Chapter 6

Chapter 6

I didn't even know why I was so nervous. After all, I wasn't really Noah. The longer I kept up the lie, the heavier the burden I'd have to carry.

I'd even imagined Chloe's reaction: she'd see my confession, get angry, and reject my friend request.

Or she'd accept it first, yell at me, and then block me.

But Chloe accepted my request almost right away. She messaged me: "I knew you weren't Noah Bennett back at Xiti Hotel. Actually, I went to Jiayue to find you because I wanted to see what kind of trick you and Noah were playing."

My phone was slippery with sweat, and I could barely hold it. I was so nervous. "There was no trick," I typed back. "Noah just didn't want to go along with his family's arrangement, so I agreed to go on the date in his place. Oh, and I'll transfer you the money for the meal!"

I quickly sent her a transfer of 2,000 yuan.

Chloe didn't accept it. "Don't you want to know how I knew you weren't Noah?"

"It's not the Stone Age anymore," I typed, gradually calming down and turning back into the confident guy who'd talked to her about market analysis in the private room. "Finding out what Noah looks like is easy—especially since our families are friends."

From her messages, I could tell Chloe wasn't that angry.

Suddenly, I remembered something. I quickly sent a message to Noah's other phone: "Chloe knew you were tricking her during that first meal. You need to go home and confess to your dad right now—otherwise, you're gonna be in big trouble."

"We're already on our way to my house," Noah replied almost immediately. "I already told my girlfriend everything. Thanks, bro—I know you're looking out for me!"

"Good to know," I typed back, then turned my attention to Chloe. "Let me introduce myself properly. Let's start over."

Before I could finish typing my introduction, Chloe sent another message: "Ethan Carter, Noah's classmate from the same department. I already know all about you."

My mouth dropped open. I felt like a seahorse whose disguise had been seen through a long time ago. Embarrassment and frustration washed over me. If she'd known who I really was all along, why had she kept coming to see me?

Was it because she was bored—since we were from different worlds—and wanted to toy with me to pass the time?

I felt utterly powerless. Even through the screen, I could imagine Chloe's eyes and her smile—like she was mocking me.

We really weren't from the same world. Even if I dressed myself up in the clothes of a wealthy heir, I'd never belong in their circle.

"My team and I discussed it," Chloe typed quickly. "We think casual venues like Jiayue are still an emerging industry in this city—they're not saturated yet. If I jump in now, there's still profit to be made!"

Another message came right after: "Since you and Noah tricked me earlier, you have to join my team as a market consultant to make up for it."

I was just a small internet café owner, and Chloe's words made me feel like she was holding me by the throat. Should I refuse? I'd lied to her first, so I felt like I owed her. But if I didn't refuse—

Chloe's investment was also an opportunity for me. "Okay, but what if your team objects to me being parachuted in like this?" I asked.

Chloe replied: "That's your problem to solve. I need you to get up to speed quickly. Once I finalize the project, the first round of investment will be in place soon. Come to Room 1907, Wenxuan Building tomorrow—I'll introduce you to the team."

That was it—no more discussion. I didn't feel the least bit happy. I knew the real challenge was tomorrow.

The internet café already ran like a well-oiled machine, and Noah usually kept an eye on it when I wasn't around, so I didn't have to worry about it. Now that Noah had taken his girlfriend home, I had no one to talk to about this. I'd just have to take it one step at a time.

The next day, I went to Wenxuan Building as Chloe had told me.

The entire 19th floor belonged to a company called "Huimei Cultural and Creative." I found Room 1907 and walked in.

It was a conference room, and there were already more than twenty people sitting inside. Chloe was sitting at the head of the table, legs crossed, exuding the aura of a leader.

This woman was like a chameleon—she could be anyone she wanted to be! I knew right then that this was either a test. "Hello, everyone. I'm your new market consultant."

As soon as I finished speaking, Chloe stood up. "The Market Research Department, Market Development Department, and Financial Research Department will be merged into the new Marketing Department effective immediately. Your positions and salaries will remain the same. Take some time to get to know your new market consultant. I expect you all to get up to speed quickly."

With that, she walked out through a side door, leaving the newly merged Marketing Department in the conference room with me.

As soon as Chloe left, the room erupted into chatter. Some people smiled and greeted me: "Nice to meet you!"

Others frowned and whispered to their neighbors: "He's a parachute hire, isn't he? Wonder if he's actually got any skills."

"He looks so ordinary."

Some even winked and said: "…Is he here to mooch off the boss?"

I still didn't fully understand what was going on, but I knew I had to play the role of "market consultant" well. By the time I walked out of that conference room, I had to earn their respect.

One guy looked at me with disdain, arms crossed—clearly thinking I was just here to mooch. His arrogant gaze seemed to say: "Let's see what you've got, punk!"

I'd already embarrassed myself enough to last a lifetime. I wasn't the bravest person, but I was definitely thick-skinned—otherwise, I never would have argued with Chloe about "ten-well-done steak."

I walked over to the whiteboard on the wall, picked up a marker, and wrote: "What is a market consultant?"

When they saw what I'd written, someone laughed out loud. "Are you an idiot? Give you an inch, and you take a mile!"

Laughter echoed around the room. Some people shook their heads and stood up, heading for the door. "No need to stay and watch a clown show. This guy won't last a week."

I knew I couldn't let them leave. Chloe— that crafty woman—was probably watching me from some room nearby. I let out a loud laugh.

My laugh silenced the room. They probably thought I'd lost my mind.

The few people heading for the door kept walking, determined to leave.

"You call me a clown?" I said, my voice ringing through the conference room. "I think you're the clowns. Since none of you know what a market consultant is, let me explain: I'm in charge of organizing your work requirements, designing solutions, overseeing implementation—everything. If you don't like it, go talk to Chloe Morgan. She personally appointed me to this position."

I looked around, taking in everyone's expressions with a cold smile.

"There's only one Marketing Department now," I said, standing tall and puffing out my chest. "And I'm the market consultant."

I couldn't back down now. If I showed even a hint of weakness, these arrogant jerks would walk all over me.