novelraw Chapter 456: Come Greet President Wen!
Chapter 456: Come Greet President Wen!
"Hello? Lingling? Are you still listening?" Sun Rong’s voice grew louder.
Yao Lingling’s lips trembled slightly, her voice dry as she replied, "Director Sun, I understand."
"Alright then, that’s all. Nothing else to discuss. Bye."
The call ended.
Yao Lingling stood frozen, lifelessly staring at the woman in front of her. Her voice hoarse, she muttered, "This was your doing."
Wen Qiuyue tilted her chin up slightly, a cold smirk tugging at her lips as she whispered, "I just made you cough up what you stole. Did you really think you could offend me and still have a peaceful career at Shangya? And that little assistant of yours—what was her name, Min something? She dared to talk back to me? Hah."
At Sunday’s event, her reputation had been utterly humiliated. She had been publicly shamed by Lin Muxue, leaving her seething with resentment. She had to vent somehow.
She couldn’t retaliate against Lin Muxue just yet, nor did she have an immediate method to do so.
So she settled for crushing a small designer like Yao Lingling—just to let off steam.
And as a bonus, this would also serve to "tame" Xiao Mingxuan.She had deliberately waited until today, just to watch Yao Lingling’s dreams shatter in real-time.
Hearing Wen Qiuyue’s words, a surge of anger shot up from deep within Yao Lingling’s chest.
She had never imagined someone could be this cruel.
The misunderstanding had already been resolved. She and Xiao Mingxuan had nothing going on. She had even been keeping her distance.
Yet Wen Qiuyue still refused to let her go.
Even Li Shumin, who had only spoken up once, had been targeted and fired.
"You b*stard!" Yao Lingling couldn’t hold back and blurted it out.
Her voice was loud, instantly drawing attention from the people around them.
Yao Lingling had always been an outspoken person. She said whatever was on her mind.
Now, not only had she lost her position, but her best friend had been fired as well.
She couldn’t just swallow this humiliation.
Being demoted from Lead Designer back to Assistant Designer—this wasn’t just a career setback.
This was Wen Qiuyue’s way of publicly humiliating her.
If she continued working at the company after this, she would be an absolute fool.
Wen Qiuyue’s expression remained calm, her arrogance and cruelty momentarily fading into an air of calm superiority.
"Yao Lingling, this is the opening ceremony of an international expo, surrounded by high-profile industry figures. Stop throwing a tantrum like a child."
Yao Lingling gritted her teeth. "Wen Qiuyue, you are absolutely disgusting."
Hearing that, Wen Qiuyue’s eyes turned icy cold.
"I originally kept you out of the conference hall as a courtesy, to save you some dignity. Don’t be ungrateful."
After all, her father, her future father-in-law, and several major business partners were all here.
She wasn’t about to stoop to the level of a petty shouting match.
"For you to even say that—you're not just disgusting, you're a shameless piece of sh*t!"
The surrounding whispers abruptly stopped.
Wen Qiuyue stepped forward, her eyes darkening.
"Do you even realize the consequences of insulting me?"
"Tap, tap, tap—"
Urgent footsteps approached.
Liang Jiani, who had been secretly enjoying the spectacle, hurried over.
"Yao Lingling! What are you doing? Do you even know where you are? Stop acting crazy!"
Yao Lingling looked at Liang Jiani, then back at Wen Qiuyue.
Her mind snapped into clarity.
She glared at Liang Jiani and demanded, "Liang Jiani, the runway show for this expo—was my work replaced with yours?"
Liang Jiani replied smoothly, "That was leadership’s decision. Qimeng Brand isn’t mature enough yet. Two featured designs were sufficient."
They were standing near a side hall, close to where other Shangya employees were gathered.
Soon, several colleagues took notice of the commotion.
Peng Xinlei, the Design Director, hurried over, her expression tense.
"Lingling, whatever the issue is, let’s discuss it privately! Don’t make a scene here."
"Director." Yao Lingling turned to Peng Xinlei, her expression stubborn and unwavering.
"You already knew about this, didn’t you?"
Back when she was recruited straight from university, it had been Peng Xinlei who personally brought her in.
She also knew that Peng Xinlei was acquainted with her university professor.
She had always respected Peng Xinlei and had a good working relationship with her.
Even when she was quickly promoted, Peng Xinlei had helped push her forward.
Now…
Peng Xinlei’s eyes flickered, momentarily avoiding her gaze. She lowered her voice, saying, "Lingling, this decision came from Chairman Xiao. I’m trying to fight for you." Read full story at Nove1Fire.net
"Thank you, Director, but there’s no need."
Yao Lingling took a deep breath, her eyes shifting toward Xiao Liguo and the other executives.
"I will be resigning as soon as possible."
"You…" Peng Xinlei’s expression shifted, but she didn’t know what to say to console her.
