Ch. 1011..1020

Chapter 1011: Are you stupid?

 

_1 There was no prior sign from Peggy Lewis whatsoever.

Without any warning, she made her move, not even letting out any quarrel.

Adhering to the principle of taking action without any fuss or talk, this left Jacob Zahn dumbstruck, clutching his face.

“Peggy Lewis!” Jacob Zahn covered his face, looking at her in disbelief.

...

Peggy Lewis dared to hit him!

Moreover, she slapped him in the canteen, where there were so many people!

Had Peggy Lewis lost her mind?

Jacob Zahn’s eyes glowed red with fury, his originally handsome face twisted, and his features distorted.

Subconsciously, Jacob Zahn raised his hand, intending to slap Peggy Lewis back.

Her public slap was a genuine slap in the face.

Jacob Zahn was about to go insane.

He felt utterly humiliated.

To have been publicly humiliated by a woman!

Ever since his contract was taken, he had been keeping it to himself.

He was about to explode only yesterday, but Lyke Zhekova and his colleagues in the Business Department ruined it.

Seeing Peggy Lewis backed by Lyke Zhekova, Jacob Zahn knew he stood no chance of winning.

Yet, he could not bear just leaving like this.

He could accept defeat, but he couldn’t allow Peggy Lewis to win so easily.

Even if he was to leave, he vowed to bring Peggy Lewis down a notch!

So, Jacob Zahn spent a long time thinking about how to get back at Peggy Lewis.

At last, he figured out a trick.

Didn’t Peggy Lewis suggest he was involved with Mr.

Houston?

Of course, it was true that he had an affair with Mr.

Houston.

But didn’t Peggy Lewis lack any proof?

As long as there was no proof, even if everyone believed she was right, he could still insist that Peggy Lewis was spreading false rumors.

Even more, he could counter-sue, claiming that Peggy Lewis was the one who slept her way up.

Anyway, as Jacob Zahn saw it, there was definitely something dubious about Lyke Zhekova and Peggy Lewis’s relationship.

Otherwise, why would a man like Lyke Zhekova, who seemed to be particularly cold on the surface, go out of his way to come to the company for Peggy Lewis?

If they were innocent, he wouldn’t believe it.

With an uplifted hand, Jacob Zahn was about to slap Peggy Lewis down.

But considering the crowd, it would look bad if he, a man, hit Peggy Lewis.

However, if there were no people around, or fewer people, Jacob Zahn would undoubtedly show no mercy.

He would even thrash Peggy Lewis.

Peggy Lewis looked at Jacob Zahn scornfully with a mocking gaze.

“This slap is for your despicable framing and inability to lose,” Peggy Lewis also retorted loudly.

Then she lowered her voice to a volume only heard by her, Jacob Zahn, Clara Evans, and Abigail Ackehurst, who were all standing near, and whispered: “What’s the matter?

Too many people here, you dare not retaliate, is that it?” Jacob Zahn was so angry that he was in a daze.

His eyes were as broad as a bull’s, and Peggy Lewis worried that if he kept glaring, the corners of his eyes would split open.

Could that work as a natural double eyelid surgery?

Peggy Lewis curled her lips and whispered again, “If you dare not, then I shall continue.” Even if she was to be ridiculed as a shrew, as long as she could smack Jacob Zahn’s face, she had gotten her way.

It’s a pity she wasn’t stronger, otherwise, she’d have knocked a few of Jacob Zahn’s teeth out.

When Peggy Lewis spoke, Jacob Zahn got a nasty shock and was rendered speechless as a sudden realization hit him.

Just as he was stunned, Peggy Lewis immediately slapped him again.

But this time to slap him on the other side of the face for symmetry, she used her left hand.

Peggy Lewis, being a common right-handed person, rarely used her left hand when she needed to exert force.

As a result, the strength of her left hand naturally seemed weaker than her right.

This made Peggy Lewis feel regretful and rather unsatisfied.

But this was enough to drive Jacob Zahn mad.

He was slapped by Peggy Lewis twice in a public place!

This was not just about being slapped by her, it was a matter of dignity!

“Peggy Lewis!” Jacob Zahn finally lost it.

But Peggy Lewis retorted loudly: “This slap is for your underhanded schemes, for inverting black and white!” This time, Jacob Zahn didn’t care if it would be inappropriate to hit a woman or not.

After being slapped in the face twice by Peggy Lewis.

How could he possibly endure it?

Jacob Zahn’s eyes were fiery red, and he swung his hand up, about to bring it down hard.

“Jacob Zahn, what do you think you’re doing!” suddenly, a loud shout rang out.

Jacob Zahn paused, instinctively looked back, and saw the company President hurrying over.

The President had wanted to build a good relationship with Peggy.

She was someone for whom Lyke Zhekova personally asked for leave!

As an employee of Sharp, isn’t it his duty to ensure their job satisfaction in the company?

Isn’t he supposed to attend to their workplace environment and ensure they are happy remaining in the company?

As long as Lyke Zhekova and Peggy Lewis are on good terms, as long as Peggy Lewis stays in the company, wouldn’t there be countless opportunities for check and balance the company with Majestic in the future?

When the President heard that Peggy Lewis was having lunch in the canteen, he sighed at the humbleness of her behavior.

Before this, no one knew about her good relationship with Lyke Zhekova, as she didn’t leak anything.

Now that people knew, Peggy Lewis still seemed at ease, eating at the company’s canteen.

She was indeed very humble.

That is the mark of a talented person!

A person of outstanding stature, unperturbed by honor or disgrace.

The President praised her extensively in his mind.

And he didn’t feel it was exaggerated at all.

After all, who else had the ability to make a person like Lyke Zhekova so nervous?

If anyone else could do this, he would equally praise them!

After learning about Peggy Lewis’s whereabouts, the President immediately came to the canteen.

Who knew that upon arriving, he saw Jacob Zahn raising his hand, preparing to strike Peggy Lewis.

This made the President furious.

Not to mention that Jacob Zahn, a grown man, was raising his hand against a woman.

Jacob Zahn was clearly not aware of who he was ticking off.

That was Peggy Lewis!

Was she someone he could affront?

Jacob Zahn truly had no skill if he couldn’t even observe this detail!

The President was still quite far away, not close enough to stop Jacob Zahn, but he spoke up in time.

Abigail Ackehurst and Clara Evans also seized this opportunity to grab Jacob Zahn’s arm, preventing him from striking Peggy Lewis again.

With Jacob Zahn blocking his view, the President couldn’t see Peggy Lewis’s expression.

But even if he did see it, the President wouldn’t think ill of Peggy Lewis.

Peggy Lewis could do no wrong in his eyes.

On the contrary, Peggy Lewis mocked again: “Jacob Zahn, are you a fool?” “Shameless bitch!” Jacob Zahn was openly disparaging Peggy Lewis.

Without being affected, Peggy Lewis said: “Your brazen accusation of my relationship with Lyke Zhekova, whether my relationship with him is above board or not, have you ever seen another woman who could establish a relationship with Lyke Zhekova?

Even if it’s under the table, it’s still a relationship.”

Chapter 1012: Rumors_1 “Who do you think the company would side with, you or me?” Peggy Lewis sneered, “It isn’t the same as you entertaining rich women.”

“Do you think your association with Mr.

Houston is as valuable as my ties with Lyke Zhekova?” Peggy Lewis whispered, “If not, you’d better swallow it.”

“As long as I’m connected to Lyke Zhekova, the company has to make use of me,” Peggy Lewis said.

“By making such a fuss about it, you’ve let the entire company know that I have a relationship with Lyke Zhekova.” Peggy Lewis smirked, “Thank you for that.”

“Now, I believe everyone in the company is quite wary of me,” Peggy Lewis chuckled.

Jacob Zahn: “…”

He merely wanted to slander Peggy Lewis, and besides, it might not even be slander.

Looking at how Lyke Zhekova treats Peggy Lewis, no one would believe that the two are not close.

There’s a good chance he hit the nail on the head.

Peggy Lewis might have indeed offered herself to Lyke Zhekova willingly.

...

Doesn’t this further prove that Peggy Lewis obtained the contract by selling her body?

And, if she can sell her body once, she can do it countless times.

If she can sell it to Lyke Zhekova this time, who knows if she also got the previous contracts by selling herself?

