Chapter 87: Subtle Relationships!

After a long silence, Wang Zheng finally looked up at the girls waiting for his advice and spoke, “Since you all place so much trust in me… I suggest you stay for this period. With the current situation, no one can clearly see the future of Zhongtian, so let’s endure a bit longer and observe how things unfold. Whether success or failure, I believe it’ll be decided within a month. By then, it won’t be too late to leave, right?”

To Wang Zheng, the future was full of uncertainties. If these people resigned now, it would only be more detrimental to Zhongtian. Perhaps Wang Zheng might intervene again in the future; at that time, losing their jobs at Zhongtian would be a pity for these girls.

“Let’s wait a little longer,” Wang Zheng said to everyone, offering the only advice he could.

“Alright, whatever you say, Brother Wang,” Ye Ruo replied after hearing him. “But we won’t let those people push us around anymore. If they keep treating us like maids and working the way they used to, we won’t just take it lying down. Worst comes to worst, we’ll go down fighting!”

Go down fighting? That was indeed a ruthless tactic.

Given the current situation, they had nothing to lose—youth was their advantage. Meanwhile, most of Lin Xiaolei’s old subordinates were middle-aged, burdened with significant pressures in life and work. If it came down to a showdown, those people would likely not want that outcome. As long as Lin Xiaolei didn’t fire these fifteen girls, if the standoff continued, the other side would be the first to retreat.

“People live for their pride,” Wang Zheng said calmly, looking at the girls. “You’ve done well these past few days, not openly clashing with them—that’s sensible. I believe General Manager Lin has noticed everything and knows who’s right and who’s wrong. Now, you’re directing your anger at the right people. But I hope you don’t neglect your work. If you cause problems for Zhongtian, Lin Xiaolei might really fire you.”

“If she fires us, so be it! Who’s afraid?” one girl said.

“Right, being fired isn’t a big deal. But resigning and being fired are two different things, understand? Being fired doesn’t sound good. What will others think of you then?” Wang Zheng’s words were full of goodwill, and the girls nodded repeatedly.

“Alright, let’s eat,” Wang Zheng said with a smile, easing the tense atmosphere. “From now on, whenever something happens, push it onto me. I’m not afraid of anything now. If they don’t like it, let’s see who comes out on top.”

On one side were the fifteen youthful, beautiful girls personally selected by Wang Zheng; on the other, the gossiping old women. It was obvious which side Wang Zheng was on. He didn’t want to drive all those people out of Zhongtian, but he couldn’t just let them bully his side without responding. The best solution was that neither side provoked the other. Because relations with Lin Xiaolei’s old subordinates were already strained, no one arrived early at the office. After dinner in the cafeteria, Wang Zheng and the girls chatted until work began, then finally headed upstairs.

Back at the company, whether those old women had called Lin Xiaolei or not, their faces were gloomy. Their eyes glared venomously at Wang Zheng, as if he was their mortal enemy.

Following Wang Zheng’s instructions, the girls returned to their desks and started working. To avoid trouble, Wang Zheng even moved his chair out of the office and sat right in the middle of the workspace, preventing either side from clashing.

Not long after, Lin Xiaolei returned to the company with a faint smile. It seemed her lunch meeting had gone well. But when she saw Wang Zheng sitting in the center of the office, flipping through magazines, her smile froze, and her gaze quickly shifted away from him.

As she was about to enter her office, one of the old women stood up, briskly walked to Lin Xiaolei’s side, and whispered something in her ear. All the while, her eyes kept darting maliciously at Wang Zheng. Clearly, what she was saying was anything but praise for Wang Zheng.

At that moment, the workspace was utterly silent, especially for the fifteen girls. Though they appeared to be working hard, their side glances betrayed their anxiety. Anyone could guess that the old woman was complaining about them. But they weren’t worried for themselves—working overtime every day was one thing, but having to endure other people’s attitudes was infuriating. At home, each one was treated like a little princess, but here, they were made to feel like maids. It wasn’t even the leadership bullying them; it was people who shouldn’t have any authority over them. Was this something they could tolerate? If not for Wang Zheng’s words at lunch, they would have already quit.

People live for their pride, just as trees live for their bark!

After complaining, the old woman gave Wang Zheng a triumphant look before returning to her seat, her arrogant expression making Wang Zheng want to ruin her face… though ruining it might actually improve it.

