Chapter Forty-One: The Legendary New Director

Xiang Jie was fired?

What happened?

Everyone stared at Jian Yanzhi in shock, as if they’d heard some cryptic, incomprehensible phrase. No one could make sense of the general manager’s intentions.

Only Ruan Mianmian stood at the doorway, grinning triumphantly.

“Mr. Jian, you’re joking, right?” Xiang Jie was flustered; the arrogance she’d shown earlier when confronting Ruan Mianmian vanished without a trace.

“Joking?” Jian Yanzhi’s thin lips curved into a mocking smile. “Do I look like someone who would joke with you?”

At these words, the others gasped, their eyes shifting to the flamboyant smile on Ruan Mianmian’s face.

Confusion filled their gazes.

Wasn’t the general manager always displeased with Ruan Mianmian? Why the sudden change today?

Everyone could see it: not only did Jian Yanzhi refrain from giving Ruan Mianmian a hard time, he even helped her by firing Xiang Jie!

Shen Ting lingered behind the others, watching Ruan Mianmian and Jian Yanzhi, unease swelling in her chest.

Could Ruan Mianmian be the new director Mr. Jian mentioned?

The next moment, Jian Yanzhi’s words confirmed Shen Ting’s suspicion.

“This is the new director I spoke about yesterday, who’s here to assume her duties today. Xiang Jie was insolent to the director and I have already dismissed her. If anyone else displays improper behavior, don’t blame me for being harsh!”

What?!

Ruan Mianmian is the new director?!

As his words fell, everyone looked uneasy, especially those who had sided with Xiang Jie to belittle Ruan Mianmian—they were stunned.

“So you’re the new director! Welcome, welcome!”

“Director, hello, director! We failed to recognize your importance and neglected you.”

Some savvy employees immediately jumped in to flatter her.

Regardless of the past, now that Ruan Mianmian had been personally acknowledged by Jian Yanzhi as director, what else could the employees say?

Obedience and diligence were the simplest and most effective survival strategies.

Ruan Mianmian’s elegant brows arched. She wasn’t surprised by the reaction from the staff of Hanhai, but Jian Yanzhi leveraging Xiang Jie to bolster her prestige was wholly unexpected.

She could still recall the heated argument between herself and Jian Yanzhi at the hospital. Who would have thought that overnight, they could get along so well?

It seemed Jian Yanzhi was very satisfied with the contents of the USB drive.

Ruan Mianmian felt a pang of melancholy.

Though thanks to Shen Ting, Jiang Ce harbored deep misunderstandings about her now, it didn’t matter. Time would reveal the truth; she would eventually prove her innocence.

Ruan Mianmian took a few steps into the office, her heels clicking in the silence, the only sound in the room.

Had it been before, someone would have quickly jumped up to criticize her. But today was different; even Jian Yanzhi said nothing, and the others dared not utter a word.

“Forget it,” Ruan Mianmian waved her hand generously. “It’s not easy for anyone here. Let’s spare the dismissal. We’ll be colleagues moving forward; let’s get along.”

Get along?

At these words, Xiang Jie shuddered. She felt Ruan Mianmian’s words held another meaning.

Would she plot against her in the future?

Jian Yanzhi’s brows furrowed as he looked at Ruan Mianmian. “Are you sure?”

He didn’t believe Ruan Mianmian was the sort to repay grievances with kindness.

Ruan Mianmian nodded. “Today marks my first proper introduction to everyone in my new capacity. I don’t want any trouble. Let’s let today’s matter pass.”

Besides, there would be plenty of opportunities for retribution in the future.

Jian Yanzhi raised his eyebrows but said nothing more. From her expression, he could tell she had her own plans.

“Xiang Jie, since Director Ruan is willing to give you another chance, I hope you’ll watch your words and actions in the future,” Jian Yanzhi said coolly.

“I understand, I know I was wrong!” Xiang Jie hurriedly bowed to Ruan Mianmian, fearfully. “Thank you, Director Ruan! Thank you!”

She had struggled to reach her supervisor position, with a salary nearly doubled. She couldn’t afford to lose this job—submission was her only option.

Ruan Mianmian curled her lips, eyes cold as she looked at Shen Ting.

“Manager Shen, I suppose I don’t have to leave now?”

Shen Ting’s heart trembled. She glanced at Jian Yanzhi and, seeing his displeasure, forced a smile.

“My apologies, I misunderstood. I offer my sincere apology to Director Ruan and hope you’ll forgive my rashness.”

“No need for formality,” Ruan Mianmian waved her hand, making it clear she wouldn’t stoop to Shen Ting’s level. This only deepened Shen Ting’s frustration, but with no choice, she had to endure.

Seeing Shen Ting’s humble attitude, Jian Yanzhi finally allowed a smile. He turned to Ruan Mianmian and asked,

“Would you like to see your office?”

“Let’s go!” Ruan Mianmian walked with pride, following Jian Yanzhi into the office. The layout of the thirty-second floor was clear: the general manager’s office was at the innermost area, a separate section.

“This is your office,” Jian Yanzhi pointed to the spacious, brightly lit office, filled with a business atmosphere.

“Isn’t this the deputy general manager’s office?” Ruan Mianmian was surprised. Why assign her the deputy GM’s office?

Jian Yanzhi explained, “There’s no deputy general manager, so this office has been vacant. Since you’re now director, you deserve an independent office. I’ve already changed the access card.”

Ruan Mianmian looked up at the door card; where it once read ‘Deputy General Manager’s Office,’ it now said ‘Director’s Office.’

From this, it seemed Jian Yanzhi was thoughtful after all.

Yet Ruan Mianmian sensed a hint of intrigue. Jian Yanzhi’s actions were likely meant to curry favor. What was his motive this time?

“Don’t look at me like that,” Jian Yanzhi smiled, a rare hint of charming roguishness in his manner. “You’ve earned it.”

Ruan Mianmian nodded, “Then I’ll graciously accept.”

The commotion had yet to settle in the hearts of the staff.

No one could fathom what had happened, how the relationship between Mr. Jian and Ruan Mianmian had transformed so utterly.

Previously, Mr. Jian hadn’t exactly hated Ruan Mianmian, but he never treated her kindly—his attitude was always harsh.

Now, he had reversed course: not only had he personally arranged Ruan Mianmian’s office, he’d cleared time in the morning meeting to welcome her.

He may have said nothing, but the bystanders saw it all plainly.

“Do you think Ruan Mianmian’s spring has arrived? Has Mr. Jian forsaken Miss Song?”

“Careful how you speak—it’s Director Ruan.”

“...”

The office whispers vanished once more at this gentle reminder.