Chapter 21: Hidden Arrows from Within the Huo Family
The old doll, carrying childhood memories, was like a key that not only opened the floodgates of Su Lingwan's emotions, but also seemed to carve a deeper gap in Huo Linshen's hard heart. After that birthday night, the relationship between the two entered an unprecedented stage of intimacy.
Huo Linshen still wasn't good with words, but he was beginning to get used to expressing his feelings through body language. He'd naturally reach out to protect her head when she got out of the car, hold her close to his side when crossing the street, and when she was concentrating on her sketches, he'd gently embrace her from behind, his chin resting on her head, silently accompanying her. Each seemingly casual touch carried a searing warmth and undeniable possessiveness.
Su Lingwan gradually grew accustomed to this silent yet passionate intimacy. She would naturally snuggle up to him when he approached, and would proactively massage his tense temples when he was tired from work. An unspoken understanding flowed between them, as if a single glance could understand each other's unfinished words.
That afternoon, Huo Linshen took Su Lingwan to the study at Repulse Bay Villa. Su Lingwan was no stranger to this study; the agreement that had changed their relationship was signed there. But this time, the feeling was completely different.
Huo Linshen took out a document from the safe and handed it to Su Lingwan.
"Look at this." His tone was calm, but there was a barely perceptible solemnity in his eyes.
Su Lingwan took the document and flipped it open. It was a proposal for an operational assessment and restructuring of a high-end jewelry brand under the Huo Group. The brand, called "Luminance," had been acquired by the Huo Group years ago to test the waters of the jewelry market. While positioned as high-end, its performance had been tepid for years, leaving it in an awkward position.
"What is this?" Su Lingwan looked at Huo Linshen with some confusion.
"There's disagreement within the group about whether to keep or go after Luminance." Huo Linshen walked over to her, pointing to some data on a document. "Some elders believe it should be retained as a symbol of the Huo family's diversified strategy. Others, led by my third uncle, Huo Zhenbang, believe it's been losing money for a long time and occupies resources, and they advocate for its divestment."
Su Lingwan quickly scanned the documents, keenly capturing some key information. While Luminance's performance was mediocre, it possessed a comprehensive supply chain, a skilled team of craftsmen, and a loyal clientele. Its foundation was strong, but it lacked a clear design direction and an effective marketing strategy.
"What do you think?" She raised her head and looked at Huo Linshen.
Huo Lin stared at her with his deep eyes, which flashed with the sharpness of a businessman and a kind of... indescribable trust.
"I think the value of 'Luminance' is underestimated," he said slowly. "What it lacks is a core that can give it soul and new vitality."
His gaze fell on Su Lingwan, and the meaning was self-evident.
Su Lingwan's heart skipped a beat: "You mean... let me?"
"I'm not asking you to take over directly," Huo Linshen corrected him in a steady tone. "The group will launch an internal bidding restructuring plan, inviting capable teams or individuals to submit restructuring plans. The winner will obtain the operating rights of 'Luminance' and a new round of resource allocation."
He paused, looking at her slightly widened eyes, and added, "This is an opportunity, Lingwan. An opportunity to bring your design concepts to the mass and international markets more quickly on a mature platform. Of course, the competition will be fierce, especially from my Third Uncle, who will definitely not sit idly by."
He pushed an invitation letter in front of Su Lingwan: "This is an invitation letter for the internal bidding. The decision of whether to participate or not is up to you."
Su Lingwan looked at the exquisitely crafted invitation, her heart pounding fiercely in her chest. This was indeed a huge temptation, but also a huge challenge. The "Luminance" platform was far more expansive than her own studio. If she could succeed...
But she also instantly understood why Huo Linshen had brought her to his study with such formality. This wasn't just a business opportunity; it was also part of the Huo family's internal power struggle. His third uncle, Huo Zhenbang, clearly intended to use the disposal of "Luminance" to undermine Huo Linshen's authority, or at the very least, to displease him.
If she participated, she would undoubtedly put herself directly at the forefront of the internal struggle within the Huo family.
"Your third uncle..." Su Lingwan hesitated.
