“I’ll cover the expenses.”
Xia Helu took out a card, handing it to Chuan Jin with a face full of guilt as she apologized, “Today’s incident was all my fault, causing you to get injured. Getting your wound checked is urgent—you should go to the hospital first.”
“Ah, how can I accept this? It’s really too much.”
Though Chuan Jin verbally expressed reluctance, her hand moved without delay to take the card.
“Is there a lot of money in it? Hah, I don’t mean anything else—you know how it is. A hospital visit costs money here and there, from examinations to prescriptions, plus I need to buy a new suitcase. I’m just not sure when this card…”
Xia Helu understood the hint and tactfully replied, “The card contains all the pocket money my parents gave me during my time back home. Feel free to use it, no need to rush paying it back.”
“That puts my mind at ease.” Tucking the card away securely, Chuan Jin turned to Xu Anguo and said, “Dad, I’ll leave this matter to you then. After suffering such a great injustice, I’m sure Dad will get justice for me, right?”
Chuan Jin’s repeated calls of “Dad” gave Xu Anguo a headache. Just as he was about to tell her to leave quickly, a chill swept over him.
“Alright, alright, I’ll handle it properly. You can go back now.” Xu Anguo pulled himself together.
Pei Lingna thought for a moment and said, “You still have to visit the PT Base tomorrow for inspection. I’ll stay and help you deal with this.”
Xu Anguo’s furrowed brow relaxed as he nodded. “That works too.”
With the farce temporarily concluded, Lao Wang cheerfully retreated to the duty room, picked up his thermos, took a sip of hot water, and let out a satisfied sigh.
Today’s shift was totally worth it.
The Xu family had arrived in one car, which needed to be left for Xu Anguo and his wife. Since Xia Helu had an appointment tomorrow and wouldn’t return to the Xu residence, and Xu Longchuan’s Ferrari couldn’t fit everyone, Xu Mianchuan had to call the butler to send another car.
Chuan Jin stood on the steps waiting for the car. A gust of wind made her shiver, and she shifted to shelter from the wind.
As she had expected, Xu Anguo couldn’t bear to part with his lucky charm and decided to keep her in the Xu household. She had also managed to scam a card from Xia Helu, but this was only the first step in a long journey.
Pei Lingna had just mentioned the PT Base. Chuan Jin remembered that this project had been assigned to Wang Yujiang.
Wang Yujiang had graduated from a top-tier domestic renewable energy program. He entered Changxu with his academic credentials and joined the PT project team through his connection with Xia Helu. He successfully secured a billion-dollar contract, climbing to the upper echelons of Changxu and gradually becoming Xu Anguo’s right-hand man, overseeing most of Changxu’s projects.
The original host’s fate was formidable. In the novel, after she left, the Xu family’s business declined year after year. In desperation, Xu Anguo handed Changxu over to Wang Yujiang, whose successful investments had skyrocketed his net worth, hoping to grasp a new lifeline. In the end, Wang Yujiang swindled half the family fortune, leading the Xu family to ruin.
PT was Wang Yujiang’s starting point for climbing the ladder, and the scheduled signing was set for the day after tomorrow.
She had to find a way to stop him from securing the project.
But time was too tight—just two days. She had no reasonable excuse and no replacement candidate. Convincing Xu Anguo would be next to impossible. Chuan Jin sighed in frustration.
“Beep, beep.”
A black car pulled up at the police station entrance. Xu Mianchuan leaned out from the rear window and called for Chuan Jin to get in.
“Uncle Fu, head to Weili Hospital first. Let Xiao Jin get a CT scan.”
“What happened to Miss Xiao Jin?” the butler asked, turning from the driver’s seat.
Chuan Jin smiled: “I bumped my head, but it’s fine. It doesn’t hurt now.”
Xu Mianchuan pulled her to sit properly, frowning as she said: “Not hurting doesn’t mean it’s fine. You can say that after the check-up. Uncle Fu, let’s go.”
