109: Fighting openly and secretly, jealousy and fighting for the favor of two girls!

Liu Ruyan was secretly annoyed, but her face still bore a sweet smile. She parted her red lips slightly, her voice becoming even softer and more saccharine:

"Mr. Lu, regarding this part of the budget, I originally wanted to set aside a bit more just in case, but then I worried about going over budget. I'm not sure how to balance it. You're so experienced; you really must help me review it."

As she spoke, she gently pushed her phone in front of Lu Chen, her finger intentionally or unintentionally brushing past his hand. Her eyes were full of reliance, with a hint of playful coquetry.

Seeing this, Gu Xiaoxiao's brow furrowed slightly, then smoothed out. After a moment of thought, she spoke:

"Mr. Lu, regarding the budget, in my opinion, besides regular expenses, we also need to consider some potential risk costs, such as changes in raw Materials prices that market fluctuations might bring. For this, perhaps we could contact a few backup suppliers in advance. This would not only ensure stable supply but also give us an advantage in price negotiations, potentially allowing us to make the project more comprehensive without exceeding the budget."

Gu Xiaoxiao finished the sentence in one breath, clearly having done a lot of homework beforehand.

As she spoke, she looked at Lu Chen with earnest eyes, her words clear and articulate, showcasing her competence, a stark contrast to Liu Ruyan's seductive style.

"Hmm, Gu Xiaoxiao makes a good point," Lu Chen affirmed, his voice deep and magnetic.

Liu Ruyan's heart tightened, but her smile grew even brighter. She quickly echoed, "Mr. Lu is right, you really have good judgment. Older Sister Gu thinking of this level is truly impressive. I said it, with Older Sister Gu helping, this project will definitely be foolproof."

Despite her words, the unwillingness in her eyes grew more intense. The dinner fork in her hand was unconsciously gripped tighter, her knuckles turning white from the effort.

Gu Xiaoxiao gave Liu Ruyan a polite, slight smile, a hint of distance in her expression, and softly replied, "Miss Liu, you flatter me. I just hope to contribute to the company; everyone is working to do a good job."

Beneath her seemingly calm exterior, her heart was pounding.

She couldn't lose this competition, not just for work, but also for the ineffable emotion deep in her heart.

Lu Chen took in both their performances, a subtle curve forming at the corner of his mouth.

He picked up Liu Ruyan's phone, briefly flipped through a few pages, and said, "Both your ideas have merit. Combine them later and give me a detailed plan."

"Yes, Mr. Lu."

Both answered in unison, then exchanged glances before quickly looking away. The tension in the air, though slightly eased, still simmered beneath the surface.

The surrounding employees were all holding their breath, eagerly watching this exciting "duel."

The food on their plates had long grown cold, but no one cared; the drama unfolding before them was far more delicious than any meal!

Seeing that she hadn't gained the upper hand, Liu Ruyan's eyes darted, and a plan came to her.

She lowered her head slightly, looking at the almost untouched food on her plate. She gently furrowed her brows, feigning a delicate and troubled expression, and softly said:

"Mr. Lu, the portions in this cafeteria are simply too large. I really can't finish it. Look at these pieces of meat; it would be such a waste to throw them away."

As she spoke, she delicately picked up a tempting piece of braised pork with her chopsticks, slightly raising her arm. The jade bangle on her slender wrist slid down a bit, making her movements appear even more gentle and elegant.

Her eyes held a hint of shyness and expectation as she looked at Lu Chen, seemingly waiting for his approving glance so she could place the meat in his bowl.

Seeing this, Gu Xiaoxiao's eyelashes trembled slightly. Without hesitation, she quickly spoke to stop her: "Mr. Lu doesn't like to eat this."

The words came out, crisp and decisive, with a hint of certainty in her eyes.

She sat up a little straighter, her gaze fixed on Lu Chen, trying to find a trace of acknowledgment in his expression.

Hearing this, Lu Chen's lips curved upward imperceptibly, a flicker of amusement in his eyes, but he said nothing, merely watching the two go back and forth with interest.

Liu Ruyan hadn't expected Gu Xiaoxiao to intervene. Her chopsticks paused slightly in the air, then she resumed her smile, giving Gu Xiaoxiao a slightly petulant glance, and softly said:

"Oh, Older Sister Gu, you even know that? It seems you really understand Mr. Lu. I've just arrived, and I haven't figured out many of Mr. Lu's preferences yet, unlike you, who's worked with Mr. Lu for so long."

Gu Xiaoxiao ignored the sourness in Liu Ruyan's words. She lowered her gaze to her own plate, which was filled with dishes Lu Chen usually enjoyed.

As for why she knew, it was because she had eaten with Lu Chen many times. Although Lu Chen had always served her, she still remembered what he liked to eat.

Gu Xiaoxiao pursed her lips, as if making a decision.

She picked up her chopsticks, took a piece of green vegetable, stood up slightly, leaned forward, and stretched her arm out straight, trying to make the movement appear natural yet respectful.

She gently placed the green vegetable in Lu Chen's bowl, simultaneously looking up at him with a hint of shyness and expectation in her eyes, and softly said, "Mr. Lu, I remember you like this. Please try it."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear in the somewhat noisy cafeteria. A few curious employees nearby had already stopped eating, openly gazing in their direction, as if afraid to miss any exciting detail.

Seeing this, Liu Ruyan's anger flared up instantly, but she still forced a smile, though it grew colder, her eyes filled with unwillingness and resentment.

She gritted her teeth, thinking to herself: I absolutely cannot let Gu Xiaoxiao get away with this!

So, she nonchalantly picked up her water cup, took a small sip to moisten her throat, then spoke, her voice sickly sweet:

"Mr. Lu, look how thoughtful Older Sister Gu is. I really need to learn from her. However, Mr. Lu has been working so hard for the company lately; just eating vegetables isn't enough. You need to nourish your body."

As she spoke, she used the serving chopsticks to pick up a tender, stewed spare rib, also extending it towards Lu Chen's plate.

At the same time, she didn't forget to glance at Gu Xiaoxiao from the corner of her eye, observing her reaction.

How could Gu Xiaoxiao easily give in? She frowned slightly, a flash of displeasure in her eyes, and immediately spoke to stop her:

"Miss Liu, Mr. Lu's diet is always very regular. His stomach is a bit sensitive, so he shouldn't eat anything too greasy."

As she spoke, she looked at Lu Chen, her eyes full of concern, as if to say that she was the one who cared about Lu Chen the most, a stark contrast to Liu Ruyan's insincerity.

Lu Chen watched their behavior, finding it amusing. He put down his chopsticks, leaned back slightly in his chair, clasped his hands over his abdomen, and his gaze swept back and forth between their faces.

Finally, he chuckled, breaking the stalemate:

"I recently bought some tickets to Yu Miaoyin's concert. Who wants to go?"

This one sentence instantly made both of them stop their actions, their eyes bursting with the same desire and expectation!