Ch. 31..40

Chapter 31 Open Surgery Lin Chuyi’s face rarely revealed solemnity, “Does the Ye Family know the inside story of the murder case that year?”

Madam Ye shook her head, “We don’t know about that. Du Yu worked for the Ye Family for less than a month before he was killed, and we weren’t very familiar with him. However, after Du Yu died, his wife was seriously ill and their children almost dropped out of school. The Ye Family provided financial support for them, and now his wife and children are all working for the Ye Group.”

“I can help you contact Du’s family and have them help you recall the details of that case and cooperate with your investigation. I presume you’ve already sought them out, but they harbor a strong hatred for you and refuse to assist you, right?”noveldrama

Lin Chuyi pursed her lips without speaking.

The Du family indeed harbored a deep hatred for her; every time she visited, she was met with curses, preventing her from obtaining any effective information from the Du family.

“Besides this, I can also get the Du family to issue a letter of forgiveness, so your father can be released from prison early.”

Madam Ye’s tone was seductive, “The prison is full of serious offenders; it’s no place for people. Don’t you want to see your father regain his freedom and start living a normal life again?”

Lin Chuyi thought that she had been dreaming of that very thing.

Since the day her father was imprisoned, her greatest goal had been to clear his name and get him out!

And now, she was so close to that goal!

In the face of such a huge temptation, she struggled to maintain her clarity of mind, clenching her hands, “I’ll consider your offer and get back to you with a response.”

“That’s fine, but I hope you can give me an answer quickly. After all, Sheng Tingyuan’s mother probably can’t wait much longer.”

Lin Chuyi lowered her eyelashes, got into the car, and left.

That night, she didn’t sleep well; in her dreams, it was always her father’s bruised face, as if he was constantly being beaten and tormented.

At dawn, Lin Chuyi awoke from the nightmare, and after a brief moment of stupefaction, she broke free from the negative emotions.

As usual, she took a shower, brushed her teeth, and had breakfast.

Then, she went to Dome Hospital.

This morning, she had a public surgery scheduled for a carotid artery tumor.

This was an old tradition at Dome Hospital. The hospital’s most skilled doctors had to perform a public surgery each month. The operation took place in the operating room, while a live feed was broadcast in the conference room outside for other doctors to study and learn.

Besides the hospital doctors, patients’ families could also watch the live broadcast. They could clearly see the entire procedure, understand the dynamics of the surgery, and monitor the patient’s condition, which was a rarity among hospitals nationwide.

In the past, her mentor, An Huadong, would perform these public surgeries, but now that her teacher was advanced in age, it had become her turn to conduct the live operations.

Everything was ready, the camera was turned on, the operating room was broadcast live, and Lin Chuyi began her work.

Carotid artery tumors are generally benign, but the patient on the operating table had refused to seek medical help for a long time, turning what was benign into malignant. The tumor had metastasized to the lymph nodes.

Lin Chuyi needed to remove the tumor pressing on the artery and the malignant lymph nodes without damaging the patient’s carotid artery.

She made an incision in the patient’s skin with her usual steadiness and began to remove the tumor.

An Huadong was still watching by her side, and Chi Cheng was still acting as her assistant. Although it was a difficult surgery, An Huadong knew Lin Chuyi’s capabilities and was relaxed, occasionally speaking to Chi Cheng to instruct him on how such surgeries should be performed.

Everything was proceeding smoothly when suddenly, violent shaking occurred in the operating room. The operating table swayed from side to side, alarms beeped from the equipment, and even the overhead surgical lights began to flicker and sway.

The nurses cried out, “What’s happening, what’s happening!”

“Oh my God, why is it shaking so much! I can’t stand!”

“Crap! The surgical forceps have fallen to the floor!”

Chi Cheng was pale with shock, “Teacher, it’s an earthquake! Quickly, get to the corner!”

An Huadong got a fright too and rushed to the corner.

Outside the operating room, those watching the live feed in the conference room were also frantically seeking shelter under tables and along walls.

Only Lin Chuyi remained calm and steadfast at the operating table, one hand holding down the patient’s oxygen mask that was about to fall off, and the other hand holding a scalpel, searching for the migrating tumor.

The seismic waves did not last too long; after a minute, the violent shaking subsided.

The crowd was still trying to regain their composure when they looked at the live feed to see Lin Chuyi hadn’t moved an inch. Her expression was focused, scalpels still in her hand, and the tumor had been excised!

Chapter 32 Rumors, Keep it Secret How did she manage that?

When the earthquake hit, everyone instinctively sought shelter, yet she didn’t hide?

Wasn’t she afraid?

Or was it that her psychological quality was so strong that no external factor could interfere with her surgery?

She stood steadily in front of the operating table, and if it wasn’t for the live broadcast showing other medical staff hiding in the corner, they would have thought the recent earthquake was just their imagination!

A moment later, someone took the lead and began to clap.

Soon, the conference room was filled with thunderous applause, everyone was impressed by Lin Chuyi’s strong professional dedication.

The patient’s family was moved to tears, “Thank you, doctor! Having such an impressive doctor perform surgery on my mother, our whole family is extremely grateful!”