“Hey, wait.” Chuan Jin glanced outside a couple of times, making sure no one was there, then said to the two of them: “Sister, I’m really fine. I was just pretending earlier.”
“Pretending?”
Chuan Jin: “I did faint for a while, but I was fine as soon as I woke up. The dizziness and pain were all an act. I was inexplicably kicked out and then robbed by two grown men in the street. It’s a miracle I survived to see you again. I couldn’t just suffer for nothing, right? If I hadn’t said that, how could I have gotten compensation for emotional damages?”
Xu Mianchuan hadn’t expected her sister to be so blunt and was momentarily speechless: “Xiao Jin, you—”
Except when dealing with Xu Longchuan, Chuan Jin had never been the type to take the initiative in attacking others. Yet today, she had managed to provoke their parents and Lulu one by one.
It was somewhat unusual.
After confirming that there was no need to go to the hospital, Uncle Fu drove them back to the Xu residence.
On the way, Chuan Jin stole glances at Xu Mianchuan’s expression and cautiously asked her: “Sister, do you not want me to act like this?”
“No, it’s good that you can protect yourself. I’m just worried about you, afraid that if you keep provoking others, you’ll end up getting hurt yourself.”
Chuan Jin felt a warmth in her heart. Xu Mianchuan was a good sister, and she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind with her. “It’s because I have you that I dare to act like this. Sister, you’ll protect me, right?”
Xu Mianchuan smiled gently: “Of course.”
This was the sister she had raised with her own hands. Even if they weren’t related by blood, she had long been family.
Under her sister’s steadfast gaze, Chuan Jin silently responded in her heart.
Sister, I will protect you too.
…
Chuan Jin was a woman of action. That very night, she meticulously reviewed the plot of the book from beginning to end and was pleasantly surprised to discover that Xu Mianchuan was a super academic achiever. She had graduated with a degree in Economics from Stanford for her undergraduate studies, and while pursuing her MBA, Changxu had expanded into the new energy sector. She had also concurrently studied related fields, holding over a dozen certificates. She was practically the perfect heir.
Without comparison, one wouldn’t know the difference. The more Chuan Jin compared, the angrier she became.
The family clearly had a high-intelligence heir who had graduated from a prestigious university, yet Xu Anguo insisted on pinning his hopes on that good-for-nothing Xu Longchuan. And when he realized Xu Longchuan was hopeless, he’d rather hand the group over to an outsider like Wang Yujiang than consider his eldest daughter. The favoritism was just that blatant.
Not only did Wang Yujiang want PT, but Chuan Jin now wanted it even more than he did. This project simply couldn’t find a better person to take over than Xu Mianchuan.
The next day, after waking up, Chuan Jin asked for a driver and headed straight to the group’s headquarters.
The driver, surnamed Zhang, was a middle-aged woman with a fiery temper. From the moment Chuan Jin got in the car, she started gossiping about the previous night’s events.
“The third young lady is just that kind of person. And she claims it wasn’t intentional? If it really wasn’t intentional, she shouldn’t have said those things! If you ask me, the saying ‘you don’t get two kinds of people from the same bed’ is absolutely right.”
Chuan Jin nodded in agreement and curiously asked: “Sister Zhang, you don’t like Lulu’s boyfriend?”
“Miss Xiao Jin, I’m not afraid to be honest with you. My little nephew works at a production subsidiary under Changxu. That boyfriend of the third young lady started as a team leader in the subsidiary and embezzled over a hundred thousand in kickbacks in less than half a year. You all had no idea, did you?”
“There’s such a thing?” Chuan Jin’s eyes lit up.
“Absolutely. The matter was exposed once, but he paid to settle it. I bet the chairman is still in the dark about it.”
Chuan Jin rolled her eyes. She had been worrying about how to bring up the matter of changing the project lead to Xu Anguo—wasn’t this the perfect opportunity to exploit?
Arriving at the company building, Chuan Jin headed straight for the chairman’s office. Instead of directly suggesting that her elder sister take over the project, she first presented the matter as a rumor to Xu Anguo.
