Shi Xinxin cast a cold gaze into the distance, ignoring them.
However, Teacher Li couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy seeing their pitiful expressions. She smiled and said, "Ms. Shi, they actually didn't do anything wrong. Since they understood the lesson, spending more time listening would indeed be a waste of their valuable time."
Shi Xinxin shook her head helplessly, "That's not what I'm referring to. It's the fact that they were doing other things while the teacher was teaching. That's extremely disrespectful to the teacher."
"That is indeed a bad habit, but it's fine as long as the children are corrected," Teacher Li said.
The three little ones' faces simultaneously filled with gratitude.
With Teacher Li intervening, Shi Xinxin no longer maintained a cold expression. She glanced at them lightly.
"Alright, I'll let it slide this time. But don't forget, it was Teacher Li who pleaded for you. Next time you're caught daydreaming in Teacher Li's class, not even the King of Heaven can save you."
Seeing that Mommy was about to relent, the three little ones eagerly nodded, speaking in unison, "We absolutely won't do it again!"
Only then did Shi Xinxin seem somewhat satisfied. After saying goodbye to Teacher Li, she led them home.
As soon as they exited the kindergarten, several well-trained bodyguards in black suits followed behind them. Shi Xinxin didn't need to look to know these bodyguards were sent by Sheng Chenjin.
She took the three little ones home, reiterating her instructions for them not to slack off during class, and received their firm assurances. Shi Xinxin then returned to the company.
On the way earlier, she had been thinking about Qiaoqiao's text message and had a nagging feeling that something was amiss.
The company's new products had launched a day ago, and the design department didn't have any urgent drafts requiring attention. It was unlikely that everyone was so busy they couldn't even spare a moment for guidance.
Shi Xinxin suspected there was more to it. On her way to the company, she casually called Qiaoqiao.
She asked Qiaoqiao to come to the company as soon as possible and meet her in her office.
Qiaoqiao was clearly surprised for a moment before slowly agreeing.
Less than a few minutes after Shi Xinxin returned to her office, a knock sounded at the door. The person who entered was indeed Qiaoqiao, dressed in a daisy-print dress.
Shi Xinxin closed the file she was reading and looked at the somewhat perplexed Qiaoqiao, getting straight to the point, "Did something happen to you this morning? That's why you were able to slip away from the company this afternoon."
To have her point directly addressed before she could even come up with an excuse, Qiaoqiao stood frozen in surprise.
Shi Xinxin patiently waited for her reply.
After a pause, Qiaoqiao shook her head, "No, I just felt that the paintings at the art museum were more fitting for the theme and could inspire me more precisely."
Seeing that Qiaoqiao's eyes were cast downwards as she spoke, Shi Xinxin knew she wasn't telling the truth.
She simply said, "With me, you don't need to worry about anything else. Just speak your mind, and I will consider it and resolve it fairly."
Hearing this, Qiaoqiao blinked, unsure how to begin. She finally said softly, "Teacher Si Li was very unsatisfied with this design draft and proposed many suggestions that clashed with yours. I felt she might look down on me, so she was just going through the motions."
After saying this, Qiaoqiao felt a deep sense of guilt and sighed.
So that was it. It was indeed common for new hires to encounter difficulties from experienced colleagues in the workplace.
However, Shi Xinxin hadn't expected such a situation to occur at CL!
Her expression immediately turned serious. Just then, Yang Yue knocked and entered the office, holding the documents Shi Xinxin had requested.
Shi Xinxin suppressed her anger and took the materials Yang Yue handed over.
"Are these the activities of everyone in the design department this morning?"
Yang Yue nodded, "Yes, Qiaoqiao went to see Si Li around noon."
Qiaoqiao chimed in with a nod, "Yes, I did look for Teacher Si Li during that time."
Shi Xinxin stopped looking at the documents and raised her eyes to Qiaoqiao, "Then why didn't you tell me about what you experienced there?"
Qiaoqiao was taken aback and slowly replied, "I didn't think it was a big deal. She also had urgent matters to attend to, so she couldn't possibly guide me so meticulously."
Shi Xinxin became even more displeased, "It was my intention for her to guide you. If she doesn't even listen to me, is she trying to rebel?"
Qiaoqiao fell silent.
"Fine, call her over. I want to see what she's been so busy with all day!" Shi Xinxin slammed the table.
Yang Yue immediately went to carry out the order. Qiaoqiao looked conflicted, "General Manager Shi, you usually don't have to do this..."
"You don't speak. The reason you're always bullied is because your personality is too weak. If you continue like this, how will you survive in the workplace!" Shi Xinxin said with unyielding authority.
Qiaoqiao blushed, feeling that Shi Xinxin was right, and sighed at her own meek nature.
Upon hearing Shi Xinxin's command, Si Li quickly arrived at the CEO's office.
She had a smile on her face when she entered, but upon seeing Qiaoqiao standing by the desk, her smile instantly vanished.
Qiaoqiao dared not look at her and silently stared at the floor.
Shi Xinxin intervened appropriately, "Why are you staring at her? I called you here."
Si Li's expression immediately changed, and she smiled and nodded, "You called me, Ms. Shi. Is there something you need?"
Shi Xinxin didn't answer and changed the topic, "If I recall correctly, you were an apprentice under Xiao Lin?"
She had discovered this when reviewing the documents. Si Li was merely an apprentice to a veteran of the design center, and her experience and knowledge might not even be as extensive as Qiaoqiao's. What kind of judgment did Qiaoqiao have, to pick such a weakling to target among so many capable individuals?
Her identity exposed in front of everyone, Si Li clenched her hands slightly and then nodded, "My mentor is currently abroad for advanced studies, so I'm temporarily filling her position."
"Alright," Shi Xinxin said, nodding without further questioning, "Then, starting today, I'm revoking your temporary position."
Si Li's eyes widened in disbelief, "Why!"
"Why? Why don't you ask yourself?" Shi Xinxin raised an eyebrow. "Who was being perfunctory, and who was being sarcastic and two-faced?"
These harsh words felt like knives slicing across Si Li's face. Her expression was one of extreme embarrassment, and she bit her lip tightly.
"I apologize. This morning, I had urgent matters to attend to, so I hastily offered a few suggestions. I wonder if Qiaoqiao has any opinions on the suggestions I made?"
Si Li cast an unfriendly glance at Qiaoqiao.
Qiaoqiao pursed her lips, "No..."
"I'm right here. Is there anything you can't tell me face-to-face?" Shi Xinxin directly interrupted their silent exchange.