Ling Wei was in the middle of a meeting with Lawyer Chen when a message popped onto her phone from "Professional Troublemaker."
Professional Troublemaker: Hey, what is Dad's PC's password? The date Zenith was established. Ok
Ling Wei sighed and continued with her meeting with Lawyer Chen. She didn't even want to bother with Hong Yi now.
Hong Yi checked different artists' profiles and their works and development. He segregated them into three groups: actors well established in the industry who had done many works but were not well-known, and those who were still in the initial stages.
He stored the files on the desktop and glanced at the time to see it was almost lunchtime. He closed his work and made his way out of the cabin. He found Jing Hao still working when others had already left for lunch.
Hong Yi moved towards Jing Hao and tapped on the desk. "You guys can leave. I will have my lunch later," Jing Hao said without lifting his head. Hong Yi cleared his throat to gain his attention. "I told you..."As Jing Hao looked up to find Hong Yi standing there, he fumbled. "Sir," Jing Hao got up from his seat in a hurry.
"Go and have your lunch, Jing Hao," Hong Yi said. "But...""It's an order now. Go!" Jing Hao rushed towards the cafeteria but came back in the middle to see Hong Yi still standing there. Hong Yi raised an eyebrow as Jing Hao returned. "My phone," Jing Hao grabbed it and fast-walked towards the cafeteria.
Hong Yi shook his head and moved towards Ms. Yun's cabin to find Ms. Yun waiting for him in front of it. "Shall we go?" Ms. Yun asked, seeing him coming her way.
"Yeah, please lead the way."
Ms. Yun and Hong Yi walked out of the building where Ms. Yun's car was already ready. She moved towards the driver's seat. "I will drive, give me the keys." Yun Xiang took the keys and took the driver's seat, while Hong Yi took the passenger seat.
The ride to the restaurant only took 10 minutes, but the silence remained unbroken throughout the journey. As soon as they arrived at the restaurant, both of them got down and went inside.
The staff received them and showed them to a private room. "What would you like to eat?" Yun Xiang asked, menu in hand.
"Lasagna for me," Hong Yi replied. "White sauce pasta for me," Ms. Yun added. They placed their orders with the waiter, who also inquired about drinks. "Some wine, please," they both said.
"Sure, madam, sir. Your order will be there in 15 minutes," the waiter confirmed."So, have you thought about what we discussed yesterday?" Ms. Yun asked.
"Yes, Aunt Yun. I'm ready to make the deal, but I think it would be better to keep Yun Fei out of the loop," Hong Yi replied, taking a sip of water. "Agreed, we don't want him to feel like he's part of a bargain."
Hong Yi didn't respond to that statement.
"We've been invited to a jewelry exhibition by Swam Group tomorrow. I'd like you to accompany Yun Fei," Ms. Yun continued.
"Sure, please send me the details," Hong Yi agreed.
Before they could continue their conversation, their order arrived at the table. "Please enjoy your meal, and if you need anything, please press the bell. Thank you," the waiter said as he left. They began their meal as the conversation paused.
"So, what's your plan regarding Hong Li and Hong Lin? The negative post from yesterday is creating a bad image for Zenith," Ms. Yun finally asked.
"I'm digging information about Hong Li and Hong Lin. I want to leave no stone unturned," Hong Yi replied with determination."Every shred I uncover, every whispered rumor – it's all a weapon," Hong Yi declared, his voice tight with simmering anger. "No matter how small, it will be used to expose them."
Yun Xiang, his aunt, watched him with a worried frown. "Don't you think you're treading on dangerous ground, Hong Yi?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
"No, Aunt Yun," Hong Yi countered, his gaze unwavering. "If my suspicions are true, they've built this house of cards on lies. They deserve to be buried under the wreckage.
"Yun Xiang leaned forward, her eyes searching his. "What are you hiding, Hong Yi? What exactly have you discovered?"
He hesitated, a flicker of doubt crossing his features. "I can't reveal everything just yet," he finally admitted. "But as soon as I have concrete proof, I'll bring them down."
She sighed, a weary acceptance settling in her eyes. "Be cautious, Hong Yi. This path you're on is a double-edged sword. You could end up hurting yourself in the process."
Hong Yi nodded curtly, the fire in his eyes tempered by a flicker of worry. He needed to tread carefully, but exposing the truth remained his ultimate goal.
Hong Yi shifted in his seat, considering his next move. "Actually," he said, "I might as well give my uncles a visit. It's time for a face-to-face confrontation."
"No, Hong Yi," Yun Xiang countered, her voice laced with urgency. "For now, work from the shadows. Their underestimation of you will be your greatest weapon."
A flicker of frustration crossed Hong Yi's face. He yearned for a direct confrontation, but Yun Xiang's words struck a chord. "You're right," he conceded reluctantly. "But what if they rally the other directors? My position could be challenged.
"Yun Xiang offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about that. Director Wen and I will handle the board. We have a plan." Her smile faltered slightly. "But according to my sources, your uncles are already aware of your appointment and are attempting to sway the other directors. They're pushing for another board meeting.
"Hong Yi clenched his jaw. "They move fast," he muttered.
"Indeed," Yun Xiang agreed. "Which is why it's crucial you remain in the shadows for now. Gather your evidence, build your case. When you strike, it must be decisive.
"Hong Yi took a deep breath, steeling his resolve. "Then that's what I'll do," he declared. "I'll use this time to my advantage and expose their web of lies."