This was too much.
First the slap.
Then two of the artiste she worked so hard were taken away.
Shen Yue was holding onto the naive hope that Chen Ying was merely threatening her. Who knew she would actually go through the process and have CEO Fu take away her pupil.
"I can't believe this. It's understandable for Chen Ying to create problems for you. But CEO Fu did what Chen Ying said without even bashing an eye? He even ignored that Manager Shen is a member of the senior management team who saw the company to its current position?" Even her assistant found it hard to swallow.
Shen Yue reclined into her chair and her eyes settled over a couple of files. These were the same files Chen Yi had left in her office the other day. Inevitably, Shen Yue was reminded of Chen Yi's preposition.
"F**k, I won't swallow down this grievance." Shen Yue was a proud person. She could be tactfully passive in front of Chen Ying. But being polite was one thing, being outrightly humiliated was another thing.
She wasn't someone who relied on dirty tricks to climb up like Qin Chanpu.
Her position in senior management was earned with blood and sweat.
She had her pride.
And her pride was irrevocably wounded by Chen Ying.
Her assistant cautioned as Shen Yue decided to take on Chen Yi's offer. "Are you certain? Can this Chen Yi be trusted? After this, we would be roped in with her. To openly go against CEO Fu fiancee..."
"I don't know if she can be trusted. But her hatred towards CEO Fu's fiancee can't be fake. And trust me when I say it, this Chen Yi is not simple. Se is someone with deep means. Even I am terrified of her." Shen Yue still went on and called Chen Yi.
...
Sitting over the couch, Li Quang had been playing with a Rubik's cube for the last hour. All alone, preoccupied with thought, his behaviour was somewhat odd. But no one seemed to notice. Let alone inquire or offer comfort.
After escorting all the guests out, Ye Zan claimed a seat over the couch a rubbed the skin between her brows. "So stressful but useless."
"Mom, I did what you told me but I don't understand the meaning behind all this." Li Min approached in slow steps.
"How was Wang Hualing's reaction? She did not suspect anything?" Ye Zan looked up and asked earnestly.
"Suspect? Mother, do you now know me?" Li Min eyes flashed before she snickered scornfully. "And who is even this Wang Hualing? She really locks the intelligence to see behind shallow words."
Ye Zan sighed before glaring at Li Min.
Li Min gave her younger brother a glance and bit her lip before restraining herself. "But why did I need to say these things to her. Wasn't you rejoicing when the news of Cousin's wedding came? Wouldn't it be good in our favour if the Wang family never joins hands with Cousin?"
"What do you understand child?" Ye Zan beckoned a servant and ordered him to bring some refreshing. Taking a sip, she felt the tiredness from organizing the gathering dissipating. "The possible link between your Uncle's side and the Wang family is as good as gone. We don't need to worry about that." As she said this, she couldn't repress a smile.
What Ye Zan dreaded the most was Li Luxain earning aid of the 'Wang' family by this marriage. Since that kid ruined the chance with his own hands, Ye Zan had one less thing to worry about.
"Is that really so?" Li Min was astonished. But if her mother believed that Wang Hualing's chance was ruined, then it must be true. Li Min smiled first before her expression crumbled to worry. "But then, this means the things I told her are all lies... At present, she really believes that cousin marriage is fake. What will come of this?"
Not only that, after being invited to the gathering, Wang Hualing experienced Li Luxian indifference.
That, too, in front of everyone.
Right now Wang Hualing, a spoilt and proud Young Miss was like a volcano that could hit eruption any second.
And who knew what she might do if that happens.
During the conversations, Li Min made subtle indications of how they supported 'Wang Hualing' and they would stand by her side if something were to happen to Chen Yi. This was all under her mother's directions.
"Nothing good for your Uncle's family." Ye Zan scoffed while cooly sipping onto the refreshment. Hatred seeped into her eyes as she recalled how Li Bai Yuan treated Li Luxian that day. "Speaking of which, that girl... is not simple. Li Min, when you have interactions with her in the future, remember to stay cautious."
"Mom, your worry is baseless." Li Min laughed it off.
Ye Zan shook her head.
This child... She was good but she was just too confident. Ye Zan feared it might hurt her back someday.
Ye Zan sighed before thinking of another matter. "Now if only we manage to get a good family daughter for Li Quang... Our footing would be better than Li Luxian." Speaking of her useless son, Ye Zan set her eyes on him. Seeing him idling around, she recalled how he had refused to go and greet Li Bai Yuan warmly. "You useless bastard, are you even listening?! Why haven't you approached the single girl I mentioned you to?"
Li Quang had long seen it coming. He sighed and put aside the cube, the cube being more messed than he had started. "Whatever you are planning... is useless." For once, he didn't keep it in and said the words that stifled his heart. "You can not beat Li Luxian. No one can. Give up."
"You...!"
Li Quang's words prickled Ye Zan's tender spot. Where Li Luxain stood today was where she earnestly wished to see her useless of a son stand. But he refused to cooperate. "Do you put our efforts in your heart? I worry day and night for your sake. Have you forgotten the days we were banished by your grandparents and lived in poverty? Did you like the ridiculing looks people threw our way? Is this how you want to spend your days? Is this how you want to see your mother? Your sister?"
"Fine! Do whatever you want to do!" Li Quang stood up and proceeded to make his way out. "Just don't blame me when these very actions of yours make you end up in the state you fear."
Behind him, he could hear more cussing but since he already had a lot in mind, he didn't stop to look back.