This had happened too suddenly—she had only found out yesterday.
Even as a high-level executive, she was just an employee.
When the Chairman personally issued an order, she had no power to oppose it.
And she also understood—for a designer to experience this kind of humiliation, it was impossible for them to stay in the company.
At that moment, Xiao Mingxuan noticed the gathering crowd, as well as Wen Qiuyue’s presence.
His expression changed.
He whispered something to his father.
Xiao Liguo looked up, his face darkening slightly.
Then, he walked directly toward them.
Xiao Mingxuan hesitated, then quickly followed after him.
"Chairman Xiao is coming!"
A colleague whispered.
Wen Qiuyue’s lips curled slightly, her face adopting a poised, graceful expression.
"Uncle. Mingxuan."
Xiao Mingxuan glanced at Yao Lingling, his expression darkening.
He wanted to say something, but hesitated.
He could clearly see that something was very wrong with Yao Lingling’s state, but with his father present, he had to hold back his words.
"Qiuyue."
Xiao Liguo smiled warmly and stood beside her.
"What were you all discussing?"
At 50 years old, Xiao Liguo had a commanding presence—his posture was straight, his hair neatly combed, exuding authority.
Wen Qiuyue chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Nothing important. We were just discussing the expo and the opening ceremony."
Yao Lingling’s chest rose and fell sharply.
Then, she spoke directly.
"Chairman Xiao, I would like to ask—why was my exhibited work suddenly replaced without any prior notification?"
Xiao Mingxuan’s eyes widened slightly.
"Lingling, what do you mean?"
Yao Lingling clenched the edge of her handbag, her voice steady but cold.
"My Qimeng Brand exhibition piece was replaced with Sister Liang’s.
And my invitation to the opening ceremony was revoked."
"What?!"
Xiao Mingxuan’s face shifted in shock.
He looked between Wen Qiuyue and his father, slowly piecing things together.
Taking a deep breath, he turned to his father.
"Chairman Xiao, I am the head of the Qimeng division. Why was I not consulted on this?"
"This matter can be discussed later."
Xiao Liguo raised a hand, his tone calm and dismissive.
"This was a company decision. Your only responsibility is to execute it."
Xiao Mingxuan’s gaze wavered.
Though he was frustrated, he knew that this was not the place to argue.
The room was filled with government officials, business partners, and suppliers.
Yao Lingling clenched her jaw, forcing three words through her throat.
"On what grounds?"
"Hello? Lingling? Are you still listening?" Sun Rong’s voice grew louder.
Yao Lingling’s lips trembled, her voice dry. "Director Sun, I understand."
"Alright then, that’s all. Nothing else to discuss. Bye."
The call ended.
From Assistant Designer to Lead Designer.
From joining Qimeng Division to participating in an international fashion expo.
For someone who had only graduated a year ago, these past three months had been a dream—blissful and surreal.
She had hoped to win an award at the expo, gain some recognition, and prove herself to her family, friends, and colleagues.
She had fantasized about standing before him as a better, more accomplished version of herself, letting him see her brilliance.
But today, it all crumbled into nothing.
Wen Qiuyue stood there, watching with amusement, as if enjoying a well-orchestrated performance.
Xiao Mingxuan clenched his fists, took a step forward, and blocked Wen Qiuyue’s gaze. His voice was firm, "Lingling, you’re a part of Qimeng. I will give you an explanation."
But Yao Lingling didn’t respond.
She stood still, her gaze stubbornly fixed on Xiao Liguo.
Xiao Liguo furrowed his brows, about to speak, when—
A calm yet authoritative voice suddenly called out from beside him.
"What’s wrong, Lingling?"
The next second, Wen Ruan strode over, gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"What happened?"
"Sister Wen Ruan…"
Feeling the warmth of her embrace, Yao Lingling could no longer hold back her tears—they spilled freely down her cheeks.
Wang Dandan, who had followed behind Wen Ruan, immediately pulled out some tissues and handed them over.
Wen Ruan quickly wiped Yao Lingling’s tears, her voice soft yet filled with quiet strength.
"Don’t cry. Tell me—did someone bully you? Say the word, and I’ll handle it for you."
Though she and Yao Lingling mainly interacted in games, they were still friends.
And given Yao Lingling’s connection to Tang Song, there was no way Wen Ruan would stand by and watch her be mistreated.
Yao Lingling wiped her tears, shook her head, and murmured, "It’s just work stuff. It’s nothing. I’ve already decided to resign."
Hearing that, Wen Ruan’s expression darkened slightly.
Her sharp gaze swept over the people surrounding them.
She had experienced workplace bullying before. She knew all too well about the petty politics and underhanded schemes in corporate settings.
And thinking back to what had happened at the check-in area earlier, she immediately had a few suspicions.
Her eyes finally landed on Xiao Mingxuan. "Xiao Mingxuan, what’s going on here?"
