“No, no, you misunderstand.” Li Zhen put the paper down. “I believe Xiao Chen did not cheat.”
“All of these questions are correct.”
“Why?” Xiao Chen’s mother exploded. “Maybe he happened to have practiced these exact questions before.”
“That’s right. You can’t just decide he didn’t cheat based on a few questions. That’s too hasty,” Xiao Yuanhe said, unwilling to accept it.
“These questions were solved by senior physics professors and have never appeared on any test paper,” Li Zhen said calmly. “If your other son, Xiao Ming, can solve them as well, I will reconsider my judgment. How about that?”
“My Mingming can definitely solve them,” Xiao Chen’s mother said confidently. “Mingming, how are you doing?”
Xiao Ming fidgeted with his fingers and stammered, “Mom, I… I…”
“Wah… these questions are too hard. I don’t know how to do them. Mom and Dad, please don’t blame me.”
As he spoke, he suddenly burst into loud tears.
This scene startled Xiao Yuanhe and his wife. They quickly pulled Xiao Ming into their arms and comforted him.
“It’s okay, Mingming. The questions are just too difficult. It’s normal if you don’t know them.”
“Yes. Xiao Chen must have seen them somewhere before. Let’s go home. I’ll buy you a new pair of AJ sneakers.”
Xiao Chen sneered inwardly, calling him an idiot.
An eighteen-year-old who cried on cue, utterly spineless.
With their precious son crying, Xiao Yuanhe and his wife no longer cared to argue. They shot Xiao Chen a hateful glare and left with Xiao Ming.
“Xiao Chen, you’re impressive. The last physics question had troubled me for several days,” Li Zhen said with admiration.
“I believe you didn’t cheat. But your relationship with your parents…”
“Principal Li, once someone has prejudice, anything you do is wrong,” Xiao Chen interrupted.
“There’s no possibility of repairing our relationship.”
In his previous life, he had been tortured by kidnappers, his ears cut off, his eyes gouged out, his hands chopped off.
They had been indifferent, even accusing him of staging the kidnapping for sympathy.
He had bled out and died in agony.
In this life, he would stay far away from them.
Their past indifference could never be forgiven.
“I understand,” Li Zhen sighed. “But since your parents run a company and live in a villa, according to regulations, you can’t qualify as a poverty student.”
“I know. It’s fine. Use the money on someone who needs it more,” Xiao Chen nodded.
Having been reborn, he was confident he could live well without relying on anyone.
“However, your meal subsidy will continue. I’ll sponsor 1,000 per month personally,” Li Zhen said with a smile. “And since you did well in the interschool exam, on Monday the school will issue you a 3,000 bonus.”
“Make sure you perform well in the competition two months from now.”
“I will. Thank you, Principal.” Xiao Chen was delighted. He bent down and gave a deep bow.
That 3,000 truly solved his urgent financial problem.
Late at night, Xiao Yan hurried to the company.
The marketing department managers and supervisors were all present, their expressions serious.
“CEO Xiao, the test results for Canghua Liquor are out. The substances it contains are harmful to human nerves,” the assistant said, handing over a report.
“Is the test reliable?” Xiao Yan asked, taking the document.
“It’s from the Municipal Market Food Safety Inspection Center. Authentic and valid,” the assistant replied.
“Terminate the cooperation contract with them immediately,” Xiao Yan said decisively.
“CEO Xiao, this is a 5 million deal,” one manager protested. “We’ve already prepared the marketing plan.”
“Online livestream sales and advertising campaigns all cost money. If we cancel now, we’ll lose hundreds of thousands.”
“Yes. Food safety issues are common nowadays. It probably won’t cause real trouble,” another supervisor added.
“Do as I say. Terminate the contract. I’ll handle my father,” Xiao Yan said firmly. “And from now on, for all food-related marketing plans, conduct research first and ensure product safety.”
“Yes, CEO Xiao.” The marketing department staff were helpless. A major deal had slipped away.
They had worked several sleepless nights for weeks to secure it.
All because of an ingredient issue? In today’s world, what food and drink wasn’t made with modern additives?
This CEO Xiao was still too young after taking over the family business.
“What? You canceled the Canghua Liquor deal?” The next evening, Xiao Yuanhe was stunned when he heard the news.
He quickly made calls and learned that the contract had already been taken by a competitor.
“Yanyan, give me a reason,” Xiao Yuanhe said sternly after hanging up.
“The Canghua Liquor marketing campaign was practically confirmed. Why cancel it? Our competitor Hangcheng Media has taken the deal.”
“They worked overnight on a marketing plan, promoting both online and offline. Sales have surged, and they’re using this success case to attract many of our potential clients.”
“Dad, this liquor has issues.” Xiao Yan presented the inspection report. “Xiao Chen reminded me.”
“Xiao Chen? You believed that unfilial brat?” Xiao Yuanhe flew into a rage at the mention of the name.
“He’s just a high school student. What does he know? Even if the report shows other components, they’re probably within acceptable limits.”
“Do you realize we didn’t just lose Canghua Liquor as a client? We also lost many potential clients because we missed this case.”
“Dad, Xiao Chen…”
“Don’t mention that scoundrel again. Have you lost your mind believing him?” Xiao Yuanhe slammed the table.
He did not want to hear Xiao Chen’s name.
At that moment, the televised consumer rights program suddenly shifted its focus to Canghua Liquor.
The host announced, “Canghua Liquor, established in 2021.”
“In the past three years, sales have grown geometrically. Marketed as a health liquor, it claims to replace medicine for treating insomnia and other symptoms.”
“But is that true? According to official inspections, Canghua Liquor contains hormonal substances that cause significant damage to human neurons…”
“Dad…” Xiao Yan stared at Xiao Yuanhe in shock.
He was equally stunned, eyes fixed on the television.
The chemical composition, harmful substances, and potential damage to the human body were displayed clearly on screen.
The once wildly popular health liquor was condemned in an instant.
Hangcheng Media’s livestream, which had been aggressively promoting the product, was flooded with curses and forced to shut down urgently.
Canghua Liquor shot to the top of trending topics overnight, and Hangcheng Media, thinking they had secured a major win, was dragged into the backlash.
Xiao Yuanhe immediately recognized the opportunity.
This could be the perfect chance to crush Hangcheng Media.
He stood up abruptly. “Yanyan, go to the company immediately. Monitor Hangcheng Media closely. Many of their clients will cancel contracts.”
“Seize the opportunity and bring those clients to the Xiao Group.”
“Understood. I’m going now.” Xiao Yan recovered from her shock and regained her composed demeanor.
“Dad, this time we were saved because Xiao Chen reminded me. I hope… he can come back,” Xiao Yan said softly.
“It was just blind luck,” Xiao Yuanhe said darkly. “Tell him that unless he bows his head and apologizes, he can forget about ever coming back.”