The Undercover Heir is Actually Tycoon's Secret Girlfriend-Chapter 336 - 272

The scent at the tip of her nose was chaotic.

Rong Zhi frowned, her gaze swept across the table as she carefully identified the raw materials that hadn’t been destroyed.

Blackened, if it weren’t for her extensive knowledge of the materials, she couldn’t have distinguished what was on the table.

The competition was forced to pause; she asked for gloves and sorted out everything, placing them aside.

The others gathered around to watch her handle it, until Han Xiqiao returned after getting bandaged; she was injured, making it unlikely for her to continue the competition.

Rong Zhi picked up a half-charred herb, bringing it close to her nose; a pungent smell instantly invaded her nostrils.

She pressed her lips together, understanding the situation.

The herb, called Bone Scent, is a plant that grows near graves. She had seen it a few times when she accompanied Fu Liang to honor ancestors. Thumb-sized with sharp leaf edges, it has no real use.

However, when mixed with the sap of another flower called Purple Crystal Vine, it emits a nauseating stench and explodes upon heating.

She had just seen the crushed and remaining blossoms of the Purple Crystal Vine on Han Xiqiao’s table.

Han Xiqiao wouldn’t make such a blatant mistake; someone must have tampered with her original materials, causing the perfume to explode.

Rong Zhi discarded the herb, removed her gloves, and calmly said, "Clean this up, the competition continues."

He Qianqiu, whose hand at his side clenched and released, smiled appropriately upon hearing this, "But Han Xiqiao’s hand is injured, can she... still compete?"

Of course not, but if Han Xiqiao doesn’t compete, it equates to an automatic forfeit.

Han Xiqiao pressed down on the wound of her right hand, frowned, and firmly stated, "Director Ying, it’s just a minor injury, I’m still okay."

Rong Zhi glanced sideways, "Are you sure?"

Han Xiqiao nodded emphatically.

"Alright then."

Rong Zhi said nothing more, having just glanced at Han Xiqiao’s wound; though it looked intimidating, it was indeed manageable.

She stepped aside, allowing the logistics staff to clean the scene before the competition resumed.

He Qianqiu’s expression froze momentarily, and Zhao Mi behind her looked even gloomier.

Neither expected Han Xiqiao, injured as she was, would insist on competing. Why not simply concede and enjoy the rest?

But since Han Xiqiao wanted to compete, He Qianqiu’s eyes narrowed slightly. She would show her what true power looked like.

Approaching noon, all six perfumes were completed.

Ying Cenchuan gestured for the assistant to send them to the sales department.

Han Xiqiao approached the young man, lowered her head, eyes full of guilt, "I’m sorry, Director Ying, I..."

She ultimately failed Rong Zhi’s expectations, unable to control the measurements precisely during the blending, acknowledging her errors.

Undoubtedly, she lost the competition.

Rong Zhi patted her shoulder, speaking slowly, "It’s alright, the fact you persisted is good enough."

The fault wasn’t hers, managing to endure despite the pain was commendable.

Yet Han Xiqiao did not find comfort, sniffing her nose, deciding to have some alone time for self-reflection.

Rong Zhi let her go, joining Ying Cenchuan upstairs to deal with affairs. When the sales department results arrived at the office in the afternoon, predictably, the perfume Han Xiqiao blended received the fewest votes.

-

Research and Development Department.

Zhao Mi stood arrogantly before Han Xiqiao, arms crossed, mocking, "Without great abilities, don’t take on porcelain tasks, Han Xiqiao, how does it feel to slap yourself in the face?"

At her words, nearby laughter rang out, neither too loud nor too soft.

Han Xiqiao pressed on the wound, using pain as a reminder to remain calm, "The results aren’t out yet, rushing here to flaunt your presence?"

Zhao Mi’s eyes mocked, "If you want someone to blame, blame following the most useless boss in the company..."

"Is that so?"

Before Zhao Mi could continue, a low, pleasant voice behind interrupted her.

Everyone turned their heads in unison.

The young man, tall like a bamboo, stood at the entrance of the R&D department, holding some documents in his arm, looking at them indifferently.

Zhao Mi was suddenly startled, meeting her cold gaze, she subconsciously backed off.

Others lowered their heads, awkwardly greeting, "Director Ying."

Rong Zhi responded with a neutral "Hmm."

She sat on an empty seat casually, legs crossed, her tone indifferent, "Go on."

This statement rang like a muffled thunder, dispelling all gossip and waking everyone up completely, "Sorry, Director Ying, we shouldn’t have..."

Zhao Mi was even more flustered.

Some words are better whispered behind closed doors; being overheard publicly was a deliberate provocation.

Facing the teenager’s calmness, Zhao Mi couldn’t help wiping the sweat off her forehead.

Fortunately, Rong Zhi didn’t seriously tell them to continue. Her gaze swept around, asking, "Where’s Director He?"

Zhao Mi immediately raised her hand, "Director He is in a meeting room discussing cooperation."

She glanced at Rong Zhi, hoping to see some different reaction on her face.

But there was no response from her, besides placing the documents on the table, she said calmly, "Okay, notify her to find me once she’s done."

Rong Zhi nodded at Han Xiqiao, indicating for her to follow.

They quickly entered the chief’s office, the door closed, releasing everyone from that intangible pressure, allowing them to exhale heavily.

Just her presence made them feel like their heads were tied to their waistbands, unaware of when she might say a word and they’d have to leave this world.

-

With the door closed, Han Xiqiao stood upright.

A pure white box slid in front of her, "Special medicine, take it home and use it."

Han Xiqiao: "Ah?"

For her?

Opening the box, inside lay a porcelain bottle. Opening it revealed light green liquid inside, the bottle’s design was clever, allowing precise measurement for use.

Han Xiqiao didn’t hesitate, she thanked while storing the porcelain bottle.

Rong Zhi nodded, let her sit nearby to continue reading; soon the door was knocked, and He Qianqiu entered.

"Director, you were looking for me."

He Qianqiu spoke gracefully.

Rong Zhi didn’t lift her head, placing a folder on the table, tapping it lazily, "Take a look."

Unclear, He Qianqiu assumed it was the cooperation proposal with RH Group. However, after reading only two lines, she realized it was an analysis report detailing various scents.

She was momentarily stunned, "This is?"

Rong Zhi finally lifted her head, fingers interlaced under her chin, relaxedly leaning back, "Data extracted from Zhao Mi’s hands."

He Qianqiu paused abruptly.

"You’re smart, turning off all the cameras in the R&D room."

The teenager’s voice was indifferent, calm and steady.

He Qianqiu’s mouth twitched, lowering her gaze with a smile, "I don’t know what you’re talking about, what cameras turned off, I..."

"Do you need to see a more detailed analysis report?" Rong Zhi interrupted.

He Qianqiu’s smile vanished.

If Rong Zhi could speak this way, she must have substantial proof.

Just unclear... how she managed it.

No matter how much He Qianqiu calculated, she couldn’t fathom Rong Zhi’s thought process. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

With everything exposed, He Qianqiu didn’t bother pretending anymore, she took a slow breath, staring into those clear eyes, "Director Ying, I know you bear resentment towards me for failing to manage them; I apologize to you here."

She bowed slightly, then straightened quickly, "But I solemnly ask, I have been devoted to the Ying Family, should I not be allowed that position?"