CEO's Ugly Flash-Marriage Wife Hides So Many Identities
Chapter 360: It’s Not Because of Men She Rose to the Top

Chapter 360: Chapter 360: It’s Not Because of Men She Rose to the Top

"To be honest, it’s purely instinct." Mr. Pei looked at her with a faint smile. "Among all those girls, you’re the one who stands out the most."

Qiao Rui was speechless, her eyes wide. "So it really is because I’m ugly?"

Pei Liyan nodded calmly. "So ugly you’re dazzling. Like a bottle of stinky tofu suddenly appearing in a sea of perfumes."

"That comparison is downright fatal." Qiao Rui rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Aren’t you afraid it’ll stink you up?"

"If you hadn’t rejected me, perhaps I would’ve given up. But since you pushed back, it piqued my curiosity." Pei Liyan raised an eyebrow, his tone indifferent.

Qiao Rui couldn’t tell if he was joking or serious and simply felt infuriated by his remarks.

"So, what you’re saying is, you didn’t really want to go along with this whole wife-selection thing, but because I provoked you, you rebelled?"

"Exactly." Pei Liyan nodded.

"No wonder you once said I’m the most uniquely ugly." Qiao Rui’s voice carried a hint of dismay.

"Yeah, you’re certainly eye-catching." Pei Liyan clearly caught the disappointment in her tone.

"Hey, Mr. Pei, tell me, if I stayed ugly forever, would you not... you know, with me?" Qiao Rui asked on purpose.

Pei Liyan’s expression turned playful as he countered, "Not you know what? What’s you know?"

He was actually playing dumb.

Qiao Rui stared at him, furrowing her brows. "You know—sleep together."

Pei Liyan blinked and replied, "Honestly, I think we would, but you might not believe it. It’s just that if you stayed ugly, it might take a bit longer for us to get to that point."

Qiao Rui was utterly stunned.

Pei Liyan continued, "After all, I don’t feel something for just anyone, but you can easily stir my emotions, regardless of beauty or ugliness."

Qiao Rui pursed her lips, clearly skeptical about his claim.

Pei Liyan didn’t offer further explanation. His face even showed a slight flush.

Qiao Rui’s eyes glimmered. She retorted, "So, does that mean I’m your destined one?"

Pei Liyan frowned but didn’t respond, only saying, "Alright, the show’s over for now. You’ve managed to take over the nest, so I’m relieved. I’ll be on my way."

As he spoke, he stood up, adjusting his suit, preparing to leave.

Qiao Rui also stood and blocked his path, grabbing his sleeve.

With a playful expression, she asked, "You’re not embarrassed, are you?"

Pei Liyan’s expression grew complicated as he looked at her. "If you keep blocking me, suffer the consequences."

Qiao Rui laughed. "I’m already so infatuated I’ve lost my judgment. Your threats don’t scare me. Just tell me, are you shy or not?"

Pei Liyan was genuinely frustrated by her antics.

This girl, she always handled things so effortlessly, never in a hurry.

He had worried on her behalf, but clearly, she didn’t care at all. Pei Liyan felt his concern had been entirely misplaced.

"Take this seriously." Pei Liyan said, "What’s coming next could be tricky. Don’t be so careless."

"Isn’t that why I have you?" Qiao Rui grinned mischievously. "With you stepping in, everything becomes easier. Everyone will treat me better out of respect for you."

"Not necessarily." Pei Liyan looked at her seriously, carefully straightening her clothes. "Don’t underestimate people. To win in business, some will do whatever it takes."

"Are you worried about me?" Qiao Rui asked back.

"Of course." Pei Liyan gave her a glance. "Shouldn’t I be?"

"Alright then, thanks for the concern." Qiao Rui smiled. "I’ll walk you out."

"No need." Pei Liyan said, "You should take a break."

"No way, let me walk you." Qiao Rui batted her bright eyes mischievously. "Seeing you off gives me another chance to enjoy riding on your coattails."

Pei Liyan frowned at her words. "And you still want to joke at a time like this?"

"Gotta find joy in hard times."

"Fine, let’s go." He led her out the door.

The two exited the room, instantly attracting curious stares from those outside. They wanted to look but didn’t dare be too obvious about it.

When they reached the elevator, Qiao Rui pressed the button for him.

Pei Liyan glanced back toward the secretaries behind Qiao Rui, who quickly lowered their heads under his intimidating gaze.

In the next second, Qiao Rui found herself pulled by the waist as Pei Liyan bent down and kissed her.

"Ah!" Qiao Rui gasped in surprise.

Pei Liyan only gave her a quick peck before letting go.

Even so, one bold secretary caught the scene and froze in shock.

Qiao Rui’s face turned a shade of red.

Pei Liyan stepped into the elevator casually.

Qiao Rui stood there, watching him leave, her cheeks flushed.

Pei Liyan said, "Call me if you need anything."

Qiao Rui nodded. "Got it. Oh, by the way, Fang Mo is still waiting for you."

Pei Liyan replied, "Let him stay and help you all."

"That’s too much hassle." Qiao Rui said politely.

Pei Liyan added, "If you’re really grateful, give me a proper welcome next time I return."

Qiao Rui instantly caught the hidden implication in his words.

Feigning ignorance, she said, "Hurry up and go. The elevator doors are closing."

Holding the doors open any further was getting exhausting.

The elevator doors finally slid shut.

Pei Liyan was gone.

Qiao Rui stood at the elevator for a few seconds before turning back.

When she looked up, she found everyone staring at her.

She said nothing and swaggered into the CEO’s office, fully basking in the feeling of wielding borrowed authority.

The secretaries looked at her in surprise before curling their lips in disdain.

Once Qiao Rui was inside, the secretaries started whispering among themselves. "So in the end, she’s just using a man to climb up. What’s there to brag about?"

"Still, she managed to defeat President Qiao spectacularly."

"Yeah, and Gai Yin might be formidable, but that doesn’t mean she’s all that great."

"Exactly!"

They continued muttering in defiance.

Suddenly, someone murmured, "Check the group chat."

Everyone immediately opened their phones.

Someone had taken a video of Qiao Rui confronting Qiao Junxian and his group downstairs and shared it in their chat.

After watching the video, they all fell silent.

Eventually, the topic shifted back to Pei Liyan’s involvement.

"Hah, in the end, it was a man who solved everything. Without his help, who knows who would’ve won."

"Exactly, without him, this fight could’ve gone either way."

"Still, going up against so many people on her own is kind of impressive."

Someone finally voiced a different opinion.

They all turned to look at the person. "Are you switching sides now?"

"I’m not switching sides; I’m just saying, who knows where this is headed next?"

"True, who knows how long she’ll last in this position?"

The office door suddenly opened, and Qiao Rui appeared, looking calm and composed. "I won’t be here forever. If you want to switch sides, go ahead. If not, then get back to work."