A doctor said, “This doctor’s name is Anxin, doesn’t the name itself make you feel at ease?”

“Yes, yes! Having her really is comforting! Thank you, Doctor Anxin!”

Another doctor lamented, “She truly is worthy of being Principal An’s proudest student, not even an earthquake can disturb her surgery, it’s incredible! When will I ever have a student as outstanding as her?”

“Director Yu, you might need to have your own child for that, didn’t you know Anxin is Principal An’s granddaughter? Principal An is a top-notch expert, Doctor Anxin has inherited the family’s medical tradition!”

“What?! Doctor Anxin is Principal An’s granddaughter?”noveldrama

“Yes, I also heard it through the grapevine, but you must keep it a secret!”

Everyone: …

You say it so loudly, we all heard it.

In the operating room, Lin Chuyi was oblivious to everything happening in the conference room; even if she knew, she wouldn’t pay any heed to it, as everyone in the hospital called her Doctor Anxin, and more than one or two people have said she is An Huadong’s granddaughter.

She was still diligently removing the next tumor, undistracted.

An Huadong, who was supported by Chi Cheng as he stood up from the corner, was not entirely satisfied, “Chi Cheng, can you not overreact next time? You’re embarrassing me, your teacher!”

“Look at your junior sister, unflappable at the operating table, be more like her. Today, we’re live broadcasting the surgery, even if you’re scared, at least pretend you’re not, right? Hide? What’s there to hide from?”

Chi Cheng’s face was flushed with shame, “I’m sorry, teacher, I definitely won’t hide next time.”

After An Huadong finished scolding this student, he walked over to Lin Chuyi and reprimanded her, “Anxin, have you gone mad? Why didn’t you hide during the earthquake? The ceiling could have fallen and killed you, do you understand?”

“Your life is more important than anything else; remember, no matter what happens, always protect yourself first.”

Chi Cheng: “?”

Lin Chuyi chuckled, “I understand, teacher.”

Twenty minutes later, the surgery was over.

Lin Chuyi stepped down from the operating table and went to the office; it was then that she learned from her assistant about the magnitude 5.8 earthquake, which had already been reported in the news and claimed four lives.

Even parts of their hospital’s walls had cracked because of the earthquake.

After a short break, Lin Chuyi ate a piece of chocolate to replenish her energy, then dived into the next surgery.

But this time, it wasn’t a public operation; she only had to perform one public surgery per month.

By the end of the day, Lin Chuyi had performed four surgeries, and by the time she returned to her office, it was already dark outside.

Her assistant brought her dinner, “Doctor Anxin, the cafeteria made chicken legs today, I got you two!”

Lin Chuyi was famished, not to mention two chicken legs, she could have devoured two whole chickens.

Actually, the hospital cafeteria’s food was just mediocre, but Lin Chuyi didn’t mind, she took the meal box and started eating voraciously.

Halfway through the meal, she received a call from Su Shan, the assistant at Jungle Pharmaceutical, “Director Lin, the pharmaceutical exchange meeting hosted by our company is set for tonight, but President Jungle can’t make it back from his business trip, he said you should host it this time.”

Chapter 33 You Don’t Have an Invitation Lin Chuyi’s motions of eating halted, “Why is Cong Ningyuan so unreliable? He’s not coming back for the mixer tonight?”

Su Shan muttered uneasily, not daring to speak.

Cong Ningyuan was clearly aware that he had not arranged this trip well, so he didn’t dare to call the big boss, asking his assistant to call instead.

Fortunately, Lin Chuyi did not mean to give the assistant a hard time and quickly said, “I’ll go to the company later, you’ll come with me to the mixer tonight.”

“Yes, Boss Lin.”

Lin Chuyi finished her meal quickly, then drove over to Jungle.

Su Shan had already prepared a suit for her, as well as the speech.

Lin Chuyi changed into the suit, glanced at the speech, and then casually stuffed it into her bag.

In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry mixer hosted by Jungle was the most prestigious and valuable in the nation, naturally, Lin Chuyi wasn’t the only one from the company to go, but as the boss, the others were from the research and development team.

The others had already set off for the venue, Lin Chuyi left with Su Shan alone.

The mixer was held at the Huagong Hotel, a five-star venue, where Jungle Pharmaceutical had booked the top-floor banquet hall.

When Lin Chuyi arrived at the banquet hall with Su Shan, she just happened to see Wen Nianyou arguing with the security guard at the door.

“Why won’t you let me in? I’m with them!”

“Sorry, miss, but you can’t enter without an invitation.”

“This person here is the Madam of Qi Hospital’s dean, and this one, the dean’s son, also my boyfriend, they both have invitations, isn’t that enough? Why can’t I go in?”

“The rules of the mixer state that each invitation is for one person only, you don’t have one, so you can’t enter.”

“Aren’t you being too rigid? I’ve told you we’re together. What’s the big deal about one extra person?”

“You can’t enter, please move back, you’re blocking the way.”

Wen Nianyou was impatient beyond measure, yet in front of Qi Yunfan and Mrs. Qi, she had to appear decent, so she seethed with frustration.

Just as she fumed, she heard Qi Yunfan surprisedly say, “Chuyi, you’re here too?”noveldrama

Lin Chuyi approached the entrance, “Should I not be?”

