Chapter 15

After the anniversary celebration, Cai Siyue took a full two weeks of sick leave, citing illness. Zhuang Yazhi stared at the empty seat, lost in thought. As the general manager, she felt it was essential to show more concern for her subordinates, especially when they were sick.

"Li Si, please prepare a fine fruit basket for me. We'll go see Manager Cai together later."

Before even entering the house, I could hear a commotion upstairs from downstairs—arguments, the sound of things being smashed, all very noisy and chaotic.

"Oh my god!" Cai Xincheng was at his wits' end. He pleaded and pounded on the door, "You haven't left the house for a week. What happened? You didn't tell me. You're going to worry your dad to death!"

After the last vase was smashed, Cai Siyue finally stopped, exhausted, and leaned against the cabinet, panting and sobbing: "Liar, liar, you are a big liar."

Cai Siyue hadn't eaten much for a week, and now she was crying silently and weakly. Cai Xincheng, unable to hear anything from inside, could only kick the door open in desperation.

What are you doing?

Cai Xincheng was both heartbroken and angry, and worried that the shards of the vase might hurt his daughter, so he quickly pushed them away.

Cai Xinyue cried miserably, her eyes swollen and red: "She doesn't love me, she abandoned me, she had a new son with another man, and you never told me. You kept me in the dark like a fool. You've been lying to me all along."

Cai Xincheng felt embarrassed. He knew that his ex-wife, Shen Qianli, had remarried and had a child, but he had no interest in knowing who she married or who the child was.

He couldn't bear to see his daughter so heartbroken, so he patiently comforted her, saying, "I don't care who her new man is, or how many sons she has. She's not important at all. What's important is your dad. Dad will always be by your side."

He only has one daughter, and he cherishes her dearly; she is his everything.

"But...but..." Cai Siyue sobbed uncontrollably, unable to breathe, a sight that was heartbreaking to watch.

"I want a mom too."

She had wanted her mother since she was a child, and this had been a secret she had kept inside for many years.

Cai Siyue cried for a while before she gradually calmed down. Afterwards, she recalled the scene that night, but she couldn't understand why her father's emotions were so calm.

"You just said that you don't care who her new man is. Does that mean you don't care, or you don't know?" Cai Siyue felt that something was wrong.

When Shen Qianli was mentioned, Cai Xincheng felt exhausted and sighed several times while sitting there.

Although it was regrettable, it was all in the past, and he didn't want to dwell on it anymore.

"I don't know, and I don't want to know."

"Oh my god..." Cai Siyue felt like the sky was about to fall. To her surprise, her father didn't know.

When he first came in, Cai Xincheng didn't think much of it, but now he's starting to see some clues. He's worried that his daughter will be hurt if she finds out some things, so he resists but also presses her for answers: "Yueyue, tell Daddy, did she do something to hurt you?"

Realizing that his daughter might be harmed, Cai Xincheng instantly lost his temper and couldn't wait to know the cause and effect of the matter.

Cai Siyue's mind was in a mess right now; she was anxious and agitated. She didn't know how to bring this up with her father. "I don't know, I don't know."

"Dad, you go out first. I need to calm down by myself." She wouldn't allow Cai Xincheng to refuse, and after pushing him out, she locked herself in the bathroom.

Cai Xincheng was saddened, yet helpless: "My daughter."

But he also knew his daughter's temper very well. If she didn't want to talk, even holding a knife to her throat wouldn't help. No matter how urgent it was, he could only wait outside.

"Chairman Cai?"

"Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you."

Zhuang Yazhi bumped into Cai Xincheng, who looked dejected, at the corner of the stairs.

"Manager Zhuang." Cai Xincheng hurriedly tidied himself up, not wanting others to see his embarrassment.

Ten minutes later, the two met in the garden.

Zhuang Yazhi asked with concern, "I heard that Manager Cai was sick. How is he now?"

Cai Xincheng, feeling guilty, tried to cover it up: "Much better, much better. I can go back to work in a few days." He didn't want to expose his family's dirty laundry; he just wanted to get rid of Zhuang Yazhi as soon as possible.

