CHAPTER 242: CHAPTER 241: TIME TO GO

The establishment of Mingpinhui dealt a fatal blow to Si Junyan, leaving him utterly humiliated and causing the senior managers who had chosen to leave Yaowang Group for higher salaries to deeply regret their decisions.

One by one, they scrambled to resign, desperately trying to escape what they now saw as a den of vipers.

Jian Xi accepted all those who had betrayed them, unconditionally.

Chu Xiao couldn’t stand it. Full of anger, he stormed straight into the CEO’s office, kicked open the door, plopped down across from Jian Xi, crossed his arms, and turned his face away. "Hmph!"

"What? Afraid I wouldn’t know you were angry unless you made a scene?"

SLAM!

Chu Xiao slapped the table. "Sister, what are you thinking? Those people betrayed Yaowang Group, and you’re still using them! If you’re really so short-handed that it has to be them, I can go back to the Chu Family and get you some people!"

"The industrial sector and the fashion industry are worlds apart. Don’t cause trouble for your father," Jian Xi said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

She had thought that after all this time, he would have matured, but it turned out he was still so easily provoked.

"But you still can’t use them! I can’t work with traitors."

When Chu Xiao got stubborn, he truly had the temperament of a petulant child.

Jian Xi suddenly realized that, at some unknown point, she too had become like Si Yuhuan—an old fox, a cunning and calculating businesswoman.

"But they can bring us benefits. Once Mingpinhui goes international and Yaowang Group reaches the next level, these people will gradually be replaced."

She sighed. "Actually, I’m keeping them not because I absolutely need them, but to infuriate Si Junyan. He spends millions annually to hire them back, while I retain them for mere hundreds of thousands a year, and they perform even better, achieving more. He knows perfectly well who is more capable. This is an indirect blow; I want him to realize that in every single aspect, he, Si Junyan, is utterly useless!"

"Now *that’s* interesting!" Chu Xiao’s interest was instantly piqued.

Jian Xi winked at him, and the two shared a conspiratorial grin, like kindred spirits in their mischief.

After Chu Xiao discussed their counter-strategy with her, he was preparing to leave with a confident air. He was already at the door when he suddenly turned back. "Sister, why have you suddenly started wearing loose clothes? With a figure like yours, it’s a shame not to show it off. How about I design some new styles for you? Something to completely captivate that defeated, arrogant rooster, Si Yuhuan?"

He still resented Si Yuhuan’s past dominance. Now that he finally had a chance to kick the man while he was down, he couldn’t resist a few cutting remarks, even if he wasn’t going to literally step on him.

Jian Xi felt a sudden chill; it seemed her showing belly would soon be impossible to hide.

"No, no, it’s fine. You don’t have to go to any trouble. I actually have plenty of clothes; I just felt like changing my style recently."

"Alright then! I’ll get back to work."

As Chu Xiao left, he muttered to himself, "Why would someone suddenly change their style? Could Sister have some unmentionable secret?"

Jian Xi pressed her fingers to her forehead. It looks like I’ll have to move up my trip abroad.

If even someone as oblivious as Chu Xiao could notice, then Si Yuhuan, sly as a fox, would definitely figure it out.

She was currently very grateful that Jiang Qimeng and Si Junyan didn’t want her and Si Yuhuan to remarry. Otherwise, if anyone with a big mouth were to spill the beans, it would probably be too late for her to escape.

Wan Yu learned that Jian Xi was advancing her plans to go abroad.

Wan Yu immediately exuded an aura of formidable confidence. "With me here, neither Yaowang Group nor New Fashion Media will have a single problem. You just go and focus on your pregnancy and delivery."

"And don’t forget to call me when you go into labor!"

Jian Xi had been feeling quite heavy-hearted while packing her suitcase, but Wan Yu’s words made her not know whether to laugh or cry.

Suddenly, she stood up and hugged Wan Yu.

