“Hand the divorce agreement to Su Xingnuo. Even if she cries and begs not to divorce, don’t intervene. Let her reflect first, then come to me.”
Yang An frowned but nodded.
“Understood, President Xie.”
“Is there something else?”
Xie Ran noticed Yang An seemed hesitant.
Yang An hesitated a moment but ultimately said nothing.
President Xie had such a wonderful wife—how could he bear to divorce her?
For the past three years, whenever Xie Ran was away from the company, his wife had handled most affairs.
For instance, last year’s multi-million deal was secured entirely by her, and Xie Ran had been by her side the whole time, fully aware of how difficult it was to close that deal.
A woman so dedicated to the company, yet Xie Ran didn’t appreciate her.
Now he was involved with the Shen family’s daughter—a family of complex status. How could a simple-hearted princess exist there?
Surely something must have happened in the Shen household, and seeing Xie Ran’s company about to go public, she came to seduce him.
“No, President Xie. You left the company suddenly just now, and there are still many documents that need your review…”
Yang An ultimately said nothing more. If Xie Ran continued neglecting the company, Yang An would consider leaving.
Which CEO, with a company on the verge of an IPO, spends all day with a mistress?
“President Xie, also, tomorrow the VP of Shu Group is coming to discuss a project.”
Though this project wasn’t as significant as the multi-million deal, it was still important. A successful collaboration with Shu Group before the IPO would boost the company’s reputation.
“I’ll go if I have time. Isn’t that what you arrange the year-end bonus for? You can’t even handle small matters?”
“…Understood.”
Yang An silently looked at the files in his hands. Looks like President Xie’s wife would have to handle this again.
“Get on it immediately.”
After hanging up, Xie Ran felt somewhat relieved.
Su Xingnuo left the hospital to meet Zhou Yichen.
Zhou Yichen pushed two files toward her.
“These are the project specifications you requested.”
Su Xingnuo flipped through them—ordinary project files—but she knew there was hidden significance within.
Trusting Zhou Yichen, she put the files away.
“Thank you.”
Zhou Yichen glared at her.
“If you treat me like an outsider again, I’ll really ignore you.”
Su Xingnuo smiled. Sunlight fell across her pale, cold face, making her features even more enchanting.
“Then, do you want me to give you a gift?”
“Of course. What gift?”
Zhou Yichen leaned forward, eyes gleaming—curious what she would give him.
“Not bought yet,” she replied.
Zhou Yichen deflated immediately. He knew it wouldn’t be that easy.
Su Xingnuo took two bottles of ointment from her bag and placed them on the table.
Zhou Yichen glanced at one of the bottles.
“What’s this?”
“Scar removal ointment. Uncle Xie Ran sent it.”
Su Xingnuo’s tone shifted.
“How well do you know Xie Ran’s uncle?”
A man sending her ointment out of nowhere—she couldn’t help but question his intentions.
“You mean Xie Ran’s uncle? From the Xie family?”
Su Xingnuo’s interest piqued.
“Which Xie family?”
Which Xie family in Gangcheng could it be?
Zhou Yichen thought for a moment.
“Not the Gangcheng Xie family. I heard about them years ago from a friend. One of the top three families in the country, wealth and power beyond measure.”
Su Xingnuo frowned. Xie Ran called this man his uncle, but they didn’t seem familiar.
His status must be genuine; otherwise, Xie Ran wouldn’t have made such a big deal about inviting him to the birthday banquet.
“Then why would someone from such a family suddenly send me ointment?”
She didn’t consider herself significant. Even though she was now a member of the Liu family, the richest in Gangcheng, she probably wouldn’t even have the chance to speak in front of him.
Zhou Yichen examined the ointment bottles, feeling they looked familiar.
“I’ll have someone test the ingredients. Better be careful—after all, he’s also a Xie.”
He put the bottles away.
“Speaking of the birthday banquet, can you get me an invitation? I haven’t attended one in ages.”
Su Xingnuo knew he was concerned for her.
“Don’t worry. No Xie can bully me. Am I the kind to let people push me around?”
Zhou Yichen smirked. His parents forbade him from attending any banquets; he didn’t care to go.
But this time it was for Xingnuo’s birthday, and there was a Xie involved. He didn’t want to miss it.
“What if the Xie family and his uncle try to bully you?”
Su Xingnuo stood.
“They won’t come.”
Last time she saw Xie Ran, he nearly knelt to beg him. He hadn’t even raised an eye.
A banquet of that level would never catch his attention anyway.
She lifted her phone.
“I’ll call you if anything happens. I’m off.”
Su Xingnuo returned to the Liu residence, put her things back in her room, and was about to go downstairs when she heard the servants announcing a visitor.
“Master, Madam, someone requests to see you. They say their surname is Xie—Xie Ruchen.”
Liu Dingyuan stiffened and immediately stood, disbelief on his face. He asked again,
“You said… Xie Ruchen?”
The servant confirmed.
Liu Dingyuan froze. Jiang Lan, noticing his reaction, asked curiously,
“Honey, what’s wrong? Who is Xie Ruchen?”
Upstairs, Su Xingnuo held her breath.
Liu Dingyuan said, “Xie Ruchen is the head of the Xie family—a rare family in the country. How could he suddenly visit?”
He hurriedly instructed the servants to invite the man in.
Su Xingnuo upstairs felt uneasy. This must be Xie Ran’s uncle.
Had he been monitoring her all along?
But she hadn’t thrown away the ointment… so why was he here?
Moments later, the servants respectfully led the visitor inside.
Xie Ruchen walked ahead, followed by Qin Yue and Pei Tianyou, then a line of black-clad men carrying gifts. The men stood at the entrance in formation.
Even Liu Dingyuan, Gangcheng’s richest man, couldn’t help but feel solemn in Xie Ruchen’s presence.
This man carried an aura impossible to ignore, almost overwhelming.
Seeing him, Su Xingnuo’s faint hope vanished.
This man probably had no good intentions.
If he harmed the Liu family, she would never stand by.
Liu Dingyuan dismissed the servants and invited Xie Ruchen to sit.
Xie Ruchen sat, bringing Jiang Lan to the sofa opposite.
Though Liu Dingyuan was older, Xie Ruchen’s presence was imperial; he dared not show even a hint of disrespect.
“President Xie, what brings you here so suddenly? I haven’t properly prepared to host you.”
Xie Ruchen sat alone on the sofa, Qin Yue and Pei Tianyou standing on either side.
He casually adjusted his wrist, voice deep and magnetic.
“I came today to formally propose marriage to the Liu family.”