Chapter 62: Exposing the Lie
The morning sun reflected off the sleek glass towers of the financial district like shards of polished steel, glinting harshly against the pale ivory of Liang Yue's tailored pantsuit. She stood in the corner of the conference room, perfectly poised, observing a scene that would have unsettled anyone else. But not her. Not today. Not when she had spent the last few weeks memorizing, anticipating, and outmaneuvering every scheme her cousin Yulan—or, as she quietly liked to call her, the overzealous amateur—might attempt.
Across the room, Yulan adjusted her designer scarf and flashed the kind of smile that screamed fake and slightly desperate. Beside her, an influential group of investors and business associates whispered in what they probably assumed was a casual tone, though Liang Yue's sharp ears caught every syllable: "I hear Liang Yue's... not really in control. Isn't it strange? The timing of her deals, her sudden rise—something seems off..."
Liang Yue raised an eyebrow, as if amused the mere thought of her "off" trajectory could enter anyone's mind. She sipped her tea deliberately, letting the subtle aroma of jasmine drift to her nose. This would be fun.
Her phone buzzed lightly in her hand—a signal from Huo Tianrui. Proceed.
Perfect.
The meeting began with polite formalities. Investors discussed quarterly returns, the room warm with the faint tension of money being measured against potential. Yulan tried to dominate the conversation immediately, presenting a "concerned" report on one of Liang Yue's minor investments, cleverly designed to plant doubt.
Liang Yue leaned back, crossing one leg over the other, a serene smile curling across her lips.
"Interesting," she said softly, her voice calm, almost sing-song, as though commenting on the weather. "Though I find it curious that this report appears suddenly—coincidentally just after someone spread a rather... creative rumor."
Heads turned. Eyebrows rose. Even Yulan faltered for the briefest fraction of a second—barely perceptible, but enough.
Liang Yue's smile widened, like a chess player who just announced check without moving a piece.
"You see, in business, timing is everything. And timing, like truth, tends to reveal itself eventually," Liang Yue continued, letting the words float over the room with the gravity of absolute confidence. "It's remarkable how certain parties assume that casual whispers—unverified, unsubstantiated—can influence long-term investments."
Her gaze lingered on Yulan, polite, almost patronizing. "I, however, prefer verified data, documented transactions, and actual performance metrics. Funny how numbers tend to disagree with narratives."
A few of the investors shifted uneasily, realizing the subtle yet undeniable sting in Liang Yue's words. Yulan's attempts at manipulation had been anticipated down to the minute. And now, she was being exposed—politely, elegantly, and in front of everyone.
"Is there a particular source for these numbers?" Liang Yue asked, her tone light, with a hint of playfulness that made the room lean in.
Yulan's lips pressed into a thin line. "I—uh—these are... industry reports..."
Liang Yue tilted her head, giving her a look that would have melted steel in another context. "Ah, I see. Anonymous industry reports. Delightful. Though it's always wise to verify sources before using them to question someone else's credibility."
The silence was palpable. Yulan tried to speak again, but Liang Yue's eyes, sharp and unyielding, held her hostage. "Of course, mistakes happen. Even from the most... dedicated professionals." She let the last word hang like a dagger cloaked in velvet.
The subtle humor, the public disarming of Yulan, the way Liang Yue made her cousin's schemes seem childish—it was intoxicating. Even the investors were now leaning forward, hanging on every word, recognizing not just Liang Yue's intellect but her composure under pressure.
And then she delivered the clincher.
"You'll forgive me if I take a moment to demonstrate clarity," Liang Yue said, standing and walking to the screen at the front of the room. She clicked the remote, revealing a meticulously compiled set of charts, emails, and transaction histories—a timeline of Yulan's attempts to manipulate both the company and perception.
"Oh look," Liang Yue said lightly, scrolling through the evidence. "Here we have a curious case where certain... 'insider suggestions' coincided precisely with meetings designed to influence investors against me. How uncanny."
Gasps flitted across the room. Yulan's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.
