The spacious and bright office gradually returned to silence.
On the sofa, Qin Chuan, who had been quietly drinking tea as an observer, looked at Zhang and Wu, whose expressions were fluctuating, and then at Li Ya, who had resumed working behind her desk. He couldn't help but give a silent thumbs-up.
He was increasingly impressed with Li Ya, who kept bringing him pleasant surprises.
Her recent tactic of blending authority with favor had been executed flawlessly. Qin Chuan felt that even if he had handled it himself, the result would have been no different.
This woman was truly a born leader, possessing an exceptional grasp of human psychology.
As time ticked by, sweat beaded on the foreheads of Zhang Long and Wu Erma, indicating their intense internal struggle.
"Boss Li, could we step outside to discuss this?" Zhang Long finally requested.
"Certainly, please do," Li Ya replied generously, looking up. "As long as you give me your answer before I finish work, that's fine!"
"Thank you, Boss!"
"We'll be going now!"
Zhang Long and Wu Erma bowed and left the office.
Once they were alone, Li Ya, sitting in her executive chair, suddenly dropped her pen and stretched languidly. "That was quite an act! I can finally relax for a bit!"
On the sofa, Qin Chuan, who had been serene, suddenly straightened his gaze, staring intently.
Li Ya's movement was incredibly alluring, momentarily dazing him until a pen suddenly flew towards him.
"Where are you looking!" Li Ya exclaimed, a blush creeping onto her flushed cheeks.
Qin Chuan snapped back to reality, feeling a bit wronged. "Is that my fault? Who told you to make such an exaggerated move..."
"I..." Li Ya realized her movements had been a bit too bold. This was the office, not home, and there was someone else present. She knew exactly what her figure was like. However, perhaps due to Qin Chuan's youth, or for some other reason, she, who was usually guarded with outsiders, never felt the need to be wary around him.
"Not old, but your eyes are so unruly!" Li Ya murmured softly, though Qin Chuan didn't catch it. "It seems I'll have to be more careful with you from now on!"
"What did you say?" he asked.
"Nothing. I said I'd take you to see my production workshop!" Li Ya quickly changed the subject and stood up.
A short while later, they arrived at the factory in the back.
The sight that greeted them was rows of sewing machines, overlock machines, buttonhole machines, and more, with many workers diligently engaged in their tasks. From cutting to sewing, ironing, and finally, the finished garments, it was a complete production line.
Upon seeing Li Ya enter, the workers greeted her with respect, their eyes showing genuine admiration. It was clear that Li Ya had earned their favor in recent times. Li Ya nodded in return, her radiant face exuding warmth and approachability.
"What do you think? The atmosphere in my workshop is quite good, isn't it?"
Qin Chuan nodded. "It is. The workers are very motivated."
"Didn't we clear out all the factory's inventory? What are you working on now?"
Li Ya replied, "Winter is almost over, and spring is fast approaching. I've had people design a new line of spring clothing, and the workers are rushing to complete it!"
"However, this work only started yesterday..."
Qin Chuan remained silent, offering no immediate opinion. After touring the entire workshop, the two returned to the office.
"Boss Li, we've made up our minds!" Zhang Long and Wu Erma were already waiting at the office door as they arrived.
"Come in," Li Ya said, opening the door.
"Boss, from now on, the two of us will follow your lead!" Wu Erma spoke first, his eyes filled with determination.
"Compared to the Guo family, who are treacherous and insidious, you, Boss, are clearly much more humane. From this day forward, we are willing to stand with you!" Zhang Long added his pledge. "That's right! If the Guo family doesn't treat us as people, then from now on, they are our mortal enemies. Just give the word, Boss, and we'll handle things for you!"
"Fortune favors the bold. We believe this might be the greatest opportunity of our lives!"
"A gamble can turn a bicycle into a motorcycle!"
Unexpectedly, Li Ya's reaction to Zhang Long and Wu Erma's agreement was calm, not the elation one might expect.
"Here, sit down and have some tea," Li Ya invited Zhang Long and Wu Erma to sit. They were overwhelmed and repeatedly expressed their gratitude.
"Are you sure you've thought this through?" Li Ya asked. "You know that's the Guo family, a significant power in our county. If you lose, you might not even have your current standing." She clearly laid out the stakes, awaiting their final decision.
"What are we afraid of? At worst, we'll just leave this city!" Zhang Long spoke first, a fierce look in his eyes. "Our current situation isn't much different from losing anyway. How much worse can it get?"
"Right, we have no other options," Wu Erma chimed in, a sense of desperate resolve to give their all in this final gamble.
"Very well. Please sign these agreements. From now on, we are friends on the same side! As for friends, I, Li Ya, always keep my word!" Li Ya produced two pre-prepared agreements and placed them on the table.
This time, Zhang Long and Wu Erma signed and stamped their fingerprints with swift decisiveness. The moment the agreements were signed, their long-held anxiety subsided, as if they had found a stable home.
"Welcome to our new family!" Li Ya's face broke into a radiant smile, and she extended her fair, delicate hand.
"Welcome to both of you!" Qin Chuan also stood up and said, "You will be glad you made this decision today; it will be the greatest reward of your lives!"
"Thank you!!" "Thank you!!" Zhang Long and Wu Erma bowed, their faces also beaming with joy.
"Well, Boss Li, Brother Qin Chuan, if there's nothing else, we'll take our leave for now. If you need anything, just give either of us a call!" "Here are our business cards!"
After they left, Qin Chuan looked at the agreements on the table. "How do you plan to deal with the Guo family?"
"No rush, I'm still planning," Li Ya smiled. "The biggest hurdle right now isn't the Guo family, but the people in my own family. To fight external enemies, we must first secure internal stability. I need to stabilize things internally before I can proceed step by step."
Qin Chuan nodded in understanding and then stood up. "Alright, since there's nothing else for now, I'll be heading back!"
"Where are you going?" Li Ya suddenly looked anxious.
"I'm going home, back to the village. There are still many things waiting for me there!" Qin Chuan was surprised. He thought he was no longer needed for the time being.
"No... I took you to see my production workshop earlier, and you haven't given me your feedback yet. Is this how you help me?" Li Ya put on a dejected expression, like a young wife abandoned by her husband.
Qin Chuan slapped his forehead. He knew that once he agreed to help Li Ya, there would be no end to the tasks. But since he was already on this ship, he had no choice but to go along for the ride!