“No, that’s not what I mean.”

Qi Yunfan frowned upon seeing her in a suit, “Are you wearing that to clean? Doesn’t seem very convenient for the job, does it?”

Lin Chuyi glanced at Wen Nianyou and responded indifferently, “Seems like Wen Nianyou has already told you that I work as a cleaner at Jungle Pharmaceutical. Quick talker.”

Su Shan, who followed at her side, looked at her boss with suspicion. Cleaner? What cleaner? The boss, working as a cleaner?

Hen Peizhu hadn’t expected to encounter Lin Chuyi here and scoffed, “So, you’re just a cleaner at Jungle, I thought you’d climbed some high tree! Turns out you’re still useless. Aren’t you supposed to be sweeping garbage? What are you doing here?”

Lin Chuyi spoke calmly, “There’s too much trash, it’s everywhere, impossible to sweep it all, so I came to the meeting first.”

Hen Peizhu suspected she was speaking metaphorically, but she was too composed, not seemingly cursing someone.

She laughed sarcastically, “A cleaner attending a mixer? Do you know how high the threshold is for this kind of pharmaceutical industry mixer? Do you know who’s inside? Someone of your level doesn’t even have the qualification to clean there!”

Wen Nianyou, embarrassed for being stopped by the security, found solace in seeing someone like Lin Chuyi who was even worse off, and she immediately echoed Hen Peizhu, “Yeah, this isn’t just any mixer, the attendees are all elites of the pharmaceutical industry! Chuyi, this is not a place for you, you’d better leave. If you get chased out by security later, it won’t look good!”

Lin Chuyi was unfazed, “Oh, is that so? Security will chase people out? Sounds like you have quite the experience with that.”

Wen Nianyou’s face turned a hint of green as she suppressed her anger, mocking Lin Chuyi under her breath, “Ah, what would a cleaner know? The entrance threshold for the mixer is indeed very high. Even a big hospital like Qi Hospital only got two invitation cards.”

“Chuyi, without an invitation, you can’t get in. Even wearing a suit is useless. Don’t waste your effort; you see even I got stopped outside. If I can’t get in, there’s no way you can. Go sweep your trash and stop blocking the way here.”

Chapter 34: Invitation Letters? I’ve Got Quite a Few of Those “Wen Nianyou, just because you don’t have an invitation, do you think nobody else does?”

Lin Chuyi said as she took out an invitation from her bag, “Indeed, you can’t get in, but I can.”

Wen Nianyou couldn’t believe it; she exclaimed, “How could you possibly have an invitation? That’s impossible!”

“I don’t just have one; I have quite a few!”

As she spoke, Lin Chuyi took out two more invitations from her bag.

“What?! You actually have three!”

Wen Nianyou’s expression shattered, unable to accept it!

She didn’t have a single one!

She had been trying to buy one all month, even bidding up to a million, but no one was willing to sell it to her. After all, those who could obtain an invitation wouldn’t lack that million.

And Lin Chuyi casually took out three?!

Hen Peizhu’s face was full of astonishment, “Where did you get so many invitations? These couldn’t possibly be stolen again by you, could they? You’re really a habitual offender!”

Qi Yunfan frowned, “Chuyi, why have you stolen again? I’ve already said such behavior is not good, can’t you change?”

Lin Chuyi was accustomed to these words, her face calm, but Su Shan was nearly driven mad by their accusations. Angrily she said, “What nonsense are you spouting? Just because you can’t produce an invitation, you accuse us— accuse Lin Jie of stealing! This wasn’t stolen; it’s hers!”

It was laughable indeed, a bunch of ignoramuses. The boss’s office is full of these, and these three were just casually taken by the boss before leaving!

Wen Nianyou was even angrier than Su Shan, retorting immediately, “If these weren’t stolen by her, then these invitations must be fake! It’s not possible for one person to have three invitations!”

“Do you think the invitations for this exchange meeting are worthless, something you can just fake? You dare to forge invitations without knowing anything, aren’t you ashamed?”

Hen Peizhu sneered, “They really are bottom-dwellers, lacking both insight and brains, only having a pretty face. They even dare to forge invitations of such caliber, and to forge three at once, aren’t you afraid of bursting from your deceit?”

Turning to her son, she took the opportunity to lecture him, “See? A person’s background is too important. When parents are of the lowest class, their children won’t learn any decency, only sneaky, shameful misdeeds.”

“Look at Youyou, she would never do such things. So, in choosing a wife, one must select someone like Youyou—upstanding and noble!”

“Some people, no matter how beautiful, can’t conceal the disgrace within. No one would want such a person because it’s embarrassing!”

Qi Yunfan looked at Lin Chuyi with disappointment. Although he had been reluctant to break up, now he felt fortunate to have done so. If he were to bring her out in public in the future, he might feel very embarrassed—it was more prestigious to be seen with Wen Nianyou.noveldrama

Su Shan, who had never witnessed these people’s true colors before, was shocked. She asked Lin Chuyi, “Sis, have they gone mad? They seem to lack intelligence. Who would forge an invitation?”

Lin Chuyi gave a faint smile, pleased with Su Shan’s cleverness, even knowing to call her “sister” and not “President Lin.”