Before coming, Zhuang Yazhi prepared two documents, which are now placed on the table: "Perhaps these two documents can help Chairman Cai, and may even lend a hand at a critical moment."

Cai Xincheng was skeptical. Was he really being so kind?

Zhuang Yazhi left the documents and left without lingering.

The choice is up to Cai Xincheng himself.

When Zhuang Yazhi returned home in the evening, she felt something was wrong as soon as she entered the door. When she saw that familiar figure in the living room, she immediately wanted to leave.

A thief broke into the house.

"Oh my, my darling daughter is back." Zhuang Haiming's smile was so fake as he pulled Zhuang Yazhi in, pretending to be affectionate.

"Come, come, Mr. Shen. He was invited by your mother to come and have a chat. You young people have a lot to talk about, so you can come and chat together."

She was pushed next to Shen Yiheng for no reason, even though she was clearly resisting both physically and mentally.

Zhuang Haiming was definitely doing it on purpose; he slipped away in the blink of an eye, leaving only the pretentious Shen Yiheng and her, who only wanted to escape, in the empty living room.

Shen Yiheng, dressed in a suit and tie, sat upright and made tea with a composed demeanor as if he were sitting at home: "There's tea for you to drink."

Zhuang Yazhi took a sip, looking disgusted, and said it didn't seem like he was faking it.

"It tastes awful, really awful."

After finishing their tea and conversation, Zhuang Yazhi got up to leave.

"I heard you're planning to usurp the throne."

A casual remark drifted from behind, enough to halt Zhuang Yazhi's steps.

"You investigated me?" Zhuang Yazhi turned around angrily.

Shen Yiheng sighed softly at the aroma of the tea, leisurely appreciating his own beauty.

The two men, one tall and one short, faced off in silence, neither willing to yield an inch.

Despite being caught out, Zhuang Yazhi never lowered his proud head; the back-and-forth struggle only made him more arrogant.

“I’ll help you.” Shen Yiheng responded with a firm gaze, confident and composed because he had the overall situation under control, and eager to be given the opportunity to lend a helping hand.

"You want the right to inherit the dealership? I'll help you snatch it."

"If you want Haicheng, I'll give it to you."

There was one more thing Shen Yiheng didn't say: he wanted Zhuang Yazhi more, he wanted him. Just like he craved power and inheritance, he would stop at nothing to seize him, seeing him as his target.

Zhuang Yazhi remained calm and unperturbed. Every piece of bait he personally delivered was clearly priced; he was not one to suffer a loss.

He appears to be extremely innocent and kind, but he's clearly treating her like a fish in the water, wantonly playing with her and trying to catch her.

"Thanks."

A hint of surprise flashed in Shen Yiheng's eyes; he had actually agreed.

Zhuang Yazhi raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on her lips, and turned to leave with an air of nonchalance.

Thanks, but no need.

This was even more insulting than a direct and clear rejection. Shen Yiheng lowered his voice and took a heavy breath.

Zhuang Yazhi, well done.

He stared silently in the direction Zhuang Yazhi had left, a restless heart beginning to stir.

After the scene in the living room, the atmosphere at the dining table was particularly strange. Shen Yiheng ate his meal in a huff, while Zhuang Yazhi ignored him. The two elders stared at each other, and although they didn't know what had happened, it seemed that a fight was not far off.

"Xiao Shen, eat more vegetables." Su Sinan broke the silence, and also nudged Zhuang Yazhi's arm to signal her to greet the guest.

Zhuang Yazhi responded indifferently, then adopted the manner of a host and politely invited, "Eat up, Xiao Shen."

Shen Yiheng froze for a second as he picked up his chopsticks. He was annoyed, but he still looked up and greeted him with a smile: "Okay, Xiao Zhuang."

After finishing her polite greetings, Zhuang Yazhi continued to eat her rice with her head down. The thought of having to deal with another person in the future suddenly made her appetite increase dramatically, since she needed to be full to have the energy to fight.