Jacob Zahn felt that his thoughts were flawless and logical.

Moreover, even if others heard it, they would think he made sense.

However, he never expected that Peggy Lewis could find a different point from it, and one that was in her favor.

Worse, Jacob Zahn, having listened to it, also found it reasonable!

At this moment, the CEO arrived flustered and panicked.

He grabbed Jacob Zahn’s raised arm, “Jacob Zahn, what are you doing!”

With the CEO here, Clara Evans and Abigail Ackehurst let go of Jacob Zahn’s arm, and no longer held it tightly.

Jacob Zahn’s face twisted in anger.

But faced with the CEO’s scolding, all Jacob Zahn could do was explain, “President, you’ve misunderstood.”

Unable to swallow his anger, Jacob Zahn gritted his teeth and continued, “Despite the fact Peggy Lewis slapped me twice.”

The words “two slaps” were particularly emphasized.

“But I, as a man, can’t lay a finger on her, a woman,” Jacob Zahn painted himself as a man of great patience.

“You already raised your hand.” Abigail Ackehurst interjected.

“…” Jacob Zahn’s face stiffened, “I was just blocking out of anger.

Or was I supposed to let Peggy Lewis hit and scold me continually?”

“That’s naturally because you did something that deserved my scolding and hitting.” Peggy Lewis coldly said with her arms crossed, “You say you’re a man, right?

Then why are you gossiping like a nagging woman?”

“Spewing defamatory words without evidence or verification?” Peggy Lewis sneered.

“I’m fully aware of your little schemes, I can present evidence whenever I want, but until now, apart from warning privately, I haven’t made a public spectacle.” Peggy Lewis said.

“What?

Do you want me to put on a big show, let everybody know?” Peggy Lewis said coldly, “I don’t mind, let everyone know that I’m not making unsubstantiated and baseless accusations against you.”

“At that time, how you managed to finalize the contract, whether the previous contracts were also obtained in that manner, these are things you should worry about yourself.” Peggy Lewis said.

She did not lower her voice when saying this.

Although not as exaggerated as Jacob Zahn, who shouted at the top of his lungs.

But those within a certain distance could surely hear.

As long as someone heard it, it could spread.

Peggy Lewis didn’t have to shout.

As soon as people heard what Peggy Lewis said, they immediately started thinking.

Peggy Lewis and Lyke Zhekova were friends.

If the reason Majestic replaced Jacob Zahn was related to the method he used to secure his contracts .

The first to know of this would be Majestic, and Majestic surely had proof to support their claims.

If Peggy Lewis asked Lyke Zhekova, there was a high chance she could get it.

Since Peggy Lewis dared to bring it up now, it implied she was very confident.

Then, Jacob Zahn…

might have indeed done those things.

The colleagues’ views of Jacob Zahn changed in an instant.

Though they suspected Jacob Zahn, they didn’t let go of their suspicion of Peggy Lewis.

After all, it didn’t happen to them personally.

They were just spectators to the gossip.

They couldn’t pass up the chance to see such juicy gossip at work.

Their doubts about Jacob Zahn and Peggy Lewis remained, they didn’t let go of either of them.

“Though Jacob Zahn is likely involved in indescribable transactions with Mr.

Houston, as rumored, Peggy Lewis might not be faring any better,” someone whispered to a colleague at the same desk.

The colleague nodded in agreement and analyzed, “We all have clear ideas about how Peggy Lewis obtained the contract.

Otherwise, why would Majestic give it only to Peggy Lewis?”

“I think that a contract of such magnitude, even though Jacob Zahn was the one to finalize it, if they chose not to give it to him based on his style, it should have been opened to competition.

After all, it’s like a pie falling from the sky.

Without conducting any selection process, they simply appointed one person, it must be a shady deal.”

“That’s right, despite being very young, the performance of Peggy Lewis in the Business Department is among the best.

Even the predecessors in their department who have been doing business for many years cannot surpass her.

Speaking of capability, she might have some real skills, but can she achieve such good performance without extra factors?

I certainly don’t believe so.”

“I have always been suspicious that her methods of obtaining businesses might not be any cleaner than those of Jacob Zahn,” someone else chimed in.

“After all, she’s young and has only been in the company for a few years.

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She has surpassed so many seniors in such a short time, not to mention that she’s competing with Jacob Zahn for the first place in performance every year.

Now, she’s about to become a manager.”

“Indeed, the sales department’s job is different from other departments.

Apart from experience, personal ability is also very important to other departments.

But in sales, the ability to tap into personal connections is valued.”

“The longer you work in this market, the richer your connections, and the easier it is to do business.

Gentle benefits to clients who have a good relationship with you can make them more willing to cooperate with you.

Even if someone from the same company wants to take away business from you, it’s not easy.

After all, if clients have cooperated with you for a long time, there will be camaraderie between you, who would switch to someone else for no reason?

Even the company they’re partnering with wouldn’t.

Under these circumstances, Peggy Lewis was able to surpass so many of her seniors.

The remaining ones in the sales department, while not competing for the manager’s position, still had decent performance.

Yet they were easily surpassed by Peggy Lewis.

Can Peggy Lewis’ skills alone account for this achievement?”

Chapter 1013: Picked up a Big Bargain_1 “That’s right, previously, Peggy Lewis and Jacob Zahn were the top performers in the business department.

With Jacob in the competition, Peggy didn’t seem particularly outstanding.

Back then, I didn’t think much of it, but now that Jacob’s underhanded tactics have been exposed, his achievements were all purchased!

Could Peggy be innocent?”

“Exactly, those into business dealings often spend time boozing.

It’s easier for men to conduct business, even partaking in drinking bouts or visits to risqué locations, they wouldn’t lose out.

But what about women?

Can they really come out unscathed, without being taken advantage of?” Someone barged in, smirking awkwardly at the last statement, as if reluctant to further comment, “Especially since Peggy Lewis is attractive.”

“Ah, youth and beauty can indeed be inconvenient during business meetings.

...

Men, after consuming alcohol, tend to become overbearing.

Even if they dare not force their way, they’d still try to take advantage of the situation in whatever way they can.

During such times, is she expected to just endure it in order to seal the contract?”

Following a series of speculations and “analyses,” everyone believed that Peggy Lewis was not innocent.

“Peggy, let’s go eat elsewhere,” Clara Evans suggested.

They really couldn’t stay in the company canteen anymore.

With Jacob stirring up trouble, who knew what those people were gossiping about behind their backs?

Peggy Lewis was innocent, but those gossips only cared about the spectacle.

They didn’t care if the person they were dirtying was innocent.

They didn’t care about making up stories, no evidence needed.

As long as they perceive it as truth, then it’s the truth.

In such an environment, how could they focus on their meals?

Peggy Lewis nodded, it was indeed inappropriate to stay there.

“Thank you, Manager Evans,” Peggy thanked Manager Evans.

“Why are you being courteous?

How could I stand by while my staff is being bullied under my watch?” Manager Evans said with a smile.

The way he said it, it seemed as though Jacob wasn’t his employee.

Jacob’s expression was astoundingly rigid.

“We can’t stay here, why don’t we dine outside?” Evans said with a smile, “My treat, consider it a comfort to your startled spirits.”

Manager Evans glanced at Clara Evans and Abigail Ackehurst’s work badges, “Clara and Abigail, you two are coming as well.”

Peggy Lewis didn’t really want to dine with Manager Evans.

She looked at Clara and Abigail.

A meal with a manager was an opportunity.

Even if nothing else comes of it, at least they would be noticed.

She didn’t need this, but for Clara and Abigail, it was beneficial.

At the very least, they would be seen by the manager.

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So, Peggy Lewis agreed, “Sure, let Manager Evans treat us this noon.”

“It’s nothing, invite Manager Thompson too, let’s go together.” Manager Evans said.

Clara and Abigail were quite delighted at the chance and quickly agreed to go.

Of course, Peggy Lewis could guess, even though there were others coming along.

But given the canteen incident, those people watching would surely suspect that she might have an illicit relationship with Manager Evans.

Peggy Lewis knew it, but she didn’t care.

Let them guess.

She couldn’t shut everyone’s mouths, nor would she bother to punish herself over what these people were saying.

She had to live her life as normal, regardless of the rumors.

They had lunch nearby the company.