She handed an invitation to Su Shan and, looking at the remaining two, said, “We have one extra. Tear it up, it’s of no use anymore.”

Su Shan was just about to tear it when a girl, who was watching the commotion, rushed over, “Sister, can you give me the invitation? I’m willing to pay!”

Su Shan didn’t dare to decide on her own and instinctively looked towards Lin Chuyi.

Lin Chuyi nodded generously, “You can have it, for free.”

Chapter 35: Mrs. Qi Wants to Be a Security Guard? The girl was overjoyed, her hands trembling as she received the invitation, “Thank you, sister! I’m so grateful, you’re not only beautiful but kind-hearted too!”

Lin Chuyi laughed, “You heard everything just now, didn’t you? Aren’t you afraid that this invitation might be a fake?”

The girl shook her head: “Each invitation has a unique code that cannot be forged, and besides, I’ve felt a real one before, it’s just like yours.”

After she spoke, she gave Lin Chuyi a radiant smile, “Thank you so much for giving me this, sister. My name is Yunzhu! I’m going in first!”

With that, she handed the invitation to the security guard.

After examining it for a moment, the guard respectfully said, “There is no problem with the invitation, miss, please go ahead.”

Wen Nianyou watched Yunzhu enter the banquet hall, feeling both angry and regretful. Lin Chuyi’s invitation was actually real, how could this be possible?!

If only she had known, she would have taken that invitation for herself!

She had sought desperately online for such a long time, and at the door, she had wasted so much breath with the security guard, all to no avail. Now that the invitation had been literally handed to her, it was snatched away by someone else!

That invitation was supposed to be hers! It was all the fault of that damned Yunzhu who had no decency at all. Doesn’t she understand the concept of first come, first served?

Wen Nianyou was so furious she nearly crushed her teeth, while Hen Peizhu was so shocked she bit her tongue!

“Impossible! How could your invitation be real? Where did you get a real one? You couldn’t possibly have three genuine invitations, I need to check that!”

Holding that thought, Hen Peizhu tried to snatch the invitation from Lin Chuyi’s hand.

Lin Chuyi had previously had her pass snatched by her, and was now experienced in handling such situations. She pushed her away directly, “Madam Qi, what are you doing? Don’t you have enough invitations of your own, or are you resorting to robbing me outright now? You’re supposed to be a prestigious director’s wife; doesn’t it devalue you to snatch something from a janitor like me?”

Qi Yunfan didn’t like her speaking about his mother that way, “Chuyi, my mom just wants to check your invitation, can’t you choose your words better? We have invitations; why would we need to take yours?”

Lin Chuyi looked at him with a cold gaze, Qi Yunfan probably didn’t know that Qi Hospital even got those two invitations because she asked Su Shan to provide them.

The medical conference hosted by Jungle Pharmaceutical happened only once a year, inviting the world’s top doctors and pharmacologists. These experts would share their most advanced medical techniques and cutting-edge pharmaceuticals, something that everyone in the medical field yearned to hear.

At the conference, Jungle would also help hospitals and pharmaceutical companies establish partnerships, giving hospitals access to the latest special medications and pharmaceutical companies access to various data feedback from top hospitals.

Qi Hospital hadn’t qualified for the conference in previous years. Having known Qi Yunfan for three years, she had heard him talk about it for just as long—he desperately wanted to attend the conference to elevate their hospital’s status. Hospitals that had never been part of the conference were always viewed as somewhat inferior by their peers.

This year, when the invitations were being distributed, she had just accepted Qi Yunfan’s courtship. So, thinking to help her boyfriend, she had Su Shan allocate two invitations to Qi Hospital.noveldrama

And what had she gotten in return?

Lin Chuyi spoke with a cool tone: “Qi Yunfan, there’s no need for your mother to check my invitation unless she wants to take over the security guard’s job and stand here as an inspector. Oh, could it be she actually wants to become a security guard?”

“You!”

Qi Yunfan grew somewhat angry, “Lin Chuyi, don’t go too far!”

“Isn’t it you who are crossing the line?”

Chapter 36: No! Wen Nianyou immediately came out to smooth things over, “Alright, alright, stop arguing. We all know each other. What’s all this about? Chuyi, can’t you say less? Mrs. Qi is an elder. How can you be so disrespectful?”

“If you like acknowledging her as an elder, then do it. I don’t.”

“Oh, you’re still so obstinate, I really don’t know what to do with you.”

With a helpless expression on his face, Wen Nianyou’s voice softened again, “But, as a cleaner, holding such a valuable invitation doesn’t really help you, does it? How about giving it to me?”

As he spoke, he reached for the invitation in Lin Chuyi’s hand.

Lin Chuyi dodged his hand and laughed, “Wen Nianyou, you want this?”

“Yes, give it to me quickly!”

“Didn’t you just say my invitation was fake?”

“Oh, I was just joking with you, just saying things, why do you take it so seriously? You should be more magnanimous, don’t be so petty!”

Seeing the invitation was right in front of her, urgency shone in Wen Nianyou’s eyes as he grabbed Lin Chuyi’s arm, “Give it to me, quick!”