"I'll handle his situation." Huo Linshen's tone was filled with cold confidence. But then he reached out and gently held her hand, looking at her deeply. "But I can't completely interfere with business competition. You need to win based on your strength. And, once you get involved, you might face some... less righteous tactics."
His concern was clearly visible.
Su Lingwan took his hand in hers, feeling the warmth and strength of his palm. She remembered everything he had done for her: his protection, his respect, his clumsy yet sincere love. At this moment, he had not only given her a springboard to realize her dreams, but also handed her a portion of his own authority.
This trust is heavy and precious.
She took a deep breath, a glint of determination flashing in her eyes. She wasn't just a flower in a greenhouse; she was the daughter of the Nanyang Su family, a designer aiming to carve out a niche in the jewelry industry. She had her pride and her abilities.
"I want to try." She raised her head, met his deep gaze, and said in a clear and firm voice, "Huo Linshen, I want to participate in this bidding."
Huo Linshen watched the fighting spirit and confidence ignite in her eyes. It was a light unlike her usual gentle, bright glow, a sharp and dazzling one. Something in his heart was gently touched, and a mixture of pride and worry welled up within him.
"Okay." He didn't say anything else, just held her hand tightly.
Just then, there was a gentle knock on the study door.
Assistant Chen's voice came: "Boss Huo, the Third Master is here and wants to discuss something with you."
Huo Linshen frowned slightly, exchanged glances with Su Lingwan, loosened his hand, and said in a deep voice, "Please ask him to wait in the living room."
Assistant Chen left immediately.
Huo Linshen looked at Su Lingwan and whispered, "Wait for me here for a moment."
Su Lingwan nodded.
Huo Linshen turned to leave, but then seemed to remember something and paused. He turned back, and before Su Lingwan could react, he suddenly lowered his head and gave her a brief but scorching kiss on the lips.
This kiss was not as predatory and forceful as before, but more like a silent mark and comfort, with a faint scent of tobacco and the crisp cedar smell on his body.
"Wait for me." He whispered in her ear, his voice hoarse.
Su Lingwan's cheeks turned slightly red and she said "hmm" softly.
Huo Linshen then adjusted his expression, regained his usual calmness, and walked out of the study.
Su Lingwan was left alone in the study, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the lips he had just kissed, where his hot breath seemed to still linger. She walked to the window and looked out at the garden below, where Huo Linshen was walking and talking with a slightly plump, smiling, but shrewd middle-aged man—his third uncle, Huo Zhenbang.
Although I couldn't hear what they were saying, Huo Zhenbang's seemingly kind smile and occasional glances towards the villa were filled with an uncomfortable curiosity and coldness.
Su Lingwan's heart sank slightly. She understood that the "hidden arrow" Huo Linshen had mentioned had already been quietly aimed at her.
Huo Zhenbang had obviously heard about her possible bid for "Luminance." His presence at this moment was definitely not just a simple "discussion."
Sure enough, not long after, Su Lingwan's phone vibrated. It was a multimedia message from an unfamiliar number.
She clicked it and her pupils suddenly contracted.
There were several photos in the MMS, which were the "intimate" photos of her and her senior Zhou Jinyan that were maliciously posted at the Huo's annual banquet!
Then, another text message came in, still from that unfamiliar number:
"Miss Su, it's better for you to deal with some of the past yourself. The Huo family's door is not so easy to enter. Why embarrass yourself?"
A naked threat and warning!
Su Lingwan's fingers trembled slightly as she gripped the phone, not out of fear, but out of anger. These people, in order to stop her and to strike down Huo Linshen, had resorted to such despicable tactics, repeatedly exploiting her past innocence!
She forced herself to calm down and took a few deep breaths. She did not reply to the provocative text message immediately, nor did she impulsively run downstairs to find Huo Linshen.
She walked to the desk and picked up the evaluation report on "Luminance", her eyes becoming sharp and firm.
Since you can't avoid it, just face it.
The more they don't want her to succeed, the more she wants to win beautifully!
This is not only for her dream, but also to live up to Huo Linshen's heavy trust and... love.
The hidden arrow within the Huo family has been shot.
And she, Su Lingwan, will never sit still and wait for death.
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