Mr. Smith had originally come to repay a favor, but the moment he saw Lin Wanwan, he was instantly stunned. How could such a beautiful woman exist in this world?
He had met countless beauties, but a woman who was so gentle, serene, and yet possessed resilience and confidence was a first for him.
"Miss Lin, you are truly stunning. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Mr. Smith's sky-blue eyes were filled with admiration, devoid of any lewdness, giving a comfortable impression. Lin Wanwan smiled and replied, "Thank you for the compliment."
As she reached out to shake his hand, Mr. Smith bowed his head and kissed the back of her hand, making Lin Wanwan blush. She knew of this gesture but had never experienced it firsthand.
However, Mr. Smith quickly withdrew his lips, and Lin Wanwan found it difficult to comment. This scene was captured by a camera, and those with ulterior motives noticed Lin Wanwan's discomfort.
Xie Sui was in trouble, and Du Feiyang was busy attending to matters. Two other Du family members were also busy, but their tasks differed. Du Feiyang was trying to save someone, while Du Feiyun and Du Yujie were determined to crush that person completely.
Du Feiyang was so furious that he wished he could kill the two of them. If not for the elder's restraint, a family feud would have erupted. Su Dan Novel Network.
Du family's eldest branch members also came to welcome Mr. Smith this time, but they were pushed to the side and never had a chance to greet him.
On the other hand, Du Feiyang, accompanying Lin Wanwan, managed to shake hands with Mr. Smith and exchange pleasantries. Mr. Smith, having heard of Xie Sui, also knew Du Feiyang's name. They exchanged business cards, and he was very warm towards him.
To those with intentions, Du Feiyang was seen as the leader of the younger generation in the Du family. This almost drove Du Feiyun mad. He was the eldest son, highly educated, and capable, yet he was overshadowed by a scoundrel born to a concubine. How could he be content?
Du Yujie had recovered after a long period. People tend to forget; she had forgotten her terrible past experiences, leaving only resentment.
Seeing Lin Wanwan blush, she recalled the demeanor of women from the mainland and a scheme hatched in her mind. "Brother, I have an idea. Do you think it's feasible?"
There were many media outlets present that day, so obtaining a few photos was not difficult. Du Feiyun listened to his sister's suggestion and found it quite agreeable. Such gossip, while considered flirtatious for men, was very unfavorable for women.
In matters of conspiracy, women were sometimes more venomous than men.
The next day, a report caught everyone's attention. The front page featured a large photograph of Smith deeply kissing Lin Wanwan's hand. The angle of the photograph made them appear like a couple, a beautiful scene.
However, Lin Wanwan was a married woman and the new Mrs. Xie of the newly established Xie Group. Such intimacy with Mr. Smith naturally led to speculation.
Furthermore, the report stated that Mr. Smith was giving special attention to Xie's. The initial cooperation would involve inspecting companies under Xie's umbrella, further solidifying the rumors of their unusual relationship.
Lin Wanwan was furious when she saw it, nearly crying. How could they write such falsehoods?
Sheng Ruyi, however, was unconcerned. She had seen such things many times. Lin Wanwan's strong reaction surprised her. She said, "Such news is merely sensationalism. It was a normal gesture of courtesy. Reporters will write anything for a gimmick. If you ignore it, the matter will pass. If you dwell on it, it will only escalate and become more troublesome in the end."
"But am I just supposed to let them slander me like this?"
Lin Wanwan was indignant, feeling as disgusted as if she had been fed excrement.
Sheng Ruyi replied, "Then let the company initiate public relations. We have our own newspaper; let it clarify the matter. We also have lawyers; send a lawyer's letter to this newspaper demanding an apology and compensation for your reputational damage."
"Yes, make them apologize. They must apologize."
The group's Legal Director was Wei Yanran. Due to their initial unpleasant encounter, Wei Yanran did not often approach Lin Wanwan. When summoned this time, she adopted a purely business-like attitude. "Mrs. Xie, you sent for me?"
"Have you seen this report? Send a lawyer's letter demanding an apology and compensation for my reputational damage."
Wei Yanran was dismissive. "It's just a piece of gossip. There's no need to send a lawyer's letter. What they've written isn't excessive, and it can even generate publicity for the group. Mrs. Xie, there's no need to make a mountain out of a molehill."
Lin Wanwan stared at her coldly. "I think it's absolutely necessary. This report makes me very uncomfortable. Should I just let them slander me at will?"
Wei Yanran advised, "You are a public figure now, not a housewife. Such incidents will only increase in the future, not decrease. Even if you're uncomfortable, you'll have to learn to adapt."
"What is your attitude? Are you trying to tell me what to do?"
"No, I'm not. You've misunderstood, Mrs. Xie. I'm merely stating the facts."
Sheng Ruyi interjected, "Forget it. You go out first. I'll speak with Mrs. Xie."
"No need to discuss. This matter is non-negotiable. If you can't do it, don't hold this position. I need subordinates who obey, not subordinates who dictate to me."
Wei Yanran retorted, "You don't hold a corporate position; you're only acting. You have no authority to dismiss me!"