Lin Chuyi, looking down from her height, enjoyed seeing his anxious greed. Ever since they were young, whatever good things she had, Wen Nianyou would never let go, always snatching them away.

From something as small as a piece of candy to something as big as a boyfriend, he even snatched those.

And although he clearly wasn’t lacking money, he would still snatch away the one-dollar allowance given to her by Dad.

Now, he was trying to snatch away her invitation.

Lin Chuyi lowered her head and pried off Wen Nianyou’s fingers one by one, “Nope, not giving!”

Wen Nianyou was stunned, “What did you say? You’re actually not giving it to me? We grew up together, I’ve been so good to you. You won’t even give me an invitation? You’ve changed! You weren’t like this before. Before, you would give me anything I asked for!”

“I haven’t changed, those things you snatched, I never once thought of giving them to you. You snatched my things and I didn’t resist; did you really not know the real reason why?”

Lin Chuyi pushed him away and handed the invitation to the security guard.

After checking it, the security guard quickly opened the door for her, “Please come in, miss.”

Lin Chuyi stepped inside, but just before she entered, she suddenly turned around, “Wen Nianyou, even I could get an invitation, why didn’t your boyfriend get one for you? Don’t they have two? Why can’t he bear to give you one?”

After she finished speaking, she hooked a smile at the corner of her mouth, then strode into the banquet hall.

The door of the banquet hall closed quickly, and the scene of the mingling elite inside was blocked off as well.

Wen Nianyou’s face didn’t look good. She looked at Qi Yunfan and Mrs. Qi; both tacitly pretended to have heard nothing and handed over their invitations one after the other, heading straight into the banquet hall.

Qi Hospital had managed to obtain only two invitations this year after much difficulty; how could they possibly spare one for someone else? They felt they didn’t even have enough for themselves!

A few onlookers whispered among themselves, “That’s really pitiful. It seems like her boyfriend doesn’t take her seriously at all. Out of two invitations, he didn’t give her even one.”

“And she even tried to snatch someone else’s, shameless! Do they know how precious these invitations to the networking event are? How could she have the nerve to snatch one?”noveldrama

“Ah, stop talking about it. It’s precisely because they’re so precious. When that beauty suddenly whipped out three, I also thought they were fake. If I had known they were real, I would have gone up and asked for one. Now someone beat me to it. There’s no way I can get in today; it’s so frustrating.”

“What’s there to be frustrated about? You didn’t recognize a good opportunity and missed it. That’s only natural! The people inside are big shots we can’t reach anyway. We got to watch a great drama from outside; this trip was definitely worth it!”

As Wen Nianyou listened to these comments, her face fluctuated between shades of green and white. She bit her lip so hard that she bled without even realizing it.

She took out her phone and dialed Lin Yueqin immediately. The phone didn’t connect, and only then did she remember that Lin Yueqin had been detained for providing a false testimony and was unavailable to help her torment Lin Chuyi.

No, she had to think of a way to get Lin Yueqin out quickly; only Lin Yueqin could deal with Lin Chuyi without any scruples!

 

Chapter 37 He Only Acknowledges You Banquet hall.

After Lin Chuyi entered, she casually found a seat and sat down.

Su Shan followed by her side, reminding her of the agenda, “President Lin, there are ten more minutes before the seminar officially begins, and in ten minutes, you’ll need to go onstage and give a speech. The sponsoring enterprises for this seminar include Shengshi Group and Guangyao Group, remember to give them a special thanks.”

Lin Chuyi had already seen Sheng Tingyuan seated at the main table, and next to him was a middle-aged man of similar appearance, the renowned Chairman of Shengshi Group, Sheng Huai’an.

“Guangyao has been cooperating with us for a long time, I knew about their sponsorship, but how did Shengshi also come to sponsor?”

“It seems someone from the Sheng Family is sick, and Shengshi hopes we can help develop a specialized medicine for the individual. They just transferred one billion to our Jungle yesterday, President Jung accepted it. Didn’t he tell you?”

Lin Chuyi nodded. She understood that the Sheng Family wanted to cooperate with Jungle because of Madam Sheng.

People continued to steadily enter the banquet hall. The door opened, and An Huadong came in with Chi Cheng.

A light smile appeared on Lin Chuyi’s face as she stood up and walked towards her teacher, but halfway there, she was stopped by someone.

“Xiaoyi, you’re here too?”noveldrama

Madam Ye’s face lit up with surprise as she grasped Lin Chuyi’s hand, then whispered so only the two of them could hear, “How have you considered it?”

Lin Chuyi pulled her hand away and took a step back, “I’m still considering. Before I agree, please keep your distance from me, lest others misunderstand.”

“You’re afraid of Tingyuan misunderstanding, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

Madam Ye didn’t say anything; she actually hoped for Tingyuan to misunderstand!

After speaking, Lin Chuyi walked past Madam Ye towards An Huadong.

Unfortunately, she was still a step too late. An Huadong was surrounded so tightly that even Chi Cheng was squeezed out and, like her, could only stand on the periphery and look on.

Lin Chuyi couldn’t help but sigh, “He’s still so popular, he kept saying he wanted to retire, wouldn’t these people cry to death if he truly did?”