Wan Yu was taken aback. "Xixi, what’s gotten into you now?"

"Yuyu, thank you for always standing by me, protecting me, and supporting me. Words can’t express my gratitude for such great kindness. In the future, I’ll just entrust my children to you to raise!"

"PFFT!"

The two of them roared with laughter, practically doubled over.

Jian Xi planned to go to D Country for her confinement and delivery.

The place wasn’t large, but it boasted clear mountains, beautiful waters, and charming scenery. Most importantly, it was home to a world-renowned sea of flowers.

Jian Sirun strongly agreed. "The medical facilities there are excellent, the doctors are responsible, and the air is suitable for pregnant women. The cultural environment and scenery are perfect for prenatal nurturing. In short, Xixi has chosen a good place."

Suddenly, the usually reticent Jian Sirun asked, "Are you really going to ignore Si Yuhuan from now on?"

Jian Xi was slightly taken aback. "Fourth Brother, I never imagined you’d be the first to ask this."

"It was Big Brother who wanted to ask."

Just as I thought!

"He became penniless because of you, and Big Brother can’t bear to see him like that. He wants to secretly offer assistance but doesn’t know how, so he asked me to see if you could give this money to Si Yuhuan. Consider it repayment for the help he gave Jian Group."

It was a check for one billion.

This was likely all the liquid cash Jian Group could muster at the moment.

Jian Mingcheng truly lived up to his reputation as a man of integrity in the business world.

Jian Xi admired her eldest brother’s magnanimity.

"Alright, I’ll pass it on."

「...」

The Tianyao Group, led by Fu Shengyuan, had recently grown quite close to the Haohan Group, which was under Si Junyan’s control.

Their powerful alliance dispelled all the online rumors and malicious gossip.

The stock price, after an initial fall, rose again.

This brought new hope to many shareholders and directors of Haohan Group, allowing Si Junyan to regain their trust.

Jiang Qimeng immediately arranged to meet Si Junyan.

In the restaurant, Jiang Qimeng raised her glass, her smile captivating. "Congratulations on using your trump card to turn the tables."

She seemed a little apprehensive that Si Junyan might blame her for missing their appointment a few days prior. After taking a sip of wine, she coughed delicately a few times.

Si Junyan immediately showed concern. "Sister Qimeng, what’s wrong?"

He thoughtfully handed her a napkin.

"It’s nothing serious. It’s just that old injuries act up, making me prone to illness. This time, I was bedridden for several days. Otherwise, why do you think I wouldn’t have come to see you?"

She said this with a look of utter self-reproach.

Any trace of annoyance Si Junyan might have felt vanished instantly. "Why didn’t you tell me you were sick? Sister Qimeng, you always try to bear everything yourself. It makes me worry!"

"You were already facing so many difficulties; how could I add to your burdens? It was just a minor illness. I would have felt terrible bothering you with it!"

Gazing at this understanding and considerate woman before him, whose every thought seemed to be for his well-being, Si Junyan felt his mind go blank. "Nonsense! In my eyes, Sister Qimeng, you are paramount! Power, status, money—none of it is as important as you."

Jiang Qimeng secretly curled her red lips, her expression gentle and kind. "Junyan, you’re so good to me."

With that, she threw herself into his arms.

Si Junyan was ecstatic, holding Jiang Qimeng tightly. "Sister Qimeng, just you wait! Sooner or later, I will lead Haohan Group to the pinnacle of the world, a height Si Yuhuan could never reach. I can definitely do it! And when that time comes, you will be..."

He trailed off, his eyes brimming with unconcealed longing.

What is easily obtained is often not cherished. Jiang Qimeng understood this principle deeply. Feigning shyness, she quickly changed the subject. "How are the injuries on your body? Let me see. Oh, and I brought you some scar-reducing ointment; it’s very effective."

She took it out and began to apply it for Si Junyan herself. As her fingertips brushed against his skin, the man trembled lightly, a shiver of pleasure running through him.