“Shiyu, why are you only heading to the office now? Are you not feeling well?” Zhou Li asked as she saw Tang Shiyu stepping out of the house. Though her tone sounded playful, her eyes held a hint of genuine concern.
“Hehe, Mom, you’re overthinking. She probably had insomnia last night,” Tang Liaobing said with a sleazy grin.
He had already received news of what happened at the Su family’s banquet last night. He didn’t expect his stunning cousin to act in such a surprising way—confessing her love in front of so many people? That was basically handing herself over!
And that Young Master Jiang even had the guts to turn her down on the spot. She must’ve spent the whole night sleepless, especially now that the simp suddenly turned predator.
Truth be told, he had always resented Tang Shiyu. From childhood, she had been the bright, talented one, always showered with affection, while he—though older—was ignored the moment she was born.
To get attention, he had turned to mischief and bad behavior. He was, in every sense, pitiful.
“Watch your mouth! Is that how you talk to your cousin?” Zhou Li snapped and pinched his arm hard.
“Shiyu, don’t mind your cousin’s mouth. Now that you’re the general manager, remember to look after him more,” Zhou Li added.
Tang Liaobing sneered, “Mom, why even bother? I’m not even worthy of working at the group.”
He knew Tang Shiyu too well. She looked harmless on the outside, but she was sharp. Back when Old Master Tang had arranged for him to work at the company as a department head, Tang Shiyu made his life miserable. Eventually, he just stopped showing up altogether.
He figured Zhou Li pleading for him now would only result in another fake polite promise from Tang Shiyu, followed by the same cold shoulder.
But Tang Shiyu looked at him seriously and said, “Brother Liaobing, I want to apologize for how I treated you before. I was wrong. You’re welcome back at the group anytime.”
Her tone was calm and sincere.
She felt truly guilty toward her second uncle’s family. If it hadn’t been for her, they might not have died so tragically.
If their deaths hadn’t caused such a blow to Old Master Tang, he wouldn’t have passed away so soon after their funeral, despite being in good health before.
Zhou Li and Tang Liaobing were stunned. They stared at Tang Shiyu as if seeing a stranger.
Everyone in the family knew she was a tough businesswoman. On the surface, she seemed gentle, but she never tolerated anything that didn’t meet her standards.
Zhou Li knew her son had issues, and she understood why Tang Shiyu had targeted him. But she never imagined Tang Shiyu would ever apologize.
Tang Liaobing looked completely shocked. Tang Shiyu had never even looked him in the eye before.
At home, they might exchange a few words in front of elders, but outside, she would actively avoid him. And in the company, she was merciless.
While the two of them were still stunned, Tang Shiyu added, “Second Aunt, Brother Liaobing, I have to get to work. What I said is true—he’s welcome at the company anytime.”
With that, she got in her car and drove off, leaving the two standing there in disbelief.
“What the… Did she eat something weird today? Am I dreaming?” Tang Liaobing gulped.
Zhou Li pinched his arm again, hard. “Well? Still think you’re dreaming? Your cousin gave you an opportunity, so go back to work and stop wasting time with those useless friends of yours!” Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping dot com.
“Hiss! Ow, ow, ow!” Tang Liaobing sucked in a sharp breath. His mom didn’t hold back.
Zhou Li calmed down and muttered, “She’s not chasing you away anymore… I think I know why.”
She covered her mouth, shocked at the realization—her proud, aloof niece was actually pursuing Jiang Chengye.
And the crazy part? He didn’t even seem interested.
She struggled to digest that one.
…
Meanwhile, after a check-up at the hospital the night before, the doctors concluded that Ye Chen had been beaten up. He had a red fist mark on his stomach, massive bruising on his back, and a mild concussion. He also exhibited symptoms of short-term memory loss.
The preliminary diagnosis suggested he had been slammed into a wall with a punch.
The doctor advised him to call the police.
The mighty Dragon King, beaten up within Dragon Nation borders—if his enemies overseas ever found out, they’d laugh to death.
Ye Chen didn’t report it, so the doctor recommended he stay for observation. But that wasn’t an option either.
He had work to do.
And he was counting on Tang Shiyu to be moved to tears by his dedication if she saw him working while injured.
So now, Ye Chen sat crouched by the entrance of Tangyu Group, in a security guard uniform, smoking and contemplating life. Several layers of bandages were wrapped around his head.
“Who the hell knocked me out? In all of Jiangbei, the strongest around only have peak dark force. No one should’ve been able to hurt me like this.”
“If I find out who did it, I’ll make you pay!”
He flicked his cigarette and crushed it underfoot, then turned to walk toward the company.
He hadn’t been able to lie down all night, so he slept sitting upright—causing him to oversleep. But it didn’t matter.
With his bandaged head, he could easily ask for medical leave, but he still showed up. Such dedication would surely bring anyone to tears.
Just then, Tang Shiyu’s Porsche 211 pulled into the company parking lot.
From afar, she saw Ye Chen sitting on the steps, smoking, his head wrapped in gauze. Anger surged in her chest.
If it weren’t for his terrifying strength, she’d have hired someone to take him out long ago.
Ye Chen was surprised to see her car. Tang Shiyu was never late. What was going on?
He also had an uneasy feeling—like there was a heavy weight on his head.
He reached up and touched his head. Oh, it must be the bandages.
Having lost his memory from the night before, Ye Chen jogged up to her car.
“President Tang, what a coincidence running into you here!” he said with a flattering smile.
His words showed serious lack of judgment. But given his head injury, it was somewhat understandable.
He even bent down slightly, making sure she saw his bandaged head.
He thought: Surely this display of loyalty and pain will win her over!
As he bent down, pain shot through his back—but he held on, committed to the act.
He was already picturing Tang Shiyu gasping and rushing to comfort him. Maybe even gently stroking his head and telling him to rest.
But reality slapped him hard.
“Ye Chen, I told you yesterday—you’re fired! Tangyu Group can’t afford someone like you. Leave now or I’ll call the police,” Tang Shiyu said coldly, her face expressionless and eyes filled with ice.
She got out, opened the door, and walked straight into the building without another glance at him.
Ye Chen stood there, dumbfounded, swaying in the breeze beside her car.
What just happened? He was fired? Out of nowhere?
“Yesterday? Did something happen last night?”
His tiny brain began spinning at high speed—but nothing came up.
Memory loss.
He could only assume it had something to do with yesterday’s failed proposal.