SFL Chapter 31

The news value brought by the marriage of the two prominent families is immeasurable. The media captured the engaged couple’s strengths professionally, producing beautiful photos. With consent from both families, the media released the photos, gaining attention.

Nan Jinchen, already well-known in the city, sheds the “prodigal son” label, now engaged to the affluent Gu family’s daughter. Many girls dreaming of him feel heartbroken.

The younger generation focuses on Jinchen’s charisma and Gu Zhenzhen’s grace. The older generation sees a powerful collaboration between two influential families, an unstoppable force.

Jinchen’s company employees are delighted, receiving red envelopes even if they didn’t attend the engagement. Boldly, some asked for a salary raise, and Jinchen agreed. The news eased concerns, as a salary increase brings continuous joy compared to a one-time red envelope.

While discussing raises, employees contemplate how to allocate the extra income. Lin Mi scoffs, mentioning the CEO’s expensive gift, a 10.1 million yuan gemstone ring. A mature colleague retorts that their goal is realistic spending, not aspiring to the CEO’s lifestyle, leading to laughter in the office.

Lin Mi’s face turned pale instantly, and she walked away without a word. The mature woman, watching her leave, disdainfully remarked, “She thinks no one knows her intentions, just aiming for quick money.”

“Too bad our CEO isn’t falling for her tricks,” the mature woman sighed, regretting Lin Mi’s misplaced target.

She had seen bosses who resisted temptations, but none with the resilience of their CEO. Despite Lin Mi’s various tactics, their CEO remained unmoved.

In the complex dynamics of office relationships, Lin Mi’s attempts to seduce the CEO were transparent. However, despite her efforts like serving tea and being gentle, their CEO remained unaffected.

Observers noticed that Lin Mi’s chances of getting close to the CEO were diminishing. If she didn’t refocus on work, she might lose her position.

Possibly provoked by the ostentatious engagement of the two wealthy families or reaching a breaking point, Lin Mi, agitated by colleagues’ remarks, rushed to Jinchen’s office. In a tone that wavered between hesitation and intention, she said, “Mr. President~”

“Secretary Lin, speak properly,” Jinchen reminded her.

Frustrated by his business-like demeanor, Lin Mi couldn’t hold back and bluntly said, “Sir, I’ve been with you for so many years. Don’t you understand my feelings?”

“Is that why I let Secretary Lin do menial tasks for me?” Nan Jinchen raised an eyebrow.

Speechless, Lin Mi thought, without a salary, Jinchen’s handsome face wouldn’t fill her stomach.

“Sir, I can feel your interest in me. I know your marriage is a strategic alliance, not a deep emotional connection. Instead of having a strained marriage, why not choose someone you like? I promise not to ruin your marriage; I just want a place by your side,” Lin Mi bravely confessed, trusting her woman’s intuition despite the recent coldness from the CEO.

“No, all my money is for supporting my wife,” Jinchen said sternly. “If I don’t invest time and money in you, will you still follow me?”

Lin Mi didn’t expect Jinchen to respond with such lack of grace. Even if a man doesn’t like a woman, it shouldn’t be this malicious.

As someone intending to use her body for quick money, Jinchen’s reply undoubtedly crossed her bottom line. Lin Mi realized that Nan Jinchen genuinely had no interest in her, and what she desired was insignificant to him.

“What if I’m willing?” Lin Mi gritted her teeth. She didn’t want to give up the handsome Jinchen, as, with her status, she wouldn’t have access to other high-quality men.

“Please excuse my refusal,” Jinchen said coldly. “Being with you would be a loss for me.”

Unable to hold back any longer, Lin Mi broke down and cried.

Seeing her like this, Jinchen remained unyielding. Lin Mi was right; the original host did have intentions toward her. After the engagement with Gu Zhenzhen, they ended up in bed drunk, and Gu Zhenzhen later exposed the affair in the company.

After the revelation, Lin Mi had no face to stay in the company. She disappeared after extracting money from the original host. Shen Baiyi, the female lead, took over as the new secretary.

“Lin Mi, your work is outstanding. Why choose the wrong path?” Nan Jinchen wondered.

Wiping away tears, Lin Mi said, “Mr. President, tell me, how many years do I need to work to buy a house in the capital? How many more years to buy a multimillion-dollar gemstone engagement ring without blinking, like you?”

“I can’t afford it. Even if I work exceptionally well, it’s still beyond my reach. If that’s the case, why should I strive? If I don’t find a sugar daddy while I’m young, I won’t have the chance for the life I want in the future.”

Nan Jinchen, in a cold tone, said, “I’m sorry, but there’s no shortcut opportunity here. If you insist on your path, you’re not suitable for my company.”

“I only know that you should eat as much as your stomach can hold. You aim too high and keep comparing yourself to others. If you continue like this, even if you achieve what you want, you won’t feel satisfied.”

After saying this, Jinchen added Lin Mi’s name to the list of employees to be laid off.

With this, both of the original host’s romantic interests were completely resolved by Nan Jinchen.

Lin Mi’s departure didn’t create much turbulence in the company. Her status wasn’t particularly special or prominent among those being laid off this time.

Just after giving the employees a raise, Jinchen swiftly initiated layoffs, distinct from the mid-life crisis layoffs. This time, Jinchen provided an accurate list of names, making the HR department handling the matter feel uneasy.

Nan Jinchen dismissed those who were hindering the company, incapable of generating more profits and even betraying the company for personal gain. He presented evidence to the legal department, leading to a criminal investigation.

The entire group felt the shockwaves of Jinchen’s actions, especially since many of those laid off were relatives of the board members, each belonging to different factions.

Jinchen’s move to eliminate dissent angered the board. In the office, one call after another came in, and Li Rui kept answering them, all inquiries from the board.

Behind Li Rui, Jinchen remained calm, “Dealing with the company and superiors is complex and not easy.”

It was precisely because of the existence of these shareholders that a well-established group found it challenging to grow.

To break through the established pattern of the group, disruption was the quickest way.

Li Rui answered 90% of the board calls for Jinchen, but there were some he couldn’t intercept. When Jinchen saw a call from his father, he answered and heard his father’s angry shout, “What are you up to, you brat!?”

Subconsciously, Nan Jinchen tapped his ear and said to his father, “Dad, prepare some money. There might be several directors leaving the board this time.”

“You brat, how dare you make such big moves so soon after taking over the company. Who gave you this confidence? Even I wouldn’t dare do something like this!” his father said angrily.

He hadn’t expected his son, who had been silent for a long time, to make such a splash.

Some things couldn’t be explained over the phone, so Jinchen told his father he would come home soon to explain in person. Gradually, his father’s anger dissipated, and he finally said to Jinchen, “You know what you’re doing. In the end, the family’s wealth will be yours. Even if you start squandering it now, your mom and I probably won’t live long enough to see the day you’re destitute.”

“How could that be? In the future, you and Mom will help me and Zhenzhen take care of our children,” Jinchen said with a smile, ending the call with his father.