Chapter 12
Upon hearing that, Shi Yu curved her crimson lips, tilting her head to look at Feng Jin.
"The Chu family won't last much longer. Chu Mingyu only ended up backfiring because he was pushed too hard by his father," Feng Jin said calmly. "The Feng family doesn't have the prestige of S City's old-money families like the Chu family. After the engagement was broken off, Sheng An's stock prices began fluctuating. I did everything I could to stabilize them and prevent greater losses. But do you think our competitors would pass up such a golden opportunity? Those companies that used to partner with Sheng An are just following the wind. The Chu family won't let Sheng An off the hook—this is just the beginning."
At that, a frown creased her brows, as if something came to mind. "What I don't understand is what Chu Mingyu is trying to accomplish at this shareholders' meeting."
"Maybe he regrets it?"
"No, I think it's more likely that his father gave him an order."
"Pfft~" Shi Yu chuckled. "But what if he really does regret it?"
"Whether it's physical betrayal or emotional, I won't forgive it," Feng Jin turned her head toward Shi Yu. "No matter the reason."
Shi Yu's lips lifted into a sly smile, eyes narrowing like a cat that just stole cream. "Then I'm relieved."
"Relieved about what?" Feng Jin looked at her suspiciously, only to be caught by her mischievous gaze. She couldn't help but say, "Don't get involved. You're a public figure. It wouldn't be good for your reputation."
"Hearing Ah Jin worry about me like this makes my heart melt."
"Don't be cheeky." Feng Jin closed her laptop and stood up, reaching out to pull her up—only for Shi Yu to suddenly throw herself into her arms.
"Ah Jin," Shi Yu wrapped her arms around Feng Jin's neck without a hint of shame. "Carry me upstairs."
Feng Jin instinctively caught her. "Shi Yu, you gained weight in the U.S."
"Nonsense!" Shi Yu looked offended, yet declared with great righteousness, "I clearly lost weight!"
Feng Jin knew she was in for an endless argument, so with a resigned look, she simply picked her up and carried her upstairs.
"Ah Jin, if your martial arts instructor knew you still remembered his teachings even with your busy schedule, he would be deeply moved."
Feng Jin replied coolly, "If he knew I was using it to carry a pig, he'd be heartbroken."
Upstairs, Feng Jin walked into the bathroom.
"Ah Jin, what are you doing? Ah—!"
A second later, Shi Yu, now soaking wet, struggled to climb out of the tub and gripped the edge, her face full of grievance.
"Ah Jin, you're not gentle anymore."
Feng Jin shot a helpless look at the woman who, even when drenched, still refused to behave. "I really want your fans to see your true colors."
"My fans love me unconditionally. No matter what I become, they'll still adore me."
Feng Jin knew she couldn't win a verbal spar with her, so she said nothing and turned to leave.
"Ah Jin."
Someone called her from behind, and Feng Jin stopped, turning back to look at Shi Yu.
"Don't you find it strange how the Chu family suddenly seems so confident?"
"What?"
"I mean, there's someone backing them. And that person is the one truly targeting Sheng An."
Feng Jin's expression turned cold. "Why do you think that?"
"Didn't you notice too?" Shi Yu remained unaffected, still smiling charmingly. "Because I have special channels."
Feng Jin sighed lightly, a bit helpless. "A woman who's too smart isn't necessarily a good thing—weren't those your own words?"
Shi Yu smiled flirtatiously. "Well, you're Ah Jin."
Feng Jin said nothing. No wonder she returned to China early. But how exactly did she know all this?
Knowing Shi Yu wouldn't answer, Feng Jin suppressed her curiosity and didn't ask.
"Go to bed early. I'll rest after I finish my work."
"Okay. Don't overwork yourself."
That night, Feng Jin returned to her study and carefully analyzed the email she had just received.
She had initially believed it was simply the Chu family eyeing Sheng An, but things didn't add up. The Chu family's finances had long shown signs of trouble, yet they hadn't pulled out of earlier investment projects. In fact, they had poured in even more funds. That alone raised Feng Jin's suspicions.
The emails clearly documented the Chu family's recent investment ventures. Nothing about them suggested any cash flow issues.
On the contrary, they seemed overly confident.
Thinking of the Wang family's heiress' coming-of-age banquet two days later, Feng Jin gently tapped her finger and narrowed her eyes.
Although Sheng An had acquired many companies during her father's tenure, all acquisitions were legal and aboveboard. No malicious tactics were used, so Feng Jin didn't believe this was the work of ordinary competitors.
