Chapter 21

Compared to Zhuang Yazhi's inauguration ceremony, Zhuang Haiming's technology company opening ceremony seemed much less impressive.

Not only were all trending topics suppressed, but after hearing that Shen Yiheng did not appear at the event, the number of attendees decreased by more than half, making the event scene rather deserted and bleak.

Zhuang Haiming had a very sour face and almost lost his composure during the interview.

Meanwhile, Zhuang Yazhi, who considered himself the instigator, was raising his glass in a hearty drink, chatting with reporters as he drank.

“My dad has had a tough time too, starting a business at his age.”

"But then again, 60 is the age to work hard, so let it be."

As she spoke, she turned her attention to the group of treacherous shareholders and earnestly advised them: "My dad has high hopes for you, so you must not let him down. The future of the tech company depends on you. Strive to make it bigger and stronger and achieve great success, so that everyone can earn several more houses."

The shareholders' smiles were more like cries; they kept drinking and didn't dare to look Zhuang Yazhi in the eye.

The atmosphere gradually heated up until John arrived, and the enthusiastic cheers and songs from the fans brought the event to a climax.

When his son came, everything changed. All of Zhuang Haiming's bad moods vanished instantly. The affectionate embrace and loving fatherly demeanor he showed when they got close was something he could never fake.

Not only him, but Shen Qianli also went over.

They love each other, talk warmly, and the family is especially harmonious.

Immediately following was the ribbon-cutting ceremony. There weren't many people from the company at the time, but everyone went on stage.

Someone in the crowd gave Cai Siyue a push, which coincidentally landed her next to Shen Qianli.

"Be careful." Shen Qianli held Cai Siyue's arm, worried that someone might bump into her, and she also protected Cai Siyue's shoulder.

The feeling of being held in her mother's arms was subtle. It was the first time Cai Siyue had felt her mother's hands were so soft and warm. Having never had such close contact before, she was overly reserved and cautious, not daring to move around.

"Thank you, President Shen," Cai Siyue said, quickly distancing herself after regaining her footing, avoiding eye contact with Shen Qianli.

Everyone was already in position, and Cai Siyue, not wanting to inconvenience others, could only stand next to Shen Qianli. She longed to be close, but even moving her feet required extreme caution.

"Come on, three, two, one, cheese."

The first group photo is complete.

Cai Xincheng was tall and stood in the last row. He silently witnessed the entire struggle and collision between the two people, and his expression remained solemn for a long time.

The harmonious image of the family of four standing together, in particular, deeply stung him.

Even when they leave the stage, they walk together, hand in hand.

"Are you trying to take my daughter away?" He asked, his expression hesitant, his eyes glaring with anger and resentment.

He had a bad feeling as early as when Shen Qianli hired Cai Siyue as the public relations manager, and now this bad feeling is getting stronger and stronger, making him uncomfortable.

In the audience, Zhuang Yazhi was also watching, calmly playing with the designer brand in her hand, waiting for something bad to happen.

We also have to thank Shen Qianli's greed for pushing things along, which slowed down the pace of the story and accelerated its development.

Let them perish as soon as possible.

As a seasoned veteran, Zhuang Haiming was adept at handling interviews with reporters, having prepared his responses in advance. However, the interview questions this time were clearly a bit unexpected for him.

"Chairman Zhuang, Miss Zhuang held her inauguration ceremony as chairman of Zhuang's Group at noon today. Rumors are circulating that she threatened you that if you become the chairman of Qianhai Technology, you can't come back to Zhuang's Group. Is that true?"

"They all say that Miss Zhuang is ruthless and heartless, doesn't care about family ties, and even drove away all the shareholders of Zhuang's Group. Is this true?"

"Don't be afraid, speak freely. With us here, she won't dare to hit you in public."

Almost all the sharp criticisms and attacks were directed at Zhuang Yazhi, who was quickly surrounded by reporters while sitting in the audience.

Zhuang Haiming was set up with a microphone and camera by the reporters.

He was stunned at first, then his bright eyes widened and he instantly transformed into an innocent look.

"What nonsense are you spouting!"

He raised his voice and tried his best to refute the rumors, looking anxious and on the verge of tears, even though he couldn't squeeze out any.

The thief cries "Stop thief!"

Zhuang Yazhi scoffed.

If Zhuang Yazhi had toned down that short-sighted, sneaky look even a little, he might have been allowed to act for a few more seconds.

He is an extremely shrewd and stingy person. He was so angry at noon that he jumped up and down. Now, taking advantage of the fact that the reporters are all here, he is taking revenge. He seizes every opportunity to make things worse and will not suffer any loss.

"You've misunderstood, you've really misunderstood."

Zhuang Haiming burst into tears, his old face streaked with sobs, repeatedly saying it was a misunderstanding, but he didn't offer a single word of explanation.

They were afraid the reporters wouldn't misunderstand.

"My God, this is actually true! Miss Zhuang is actually forcing me to abdicate in order to gain the right of succession ahead of time."

"The world of the rich is terrifying."

"By the way, will she give you a pension every month?"

The reporters chimed in with their own comments, turning the opening ceremony into a tirade, which was far more entertaining than the boring ribbon-cutting ceremony.

No matter how harsh their words became, Zhuang Yazhi remained unmoved amidst the reporters' throng, her composure utterly unwavering. She raised an eyebrow and smiled smugly, watching the spectacle unfold.

