After Becoming an Alpha, I Became a Charmer (GL) - Chapter 15

After getting her luggage sorted, the two arrived at the banquet hall just on time.

The employees, who had been anxiously scanning the room, instantly erupted when they saw Ruan Wu’s figure.

The banquet hall grew increasingly noisy. Xia Zhiyu, worried that Ruan Wu would be displeased, quickly walked onto the stage, took the microphone, and said with a brilliant smile, “Good afternoon, everyone.”

As her voice rang out, the banquet hall immediately quieted down.

But the employees didn’t want to hear Xia Zhiyu speak; they only wanted to hear Ruan Wu. They were all urging her with their eyes to hurry up and step aside. Didn’t she see Ms. Ruan was about to walk onto the stage?

“That fish is going to start rambling again. If you hadn’t come before, you wouldn’t know how long-winded she is.”

“No way. Ms. Ruan is here this time. Would that fish dare to act like that in front of her?”

“You never know. Ms. Ruan is so aloof; she doesn’t like speaking to employees anyway. What if she takes the opportunity to skip her speech because that fish talks too much?”

“If that really happens, I swear I’m going to openly insult that fish!”

Everyone whispered to each other while casting cautious glances at Xia Zhiyu on the stage.

Xia Zhiyu didn’t notice any of this. She quickly finished her opening remarks and got straight to the point: “Next up is the moment you’ve all been anticipating before dinner. Let’s welcome our most excellent and beautiful CEO, Ms. Ruan, to greet everyone!”

After saying this, Xia Zhiyu immediately stepped off the stage, yielding the spotlight to Ruan Wu.

As she stepped down, Xia Zhiyu accidentally met Ruan Wu’s eyes and immediately gave her a “thumbs-up/you can do it” gesture.

Xia Zhiyu stood below the stage, eager to hear Ruan Wu’s speech. The Ruan Wu in the novel was highly skilled at manipulating people, but usually only the Alphas who coveted her. Although she didn’t despise Betas and Omegas, she often ignored them. Few people, regardless of gender, could catch her attention.

This was likely Ruan Wu’s first public speech for the company’s employees. In previous annual meetings, Ruan Wu didn’t even show her face.

Xia Zhiyu felt a little proud that she had made this happen.

Ruan Wu walked to the center of the stage, took the microphone, and stood like a water lily elegantly rising from the mist. She showed a gentle smile. “Good afternoon, everyone.”

When Xia Zhiyu said those five simple words, the employees only felt annoyed. But when Ruan Wu said them, the banquet hall immediately erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.

Ruan Wu raised her hand and made a “quiet” gesture. The banquet hall instantly became silent enough to hear a pin drop.

Xia Zhiyu: “…” I really shouldn’t have gone up on stage just now.

“I apologize for having neglected your feelings before due to being busy with work. It wasn’t until Secretary Xia brought it up that I realized I hadn’t shown enough care, which may have led you to misunderstand that the company doesn’t value you enough.”

“No, never!” The employees below the stage replied in unison.

Xia Zhiyu continuously marveled at Ruan Wu’s skill. With just two sentences, she had brought the employees to tears. I underestimated the great Omega female lead.

Just then, the phone in Xia Zhiyu’s hand suddenly vibrated. Xia Zhiyu picked it up and saw it was a call from the bus driver.

He must have finished getting gas and is back.

Xia Zhiyu quickly left the banquet hall through a side door, found a quiet spot, and answered the phone.

“Hello? Secretary Xia, I might not be able to come back today.” The driver’s gloomy voice came through the phone.

Xia Zhiyu’s heart tightened. “What happened? You didn’t get hurt, did you?”

The driver quickly replied, “No, no. The car suddenly stalled halfway. I got out to check but couldn’t find the problem. I had to call a tow truck to haul it away for repairs.”

Xia Zhiyu was relieved. She thought the driver had been in an accident. “It’s good that you’re okay. If they can’t fix it today, find a hotel near the repair shop to stay. I’ll reimburse you for the accommodation.” After comforting the driver a few more times, Xia Zhiyu hung up.

Xia Zhiyu walked a few steps toward the banquet hall and suddenly stopped.

If the bus can’t come back, does that mean I won’t get my suitcase today???

Xia Zhiyu returned to the banquet hall, her mind completely focused on what she would do without her luggage. She didn’t hear a word of Ruan Wu’s remaining speech.

While Ruan Wu was speaking, the servers began serving the food. By the time Ruan Wu finished her speech, the food was fully served, as if it had been perfectly rehearsed.

“Your task here is to eat, drink, and have fun. Relax and enjoy yourselves without any worries. The company will cover all expenses. Please enjoy the meal in front of you,” Ruan Wu said. Her gaze intentionally or unintentionally swept toward where Xia Zhiyu was standing.

Xia Zhiyu looked happy when she went out. Why does she look distracted and spacey now that she’s back?

Ruan Wu put down the microphone, ignoring all the applause and cheers, and walked directly toward Xia Zhiyu.

“Is it a work matter?” Ruan Wu asked as she stood beside Xia Zhiyu.

Xia Zhiyu was agonizing over how much it would cost to buy all the things in her suitcase at the resort. When Ruan Wu’s voice suddenly spoke next to her ear, she instinctively took a step back, moving away from her.

“Ms. Ruan, are you finished speaking?”

Ruan Wu saw the distance they created and her expression became slightly cold. “Obviously. I don’t have a microphone now, and no one would hear me if I spoke, so I naturally finished my speech before stepping down.”

Xia Zhiyu didn’t notice Ruan Wu’s bad mood. She said, “Then let’s go eat. I booked a private room. It’s perfectly safe…”

Ruan Wu frowned, and her voice became colder. “You still haven’t answered my question from earlier.”

The alarm bells finally went off in Xia Zhiyu’s mind. I just spaced out in front of the female lead. I must have a death wish.

She immediately explained, “I’m sorry, Ms. Ruan. I didn’t mean to be distracted. My suitcase was on a bus that went to get gas, remember? The bus should have returned by now, but it broke down halfway and had to be towed for repairs. I definitely won’t get my suitcase today.” Xia Zhiyu’s voice grew quieter as she spoke, sounding very downcast.

Ruan Wu’s mood began to lift. She said, “Is that such a big deal that you’re spacing out? Can’t you just buy whatever you need here at the resort?”

A hint of embarrassment showed in Xia Zhiyu’s eyes. “Ms. Ruan, things here at the resort are very expensive. If I buy things here, half a month’s salary will be gone.”

It wasn’t as exaggerated as Xia Zhiyu made it sound, but things at the resort were indeed pricey. If she weren’t in debt, she wouldn’t be so hesitant.

“…Stop making that face. Don’t you see everyone is looking at you? As my secretary, you represent the company’s image. You should always be calm and composed,” Ruan Wu casually said. “Go to the store later and pick out what you need. I’ll reimburse you.”

Xia Zhiyu’s dark eyes immediately lit up. “Thank you, Ms. Ruan~ Ms. Ruan, you truly are the best boss in the world!”

Xia Zhiyu’s directness made Ruan Wu feel a rare emotion akin to shyness. She tried hard to maintain her cold expression and said, “Don’t thank me and keep me hungry. Hurry up and go to the private room to eat.”

“Let’s go, let’s go, Ms. Ruan. Forget just eating quickly. I’ll even feed you this meal if you want~”

Ruan Wu: “…Shut up.”