Chapter 109 Reversal (Part 2)
Xinghui Technology Building.
When Yu Ling's figure appeared on the top floor again, the entire president's office area fell into a nearly vacuum silence.
She was still wearing the same dark grey, neatly tailored women's suit from yesterday, her long hair was tied into a meticulous bun, her makeup was delicate, and her steps were steady.
There wasn't a trace of the paleness and fragility of yesterday on her face; instead, there was a more reserved and powerful aura, one that had weathered the storm and settled down. In her arms, she still held the silver thermos cup printed with simple geometric lines.
Unlike the oppressive silence when they were "escorted" away yesterday, the air at this moment was filled with silent shock, awe and a hint of indescribable embarrassment.
The secretaries and assistants all stood up, their movements showing unprecedented respect and caution, their eyes following her, but no one dared to come forward and talk to her.
His eyes were filled with inquiry and disbelief—the chairman, who only yesterday had been accused of being a "secret spies" and had left in disgrace, had returned overnight as an undisputed victor! The police report, Xinyue's apology, the board resolution... every piece of news was like a bombshell, leaving everyone dizzy!
Yu Ling looked straight ahead, holding her thermos cup, her high heels tapping on the polished marble floor, making a crisp and steady echo. She walked straight towards the heavy door of the chairman's office that had once been closed to her.
The door is open.
Inside, several core members of the board of directors and several senior executives, led by Legal Director Zhou Zheng, were already waiting. Seeing Yu Ling appear, everyone's faces showed a variety of expressions: shock, embarrassment, awe, and relief...
Zhou Zheng's expression was the most complicated. He met Yu Ling's calm gaze, his Adam's apple rolled, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he just nodded slightly, stepped aside to make way, his action carrying a hint of imperceptible respect.
"Mr. Yu." Zhou Zheng's voice was dry. The coldness and toughness of yesterday were long gone, leaving only the cautiousness of doing business.
"Welcome back. You have been informed of the board's resolution. This is the confirmation document regarding the restoration of all your permissions, as well as the written apology letter and draft compensation agreement formally submitted by Xinyue Technology." He handed over a document with both hands.
Yu Ling did not stop, and did not even look at the document Zhou Zheng handed over. She just said "hmm" lightly, holding the thermos cup, and walked straight to the large mahogany desk - the place that had been briefly taken away from her and now returned to her hands.
She placed the thermos cup securely in the most conspicuous spot on her desk—to her left, in the corner where she was accustomed to reaching. Then, she calmly sat down in the chair that symbolized the core of power, her back straight, her gaze calmly scanning the various expressions on the office floor.
"Let's start." Her voice was not loud, but it had an unquestionable penetrating power and echoed clearly in the silent office.
"First of all, regarding the reputational damage and operational impact this malicious accusation has caused to the company, the Legal Department should take the lead and give me a complete assessment report and accountability plan within two hours. I want to see Gu Qianqian and all her accomplices pay the most painful price they deserve." Her eyes fell on Zhou Zheng, sharp as a knife.
Zhou Zheng's heart trembled, and he immediately became serious: "Yes, Director Yu! The plan has been urgently drafted and will be submitted on time!"
"Second thing," Yu Ling turned her gaze to the vice president in charge of public relations, "hold a press conference immediately. Theme: Ms. Yu Ling, Chairman of Starlight Technology, reinstated, and a solemn statement regarding the malicious accusations. The tone: firm, confident, and grateful for judicial justice. I want to personally review the press release before the conference."
"Understood! Mr. Yu! The media has been contacted and the first draft will be given to you in an hour!" The vice president of public relations' voice was excited.
"Third," Yu Ling tapped her fingers lightly on the table, her eyes sweeping over several technical executives. "The progress of the 'Xinghai' platform project has been delayed by three days due to this incident. Technical Department, I want to see all progress caught up within 72 hours and ensure that the core algorithm testing is foolproof. Can you do that?"
"Yes! Mr. Yu! We will ensure that the task is completed!" The technical director spoke in a loud voice with the determination to fight to the death.
Each command was issued clearly, calmly, and efficiently, with an unquestionable power to rebuild the country.
Yesterday's humiliation and vulnerability seemed to have never existed. At this moment, Yu Ling, sitting in the chairman's position, had a powerful aura like a queen who had just won a crucial battle.
The silver thermos cup beside her shone with a warm luster in the morning light, like a silent yet extremely powerful symbol.
Everyone obeyed the order and quickly and orderly left the office to carry out the instructions. Yu Ling was the only one left in the office.
She leaned back in the wide chair and breathed a long, silent sigh. Her tense nerves relaxed slightly, and her eyes fell on the thermos cup standing quietly. She reached out and gently brushed her fingertips against the warm wall of the cup. At this moment -
"bite."
A new message popped up on a private phone.
Sender: Clingy person.
Content: "Mr. Chairman, what would you like for lunch? The chef at Farmhouse Inn has a special today: Truffle Chicken Stew (make sure you can tell the difference between the truffle and mushroom versions)."
