After the press conference, Xiaoyun returned to her penthouse. Shortly after, her remaining friends—Qing Yue, Xu Lian, and Mei Lin—arrived to show their support.
"I still can't believe it," Qing Yue said, her voice filled with disbelief. "Lan Feng... I thought he was one of the good ones."
So did I, Xiaoyun thought, the pain fresh in her chest. I thought he was the one person who truly understood me.
"He fooled all of us," Mei Lin added. "I thought he was one of the few men who could handle someone like you—someone so driven, so successful."
Xiaoyun felt a surge of gratitude for her friends. At least I still have them. Not everyone abandoned me.
"I should have seen it coming," Qing Yue suddenly said, her brow furrowing. "Do you remember how Ruo Shui used to visit Lan Feng's hospital? She claimed it was to see a cousin, but now that I think about it... something about that story always seemed off."
Xiaoyun's eyes widened slightly. She hadn't paid attention to Ruo Shui's frequent visits to the hospital at the time. She had been too consumed with her work, too trusting of both her fiancé and her friend. Were there other signs I missed? How long has this been going on right under my nose?
"None of us saw it coming," Xu Lian said softly. "But we're here for you now, Xiaoyun. You're not alone in this."
As her friends surrounded her with support, Xiaoyun felt a glimmer of strength returning.
***
Elsewhere in the city, Chen Liang sat in his office at Chen Global Holdings, his attention focused on Wang Xiaoyun's predicament and how he could help. After much thought he came to a conclusion to purpose a Marriage contract. Knowing the type of woman Wang xiaoyun was, she'll definitely not agree. But now was his chance, call it being selfish, he cared less.
He reached for his phone and dialed a number. "Arrange a meeting with Wang Wei," William said to his assistant, his tone calm and calculating. "It's time I made my intentions clear."
William leaned back in his chair, a plan forming in his mind. He had always known that Wang Wei, Xiaoyun's grandfather, held significant influence within the family. If he could win his favor, proposing a marriage alliance with Xiaoyun wouldn't be difficult.
The scandal had created an opportunity. With the media frenzy surrounding the situation, it wouldn't be long before the family would seek a way to stabilize their reputation. What better way to secure their legacy than to align themselves with the Chen family?
This wasn't just about his feelings for Xiaoyun. It was about the perfect opportunity to strengthen both families' power in the business world.
Proposing a marriage to Wang Wei would be his first move in a carefully planned strategy.
***
The Wang Family's old house stood as a resolute symbol of tradition and legacy, sprawling grounds a stark contrast to the encroaching modernity of Qingyun city. Set far from the urban hustle, the mansion exuded a quiet dignity that mirrored the demeanor of its current patriarch, the elderly Wang Wei. The ancient wood creaked beneath his feet as he paced slowly in his study, each step a statement to the weight of generation past and the burden of the decision yet to come.
The scandal surrounding his granddaughter, Wang Xiaoyun, had not escaped his notice. Things had grown into a commotion that threatened to shattered the cultivated image of the Wang family. Though he respected his son decision, Wang Zhiqiang, Wang Wei knew that Xiaoyun needed family intervention before the situation goes beyond control. The Wang family can't afford further humiliation, not when their empire teetered on the Cliffdrop of change.
Sitting in his grand armchair, a peice of furniture that had witnessed countless family council, Wang Wei reached for his phone. His weathered fingers hovered over the digits before dialing his son's number. Wang Wei sometimes wish his late wife was still alive, she would have advice him on how to handle the situation better.
Wang Zhiqiang arrived at the Old family house just as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of amber and crimson.
The sight of the mansion, a relic gone bygone era, as always evoked a sense of stepping back in time.
Each visit was a journey through layer of history, strict traditions, and, most importantly, the omni present influence of his father, Wang Wei.
As he entered the house, his family Long-serving butler, Li Wei, greeted him with a formal bow. "Master Zhiqiang, Your Father is waiting in his study," Li Wei said, with his voice carry a tone of neutrality.
Zhiqiang nodded, his steps echoing through the hallway as Li Wei guided him to the familiar oak door of his father's study. He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before entering.
Wang Wei stood by the window, his silhouette framed by the fading daylight. He turned as Zhiqiang entered, his eyes still shape as ever despite his old age.
"Father," Zhiqiang greeted with a respectful bow, the formalitiy embedded in him since his childhood despite losing his mother at a very tender age.
Wang Wei gestured his son to sit, his movements deliberate and measured. "The time for pleasantries has passed, my son, he said, his voice slow but firm. "This scandal... We must handle it the utmost care. I can't afford see my granddaughter on the news headlines for this type of reason. The Company and Our family's reputation hangs in balance.
Zhiqiang felt a flicker of irritation at his father's implied criticism but kept his voice steady. "I assure you, Father, l am handling it. The lawsuit against Lan Feng has already been filed. We will recover from this setback."
Wang Wei's eye narrowed slightly. "Recovery is not enough. We must emerge stronger, wiser.
The Wang name must shine brighter than ever before.
Before Zhiqiang could respond, a gentle knock interrupted their discussion. Li Wei entered, his posture impeccable as always. "Sir, a Visitor has just arrived. Chen Liang of the Chen Family has requested an audience with you.
The mention of Chen Liang sent a jolt through the room. Zhiqiang stiffened visibly, exchanging a quick, uneasy glance with his father. The Wangs and the Chens have had a complicated history fraught with both cooperation and competition, which all started cause of Wang Zhiqiang and Chen Jianhong( Chen Liang's Father). Zhiqiang mind raced, trying to figure out why Chen Liang would seek an audience with his Father at such critical time.
Wang Wei, however, remained outwardly composed, though the blink in his eyes betrayed his curiosity. He signalled to Li Wei to allow Chen Liang in, his voice portraying no emotion. "Show him in, Li Wei. Let us see what brings a Chen to our door in these... Compelling times."
As Li Wei bowed and exited, Zhiqiang leaned closer to his father. "Father, are you sure about this? The Chens could be looking for a way to exploit our current vulnerability."
Wang Wei raised a hand, silencing his son. "In times of crisis, Zhiqiang, we must be open to unexpected allies... and cautious of hidden daggers. Let us hear what young Chen has to say."