Chapter 20: Expulsion

Director Li's expression darkened instantly. Though he usually seemed indifferent toward being married into the Wan family, in truth, he harbored resentment for never having been allowed into their business. After all, when he first wed, he fantasized about someday taking control of the Wan family's affairs, but fate had denied him even a glimpse of their empire. He remained stuck in his position as director at Yu Hong, unable to spend large sums of money without his wife's approval.

He had never expected Qin Miaoyu to know about these matters. Having struck at Director Li's sore spot, Qin Miaoyu's gentle smile returned to her face. "So, Director Li, if you lack the ability, perhaps you shouldn't make such grand statements here—lest you become the butt of everyone's laughter."

Having put Director Li in his place, Qin Miaoyu felt quite pleased. But when she arrived at work the next morning, HR informed her she had been dismissed and would receive three months' salary as compensation.

"What is the reason for my termination?" she asked.

HR glanced at her and responded casually, "What reason could there be? Our company's design assistants are usually promoted to designer within a year, but you've been stuck in that position for a year and a half. Evidently, your abilities don't meet our standards."

"That's because Director Li blocked my promotion! If not for his baseless rejection of my application, I wouldn't still be a design assistant!"

Qin Miaoyu found the explanation laughable. Anyone with eyes could see Director Li was meddling, though the motive remained unclear.

"So, because Director Li blocked you, you wanted to take a shortcut and get him to approve your promotion? Qin Miaoyu, our company doesn't tolerate those kinds of shady deals! Leave now and you'll still get your compensation. If this blows up, things will get ugly."

The contempt in HR's gaze ignited Qin Miaoyu's anger. She had never expected the usually friendly HR staff to harbor such malice toward her.

Clutching the papers HR had handed her, Qin Miaoyu finally couldn't restrain herself and, furious, stormed into Director Li's office.

Yesterday, Director Li had tried to take advantage of her and failed; today, this happened. Qin Miaoyu was convinced he was behind it.

Usually gentle, she marched directly into Director Li's office, drawing curious glances from many coworkers. Some followed, eager to see what would unfold.

The moment the office door swung open, both Qin Miaoyu and the crowd behind her paused in surprise.

Chairman Wan was seated in Director Li's usual spot, while Director Li, who typically carried himself with pride, was now obsequiously attending to the chairman.

"Qin Miaoyu, why have you brought people here?" Director Li asked.

Anger flared on Qin Miaoyu's face. "Why? Director Li, don't you know what you've done? You didn't get your way, so now you want me gone, claiming I'm incompetent. Everyone knows you blocked my promotion!"

"When did I—" Director Li began, but abruptly turned to Chairman Wan.

Chairman Wan set down her teacup and smiled at the vibrant Qin Miaoyu.

"Young lady, the decision to dismiss you was mine. One must be grounded in life. Your Director Li wanted to assess you further, which is why you haven't been promoted. But since you tried to take shortcuts and seduce my husband, that's a matter of character... Forgive my bluntness, but our company doesn't accept trash."

Qin Miaoyu's eyes reddened with fury. She pointed at Director Li. "Trash? If there's trash, it's your husband! He tried to take advantage of me and, when he failed, forced me out. You may think highly of him, but to me, he's nothing but a disgusting man!"

Chairman Wan's gaze sharpened. "You seduced Li Wan'an—someone saw it with their own eyes!"

"Who saw it? Ask anyone here: everyone knows I keep my distance from Director Li. Even when I was assigned to his department, we never interacted alone. If that's what you call seduction, it's laughable!"

Chairman Wan refused to believe her. "I have evidence. Someone in the company sent me photos. Do you want me to make them public?"

"Photos? Chairman Wan, did you even verify them when you received them? Surely you know what a misleading photo is. I'm not afraid—there are security cameras everywhere. Let's check them now. I too want to know what circumstances could possibly make it look like I'm seducing such a greasy, repulsive man as Li Wan'an!"

Chairman Wan's face darkened at Qin Miaoyu's words, for she made it clear she had no interest in Li Wan'an—and the 'greasy, repulsive man' was her own husband.

Though she was beginning to doubt both Li Wan'an's account and the authenticity of the photos, she still didn't think firing Qin Miaoyu was a big deal.

"Young lady, whether you seduced Li Wan'an or not, the dismissal notice has already been issued from HR. You've been compensated with three months' salary. Take your things and leave. Instead of dwelling on this, you should find your next job."

Qin Miaoyu sneered. "Chairman Wan, I once thought Li Wan'an was lucky to have married you. Now I see you're perfectly matched. Having a husband like Li Wan'an is your fortune, but it's not one I'd care for—I haven't lost my mind enough to give up my own tall, handsome husband!"

"Miaoyu, what's going on?"

The sudden voice made Qin Miaoyu turn in astonishment. It was no hallucination—Lu Qi'an had truly arrived.

She tried to speak, but tears slipped down her cheeks.

Lu Qi'an hurried to her side, holding her shoulders, his eyes full of concern. "What happened?"

Qin Miaoyu wanted to explain but was at a loss for words. Her falling tears seemed to land on Lu Qi'an's heart.

He drew her into his arms and then turned to ask the others what had happened.

Once Lu Qi'an understood the situation, his face became cold and distant.

"Chairman Wan, is it? How could you ever believe my wife would be interested in someone like your husband? In fact, last time Director Li followed Miaoyu in his car, insisting on driving her home—I should have reported it to the police then and kept evidence, so you wouldn't be able to slander her like this!"

Chairman Wan was struck speechless.

She had recognized him immediately—this was someone from the Lu family! He would eventually be in charge of the entire Lu Group!

Her family had spent years trying, and still could hardly meet such a key figure in the Lu family.

With a husband like this, Qin Miaoyu certainly wouldn't even look at Li Wan'an.

But that was beside the point now. The real problem was that she insisted on firing Qin Miaoyu, who turned out to be Lu Qi'an's wife. This meant offending Lu Qi'an!

"Young Master Lu..."