Chi Cheng laughed, “That won’t happen, junior sister. Isn’t there still you? These people just don’t know you yet. Once they do, you’ll be the one surrounded. You should thank the teacher for taking the burden for you.”

Looking at the scene, Lin Chuyi felt her scalp tingle. Being surrounded by so many people, wouldn’t the breathing be unsmooth? Was that small amount of oxygen even enough?

Perhaps the teacher should retire later; she wanted to live a relaxed life for a few more years.

Chi Cheng though, was more filial than she was. Seeing the teacher getting squeezed until his hairstyle got messy, he quickly squeezed into the crowd, reaching out to protect the teacher. In a moment, he too was enveloped, unable to make it out.

Ye Chuyi took a cool breath and quickly retreated a few steps, distancing herself from the crowd.

However, as she turned her head, she bumped into someone.

She immediately apologized, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I—”

When she turned around, an indifferent and handsome face caught her eye, and Lin Chuyi was unable to continue speaking.

Sheng Tingyuan showed no particular expression upon being bumped into. He spoke indifferently, “When shall we get the marriage certificate?”

Lin Chuyi: “…”

Su Shan’s eyes widened in disbelief. What, what, what?! Was the boss going to get a marriage certificate with the heir of Shengshi Group?!

Oh my, such a huge piece of gossip, and she’s the first to know, isn’t she? No way, no way!

Despite being gobsmacked by the news, Su Shan remained professional as she glanced at her watch, reminding her boss, “President Lin, three minutes left.”

Sheng Tingyuan glanced at Su Shan, “What does she call you?”

Lin Chuyi didn’t particularly want to engage with him and nodded towards Su Shan, signaling that she could prepare to go onstage.

Madam Ye came closer, “Xiaoyi, why aren’t you speaking to Tingyuan? You can be mad at me all you want, but don’t involve Tingyuan!”

As she spoke, she tried to grasp Ye Chuyi’s hand again.

Ye Chuyi dodged, “I have things to do, you talk.”

She was about to leave when she heard Sheng Tingyuan speak indifferently, “You’re quite ruthless. To avoid marrying me, you even refuse to acknowledge your own mother.”

Lin Chuyi retorted on impulse, “I’m not as ruthless as you. To get married, you even dare to casually recognize a fiancée.”

Madam Ye’s complexion changed, and she quickly smiled, “Xiaoyi, don’t talk nonsense. When has Tingyuan casually recognized anyone? Isn’t he only acknowledging you?”

Lin Chuyi wanted to say more, but recalling the conversation she had with Madam Ye, she held back all her words.

If she really could clear her father’s name and have him released from prison early, then what was wrong with making a deal with Madam Ye just this once?

In fact, if it really came down to it, marrying Sheng Tingyuan wouldn’t be so bad. At least, the Sheng Family was indeed wealthy enough to rival a nation and wouldn’t covet her hard-earned small territory.

Madam Ye, clever as she was, could naturally see Lin Chuyi’s hesitation.

She tried to take Lin Chuyi’s hand again, and this time, Lin Chuyi didn’t dodge.

Madam Ye’s smile deepened as she took her hand and passed it to Sheng Tingyuan, “Three years have passed, Xiaoyi’s anger at me and her dad has almost dissipated, it’s about time for you two to get married, you’re not getting any younger!”

 

Chapter 38 I’ve taken a liking to him, no need to change Lin Chuyi hadn’t anticipated that Madam Ye would position her hand on top of Sheng Tingyuan’s. His palm was dry and warm, which clashed with his cool demeanor.

The skin contact made Sheng Tingyuan feel uncomfortable, but he didn’t pull his hand away. Instead, when Lin Chuyi attempted to withdraw hers, he grasped it.

Because, Sheng Huai’an had approached.

“Wen Ying, is this Xiaoyin? After a few years, she’s grown even more beautiful and composed.”

Madam Ye smiled at him, “She has no flaws in appearance, it’s just that she’s too headstrong now, and ever since growing up, she doesn’t listen to her father and me anymore. Strangely enough, she does seem to listen to Tingyuan; it seems the two children get along quite well.”

Sheng Tingyuan was already holding Lin Chuyi’s hand, and he pulled her to his side.

Lin Chuyi found his behavior odd. After a few encounters, she knew that Sheng Tingyuan actually disliked physical contact with others. What was happening now, for him to be so proactive in holding her hand?

Was it to put on a show for his father?

Since he had also once played along with her act, she offered him tit for tat, quietly standing by his side, allowing him to hold her hand.

After exchanging pleasantries with Sheng Huai’an, Madam Ye turned to Lin Chuyi with affection, “Xiaoyin, upon seeing your Uncle Sheng, how come you don’t greet anyone?”

Lin Chuyi displayed a standard smile, “Uncle Sheng, good evening.”

Sheng Huai’an nodded back at her, his gaze falling on their intertwined hands, “I thought Xiaoyin didn’t quite like Tingyuan, but it looks like you two get along quite well.”

Lin Chuyi continued to smile, “He’s very nice, I haven’t disliked him.”

