The Sickly Girl Becomes a Scum Alpha - Chapter 31

After finishing the call with Jian Sui, Chu Ci checked the time. It was almost lunch hour, so she strolled toward the cafeteria.

The place was called a cafeteria, but in reality, it rivaled any high-end restaurant. It was located just below Chu Ci’s office floor; it was the same place she had gotten the food for Jian Sui last time.

Since she was eating alone, she didn’t bother with anything complicated and had a simple meal. Just as she was finishing, someone sat down across from her.

Chu Ci didn’t think much of it. She set down her chopsticks and was about to leave when the man spoke.

“Little Mr. Chu, does the food here suit your palate?”

Chu Ci looked over. It was a young man wearing glasses, looking quite refined. The system didn’t provide an identity prompt, meaning he was likely someone the original host didn’t bother remembering.

“And you are?”

“Little Mr. Chu is indeed a busy person with a short memory. My father is Zhang Chi, and I am Zhang Che. We used to see each other often at cocktail parties.” Zhang Che pushed up his glasses and spoke with a smile.

Mentioning Zhang Chi gave Chu Ci all the context she needed. He was one of the directors she’d seen in the conference room yesterday, one of the restless veteran members.

It seemed her joining the company had made some people nervous. The original novel mentioned that the previous project head—the one who betrayed the group—was Zhang Chi’s man. Losing such a high-ranking right-hand man had significantly diminished Zhang Chi’s power within the group, so naturally, he was the first to act.

“Is that so?”

Understanding his identity gave Chu Ci a strategy. She couldn’t compete with these hypocrites in social niceties, so she simply refused to play.

The man was taken aback; he rarely encountered Chu Ci being so blunt.

Chu Ci stood up. “Going into someone else’s home and asking them if their own food is to their liking—friend, you certainly have a unique way of thinking.”

With that, she turned and left.

Zhang Che was stunned. They were used to conversations with eighteen twists and hidden daggers, but this was the first time he’d seen someone just throw the dagger directly into a person’s face. Was she allowed to say that?

But it had to be said: Chu Ci’s move was effective.

That afternoon, the story of Chu Ci dressing down Zhang Che in the cafeteria reached Chu Xiong’s ears.

After Assistant Wu finished the report, he observed Chu Xiong’s reaction and asked tentatively, “Mr. Chu, will the Young Mistress’s actions alarm the other veterans? If they feel threatened and band together, it might be difficult to handle.”

“What’s difficult about it?” Chu Xiong was unfazed, even showing a hint of appreciation for Chu Ci’s remark. “Those old guys put profit above all else. When they see a piece of meat, they only think of tearing it away; they don’t have time to care if it belonged to a former ally. Watch Zhang Chi’s reaction. If he’s smart, he’ll retire quietly. If not, even better. Keep a close watch. Any movement from them is just a handle they’re handing us on a silver platter.”

When pigs and sheep are fattened, it’s time for the slaughter. Some eat the meat, some drink the soup—who cares what the livestock thinks?

Assistant Wu was secretly shaken, realizing Chu Xiong was preparing to purge the company’s veterans. He lowered his head and acknowledged the order.

Oblivious to all this, the well-fed Chu Ci went back for a wonderful afternoon nap. If her temporary assistant hadn’t come to call her, she probably would have slept until clock-out time.

“Ms. Bai will be arriving shortly. Should we use the reception room or the conference room?”

Ms. Bai? Oh right, Bai Qingqing.

“Conference room for a crowd, reception room for just a few.”

Chu Ci rubbed her temples and went to tidy her appearance. The prospect of seeing Bai Qingqing successfully scared off the remaining sleepiness. Looking in the mirror, she felt her state was acceptable.

The assistant went out first. Just as Chu Ci was about to review the files to prepare, her phone rang. It was Cao Xi.

“What now?”

“Are you free after work? Our group unanimously decided your appointment deserves a celebration. We’re planning a gathering tonight.”

Youth was a wonderful thing; Cao Xi’s crew could party around the clock and still function. But Chu Ci had self-awareness.

“Not going. Busy.”

“You go home for dinner every day after work; how can you be busy? I’m coming to your office to camp out. It’s just for one night; I’ll let you go home at midnight at the latest.” Cao Xi knew Chu Ci’s post-wedding life well—besides being home, she was home. Even now that she was working, it was just work-to-home. It was too boring.

“I’m not going. I really have something. Jian Sui asked me to help her try on clothes.” There was no reason not to tell the truth.

“What?” Cao Xi was shocked. “I want to go too! Forget the party later; I’ll go with you. I’m coming over now.”

