Reborn with Consumption System-Chapter 577 - 257: Both of You Are Toxic!_2

Look, isn't that extra reminder exactly what it means? Tang Xintian thought. As a loyal subordinate of Father's, Vice President Huang couldn't possibly betray himself directly. So, he had to subtly remind me and leave the choice up to me. If it hadn't been me stepping in, but another beauty from the branch, the likely scenario I'd be facing would be an order—"I don't care how you do it, but you must take good care of Teacher Han, or else it's your turn at the counter!"

She had been too shocked earlier and had come to report without fully thinking it through. Now, a bit calmer, her intelligence regained the upper hand. She immediately understood her current situation: Han Lie didn't need her, but for her own advancement, she very much needed his help.

On the surface, it seems I have the power to choose. But where is the choice, really? Offending one Han Lie is no big deal; it's nothing more than losing a bit of performance that can be found again. Offending a second Han Lie is also not a big deal; my family has enough to withstand it. But the problem is that life's great opportunities are limited! If you can't seize them when you should, if the help you counted on becomes an obstacle, how do you soar, and where to? If you lose the advantages you have in hand, how will the leadership view your capability and attitude?! Before today, Han Lie was just Han Lie. If his judgment was wrong, then all I needed to do was complete the Ming Capital project management process normally, and that would be fine. But Han Lie was frighteningly accurate. Now he's the bona fide stock god, Teacher Han, with a significance that's completely different. I have no way out; I have to enlist him in my cause. Alright then, no more putting on airs of an aloof big sister—time to soften up fast!

"Of course I'm nervous." Tang Xintian smiled sweetly. She sat straight up on the couch, her posture perfect, filling the room with her elegant demeanor. "You are my teacher, after all. With you becoming famous and respected, I will have a better position in the branch. Who knows when I might bask in your glory? How could I possibly not care?"

Han Lie lifted his head and glanced at her. This was the first time he had heard such a soft, almost purring interrogative particle from her. A standard, firmly spoken question ending was just that—a question. But this gentler inflection, while still inquisitive, carried a coquettish, sweet, and intimate nuance, easily distinguished by someone sensitive to social cues.

Interesting, heh... Han Lie averted his gaze, a teasing smile playing on his lips as he asked, "Last time I asked you to call me Sensei, you got as flustered as if the sky was falling. What gives now? Had a change of heart?"

The mere mention of it made Tang Xintian's teeth itch with annoyance. Actually, 'sensei' is quite normal in Japanese; it's just that various adult videos have thoroughly corrupted the word. And I'm quite sure that last time Han Lie asked me to call him Sensei, it was definitely a tease and not well-intentioned. What kind of decent person would ask a girl to call him sensei upon their first meeting? Pervert!

Her chest heaved with rapid breaths, clearly revealing her emotional instability. Yet her emotional control was truly amazing. In the end, she managed to turn the tables on Han Lie with a pitiable act.

"I've always regarded you as my teacher! But it seemed like you didn't think much of me, always making jokes at my expense. What did I do wrong to make you angry with me? Please tell me directly, and I promise to correct it!"

Han Lie raised an eyebrow. Well, now? Not bad, not bad! Some women don't understand the principle of "softness overcoming hardness" very well. They act spoiled without regard for context or facts, bordering on being unreasonable. Tang Xintian is clearly different. She's very formidable when she's tough, but she becomes very precise and sharp when showing vulnerability. Yes, that's right, "vulnerability" can be sharp too. Find a justified stance, use concessions as a weapon, and prick the other person's empathy—men with strong masculine pride are especially likely to feel guilty. The effect is like saying, "Even though it's not my fault, for you, I'm willing to admit it. I'll be obedient, so please don't be angry, okay?" Saying such words directly seems too spineless, too humble. No good, no good. But Tang Xintian, with her baffled tone mixed with a bit of grievance, manages to seem both sincere and reserved in her approach. Truly, what man wouldn't be confused by her?

Even Han Lie, that sly dog, was momentarily stunned. These clever women who've studied psychology are tricky to handle. One slip-up, and you're caught in a nasty trap. Thankfully, I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve and a thick skin, so I managed not to give in. You can never yield to a girl like Tang Xintian. She's better than most men at pushing boundaries, exploiting any opening, and climbing the ladder if you give her an inch. Give in once, and she'll continue to test your limits until she's metaphorically peeing on your head. Don't be fooled by her usual icy demeanor and the distance she keeps from subordinates and colleagues—that's because they're not valuable enough for her to exert the effort. If it ever becomes necessary, she's far smarter than your average queen bee. So... I still need to keep her in line!

"Getting angry is really not worth it." Han Lie laughed and waved his hand dismissively, casually instructing, "How about this: take off your glasses, and change those silk stockings too. Right now, you look too seductive. It could easily lead to misunderstandings..."

PFFT!

Tang Xintian nearly choked, a mouthful of blood—figuratively speaking—rising in her throat. Her head was buzzing. This man is such a dog! So young, yet how can he be so dastardly?!

Her eyes widened in disbelief. Just as she was about to speak, Han Lie looked down again and made a nonchalant waving gesture. "Go on, go on. If you need anything, ask Little Liang for it."

Swallowing her fury, Tang Xintian exited the office, utterly bewildered. What am I lacking? What's wrong with me now?! But still, the task has to be done. This is Teacher Han's first command. No matter how inappropriate it seems, if I dare to disobey, there definitely won't be a next step.