Liang Yue's voice took on that razor-sharp edge that could cut through diamonds: "And here—documented communication showing attempts to secure backing from my closest advisors under false pretenses. Fascinating, isn't it, how loyalty can be tested by deception?"
Yulan swallowed hard. "Liang... this is—"
"True?" Liang Yue interrupted smoothly, raising a perfectly arched eyebrow. "Or merely convenient for storytelling purposes?" She let her smile return, warm yet deadly. "It's always a shame when the plot twists you think you've invented end up working against you. I do hope this doesn't cause too much... embarrassment."
The investors murmured among themselves, impressed and slightly amused. Even Huo Tianrui, standing silently at the back of the room, allowed the faintest smirk.
Yulan's composure crumbled entirely. She tried a last-ditch attempt at defense, pointing at one chart. "But these figures could—could—"
Liang Yue turned slowly, a hand on her hip, voice dripping calm amusement: "Could what, dear cousin? Could they be manipulated? Interesting idea. But unfortunately, every single number here is sourced from verified, transparent channels. I did wonder who would think to forge such detailed records—but thank you for showing your hand."
The room was silent except for the quiet rustle of papers. Investors nodded subtly; they understood what had just happened.
Liang Yue's strategy had done more than expose Yulan. It had demonstrated dominance, intelligence, foresight—and a sense of humor that made her seem untouchable.
Later, in the hall outside the meeting room, Yulan trailed behind Liang Yue, whispering feverishly into her assistant's ear. Liang Yue slowed just enough to let the words drift to her, the faintest smile on her lips.
"Please tell me you recorded everything," she murmured under her breath to her own assistant, who merely nodded, eyes wide with admiration.
Huo Tianrui stepped up beside her, arms crossed, the silent aura of authority surrounding him. "You handled her with... patience," he said, almost reluctantly impressed. "Most would have reacted to such a pesky—"
Liang Yue let the word hang in the air, chuckling softly. "Pesky? That's exactly what she is. I find the term fits nicely."
He allowed himself a faint smile, the first one today. "I see why I'm allied with you. Calm, intelligent, and always three steps ahead."
"Four," Liang Yue said lightly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Always four. You should know better by now."
Huo's eyebrow quirked, impressed not just by her strategic mind but by the playful confidence with which she carried it. There was no doubt in his mind—she had mastered her enemies, the investors, the media, and even him, in subtle ways that made him... curious, intrigued, and a little off-balance in the most satisfying way.
By evening, the news had trickled into social and business circles. Yulan's credibility was tarnished, her whispers now the subject of quiet ridicule. Investors who had once considered her insight now avoided her entirely, while Liang Yue's reputation soared. Articles appeared online, praising her foresight, strategic cunning, and composure under pressure.
Huo Tianrui met her at the hotel bar later that night, quiet but intense. The city lights stretched out like a carpet of stars beneath them. He handed her a glass of champagne, and they clinked lightly.
"Another victory," he said, voice low. "And you handled it like it was nothing."
Liang Yue sipped, then met his gaze. "Because it was nothing. In the grand scheme, this is merely the first ripple. The tide is rising, and I've already calculated where it will land."
He let out a quiet laugh, rare and genuine. "And yet, somehow, watching you do it is... thrilling."
She raised an eyebrow. "Thrilling? Is this your way of admitting you enjoy watching me dismantle the world while looking flawless?"
"Perhaps," he murmured, voice low, tinged with something unreadable, something deeper than admiration or respect.
Liang Yue smiled, her mind already three steps ahead, planning the next moves against both Yulan and anyone else who dared underestimate her. Yet even she felt it—a small flutter, a crack in the armor of her reborn world, ignited by the man who stood beside her. One she trusted... almost entirely.
Almost.
And as the city pulsed beneath them, the chessboard of influence, power, and slow-burn revenge lay perfectly set.
Liang Yue sipped her champagne and whispered, more to herself than to Huo Tianrui, "Let the world watch. Let them all watch. I am untouchable."
He leaned close, voice a soft echo in her ear, "And so are we—together."
The fire between strategy and intimacy, power and subtle romance, had just begun. And Yulan, poor Yulan, had no idea the storm she had provoked.