After returning, Clara said softly to Peggy, “I thought you would decline.”

“Why should I decline?” Peggy said.

“Those people would definitely think something inappropriate.” Clara said.

“Let them think, it’s just jealousy.

The more jealous they are, the more negative they would think.

But the more jealous they are, it’s them who would feel more angry.

I don’t lose anything, let them think whatever they want.” Peggy said.

“As for dining with Manager Evans, I don’t care if I go or not.” Peggy said.

Clara firmly believed her words.

After all, with Lyke Zhekova there to shield her, Peggy didn’t need to butter up Manager Evans for her career advancement.

“But for you and Abigail to get face time with Manager Evans, it can’t hurt.

I’m not saying you have to engage in underhanded methods.

You never know when a suitable opportunity might come up, and if Manager Evans needs someone to handle it, he’d likely think of someone who’s made an impression, someone whose name he can remember.” Peggy explained.

Now Clara understood, Peggy had agreed to dine with Manager Evans because of her and Abigail.

Clara sighed inwardly, she knew she’d chosen the right person.

Just then, they saw Abigail Ackehurst returned angrily.

“What’s wrong?

Why is your face so dark?” Clara asked in confusion.

“Those people, they’ve gone too far.” Abigail said, “They are utterly shameless.”

“Just what happened?” Clara asked.

“Are they spreading rumors about me selling my body to sign contracts?” Peggy Lewis scoffed.

“How did you find out?” Abigail was surprised.

She had just heard it when she went to the restroom and overheard some people talking.

“I didn’t actually hear it, but I could guess.” Peggy said.

“It’s because Jacob caused a scene in the cafeteria during lunch, now the whole company is discussing it.” Abigail said, “What should we do now?”

“Mouths are on other people, what can I do about it?” Peggy shook her head.

“Jacob is definitely involved in this.

You wait for a while, I’ll go out and find out.” Abigail’s fiery personality kicked in, she charged straight out of the office as soon as she finished her sentence.

Twenty minutes later, she returned.

Just as the lunch break was over.

She told Peggy Lewis and Clara Evans what she found out in the Whatsapp group.

Abigail: “I asked around, after we went out for lunch, Jacob started making up stories in the company.

It’s the same nonsense he spewed at lunch, but he embellished and added to it.

Either way, it’s the same old crap.”

“Don’t care about them.” Peggy said.

Having said that, she focused on her work, and contacted Wallace Martin to settle the time to sign the contract.

It was decided to be the next day.

Peggy didn’t expect the matter to be settled quickly without much discussion.

“The details of the contract have already been discussed, all that’s left is signing it.

The previous delay was due to Jacob, now we just need someone else to take charge of the signing.” Wallace Martin explained.

Peggy thought to herself, she had really benefited from this.

Then, Wallace Martin asked again, “By the way, has anyone from the company other than Jacob made things difficult for you?”

Peggy didn’t plan on sharing her situation in the company, so she replied, “No, don’t worry.”

She didn’t say anything more.

After hanging up the phone, Wallace Martin sighed.

Chapter 1014: Chapter 1014: Do You Need to be This Nervous?_1 “He lifted his head and looked at Lyke Zhekova sitting across from him.

Wallace Martin then said, “CEO, Miss Lewis hasn’t said anything about happened at Realforce Corp.”

In Wallace Martin’s mind, Miss Lewis was indeed a strong girl.

She was slandered in such a way in the company, yet she didn’t think of seeking Lyke Zhekova’s help.

Jacob Zahn had maligned her.

In fact, the moment she asked Lyke Zhekova for evidence against Jacob Zahn and Mr.

Houston, everything would be sorted.

But Peggy Lewis didn’t, perhaps she was worried about troubling Lyke Zhekova.

...

But if so, were things really that good between Peggy Lewis and Lyke Zhekova?

Wallace Martin had serious doubts about this.

If their relationship was truly good, why would she be afraid of bothering him?

Peggy Lewis was definitely not afraid to bother Cindy Clarke.

Lyke Zhekova noticed Wallace Martin’s odd expression.

After a bit of thought, Lyke Zhekova knew what Wallace Martin was thinking.

Lyke Zhekova was upset, but there was nothing he could do.

What Wallace Martin thought was indeed quite right.

Peggy Lewis didn’t see him as someone close, so she didn’t confide in him about her current dilemma.

This point filled Lyke Zhekova with frustration.

That’s right, Lyke Zhekova did ask Wallace Martin to keep an eye on Realforce Corp.

Primarily, he wanted to keep tabs on Peggy Lewis’s situation at Realforce.

After handing the contract to Peggy Lewis, Lyke Zhekova could foresee certain unpleasant murmurs emerging within Realforce Corp.

Plus what happened yesterday, how could Lyke Zhekova be at ease without taking any action?

So, he had asked Wallace Martin to keep a close watch.

Peggy Lewis might think that by keeping him in the dark, Lyke Zhekova would remain ignorant.

But in reality, even if Peggy Lewis didn’t say anything, Lyke Zhekova knew everything.

“Peggy Lewis is a kind woman who can empathize with others,” said Lyke Zhekova.

“Jacob Zahn is the one to blame, not Mr.

Houston.

She probably didn’t want to implicate Mr.

Houston by going public with Jacob Zahn’s photos,” Lyke Zhekova said, “I can somewhat guess her thoughts.”

“Mr.

Houston hasn’t necessarily done it right, but that’s only in terms of morality and professional ethics.

Ethically, she has her family to help her sort things out.

As for professional ethics, it’s our job at Majestic to solve it.”

“Moreover, Mr Houston didn’t do anything to Peggy Lewis.

Peggy Lewis didn’t want to drag Mr Houston into the revenge on Jacob Zahn.

The thing with Jacob Zahn is her business which has nothing to do with Mr.

Houston.”

Wallace Martin blinked and asked, “CEO, how do you know that?”

Did Lyke Zhekova know Peggy Lewis so well?

Even though Lyke Zhekova had been around Peggy Lewis for only a few days, he was very confident that she thought the same.

He was good at reading people.

“I just know,” Lyke Zhekova said.

“So what now, are we just going to sit around and do nothing?” Wallace Martin thought that Lyke Zhekova had him keeping an eye on Realforce Corp.

to help Peggy Lewis whenever the timing was right.

If not, why keep an eye on it?

Just to see Peggy Lewis being bullied and get angry?

“We?” Lyke Zhekova’s eyebrows raised.

“You, I mean what are you going to do?

I’ll be in charge,” said Wallace Martin, “So put together, wouldn’t that be ‘we’?”

Lyke Zhekova knocked on the table and said, “We don’t necessarily have to show ourselves, right?”

“Apart from Mr.

Houston, do you have all the dubious evidence of Jacob Zahn dealing with several clients from before?” Lyke Zhekova asked.

“Yes, I do,” Wallace Martin nodded.

Previously, Lyke Zhekova had ordered him to investigate Jacob Zahn and Mr.

Houston.

While he was checking on Jacob Zahn, he also investigated the earlier dealings cleanly.

This was one of the reasons why Wallace Martin could always secure his position as the spokesperson next to Lyke Zhekova.

It’s better to do more than less.

Don’t just wait for Lyke Zhekova’s orders before getting to work.

He needs to have the answer on hand when Lyke Zhekova asks a question.

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Not to let Lyke Zhekova wait.

So, like this time when Lyke Zhekova asked him to investigate Jacob Zahn and Mr.

Houston,

Not only did Wallace Martin investigate Mr.

Houston thoroughly, he didn’t let anything slip regarding Jacob Zahn as well.

“Wait a moment, I’ll bring it right away.” Saying so, Wallace Martin got up and left the office.

In a little while, Wallace Martin came in with an iPad.

Upon opening it, he had categorized it into different albums.

In one of the albums, all the photos and evidence of Mr.

Houston were placed.

In another album, everything of Jacob Zahn was sorted.

Lyke Zhekova opened the folder named ‘Jacob Zahn’, quickly scanned through it, and returned it to Jacob Zahn.

“Sort these photos out.

Jacob Zahn must be identifiable, choose suitable back view for the others.

If not, find side views.”

“Try to avoid them being recognized.

Of course, Jacob Zahn must be recognized,” Lyke Zhekova said.

Wallace Martin nodded.

Lyke Zhekova even emphasized it twice, how could he not understand?

