108: Big melon in the Emgrand Group staff cafeteria!!

The moment Gu Xiaoxiao stepped into the cafeteria, it was as if a ray of light pierced through the chaotic gazes of everyone, making everything around her mere background.

The entire cafeteria instantly fell silent.

Her small, palm-sized, oval face, with skin like snow and a faint pink blush, resembled a delicate flower just blooming on a spring branch, soft and fresh.

Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, neither too dark nor too light, with a slight upward curve at the ends, revealing a hint of stubbornness and heroism.

Her eyes were like two pools of autumn water, clear yet harboring starlight, easily captivating souls with their shifting gaze, yet also revealing a hint of coolness, like stars on a cold night, keeping people at a distance.

Her nose bridge was high and straight, with beautiful lines, like a meticulously carved work of art, adding a touch of three-dimensionality to her face.

Her lips were naturally red, like spring cherries, luscious and inviting.

Her long, dark, and lustrous hair cascaded like a waterfall to her waist, swaying gently with her steps, with a subtle shimmer in her hair, making her appear ethereal and refined.

She wore a professional, body-hugging short skirt that perfectly showcased her slender yet curvaceous figure.

Her waist was so small it could be encircled by a hand, almost as if a gentle squeeze could break it.

Beneath the skirt, her long, straight legs were subtly visible, each step she took seemed to carry a rhythm, light and elegant.

Gu Xiaoxiao moved with light steps, her posture graceful, exuding a unique charm in every gesture.

She possessed both the innocence of a young girl and the allure of a mature woman, making it impossible for people to look away, as if she was the most dazzling presence in the cafeteria, and even the entire Dihao Group; her past brilliance now shone brightly again, so captivating it made hearts tremble.

Employees cast surprised glances, their faces filled with astonishment and bewilderment.

Some people's eyes widened, as if they had seen something incredible, their cutlery unconsciously suspended in mid-air.

Others had their mouths slightly agape, their faces full of disbelief, and the conversations they were having abruptly ceased, leaving only a buzzing murmur.

"Look, is that Gu Xiaoxiao?" an employee whispered, her eyes filled with doubt.

"It seems to really be her! How did she come back?" another employee responded, her face filled with confusion.

"Wasn't she fired by CEO Lu Chen before? Why is she here again? Did CEO Lu Chen forgive her?"

"I don't understand. She was fired so decisively then, and now she's allowed to come back. CEO Lu Chen's thoughts are truly unfathomable."

"Exactly! I don't know what abilities Gu Xiaoxiao has to make CEO Lu Chen treat her like this, firing her one moment and recalling her the next."

"Perhaps she has some powerful backing, otherwise how could she return so easily and continue working at the company?"

"Sigh, no matter what, she used to be CEO Lu Chen's favorite person. Now that she's back, who knows what kind of stir she'll cause."

"Yes, you saw Liu Ruyan's expression just now. She's probably wondering too."

"Miss Liu Ruyan is not someone to be trifled with. It seems like there's really a good show coming..."

The employees whispered among themselves, secretly observing Gu Xiaoxiao's and Liu Ruyan's reactions, their eyes filled with curiosity and scrutiny, wanting to see what would happen between these two women next.

Gu Xiaoxiao felt countless unusual gazes on her, making her feel as if she had thorns on her back.

Her steps unconsciously paused, and the smile on her face instantly froze, her lips curving slightly downward, revealing a bitter smile.

Her hands, hanging at her sides, unconsciously clenched.

Once, she was also the center of attention, but at that time, the gazes were full of envy and admiration; every appearance was the focal point of everyone's eyes.

But now, in the same scenario of being the center of attention, the gazes were filled with surprise, doubt, and scrutiny.

It was as if she shouldn't be here at all.

This stark contrast made a wave of discomfort and bitterness surge in Gu Xiaoxiao's heart, her eyes slightly reddening. She quickly looked up, forcing back the feeling of grievance.

Just as she was trying to calm herself, her gaze inadvertently swept forward.

In that instant, Lu Chen's figure came into view.

At that moment, Gu Xiaoxiao's eyes suddenly brightened slightly, as if she had seen a glimmer of light in the darkness, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

Her previously dim expression also showed some Life Qi, and she instinctively wanted to walk towards him.

However, before she could take a step, Liu Ruyan's graceful figure entered her sight, sitting elegantly opposite Lu Chen.