“Don’t join the chaos. Don’t come. I still have work this afternoon.”

“I won’t disturb you.”

“I’m meeting Bai Qingqing from the Bai Group this afternoon.”

Chu Ci had read the novel. While Cao Xi and Bai Qingqing were both the original host’s childhood friends, they were like fire and water—they couldn’t stand each other.

Sure enough, at the mention of Bai Qingqing, Cao Xi immediately backed down. “Call me when she leaves.”

Chu Ci was amazed at how well that worked. She wondered what kind of grudge those two had.

In the afternoon, Bai Qingqing arrived as scheduled. Wearing a white dress, she looked ethereal and flawless, while a matching white blazer added a touch of professional maturity. She walked in gracefully, followed by her assistant.

It seemed Bai Qingqing really loved the color white. Chu Ci remembered her wearing it last time, too.

“Chu Ci…”

“Ms. Bai…”

They spoke at the same time, but the level of intimacy in their forms of address was vastly different.

Chu Ci watched Bai Qingqing’s mood sink, looking quite aggrieved. Before she could say anything, Bai Qingqing spoke again: “Chu Ci, since when did we become so distant?”

“…It’s working hours.” Chu Ci didn’t know what else to say, so she used that as a vague explanation.

Fortunately, Bai Qingqing didn’t dwell on it. They went into the reception room and sat down.

Having nothing to gossip about, Chu Ci went straight to business. This project was a joint public welfare initiative between the two families, mainly intended to showcase corporate social responsibility and gain a good reputation. Because of this, the media would be invited for promotion, providing an opportunity to boost their prestige and show that both families took the project seriously.

For this reason, Chu Ci couldn’t simply hand the project to subordinates. However, she was still puzzled. Bai Qingqing wasn’t currently the heir to the Bai Group; how did this project end up in her hands?

Thinking of the still-living Bai Keng, it wasn’t yet time for Bai Qingqing to begin her frantic revenge arc. That meant many things had happened before the original plot that she didn’t know about.

It wasn’t strange. In the novel, after Bai Qingqing finished off her family, she quickly took over the Bai Group. Without prior preparation, she wouldn’t have been able to convince the board, and the family would have fallen into chaos instead of obeying her so smoothly.

Regardless, the fact that she wasn’t a murderer yet was a good thing.

Chu Ci relaxed slightly and spoke fluently about the current project progress. Bai Qingqing watched her intently, listening to her speak and occasionally responding. The atmosphere was harmonious.

“Does Ms. Bai have any further opinions?” After speaking for a while, Chu Ci took a sip of water and asked.

“You look so beautiful when you’re serious.”

“Pffft!”

A mouthful of water hadn’t even reached her throat before it was sprayed out. Chu Ci looked at Bai Qingqing in horror, suddenly choking.

“Cough, cough, cough!”

Seeing Chu Ci coughing uncontrollably, Bai Qingqing got up to pat her back. Chu Ci didn’t dare let her get close; she stood up quickly, waving her off while backing away, leaning over her knees while refusing help.

Fortunately, her temporary assistant was there and offered her warm water once the coughing subsided. Her throat hurt, and her face was flushed red. Chu Ci drank a little water to soothe it; she still felt a bit short of breath, but it was much better.

She took a deep breath, suppressing the tickle in her throat.

Bai Qingqing returned to her seat, looking at Chu Ci apologetically. “I just got a bit lost in thought and blurted out what I was thinking. I’m sorry; I wasn’t professional during work hours.”

Chu Ci forced a smile. “It’s fine.”

They sat back down. Bai Qingqing continued to explain: “I just joined the company, and this is my first project. I was very nervous, but when I heard it was you I’d be coordinating with, I immediately relaxed. I thought it would be easier between acquaintances. I didn’t expect to get too relaxed.”

“…No matter. This is my first project as well.” Chu Ci had forgotten what she was saying because of the coughing fit; she lowered her head to flip through the files as she replied.

While Chu Ci wasn’t looking, Bai Qingqing’s gaze became more unrestrained. It lingered on the moisture still in Chu Ci’s eyes and the flush at the corners of her lids, then on her moist, red lips. Her eyes darkened, and her voice became low. “Then we truly are destined.”

“Hmm?” The voice was too quiet for Chu Ci to hear. She looked up at Bai Qingqing in confusion.

Instantly hiding her emotions, Bai Qingqing smiled back. “I was saying I have some other ideas for the project. May I share them?”

“Please go ahead.” Chu Ci closed the file and waited.

“The product development is complete, and we need a pilot site. I was thinking, how about we set it at Cosleto Secondary School? This would also be convenient for later promotion and media interviews.”