“If it’s not possible, just blur it out.

As long as we can distinguish the age, it will work,” Lyke Zhekova said.

Wallace Martin thought: the intent is insidious indeed.

The viewers must be able to see the age of those clients.

After all, those who can have a say in signing contracts are all lead-level figures.

To reach such a level, they are not young.

There are very few like Peggy Lewis who could become a manager at a young age.

And for someone as good-looking and empowered as Lyke Zhekova, even fewer.

He wouldn’t need to appear for a single deal, so Jacob Zahn couldn’t meet him either.

Therefore, the clients Jacob Zahn had been with were quite old.

“When it’s done, send them to all Realforce Corp’s employee emails.

Let everyone see who’s been signing contracts through illegal exchanges,” Lyke Zhekova said.

“Yes, I’ll get it done right now,” Wallace Martin said, receiving Lyke Zhekova’s orders, he went to handle it right away.

At five o’clock in the afternoon, Lyke Zhekova sent a Whatsapp message to Peggy Lewis.

Lyke Zhekova: “Are you working late today?”

Peggy Lewis thought, after getting such a question from Lyke Zhekova, could it be that he was going to ask her out for the evening?

Peggy Lewis’s heart unconsciously quickened.

When she picked up her phone to type, she found her thumb trembling slightly.

Peggy Lewis put her phone down and clenched her thumbs.

After taking a deep breath, she ridiculed herself.

“Just chatting with him on Whatsapp, is there a need to be so nervous?” Peggy Lewis murmured, “Even if we’re really going to meet, there’s no need to be nervous.”

With that, she bolstered herself.

Peggy Lewis had a few more deep breaths before picking up the phone again to reply to Lyke Zhekova, “No need for overtime today, I will get off work on time.”

After a while, she received a reply from Lyke Zhekova: “When do you all knock-off?

Six o’clock?”

Chapter 1015: What Can You Do if You Just Don’t Have the Ability?_1 Peggy Lewis replied, “Six o’clock.”

Unexpectedly, Lyke Zhekova did not initiate his intentions but asked, “Didn’t you tell me this morning that you wanted to thank me?”

“Yes.” Peggy Lewis sent the message.

“I remember it clearly.”

“How do you plan to thank me?” Lyke asked again.

Peggy Lewis didn’t expect that she remembered well, and Lyke Zhekova remembered clearly, too.

He even urged her to start.

Peggy Lewis scratched her head in distress, “I haven’t thought about it yet.

Why don’t…you think about it?

What kind of thank you would you like?”

“There’s no sincerity in letting the person being thanked to decide.” Lyke replied.

...

Chatting with Lyke like this, back and forth, Peggy Lewis eventually forgot her initial nervousness.

She started to feel more and more at ease while chatting with Lyke.

At this point, Peggy Lewis was in a dilemma.

She asked, “What do you like?

Any hobbies?”

She would then decide what gifts to give Lyke based on his hobbies.

Lyke suggested: “How about this?

When you’re off work, we can have dinner together.

And during the meal, I can tell you in detail about my hobbies.”

Peggy Lewis: “…”

Doesn’t this sound incredibly similar to scumbag men inviting girls to dinner?

Peggy Lewis hadn’t had time to reply, when Lyke sent another message: “I noticed a hotpot restaurant near your house when I took you home last time.

It belongs to the Majestic chain.

I wanted to try it and see for myself the taste, service, dishes, and other aspects of the restaurant.”

He seems to be suggesting a quiet visit to the place.

Peggy Lewis knew the restaurant.

She had gone there with Cindy Clarke and Morgan Zhekova.

The local hotpot restaurants in Sichuan are famous and tasty.

Moreover, Bertrand York also started a hotpot restaurant because he liked the flavor.

It became an internet sensation and even expanded overseas.

However, it was difficult to penetrate into the Sichuan area.

The local hotpot restaurants in Sichuan might not be as famous nationwide, and there might not be many chains or even none at all.

But local people in Sichuan still prefer the local hotpot restaurants.

They feel that the taste is rich, the most authentic, and fits their palate the best.

If outsiders want to open a hotpot restaurant there, they better not expect to succeed.

Most of the non-local chain hotpot restaurants first make a name for themselves elsewhere and then try to enter Sichuan.

As a result, they find it hard to move an inch in Sichuan due to the competition from local hotpot restaurants, and they can only withdraw from Sichuan.

Even if you go to Sichuan and chat with the locals,

They will also say that non-local hotpot restaurants can’t survive in Sichuan.

So, Flag of Pingla simply decided to do the exact opposite and start in Sichuan.

They have solid capital support, so they are not in a hurry.

When they opened the restaurant, they didn’t reveal at all that the hotpot restaurant brand belongs to Flag of Pingla.

At that time, many people thought it was a local Sichuan hotpot restaurant.

After all, there are many local hotpot restaurants in Sichuan.

In addition to some well-known local chain hotpot brands, there are countless unknown small street-side hotpot restaurants.

It is said that no matter which one you walk into, they all taste good.

So even if people think it originates locally, it’s still hard to be successful.

Luckily, they have the strong backing of Flag of Pingla.

They can afford a long-term battle and bear short-term losses for some time.

By first ensuring the taste and quality, coupled with appropriate and innovative marketing.

They made a name for themselves in Sichuan.

And also built a reputation as the foundation.

Being able to secure their position in such a fiercely competitive market.

It’s much easier to expand the market outside later.

When the hotpot brand is well-known all over the country, everyone comes to know that this brand is Flag of Pingla.

It’s not that Flag of Pingla acquired it, but the brand was actually established by Flag of Pingla from the beginning.

People cannot help but sigh, Flag of Pingla is too cunning.

They went unnoticed and penetrated into the enemy’s territory.

Then expanded from there.

Peggy Lewis visited it with Cindy Clarke and had been to Bertrand York’s hotpot restaurant.

The main business of the York city is not the food market, and the hotpot restaurant is just Bertrand York’s hobby.

Therefore, Bertrand York opened the restaurant very willfully.

He absolutely does not consider the local taste for improvement, and is very adamant about using the original Sichuan taste.

Spicy and aromatic.

The degree of spiciness is not something that ordinary people can tolerate.

And, no choice of spiciness is offered.

There are only all-spicy and split-spicy pots to choose from.

If you think the spicy pot is too spicy, use the other non-spicy pot to alleviate it.

In Bertrand’s words, the split-spicy pot is his last concession.

The “Sichuan belongs to you” hotpot under the Majestic brand is much more flexible.

Bertrand wasn’t as willful, and it is more profit-oriented.

There are many choices for the soup base, and choices for the spiciness are also offered.

The spiciest level is the same as the local level in Sichuan.

In this way, customers who hope to taste authentic hotpot do not have to go to the Sichuan area but can taste the authentic flavor.

And for customers who can’t handle spicy food, they can choose a less spicy flavor.

This way, they can more easily adapt to the market across the country.

Originally, Majestic specialized in high-end catering, and its brands include Fresh Vegetarian and Fuellero.

But the development of “Sichuan belongs to You” was entirely Lyke Zhekova’s credit.

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From planning to establish this brand, to where to start, how to develop, and how to market and promote.

Lyke Zhekova was part of all these processes, leading the team meetings and personally participating throughout the entire process.

Therefore, Adrian Zhekova decided to directly give the ownership of “Sichuan belongs to You” to Lyke Zhekova.

“Sichuan belongs to You” is equivalent to Lyke Zhekova’s personal property.

While Flag of Pingla holds a certain stake in it.

After all, without the financial support of Flag of Pingla, no matter how capable Lyke Zhekova is, or how many methods he has, he can’t use them.

Therefore, even after Lyke Zhekova was transferred from Virtuoso to Majestic, “Sichuan belongs to You” did not belong to Virtuoso, but followed Lyke Zhekova.

This baffled Gabriel Zhekova.

He once complained a lot, feeling that Adrian Zhekova was unfair.

He even went to the Old Master for justice.

Arguing why “Sichuan belongs to You” could be given to Lyke Zhekova, while Gabriel Zhekova had no industry given by Flag of Pingla.

The Old Master’s answer was incredibly simple and left Gabriel Zhekova with no room for rebuttal.

The Old Master said: “If you can establish a brand like ‘Sichuan belongs to You’ by yourself, Flag of Pingla can also give it to you.”

