Chapter Forty: You’re Fired

The next morning.

Ruan Mianmian was impeccably dressed. Today, she deliberately chose a bright red dress, matched with lipstick in the same shade, and even her accessories were all carefully selected, each worth no less than five figures.

Her goal for today was to dazzle and shine!

After all, the original Ruan had always indulged in luxury, and now Ruan Mianmian ought to display the air of the largest shareholder. Returning to the company this time, she would settle old scores—those who had wronged her would pay, and no one would escape!

Gazing at her own reflection in the mirror, she had to admit that the original owner possessed striking beauty. The red dress made her snowy skin glow, her figure was enticingly curved, and her long black hair cascaded down her back, lending her an air of alluring mystery. With each faint smile, she was radiant.

As the saying goes, clothes do make the person.

Finally, she slipped on a pair of limited-edition high heels and swept out the door with assertive energy.

...

That day, inside the Hanhai Corporation, an unusual tension filled the air. Everyone knew a new director would take office today.

Not only did they want to catch a glimpse of the new director’s style, but they also hoped to establish a connection on the very first day. After all, maintaining a good relationship with one’s superior promised a smoother career ahead.

Thus, everyone was not only impeccably groomed but had also made their workstations the neatest they had ever been.

Although Shen Ting had lost her position as acting director, she was still a manager, just one rank below the director, and remained a cut above the rest. Following Jian Yanzhi’s instructions, Shen Ting made a point of inspecting the staff’s appearance before work began and found everyone impressively prepared.

However, their attitude had changed drastically. Usually, someone would have already greeted her, but today she felt invisible.

Shen Ting secretly clenched her teeth. These people really knew how to play both sides! One day, she would make them regret it!

Meanwhile, Ruan Mianmian was just arriving at her apartment’s garage to pick up her car. She had her own vehicle for commuting. Although the apartment was close to the company, today she pulled out her flashy Land Rover.

Previously, the original owner had been scolded by Jian Yanzhi for being too ostentatious when driving this car, so she hadn’t driven it since. Now, after such a long time, a layer of dust had settled on it.

“Looks like I’ll have to find a car wash after work. I ought to pamper you properly!” Ruan Mianmian muttered happily, then drove toward the Hanhai building.

After parking in the underground garage, she recalled the kidnapper she had seen there last time and wondered how Jiang Ce’s investigation was progressing.

She took out her phone several times, staring at that string of numbers, but in the end, she didn’t call.

He probably wouldn’t want to hear from her now.

After considering for a moment, she slipped her phone back into her bag. She glanced at the time—she would go up a little later. It was just past nine, and work upstairs should have already started.

Finally, she stepped out of her car, her small heels clicking with confidence as she strode toward the elevator.

At that very moment, the Hanhai office was abuzz with gossip.

“Seriously? Late on her first day? This new director is really something!”

“Exactly! And when President Jian came by just now, he wasn’t even angry! Isn’t he usually the strictest about punctuality?”

“The new director must have some serious backing!”

Sitting at her desk, Shen Ting silently listened to the chatter around her. Before long, a faint smile appeared on her lips.

So what if she has connections? What matters is ability. Not just anyone can hold a director’s position! With an attitude like this, the new director is bound to be fired by President Jian sooner or later!

A hint of pride flashed across her face, as though she’d relaxed a little. She secretly swore to herself: no matter what kind of monster this new director was, she would see her brought down!

What no one realized was that Ruan Mianmian was already standing at the office door. The voices inside were loud enough for her to hear almost everything.

Clearly, they had high expectations for the new director. Sorry to disappoint you all.

With a couple of sarcastic remarks to herself, Ruan Mianmian strode into the office.

Click, click, click—

Her high heels rang crisply on the floor.

As soon as the people inside heard the footsteps, the chatter ceased abruptly. Everyone turned with eager smiles toward the door. But when they saw Ruan Mianmian, their expressions froze in disbelief.

“Ruan Mianmian? What are you doing here?” Xiang Jie exclaimed, jumping out of her seat and glaring at her.

Ruan Mianmian’s lips curved. “Of course, I’m here to work.”

“Work?” Xiang Jie sneered. “You dare talk about work? Who was it last time who made such a fuss about resigning? It’s only been a few days—have you forgotten already?”

“Hahaha! Exactly! Shameless!” someone nearby chimed in.

Ruan Mianmian’s face turned cold. “Of course I haven’t forgotten. I did leave last time, but now I’m back. Is there a problem?”

“You think this is the kind of place where you can come and go as you please?” Xiang Jie demanded, eyes wide.

Ruan Mianmian clicked her tongue in disdain. “If it were you, you’d never get back in. But I come and go as I wish. What’s it to you?”

Xiang Jie was so furious she looked about to explode. At that moment, Shen Ting slowly stood and walked over.

“Ruan Mianmian, this is not a place where you can do as you please. It’s working hours. Please leave,” Shen Ting said, wary and tense, as if expecting trouble. She kept her distance, stopping several steps away.

Ruan Mianmian’s gaze grew even colder upon seeing Shen Ting. If not for Shen Ting’s interference, she would still be enjoying her leisurely days at Starbay. Now, she had lost everything!

Fixing her eyes on Shen Ting, Ruan Mianmian asked directly, “And what if I refuse to leave?”

Shen Ting, unsettled by her stare, retorted nervously, “If you don’t leave, I’ll call security!”

“Oh, is that all you can do?” Ruan Mianmian scoffed.

Shen Ting was momentarily speechless. With so many people watching, her embarrassment quickly turned to defiance. “Ruan Mianmian, don’t say I didn’t warn you. If you don’t leave now, you’ll regret it!”

After all, she was in the company; she didn’t believe Ruan Mianmian would dare do anything to her here.

Ruan Mianmian knew exactly where Shen Ting’s confidence came from—she didn’t think anything would happen to her in the office. Very well. In the days to come, Shen Ting had better not regret her actions.

When Shen Ting saw Ruan Mianmian remain silent, she thought she had intimidated her and a look of smugness appeared on her face.

Xiang Jie also piped up, “Please get out! Stop disturbing our work, will you?”

Ruan Mianmian folded her arms and arched an eyebrow over her shoulder—Jian Yanzhi was standing behind the crowd, his expression icy. Instantly, the office fell silent, as if swept by a chill wind.

Flushed, Xiang Jie hurried to accuse, “President Jian, she’s causing a disturbance during work hours. Aren’t you going to do something?”

“Get out!” Jian Yanzhi’s voice thundered.

Xiang Jie flashed Ruan Mianmian a triumphant smile, only to hear Jian Yanzhi’s cold voice ring out again:

“Xiang Jie, you’re fired!”