Despite Su Ci saying this, Lin Xiaoxiao's pale and tender face still bore a look of deep-seated worry and internal conflict.
Twenty million was simply too much for her.
With her clumsy and awkward nature, even if she worked for President Su for her entire life, the value she created wouldn't amount to twenty million!
How could Su Ci not know what Lin Xiaoxiao was thinking? This was exactly the result she wanted.
"Don't think too much about it. Your President Su invests in charity every year; this time, I'll just consider it a charitable act."
Hearing this, Lin Xiaoxiao lowered her head, unsure of what to say.
The first step of the employee handbook: unconditionally obey any instruction from the boss.
When she looked up again, she saw Su Ci turn to Li Changwei and continue, "However, I imagine Director Li wouldn't feel at ease receiving twenty million for no reason."
Li Changwei thought: Who wouldn't be at ease? Bring it on, I'll take as much as you give.
"As you know, I do a lot of charity work behind the scenes, but I haven't dealt with Orphanages like this before. How about this: let's treat this twenty million as my investment in Qingshan Welfare Institute. Give me a five percent stake, how does that sound?"
Su Ci finally revealed her fangs. Her money didn't fall from the sky; it was impossible for her to just give it to Li Changwei for nothing.
Li Changwei knew Su Ci was up to no good, but he still said readily, "No problem. I'll draw up an agreement for President Su right now."
He spoke so fast, as if fearing Su Ci would regret it if he were a second too slow.
An Orphanage was a charitable organization. Without government backing and relying solely on the kindness of people in society, there was very little profit to be made—so little it was invisible.
Unless there were other avenues, it was a money-losing venture.
In his eyes, Su Ci's behavior was that of a smart person acting like a total sucker.
Investing twenty million was like throwing money into the water; not only would there be no dividends, but...
If something went wrong with the Orphanage, she would also have to bear responsibility.
From today onwards, his Qingshan Welfare Institute would officially have a legitimate backer.
Li Changwei found a random share transfer agreement template online, modified some of the content, and used the office's old printer to print three copies.
Placing the agreements and a pen on the table, Li Changwei's face was covered in smiles, the previous unpleasantness completely swept away. "President Su, please see if there's anything in the agreement that needs changing. If there are no issues, you can sign. Captain Qin will act as the witness."
Su Ci glanced at the documents on the table. Seeing they achieved her intended effect, she decisively signed her name.
At the same time, she took a jade pendant from her keychain, opened the cap to reveal a portable seal, and stamped it with her personal seal.
Qin Shiyao didn't know what Su Ci was up to, but she still signed her name on the agreement.
Li Changwei signed his name. Looking at the signatures of Su Ci and Qin Shiyao on the agreement, a smile curled at the corners of his mouth from the bottom of his heart.
Su Ci also had a smile on her face, but it was a smile filled with deep calculation.
Her money didn't fall from the sky.
Her original goal wasn't to tear down the Orphanage, but to get this five percent stake.
Don't underestimate this five percent; it could play a massive role at a critical moment.
For example, if Li Changwei were arrested for breaking the law, because Qingshan Welfare Institute is a charitable organization, according to Eastern Brightness laws, the responsibility for the institute would automatically transfer to other shareholders.
At that time, whether Qingshan Welfare Institute was torn down or kept would be up to Su Ci alone.
And that time wouldn't be far off.
The two hardest addictions to kick in this world are drugs and gambling.
One immerses the human body in a world of illusion and decay built by chemicals.
The other makes people develop the fluke mentality of risking a little to win big.
As gamblers, they all believe that Lady Luck will bless them with a grand victory the next time.
Once you touch either, you can never hope to escape.
Those who get infected are irredeemable scumbags.
As someone who frequented underground casinos, Li Changwei would definitely visit one again within a few days after suddenly coming into a sum of money.
That would be the time for Su Ci to pull in her net.
Forget Qingshan Welfare Institute; Su Ci would make Li Changwei spit out even the twenty million intended for repairs.
Both sides believed this was a guaranteed profitable deal.
Li Changwei extended a hand.
Su Ci glanced at it. "There's no need for formal pleasantries. I'm very busy. The twenty million will reach your account by tomorrow at the latest."
Li Changwei's hand froze in mid-air, and he could only pull it back awkwardly.
Big shots were just like that; if they were disgusted, they were disgusted, and they didn't even hide it.
He then looked at Qin Shiyao and said a word of thanks.
It was unclear if he was thanking Qin Shiyao for helping him resolve the issue with Wang Wu...
...or if he was thanking her presence for making Su Ci back down.
Su Ci and Qin Shiyao stood up and had just taken a step...
...when Lin Xiaoxiao, who was in a daze nearby, realized Su Ci was leaving.
She quickly stepped into her role as an employee, running ahead of Su Ci and the other woman to open the old wooden door for them.
Su Ci and Qin Shiyao had just walked out the door and taken a few steps...
...when Li Changwei's slightly scolding voice came from behind them:
"Lin Xiaoxiao, don't you forget that you are a child of my Orphanage. Don't think that just because your wings have grown, you can start siding with outsiders."
Lin Xiaoxiao's body, leaning against the doorframe, suddenly stiffened for a moment, and she silently lowered her head.
Su Ci turned back and locked eyes with Li Changwei in the office.
That gaze was bone-chillingly cold, making Li Changwei's heart feel like ice.
He quickly tried to make amends, saying more kindly, "In the future, when you work for President Su, you can't be half-hearted like this, or you'll be fired sooner or later."
He then gave a sheepish smile toward Su Ci and wiped the cold sweat from his brow.
Hearing Li Changwei's extremely awkward words...
...Lin Xiaoxiao shrunk her neck and ran to Su Ci's side, as if seeking a moment of protection. "I'll go see President Su out."
A breath of frustration swirled in Li Changwei's gut, unable to go up or down.
He couldn't understand why Su Ci thought so highly of Lin Xiaoxiao that she even arranged an internship for her.
The three of them hadn't gone far when Wang Wu brushed past them. He gave them a cold snort, not even daring to look them in the eye, before calling over his brothers sitting on the ground to leave.
"Brother Wang, how did the deal go? Can we go to the foot massage parlor tonight?"
A lackey eagerly stepped forward to ask.
Wang Wu's face was dark, and he immediately slapped the lackey. "Forget the damn massage parlor! Big Brother was arrested, why didn't I get any news?"
The lackeys were all stunned. "What? Big Brother was arrested?"
"Then how are we going to get Big Brother out?"
"You're asking me? Who the hell am I supposed to ask?"
...Wang Wu's men's voices grew smaller as their figures faded into the distance.
Right at that moment, several more inappropriate voices came from behind them.
"Lin Xiaoxiao!!!"
"Lin Xiaoxiao, we were calling you just now! Are you deaf? Can't you hear?"
The immature voices sounded so piercing that Su Ci and Qin Shiyao frowned.
They turned around to see four children, boys and girls of various sizes, walking over aggressively.
Other children were hiding around corners, peeking and secretly observing the situation.
The four children acted as if Su Ci and Qin Shiyao didn't even exist.
On those childish faces, Su Ci read a very faint trace of calculation.
They stood before Su Ci. At the front was a tall boy, looking about thirteen or fourteen, with a clean face and tidy clothes.
He stepped forward, pointed at his shoe, and said to Lin Xiaoxiao with an arrogant air, "Lin Xiaoxiao, my shoelace is loose. Hurry up and tie it for me!"