CHAPTER 381: CHAPTER 381: HOW DO YOU HELP HER

"My partner’s character is none of Miss Zhou’s concern," Ye Hua’s indifferent voice spoke out, instantly expressing his belief in Xu Xiuxiu. If Zhou Ling were smart enough, she’d naturally know when to stop. The use of the word "partner" alone was proof of Xu Xiuxiu’s status and value; she was not one of those women who throw themselves at men. "Miss Zhou, you’d better spend this time taking care of Zhou’s Jewelry! I’ve heard that Zhou’s Jewelry has been facing some financial difficulties recently!" His voice carried a mocking sneer as he swiftly seized Zhou Ling’s weak spot.

Zhou Ling stood rooted to the spot, grinding her teeth in shock, struggling to respond, "Partner?" Being seasoned in business herself, she knew that Ye Hua’s only partner was a woman, but she’d paid her little heed since the partner wasn’t in Z City. She hadn’t expected the woman in front of her to be that partner. Muttering to herself, Zhou Ling raised her eyes to look at Xu Xiuxiu with envy and disbelief.

If Xu Xiuxiu were just a pretty plaything hanging off a man—with no family background—Zhou Ling was confident she could maintain her superior stance. As the heiress to Zhou’s Jewelry, countless men would want to marry her. If she were to actively extend an olive branch to Ye Hua, she believed that, even if he were not moved, he would at least consider her offer and be appropriately courteous. It would make her task to secure Ye Hua easier. Business alliances through marriage were a common sight in high society.

But this woman was no vulgar creature; with conditions far more formidable than hers, Xu Xiuxiu had created a business empire at a young age and partnered with Ye Hua. This placed her far beyond the reach of a conceited socialite heiress like Zhou Ling. In the upper circle, the last thing anyone wanted was to question someone of Xu Xiuxiu’s status. Zhou Ling’s words, meant as a warning to Ye Hua, now seemed like a ridiculous joke—an amusing gaffe.

No matter how unbelievable the reality seemed, when Ye Hua himself acknowledged his partner, no one dared question it. Everyone was shrewd—no man, regardless of how much he liked a woman, would fabricate a partnership for her. The truth was self-evident.

"I’m sorry about before..." As a socialite from the upper circle, Zhou Ling knew the importance of speaking cautiously. When necessary, an apology could not be vague. Not raised like Lu Xiangxiang, in ignorance of reality and lacking common sense, Zhou Ling’s family business was already facing difficulties, and she was counting on connecting with Ye Hua and partnering with Tangshui City Resort Village. If she offended the key person at that moment and Xu Xiuxiu turned out to be vindictive, what would they do if she tripped up Zhou’s Jewelry after the entrepreneurs’ annual meeting? Surely Zhou’s Jewelry would be ruined.

"Still talking about a partner? Xu Xiuxiu, you sure have some nerve. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re really worth—an ordinary village woman from the hills, still aspiring to rise to heaven and become a phoenix in your dreams." Zhou Ling realized the truth, but Lu Xiangxiang didn’t believe it at all. Convinced that she knew all about Xu Xiuxiu’s background, she steadfastly believed Xu Xiuxiu was nothing but a rural woman from the hills. With a defiant posture, Lu Xiangxiang looked at Xu Xiuxiu and coldly uttered with a victorious smile, "Let me tell you, Xu Xiuxiu, today you will see reality clearly. Since you entered here in splendor relying on a man, I will make sure you leave in disgrace. I will repay you double for the humiliation you once caused me. I will crush your dignity so that you’ll never raise your head again. I will make Song Yuanhuan realise that giving me up is the most foolish thing he’s ever done in his life."

Clearly, Lu Xiangxiang’s long-suppressed anger sought release.

"Oh!" Xu Xiuxiu raised an eyebrow and looked calmly at Lu Xiangxiang. She didn’t understand the confidence behind Lu Xiangxiang’s bold words. Did Lu Xiangxiang think she could make her leave this place in disgrace?

"I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed," said Xu Xiuxiu. If being one of the partners of Tangshui City was not enough to attend this entrepreneurs’ annual meeting and could be humiliated and thrown out so easily, she questioned the caliber of this event. Whether she attended such meetings or not didn’t matter; however, she lived by a principle—if she were to leave, it wouldn’t be in disgrace.

"Disappointed? I think it’s you who will be disappointed," Lu Xiangxiang arrogantly asserted. "You think you can climb into places like this by clinging to a man, hoping to build connections. But you won’t expect to run into me. I will shatter all your hopes." Lu Xiangxiang summoned several security personnel with the wave of her hand. "I’m Lu Xiangxiang. I want you to kick her out. An event like the entrepreneurs’ annual meeting is not a place for her to enter. Watch the invitations closely; this is the entrepreneurs’ annual meeting and not just anyone can waltz in." After her high-handed request, she scolded them for their inefficiency.

The two security guards exchanged glances, hesitating whether to comply with Lu Xiangxiang’s demand to eject Xu Xiuxiu. Anyone who could enter this place was not someone they could afford to offend—even women who came with a man. In any case, these were all people beyond the reach of such junior guards.

However, as the two guards deliberated over what to do, a sudden slap silenced the scene.

Lu Xiangxiang clutched her cheek, staring at Zhou Ling, who had slapped her, with furrowed brows and an incredulous tone, "Zhou Ling, you hit me?" She couldn’t fathom why Zhou Ling would slap her out of the blue.

"I’m sorry, my cousin doesn’t know any better. Please forgive her," Zhou Ling ignored Lu Xiangxiang’s shock and took a deep breath, offering Xu Xiuxiu a slight smile, then bowed deeply in apology.

Upon realizing Xu Xiuxiu’s status, Zhou Ling knew she wouldn’t fare well against her, grateful she hadn’t said anything foolish just moments before, which would have made the situation irremediable.

"Zhou Ling, are you insane? Don’t you know who she is? She’s the one who caused trouble for my mom. How can you be on her side and hit me? If you don’t believe me, I’ll tell our uncle..." Lu Xiangxiang screamed indignantly, her voice so loud that the entrepreneurs arriving behind could all hear.

Originally, the few people standing at the entrance of the entrepreneurs’ annual meeting had garnered quite a bit of attention. As more successful individuals arrived in succession, and since entry required checking invitations, those behind had been patiently waiting. Being savvy businesspeople, they deduced something unexpected had occurred at the door. Prominent figures in business rarely witnessed such drama, but those capable of attending this kind of meeting wouldn’t be much worse off. Many watched with interest, and Lu Xiangxiang’s shouting drew even more gazes.