The shrewd Zhuang Haiming witnessed this scene. As a man himself, he could sense the undercurrent in the air. In the blink of an eye, a wicked thought quietly arose in his mind.

During a break after the meal, Zhuang Haiming subtly began to probe Su Sinan about the situation.

"How come I've never heard you mention knowing President Shen before?"

Su Sinan replied casually, "It's the son of a friend from my hometown. I just happened to run into him not long ago."

"Oh, what a coincidence?" Zhuang Haiming's curiosity was piqued, but Su Sinan showed no intention of continuing the conversation and picked up the fruit plate, heading towards the living room.

Zhuang Haiming was clearly displeased that the chat was interrupted, but he quickly recovered and went out to warmly greet the guests. Before long, the living room was filled with his hearty laughter.

In the second-floor garden, Zhuang Yazhi leaned against the window, observing the scene in the living room.

Shen Yiheng seemed to sense it as well, and looked up to meet that resentful gaze, probably because she was upset that he was lingering.

Shen Yiheng raised an eyebrow in response. He liked this place so much that he decided to stay a little longer.

"Come on, Uncle, let's play another game of chess."

Zhuang Ya slammed the balcony door shut. People like Shen Yiheng, who often stayed out all night, would probably climb over the wall to go out in the middle of the night when they were young. He was a typical bad kid.

After tossing and turning until midnight, Zhuang Yazhi, who had eaten too much that night, couldn't fall asleep at all. While lost in thought, she took out the documents and files and looked at them several times.

Hypocritical people use despicable methods, thinking they have hidden their evil intentions well. They put on a high hat to hide their devilish horns and ascend to the altar. The more they want to rise to the top in one step, the more Zhuang Yazhi will make them fall to the bottom overnight, lose everything and be despised by everyone.

Take away all their money and power, turning them into beggars who cry out to heaven and earth but cannot get what they want.

Zhuang Yazhi closed the document and hid it, her bright eyes shining like fireflies in the darkness, filled with a chilling hatred.

Zhuang Haiming, Shen Qianli, just you wait.

Your retribution is about to begin.

The next morning, Zhuang Yazhi returned to her office and found someone waiting at the door. When she went in, she realized it was Cai Xincheng, who had arrived even faster than she had expected.

"Good morning, Chairman Cai."

With such heavy dark circles under her eyes and looking so tired, she probably didn't get much sleep last night.

Apathy and anger caused Cai Xincheng to struggle painfully, the heavy pressure on his chest making him feel miserable and distressed because he couldn't swallow that last breath.

Humility humbled his pride, and he bowed his head in greeting: "From today onwards, I am willing to serve the General Manager with utmost loyalty and sincerity, assisting him in managing the company and solving his problems."

Pride drags people down, confusion makes the road winding, surrendering after weighing the pros and cons is a painful but sudden awakening, and genuine humility will naturally move people.

"In that case, please show your sincerity, Mr. Cai, and make me happy." Zhuang Yazhi finished her tea in one gulp and sincerely invited Cai Xincheng to sit down.

Zhuang Yazhi would not mistreat those who were loyal and devoted to her. She took out the agreement that had been prepared in advance and handed it to Cai Xincheng, indicating that he could take a look at it first.

"Follow me, and I guarantee Mr. Cai will enjoy endless wealth and prosperity."

"And Miss Cai."

Upon hearing his daughter's name while reviewing the agreement, Cai Xincheng urgently looked up: "Don't hurt her."

"It was my momentary lapse of judgment that led to the leak of your and President Shen's photos. It had nothing to do with Xinyue. She's still young and doesn't understand things. If she has offended you in any way, I will apologize on her behalf."

He even put aside the agreement and gave up everything for his daughter.

Sitting opposite each other at the coffee table, Zhuang Yazhi truly felt the overwhelming urgency of love for his daughter. Tears welled up in his eyes, his heartache for his daughter reflected in his weary face. True affection made those who were envious feel dejected, and jealousy made them lose their true nature.

