Chapter 4

Shida Group.

The female assistant who was temporarily assigned to take over Wen Ke’s duties stood respectfully behind Shi Niange, holding a folder and reporting on Shida’s work for the day.

Shi Niange wore a small pink Chanel suit, sitting behind a black desk, eating the breakfast prepared by Xiang Yi in a lazy manner.

This was the most relaxed moment of the day—no need to deal with company affairs or the many demanding major shareholders.

“CEO,” the assistant said after reporting the schedule, then paused and looked at the cheerful girl in front of him, hesitating before speaking, “Just this morning, the Mo family rejected our collaboration invitation.”

“Rejected?” Shi Niange was surprised. “We sent the invitation last night. Whether it’s big or small, Shida Group said it’s appropriate. Normally, the Mo family would take some time to respond. Why is the reply so quick this time?”

“We don’t know yet, but this morning I had the secretariat check the content of yesterday’s invitation. There are no issues.”

“What’s the reason for their rejection?”

“The collaboration concept doesn’t fit. The Mo family wants to launch a high-end leather line.”

“Isn’t our collaboration meant to be high-end?” Shi Niange laughed in anger. This rejection from the Mo family was straightforward and barely noticeable.

Shi Niange thought for a while, then suddenly asked seriously, “Who replied from the Mo family?”

“CEO’s office.”

Just as Shi Niange raised herdelicate hand, she froze mid-air, her eyes dimming momentarily.

“CEO,” the assistant asked, puzzled. “Is there a problem with the reply from the Mo family?”

No one answered, and the large office suddenly became quiet.

“CEO…”

“I’ve noticed this,” Shi Niange said, regaining her focus. “You go ahead and prepare for the executive meeting starting at nine. I’ll send the materials after everyone arrives. Don’t give them them in advance.”

“Okay, CEO. I’ll leave now,” the assistant said, quickly stepping out of the office with practiced calm.

After the sound of the assistant’s footsteps faded completely, Shi Niange put down the spoon used to eat porridge, paused for a moment, and then dialed Wen Ke’s number with a stiff, awkward motion.

“Niannian, so what do you mean?” Only after understanding what had happened did Wen Ke speak softly.

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

“Niannian…” Wen Ke really didn’t know how to start talking. He knew about the past between Niannian and the Qin Young Master, but every time he mentioned that Qin Young Master in front of Niannian, she became like a puppet without a soul—stiff, lifeless, with no trace of the lively girl she used to be. Beneath her calm surface, the breakdown was clearly visible. Over time, he tried to avoid mentioning the Qin Young Master in front of Shi Niange. But now, since Shida has returned to Haicheng, how could he not mention the name Qin Siting?

“I don’t know. Right now, my thoughts are chaotic, and my mind is also confused.” Shi Niange buried her small face in her arm, her eyes empty and lost, like a helpless child who has lost its way.

Lele wants her father. She wants to find Lele’s real father.

But there are too many misunderstandings, too many mistakes, and too much obstruction.

Qin Siting hates her, dislikes her, calls her heartless—all of this she can endure.

But she can’t stand Qin Siting’s indifference. It’s like a blade in the cold light—every piece can easily tear apart her disguise and break through her calm.

……

“Niannian, follow my advice. Let this matter go behind us, stop thinking about it.” Wen Ke decided for her instead, “Even without the Qinshi and Mo Shi and Shida support, there are still other good partners you can find in Haicheng.”

Wen Ke’s words were both comforting and encouraging. However, without the support of Qinshi and Mo Shi, it was almost impossible for Shida to establish itself in Haicheng. Niannian knew this clearly when she decided to return to her country.

“I heard there’s a banquet at the Han family tonight, and the Mo family has been invited.” Niannian tried to calm herself. She couldn’t let her emotions get out of control; finding a plan was the most important thing right now. She couldn’t let Shida fall into her hands, nor could she fail her parents’ efforts. She must also prevent Shida from stalling.

“Niannian, you can’t go without me!” Wen Ke became anxious immediately. “The Han family people have many ulterior motives. There’s too much uncertainty at the banquet! And you just came back with Shida. What if the Han family—”

“No what-ifs. I can take care of myself. I’ll find someone to talk to and come out right away.”

“Niannian! Listen to me!” Wen Ke’s tone became more serious.

“Wen Shu, Lele is waiting for me at home. I promised her I’d stay with her overnight and won’t stay at the banquet long. Don’t worry.” Niannian said nothing more, hung up the phone, and quickly put on her suit coat before heading to the meeting room.

Recently, everyone at the company is worried about the headquarters relocation. She must stay calm and focused to handle everything at work.

One needs a powerful presence, persuasive words, and a clear mind at all times.

So tired.

She was like a water-starved fish in the desert—exhausted and unable to fight back.

……

As night falls, for the young boys and girls in this vibrant city, the most exciting part of the day has just begun.

At this moment, the main villa area of the Han family’s estate is filled with noise.

The Han family took over a government-funded construction project just two days ago. This deal caused a stir among the upper class. The Han family gained both fame, money, and prestige, naturally attracting flattery from outsiders. But the Han family showed no modesty or restraint—they held a family banquet and invited all the high-profile figures from the upper class.

Although Mo Shi received the invitation, it’s unclear whether Mo Jing Shen will attend. So Shi Niange stood in a corner of the hall, holding a glass of champagne, searching through the crowd for Mo Jing Shen’s figure.

The Han family banquet started at 7:30, but it’s already 7:28. Shi Niange has searched for twenty minutes.

While thinking about going back and visiting the imperial garden another day, the noisy hall suddenly quieted down. The golden, heavy doors were opened again by the servant outside.

In the reflections of people’s eyes, two tall figures were slowly walking toward them.