Xiulan became light-hearted at her 'impartial' remark. She wondered why she cried her eyes out over a tiny problem.
'Maybe I am just stupid.' She thought and grinned at herself in the mirror. In her heart, she made a promise that she would empty her feelings for Jianyu while concentrating on important matters like upgrading herself to a better version.
"Xiulan Jie!" A loud yell startled her.
"What's wrong?" His tone turned into concern when Shaiming saw her disheveled clothes and flushed face. "Are you alright? Have you seen it already?"
"See what?" Puzzled, Xiulan posed a question.
Her brother shoved his phone. "See it for yourself."
There was an article with many photos attached to it. The first photo that captured her attention was that morning when she was in her spy mood to investigate Jianyu's real identity and went to their mansion. The second one was that of Weimin and Hualing talking in a public place.
The article pointed out the fact that although the wedding was canceled, greedy Tang Weimin couldn't let go of the advantages he would get from Zhang's family, which was worth being called the ultimate trump card to get the position as CEO in the upcoming board meeting. So, he lured Zhang Xiulan into his trap while he was busy spending time with Bai Hualing who he cheated on her.
"What is wrong with them? How could they twist the story like this?" Xiulan was dumbfounded at their shamelessness.
At the same time, Hualing gave her a call and telepathy played a trick. She squealed the exact same words Xiulan said.
"I know right. I'm totally speechless. Don't worry. They'll take care of the rumors. The meeting to choose a CEO to replace the position of Grandpa Tang is getting close. That's why he is being attacked. It's normal."
"Do you know who is trying to disparage him?"
"Not exactly. There are a lot of people aiming for that position. I suspect his cousin the most. Tang Delun. He surely has a hand in this matter." Her tongue slipped.
Although Jianyu insisted that Hualing stop looking for the culprit, she couldn't hide her curiosity. "Xiulan, did you find out something? Any updates on the person who attacked me?"
"Not as far as I know." Xiulan and Weimin compromised to keep the name 'Bai Shen' from her until they found out the real perpetrator. "What did Weimin say when you met?"
"Nothing special. He apologized and told me if I have any problems, let him know, he'll help me out."
"That's it?"
"I saw Tengfei yesterday."
That wasn't something Xiulan expected to hear. "Where?"
"In a cafe. When I was with Tang Weimin. He was with Suying. I didn't know they were close." Her monotonous voice didn't express any emotions.
Not sure of what to say, Xiulan made a decision to match the two. "You can't put the pieces of broken glass together. It's better to find a new glass that's intact."
"No one glues back the glass. Everyone buys the new one."
"I'm telling you figuratively. Forget your ex-boyfriend and start a new relationship."
Hualing went silent. "It's not that simple. You don't know it. You have never fallen in love."
***
After ending the call, Zhang Xiulan contemplated, 'Should I negotiate with Jianyu about it?'
And then, she realized she had deleted his phone number. She facepalmed and decided to leave the case under Weimin's control.
However, she had been tossing and turning all night, lacking the ability to fall asleep as she felt restless over giving up with no vivid effort. She failed to recognize what was actually affecting her. Whether it was Jianyu or Hualing's case.
***
It was the day when Hualing had her welcome gathering. She was anticipating so much for it. Just thinking about the people she was going to work with in this secret organization excited her. She made herself neat and tidy starting from the tip of her hair to her toes. A warm smile was evident on her brightened face. Her elegant frame strolled to her destination which was in a private room in a luxurious hotel.
When she arrived there she saw no one. Perhaps she was a little bit early. She nervously waited for a while before she strode to a restroom to scrutinize her appearance as the appointed time was getting closer.
On her way there, she heard a familiar man's voice which made her stop her steps. "What do you mean?"
Hualing was about to go and greet Jianyu when she heard another voice of a lady, "You know what I'm trying to insinuate. I am not doubting your judgments, but she is just an amateur. We can't see why she is worth the position of Mr.Wang. And I heard rumors about her as well. Not very impressive! She is so involved with men. I wonder how tempting she is, even for you to get biased."
Jianyu didn't retort anything back and casually scanned his watch, "Nyla, it's about time. We can't let a lady wait in a room alone."
"It will just be the three of us. I mean four if the new girl is included. Others won't bother to come."
"Let's go." He strode past her, leading the walk.
Nyla rolled her eyes at him and followed him, "Are you even listening to me?"
Hualing stiffened at their words which were loud and clear enough for her to eavesdrop. She knew exactly who they were talking about. It was her!
