We moved to Golden Courtyard

"Then why don't you go?"

"Me? If I went over there, I'd definitely punch him."

Xin'an couldn't help but smile. It was at this moment that Xu Qi realized that her colleague truly lived up to her reputation as the school beauty—she was indeed very beautiful.

"You're going to resign, right?"

Xu Qi was stunned. He opened his mouth wide, almost thinking that Xin An had also awakened into a Newtype and could see through him, even his heart.

"There's no need to be so surprised, is there? You said you were going to punch him, and I don't think that's a joke—doesn't that mean you're planning to quit your job?"

She really knows me well...

Xin'an took a deep breath.

"So I think it's better for me to give you a gift instead of giving it to him."

Xu Qi grinned and said, "Then you'd better be prepared to be treated unfairly."

“It doesn’t matter…” Xin’an stepped forward and helped Xu Qi pack his things. “I just feel that it’s not right for a hero who saved so many people to end up like this.”

"..."

“That day in the command center, I heard… The branch leaders didn’t dare to say it outright, but it wasn’t hard to see that they had a lot of opinions about you. You came from the grassroots level and had little experience, so they had too many ways to obstruct you.”

Xu Qi hadn't expected that Xin An could even see through something like this, and that she would care about her for such a reason; it was really...

"I always thought you... were a rather realistic person."

"Actually, that's still true now. I'm the epitome of a sophisticated egoist. I'll do whatever action brings me tangible benefits without hesitation."

Whether it was following your orders back then, or immediately switching allegiance to Li Fucong later, even now, I don't regret any of it.

"So what now? What benefits will you get from helping me?"

She carefully placed the Arahad model that Xu Qi had placed on the table into a bubble wrap to protect it, knowing how much Xu Qi liked it.

"The benefit is that it allows me to think clearly, makes me feel happy, and lets me continue working at this company without feeling so stressed. That's the benefit."

……

Such a stubborn guy, I wonder if he's actually soft when you kiss him.

Xu Qi shook his head, trying to banish these inappropriate thoughts. He was Mei's boyfriend now, and he had to keep that in mind at all times.

"Okay...Are we going to HR later?"

"No need, I'm just here to pack some things. As for my resignation... I'll submit it directly to Chief Engineer Xia."

Xin'an understood... Indeed, although Xu Qi was still at the grassroots level, a small maintenance department like the Sixth Department did not have the authority to accept Xu Qi's resignation.

Have you decided where you want to work?

ETStudio

Xin'an was stunned. Such a high-end place? Young man... if you could get into a company like that, why didn't you do it sooner?

"It seems I don't need to wish you a bright future."

"But I have to give you this blessing." Although he had some unpleasantness with this woman in the past, Xu Qi had long since let go of many things.

Moreover, Xia Ya's situation, including the conversation just now, has changed his opinion of Xin An a lot.

"I hope that when I see you next time, you will be the technical supervisor of the sixth maintenance department."

"Lend your auspicious words."

Holding a cardboard box, Xu Qi turned around and prepared to leave.

"Wait a minute! You forgot something."

Footsteps sounded behind him, indicating that Xin'an was approaching. His steps were a little tense, but Xu Qi didn't suspect anything. He turned around to see what he had left behind, and then… crowdfunding group 456127940…

"Well!"

The woman, through the obstructing cardboard box, hooked her arm around Xu Qi's neck and kissed him...

Xu Qi was stunned, and the cardboard box in her hand fell to the ground. She stared blankly at Xin An, who had kissed her forcefully in front of her.

He hesitated for a moment, then turned around and pulled the other person into his arms.

He closed his eyes and responded to her with the still-immature and awkward kissing skills he had practiced with Mei—fortunately, Xu Qi discovered that Xin An also seemed to be a beginner.

From initial trepidation to current bewilderment, it's exactly the same as Mei's situation back then.

Could it be... her first kiss?

The kiss didn't last long. Xin'an gently pushed Xu Qi away, her face flushed, making her look exceptionally alluring.

"You...you mustn't misunderstand! I was just...expressing my gratitude for saving me last time...please don't get any other ideas! Understand?"

Your lips are still so stubborn... even though they're quite soft when I kiss you?

50. If you dare step into the kitchen, I'll chop you up! Cut you open! Chop you into pieces!

"Have you made up your mind? To resign?"

"Yes, Chief Engineer Xia. It's been decided."

"It's such a pity... but I respect your choice. In any case, I'm proud that the Shanghai Metro once had an employee like you."

"Thank you, Chief Engineer Xia."

“I will handle the formalities, but… after all, the company also has to consider public opinion, so your resignation process may take a while.”

"I see."

"Well, I'll take a month off before starting my next job. Just consider it a vacation for myself."

"Of course, I've already started thinking about where to travel."

"Hmm? Haha! As expected, you young people are more open-minded than us. I wish you a bright future, Xu Qi."

"Thank you for your kind words, Chief Engineer Xia. Well then... goodbye."

······

As soon as Xu Qi walked out of the group's building, he immediately called Bronya.

"Have all the formalities been completed?"

