from yesterday and find a way to get Wan Ninghe out of Huasheng for good. She couldn't afford to keep such a venomous snake by her side.

"Then let’s go out now." Now that she had agreed, Wan Ninghe had no choice but to follow through; there was no escaping it.

Yu Youchu walked out of the office first and scanned the room. She found it amusing to see her colleagues, who were all pretending to work hard, clearly having been waiting with bated breath for them to emerge.

"Ahem." Yu Youchu cleared her throat. Almost everyone looked up at once, their eyes gleaming like hungry wolves.

"Sorry to bother everyone. The events of yesterday and today have taken up quite a bit of your time." As she spoke, the crowd finally noticed the sheepish Wan Ninghe trailing behind her.

"I made a very immature bet yesterday, and for that, I would like to apologize to everyone." Yu Youchu played her part beautifully. "As for the outcome of this matter, Miss Wan Ninghe has something to say."

She handed the floor to Wan Ninghe.

Knowing there was no escape, Wan Ninghe took a deep breath. "I’m sorry. I... I shouldn't have slandered Yu Youchu yesterday without knowing the truth, and I... I shouldn't have made such unreasonable demands in a fit of anger."

In contrast to Yu Youchu, Wan Ninghe appeared awkward and insincere. The onlookers frowned.

"In short, I apologize to Yu Youchu here." Unable to bear the stares any longer, she hurried off toward the restroom.

Yu Youchu didn't care. Her goal had been achieved. She returned to her desk calmly and began her work, completely unbothered.

Mu Chuan arrived with a coffee just in time to see Yu Youchu nodding off.

"Ahem!"

Yu Youchu jolted awake and sat straight, pretending to be deeply absorbed in her work. Mu Chuan couldn't help but laugh. Yu Youchu looked up with sleepy eyes, and seeing it was Mu Chuan, she slumped back down.

"The great Chef Yu, who made such a splash today, what’s going on now? Slacking off in public? Careful, or I’ll report you to Sister Cui and have your intern title stripped."

"Alright, alright, Mu Chuan, are you in elementary school? Reporting me? Go on, go on, don't disturb my nap." Yu Youchu, sporting dark circles under her eyes, said impatiently.