Sheng Huai’an also smiled, “As long as you think he’s good, that’s fine. But if you ever find him unfavorable, remember to tell me. Uncle Sheng’s family doesn’t just consist of him; we have other sons too, we can swap them for you.”

Lin Chuyi was utterly astonished. What was Director Sheng suggesting? Could marriage be so casually switched around? She had thought the Ye Family’s arrangement of a faux daughter for an alliance with the Sheng Family was already outrageous, but the Sheng Family seemed just as preposterous, actually considering switching partners for marriage!

She couldn’t fathom Sheng Huai’an’s intentions, but Sheng Tingyuan’s grip on her hand tightened further.

So, she simply hooked her other arm through Sheng Tingyuan’s, “Thank you, Uncle Sheng, but I’ve set my eyes on him alone, no need for any changes.”noveldrama

Upon hearing her words, Madam Ye noticeably relaxed, finding Lin Chuyi to be even smarter and more astute than she had thought.

Lin Chuyi didn’t understand Sheng Huai’an’s intent, but Madam Ye understood all too well—Sheng Huai’an had another illegitimate son, and he intended for this son to marry the Ye family’s daughter, to secure a powerful support for his illegitimate child in the future.

The Ye Family certainly didn’t want to marry their daughter to an illegitimate child, even if Lin Chuyi was a fake daughter, as it would be too shameful for them.

Soon, someone came over to speak with Sheng Huai’an, and he left.

Madam Ye was also drawn away by acquaintances, leaving only Lin Chuyi and Sheng Tingyuan standing there.

Su Shan couldn’t contain her urgency, “President Lin, it’s time.”

Only then did Lin Chuyi withdraw her hand from Sheng Tingyuan’s, “Let’s go!”

Just as she was about to take the stage, the banquet hall’s doors suddenly opened, and Cong Ningyuan, accompanied by his assistant, hurried in.

Lin Chuyi sighed in relief; he had managed to return in time after all.

Accompanied by Su Shan, she found a table in the corner to sit at and watched as An elegantly dressed Cong Ningyuan took the stage and announced the official start of the exchange event.

While Cong Ningyuan on stage continued to thank Shengshi Group and Guangyao Group for their sponsorship, Sheng Tingyuan also took his seat beside her.

He spoke indifferently, “Thanks for earlier.”

“Don’t mention it, you’ve helped me before; I was just repaying the favor.”

Chapter 39 Qi Yunfan Gets Beaten Up Sheng Tingyuan looked deeply at her, “I feel that you’ve changed, you didn’t use to talk like this.” And you certainly wouldn’t have taken his side like this before.

Lin Chuyi listened with a bit of amusement. He had the nerve to say she’s changed, as if she hadn’t completely become a different person already?

With a double meaning, she said, “It’s just acting, I’m quite good at it.”

As Cong Ningyuan finished speaking onstage, Lin Chuyi stood up and said to Sheng Tingyuan, “I have something to attend to, I’ll step out first.”

After she spoke, she left the banquet hall.

Su Shan immediately followed her.

Cong Ningyuan stepped off the stage and also left the banquet hall directly.

The two of them, one after another, went into the small hall next door, and the door closed behind them. Su Shan and Cong Ningyuan’s assistant guarded outside.

As soon as Cong Ningyuan entered, he apologized, “I’m sorry, boss. The timing wasn’t planned well this time, and we almost had a mishap.”

Lin Chuyi, with a serious expression, said, “From your first day at the company, I told you that you handle external affairs while I manage internal affairs. You handle the public appearances, and I’m responsible for the company’s development. In such a public event today, you made me take charge?”

Cong Ningyuan gave a wry smile, “It won’t happen again, the mistake was indeed on me.”

It wasn’t that Lin Chuyi wasn’t willing to be in the limelight, but that she couldn’t.

The company needed a clean and respectable front, and she, Lin Chuyi, was not respectable enough, for she had a father who was a murderer.

If this matter were to be exposed, the company might face catastrophic public opinion pressure.

More importantly, the more famous she became, the more people would dig into her personal information. If the Shi Youjin murder case resurfaced, people, not knowing the truth, might condemn him across the internet.

Lin Chuyi didn’t want her father to suffer from cyberbullying because of her; he had borne enough already.

Thus, she always kept a low profile. Fame was a burden, not an honor to her.

However, she didn’t overly blame Cong Ningyuan. He was so easy-going that scolding him would make it seem like she was bullying him.

“How’s the investigation into my dad’s case going? Any new leads?”

Cong Ningyuan shook his head, “All the leads we could find are very unfavorable to your dad. I’ve also hired a specialized team of lawyers for his defense, but based on the current evidence, the murder was committed by your dad, premeditated, which rules out a reduced sentence.”

Lin Chuyi’s heart sank.

Is there really no other way? Is the last hope with the Ye Family?

She sighed softly and gestured to Cong Ningyuan, “Alright, you’re the CEO of Jungle Pharmaceutical, it’s not good for you to be away too long. Go back to the banquet hall now, you still have socializing to do.”

“Then I’ll leave.”

Cong Ningyuan opened the door, about to leave, but then saw Qi Yunfan blocking the doorway. He was trying to barge in, while two assistants were holding him back.