Looking at the words on the screen, Yu Ling's tightly clenched lips finally lifted up, and a genuine and warm smile spread across her eyes. This clingy guy always managed to poke the softest part of her heart in the most clumsy ways.
She picked up the phone and replied quickly with her fingertips:
"Okay. If you mistake truffles for mushrooms again, I'll deduct your annual bonus."
send.
Putting her phone down, she picked up the thermos and unscrewed the lid. The rich, spicy aroma of brown sugar water with ginger hit her face. She lowered her head and took a sip.
The warm liquid slid down her throat, bringing with it a soothing warmth, and also a hint of sweetness that only she could taste, a taste of victory after the smoke had cleared.
Underground garage, exclusive elevator lobby.
The elevator door slid open silently. Yu Ling emerged, clutching her thermos cup. Her face wore a hint of fatigue from handling an urgent matter, but her eyes were bright.
Zhao Chen was already waiting there. He had changed out of his oil-stained cartoon apron T-shirt and was now wearing a neatly ironed dark casual suit, a thin windbreaker of fine quality, and a straight and upright posture.
When he saw Yu Ling coming out, a gentle smile immediately appeared on his face. He walked quickly towards her and naturally reached out to take the thermos cup from her arms.
"Are you tired?" His voice was filled with concern, his eyes wandering over her face. "Those old foxes on the board of directors didn't give you any trouble, did they?"
"No." Yu Ling shook her head, watching him holding her thermos cup familiarly, and then looking at the still glaring redness and swelling on the back of his hand, her heart softened. "The way they look at me now is probably almost like they are looking at a god." She made a little joke.
Zhao Chen chuckled softly, his smile clean and gentle, tinged with a hint of pride. "That's right! Who is my wife? The chairman of Xinghui Technology who saved the day!" He raised the thermos and shook it. "Here, strategic supplies, keep the temperature."
The two walked side by side towards the low-key black car. Zhao Chen habitually opened the passenger door for her.
Just as Yu Ling bent down to sit in, she paused. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes fixed on Zhao Chen's profile, which was so close to her.
"Chen," she suddenly spoke, her voice soft and filled with a subtle inquiry. "That Vice President Wang of Xinyue Technology... and that 'broker' who suddenly showed up to testify against me... they recanted their confessions so quickly and so completely... How did the police do it?"
Zhao Chen opened the car door without a pause, his smile still gentle and natural, even with a hint of "ordinary citizen"'s admiration for the police's efficiency:
"Yeah, I was surprised too. The police are so efficient these days! Once the chain of evidence is laid out, it's irrefutable. Those people must have been terrified. How could they dare to deny it?"
He shrugged, his tone relaxed. "Gu Qianqian must have been too ruthless, screwing over those people. Everyone blames her for what she did. The law... well... is still quite intimidating."
As he spoke, he reached out his hand, lightly supported Yu Ling's lower back, and gently helped her into the passenger seat. As he did so, the cuffs of his windbreaker slipped slightly, revealing the valuable yet understated watch on his wrist.
Yu Ling got in and fastened her seatbelt. She didn't ask any more questions, but watched him calmly as he walked around the front of the car and got into the driver's seat. The car started smoothly, drove out of the garage, and merged into the warm afternoon traffic.
Soft music played in the car. Zhao Chen drove intently, his profile appearing calm and gentle in the light and shadow flowing outside the window.
Yu Ling held the warm thermos cup, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the simple geometric lines on the cup wall.
The smoke has cleared.
The fangs are sheathed.
Her "ordinary husband" was holding the steering wheel steadily, driving her towards home and the pot of stewed chicken in which he swore he could distinguish truffles from mushrooms.
The corners of Yu Ling's lips slowly curled up into a very faint, yet all-seeing, gentle arc.
She unscrewed the lid of the thermos, and the rich aroma of brown sugar water with a spicy ginger flavor once again filled the warm carriage.
"By the way," she suddenly spoke, her tone relaxed and with a hint of mischief, turning to look at the man in the driver's seat, who was concentrating on driving. "Chef Zhao, are you sure the truffles in this truffle chicken stew won't be mistaken for mushrooms and heroically 'sacrificed' in the trash can again?"
Zhao Chen's hand on the steering wheel froze noticeably! A suspicious blush instantly appeared on his handsome face, spreading all the way to his ears! He subconsciously raised his hand to push up his gold-rimmed glasses, trying to hide his embarrassment, but his voice was filled with a hint of forced calmness and subtle anger:
"Comrade Yu Ling! This is a serious insult to the character of a chef who aspires to become a Michelin... ahem... Michelin roadside chef! I did my homework this time! I even printed out a high-definition comparison chart of truffles and shiitake mushrooms and posted it on the kitchen wall!"
Seeing his fur standing up and his ears flushing red, Yu Ling couldn't help but burst out laughing. The crisp laughter was like a silver bell, instantly dispelling the last trace of stagnant air in the carriage, filling it with the lightness and sweetness of surviving a disaster.
Sunlight streamed through the car window, casting a warm glow over the two of them. Steam rose from the thermos, carrying the unique sweet aroma of brown sugar, spreading outward.
When the smoke clears, only the warmth of ginger candy and the fireworks of human life remain.
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