Chapter 180: Chapter 178: Drunk
At six in the evening, He Qianhui found out about a sudden team dinner that night to celebrate the successful contract signing.
Unable to return anytime soon, she took the chance to go to the restroom and sent Zhang Hao a message.
Zhang Hao had just entered his home, looking forward to a hearty dinner that evening.
Seeing the message from He Qianhui, his good mood plunged to rock bottom.
"Estimated time of ending? I’ll come over early to pick you up."
The message was sent, and after a long wait He Qianhui replied that she was not sure yet; she was now the new person at the company.
She couldn’t call the shots on many matters and had to go along with everyone, having relatively little say.
Zhang Hao understood and, after a brief chat, got up and left. There were several restaurants right at the entrance of the residential area; he would be able to fill his stomach.
At seven o’clock, He Qianhui and her colleagues and leaders arrived at the dinner venue, and not all the dishes were served yet when they sat down.
He Qianhui became the center of everyone’s conversation.
"We owe this successful contract to Xiaohui’s hard work. We all know that Manager Zhang is tough to deal with."
Suddenly the target of everyone’s attention, He Qianhui was pleasantly surprised and quickly picked up her glass.
"Xiaohui, your bonus and salary will be on time in your account by the fifth of next month. Don’t worry; from now on, our team will work together and create brilliance!"
He Qianhui sipped her drink, feeling anxious since it was her first employee gathering.
She tried her best to stay clear-headed.
Throughout the dinner, the most discussed topic was the need to do well in the second half of the year.
To strive to sign more big deals and earn a substantial bonus by the New Year.
He Qianhui hadn’t expected that a mere business trip could bring her so much benefit.
But where there’s competition, there are always enemies.
"Team leader, although we successfully signed with Manager Zhang this time, we need to have a long-term cooperation with him."
"The person in charge should be an experienced employee, so why not transfer this project to me?"
Manager Zhang might be lecherous and difficult, but He Qianhui wasn’t clueless.
If he had really dared to harass women, he wouldn’t have just lain there talking to her that night in the hotel.
Moreover, Manager Zhang’s wife was probably even more formidable. In the end, he was just a person who had the desire but lacked the courage.
He Qianhui didn’t need to worry at all. In fact, she was somewhat looking forward to their next meeting.
"Li, this sounds like you’re trying to claim credit. You’ve dealt with this Manager Zhang before without success, haven’t you?"
"Now that Xiaohui has managed to handle him, how can you just casually come and pick the fruits of her labor?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Li’s face showed displeasure.
"Team leader, I’m one of the veterans in our team, extremely familiar with the work."
"I’m worried that Xiaohui, being new to the company, does not know enough yet. Any oversight could affect the whole company."
He Qianhui could hear the underlying message in the woman’s words.
"Team leader, I’m confident in maintaining cooperation with that Manager Zhang. As long as it benefits the company, my own losses don’t matter," she replied.
The team leader was buoyed by the conversation and immediately agreed upon hearing He Qianhui’s remark.
"Good, I’ve been waiting for your words. With this Manager Zhang, Xiaohui, you’ve really secured your place in our company. I have no idea how you managed to handle him."
He Qianhui gathered her long hair that had fallen loose and smiled, saying, "Actually, Manager Zhang is quite decent; he’s not as difficult as imagined. Maybe he was lenient with me because I’m a newcomer."
Meanwhile, Zhang Hao had finished his bowl of noodles at the noodle shop and saw it was still early. He didn’t feel like going back yet.
So he watched the children play in the park at the entrance of the residential area until the streetlights came on, with no intention of going back.
It wasn’t until 9:10 p.m. that he received a call from He Qianhui, asking him to pick her up quickly.
In order not to waste time, and to get He Qianhui home sooner, Zhang Hao still decided to drive his dad’s car.
A group of people came out of the restaurant, with He Qianhui surrounded in the middle.
The team leader had drunk too much and could barely control his actions, clinging to He Qianhui’s hand without letting go.
He was also blabbering on and on, making grand statements.
"In the past, our branch’s business was always trailing behind, but this time with Xiaohui, we’re definitely going to make it into the top three this quarter."
"It seems our branch is finally going to see some good days. Xiaohui, you really should have joined our company sooner."
He Qianhui looked surprised, "Team leader, thank you for the compliment. You’ve had too much to drink. Be careful on your way back later. My boyfriend has also come to pick me up."
Zhang Hao was dressed very casually, one could almost say he didn’t fuss over his appearance at all.
A white short sleeve, black shorts, topped with a pair of men’s sneakers.
But who can blame him for looking good and having a nice body? Even in a simple outfit, he outshined others who had dressed up carefully.
"Xiaohui."
Zhang Hao called out to He Qianhui and waved to signal her at the same time.
"Xiaohui’s boyfriend? Where is he? I want to see him. With you being so beautiful, your boyfriend must be very handsome."
The team leader slurred his speech while looking around for Zhang Hao.
He Qianhui quickly walked over to Zhang Hao’s side and gave everyone a brief introduction.
"Xiaohui, you’re good-looking and your other half is so handsome. What does he do?"
"Exactly, he couldn’t be a male model, could he? Or maybe one of those good-looking online celebrities?"
He Qianhui shook her head, "He’s a doctor. He’s off these last couple of days, otherwise, he wouldn’t have had time to pick me up."
"I had a lot of fun at the party today, so I’ll head back first. Everyone should be careful and rest early."
After exchanging pleasantries with her colleagues and leaders, He Qianhui opened the car door and got in.
Perhaps because of the alcohol, her emotions were more expressive, not her usual subtle and inconspicuous self.
"How much have you drunk?" Zhang Hao asked.
"Not much, just a few drinks. It’s rare that everyone’s having a good time. It’s just that team leader kept asking so many questions, it was a bit annoying. I didn’t manage to make you something delicious today, so I’ll do it for you tomorrow."
Whether she cooks something delicious or not isn’t important. What’s important is that the two could continue as they always were.
Even though He Qianhui said she hadn’t drunk much, her condition didn’t seem too optimistic.
As soon as they got home, Zhang Hao went online to look up recipes for a hangover soup.
He had cooked quite a bit, but this was his first time making hangover soup, and it took quite a long time to finally get it right.
When he brought it to He Qianhui, he found she had already fallen asleep.
Zhang Hao helplessly shook his head and helped her take off her clothes and shoes.
Smelling the alcohol on her, he hesitated, wondering whether or not to give her a bath.
But fearing to wake her up, he decided to let her sleep.
It’s no big deal, he thought. He could always wake her up tomorrow morning to take a bath.
He threw the clothes he had taken off into the washing machine.
Zhang Hao then tidied up the house a bit before finally getting the chance to lie down and rest.
Watching He Qianhui sleep so peacefully, Zhang Hao felt an immense sense of satisfaction in his heart.