Seeing the two people were indeed alone in this small hall, Qi Yunfan’s eyes reddened instantly, “Lin Chuyi, you’re just as my mother described, not a well-behaved woman at all! It’s not enough that you’ve hooked up with Sheng Tingyuan, but now you’re also having a private meeting with the CEO of Jungle Pharmaceutical! You’re despicable and shameless!”

Cong Ningyuan’s expression turned cold, he turned back to look at Lin Chuyi, “What’s going on?”

Wasn’t this Qi Yunfan always portrayed as a warm and submissive man before? Why is he so arrogant today?

Lin Chuyi spoke indifferently, “We broke up, and he’s with Wen Nianyou now.”noveldrama

Cong Ningyuan raised an eyebrow, “He cuckolded you?”

“Right.”

Qi Yunfan’s face turned red with anger, “It’s obviously you who cuckolded me, and you’ve put several green hats on me! Are you that thirsty? One man after another, no wonder you have so many invitations. They were all obtained by sleeping around!”

Cong Ningyuan stepped forward and threw a punch, “Watch your damn mouth!”

Chapter 40 I Don’t Have Someone I Like Qi Yunfan staggered backward, clutching his bleeding nose in disbelief, “You hit me? Are you an idiot? You should hit her, she’s no good at all! She’s going to marry Sheng Tingyuan yet she’s still fooling around with you! Don’t you want to know how she climbed into Sheng Tingyuan’s bed?”

Cong Ningyuan punched him again, “None of your business! Your mind is full of filthy thoughts, and you dare to meddle in whom she marries?”

Lin Chuyi was stunned. Cong Ningyuan could actually fight and curse? She had known him for seven years and had never seen him lose his temper!

She hurried out and held back Cong Ningyuan, “Stop fighting, mind your image!”

She had chosen Cong Ningyuan as the executive president initially because he had a sufficiently clean and respectable background. It wasn’t worth it to let a scumbag ruin his image.

After reminding Cong Ningyuan, she looked up and saw Sheng Tingyuan standing at the entrance of the banquet hall, watching this scene indifferently.

Luckily, the doors of the banquet hall were closed. If the people inside had seen this, Cong Ningyuan’s gentle and refined presidential image would have collapsed!

Lin Chuyi didn’t care about Sheng Tingyuan, she instructed Cong Ningyuan’s assistant, “Liang Xun, tidy up President Cong and take him in. Don’t let him come out again.”

Liang Xun hurried over to straighten Cong Ningyuan’s suit and tie, “President Cong, please go in; everyone inside is waiting for you.”

Cong Ningyuan walked toward the banquet hall but paused when he saw Sheng Tingyuan at the door.

After a moment’s thought, he still nodded to Sheng Tingyuan as a greeting, then entered the banquet hall.

Qi Yunfan wiped the blood from his nose, looking at Lin Chuyi with contempt, “I thought you were different from the other girls, that you weren’t materialistic or vain. Turns out I was wrong; you’re the most vain and unscrupulous climber of them all!”

Lin Chuyi sneered, “I think you’re asking for more beating. Mind your own business; my affairs have nothing to do with you.”

Qi Yunfan wanted to curse at her more, but seeing Sheng Tingyuan coming this way, he clenched his teeth, turned around, and left via the elevator.

Sheng Tingyuan stood in front of Lin Chuyi, “A friend told me that you have someone you like, so you won’t marry me. Which one of those two is the one you like?”

Lin Chuyi frowned, “My friend?”noveldrama

“She said her name is Wen Nianyou.”

“She went to see you?”

“Yes, she said you sent her to me.”

Lin Chuyi realized then, it was yesterday, after she provoked Wen Nianyou, that she indeed went to find Sheng Tingyuan.

“Wen Nianyou is not my friend. I have no friends, and I like no one.”

“Is that so? Three years ago, when we were about to get engaged, you ran away. Wasn’t it for your first love?”

Lin Chuyi was startled for a moment; that Miss Ye from the Ye Family had run away from the marriage because of her first love?

But even if it was true, she couldn’t admit it on behalf of Miss Ye.

She shook her head directly, “It’s not true; don’t believe every rumor you hear.”

“Whether it’s true or not isn’t important. What’s important is that we are about to get married. I hope you resolve your emotional conflicts. I don’t want to end up in the news over something like this.”

Ye Chuyi had already made her decision. She answered indifferently, “I will handle it.”

The door to the banquet hall opened again, and Madam Ye came out.

She affectionately took Ye Chuyi’s hand and said to Sheng Tingyuan, “Tingyuan, your father is looking for you; hurry back in! If you want to talk to Xiaoyi, come over to the house. I’ll take her home now.”

Sheng Tingyuan nodded, “Madam, take care.”

Madam Ye smiled at him and led Ye Chuyi into the elevator.

Once the elevator doors closed, only Sheng Tingyuan and Su Shan were left outside.

Sheng Tingyuan didn’t look at her. He turned around and went back inside the banquet hall.

Su Shan checked her watch; it was only eight o’clock, and the boss had already left. Was she off work now?

Beginning to feel elated, she thought, it really was more comfortable being Lin Chuyi’s assistant. Off work by eight, while Cong Ningyuan’s assistant probably wouldn’t get off until ten tonight!