And yet, it was precisely this logic that made things more puzzling.
Who would go to such lengths, sparing no expense, just to bring down Sheng An?
Feng Jin suddenly realized that the pressure on Sheng An had begun even before she broke off the engagement with the Chu family. It had been subtle at first, just enough to keep her on guard. But starting three months ago, the intensity increased significantly, and it had become something of a headache.
At the same time, her fighting spirit ignited.
She wasn't afraid of this unknown enemy. In fact, she was starting to look forward to the challenge.
Her plan to acquire the Chu family would proceed as intended—if anything, it would be done even more forcefully. Only then could the puppet master behind the scenes be forced to reveal themselves.
Knock knock—
The knocking brought Feng Jin back to her senses.
"Come in."
A gentle-faced woman entered with a bowl of soup in her hands. "Miss, this is the ginseng soup I made following the nutritionist's instructions. Drink it while it's hot."
"Just leave it there. Thank you, Aunt Hua," Feng Jin said with a smile.
"Try to rest early. Miss Shi Yu even asked me to remind you."
"Mm, I know."
After Aunt Hua left, Feng Jin drank the warm soup, closed her laptop, and went to bed to prepare for the day ahead.
The next day, as soon as Feng Jin walked into the company—
"Good morning, President."
"Good morning, President."
...
The sincere greetings from employees came with unusually intense gazes, reminding her of how they looked at Shi Yu the day before.
Expressionless, Feng Jin walked into the exclusive elevator, reached the 21st floor, and entered her office.
"Good morning, President."
A cool yet polite voice made her look up.
"Secretary Jiang."
"These are the documents from various departments that require your signature," Jiang Suliu handed over a stack of papers.
Today, Feng Jin wasn't dressed particularly formally. Perhaps because of the warm weather, she hadn't worn a blazer. One sleeve was rolled up, revealing a pale wrist and elegant bones. It brought to mind the phrase: "slender wrist gleaming like frost," delicate and beautiful.
The slight chill of her fingers sent Jiang Suliu into a brief mental blank.
As Feng Jin took the documents, she noticed something off about her secretary.
"Secretary Jiang?"
Snapping back to his senses, Jiang Suliu immediately returned to his professional demeanor. "President, the details of the partnership with Conkess Group are still being finalized. We expect a feasible proposal in three days."
"Understood."
"Then I'll go coordinate with the department heads now."
"Alright."
As he turned to leave, Feng Jin called out.
"Secretary Jiang."
He stopped and looked back.
"You'll be my escort at the Wang family's banquet the day after tomorrow."
Jiang Suliu suppressed the surge of emotion in his chest. "Yes, President."
Two days later, the Wang family's heiress held her coming-of-age celebration at their private estate.
Outside, luxury cars lined the grounds. Among them, a low-profile yet unmissable black car pulled into a space.
Jiang Suliu got out, then walked to the other side and opened the door like a gentleman.
Feng Jin stepped out, naturally placing her hand in his, and handed their gift to the Wang family greeters before entering the estate with him.
Their arrival attracted countless stares.
Some were evaluating, some admiring, some curious—interwoven attention from all directions. Feng Jin glanced sideways at Jiang Suliu and saw his composed demeanor, which softened her gaze slightly.
Tonight, Feng Jin wore a deep purple off-shoulder gown with a V-neckline. Sheer floral embroidery cascaded down the right side to her waist. A hint of her chest added a graceful sensuality. The floor-length skirt was topped with printed tulle in matching shades. Black gemstones adorned her waist, accentuating her figure. Though deep purple was hard to pull off, she wore it effortlessly, embodying both elegance and regality.
She wore no extravagant jewelry. Her pale neck remained bare, more striking in its simplicity. Her long black hair had been styled into soft waves draped over her left shoulder, a few strands brushing against her neck.
Her escort was unfamiliar to most guests, though a few recognized him as her secretary.
But such a refined aura was rare in someone with that title.
His well-tailored black suit hugged his tall frame. Underneath, a crisp white shirt. Silver cufflinks on the sleeves enhanced his noble demeanor. A black bow tie added a touch of softness to his otherwise cool aura.
A floral pocket square on his left breast matched the color of Feng Jin's gown.
They looked like a perfect pair.
In presence and appearance.
For a moment, no one could look away.
Meanwhile, in a room inside the estate, someone watched this scene unfold, a wicked smile forming on their lips.
"Nice to meet you for the first time. lamiasorellamaggiore."