"As long as you’re clear about it and don’t let others bully you," Shi Lan said, after having put down the documents she was holding, "the team management is becoming more harmonious now; it seems I really can retire with my mission accomplished."
"What are you talking about, boss? Every strategic decision made at Peak has been indispensable without your insight."
"Stop with the flattery. I’ll leave once I’m done here. I might be pretty busy for a while, but after that, it’ll be up to you and Huahai to collaborate," Shi Lan patted Sun Ling on the shoulder, "Of course, you can call me about other private matters, too."
"Boss, what kind of boss are you going to fight this time?"
"The ultimate one," Shi Lan said and left the office. After getting the Shi Family in order, there was no need for her and Yan Shixiu to hide their relationship any longer.
Before going to the appointment, Shi Lan sent a message to Yan Shixiu telling him not to worry, as she would be bringing Huo Zhao with her.
However, the mother and daughter had never seen eye to eye before, and now they were practically strangers to each other; the scene might not be too pretty when they meet.
They had agreed to meet at the Laibo Hotel. Shi Lan knew her mother was never early, so she deliberately arrived forty minutes late.
When Shi’s mother arrived and didn’t see anyone, her face flushed with anger. She had never imagined that someone could outdo her in tardiness.
The more she thought about it, the angrier Shi’s mother became. Just as she was about to get up from her chair and leave, Shi Lan, wrapped up tightly, entered the private banquet hall.
"A latte for the lady and a glass of water for me, thank you."
Hearing the word "latte," Shi’s mother sat back down, crossing her legs and letting out a cold laugh, as she took out her cigarettes from her bag and lit one.
"Smoking can’t cover up the panic inside you," Shi Lan said as before, putting down her bag, taking off her hat and mask, and sitting down in front of her mother.
Shi’s mother looked surprised.
She had originally thought it would be some socialite or competent woman, but it was just a little artist?
This was Yan Shixiu’s taste?
Thus, Shi’s mother sneered sarcastically.
Dealing with such a small artist was easier than stepping on an ant for her, wasn’t it?
"You actually had the guts to come. Yan Shixiu really is from a humble background, even marrying an insignificant actor as his lawful wife, it’s truly beyond comprehension," she said scornfully.
Shi Lan had grown almost callous to the term "actor"; was it that no matter the authenticity of one’s wealth, no one bothered to use any other descriptor?
"I don’t know about being an actor, but I think it’s surely better than someone who, in order to marry into the Shi Family, spread rumors about her own sister’s premarital pregnancy, tarnishing her sister’s reputation and then taking her place in a marriage, right?"
Hearing Shi Lan’s words, Shi’s mother’s eyes widened in disbelief, looking at the girl across from her.
Almost no one knew about that incident, how could she know?
"Where did you hear about that? Did Yan Shixiu tell you?"
"Yan Shixiu wouldn’t be aware of the Shi Family’s disgrace," Shi Lan sneered, "After the young master of the Shi Family realized he had been schemed against, he went back to your sister, and they both had an affair. With your crying and fuss, it was not easy for you to keep the position of Mrs. Shi. A few years later, you sent your sister abroad."
"You’re talking nonsense!" Shi’s mother, having her shortcomings exposed, slammed the table in anger and shame.
"I don’t just know about your disgrace, I also know... about the scandals of everyone in the Shi Family."
After hearing Shi Lan’s words, Shi’s mother suddenly calmed down and asked uncertainly, "Are you saying, the other people of the Shi Family?"
"These recent times, you must have been tormented to the point of nearly having a mental breakdown, right?"