Volume One, Chapter 20: The Project Is Entrusted to Li Ruochu

Li Ruochu had always known in her heart that Gu Qiuying and Shen Yubai’s mother, Lin Yin, shared an exceptionally close bond. After all, the Gu family had once shown great kindness to Shen Yubai. If not for Gu Qiuying spending these years abroad, given Lin Yin’s affection for her, Shen Yubai and Li Ruochu might never have married.

Now that Gu Qiuying had returned, Lin Yin was naturally overjoyed and eager to bring the two together. This time, Gu Qiuying, seeking to please Lin Yin, took it upon herself to use her family’s materials for the project. Immersed in her fantasy of winning over her elders, she gave no thought to the fact that this project was of utmost importance, carrying the reputation of three companies. Any mishap would ruin the hard-earned prestige all three companies had built over the years.

Gu Qiuying’s foolish actions had undoubtedly disgraced Shen Yubai. Lost in thought, Li Ruochu was startled by the hurried footsteps of Chen Chen, who approached with a cautious expression. Standing before Li Ruochu, she bowed slightly and respectfully said, “Madam, President Shen would like you to see him.”

Chu Xi’s eyes lit up instantly, sparkling like stars suddenly appearing in the night sky. She said excitedly, “Sister, look, the project has finally arrived!”

Chen Chen glanced at Chu Xi, then turned her gaze back to Li Ruochu, hesitated for a moment, and couldn’t help but warn, “Madam, President Shen doesn’t look very happy. Be careful with what you say when you go in!”

Li Ruochu scoffed dismissively, her tone tinged with mockery. “I haven’t offended him; what’s he so angry about? Idiot.”

With that, she strode out briskly, her steps light yet defiant. Unexpectedly, just as she reached the door to Shen Yubai’s office, she saw Gu Qiuying coming out.

Gu Qiuying’s eyes were reddened, tears shimmering on the verge of falling, like a flood about to break its banks. At the sight of Li Ruochu, a flash of anger shot through her gaze, blazing as if it could set the air aflame. She spat viciously, “Li Ruochu, you’re pleased now, aren’t you? The project is about to be handed to you. You must be here to laugh at me!”

Li Ruochu was undaunted, raising her chin ever so slightly, a triumphant smile on her lips, her tone dripping with ridicule. “Yes, you’re absolutely right. I am pleased, and I am here to watch you fail. It serves you right for cutting corners!”

In the construction industry, cutting corners was the greatest taboo. Even the smallest problem, once exposed, would severely tarnish a company’s reputation. After that, who would dare hire them?

“You!” Gu Qiuying’s face flushed red with rage, her chest heaving, fists clenched so tightly her nails nearly pierced her palms.

She opened her mouth but was choked by anger, unable to utter a word, and could only glare fiercely at Li Ruochu before tossing her head and storming off.

Li Ruochu gently pushed open the office door. Instantly, a suffocating atmosphere pressed in, so heavy it was almost unbearable. She paused, then drew a deep breath, quickly adopting a professional smile as she entered. Her voice was clear and respectful: “President Shen, you asked for me.”

At that moment, her back was straight, her gaze distant and polite, as if she and Shen Yubai were nothing more than ordinary colleagues.

Shen Yubai sat behind the expansive desk, brows tightly furrowed, his face dark as a storm-laden sky. He looked up at Li Ruochu, his lips moving slightly, his voice low and restrained. “From now on, you’ll take over Gu Qiuying’s project.”

Li Ruochu inwardly rolled her eyes, thinking: Shen Yubai always dumps messes like this on me to clean up.

But outwardly, she maintained an innocent expression, feigning confusion as she tilted her head and asked, “Wasn’t Miss Gu doing just fine? Why hand it over to me—are you trying to make me the villain here, President Shen?”

Shen Yubai’s brows knit even tighter. Displeasure flickered in his eyes, his tone growing heavier, as if struggling to suppress his anger. “She’s not suitable for this project. I’ll find her other tasks. This project is yours—don’t let me down.”

His voice was icy and commanding, echoing through the quiet office.

Just then, Feng Yizhou, who had been sitting silently on the sofa, stirred. He lifted his head slightly, parting his lips. “Secretary Li, it seems I misjudged before. Gu Qiuying truly isn’t suited for this project. I wonder if you’d be willing to pay for my mistake?”

He spoke with a seemingly polite smile, but beneath it lurked a hidden meaning.

Li Ruochu’s gaze sharpened as she looked at Feng Yizhou, a complex surge of emotion rising within. Even if she were naive, she could see now: his actions had been deliberate. He seemed to have anticipated this outcome, waiting for Shen Yubai to hand the project to her.

Li Ruochu marveled silently: Could this man really scheme so far ahead? Or was everything that had happened orchestrated by Feng Yizhou behind the scenes?

As she sank into speculation, Chu Yanzhen rose, clearing his throat, a faintly meaningful smile on his lips as he looked at Li Ruochu. “Is Secretary Li so happy she’s lost her wits? I hope we’ll work well together from now on!”

He paused, glanced at Shen Yubai, and continued, “My brother doesn’t know any better. I hope Secretary Li can guide him. But I assure you, he won’t make any principled mistakes.”

At those words, Shen Yubai’s expression darkened further, clearly irked by Chu Yanzhen’s remark.

Li Ruochu couldn’t help but savor a silent satisfaction, inwardly applauding Chu Yanzhen’s sharp tongue.

She quickly composed herself, replying at the right moment, “Since the three presidents trust me, I’ll give it a try.”

“In that case, we’ll take our leave first.” Feng Yizhou rose gracefully, moving with calm poise, each step measured and sure as he headed for the door.

Chu Yanzhen nodded politely to Shen Yubai, maintaining his courteous smile, then followed Feng Yizhou out.

For a moment, only Shen Yubai and Li Ruochu remained in the office.

The silence was oddly eerie. Li Ruochu coughed awkwardly, then turned slightly toward Shen Yubai. “If there’s nothing else, President Shen, I’ll be going now.” With that, she prepared to leave.

“Wait!” Just as Li Ruochu turned, Shen Yubai’s voice rang out sharply, startling her.

Shen Yubai rose slowly, his steps heavy, moving closer to Li Ruochu with each stride.

When he reached her, he abruptly wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her tightly.

Li Ruochu jolted in terror at the sudden gesture, her eyes widening in shock and fear.

She instinctively struggled, gripping Shen Yubai’s arms with all her strength, shouting, “Shen Yubai, are you insane?!”