Chapter Twenty-Five: The Deputy Manager

“You really have no fear of death, daring to stand in the way of a prince with a different surname!”

Crimson Dragon sneered coldly at the two men before him.

A sudden shudder ran through their bodies as they glanced in the direction Xiao Ye had left, realization dawning in their eyes.

So, what Crimson Dragon had just said wasn’t a lie—Xiao Ye truly was a prince of another line!

“Heavens above, we’ve actually offended the prince!”

“Please, sir, have mercy! We had no idea things would turn out like this—please spare our lives!”

The two security guards immediately knelt before Crimson Dragon, desperate to live.

“Don’t worry. You won’t die.”

A chilling smile curled at the corners of Crimson Dragon’s lips.

“We’re just taking you back for a bit of weight loss, that’s all.”

Their bloodcurdling screams echoed as they were swiftly dragged away.

...

Meanwhile, Xiao Ye took the elevator up to the eighth floor of the company.

In the reception lounge on the eighth floor, Qin Xue’er was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Lu family’s representatives. The other members of the board were waiting as well.

“What’s going on? Why haven’t the Lu family’s people arrived yet?”

Qin Xue’er wore a half-mask, hiding the scars on her face so thoroughly that no one could see a trace. She glanced at the time; the meeting with Lu Sanjin had long since been scheduled, but the other party had yet to appear.

“Manager Qin, didn’t the notice say we were to attend a meeting? What kind of meeting is this supposed to be?”

A man seated beside Qin Xue’er at the conference table sneered, his mocking gaze fixed on her.

“We’re not here for some kind of silent assembly, are we? That would be quite dull.”

At his words, the others burst into ambiguous laughter.

Though Qin Xue’er wore a mask, it was clear her expression shifted subtly.

These people had all been groomed by Xiao Donglin during his time at Xiao Corporation. Now, with Qin Xue’er suddenly appointed as their general manager, none of them cared to obey her orders.

What they did not know was that Xiao Donglin and his entire family had long since perished.

“Lin Dong, call the Lu family and ask why they’re not here yet,” Qin Xue’er instructed the man who had spoken earlier.

“Sorry, General Manager. I don’t know them well, and I don’t have their number,” Lin Dong replied, spreading his hands with a smirk.

“Why? Didn’t you call them just yesterday?”

“Yesterday was yesterday. Today is today. I never expected a new general manager would suddenly show up today.” Lin Dong’s cold smile deepened.

The scorn in his words made Qin Xue’er’s nose tingle with bitterness. None of her subordinates had any intention of helping her; all they wanted was for her to leave as soon as possible.

Yet the more they acted this way, the more resolute Qin Xue’er became.

“You won’t make the call? Then I’ll do it myself!”

She rose to leave for her own office, where the directory of all their business partners was kept.

“Hold on!”

Suddenly, Lin Dong stepped in front of the door, blocking her way.

“General Manager, you can make the call, but you’ll have to take off your mask first!”

“What did you say?”

Qin Xue’er’s gaze turned icy in an instant.

“Why should I remove my mask just to go to my own office?”

Her eyes grew colder still, but Lin Dong had clearly anticipated her response.

“None of us have seen your real face. How do we know you’re really our general manager?”

“What if you’re just an imposter sent to take the role? Wouldn’t we be the fools then?”

“Take off your mask and let us see if you match the photo on the appointment order!”

With that, a mocking grin appeared on Lin Dong’s lips as he reached out to grab the mask from Qin Xue’er’s face.

“No!”

Qin Xue’er cried out, covering her face and backing away in fear.

There was terror in her eyes—if Lin Dong and the others saw the scars on her face, she would become the subject of ridicule. How could she continue working in the company after that?

But Lin Dong pressed on, relentless, and the others in the lounge joined in, surrounding Qin Xue’er.

“Don’t be so shy, General Manager. I’m sure the real you under that mask is much more interesting!”

“If you won’t take it off, does that mean you’re hiding something from us?”

Lin Dong’s sinister laugh was met with a chorus of jeers from the board.

“He’s right, let’s have a look!”

Lin Dong seized Qin Xue’er’s hands, pinning them down. Frail as she was, she had no strength to resist and was shoved to the floor.

The sudden turn of events left Qin Xue’er’s mind momentarily blank.

A sheen of tears clouded her vision; the terror in her heart deepened at the unfolding scene.

Bang!

A tremendous crash sounded from outside the door, and in the next instant a dark figure burst in!

So swift was the movement that all anyone could make out was a blur, a raised hand—

Smack!

A resounding slap sent the malicious Lin Dong flying, crashing into several of his colleagues.

A tall figure now stood in the middle of the lounge. He stooped to lift Qin Xue’er from the ground and gently adjusted the mask that had nearly been torn from her face.

“Xue’er, are you all right?”

It was Xiao Ye.

At that moment, a murderous aura surged behind him, towering and fierce—yet before Qin Xue’er, his gaze was ever gentle.

“Xiao...Xiao Ye!”

Seeing who had come, Qin Xue’er finally regained her senses.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she clung to Xiao Ye, her body trembling with fear.

Those around them stood frozen in shock.

Thirty seconds passed before anyone moved.

“Who are you? Outsiders aren’t allowed in here!”

A board member barked at Xiao Ye. But when Xiao Ye turned his gaze on him, the deadly intent in his eyes left the man’s words caught in his throat.

Lin Dong, cushioned by a table where he landed, was not badly hurt. He staggered to his feet, clutching his head, his eyes blazing with fury.

“You bastard, you dare strike me!”

“Kneel and apologize right now—slap yourself ten times! If you don’t, I’ll have the disciplinary office deal with you!”

Clutching his swollen cheek, Lin Dong leapt up and hurled curses at Xiao Ye.

He had expressly ordered security not to let anyone in today—how had this man gotten through?

“Xue’er, go back to your office. I have business to take care of here.”

Ignoring Lin Dong’s shouting, Xiao Ye gently set Qin Xue’er down and spoke to her softly.