Zhuang Yazhi solemnly promised: "No matter what the future holds, since you are my employees, I will naturally ensure your lifelong well-being."

Before the promise was made, Cai Xincheng was so worried he was in his throat. Only now did he dare to breathe a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

Zhuang Haiming is a kind-faced, benevolent, and clean-handed person.

The reason his hands remain clean is because someone else will do all the despicable and filthy things for him.

Coincidentally, Cai Xincheng was one of them.

Before he came, he had prepared everything he had in his hands: "These are all evidence of his wrongdoings, enough to make him get out of the Zhuang family."

“No,” Zhuang Yazhi shook her head in disappointment; this was not what she wanted.

"I want evidence of his crimes."

Simply getting out of the Zhuang family is far from enough.

Cai Xincheng immediately understood: "I can get it, please give me some time." He was now determined to deal with Zhuang Haiming, and with Zhuang Yazhi as his powerful backer, he was even more confident.

Zhuang Yazhi nodded in satisfaction and filled Cai Xincheng's teacup: "Then I'll wait for Chairman Cai's good news."

When the team is of one mind, their decisiveness is unwavering.

During her lunch break, Zhuang Yazhi sat in the downstairs restaurant for a while, and to her surprise, she met Cai Siyue there.

After not seeing her for more than ten days, she looked much more haggard and visibly thinner.

A rare coldness was revealed as she walked straight toward Zhuang Yazhi with angry eyes, completely abandoning her usual timid demeanor.

His first words were a ruthless accusation: "I hate your dad."

Zhuang Yazhi nodded in agreement: "Me too."

Cai Siyue gritted her teeth and stomped her feet in frustration. Because of Nai Zhuang Yazhi's helplessness, she could only sulk. As she sulked, her mood became irritable and her face turned red.

Zhuang Yazhi gestured to the waiter to bring her a glass of juice. "Have a drink of water, don't get too angry."

The sudden show of concern left Cai Siyue bewildered; it was far too unusual.

"Don't think I'll forgive you just because of this." She was determined to blame Zhuang Yazhi. If Zhuang Yazhi hadn't asked her to do the anniversary celebration activities, she wouldn't have encountered such a sad thing and been upset for so long.

Cai Siyue sat down in a huff and drank a whole glass of juice before she could finally calm down. Now that she was quiet, her mind started racing again.

She has a habit of reflecting on things that happened and things she said not long ago.

Zhuang Yazhi's calmness puzzled her, especially her earlier statement, "Me too."

Cai Siyue was suddenly startled. Could it be...? She suspected that Zhuang Yazhi also knew about that matter.

“You…” Cai Siyue hesitated, unsure how to ask the question.

Zhuang Yazhi gave her time to hesitate, while also considering how to arrange things for Cai Siyue.

"How about I promote you?"

This incident will harm Cai Siyue, and all Zhuang Yazhi can do is try her best to make amends.

"Huh?" Cai Siyue was stunned.

But the next second she immediately realized that Zhuang Yazhi was pitying her.

Cai Siyue angrily refused: "I don't want to."

She was both angry and furious. She glared at Zhuang Yazhi and got up to walk towards the office, not giving Zhuang Yazhi a chance to stop her.

His back view was dashing, as if I were seeing the proud and arrogant Cai Siyue again.

"Why is this child so stubborn?" Zhuang Yazhi couldn't find any other way to treat Cai Siyue well.

In the afternoon, Zhuang Yazhi was busy with her work when a suspicious figure loitering outside the door caught her attention.

Who is it?

Li Si opened the door and grabbed Cai Siyue, who was trying to escape after being discovered. "Manager Cai, please come in."

Cai Siyue's feet seemed glued to the ground, and she couldn't stammer out anything else.

"Li Si, let Manager Cai go back," Zhuang Yazhi instructed.

But when I actually let go and let her leave, she wouldn't go. After mentally preparing herself for a long time, she mustered up the courage to step into the general manager's office and confidently presented the documents she was holding to her chest: "I've prepared a public relations plan for Friday's project launch."