Xu Anguo: “Are you serious?”
Chuan Jin: “If Dad doesn’t believe me, you can ask someone at the subsidiary.Xu Anguo was skeptical, but since the one reporting this was the family’s lucky charm, he adopted a “better safe than sorry” attitude and had his executive assistant inquire with the subsidiary’s person in charge.
Before hanging up, Xu Anguo added, “By the way, Little Xie, have Yujiang come to the office.”
Chuan Jin pouted and said with feigned grievance, “When you call me, it’s always ‘you, you, you,’ but you’re so affectionate with others. Anyone would think Wang Yujiang is your biological son too.”
Xu Anguo frowned. “What nonsense are you talking? No respect for seniority.”
Chuan Jin snorted unhappily. Under the pressure of his balding head, Xu Anguo had no choice but to coax her for a few moments.
Soon, Wang Yujiang arrived.
Seeing the man who entered, Chuan Jin froze for an instant.
Wang Yujiang was even more handsome than she had imagined—pleasing to the eye, tall and well-built, someone who could become a top star even in the entertainment industry. Truly worthy of being a novel’s male lead, and quite a match for Xia Helu.
The moment their eyes met, they both caught a flicker of disdain in each other’s gaze. Given his attitude, it seemed Xia Helu had already briefed him about last night’s incident.
Chuan Jin wasn’t afraid of him. She crossed her arms and stood to the side, waiting to watch the show.
Xu Anguo’s questioning wasn’t particularly harsh, but it carried the pressure of someone in authority. Wang Yujiang stood in the open space a few steps from the desk, quietly listening to the whole story. He didn’t resemble a prisoner awaiting judgment but rather a warrior standing alone before a dragon.
Chuan Jin frowned almost imperceptibly.
How could this scumbag be so calm? Even when his dirty deeds were exposed before his top boss and future father-in-law, he remained composed.
“Xiao Wang, I’ll give you a chance to confess voluntarily. Is there any truth to this?” Xu Anguo asked.
Wang Yujiang didn’t answer directly. “Chairman, where did you hear this rumor?”
“Never mind that. Explain yourself first.”
Wang Yujiang glanced subtly at Chuan Jin and suddenly smiled. “Chairman, how can I explain something I haven’t done? Why not bring the rumor-monger here and have her provide evidence? It’s not right to falsely accuse someone without proof, don’t you think? Of course, if you still have doubts, you can ask Manager Chen, the subsidiary’s person in charge. I haven’t been promoted to headquarters for long, and my former colleagues still know me well. They can vouch that I’m not lying. What do you think?”
Wang Yujiang spoke with such conviction that Chuan Jin sneered mockingly. Just wait until Executive Assistant Xie finishes investigating—let’s see how you worm your way out then.
Chuan Jin pinned her hopes on Xu Anguo’s interrogation and Executive Assistant Xie’s evidence but forgot one crucial detail—Wang Yujiang could easily use money to erase any blemishes, which meant someone higher up was protecting him.
Sure enough, the subsidiary’s feedback refuted the rumors about kickbacks. As a team leader, Wang Yujiang simply didn’t have that much authority. Chuan Jin’s “rumor” was now officially labeled as false. What infuriated her even more was that damned person in charge had piled on a heap of praises for Wang Yujiang!
Hardworking, diligent, responsible, outstanding ability… Chuan Jin felt nauseated, almost vomiting on the spot.
The girl’s delicate and pretty face stiffened with frustration. Wang Yujiang noticed this and flashed a cold smile when Xu Anguo wasn’t looking.
Having taken 180,000 in kickbacks during his six months at the company, while his direct supervisor—now the subsidiary’s top executive Chen Dong—had pocketed 800,000, Wang knew his clever schemes had earned his superior enough to guarantee protection.
How dare this foolish fake heiress accuse him without evidence?
