Ji Ting soon replied: [Thank you for letting me know. Could we talk on the phone later?]
Wu Zhongheng (team leader): [No problem.]
After receiving the reply, Ji Ting slipped his phone back into his pocket. "Let's eat first."
The three of them were just about to start eating when Supervisor Liu from the Finance Department hurried over, beaming. He first greeted Ji Yanzhi and Ji Ting respectfully. "Director Ji, Academician Ji."
Only then did he turn to Shen Mu Lan, his tone warm but appropriately measured. "Supervisor Shen, our department colleagues have booked a private room at the Italian Restaurant next door. We'd like to hold a little welcome dinner for you. Would you be available?"
As he spoke, he cautiously glanced at Ji Yanzhi out of the corner of his eye, clearly aware of who truly had the final say. Ji Yanzhi said nothing. He merely picked up his napkin, leisurely wiped his hands, then looked toward Shen Mu Lan, leaving the decision entirely to him.
Shen Mu Lan instantly understood what it meant for things to be different now. He set down his chopsticks and offered a perfectly measured smile. "You're too kind, Supervisor Liu. Since everyone is being so welcoming, I suppose... I'd better accept graciously."
"Wonderful, wonderful! Let's head over, then!" Supervisor Liu's smile broadened, and he quickly stepped aside to lead the way. Shen Mu Lan nodded to Ji Yanzhi and Ji Ting before leaving with him.
Only after watching them walk away did Ji Ting frown slightly and turn to Ji Yanzhi. "If you know there's a problem with how Manager Wang behaves, why do you still keep him in an important position?"
Ji Yanzhi seemed to have expected the question. He placed a piece of fish, carefully picked clean of bones, into