Without even giving her a chance to exchange pleasantries, Bronya asked her most pressing question the moment the call connected. This clearly shows how much she cares about Xu Qi.

"Yes, but the process will probably be a bit complicated. I estimate it will take about a month before I can officially resign and terminate my employment contract with the company."

"Okay! You can start working at ETStudio in a month. I'll take care of all the contract details for you."

"So urgent?"

Xu Qi raised an eyebrow. After all, he had never encountered a boss with such a decisive and efficient work style in a state-owned enterprise.

"Are you kidding me? This is a game-changer for Alahato. Chairman Walter has already made the decision. The company's next key project is Alahato SEED."

Xu Qi scratched his head.

"Then your position has been determined. The company will set up a project studio specifically for Seed, and you will be the director of this studio, while I will be your direct supervisor."

And all the company's resources will be tilted towards us as much as possible. All the company's elite will gather in this studio, so you'd better give it a good runaround..."

"Wait! Wait a minute! Me? Manager... supervisor?" Xu Qi was a little stunned. It turned out the other party wasn't joking with him. "This... isn't this a bit too fast? After all, I..."

"Huh? Do you dare repeat that again?"

Xu Qi shut his mouth and dared not speak.

"Listen up, Xu Qi! At ETStudio, ability always comes first! I know that seniority is the most important thing in state-owned enterprises, but you better understand this! This is ETStudio! We're not playing house with you!"

I'm putting you in charge of the entire studio because I trust you! If it turns out you're not capable of doing the job, I won't hesitate to fire you! I mean what I say!

So you'd better get yourself in a month and have a good mindset before you come back to work! You need to understand, this is a job that you have to complete even if it means risking your life!

Did you understand?! Xu Qi!

Xu Qi subconsciously straightened up. It was at this moment that he finally felt the authority and pressure that Bronya brought as a senior executive director of the company.

Even when making a phone call, one dares not be the slightest bit careless...

"Yes! Bronya! I'll definitely get it right!"

"Very good, newbie. Consider this month your last vacation. You'll be working overtime until the early hours of the morning, so don't complain."

That's terrifying... ETStudio...

"Understood, Bronya."

"Xu Qi, as a friend, I'll give you one last piece of advice. I don't know your previous income, but as the head of a project studio, your minimum annual salary is 30."

And what matches this high salary is your work ability! Remember! Not your work attitude or work status, but your ability!

At ETStudio, results are everything! If you're in this position and can't deliver the results you deserve, you can expect to be fired! Understand? Xu Qi.

“I completely understand, Bronya.”

"Very well, then have a nice holiday, goodbye."

After hanging up the phone, Xu Qi breathed a sigh of relief.

What terrifying pressure this is... Before I joined ETStudio, when we were just friends, I couldn't feel it at all.

Wow, Bronya has such a strong presence...

······

By the time Xu Qi returned to Golden Courtyard, it was almost dinnertime.

As soon as the door opened, a rich aroma wafted from the kitchen. Stepping into the living room, Alicia was sitting on the sofa, seemingly livestreaming.

VTB is all about chatting, and how could a cute girl like Ellie not be popular?

Mebius and Vervière are playing a game... huh?

Xu Qi raised an eyebrow and leaned over to see what they were playing—Pro Evolution Soccer.

The art style feels quite peculiar. First of all, the sight of two women playing games together is already quite disturbing, let alone the fact that they're playing Pro Evolution Soccer.

Do you think it's appropriate for girls to play this kind of game?

I was planning to go see what Mei was doing, and then I saw her and Qianjie both wearing aprons in the kitchen. Qianjie was clearly the head chef, while Mei could only help out.

"Slice the white radish into thin slices, thin enough for me to see your face. Hurry up!"

"Yes!"

"The potatoes must be shredded into thin strips, and there should be no uneven thickness."

"Yes!"

"Too slow! 20 seconds!"

"Oui chef!"

Very well, Hell's Kitchen, and in France no less, but the dishes served are Chinese.

The kitchen was open-plan, and Xu Qi peered out to watch Mei frantically trying to get things done under Qian Jie's instructions. This really surprised him...

It's rare to see Mei sweating so much in the kitchen. This is supposed to be her territory, but it seems Chef Sen is still the better cook.

Mei caught a glimpse of Xu Qi out of the corner of her eye.

Seeing her boyfriend standing outside watching so nonchalantly, she couldn't help but say, "Are you just going to stand there and watch?"

Xu Qi said to Qian Jie.

"Brother Jie, can I come into the kitchen?"

"If you dare step into the kitchen, I'll chop you up! Cut you in half! Mince you!"

Xu Qi shrugged.

Mei gave Xu Qi the middle finger in a show of respect—to make the gentle and virtuous Mei do such a thing shows just how much pressure Master Qian put on her.

"Stop being all lovey-dovey with your boyfriend! Is the beef ready yet?! Huh?! If you don't want to learn, then get the hell out of here!"

"Okay, chef!"

Xu Qi gave Mei a thumbs up, but he couldn't hide the schadenfreude on his face.