Gabriel Zhekova: “…”

He did wish to do so, but he just didn’t have the ability.

What could he do?

Therefore, after that, Gabriel Zhekova tried hard to come up with something on his own.

But the proposals he submitted were all rejected.

Gabriel Zhekova was heartbroken.

However, the fact that “Sichuan belongs to You” belongs to Lyke Zhekova is only known within the Zhekova Family, not to outsiders.

Peggy Lewis didn’t know either.

She only knew that “Sichuan belongs to You” seemed to belong to the Majestic brand.

She found it strange at the time, as the Majestic was mainly responsible for middle- and high-end catering, and suddenly there was a “Sichuan belongs to You”, which felt out of place.

Chapter 1016: The Feeling of Dating_1 Hotpot is a popular dish, so the price definitely can’t be too high.

That would make it more suited to Virtuoso.

However, Peggy Lewis was simply curious and didn’t look into it any further.

As the boss, it’s only natural that Lyke Zhekova would want to investigate.

“Okay.” Peggy Lewis agreed.

Since Lyke Zhekova had asked her, how could she refuse?

Not long after, she received a message from Lyke Zhekova saying: “Then, I’ll pick you up at six.”

“You’re picking me up?” Peggy Lewis was surprised.

...

Rumours about her and Lyke Zhekova were already circulating at the company.

If he showed up as well, wouldn’t she be unable to clear her name?

Even though, people have a mouth to speak.

If they spoke about her, she wouldn’t lose anything.

However, if it could be avoided, it was better to avoid it.

“Why?” Lyke Zhekova asked immediately, “Don’t you want to?”

“No.” Peggy Lewis denied. He was kind enough to pick her up, and she was ungrateful, which was very hurtful.

“But…” Peggy Lewis reluctantly had to tell the truth, “Rumours about you and me are circulating in our company.”

“Rumours about us?” Lyke Zhekova pretended not to know, “What kind of rumours?”

“They say I managed to…” Peggy Lewis blushed, unable to finish her sentence, “snatch a contract from Jacob Zahn by keeping you company.”

“So if you appear in the company, they would definitely think even more of it.” Peggy Lewis replied.

“What if I go to your company to explain?” Lyke Zhekova suggested.

“How to explain such things?

It’s hard to clear things up with just words.” Peggy Lewis sighed, “Moreover, if you personally came to explain, it might backfire.

They might think even worse of it.”

“Besides, getting you personally involved in this matter is far too dramatic.” Peggy Lewis said, “Frankly speaking, you personally explaining the situation is giving them too much face.”

Looking at the messages from Peggy Lewis appearing on his mobile phone screen, Lyke Zhekova couldn’t help but laugh.

He didn’t insist anymore: “Then I’ll park my car either in front of your company or nearby, wherever you feel appropriate.

I won’t get off; you can come straight to my car after work.

How about that?”

Since he already had a solution, he didn’t insist here.

Peggy Lewis breathed a sigh of relief.

At least his presence at the company wouldn’t cause a big commotion.

However, having to avoid the company’s entrance gave her a strange feeling of being sorry for him.

Even so, Peggy Lewis reluctantly suggested to Lyke Zhekova, “How about… you park around the corner from our company’s entrance?”

“Just pick a place where you can park and text me.” Peggy Lewis added, “Just not right at the main entrance.”

Lyke Zhekova stroked his chin and sighed inwardly.

Now, he felt like he couldn’t be seen in public.

He had to keep a low profile, hide and sneak around, not being able to stand proudly.

But for the time being, he could only accept it.

“Alright, see you then.” Lyke Zhekova replied.

“See you then.” After sending this, and catching a glimpse of their chat history on her phone, Peggy Lewis surprisingly felt as though they were arranging a date.

Peggy Lewis quickly shook her head, casting away these unnecessary and redundant thoughts.

She continued with her work.

However, not much time had passed, and after being busy for an hour, it was time to finish work.

Peggy Lewis glanced at the time and saw that her colleagues in the department were cleaning up to leave.

She then shut down her computer.

There wasn’t much on her desk that needed to go into her bag, so she just removed her glasses from her nose, placed them in the glasses case, and stored it in a drawer.

Peggy Lewis was slightly nearsighted, her prescription wasn’t high.

However, it was a bit uncomfortable to look at a computer.

Rather than squinting, it’s better to wear glasses while working.

It made work that much more comfortable.

Outside of work, her eyesight was good enough without her glasses.

After tidying up, Peggy Lewis picked up her bag and headed out.

There were a lot of people leaving work at this time, just a small part needed to stay behind.

The company wasn’t one with a particularly high amount of overtime.

 

For their department, most of the extra time was spent networking.

The other departments also didn’t have many days that they needed to work overtime.

Therefore, there were quite a few colleagues leaving work at this time.

Just as she stepped out, she received a message from Lyke Zhekova on Whatsapp.

Lyke Zhekova had sent a picture of where he had parked.

Peggy Lewis quickly recognized the place.

It was where they turned left after leaving the company, near the traffic light.

Peggy Lewis breathed a sigh of relief.

When she was texting Lyke Zhekova earlier, she had forgotten to tell him not to park near the subway station.

There were a lot of colleagues from the company there.

Most of the colleagues would take the subway to leave work.

During peak hours, driving would only result in traffic, very inconvenient.

So, even if they had a car, most of them chose not to drive.

However, when it crossed her mind, she had decided not to bother him about it again.

If she brought it up with Lyke Zhekova again, it would be hurtful.

Now seeing the picture that Lyke Zhekova sent her, Peggy Lewis couldn’t help but think that he was so thoughtful.

Peggy Lewis then left the office, heading in the direction where Lyke Zhekova had parked.

Most of the colleagues were headed in the direction of the subway station.

Only a few were headed her way.

Peggy Lewis quickened her pace, occasionally breaking into a trot.

Soon, she blended into the crowd.

Even if there were colleagues walking in this direction, it would be hard for them to notice her.

Sitting in his car, through the rearview mirror, Lyke Zhekova saw Peggy Lewis jogging over.

The moment he saw her, the corner of his mouth curled into a smile.

However, since Peggy Lewis wanted to keep a low profile, he couldn’t get off the car.

He had no choice but to wait for Peggy Lewis to open the car door and get in herself.

As soon as Peggy Lewis got in, she apologetic, “I’m sorry for making you sneak around like this.”

“It’s alright, I understand your predicament.” Lyke Zhekova smiled slightly, “First buckle up, we can talk while I drive.”

Peggy Lewis had forgotten to put on her seatbelt and quickly fastened it.

After making sure she was buckled in, Lyke Zhekova started driving.

“You mentioned earlier that there were rumours about us at the company.” Lyke Zhekova started, “What’s the deal?”

“There are probably two main causes, and not all of it is Jacob Zahn’s fault.” Peggy Lewis explained, “Jacob Zahn himself was not willing to give in and thought that I had no evidence of his misbehaviour with Mr.

Houston, so he decided to play dirty.

Today at noon in the crowded canteen, he claimed that I was…”

“In other words, I snatched his contract with your help.

And not just this time, they implied that the contracts I had negotiated before must have been obtained in the same way.”

“In fact, even if he didn’t mention these things, there might be other colleagues who haven’t said anything but might be thinking the same thing.”

Chapter 1017: Don’t Be Angry With Me_1 “It wasn’t a common assumption before, but after what Jacob Zahn said, more people have started to think this way.” Peggy Lewis’s disposition was even calmer now than it had been at noon.

It was as if she was discussing someone else’s affairs.

Lyke Zhekova pursed her lips, silently praising Peggy Lewis’s mental strength.

“So, your colleagues from the company think not only do you and I have a relationship, but also with those previous clients?” Lyke Zhekova’s expression had darkened slightly.

“Yes, that’s it,” Peggy Lewis replied somewhat frustrated.

“Then, as long as we present evidence of Jacob Zahn’s interactions with those clients, we could prove that the actual person getting contracts through his methods is Jacob Zahn and not you,” Lyke Zhekova suggested.

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...

“Usuallt that would work,” answered Peggy Lewis, “but it was Jacob Zahn who involved me in this.

Although Mr.

Houston and Jacob Zahn’s relationship isn’t quite right, she hasn’t caused me any trouble, and I don’t see the need to drag Mr.