Chu Ci didn’t recognize the name of the school, but it sounded like a private elite school. She hesitated. “If we’re going to promote it later, wouldn’t picking a public school be more appropriate? After all, these pilot sites receive free donations.”

Elite schools weren’t short on money. Donating there would hardly be worth promoting; in fact, it would likely invite criticism.

“Then we don’t donate it. My thinking is this: private schools have better financial conditions. Their cafeterias use chef-level staff. This system is meant for ordering and serving; the dishes will still be prepared by chefs. The foot traffic isn’t that high, so the machines can run more orderly, and the testing difficulty is lower.”

Chu Ci still disagreed. “You’re right, but this entire system includes automated cooking—that’s the most important part. Wouldn’t doing it this way waste half the functionality?”

“This feature cannot be launched currently,” Bai Qingqing broke down the math for Chu Ci. “Do you know how many jobs are currently provided within cafeterias? Once our full system is promoted, driven by profit, it will become the preferred choice for schools and companies. How many people will lose their jobs then?”

Chu Ci realized she was right. Cafeteria operations currently skewed toward an older demographic, providing many jobs for the middle-aged and elderly. Similarly, some schools provided work-study opportunities for students from disadvantaged families. Once the system ran smoothly, these people would lose their livelihoods.

Therefore, it was a project destined to be unable to be promoted on a large scale for the time being.

Seeing Chu Ci understood, Bai Qingqing continued: “Of course, private elite schools don’t have to worry about this at all. Firstly, the system won’t affect anyone’s employment; it will only add a touch of high-tech to a cafeteria that already rivals a three-star Michelin restaurant. Even the staff who used to clean or serve won’t lose their jobs; the school has plenty of money, so even if the machine cleans once, they’ll still need human staff to wipe it again. Except for the school paying the extra cost for the system, no one loses anything.”

And that cost was a non-issue for the prestige of having a “cafeteria of the future.”

Chu Ci nodded in agreement, but she had one doubt. “This is a public welfare project.” If it only served elite schools, it had nothing to do with public welfare.

“I know. That’s the importance of ‘envisioning the future.’ We’ve patented all the technology. We simply tell the public it’s currently in the R&D startup phase, and we’re promoting the concept of a fully integrated, automated cafeteria. Based on current developments, this trend is inevitable; it’s only a matter of time. When the timing is right, we’ll launch the rest.”

Although this didn’t benefit the general public right now, it at least prevented mass unemployment. At its core, it was better than the original plan.

Chu Ci did a quick calculation of the project’s earnings based on the changes. She found that although the scope had narrowed significantly, the profit was higher.

Firstly, because the difficulty was lower, R&D costs weren’t as high. Since the technology was patented, they had the first-mover advantage. Secondly, it was originally a welfare project, which meant they’d have to provide many free donations and then sell to schools at cost—essentially working for nothing or even losing money.

But now, selling to elite schools, the price could be tripled. Using an “incomplete” version saved on costs while increasing the price. The revenue exceeded the previous net-loss situation.

The buyers would be elite schools, which also reduced price disputes. If they sold to public schools, no matter how low the price, parents would complain they were profiteering off students. That would trigger rumors about schools adding fees for a flashy cafeteria. Free wasn’t realistic either; the cost was too high to bear.

Essentially, catering to the public required more practical considerations. Elite schools were different; they wanted technology and “face.” Whether it was practical wasn’t necessarily the priority; being the first to use future tech was enough.

This way, there was no conflict of interest with the public, and the reputation would actually be better, creating anticipation for the future blueprint. It killed several birds with one stone.

“Alright, let’s do it that way.” After careful consideration, Chu Ci nodded. This was the optimal result for all parties.

Bai Qingqing nodded. “Since that’s settled, the school won’t be a problem. Cosleto is currently renovating its cafeteria, so it’s the perfect opportunity. Should we go for a site inspection in the next few days?”

A site inspection was perfectly normal, and Chu Ci had no objections.

Most of the afternoon had passed. Bai Qingqing needed to return to her company to redeploy the project based on the massive changes they’d just discussed. Chu Ci got up to see her out.

Before leaving, Bai Qingqing smiled at Chu Ci. “Time flies. In the blink of an eye, it’s been five years since we graduated from that school. I haven’t been back once. I’m looking forward to visiting our alma mater with you.”

Chu Ci: ?? Alma mater?

Before she could react, Bai Qingqing was gone.

Chu Ci immediately took out her phone and searched for “Cosleto.”

The most famous elite secondary school in Jiangcheng, where Chu Ci, Bai Qingqing, and Cao Xi graduated!

