Chapter 78 An Illusion?

The people outside the door dispersed swiftly; this was a battle between two ruthless men, and they had never regarded the rest of them as anything worth their attention. Everyone understood this perfectly well.

But if they wanted to curry favor with the boss, there was simply no way. What should they do?

Suddenly, someone shouted, “Go find Vice President Su,” and most of them immediately caught on. Yes, Yang was too tough, the boss was too high up to reach, but Vice President Su was accessible.

Vice President Su had always maintained a good image in the company—approachable, considerate, and able to put himself in others’ shoes. He was a person who thought of the bigger picture, and with so many people, the company couldn’t possibly drive them all away; it would have to keep some to continue contributing.

As if they had suddenly gained confidence, this crowd swarmed toward the upper floors. Only when they arrived were they told that Vice President Su had already left—he had work elsewhere and was needed.

The remaining vice presidents looked conflicted; none could figure out why Yang, upon arrival, had managed to constrain Wang Hu. By what right?

Was Wang Hu not wealthy enough, or not shrewd enough? Why had Yang, all alone, managed to seize control?

Several vice presidents could already see their own fate: taking into account Chen Aijia’s complaints sent to so many departments in just over an hour, the group's dominance was about to return. Those of them who had held the company back, at the very least, would be fired by the boss.

They were far from clean; once dismissed, all their problems would be exposed, and the formidable group would not let them retire peacefully.

Should they confess voluntarily?

No, absolutely not. To confess would mean getting sent to jail by Chen—why should they? What right did she have to make them do so?

Some began to consider fleeing.

None imagined that Chen Aijia was waiting for them right there; if they didn’t run, it would be easy to investigate, but if they did, it would be even easier—no doubt about it.

“Did you take all the materials to the prosecutor’s office?” In her office, Chen Aijia called a lawyer she had just hired, someone with no ties to the company’s old guard, so she could trust him.

He replied that the case was already filed with the prosecutor, but it would take another day or two to collect the necessary materials.

Chen Aijia smiled faintly. Excellent, everything was under control.

Give them a day; these people would need a day or two to organize their assets and transfer their funds.

If they did nothing, there was no evidence. If they acted, there would be. This wasn’t alarming them—it was pulling the ladder away after they’d climbed up.

Chen Aijia sipped her coffee, feeling triumphant.

Yang, you’re not the only one with brains—don’t think you’re the only capable one here.

At that moment, the dead man’s phone on her desk rang. Picking it up, Chen Aijia let out a surprised gasp.

Why would he think to call her at this moment?

Looking at the familiar number, Chen Aijia was torn.

Should she answer, or not?

Hesitating, the call ended on its own.

No need to decide after all.

Just as she was about to put the phone down, a text arrived.

“Just finalized my divorce. I understand now what kind of life suits me.” That was the first message.

Chen Aijia paused, a glimmer of joy in her bright eyes.

Soon, the second text arrived.

“Are you free tonight? I’m coming to Jiangzhou and would like to see you. The usual place, is that alright?”

Chen Aijia hesitated.

She truly wanted to accept, but…

Yang was going to the racing competition. If he found out that, after all her struggles against Wang Hu and her efforts to secure Mr. Sun’s support, she was meeting someone while he risked his life, how would he feel?

One thing she understood well: Yang Changfeng hadn’t agreed to fight for Mr. Sun’s honor for himself. Without Sun Zhaoxing’s backing, she wouldn’t have dared to confront so many government departments so fiercely.

But if she went to see Yang’s madness, this meeting was so rare—she didn’t want to miss it.

If she missed it, she might regret it forever.

What should she do?

How should she choose?

Anya burst in, flustered, giving Chen Aijia a temporary reprieve from her dilemma. Anya was anxious and blurted, “Why are you so panicked? What’s happened?”

“It’s bad. They’re fighting, someone’s about to be beaten to death.” Anya reported, out of breath.

Fighting was expected, but nearly dying—what was going on?

Anya said, “It started out fine, just a few words and some shoving, but then a few security team leaders tried to ambush them and it turned into a brawl. One leader’s ribs are broken, blood everywhere.”

Chen Aijia frowned, suddenly feeling restless.

Why was Yang always causing trouble? Forget it, let him be arrested. As long as she didn’t have to agonize today, she could bail him out tomorrow. He brought it on himself, so why not let him deal with it?

This thought made Chen Aijia want to slap herself. When had she become so shameless? Was Yang really just opposed to Wang Hu for her sake?

Perhaps, if he knew what she was thinking, he might just turn around and ally himself with Wang Hu.

She shuddered, remembering her own helplessness when those five thugs were around.

If these two ever joined forces, it wouldn’t just be a counterattack—they could do whatever they pleased with the entire company!

No, that must not happen.

Chen Aijia immediately replied to the text: “Just got busy, only now saw your message, sorry. Tonight is very important, I’m sorry.”

He quickly responded: “Alright. It’s been a while since we’ve met, you’ve changed.”

Chen Aijia suddenly felt irritated. Why should she appear when needed, and disappear when not?

He soon sent another message: “Sorry, I’m in a bad mood, said the wrong thing. You’ll forgive me, won’t you? You know I’m invested in this relationship.”

Her anger melted in an instant. Yes, she could understand, and if she understood, forgiveness came naturally.

Never mind, he wasn’t having an easy time either.

“Tomorrow then. I’ll treat you to coffee at the Eiffel Restaurant.” Almost without thinking, she set the place.

He replied after a long pause: “Alright, I’ll wait for you.”

For some reason, seeing those three words, Chen Aijia tasted a mocking bitterness.

She put down her phone and said calmly to Anya, “Let them fight. Handle it as it needs to be handled.”

Anya was stunned; she hadn’t expected Chen Aijia to say that.

He wasn’t a monster—how could he become so ruthless? Wasn’t he helping her gain control? She didn’t understand—why, why had Chen Aijia suddenly become so cold?

In that moment, Anya thought of something she shouldn’t have, her face turning pale, stepping back two paces, mouth agape, one thought pressing in her heart.

When the cunning rabbit dies, the hound is boiled; when the birds are gone, the good bow is put away.

So this person who always considered herself a friend, was truly such at heart—she suddenly seemed so unfamiliar, so terrifying.