With Qin Yang's help, Lin Xi got up and limped to Duan Yiheng's side, recounting Zheng Jizhong's actions in detail. There was no falsification whatsoever; her tone was entirely businesslike.
Duan Yiheng's gaze sharpened like a dagger. He handed the documents to Qin Yang and said to Zheng Jizhong, "Come in with me." Zheng Jizhong snorted coldly and entered the CEO's office. Chen Jingyi was about to leave when Qin Yang stopped her. The three of them stood there in the doorway.
Lin Xi tried to close the office door, but Qin Yang shook his head to stop her. Just as she was confused about what was happening, Duan Yiheng suddenly attacked, throwing a heavy folder at Zheng Jizhong's head:
"Even a country has laws, and a company must operate according to its rules and regulations. Today you pushed my secretary to force your way into my office? Are you trying to steal my position tomorrow?" Zheng Jizhong's face was grim as he rubbed his chapped scalp.
He hadn't expected Duan Yiheng to resort to violence in the company over a secretary. "Mr. Duan, I'm here today for an explanation. The project you gave me—" "From now on, you're suspended for a month."
Duan Yiheng coldly interrupted him. "During this month, you'll reflect on your actions and write a self-criticism." "I disagree!" Zheng Jizhong immediately retorted. If he were truly suspended, he didn't know if he could ever return.
"Whatever it is, we'll talk about it after your suspension ends." Duan Yiheng looked at him coldly. "Get out." Zheng Jizhong wanted to say something, but Duan Yiheng's icy gaze silenced him. He had clearly offended Duan Yiheng today.
Duan Yiheng already held a grudge against him, and would likely use Lin Xi's injury as an excuse to punish him. He couldn't win against Duan Yiheng in a direct confrontation. Zheng Jizhong turned and left, as if he had made a decision. Chen Jingyi, fearing being implicated, quickly followed Zheng Jizhong away.
She hadn't wanted to be promoted, but within the department, she had risen through the ranks thanks to Zheng Jizhong, and she couldn't disobey his orders. But today, she understood that if she wanted to secure her own future, she had to side with Duan Yiheng and betray Zheng Jizhong.
She also possessed secrets concerning Lin Xi and Duan Mingxuan; perhaps she could use Zheng Jizhong to drive Lin Xi out of the company, while she herself remained uninvolved. "Director, what should we do next?" Zheng Jizhong coldly snorted, "I have my own methods."
In the office, Duan Yiheng called Lin Xi and Qin Yang in. He looked at Lin Xi with concern: "How are you? Are you hurt?" Lin Xi smiled and shook her head: "I was faking it. I knew you wanted to use this to make trouble." Qin Yang gave Lin Xi a thumbs up:
"You're really clever, Secretary Lin. I'm very impressed with you." Lin Xi looked at Duan Yiheng with some worry: "Director Zheng's harsh words must mean you did something. What if he makes another move?" "It's alright."
Duan Yiheng said, "He was in charge of allocating project resources to the Business Development Department. One of the projects had a time limit, which he couldn't possibly complete. Zheng Jizhong realized this too late, and naturally he'll say the project was unreasonable."
After saying that, he immediately gave Qin Yang a look: "Today was an accident, but we need to spread the word about it immediately. We can't let Secretary Lin's injury go unpunished." Qin Yang immediately agreed and turned to do his work. Lin Xi understood and said,
"A preemptive strike isn't bad. Director Zheng's backer is the general manager; is he trying to use the upper echelons to exert pressure and maneuver?" Duan Yiheng nodded:
"But I have CCTV footage as evidence of what happened today. He has no way to defend himself. He disregarded his superiors and regulations. What can Duan Zheng say?" Lin Xi: "Are you going to clean up the mess during his suspension?" Duan Yiheng chuckled:
"He timed his self-destruction quite well, right at the end of the year. I didn't originally plan to deal with him so quickly." Lin Xi: "I heard he was trying to win over…" "He's recruited quite a few middle-level managers within the company." "Winning them over is just for personal gain."
Duan Yiheng said, "Zheng Jizhong has Duan Zheng behind him. If Duan Zheng doesn't speak up for him this time, the others will have to consider Zheng Jizhong's influence."
"Those people aren't entirely Zheng Jizhong's supporters; they're just being pressured by him. If used properly, they can have a good effect." Hearing this, Lin Xi breathed a sigh of relief: "I suppose you've already made arrangements for what's to come."
Duan Yiheng sat in his executive chair, looking at her, then suddenly fell silent for a moment. "Why are you looking at me?" Lin Xi subconsciously touched her face. Duan Yiheng reached out his hand to her, and Lin Xi, half hesitant and half confused, gave him her hand.
Suddenly, she half-turned, and Duan Yiheng pulled her into his lap. Lin Xi stammered, "Someone...someone might see us." Duan Yiheng chuckled, "The news of me throwing a tantrum and kicking Zheng Jizhong out must have spread throughout the company. Who would dare come here at this hour and risk getting into trouble?"
Lin Xi lowered her head, "That's still not fair. Weren't you avoiding me before?" "If you hadn't wanted to break up with me, I wouldn't have been avoiding you," Duan Yiheng said. "I..." Lin Xi choked. She had indeed spoken first.
"So you've been giving me the cold shoulder for so long, are you over it now?" "I haven't been giving you the cold shoulder." Duan Yiheng brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, "It's just that I really don't know what I should do to make you change your mind if you insist on breaking up."
Lin Xi couldn't answer his question. Should she deceive herself by saying they would never break up? "You haven't told me about your plans for Zheng Jizhong yet," she changed the subject. With the man nestled in his arms, Duan Yiheng didn't press further, saying,
"During your month-long suspension, the company will receive a series of reports from Zheng Jizhong's subordinates. At that time, I will arrange for a professional legal team to meticulously review all the evidence collected that is unfavorable to him." Lin Xi:
"The chain of evidence must be complete, and we must ensure that the reports from the relevant personnel are solid and compelling." Duan Yiheng said, "Qin Yang will handle these matters; don't worry. If nothing unexpected happens, this matter will be completely resolved by next spring."
"Uncle Duan certainly won't give you a pleasant look," Lin Xi said. "The year-end dinner with the shareholders will likely be detrimental to you." Duan Yiheng laughed indifferently, "Let him have his dinner, I'll have mine." Seeing his confidence, Lin Xi said no more.
Duan Yiheng placed his palm on her lower back and asked, "Are you really alright?" Lin Xi shook her head. "I'm not that fragile. Let go of me, I still need to go to the sales department to coordinate daily work." Duan Yiheng pulled her head back. "Give me a kiss before you go."
"No, I can't be so impulsive in the company," Lin Xi protested. Duan Yiheng pretended not to notice, and sensing her less forceful attitude, he leaned back and kissed her. Lin Xi's heart skipped a beat; they were in the office, and the door wasn't even locked.
A woman's intuition might really be strong. Amidst their ambiguous breathing, the office door was suddenly pushed open. Qin Yang grinned.
"President Duan, I've already... I... I... I... I'm fucking..."