Sheng Ruyi's heart sank. This was bad. Indeed, Lin Wanwan's heart was filled with grievance and anger, about to explode, but her expression turned calm. "Fine, you are right. You may leave."
Wei Yanran felt uneasy but ultimately did not yield and turned to leave.
Sheng Ruyi tried to appease her. "Don't be angry. What will the staff think?"
Lin Wanwan said, "Go find me a law firm. I'll send a lawyer's letter personally and file a lawsuit, okay?"
Sheng Ruyi realized she was still fixated on this matter.
"That's your prerogative."
"Alright, go find one now. Find the best one. I'm not short of money."
Lin Wanwan had made up her mind. She was wealthy; why should she endure such grievances?
After returning, Wei Yanran remained uneasy. However, considering she was still a senior executive of the group, any dismissal would require justification. Mrs. Xie couldn't act unilaterally.
With this thought, she felt somewhat better.
However, before noon, she was quickly proven wrong. Her assistant entered and said, "Director, this is bad. Mrs. Xie has hired a law firm and wants to draft a lawyer's letter in her personal capacity to sue those newspapers. Doesn't this mean she doesn't respect you?"
A surge of anger rushed through Wei Yanran. "This country bumpkin is truly making a scene!"
She walked towards the CEO's office but was stopped by the secretary. "Mrs. Xie is meeting a guest and has instructed not to be disturbed."
"Mrs. Xie may not be sensible, but don't you understand either? She's hiring a firm, and how does that reflect on our legal department?"
The secretary looked at her strangely. "Does Mrs. Xie need to care about your reputation? Director Wei, forgive me for speaking bluntly, but have you forgotten your position? We take salaries from the group and eat from the Xie family's table. We do what we're told. We can't just eat from the bowl and then refuse to do the work, can we?"
"Are you lecturing me? What is your position? You think you're qualified!"
Wei Yanran was furious. She was promoted by CEO Xie and considered herself his confidante. Did anyone think they could lecture her?
Coincidentally, Lin Wanwan emerged to see off the people from the law firm. Hearing Wei Yanran's words, her expression soured. The law firm representatives immediately took their leave, considering it their client's private affair and that they had taken on a large case and should serve their client well.
"Director Wei, what is your attitude? You're scolding my secretary, and I see you've forgotten whose company this is."
Wei Yanran retorted, "Mrs. Xie, I'm doing this for the good of the group. Don't make trouble if you don't understand."
Lin Wanwan replied, "This is my company. I'll do as I please. Even if Xie Sui were here, he would have to listen to me. Do you think you're so important that you can order me around?"
"You..."
"Director Wei, do your job. You're meddling too much. I can't dismiss you now, but one day, I will make you disappear from my sight. Cherish your working days."
She then addressed the secretary, "You did very well. Your bonus will be doubled this month. I need subordinates who obey, not a venerated ancestor who lectures me. Did everyone hear that?"
The employees who had gathered to watch immediately responded, "Mrs. Xie is right."
Wei Yanran and Lin Wanwan met eyes, neither willing to back down.
Lin Wanwan snorted and closed the door heavily.
She felt satisfied after berating Wei Yanran.
Sheng Ruyi sighed helplessly. "Why are you arguing with her like this? You're like a young girl, so impatient."
"I don't need to be patient. I only need to be happy. Xie Sui wouldn't dare to control me, so who does she think she is to boss me around?"
Lin Wanwan, recalling her overnight stay in Xie Sui's lounge, became even angrier. She instructed her secretary, "Clear out everything from the lounge and replace it with new items."
The secretary was puzzled about the issue with the lounge but didn't ask further and went to carry out the task.
Wei Yanran had scheduled a meeting that afternoon to report Lin Wanwan to Xie Sui. As she was about to leave, she encountered workers clearing out the lounge. The familiar bed and desk made her face burn with shame, as if she had been slapped twice.
She left indignantly, thinking, "Truly childish and willful. How can such a woman manage a group? People from the countryside are just petty and ignorant!"
As Xie Sui's acting lawyer, she could see him easily. Xie Sui was very concerned about Lin Wanwan and asked about her immediately. "Is she adjusting well at the company? Is anyone foolish enough to bully her?"
Wei Yanran felt inexplicably guilty. "No, your wife has such a temper, who would dare to bully her? I came today to discuss her matter. I believe she is unsuitable for managing the group. Her education and experience are insufficient for this position..."
She rambled on, saying many negative things about Lin Wanwan and even using the photo with Smith as a topic to sow discord between them.
Xie Sui listened in silence without interrupting. In the end, he made no decision and asked Wei Yanran to leave.
Wei Yanran assumed Xie Sui would consider the group's interests and appoint a new representative. However, another lawyer arrived at the group shortly after, announcing the transfer of Xie Sui's shares. Ms. Lin Wanwan had received half of Mr. Xie Sui's shares, stunning everyone.
Lin Wanwan was also surprised. "Why is he suddenly giving me shares? What's the use of them?"
Sheng Ruyi envied her good fortune and explained, "With shares, you are a major shareholder. You can legitimately manage everyone and dismiss anyone you wish. Our Mr. Xie truly dotes on you. Now you can fire Wei Yanran, and she won't be able to say a word."