The people at the scene split into two groups: one group surrounded Zhuang Haiming, and the other surrounded Zhuang Yazhi. They both wanted to dig out more information, but the two stopped talking and fell into a silent standoff.

Zhuang Yazhi grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds: "Keep going."

Useless stuff, they can't even come up with more slanderous press releases.

If all else fails, she'll just make up two herself.

The situation reached a stalemate, with no one saying a word and only an endless silence. Zhuang Haiming was on the verge of bursting into tears.

"Everyone, I think there might be a misunderstanding." In the end, Shen Qianli stepped in to smooth things over. She was poised and powerful, and her presence was awe-inspiring.

Zhuang Haiming seized the opportunity to quickly find a way out: "It's a misunderstanding, everyone has really misunderstood. Let's leave it at that and not mention it again."

They want to both punish others and act as peacemakers.

How cheap.

Shen Qianli spoke eloquently to the reporters: "Ya Zhi saw that her father was busy with the technology company and didn't want him to be overworked, so she decided to take over the chairman's position. She was also very anxious and under a lot of pressure. Reporters, please don't believe the rumors, and don't slander Ya Zhi. She is a good person."

In the last sentence, Shen Qianli emphasized it to Zhuang Yazhi in front of the camera, speaking gently but with a ruthless look in her eyes.

"Then you've really misunderstood."

Zhuang Yazhi stood up and went straight to the reporter in front of her.

"The technology company was newly established and lacked both personnel and resources. Mr. Zhuang did not want to waste billions of new investments, so he specially brought the best resources that the Zhuang family had to the technology company."

"What team, what shareholders, even the chairs at the event, all belong to the Zhuang family."

The reporters, quick-witted, scrambled to clear the table. "It really is from the Zhuang family; it has the character 'Zhuang' written on it."

In just two sentences, Zhuang Yazhi had arrived in front of Zhuang Haiming and Shen Qianli. Although he was still young, his aura was like a mountain collapsing and crushing them.

"The Zhuang family has tens of thousands of employees who all rely on the Zhuang family to pay their salaries and eat. Since the former chairman has no interest or time to manage it, it is only natural that I, as the general manager, should take over."

“As long as they work for my Zhuang family, I am responsible for them. This is the responsibility of a business owner.”

With just a few words, the tide turned, and no one dared to utter a single word of dissent at the scene.

With a sincere speech and an aura of prestige, the reporters present were intimidated. Those who were trying to cause trouble lowered their heads and left when no one was watching.

"However, on the other hand..."

Zhuang Yazhi changed the subject, her sharp gaze sweeping across the room before finally settling on Zhuang Haiming.

"Mr. Zhuang is determined to make the technology company successful. The pressure he has to bear is unimaginable to ordinary people. You cannot complain that he doesn't care about the Zhuang family just because he focuses on the technology company."

"Reporters, please don't make baseless accusations and write bad things about him. Don't slander Mr. Zhuang. He is a good person."

Zhuang Yazhi specifically emphasized the word "also".

Using the excuse given by Shen Qianli, he returned the favor and, incidentally, slapped him in the face in front of the reporters.

It would be even better if he could take this opportunity to correct his bad habit of biting people randomly.

The seemingly understanding words actually concealed a hidden agenda, leaving the reporters on edge.

As the one being attacked, Zhuang Haiming was furious, but he could only suppress his anger in front of the camera.

He underestimated his daughter; her strong adaptability caught him off guard.

It was only then that Shen Qianli realized that Zhuang Yazhi might be a tough opponent, and she dared not speak up easily.

He arrived when the atmosphere was tense.

Shen Yiheng made a powerful entrance in a black suit, and the people on both sides of the road quickly made way for a wide path.

Dozens of bodyguards behind him each carried a silk brocade box, which were piled up like a small mountain in front of Zhuang Haiming.

Zhou Ying performed all the proper courtesies and offered polite congratulations: "Wishing Qianhai Technology a grand opening, booming business, and abundant wealth."

The implication was quite clear: the money was brought by Shen Yiheng, and without Shen Yiheng, this place would be nothing.

Zhuang Haiming had begged Shen Yiheng for a long time at noon, but he didn't come. Now that he's showing up, it's a blatant humiliation. After all, many powerful figures stopped showing up after hearing that Shen Yiheng wouldn't be there, making the event rather deserted.

"Thank you, Mr. Shen." It was a reluctant thank you, but his attitude remained respectful, not daring to offend this major investor.

Shen Yiheng did not respond to Zhuang Haiming, but instead glared coldly at Shen Qianli.

His aunt is becoming more and more capable, but her eyesight is getting worse; she can't tell right from wrong anymore.

Shen Qianli stiffened and took a small step back. His cold gaze was like an ice hook with needles stuck in it, making her feel very uncomfortable.

She didn't actually intend to do anything to Zhuang Yazhi; she simply wanted to suppress her and teach her a lesson, thereby highlighting her status as an elder.

But he seemed angry.

Cold as ice, his sharp eyes, though close enough, were like daggers.

Shen Yiheng stood guard in front of Zhuang Yazhi like an eagle with its wings outstretched in anger. While unleashing his attack, his protective wings also revealed a gentle care. Anyone with discerning eyes could tell at a glance that he was protecting his own.

But Zhuang Yazhi didn't appreciate it; in her opinion, Shen Yiheng's appearance was superfluous.

This is no big deal; she can handle it.

But someone just wouldn't believe it, and barged in without even replying to the message a little late.

reckless.