An invisible tension thickened between them until Chuan Jin, realizing she was losing ground, swiftly changed tactics before Xu Anguo could speak.
“So my brother-in-law is innocent after all,” she clicked her tongue. “Clearly someone’s jealous. If you keep leading the PT project, won’t the rumors worsen? People might say you climbed the ladder through our Xu family’s third daughter—how embarrassing would that be?” Chuan Jin teased.
“Second Sister makes a valid point. That’s precisely why I must prove my capabilities.” Wang Yujiang countered smoothly, handing a folder to Xu Anguo. “Chairman, to ensure this signing goes smoothly, my team has researched Dongzhou Group’s project lead, Little Zhou.”
Xu Anguo browsed the documents with interest. “I’ve heard of the Zhou family’s youngest son. His elder brother was transferred as Europe CEO—is he back to take over?”
“Correct. This Director Zhou comes from a technical background and highly values team expertise. Freshly returned from the U.S., PT is his first battle to secure standing at Dongzhou. Any last-minute changes might displease him.” Wang flipped to later pages, pointing at names. “These are my team members—all C9 graduates with experience in at least two new energy projects. They perfectly match Director Zhou’s dual requirements for education and specialization. Having professionals accompany the signing would guarantee success.”
Wang mastered the art of recommendation, highlighting his team’s strengths precisely where PT needed them. Xu Anguo nodded in approval.
Wang turned to Chuan Jin with an innocent smile. “Second Sister, does this satisfy you? Will there still be rumors?”
Chuan Jin: “…”
Damn. He’d counterattacked? She’d merely mentioned the PT project, and now this Wang guy had stuffed it full of his lackeys?
Her heart bled.
“Xiao Jin, return if you have nothing else. Stop interfering with projects and focus on job hunting.”
“Dad!” Chuan Jin dragged her words in a coquettish whine.
“Enough. Yujiang suffered your accusations—consider it even. No more reckless talk.” Xu Anguo waved impatiently.
Reading his mood, Chuan Jin knew further arguments were futile. Fuming, she circled the desk to leave.
Wang’s mocking expression ignited her rage. She stormed forward, raising her knee to stomp her heel hard on his leather shoe.
“Second Sister! Hiss—”
Gasping in pain, Wang braced against the desk to stay upright.
“Oops, still dizzy from hitting my head yesterday. Sorry for stepping on you.” Chuan Jin offered a hollow smile.
Wang’s eyebrow twitched. Noting Xu Anguo’s displeasure from his periphery, he endured the pain. “I was at fault yesterday too. Second Sister has every right to step on me. Lulu told me—if the card runs out, just ask me for more.”
“Oh my, how did you know there wasn’t enough money in the card?” Chuan Jin exaggeratedly covered her mouth, seizing the opportunity to say: “I was just worrying about how to bring this up with Lulu. Since brother-in-law is offering, why don’t you transfer the money to the card today?”
Wang Yujiang: “…”
Xia Helu’s card contained at least several hundred thousand yuan. Are you fucking getting medical treatment or buying medical equipment?
Despite his irritation, with Xu Anguo watching, Wang Yujiang had no choice but to grit his teeth and agree: “Fine, I’ll transfer it later.”
“Then thank you, brother-in-law.” Chuan Jin threw him a wink and left the office humming a tune.
Once in the car, the smile vanished from Chuan Jin’s face.
Damn it. Although she had managed to squeeze more money out of Wang Yujiang, the most important matter remained unresolved. PT’s signing ceremony would still proceed as scheduled tomorrow.
That bastard Wang was meticulous in both speech and action, Xu Anguo wasn’t on her side, persuasion didn’t work, and she couldn’t just start a fight. She couldn’t possibly go disrupt the signing ceremony, could she!
Chuan Jin clenched her fist and slammed it hard against the car seat, sinking back into the chair in frustration.
After two seconds of silence.
The girl’s eyes suddenly flickered as a crazy idea surged into her mind.
Wait.
Why couldn’t she disrupt the signing ceremony?