Isn’t this a disaster? If they started reminiscing about campus life, wouldn’t she be exposed on the spot?

She returned to her office, worrying. Her phone chimed.

[Cao the Clumsy: Has the one named Bai left yet?]

Seeing the message, Chu Ci had a brainwave. She had an idea: pull Cao Xi along. Then no one would have time to reminisce! It was perfect.

Chu Ci replied: [Chu Ci: She's gone.]

[Cao the Clumsy: Be there in a second!]

Chu Ci stretched and prepared to fool Cao Xi. But first, she held a meeting to deploy the project changes. Some tech was to be archived, some refined. The previous focus was practical and simple for the public; the focus for the elite school was “the flashier, the better.” Cyberpunk vibes would be ideal.

The meeting wasn’t over when Cao Xi arrived. She waited in Chu Ci’s office until clock-out time.

Chu Ci didn’t have the driver take her; she got into Cao Xi’s car to head to Jian Sui’s company.

“I’m not trying to nag, but why are you getting involved with that Bai girl? She’s not a good person.” Cao Xi clearly had an opinion.

“Corporate collaboration. It’s been so many years; do you still have a grudge against her?” Chu Ci asked carefully.

“No matter how many years pass, this grudge isn’t going anywhere. Forget it; you don’t know the story, and I’m not telling. Just don’t expect me to make peace with her. We are irreconcilable!”

“Hmm? Is there something you two have that even I don’t know about?” Chu Ci was relieved that even the original host didn’t know.

“I’m not telling you; it’s all depressing stuff. Let’s talk about something happy.” Even a loudmouth like Cao Xi could keep a secret. Chu Ci was surprised but didn’t push.

“I’m going back to Cosleto with Bai Qingqing for a site inspection soon. You’re coming too.”

“Screech!”

They were at a red light, and Cao Xi slammed on the brakes. If Chu Ci hadn’t been wearing a seatbelt, she would have taken flight.

“Are you trying to murder me?” Chu Ci clutched her chest.

“No! Have you two lost your minds? Why go back to that terrible school?” Cao Xi was visibly agitated.

“A project. Site inspection. Cosleto is the pilot site. Why are you so worked up?” Chu Ci suspected Cao Xi hadn’t heard a word she said.

Cao Xi fell silent. You couldn’t just drop a work task over a personal grudge. But she was angry.

Chu Ci noticed the mood. The conflict seemed deeper than she thought. Maybe she should drop it; the system wouldn’t let her be exposed. “Never mind. You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

“I’m going!” Cao Xi reacted even more strongly, agreeing immediately. “I won’t give Bai Qingqing the chance to have you all to herself!”

Chu Ci: ???

She didn’t know what Cao Xi was talking about, but the cars behind were honking. Cao Xi started the car and moved on.

By the time they reached Jian Sui’s company, Cao Xi’s mood had shifted as quickly as it had come. She even smiled in a way that gave Chu Ci goosebumps.

“I’m just here to try on clothes. Why are you smiling so creepily?”

“Who’s creepy?” Cao Xi was offended. “I’m just looking forward to it. The Shining Chu?”

Chu Ci: …

Chu Ci reached Jian Sui’s company with ease. She found everyone working frantically. Even though she had arrived, no one had time to gossip.

Collective overtime?

She wondered what kind of “devil’s plan” Jian Sui and Cheng Feng had concocted. Then she saw the two of them walking toward her.

They seemed to be in a rush. They skipped the step of talking in the office and went straight to the fitting room. The space was small but packed with clothes. Jian Sui had likely brought out samples of every style.

Chu Ci was dazzled. Jian Sui’s designs were excellent, rivaling high-end brands and possessing a unique character. Many featured traditional elements and intangible cultural heritage techniques; they were exquisite.

“What do I need to do?” Chu Ci stood there, lost.

“Just stand there.”

As they spoke, Zhao Rong rushed in with a measuring tape. Jian Sui didn’t stop her work. She looked up. “Did you get everything? Let’s start.”

Zhao Rong acknowledged her, but as she approached Chu Ci, she suddenly remembered something and handed the tape to Jian Sui. “You should be the one to measure her. I’ll organize the clothes.”

Jian Sui took the tape and looked at the obediently standing Chu Ci, then at the tape in her hand.

Measuring for custom fitting—these clothes might not fit Chu Ci perfectly, so adjustments were necessary. Measuring a client was perfectly normal—or it would have been if Zhao Rong hadn’t made that sudden pivot.

What was originally normal suddenly became abnormal.

Gripping the tape, Jian Sui stood still, her mind struggling. She would have to use this tape to measure every curve of Chu Ci’s body and record them one by one.