Wang Zheng didn’t look up, continuing to read the magazine in his hands. Although he knew Lin Xiaolei must be watching him, he pretended not to notice. Lin Xiaolei stood at the door for a long time, her gaze lingering on Wang Zheng, feeling conflicted. After hesitating for a while, she finally chose to enter her office.

Wang Zheng smiled quietly and closed his magazine. In his heart, he had already decided Lin Xiaolei wouldn’t confront him. During this sensitive period, their relationship could easily fracture; now it was just a matter of who would break the ice first.

Wang Zheng stayed at Zhongtian partly because he had nowhere else to go—idle time was idle time—and partly because he wanted to observe Lin Xiaolei’s journey, to see how she would ultimately resolve things. As for Lin Xiaolei, her reason for keeping Wang Zheng was simpler: his encouragement during her darkest moments, his help during Zhongtian’s difficulties. Without Wang Zheng, there would be no Lin Xiaolei as she was now. Though they disagreed about the company’s direction, Lin Xiaolei was not ungrateful; on the contrary, she was deeply emotional and would never forget Wang Zheng’s kindness. Naturally, she was also reluctant to let him go.

This situation led to their current awkward relationship, with neither interfering in the other’s affairs—a stalemate that might last indefinitely, depending on their attitudes.

As Lin Xiaolei entered her office, Bai Bing stepped out of the elevator. She was taken aback to see Wang Zheng sitting in the office.

Was he flirting with the female staff? Bai Bing wondered. When she caught Wang Zheng’s gaze, she subtly pointed her nose toward the office, then went inside.

Wang Zheng didn’t follow immediately; he waited outside for a bit before carrying his chair back into the office.

“Something big has happened!” Bai Bing approached as soon as Wang Zheng entered.

“Something big?” Wang Zheng was surprised, then said, “If you’re saying it’s big, it must be extraordinary. Go ahead, what is it?”

“Tonight, Wang Xiaolei has an appointment with Huang Wei and Liu Jin, but the venue is a nightclub!” Bai Bing said seriously.

“That’s what you call something big?” Wang Zheng laughed, returning to his desk.

“How is that not big? They’re going to a nightclub for some relaxation. Relaxation, you understand?” Bai Bing repeated the word as if to emphasize something.

“Nightclubs are meant for relaxation. What’s wrong with that?”

“Oh, how can you not understand what I mean? Did Africa not have nightclubs? Or are African nightclubs cleaner than this office?” Wang Zheng’s indifference made Bai Bing anxious, pacing around the room. Seeing this, Wang Zheng smiled—Bai Bing was like an ant on a hot pan, and he couldn’t figure out why she was so worked up. Just yesterday, Bai Bing had accused Wang Zheng of worrying needlessly; now, she seemed the one afflicted by pointless worry.

“Did Lin Xiaolei agree?” Wang Zheng asked.

“Of course. Otherwise, why would I say it was something big?” Bai Bing replied urgently.

“No need to get so worked up. It’s not that I don’t understand ‘relaxation,’ but Lin Xiaolei doesn’t. Remember the guy who followed Bai Bing? His boss just wanted to ‘relax’ with Lin Xiaolei and sent someone to track her. If Lin Xiaolei were the kind of woman who enjoyed that, she would’ve gone off with someone long ago. She wouldn’t have waited until now.”

“Hmph. People change. Maybe she’s had an epiphany after that incident, which is why she’s going now!” Bai Bing said disdainfully. She had no good impression of Lin Xiaolei anymore—Lin Xiaolei was, in her mind, the epitome of ingratitude. So in front of Wang Zheng, Bai Bing never said anything nice about Lin Xiaolei. “Even if Lin Xiaolei doesn’t understand, after a few drinks at the nightclub, who knows what’ll happen in the private room?”

Wang Zheng realized Bai Bing’s suspicions had merit. Her first concern was exactly why Wang Zheng was considering whether to intervene. The second was something Lin Xiaolei could not control; after all, alcohol often leads to trouble.

“So you’re saying we should follow them tonight?” Wang Zheng asked.

“You…!” Bai Bing was so frustrated she seemed ready to erupt. Who was she worrying about, after all? Wasn’t it all for Wang Zheng? Yet he acted as if he didn’t care. This… this jerk was impossible!

“Go or don’t, it’s up to you!” Bai Bing poured herself a glass of water and sat down angrily, forgetting her plan to curry favor with Wang Zheng.

Let things be. If Lin Xiaolei gets assaulted, it’s none of my business! Why should I care? Bai Bing thought to herself.