Their conversation hit a huge blow on her as she always worked hard in absolute honesty and earned her own position by her efforts, not with the connection or backing. Her dream of having exciting colleagues had completely shattered into pieces. They didn't even welcome her with their arms wide open.
Jianyu recruiting her over her looks didn't sit well with her as well. The more she thought about it, the more she felt dispirited. She hid in a quick reflex when she saw they were taking the same way she was standing.
When Hualing entered their private room, the man and the lady were already there sitting on the couch comfortably.
Nyla was petrified at the sight of Hualing standing at the entrance. She unconsciously let out her thoughts. "You are stunning!"
Hualing was startled at her remark and pondered, 'Is that how they normally break the ice?' She forgot to carry a warm smile like she always did as she witnessed their authentic opinions. However, she gave a light smile to Nyla when she complimented her appearance.
Nyla grinned, showing her white teeth, "You look more beautiful when you smile."
Jianyu maintained the tips of his lips upwards as usual and said, "Nyla, you are creeping her out." Then he invited her to take a seat beside him.
Hualing's first instinct was to take a place next to Nyla since they were the same gender, she felt more comfortable. However, she couldn't turn down Jianyu's suggestion and move there.
As soon as she touched the sofa to sit on it, she heard a creaking sound blasting out. That was down to someone who vigorously opened the door. She straightened her knees and stood upright in fright.
"Sorry. Traffic jams. The wind is strong. And also it's pouring outside." He was reciting all the excuses that made him late for the feast. He was flabbergasted when he met Hualing and vice versa.
They shouted in surprise at the same time.
"Hualing Jie!"
"Shaiming!"
"So you are the new member. Welcome to our team, Jiejie." He spoke while he walked up to her and gave a light embrace, making sure that she felt welcome.
Hualing was moved to tears. She was extremely dejected by a conversation she overheard earlier. But his friendly hug dissipated her negative emotions instantly.
Nyla harrumphed her throat noisily.
Shaiming got the signal and took back his arms that were loosely warping Hualing. Then, he casually took a seat next to Nyla while uttering, "I thought our new member would be younger than me. But it seems like I am still the youngest of the group." He beamed.
Nyla was the first one to introduce herself, "Hey. I am Nyla. I worked as a perfumer. But these days, I am in the management section. Currently, I am the CEO of a perfume company. Our team's made up of six members. Mr.Wang isn't actually one of us as he is old and doesn't know how to follow the trend or have fun. Honestly, he only knows how to earn money for his family. He is a great man. Anyway, the other three didn't make it here because of their tight schedule. Well, you are also one of us now. So we are a group of seven now. Lucky seven! Yay!" She didn't skip a beat.
Shaiming brought a glass of cocktail to her lips. "Have some drinks."
Nyla snatched the glass and chugged it before she continued jokingly, "You are the second youngest among us. Treat the elders with respect."
Hualing attentively took in all the information she gave. She was not familiar with prestigious family members and their companies. So she had no clue the lady who was having a conversation with her was already the CEO of a company at such a young age.
Her astonishment was obvious on her face. The only chairmen she knew were Zhang Guangxi and Tang Renshu. Thus, she felt honored that she had the chance to talk with another CEO.
Nyla appeared to be mixed blood from the two countries and her name also implied that she was not of their nationality, but she can speak the language smoothly.
She had a pair of hazel eyes. Her long eyelashes fluttered like a butterfly when she blinked. Her cherry red thin lips enhanced the fair complexion of her flawless skin. She had a tall frame with her brown hair which was trimmed neatly just above her shoulder. Although she held a high position in her company, she didn't have an arrogant air around her. Overall, she gave off an affable and convivial vibe.
Bai Hualing contemplated the words she eavesdropped on earlier and nodded inwardly. 'It is understandable that they have a prejudice against me. I just need to show them what I am capable of.'
When Nyla brought up the age-related stuff, Hualing uttered curiously, "I thought we are about the same age." She was telling the truth.
Nyla gasped at her words and chuckled sheepishly, "I am the same age as Li Jianyu."
"As a matter of fact, I am younger than her." Jianyu added amusingly.
Nyla yelled and gestured a peace sign with her fingers, "By just two months."
Honestly, Hualing had no clue how old Jianyu was. But they said they were older, so she complied and went with the flow.
"I don't think I need to introduce myself. You have known me personally since I was little." Shaiming beamed brightly.
Hualing had helped him a lot with his studies when he was young. She was like a real big sister to him although they were not biologically related. No doubt he was so delighted about her joining his organization.
The rest of the time just flies fast while chatting about this and that. She was glad she took up this job offered by Jianyu.