66 Exchange Conditions

Monday morning.

As the morning sun shone through the rooftop conference room of Shiming Group, the atmosphere of the morning meeting became serious.

Xi Mingyuan sat in the main seat, his dark gray suit highlighting his cold and stern face.

"Technical Department." His voice was steady. "The second phase of the South Boat project is 15 percent behind schedule. I need a convincing explanation."

Wen Xueyan looked up: "There are disagreements with the client regarding the verification of technical parameters. Their response has been slow, and they have repeatedly revised the pipeline design drawings, causing delays."

"Poor communication is never an excuse." Xi Mingyuan's gaze was sharp. "As the technical director, breaking down communication barriers is your responsibility. Passively waiting is dereliction of duty."

"Okay, we'll improve communication."

Xi Mingyuan then turned to the CFO: "The finance department's budget execution report. Last quarter, the costs of all three projects exceeded 10%, and your early warning mechanism was practically non-existent. Financial control isn't about post-event accounting; it's about proactive warnings and ongoing control."

Fine beads of sweat appeared on the forehead of CFO Gu Yunfei.

"I want to see the technical department's solution and the finance department's rectification report by noon tomorrow," Xi Mingyuan said coldly.

Xi Mingyuan maintained an unyielding distance from everyone.

Looking at Xi Mingyuan's serious expression, Wen Xueyan thought to herself that it seemed he couldn't break his habit of being just as serious about meetings with her.

After the other departments finished their reports, Xi Mingyuan got up and left.

After the morning meeting, Wen Xueyan was organizing the documents in front of her when Zhou Weian, the director of the human resources department, came over and said, "Director Wen, please come to my office. I need to talk to you alone."

The HR director closed the door.

Zhou Weian pushed an evaluation report in front of Wen Xueyan, his face showing formulaic regret: "Director Wen, after comprehensive evaluation, we believe that your performance during the probationary period has not fully met the requirements of the technical director position."

Wen Xueyan didn't look at the report: "Failed to meet the requirements? What specific aspects are you referring to?"

Zhou Wei'an leaned back in his chair, his tone carrying a hint of nonchalance: "For example, in the field of chemical machinery, your knowledge seems insufficient. The company needs to consider long-term development, and the technical leader must be proficient in all aspects. Didn't President Xi criticize the technical department's project delays this morning?"

"President Xi also criticized the finance department. Will the CFO also be fired?" Wen Xueyan asked rhetorically.

Zhou Wei'an paused for a moment, then changed the subject, "Director Wen, your situation is special right now. I think it would be better for you to go home and focus on your pregnancy. There are some unpleasant rumors circulating that you only married President Xi because of this. After all, everyone has seen that President Xi's attitude towards you seems rather indifferent. Why stay at the company and suffer, only to attract gossip?"

Wen Xueyan calmly responded: "Director Zhou, my work ability should be measured by project results and professional judgment, not by rumors."

"Professional value?" Zhou Wei'an took out another document from the drawer, this time with a distinctly aggressive tone. "Then please explain why this preliminary recommendation on equipment selection for the new district chemical plant is similar to the project plan you participated in at Norsai Chemical that ultimately failed to materialize? Some have pointed out that you may be trying to apply potentially risky past experience without sufficient knowledge, which could cause losses to the company!"

Wen Xueyan took the document and quickly scanned it, her anger rising. This was a complete fabrication, taken out of context. The core reason for the project's failure lay in the unique local geological conditions and environmental policies; the equipment selection itself had been proven reliable. She began to refute it meticulously, citing data.

However, Zhou Weian clearly didn't understand the technical details. He waved his hand impatiently: "Enough, Director Wen! Arguing about these technical details is pointless. For the overall benefit of the company, I think your resignation is the most dignified way. Wouldn't it be better to go home, rest during your pregnancy, and enjoy some peace and quiet?"

When the other party no longer follows the logic of rules, any professional explanation seems pale and powerless. Wen Xueyan felt a deep sense of exhaustion and helplessness.

A clear knock came at the door.

Before Zhou Weian could respond, the office door was pushed open.

Xi Mingyuan appeared at the door. His gaze swept across the room before finally settling on Wen Xueyan's face.

“Director Zhou,” Xi Mingyuan’s voice was calm, but carried an invisible pressure, “I heard you have some particular issues with my wife that require us to talk about it privately for so long behind closed doors.”

Zhou Wei'an was clearly taken aback by Xi Mingyuan's personal visit, a flicker of panic crossing his face, but he quickly plastered a smile on his lips: "President Xi, we're currently discussing the probationary period evaluation with Director Wen. Considering Director Wen's qualifications, it's possible..."

"What are your thoughts?" President Xi asked.

"I wouldn't dare say that. I originally thought that Director Wen could start as a technical specialist to accumulate more experience, but considering her current special physical condition and the fact that she is your wife, we are only suggesting that she go home and rest properly out of good intentions." Although his words were tactful, the subtle neglect towards Wen Xueyan was still faintly discernible.

Xi Mingyuan did not respond to Zhou Wei'an, but turned to Wen Xueyan who was standing to the side.