Houston into this.

She has her own responsibilities, but they are not with me.”

Lyke Zhekova suddenly laughed.

Peggy Lewis asked, “Do you think my thinking is too naive?”

Lyke Zhekova, who has control of various crucial decisions and has experienced all kinds of battles in the shopping mall, might see her thinking as overly merciful. “No,” Lyke Zhekova shook her head, “There’s something I must confess to you, and I hope you won’t get mad at me.”

“What is it?” Peggy Lewis asked.

What could Lyke Zhekova do that would make her angry?

“Due to yesterday’s incident, I suspect that not only did Jacob Zahn have a big reaction, your colleagues at the company must have also reacted accordingly,” said Lyke Zhekova, “So I asked Wallace Martin to keep an eye on the public sentiment within your company.”

Peggy Lewis was stunned, but quickly asked, “So, when Wallace’s assistant called me today, you guys already knew?”

“Actually, he just wanted to see if you needed any help,” Lyke Zhekova explained.

Peggy Lewis chuckled and said, “But I told him like a dummy that everything was fine.”

“You can’t say that, you’re not a dummy,” Lyke Zhekova retorted.

“Wallace Martin thought you were trying to be strong and didn’t want to trouble us,” Lyke Zhekova said.

Not wanting to bother them was indeed one of the reasons.

“But, I guessed your unspoken thoughts and told them to Wallace Martin,” Lyke Zhekova continued, “they were exactly the same as what you just told me.

At that time, it was just my speculation, I didn’t expect I was right.”

“That’s why I just laughed,” Lyke Zhekova further explained, “I was initially hesitant to tell you, afraid that my investigations would make you feel uneasy.”

“But when it turned out to be such a coincidence, I wanted to let you know,” said Lyke Zhekova.

Peggy Lewis didn’t blame Lyke Zhekova, but was just curious when Lyke Zhekova started understanding her so well.

She was able to precisely grasp her thoughts.

Even though the two have not been together for long.

Even those who have been in love for a few months, a year, or even two years, might not really understand each other as they claim.

Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many divorces.

Many times, divorces occur due to disagreements in various aspects of life with the partner.

But, doesn’t deciding to marry involve sufficient understanding of the partner beforehand?

However, living together reveals various kinds of discordances.

It could be disagreement on certain beliefs or a feeling that the partner doesn’t understand what one is thinking.

Of course, one can’t strictly blame the others for not knowing what they are thinking, why not express it out loud?

It’s quite rare to find someone who can understand your thoughts without speaking, like the worm in your stomach.

But it’s true that no matter how many years a couple has been together, they might not fully understand each other.

Lyke Zhekova has been with her for such a short time, how did she understand her personality so well?

Peggy Lewis’s heart beat faster and faster.

“It’s…

quite a coincidence,” Peggy Lewis managed to say.

“I understand your concerns, but what if we only expose Jacob Zahn?” Lyke Zhekova suggested.

Peggy Lewis looked at Lyke Zhekova, hearing her say, “In the photo, only Jacob Zahn’s full face is shown while others are captured at certain angles that make it hard to recognize them.

If a suitable angle is hard to find, just apply a mosaic filter.

The focus needs to be on Jacob Zahn.”

“In this way, others can’t guess who the other people are, and the focus stays on Jacob Zahn.

This wouldn’t implicate anyone else,” said Lyke Zhekova.

“Is that possible?” Peggy Lewis asked in surprise, she would be more than glad if that was the case.

“Since I proposed it, rest assured it is,” Lyke Zhekova smiled.

“But won’t it be…” Peggy Lewis’s words were cut off.

“No worries,” Lyke Zhekova interrupted her again.

“What will not be?” Peggy Lewis quickly asked, as she was interrupted before she could finish.

“It won’t trouble me,” Lyke Zhekova quickly replied.

Peggy Lewis’s heart raced even faster.

What she was about to say was indeed, “Will it be too much trouble for you guys?”

Of course, she meant “you guys”.

Peggy Lewis knew that even to handle this matter, it would actually be Wallace Martin who’d take action.

Lyke Zhekova certainly couldn’t do it personally.

However, Wallace Martin was Lyke Zhekova’s assistant, who wouldn’t do anything without Lyke Zhekova’s orders.

“However, wouldn’t digging up the evidence from previous deals that Jacob Zahn made be troublesome?” asked Peggy Lewis.

“When originally investigating Mr.

Houston and Jacob Zahn, we had already collected this evidence.

Wallace Martin is meticulous.

Without me having to say, he not only investigated this case when looking into Jacob Zahn and Mr.

Houston’s affairs, but also looked into Jacob Zahn’s previous cases,” explained Lyke Zhekova.

“Because of this investigation, we confirmed that it wasn’t a one-time occurrence with Jacob Zahn but a recurring pattern.

How could we trust such a person to be in charge of collaborations?” Lyke Zhekova asked rhetorically.

“So, the evidence is already available, and you mustn’t feel burdened by this,” said Lyke Zhekova.

Lyke Zhekova didn’t say it, but Peggy Lewis, as a corporate worker, could certainly think of it.

That Wallace Martin could have been beside Lyke Zhekova for so long proves his exceptional qualities.

And also his diligence.

Without Lyke Zhekova’s instructions, he carried out a lot of additional work.

As a result, once Lyke Zhekova needed it, he could immediately produce it.

Or, Lyke Zhekova might never need it.

And Wallace Martin would have worked in vain.

Even so, he persisted.

Chapter 1018: Floating_1 It’s really not easy, not everyone can do this.

Doing it once or twice is fine, but it’s hard to keep doing it.

It can be said that the effort and reward are equal.

“If there’s hard evidence, that would be great.” Peggy Lewis said.

“Even if there is evidence, it’s not appropriate for you to confront it personally.” Lyke Zhekova said, “Even if it’s Jacob Zahn’s fault, if you confront it personally, some people will still put part of the blame on you.”

“It’s like you were specially investigating him in order to grab Jacob Zahn’s contract.” Lyke Zhekova said.

Lyke Zhekova’s worries were not unreasonable.

Even if Peggy Lewis investigates it personally, what does it matter?

...

The responsibility isn’t on Peggy Lewis.

But the bystanders will still drag Peggy Lewis into it.

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“You leave this to me, okay?” Lyke Zhekova said, “Tomorrow, those photos will appear in your employee’s email inbox.”

Surprisingly, Lyke Zhekova takes full responsibility.

“Okay.” This time, Peggy Lewis didn’t hesitate and simply agreed.

She happily and confidently left the matter to him to handle, without saying polite words or fearing to trouble him.

This attitude finally made Lyke Zhekova happy.

His mood also lifted quite a bit.

The hotpot restaurant was near Peggy Lewis’s home.

It’s a 15 to 20-minute walk.

But at this time, the parking spaces at the restaurant’s entrance were not enough.

Lyke Zhekova drove around the hotpot restaurant but did not find a suitable parking space.

Peggy Lewis then said, “Why not park the car in my residential area since the restaurant is nearby?

We can walk there.”

Lyke Zhekova couldn’t ask for more.

In this way, doesn’t he get another chance to go to Peggy Lewis’s house?

Think about it, after eating hotpot, he’d have to go to Peggy Lewis’s house to pick up the car, right?

But when everyone is already at Peggy Lewis’s house, wouldn’t she invite him in?

After eating hotpot, with the greasy feeling, isn’t it necessary to go in and have some tea or something?

Lyke had planned out what to do next.

He nodded and said, “That sounds good.”

So, they drove to Peggy Lewis’s house first.

They parked the car at the foot of Peggy Lewis’s house.

When they got out of the car, Lyke Zhekova saw that Peggy Lewis still wore high heels.

Although the heels were not high, about three or four centimeters, walking for ten to twenty minutes in them would definitely not be comfortable.

He suggested, “We are already at your house, would you like to go back and change into a comfortable pair of shoes?

We are going to walk to the hotpot restaurant.

Walking in high heels may not be comfortable.”

Peggy Lewis hadn’t thought about that.

Reminded by Lyke Zhekova, she suddenly realized it.

Peggy Lewis quickly said, “Thanks for the reminder, I’ll go change my shoes.”

It wouldn’t be appropriate to let Lyke Zhekova just wait downstairs, so they simply went to her house together.