At this moment, Gu Xiaoxiao felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her from head to toe. The light in her eyes, which had just brightened, instantly dimmed again, extinguishing like fireworks.

Her delicate brows furrowed, her lips pressed tightly together, and an indescribable sense of loss and wistfulness surged in her heart.

A complex emotion, mixed with unwillingness, bitterness, and helplessness, spread wantonly in her heart, tightly entwining it.

Gu Xiaoxiao stood still, her heart a mix of emotions.

But soon, a hint of stubbornness flashed in her eyes, and she gritted her teeth, making up her mind.

Why should Liu Ruyan be able to eat opposite Lu Chen while she had to shrink back?

Thinking this, she took a deep breath, straightened her back, like a warrior about to go to battle.

Gu Xiaoxiao walked with seemingly steady but slightly hurried steps towards the serving area, her fingertips trembling slightly as she took a tray, carefully selecting a few dishes Lu Chen often ate.

Despite her chaotic mind, she still tried her best to maintain a calm facade.

After getting her food, she clutched the tray tightly and walked step by step towards where Lu Chen was sitting, each step feeling like it was treading on a taut string, emitting a silent tremor.

When Gu Xiaoxiao slowly sat down opposite Lu Chen, the surroundings instantly erupted, with gasps of surprise rising one after another.

Everyone's gazes converged on them like spotlights, their bowls and chopsticks unconsciously suspended in mid-air, even forgetting to chew the food in their mouths, afraid of missing a single second.

They whispered to each other, their eyes sparkling with excitement and gossip, already anticipating a spectacular drama about to unfold.

At this moment, no matter how delicious the food in their bowls was, it couldn't compare to the temptation of this big gossip, and they all kept their eyes tightly fixed on the three of them with their peripheral vision.

Liu Ruyan was smiling and chatting happily with Lu Chen about interesting stories from the company's newly acquired project, and she caught sight of Gu Xiaoxiao sitting down from the corner of her eye.

She cast a faint glance, and her lips quickly curved downwards, revealing a hint of disdain.

However, this emotion was fleeting like a meteor, and she immediately resumed her gentle and lovely demeanor.

"CEO Lu Chen, although this project is a bit tricky, everyone in the team is working together, and it's progressing quite smoothly. As long as you're at the helm, we can overcome any storm."

Liu Ruyan said, turning slightly and leaning towards Lu Chen, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him.

She gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear with her right hand, revealing her fair and slender neck, and the exquisite nail polish on her fingers shimmered with a cold light, inadvertently exuding a hint of playfulness and charm.

Lu Chen nodded slightly, his expression still indifferent, only giving a soft "hmm," his gaze as deep as the sea, making it impossible to fathom his thoughts.

After Gu Xiaoxiao sat down, she clasped her hands on her lap, clenching her fingers slightly, her knuckles turning a pale blue.

She looked up at Lu Chen, a slightly forced smile on her lips:

"CEO Lu Chen, it's been a long time since I've discussed business with you. In the days I wasn't at the company, I've been diligently studying and have learned many new things. Perhaps I can bring some new inspiration to the company."

The smile on Liu Ruyan's lips stiffened slightly, and a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes, but it vanished in a blink.

She cleared her throat and subtly brought the conversation back: "CEO Lu Chen, speaking of this, I suddenly remembered some details I wanted to confirm with you. They're needed for the afternoon meeting, you see..."

Saying this, she rose slightly and showed the document on her phone to Lu Chen.

Her perfect curve and exquisitely fair skin intentionally or unintentionally swayed before Lu Chen's eyes, while her gaze secretly darted towards Gu Xiaoxiao, carrying a hint of provocation.

Gu Xiaoxiao was not to be outdone. She sat up straighter, meeting Liu Ruyan's challenge with a frank gaze, neither humble nor arrogant, saying:

"Miss Liu, since it's about work, isn't it better for everyone to brainstorm? Although I've just returned, I still have some experience, and perhaps I can add some new ideas."

Lu Chen's deep gaze swept over the two women, he raised an eyebrow slightly, a half-smile on his face, but with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

This scene was far more interesting than the company's business negotiations.

His fingers lightly tapped the table, producing a rhythmic sound that broke the brief stalemate: "Don't rush, speak slowly."