Liu Zixiong never imagined that the mainland guy he once disdained to share a drink with had grown to such heights.
He had been forced to retreat step by step, nearly suffocating from anger. And it had only taken him two years to stand on equal footing with the ten major families. Truly, the younger generation was formidable.
But Liu Zixiong would not concede defeat so easily. What storms had he not weathered in his life? Xie Sui was not qualified to crush him.
Liu Zixiong began to take Xie Sui seriously, investigating all aspects of his past, including family and friends. Finally, he devised a wicked plan to cause Xie Sui some trouble.
Thus, as Lin Wanwan was nearing her delivery, Sheng Ruyi arrived at their home.
Seeing Sheng Ruyi led in by the nanny, Xie Sui was momentarily stunned. Why was she here?
Lin Wanwan was delighted. While Xie Sui took excellent care of her, it was also quite dull. She was happy to have a friend visit. She had few friends in Hong Kong and spent her days with her child and husband, which was rather monotonous. Sheng Ruyi was considered her best confidante.
"Ruyi, you're here! Please sit down. I'll have the kitchen prepare something delicious to welcome you. You've come at the perfect time. I'll be giving birth again soon, it's so annoying."
Lin Wanwan spoke with a touch of girlish charm. Though she had gained some weight, her skin was good, and her eyes were bright and luminous, clearly indicating she was well cared for and very happy.
Sheng Ruyi suppressed a pang of envy and smiled, "I heard you were close to giving birth, so I came to see you. How are you feeling? With such a large belly, is it very uncomfortable?"
Sheng Ruyi looked at her belly, which seemed frighteningly large, like a giant winnowing fan. Was childbirth really so terrifying for women? The exposed feet were also swollen, thick like pig trotters, plump and white, which was rather nauseating.
Xie Sui stood up, "You two chat. I'll go to the kitchen to check on the dishes. Miss Sheng, please stay for dinner."
"How could I trouble you? I actually have some work matters to discuss with Mr. Xie."
"I see. Well, there's no rush. We can discuss it after dinner."
The meal was eaten with each person harboring their own thoughts. Xie Sui focused on feeding their two sons and then taking them to their early education classes, finding some temporary respite and learning opportunities. Their sons, ever since they learned to walk, were active and energetic. One child could turn the entire family upside down, let alone two. The early education teachers' help would also ease their burden; otherwise, they would do nothing but attend to the children.
Sheng Ruyi and Lin Wanwan talked extensively. Sheng Ruyi inquired about many matters concerning Xie Sui's company. Lin Wanwan didn't think much of it, as she was too preoccupied with her pregnancy to notice. The two younger ones also clung to their mother, often seeking to be held, which was also exhausting.
Seeing that Lin Wanwan knew nothing, Sheng Ruyi chuckled, "You've truly become a housewife. You used to be a dynamic female CEO, so beautiful. Women sacrifice too much for their families. If you hadn't had children, your achievements now would be no less than Mr. Xie's. It's a shame, a female CEO, a strong woman, has returned to domesticity like this. You've sacrificed too much for Mr. Xie."
Lin Wanwan's expression was calm, without regret. "You're exaggerating a bit. I know my own capabilities. I only have a high school education and have managed to handle things by sheer force of will, but I always felt uncertain. The children are mine, and I'm happy to raise them. Watching them grow day by day, becoming more sensible, is more important than making money. Xie Sui has done a great job. In the past, in the village, men only worked in the fields. When they came home, they wouldn't even lift a finger to help with household chores. He spends his days with me and the children now, and I'm already very content. Ruyi, you will eventually get married. When you find a husband, make sure he's as family-oriented as my Xie Sui. That's more important than making money. A man who isn't family-oriented makes life truly difficult." She spoke from deep personal experience; her life now was worlds apart from her past.
Sheng Ruyi gave a dry laugh, "Alright, I'll need your help in choosing then. I don't have such plans for now; I'm focusing on my career."
Xie Sui returned, followed by Secretary Jin, carrying a stack of documents that required his signature. Upon seeing Sheng Ruyi, Secretary Jin nodded politely, "Good day, Miss Sheng."
"Good day, Secretary Jin." They were acquainted. They had once worked together to assist Lin Wanwan, making them former colleagues, though their relationship was not particularly close. Sheng Ruyi looked down on him simply for being a secretary, while Secretary Jin felt that woman was too arrogant and they were not on the same path.
"Wanwan, are you tired? It's time for your nap." At this time every day, Lin Wanwan took her afternoon nap. Xie Sui was a little unhappy; Sheng Ruyi's arrival had disrupted her routine.
Sheng Ruyi said, "You're going to nap? Then you go ahead. You always liked to nap. Look at me, I was so engrossed in talking that I overlooked your habit. I have some factory matters to discuss with Mr. Xie. We can continue our chat after you've rested."
"Alright, I'll go rest. There's a guest room available. If you're tired, you can rest too. Don't consider yourself an outsider." Xie Sui helped her back to her room. Secretary Jin then invited Sheng Ruyi to the study, even pouring her coffee, treating her as a guest.
"Secretary Jin, there's no need to be so formal. We were colleagues. The group is developing well now, and I've heard many people talk about Mr. Xie. I truly envy you for being able to accompany Mr. Xie in building this empire."
Secretary Jin smiled, "Miss Sheng, it's truly me who envies you. We work hard, but we're just employees. How can that compare to you? You're a partner, you're earning money for yourself, you're Ms. Sheng. That title is different."
"Alas, making money is not that easy. I work myself to death, but sales are not good. I'm so worried." She had come this time seeking Xie Sui's help. Her cosmetics factory had been running for almost half a year, but it was not profitable. Her prized inventions were not selling and were piling up in the warehouse, causing her great anxiety. Her finances were in the red, and she was close to being unable to pay salaries. Sheng Ruyi had thought she would impress Mr. Xie by making the factory flourish, but she hadn't expected this outcome.
Xie Sui arrived after Lin Wanwan had fallen asleep and directly asked, "Miss Sheng, what is it?" Sitting in his office chair, his demeanor was sharp and serious, a stark contrast to his gentle attitude towards Lin Wanwan, making one involuntarily nervous.
Sheng Ruyi had no choice but to say, "Mr. Xie, the factory's sales are not good. I was wondering if you have any suggestions? I apologize, I haven't managed the factory well, and I've disappointed you."
Xie Sui pulled out several documents – the factory's financial reports. He had been monitoring them all along, not treating the money given to her as lost. This was Wanwan's enterprise, not for Sheng Ruyi's sake.
"You have indeed not managed it well. The financial reports are in the red. What does Miss Sheng mean? Do you need me to invest more, or should I take over the management?"