Peggy Lewis just took a pair of flat shoes from the shoe cabinet and quickly left the house with Lyke Zhekova.

When they arrived at the hotpot restaurant, as it was a branch restaurant and although it was under Lyke Zhekova’s name, everyone thought it still belonged to Pingla.

Lyke Zhekova visited the restaurant under the pretense of inspecting it and didn’t plan to check every branch.

So, the waitstaff in the restaurant didn’t recognize Lyke Zhekova.

When Lyke Zhekova and Peggy Lewis walked in, Lyke Zhekova said, “I made a reservation, my last name is Zhekova.”

The waiter quickly confirmed it and said, “Mr.

Zhekova, please follow me.”

There were no private rooms in the hotpot restaurant, it’s all big halls.

The only difference is the table size.

Eating hotpot is more lively amidst the hustle and bustle.

The restaurant was full of hustle and bustle, everyone was eating hotpot, drinking beer and chatting, so nobody cared about what others at different tables were saying.

The restaurant reserved a small table for two.

As soon as they sat down,

Lyke Zhekova, ordering on the iPad, asked, “What level of spiciness can you normally tolerate?”

Peggy Lewis thought that Lyke Zhekova had just started to investigate the customer’s taste.

“I can eat pretty spicy food.

I’ve been here before for hotpot.

I always ask for local Sichuan spiciness.” Peggy Lewis said, “I figure, if you come to eat, you should eat something authentic.”

“How about you?” Peggy Lewis was worried Lyke Zhekova was accommodating her taste and forcing himself.

“Isn’t that coincidental?” Lyke Zhekova laughingly said, “I’m able to handle spicy food too.

The reason I insist on having a heavy spice level is because I like it too.

I can’t be as willful as Bertrand York, who only has one heavy spice setting on his menu, but I want to ensure that guests who want to eat authentic flavors are satisfied.”

“Shall I order heavy spiciness?” Lyke Zhekova asked for Peggy Lewis’s opinion.

Peggy Lewis nodded and said, “But still, let’s order a split pot.

We should cook vegetables in the non-spicy pot.”

Vegetables absorb oil and spice.

She still couldn’t manage to cook vegetables in the spicy pot.

Once, she and Cindy Clarke took Morgan Zhekova to travel in Sichuan, both of them ate authentic Sichuan hotpot for the first time.

They were overzealous novices.

Even though they ordered a split pot, they cooked the vegetables in the spicy pot.

They cooked all kinds of veggies, lettuce, crown daisy, shiitake mushroom, cabbage, cucumber in the spicy pot.

Leafy green and cucumber are specially made to soak up flavor.

They were so spicy that Peggy Lewis and Cindy Clarke began to doubt their life choices.

Finally, they had been so spiced out that they couldn’t even cook fatty beef and tripe in the spicy pot.

Because they couldn’t negotiate the spiciness anymore.

Peggy Lewis definitely learned a lesson from that experience.

From then on, she always cooked the kind of vegetables that absorbed a lot of spicy soup in the non-spicy pot when eating hotpot.

Lyke Zhekova then happily ordered a bone soup chrysanthemum pot.

The split pot in this restaurant is different from the common Yin-Yang symbol style split pots, it’s a pot within a pot.

The big outer circle is all spicy pot.

And there’s a small pot in the middle, which is a non-spicy pot.

“Have ever tried this bone soup chrysanthemum pot?” After the soup was served, Lyke Zhekova asked her.

“No, previously we always ordered bone soup pots, river-fresh pots, and occasionally a tomato pots.” Peggy Lewis said.

“Then you try this.

It’s a bone soup with chrysanthemum added to it.

Chrysanthemum has the effect of clearing the intestines and reducing internal heat.

When you feel uncomfortable from eating the spicy pot, you can use chrysanthemum to reduce internal heat.” Lyke Zhekova said.

The dishes Lyke Zhekova ordered were all based on Peggy Lewis’s preferences.

“Don’t just order what I like.” Peggy Lewis said, “What do you like?”

She remembered that Lyke Zhekova said that since they were eating together this time, it was a good opportunity to get to know Lyke Zhekova’s preferences and then decide what to give him.

“Isn’t it a coincidence?

The dishes you like, are my must-order dishes when I eat hotpot.” Lyke Zhekova laughingly said.

Chapter 1019: A Sudden Inspiration_1 “Is it really such a coincidence?” Peggy Lewis sounded slightly skeptical.

“It absolutely is.

You’ll know once you dine with me more often,” Lyke Zhekova casually suggested they continue dining together in the future.

Peggy Lewis, as a perennial single, was adept at deciphering hidden meanings in casual office conversations.

While innuendo flew right over the head of someone like Abigail Ackehurst, Peggy Lewis was attuned to it, able to grasp all underlying implications.

However, outside of work, she was clueless about the machinations of courtship—she didn’t realize that Lyke Zhekova was trying to woo her.

Lyke asked her about her usual pastimes and discovered that most of her time was spent with Cindy Clarke and Morgan Zhekova.

...

Be it travelling or going out on weekends, Cindy Clarke and Morgan Zhekova were always in the picture.

Ever since Cindy married Adrian Zhekova, all of Cindy’s time was monopolized by Adrian.

For Cindy to spend time with Peggy Lewis, she had to wait till Adrian was occupied with work or out of town.

Given Adrian’s clingy nature, any free time he had would be devoted to Cindy.

Although Adrian didn’t prevent Cindy from meeting Peggy Lewis, his presence made her uncomfortable and less willing to relax.

However, Adrian was often busy with work.

He often worked overtime.

And frequently traveled long distances.

Unless he was within the country, then he would usually return after two to three days.

But if he was out of the country, then he would be away for at least a week.

Cindy took those opportunities to spend more time with Peggy.

In fact, Peggy Lewis was quite a homebody.

If Cindy Clarke and Morgan Zhekova didn’t come to see her, she would laze at home on her own, hardly ever leaving her house.

Mrs.

Lewis often complained that if not for Cindy and Morgan, Peggy wouldn’t ever step out of her house.

She even worried that Peggy would harm her health being so reclusive.

Especially when she was on holiday, if not for Cindy and Morgan seeking her out, or if she didn’t have to go home to see her parents,

Peggy’s Whatsapp pedometer count would typically be in the single digits if she was just chilling at home.

When Mrs.

Lewis saw this, she would like Peggy’s update mercilessly,

Which Peggy interpreted as: “I know, you didn’t leave the house today!”

According to Mrs.

Lewis, even a trip to the bathroom with her mobile phone wouldn’t account for a count that hovers around single digits.

“I typically prefer activities that require minimal physical effort, like staying at home watching a series or a movie, or building Lego at home,” Peggy Lewis explained.

“I remember, Morgan also enjoys building Lego,” Lyke Zhekova recalled.

Peggy chuckled, “That’s because I nurtured his interest.”

“Cindy is a single parent.

On weekends, I would visit her place or she would come over to mine with Morgan.

On workdays, Cindy and Morgan basically lived at my place, occasionally cooking me dinner,” she recollected.

“Back when Cindy’s career as a food blogger hadn’t stabilized, I would look after her.

Once her job became stable, roles reversed and she started caring for me instead.

I’m often busy with work.

Even if I end work on time, I’d take a while to get back home.

Which is why Cindy would usually head over to my place with Morgan straight after school and prepare dinner.

Then the three of us would have dinner together,” Peggy explained.

Lyke couldn’t help but laugh,”Don’t let Adrian hear about this, or he might get jealous.”

Given Adrian’s petty nature, he would forever bear a grudge against Peggy.

Peggy, realizing this, laughed, saying, “I definitely wouldn’t tell him.”

“Back when I used to assemble Lego bricks with Morgan, that’s how I nurtured his interest and appreciation for it.

Don’t underestimate him because of his young age.

He loves a challenge,” Peggy chuckled,” He started out with the Good Friends series and the City series, which were a bit more age-appropriate, but he quickly graduated to working on sets with more pieces.”

The sets with more pieces tended to be pricier classics, but fortunately, Cindy’s income was sufficient to support his hobby.

“Don’t underestimate him because of his size.

He could assemble sets from the LEGO Neighborhood series and the Disney Castle all by himself,” Peggy could talk about Morgan Zhekova for hours.

Lyke, a patient listener, heard her out even though the conversation was mostly about Morgan.

