The weeks following the gossip article were turbulent for Qingxue, but she had learned not to let rumors affect her. While the Xu Corporation's corridors buzzed with whispers about her relationship with Yuhao, Qingxue kept her focus sharp. Business meetings, high-stakes projects, and strategic alliances occupied her thoughts. She wasn't going to be distracted by petty games—not when so much was at stake.
Still, every glance, every sideways comment, stung a little. Yanran, it seemed, had perfected the art of passive-aggressive sabotage. She would greet Qingxue with a radiant smile in the morning, only to slip into a conversation with their father, the other executives, or even the family's social circles, subtly reinforcing the idea that Qingxue wasn't ready to take on the mantle of Xu family heir.
But Qingxue had a plan of her own.
That afternoon, as she reviewed the details of an upcoming venture with a potential investor, she received a call from Yuhao.
"Qingxue, I need to talk to you about something important," he said, his voice grave.
Curious, she agreed to meet him at a quiet café near the office.
The café was cozy, tucked between high-rise buildings with soft lighting and a rustic charm. Yuhao was already seated when she arrived, looking pensive as he stared out the window. When Qingxue approached, he stood, his expression neutral but his eyes betraying a hint of concern.
"Yuhao," Qingxue greeted him, taking the seat opposite him. "What's going on?"
"I've been hearing things," Yuhao began, glancing around to make sure they were not overheard. "Rumors about the Xu Corporation and your… position."
Qingxue raised an eyebrow. "More rumors?"
He nodded, his jaw tight. "They're not just rumors, Qingxue. There's talk among the board members that your legitimacy as the heir is being questioned."
Qingxue frowned. "By who?"
"Your father's business partners. They've been whispering about your sudden return and questioning whether someone with your background—someone who didn't grow up in the family—can be trusted with the future of the company."
"Of course, they're questioning me," she muttered under her breath. She had anticipated something like this. They were looking for weaknesses, anything they could exploit to keep her out of the position she deserved.
"What are you going to do?" Yuhao asked.
"I'll show them what I'm capable of," Qingxue said firmly. "I've been working my ass off for months. It's time I make my presence felt."
Yuhao leaned forward, his eyes locking with hers. "I think it's time for a bold move. If you really want to prove yourself, you'll have to step up and take control of the next big project. Show them you have the vision and power to lead, not just follow in the shadows."
Qingxue's pulse quickened. "What did you have in mind?"
"The Zhang family has been eyeing a major acquisition in the tech industry. I can help you get access to the deal. You could lead the negotiations, showing them that you can handle not just the family business, but also make strategic alliances that will put Xu Corporation on the map."
Qingxue hesitated for a moment. It was a dangerous move—if she failed, it could ruin everything. But she knew this was her chance. She had nothing to lose.
"I'm in," she said decisively.
The next few days were a whirlwind of meetings and preparation. Qingxue's strategy was clear: she would take control of the negotiations for the tech acquisition and prove to the board, her father, and even Yanran that she was the one who deserved to lead the Xu Corporation into the future.
Yuhao kept in touch, providing her with intel on the Zhang family's intentions and the key players in the acquisition. He offered support without taking over, allowing Qingxue to make the decisions on her own.
But Yanran, as always, was lurking in the background. Qingxue noticed her quiet observations during board meetings, the way she would subtly question Qingxue's proposals, casting doubt on her abilities in front of the higher-ups.
"Are you sure you can handle this project, Qingxue?" Yanran had asked one afternoon. "It's not exactly what you're used to, is it? I mean, you've never managed a major acquisition before."
Qingxue didn't let the words get to her. Instead, she smiled coolly. "Well, I believe everyone has to start somewhere, don't they?"
Yanran's smile didn't waver, but Qingxue saw the flicker of irritation in her eyes. Yanran was more dangerous than she appeared.
It was on the night before the final negotiation meeting when everything took an unexpected turn. Qingxue stayed late at the office, reviewing the final numbers and documents. Her mind was racing through the details when her phone buzzed.
It was a message from Lin Yi.
Lin Yi: "Be careful. There's been a shift in the Zhang family's approach. They've started playing hardball. Rumor has it someone's trying to sabotage the deal from the inside. Watch your back."
Qingxue's heart sank. She knew exactly who that someone was.
"Yanran," she muttered under her breath.
Just as she was about to leave for the negotiation meeting the next morning, she received a call from her father's assistant.
"Miss Xu, there's been a complication. Your father has ordered a delay on the deal. He wants to discuss the terms further before moving forward."
Qingxue's jaw clenched. Her father was trying to take control of the situation, but she knew that if he stepped in now, it would be a failure for her. She couldn't let that happen.
"No," she said firmly. "Tell my father I'll handle it. I'm going ahead with the deal as planned."
The assistant hesitated. "But Miss Xu, your father—"
"I said I'll handle it. I'll make sure we're in the driver's seat."
Hanging up, Qingxue turned to the papers before her. There was no turning back now.
The next morning, as the negotiation meeting began, Qingxue arrived at the conference room with unwavering confidence. Across from her sat the Zhang family's representatives, including Yuhao's father, Zhang Zhihao.
"Miss Xu, we've been expecting you," Zhihao said, his expression unreadable.
Qingxue smiled politely. "I'm here to ensure this deal goes through smoothly."
The meeting was intense, each word weighed heavily as Qingxue and the Zhang family members exchanged terms and proposals. It was clear that the Zhangs were not going to make this easy. But Qingxue stood her ground, making her case with precision and force.
Hours passed, but Qingxue never faltered. She was relentless, presenting data, facts, and projections that showed Xu Corporation was more than capable of handling the acquisition. She played her cards carefully, knowing that any misstep could cost her the entire deal.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Zhihao leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"You've impressed me, Miss Xu," he said. "The deal is yours."
Qingxue's heart soared. She had done it.
As she walked out of the conference room, feeling the weight of the victory settle on her shoulders, she was met by Yuhao, who was waiting outside with a smile.
"You did it," he said, his voice warm with approval.
"I did," Qingxue replied, unable to hide the triumph in her eyes.
And for the first time since her return to the Xu family, Qingxue felt like she had truly earned her place.