C38 Who's the Winner?

Everything was perfectly timed; the bus came to a halt right behind her.

The bus driver was honking because a Mercedes-Benz was in the bus lane.

"Thank you, Teacher Zhan. I'll take the bus," she said with a polite smile to Zhan Zifeng before boarding.

Standing on the bus, Xiong Miao watched the Mercedes-Benz drive off.

Xiong Miao had always been unassuming since her school days.

Accepting a ride from Zhan Zifeng last night was partly out of courtesy, and partly because the evening chill was too much for her to bear.

Even though Zhan Zifeng was her college professor, she understood the importance of maintaining a professional distance between men and women, and the potential for gossip.

It's generally unwise to accept rides from men, particularly in their personal vehicles.

She wasn't oblivious to Zhan Yeling's insinuations yesterday.

He accused her of trying to seduce Zhan Zifeng, labeling her as promiscuous, someone who flirts indiscriminately, not even sparing his own brother.

But even if he saw her in that light, there was no justification for his explosive anger, nearly ending her life.

After all, their one-time encounter four years ago was an accident.

Did he really need to keep such a close eye on her, dictating who she could associate with?

She didn't care about his personal life; it was baffling that he, a grown man, could be so petty. Four years had passed, yet he clung to the past with such clarity.

When she took a job at the nightclub, he scorned her, suggesting she'd do anything for money.

And when she merely wore Zhan Zifeng's coat, he flew into a rage, as if he wanted to strangle her.

Soon, she arrived at the entrance of Rich Corporation and stepped off the bus.

Zhan Zifeng's Mercedes-Benz had reached the destination before Xiong Miao.

At that moment, he was already in Zhan Yeling's office.

"Second brother, you've been managing Rich Corporation all this time. Your efforts are truly appreciated," Zhan Zifeng said, his usually warm smile taking on a shade of darkness.

Such words would typically unsettle and anger the average person.

Not to mention Zhan Yeling, who was known for his short fuse.

Zhan Zifeng's words, spoken with a smile, were laced with challenge at every turn.

What did he mean by suggesting that everything depended on Zhan Yeling's management? Was he implying it was a burden?

His tone was unmistakably that of a boss addressing an underling.

Was he insinuating that Zhan Yeling, in managing the Rich Corporation, was the de facto head of the Zhan family and that it was only a matter of time before it became official?

Zhan Yeling's gaze was icy, yet the corner of his lips twisted into a sly smirk. "Big Brother seems to be speaking in jest. As the present and future helmsman of the Zhan family, I'm simply performing my duties. Or is it that you prefer to squander the money you've taken abroad?"

Zhan Yeling's point was clear: Zhan Zifeng was living off the money he had made, and as the leader of the Zhan family, he was the one providing for him. He ought to be more humble and tread lightly in his presence.

Zhan Zifeng, ever astute, grasped the underlying message immediately.

A flicker of coldness passed through Zhan Zifeng's otherwise gentle eyes, but he swiftly concealed it. "Second Brother is surely jesting. I can't always pursue opportunities abroad. This time, I've returned home with no plans to leave again."

"Really? Then you'll need to find a job, considering the Rich Corporation isn't in the market for public school teachers," Zhan Yeling responded coolly, his words carrying an undeniable authority.

The tension between the brothers was palpable, the air thick with the scent of conflict. Gu Yi stood to the side, continuously wiping away nervous sweat. Both brothers were formidable, and he dared not utter a word.

"What job I take is none of your concern. You should be more preoccupied with the new product launch happening in a few days. When it comes to design, I have never been bested. The Rich Corporation prides itself on its fashion design. If you happen to lose this time, it won't look good to our father. And it's not out of the question that he might pass the reins to me in a moment of displeasure," Zhan Zifeng said, his eyes brimming with certainty.

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