Meng Yanchen and Fan Shengmei sat quietly in the office, the night outside the window growing ever deeper. After a long silence, Meng Yanchen broke it: "Xiaomei, no matter how difficult it is, we must continue the investigation." Fan Shengmei nodded vigorously: "Yes, definitely." The two looked at each other, their eyes filled with determination. Although they didn't know what awaited them, they were prepared to face any challenge.
However, as time went on, the pressure from public opinion surged like a tidal wave. Even though Meng Yanchen mobilized all the resources the Fu Group could muster to try and clear Fan Shengmei's name, his efforts were largely ineffective. Every negative report and every malicious comment was like a sharp knife, piercing Fan Shengmei's heart. Watching Meng Yanchen tirelessly juggle the media storm and company affairs for her sake, her guilt grew wildly like weeds.
In the Fu Group's office area, Fan Shengmei deliberately kept her distance from Meng Yanchen. Previously, her eyes would always sparkle with love and dependence when she saw Meng Yanchen, but now, whenever he appeared, she would hurriedly avoid him, her steps faltering. Meng Yanchen keenly noticed Fan Shengmei's change and was filled with distress. He couldn't understand why, after they had agreed to face things together, Fan Shengmei had suddenly begun to run away.
One day, Meng Yanchen saw Fan Shengmei hurrying towards the elevator with documents in her arms. He quickly chased after her, calling out, "Xiaomei!" Fan Shengmei paused but didn't turn around, only quickening her pace. Meng Yanchen took a few more steps and squeezed into the elevator just as the doors were about to close. The atmosphere in the cramped elevator was oppressive, making it hard to breathe. Meng Yanchen looked at Fan Shengmei's profile and asked softly, "Xiaomei, why are you avoiding me?" Fan Shengmei lowered her head, not daring to look him in the eye, and stammered, "I... I've just been too busy with work lately." Meng Yanchen frowned. He reached out, wanting to hold Fan Shengmei's hand, but she gently pulled away. The elevator reached its floor, and Fan Shengmei hurriedly stepped out as if fleeing, leaving Meng Yanchen looking dejected.
Determined to help Fan Shengmei resolve her inner conflict, Meng Yanchen went to her apartment after get off work. He rang the doorbell, his heart filled with anticipation. A moment later, the door opened a crack, and Fan Shengmei saw Meng Yanchen, a flicker of panic crossing her eyes. "Xiaomei, can we talk?" Meng Yanchen's voice carried a hint of weariness and pleading. Fan Shengmei bit her lip, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly opened the door. The two sat on the sofa. Meng Yanchen looked at Fan Shengmei and said earnestly, "Xiaomei, there's no need for any barriers between us. No matter what happens, we'll face it together." Fan Shengmei looked up, tears glistening in her eyes. "Yanchen, I don't want to be a burden to you. Because of me, the Fu Group's reputation has been damaged, and you've endured too much pressure..." Meng Yanchen tenderly embraced Fan Shengmei. "Silly girl, you're not a burden. You're the person I want to protect." Fan Shengmei sobbed softly in his arms, but the knot in her heart remained untied.
Meanwhile, the situation in the business world became increasingly dire. A mysterious investment group, in alliance with rival companies, seized the opportunity presented by the damage to the Fu Group's reputation caused by the Fan Shengmei scandal, launching a fierce commercial attack. They introduced products similar to those of the Fu Group and rapidly seized market share with a low-price strategy. Several of the Fu Group's projects faced stagnation, and partners began calling to inquire about the situation, some even proposing to terminate their contracts.
Meng Yanchen was overwhelmed, juggling internal turmoil caused by public opinion and trying to stabilize employee morale while simultaneously leading his team in urgently adjusting business strategies to counter competitor attacks. He was constantly on the go in the office, barely having time to eat. Yet, despite his hectic schedule, he still worried about Fan Shengmei, but every attempt to contact her was met with indifference and avoidance.
In the company's conference room, Meng Yanchen frowned as he looked at the market research report. The report showed that the Fu Group's market share was declining rapidly, and the situation was extremely critical. He rubbed his temples and said to his team members, "We must come up with a solution as soon as possible; we can't let them succeed." The team members nodded, but each of them wore a heavy expression.
Meng Yanchen knew full well that this commercial attack was fierce, and the mysterious investment group and competing companies behind it were clearly well-prepared. On the one hand, he arranged for people to investigate the competitors' business tactics, trying to find a breakthrough for counterattack; on the other hand, he organized the R&D team to work overtime to develop new products and enhance the company's competitiveness. However, all of this required time, and the Fu Group was currently in a double crisis of public opinion and business, where every minute and every second was crucial.
In the midst of his busy schedule, Meng Yanchen would often think of Fan Shengmei. He worried that she was bearing too much pressure alone, but every time he went to see her, he was turned away. He couldn't understand why their relationship had become so fragile under the pressure of public opinion. Meanwhile, Fan Shengmei was struggling painfully in her own world. Seeing how hard Meng Yanchen was working for her and the company, her guilt made it impossible for her to face him. She felt that only by leaving could she ease Meng Yanchen's burden.
On a quiet night, Meng Yanchen arrived at Fan Shengmei's residence again. Looking at the tightly closed door, he was filled with mixed emotions. He knocked, but there was no response. He rang the doorbell again, and after a long while, the door finally opened. Fan Shengmei stood in the doorway, her eyes avoiding Meng Yanchen's gaze. Looking at her haggard face, Meng Yanchen said with heartache, "Xiaomei, don't torture yourself anymore, and don't torture me either. Let's face this together, okay?" Fan Shengmei bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes, "Yanchen, I..." Before she could finish speaking, tears streamed down her face. Meng Yanchen embraced her tightly, and the two wept together at the doorway.
Even in this embrace, the knot in Fan Shengmei's heart remained, and Meng Yanchen knew their relationship had cracked. Meanwhile, a business crisis loomed over the Fu Group like a dark cloud, its dissipation uncertain. Could Meng Yanchen and Fan Shengmei's relationship be repaired? How would Meng Yanchen respond to the business attacks? Everything remained uncertain.
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