The HR director's office door was open, and someone was looking over with curiosity.

He took off his suit jacket, walked up to Wen Xueyan, and handed her the jacket, still warm from his body heat. His voice was completely devoid of the arrogance and seriousness he had displayed during the meeting: "Xueyan, Director Zhou often smokes. The air here is bad, which is not good for our baby. Besides, you must be tired from standing for so long. Take this suit back to my office and wait for me on my sofa. I'll drive you to your prenatal checkup later."

This sudden display of intimacy startled Wen Xueyan slightly.

As is well known, Xi Mingyuan is very wary and has never allowed anyone to be alone in his office before.

Wen Xueyan looked up, took the finely crafted suit, the soft wool fabric heavy in her hand, like a silent flag declaring sovereignty, and then turned and left.

Xi Mingyuan then turned his gaze back to Zhou Weian, his gentle expression instantly vanishing, replaced by a cold sharpness.

“Director Zhou,” he began slowly, “you question whether Xueyan’s understanding of chemical machinery is inferior to that of Deputy Director Lin? Then, in the large-scale chemical project in Dongfeng that we successfully bid for last month, who was it that withstood the repeated questioning from the opposing expert group at the technical defense meeting and ultimately convinced them of the final selection of the core reactor? Was it Deputy Director Lin, or Director Wen, whom you described as ‘slightly less experienced’? Do I need to list the other projects for you one by one?”

Xi Mingyuan's tone remained calm, yet carried immense weight: "The company's long-term development relies on the ability to overcome difficulties and create value, not on seniority."

His gaze swept over the report on the table. "As for this document, Director Zhou is experienced in human resources management and should know better than I do how to handle framing a senior executive and undermining the company's core technology, according to the company's articles of association."

Zhou Wei'an's face turned completely pale.

"President Xi, I absolutely did not mean that. There must be some misunderstanding..." Zhou Weian tried to explain.

“I hope this really is just a 'misunderstanding',” Xi Mingyuan interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “Director Wen’s technical skills and professional qualities are the result of mutual recognition by me and the board of directors.”

He paused, his gaze shifting to the employees watching from outside the office, who dared not approach. He raised his voice slightly: "Technical Director Wen Xueyan is my wife. I respect and support her career choices and abilities. I hope you will all respect her professional judgment and authority as much as you respect my decisions. If anyone wants to quit, they can resign."

The surrounding chatter completely disappeared, and the gazes of the crowd were filled with awe.

A few minutes later, Xi Mingyuan returned to his office.

Wen Xueyan looked up at the man who had just defended her in front of everyone. Now, he had shed all his warm facade and reverted to his usual aloof demeanor.

She asked, "I have some doubts. Since you were so protective of me in the HR department just now, why couldn't you be a little gentler with me in the morning meeting and in everyday work situations? If you consistently showed the corresponding respect, perhaps those people in the HR department wouldn't dare to easily harbor any ill intentions." Her tone carried a rational inquiry.

He looked up: "The protection I just gave was a performance based on our mutual understanding, with a clear purpose: to establish your position within the company. When the script requires it, I will naturally immerse myself in the role."

He paused slightly.

"But in purely work settings, such as meetings, I'm used to maintaining absolute rationality and distance. I treat all subordinates equally, including you. Special treatment blurs the boundaries of power and erodes the fairness and efficiency of judgment, which is not my guiding principle. Go to your office and tidy up, then I'll take you to the hospital for your prenatal checkup. We'll talk in more detail on the way."

*

In the hospital, Cheng Boyan and Fang Xiyi had just stepped out of the ward when a hurried voice came from behind them.

"Mr. Cheng, please wait a moment."

The two turned around and saw Xu Junxian's lawyer, Song Zhide, walking briskly towards them. He first nodded to Fang Xiyi, then looked at Cheng Boyan: "There are some matters concerning Ms. Xu that require our private discussion. What do you think…"

Cheng Boyan understood and said to Fang Xiyi, "Wait for me a moment."

The two walked to a secluded spot by the pillars.

“Ms. Xu asked me to pass on a suggestion,” Attorney Song said bluntly. “She is willing for you to draft the divorce agreement and go directly to the Civil Affairs Bureau to get a divorce, without having to go through the lengthy litigation process.”

Cheng Boyan's gaze darkened slightly: "Exchange terms?"

Attorney Song responded, "As long as she gets out of the detention center, she will go to the Civil Affairs Bureau with you that same day. Do you agree? Only you can persuade Ms. Qiao to drop the charges. We can sign an agreement."

Welcome all readers and fans to leave comments and vote! Thank you for your support.

No way! That's so unfair to the other party and Assistant Qiao, and what if she goes back on her word?

That makes sense! Thank you for reading and commenting.

No, President Cheng has no right to agree to this. She hurt Qiao Lanyue.

Thank you for reading and commenting.

I cannot agree to that. No one can forgive for another.

Okay, thank you for reading and leaving a comment.

The daily updates are too infrequent, which negatively impacts the reading experience.

Thank you for reading and for your encouragement. I'll try to update more tomorrow.

Perhaps Mr. Cheng has a solution that satisfies both sides.