However, he couldn’t stop himself from imagining a future where Peggy Lewis had a child of her own, assembling Lego with the kid.

The prospect filled him with warmth and happiness.

Peggy Lewis noticed that Lyke Zhekova could, in fact, handle spicy food well and wasn’t simply compromising to match her preferences.

Peggy herself was eating merrily, her lips glowing bright red from the hot pot’s oily broth.

“So having eaten here before, what do you think of the soup base?” Lyke inquired.

“One reason I’ve always liked this place is that it has an authentic soup base,” Peggy responded.

“When Cindy, Morgan, and I visited Sichuan, we once had a local hot pot and found its soup base to be particularly thick and savory,” Peggy related, “It got spicier the more you ate and remained aromatic.

Yet the hot pot in Belfard always fell a little short in comparison.”

“Even if the Sichuan hot pot restaurants were to set up franchises here, it seemed like they had to adjust to the local palate, which made it quite different from what we had in Sichuan.

The hotpot from Bertrand York was the exception—it tasted quite authentic.

But it was a little far away.

This restaurant’s opening here made it more convenient for me to have a meal, which is likely why it’s one of the two authentically traditional hot pot places I’ve tried in Belfard.”

As for the service, the hot pot restaurant’s staff were well-trained—friendly without overwhelming their customers, allowing them to maintain a sense of personal space.

That’s what Peggy Lewis said when Lyke asked about her dining experience.

Through and through, apart from discussing affairs between both of them, Lyke mainly asked about dining related affairs.

Which led Peggy to believe that Lyke was indeed conducting a clandestine survey of the restaurant.

No other thoughts crossed her mind.

Concerning her enquiries about her daily life—since they were chatting at the table, they couldn’t possibly only talk about the restaurant’s operations, could they?

After their meal, they made their way home together.

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Lyke had a bit of beer, so Peggy suggested, “Driving right after drinking isn’t a good idea.

How about you come upstairs for some tea or something?”

Lyke didn’t drink much; the both of them only had a single bottle of beer.

But everyone knows drinking and driving don’t mix, that’s a given.

That was what Lyke was counting on.

He was trying to find a reason so compelling that Peggy couldn’t refuse.

His concern now was that when he came back to claim his car, she wouldn’t invite him in.

So, Lyke, in a stroke of genius, decided to have some alcohol.

He didn’t drink often and didn’t drink much this time either.

He was cautious about not leaving Peggy with the impression that he was irresponsible or enjoyed drinking, which would be detrimental.

Now he had managed to secure an invitation from Peggy, he happily accepted and headed back home with her.

Chapter 1020: Chapter 1020: Omit the Surname _1 This time, because of his prior knowledge of Peggy Lewis, Lyke Zhekova had made sure to take a closer look at Peggy’s home.

“Why don’t you have any Legos around?” Lyke asked.

“They’re all with Morgan.” Peggy responded while making tea for Lyke Zhekova, “My place is too small for all that.”

“I don’t like playing with the too simple ones either.

You finish in an hour or two, it’s not interesting,” Peggy added,” So I buy the complex ones and build them with Morgan.

After they’re completed, there’s no space in my home.

Luckily, Cindy’s house is large, so I keep them all there.”

“Before Cindy reunited with Adrian Zhekova, I used to go to Cindy’s house frequently.

So it didn’t make a difference where I displayed them,” Peggy continued, “It felt just like having them at my own home.”

Anyway, she was busy with work and actually didn’t spend much time at home.

...

Even if they were displayed in her house, she didn’t have much time to appreciate them.

Lyke began to contemplate leaving a room in their house specifically for Peggy’s Lego projects.

“I’ve seen videos where some people dedicate an entire room with a massive table to display their Legos.

They set up lego cityscapes, castles, and even have trains running around them,” Lyke shared.

“Oh yes, I’ve seen many of those,” Peggy’s eyes sparkled as she talked about this, “I’ve always been quite envious.”

However, it was just wishful thinking.

After all, she couldn’t afford it.

Real estate in Belfard is expensive, and she could only afford a small apartment.

Anything larger would exceed her financial capabilities.

Although she could manage by tightening her belt, she didn’t want to spend her whole life bound to her house.

She didn’t want to spend her entire life saving money without enjoying life.

So the idea of buying a bigger house was dismissed as quickly as it popped into her mind.

Peggy preferred to enjoy life as it came.

She now had her own small home.

Even if she was paying a mortgage, she paid it for her own house.

Unlike when renting, where she had to think about her next rental every year.

She wouldn’t dare buy too many things, knowing she would have to either throw them away or figure out how to move them when she left.

She had her own home, she could comfortably buy whatever she liked and not worry about having to move in a year.

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Having a mortgage gave her motivation since it was a place she would live in for the future.

It is important to be content to be happier in life.

So, after envying others’ large houses, Peggy no longer dwelled on the thought.

But Lyke was already planning.

If Peggy loved the idea, he would set up a large table in his home to allow Peggy to design her own Lego city.

The fun in Lego isn’t just in assembling it or the joy of installing lights or power groups.

You can also design your ideal world with it.

You could make a Lego frame on your wall or display your favorite streets or beaches in a transparent coffee table.

At that time, you could spare a large room and let Peggy arrange it.

If it doesn’t work, he would get a villa.

However, the area of the villa isn’t much larger than his condo.

The available effective area actually isn’t much larger than his condo.

After all, his condo is the equivalent of two large flats.

In contrast, the villa has wasted some corner spaces when being designed.

Peggy cut some fruit to help Lyke to sober up.

Lyke, who had been silent for quite some time eventually said, “This morning when I called you, your way of addressing me was quite formal.”

It was either Mr.

Zhekova or Fourth Uncle.

Peggy: “…”

Does he remember too vividly?

Why does he keep doing this?

These were things that happened a while ago.

She thought he would never bring them up again, but out of the blue, he would, catching her off guard.

As Peggy sat down, she rubbed her palms on her knees, “I felt that…

addressing you by both your surname and name was too formal and impolite.”

“You didn’t want me to call you Mr.

Zhekova, so I subconsciously called you Fourth Uncle,” Peggy lowered her head, her scalp appeared adorable in Lyke’s eyes.

Lyke curved his mouth slightly, “Yes, calling me by my full name does sound a bit inappropriate.”

Peggy felt recognized and eagerly nodded her head.

“But calling me Fourth Uncle makes me sound very old,” Lyke exclaimed with a pretended pitiful look, “Do I look that old to you?”

“Not at all,” Peggy hastily reassured.

Calling him Mr.

Zhekova wasn’t suitable, but she felt quite comfortable addressing him as Fourth Uncle.

But alas, Lyke didn’t like it.

Peggy didn’t know what else to do.

“Why didn’t you drop my surname and call me by my name instead?” After playing coy, Lyke finally revealed his true thoughts.

Peggy: “…”

Without the surname, wouldn’t it be…

Lyke?

That’s…

that’s a bit too intimate, isn’t it!?

Are we at that stage yet!?

“My family and close friends all call me that,” Lyke said.

Yeah, right.

He only fooled Peggy with this statement.

His family did call him that, but that was only his generation, like Maverick Zhekova and the elders.

Adrian Zhekova and his generation, being Lyke’s junior, must address him as Fourth Uncle.

And outside, those of the same generation as Adrian Zhekova, must also call him Fourth Uncle.

Rather like Timothy Silverstone, who knew Nathan Spencer and was of the same generation, and so, he too must call Lyke, Fourth Uncle.

The older ones, although older than Lyke, dared not call him Lyke directly.

They respectfully referred to him as Mr.

Zhekova.

Lyke’s words were only meant to coax Peggy.

Although Lyke seemed reasonable in his argument, it seemed a bit far-fetched.

Peggy had noticed it too.

She twitched her lips invisibly but agreed wholeheartedly,” Okay!”

Lyke had been caring for her and helped her many times.

If she were to still say they weren’t familiar or friendly, it would be utterly ungrateful.

Lyke was welcoming, and if she continued to be standoffish, it wouldn’t look good.

Having thought it through, Peggy felt much more relieved.

Lyke didn’t insist on being addressed by his name at the moment, only stating, “We have a deal, don’t address me formally anymore.”

“Or you can’t blame me for pretending I didn’t hear and ignore you,” Lyke added.