“I did it,” Cai Siyue emphasized again, afraid that Zhuang Yazhi hadn’t heard her clearly.

Zhuang Yazhi accepted it sincerely: "Thank you for your hard work."

The moment Zhuang Yazhi held the document in her hands, a flash of inspiration struck her. She solemnly told Cai Siyue, "Thank you for your hard work. I'll promote you."

"What are you doing?" Cai Siyue took two steps back in fear. She really wasn't used to Zhuang Yazhi's weird behavior.

She still felt that Zhuang Yazhi was pitying her, and sullenly refused, "I know I'm not very capable, and I only got the position of public relations manager through connections, but you can't insult me ​​like this, promoting me all the time; however..."

Cai Siyue changed the subject, feeling that she should always leave herself a way out: "When I'm good enough, I'll get promoted automatically, without you having to remind me."

"Oh, okay." Zhuang Yazhi was dumbfounded. She felt that Cai Siyue had changed since she came back. The change was complicated and she couldn't explain it in a short time. What was even stranger was that Cai Siyue did not hold a grudge against her because she was Zhuang Haiming's daughter.

Zhuang Yazhi couldn't understand it.

On the day of the press conference, Zeiss Yue's actions shocked her even more.

Before the press conference began, Zeiss Yue was busy preparing all the public relations materials related to Zhuang Yazhi to be of the best quality. She also personally checked the script before going on stage to ensure that every word was rigorous.

"You just stand here in a bit. Yes, this is the best angle for taking pictures."

"Don't worry, I won't give those reporters the chance to smear you."

Zhuang Yazhi listened obediently and followed Cai Siyue's instructions step by step. She watched Cai Siyue's busy figure from behind and fell into deep thought, her eyes misting over in confusion.

This time, she has let Cai Siyue down.

The press conference officially began, and Zhuang Yazhi entered the hall amidst the attention of the crowd, her presence as dazzling as a shooting star.

"Get your microphone ready, take a deep breath, and face the camera in the best possible condition," Cai Siyue told Zhuang Yazhi before going on stage.

Good evening, everyone.

"Welcome everyone to Zhuang's project launch event. I am Zhuang Yazhi, the general manager of Zhuang's."

The introduction was brief, yet impactful.

In her previous life, it took her three years to get onto the podium; in this life, it only took three months.

Race against time, fight against evil, compete with yourself, strive to achieve what your eyes can see and what your heart desires, and live up to the promise of this second life.

In a 15-minute presentation, Zhuang Yazhi delivered a flawless performance without notes. From project initiation to planning and execution, every detail was impeccable, leaving even the attending competitors in awe.

Shen Yiheng clapped for the first time, followed by thunderous applause from the entire audience, bringing the press conference to a perfect close.

"General Manager Zhuang is young, but he has a vision that is beyond the reach of ordinary people. We are all very envious of Chairman Zhuang for having such an excellent successor."

"Thirty years ago there was Chairman Zhuang, and thirty years later there is Young Chairman Zhuang. We can't compare, we really can't compare."

The praise and accolades were particularly moving; having such an outstanding successor certainly brought honor to Zhuang Haiming.

Zhuang Haiming did not make any statement, taking a polite smile as his response.

He stared intently at Zhuang Yazhi on the podium, whose demeanor was poised and graceful, just as he had been when he first met Su Sinan—elegant, charming, and infinitely captivating.

With both mother and daughter being so outstanding, he suddenly seems a bit weak.

During the Q&A session, Zhuang Haiming and Zhuang Yazhi were invited to the stage to answer questions from the public.

The two held hands and went up to the stage, showing respect and friendship.

As she prepared to sit in the front row, Zhuang Yazhi moved her chair and firmly took the center position.

Zhuang Haiming froze for a second, then lowered his head in a gloomy mood. Despite his displeasure at being under the spotlight, he could only pretend to be nonchalant and continue smiling at the camera, suppressing his pent-up anger.

Before going on stage, Cai Siyue said that this was the best spot for taking photos, so let's wait and see. Zhuang Yazhi is also looking forward to the final product.