Of the people present, he was the only one she knew.
They had played a few rounds together in-game and had met in real life once.
Xiao Mingxuan’s lips parted slightly, but after a pause, he simply said, "It’s complicated. I will handle it."
Wen Qiuyue glanced at her watch, her tone indifferent. "Can you all stop making a scene? The opening ceremony starts in forty minutes. The event organizers and senior officials will be arriving soon."
Feeling the change in Yao Lingling’s expression, Wen Ruan turned to Wen Qiuyue, her voice calm.
"If you don’t know how to talk properly, just shut up."
"What did you just say?!"
Wen Qiuyue’s eyes sharpened instantly.
The scene in front of her felt all too familiar.
Just like last time, that b*tch Lin Muxue had suddenly jumped in to humiliate her, standing up for Yao Lingling.
And now, another woman was doing the same thing.
Did they really think they could push her around?
"I meant exactly what I said. Or do you not understand plain language?"
Wen Ruan’s voice was steady, her expression indifferent. She lightly patted Yao Lingling’s shoulder.
"You need to remember that in life, you’ll always encounter idiots. It’s inevitable. There’s no need to let them get under your skin."
Wen Qiuyue’s eye twitched, her jaw clenching. "Who the hell do you think you are to talk to me like that?"
"Enough!"
Xiao Liguo suddenly cut in sharply, his tone final and unwavering.
"This matter ends here."
He turned to Xiao Mingxuan and Wen Qiuyue.
"Mingxuan, Qiuyue, come with me."
He had handled Yao Lingling’s situation for Wen Qiuyue’s sake, not wanting it to affect her relationship or engagement with his son.
In his eyes, a junior designer meant absolutely nothing.
Having said that, he patted Xiao Mingxuan’s shoulder, then turned to leave.
But before he could take another step—
He saw Wen Zhenhua approaching.
Beside him was Wang Shunyu, a senior executive from Langzi Corporation, who was also the regional director for North China.
Langzi Corporation was a major name in the domestic women’s fashion industry—and it was also a publicly listed company.
Seeing this, Xiao Liguo immediately paused, his expression shifting to one of enthusiasm.
"Haha! Director Wen, President Wang! What brings you over?"
Wen Qiuyue hurriedly stepped forward.
"Dad! Uncle Wang!"
She had always feared her father, which was why she had been so restrained today.
"Director Wen, President Wang." Xiao Mingxuan greeted them politely.
Wen Zhenhua nodded slightly, but his eyes were focused on Wen Ruan.
Everyone froze for a second.
Wang Shunyu smiled warmly.
"Chairman Xiao, how do you know President Wen? You’ve never mentioned it before."
As he spoke, he gestured toward Wen Ruan.
Xiao Liguo stiffened, his expression momentarily blank as he looked at Wen Ruan in confusion.
Wang Shunyu let out a hearty laugh and stepped forward.
"President Wen, what a coincidence! If I had known, I wouldn’t have bothered you with a phone call yesterday—we could have just talked in person today!"
(Referencing Chapter 452)
Wen Ruan smiled lightly. "Hello, President Wang. Yes, it’s quite a coincidence."
The business network she had built through Shangguan Qiuya and Mo Xiangwan had not been for nothing.
She had established solid connections and even secured partnerships with several major corporations—Langzi Corporation being one of them.
Wang Shunyu turned to Wen Zhenhua and introduced her.
"Director Wen, this is Wen Ruan, CEO of Light & Shadow Media.
She is also a shareholder and board member of Xingyun International Group.
In fact, Jiaxin Group is a client of Xingyun International. Since you’re both here, this would be a perfect opportunity for you two to connect."
The moment those words landed, the surroundings fell into silence.
Even Xiao Liguo was momentarily shaken.
Light & Shadow Media was a co-organizer of this expo—of course, they knew about it.
But Xingyun International…
That was one of the top advertising media conglomerates in China, backed by Tang Zong Entertainment.
Yao Lingling looked at Wen Ruan beside her, feeling as if her mind had been hit by a freight train.
She had always known Wen Ruan worked at Light & Shadow Media…
But she had never imagined—she was the CEO.
And not just that—she was a major shareholder of Xingyun International.
Wen Qiuyue’s expression completely crumbled, her eye twitching furiously.
She had never expected that this woman—standing before her—was an equal to her own father.
Wen Zhenhua, however, remained composed. He smiled.
"President Wen, pleasure to meet you. I’m Wen Zhenhua from Jiaxin Group."
"Nice to meet you, Director Wen."
Wen Ruan nodded slightly, but her gaze fell onto Wen Qiuyue—
Her lips curled into a slow, deliberate smile.
Noticing Wen Ruan’s look, Wen Zhenhua’s brows furrowed slightly.
His voice was steady—but carried an unmistakable weight of authority.
"Qiuyue, come greet President Wen properly."