Chapter 837: Something Happened
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Seeing Huangfu Ruiling’s genuinely surprised expression, Ye Leng’an smiled slightly and then spoke, “You really couldn’t tell at all! Zhongyu Lingshan today looks quite similar to me! If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought Lian Mengzhu gave birth to a pair of twins!”
No, perhaps more accurately, she and Zhongyu Lingshan gave off a similar vibe. It was just unclear whether it was a coincidence or intentional.
After hearing Ye Leng’an’s response, Huangfu Ruiling couldn’t help but furrow his brows. “She looks like you?”
“Yes!” Ye Leng’an nodded earnestly. “I believe your mother’s insistence on persuading you to stay for lunch today is related to this. I just wonder if it’s her idea or the Hidden World’s Zhongyu family’s.”
In her heart, she leaned more towards the decision made by the Hidden World’s Zhongyu family. After all, it was not easy for a mortal world family to contact the Hidden World. Besides, she remembered Zhongyu Liuying mentioning earlier that Zhongyu Lingshan was a direct descendant of the Hidden World’s Zhongyu family.
Huangfu Ruiling’s tone carried a hint of coldness. “Their plans have nothing to do with me. However, if they expect my cooperation, it’s out of the question.”
Hearing Huangfu Ruiling’s words, Ye Leng’an chuckled softly. “If your mother saw this, she’d be livid. But I must admit, I admire their persistence! Regardless, they keep stirring up trouble.”
“Probably because they have too much free time,” Huangfu Ruiling said lightly, a hint of danger in his tone. “Seems like we need to keep them busy after the New Year.”
Since Huangfu Jingzhang and Zhongyu Liuying had so much free time, he had ways to keep them occupied.
“If they found out, they’d surely regret it.” Ye Leng’an laughed and shook her head. “But it’s still the New Year; let them enjoy it! However, the ancestral mansion should be lively during the New Year. Especially Huangfu Ruixiang, his days will surely be enjoyable.”
To be blunt, having a doting wife and concubine was quite something. However, this was the 21st century, not feudal times. Coexisting under the same roof wasn’t ideal, considering the potential conflicts between two women.
But none of this concerned her.
“Don’t worry about other people’s affairs,” Huangfu Ruiling said, pulling Ye Leng’an closer. His tone softened, lacking the earlier coldness, replaced with tenderness and indulgence. “Let’s think about how we’ll celebrate the New Year together!”
Ye Leng’an didn’t resist; she simply lay down, resting her head on Huangfu Ruiling’s lap. “Last year, we were overseas for the New Year. This year, celebrating in the capital will be more lively. But there’s one thing…”
She smiled at Huangfu Ruiling and continued, “Neither of us knows how to cook. We’ll probably have to have our New Year’s Eve dinner delivered.”
“Alright.” Huangfu Ruiling smiled back. “There should be plenty of activities in the malls. Let’s go check them out together.”
“Sounds good!”
The two happily discussed their New Year plans, much like any ordinary couple. Or perhaps, it would be more accurate to say they were like newlyweds planning their lives together.
While they enjoyed their sweet, blissful moments, Zhou Cui’an’s life wasn’t as comfortable.
Previously, thanks to Murong Yumeng’s referral, she secured a part-time job. Then, due to Murong Yumeng’s recommendation, she was assigned the task of procurement.
Anyone familiar with the industry knew how complex procurement could be. Zhou Cui’an wasn’t an expert, but she had heard stories. Still, being a novice, she didn’t dare to be too bold. She only dared to discreetly accept some kickbacks from the mall.
The kickbacks weren’t substantial, just over twenty thousand. Yet, for Zhou Cui’an, it was a considerable sum. It was even more than what she’d earned working the entire winter break at the company.
She’d heard tales of people buying houses in the capital with such kickbacks. However, being just a seasonal worker and inexperienced, she wasn’t daring enough. Still, she found solace in the relatively modest amount she’d received, ensuring a safer path.
However, she hadn’t anticipated the trouble that ensued.
Of course, it wasn’t because her kickbacks were uncovered but due to a quality issue with the batch of goods she procured.
This time, she was tasked with purchasing New Year’s gifts for the employees. Unexpectedly, there was a quality problem with the snacks in one of the gift boxes. Many employees discovered it upon opening.
The incident caused quite a stir, prompting the company to launch an investigation.
As the person directly involved in procurement, Zhou Cui’an was naturally under scrutiny.
Upon hearing news of the investigation, Zhou Cui’an panicked.
This procurement wasn’t entirely clean; she’d taken kickbacks to select this particular gift box. However, she’d exercised caution at the time, personally inspecting each option before making her decision.
Though she sought some personal gain, she didn’t want any issues to arise and implicate her. Hence, she’d been meticulous in her selection.
Yet, trouble still found her.
Her greatest fear now was that if the company uncovered her kickbacks during the investigation, she’d be ruined.
Taking kickbacks wasn’t just a moral dilemma; it was a legal one. If the company pursued the matter, she feared she’d face charges and end up with a criminal record.