C11 11 Rumors

The next morning, Mengyao got up early and put on some light makeup. She was already beautiful, and the makeup made her look even more stunning. At the breakfast table, Xiao Tian couldn't help but admire her.

Mengyao felt a bit self-conscious under his gaze and blushed. "Is there something on my face, Uncle?" she asked.

"You're truly beautiful," Xiao Tian complimented sincerely.

Mengyao blushed even more. What was going on? She had received countless compliments growing up, and in high school and college, admirers were as common as fish in a river. Yet, no one had ever made her heart race like this.

Why did her heart skip a beat when Uncle said it?

"Can't you keep your mouth shut while eating?" Yulian shot a glare at Xiao Tian. "Let me tell you, get rid of any silly ideas you have. In a while, you should divorce Yao."

"Mom, what are you talking about?"

"If you don't divorce, do you expect him to stay until the New Year?" Yulian continued, "Look at him, so much older than you. Standing together, people might think you're out with your dad."

Xiao Tian gave a wry smile but said nothing. After nine years in Northgard, he had weathered many storms and survived countless near-death experiences. Along with the title of War God came numerous hidden injuries, both physical and emotional.

Give him a few more months to heal, and he would be ready to start anew.

"Mom, I'm off to work."

Mengyao Chen put down her bowl and chopsticks.

"Hold on, I'll drive you to work," Xiao Tian said, setting his chopsticks aside. Staying home would only earn him more disapproving looks from his mother-in-law.

"No need, I can go by myself."

"It's no trouble. I'll drop you off at the office and then look for a job myself."

Hearing this, Mengyao didn't refuse. Instead, she wheeled her electric scooter out from beside the fridge.

The granddaughter of the Chen family commuting on a scooter? It seemed like the Chen family didn't hold Chen Qiang's family in high regard.

"The brakes aren't great, so take it slow," Mengyao blushed as she reminded him. It was her first time being driven to work by a man, and the feeling was indescribable.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of Fuhua Real Estate, over a hundred employees stood waiting for Mengyao. Nearly everyone was half-asleep. They had received a last-minute notice the night before to arrive two hours early to welcome Mengyao, which meant getting up at least three hours earlier than usual. No wonder they were tired.

What frustrated them the most was that Mengyao was just an assistant director. What right did she have to make everyone wait like this? And she had skipped work for two days!

Reliable sources claimed that Mengyao had an inappropriate relationship with Director Zhang from the Purple Gold Group. Her two days off were supposedly spent with him, and witnesses even saw her leaving the Purple Gold Group looking disheveled.

Her chaotic personal life was one thing, but the most infuriating part was how she used the Purple Gold Group project to pressure the CEO for better pay and a promotion. If her demands weren't met, she threatened not to show up to work! Everyone knew about her connection with Director Zhang. Wasn't this just forcing the CEO to bow down to him? Unbelievable! How could someone be like this?

The employees were seething with resentment. Chen Yong stood at the front, and he could feel the anger radiating from the crowd without even looking. This was all part of his plan. Mengyao, you think you can play games with me? You're still too inexperienced! I've got plenty of ways to deal with you. By the time the contract is signed, Mengyao's reputation will be in tatters. Let's see if she has the nerve to stick around the company then!

"Did you call Director Zhang?" Chen Yong asked.

"Yes," Wenchao replied, full of jealousy. "He even said he would come in person to sign."

When he went to sign, Director Zhang didn't even glance at him. But when Mengyao was involved, he personally came over. And his tone was filled with excitement! That woman really knows how to wrap Director Zhang around her finger.

"Has Mengyao arrived yet?" someone asked.

"Yeah, it's so hot, we're drenched in sweat. Maybe we should wait inside."

The August heat was unbearable. By 8:30 in the morning, the sun felt like it was roasting everyone alive.

Faces glistened with sweat, everyone looking exhausted. Some of the weaker female employees even sat down on the ground.

“Just hang in there a bit longer, she should be here soon.”

Chen Yong let the sweat trickle down his face as he said, “It’s all for the company, so let’s just bear with it for now.”

Seeing the CEO like this, everyone felt a mix of admiration for him and growing resentment toward Mengyao.

At that moment, Xiao Tian arrived at the entrance of Fuhua Real Estate on his electric scooter, with Mengyao in tow. From a distance, Xiao Tian could see Chen Yong standing with a group of employees at the door.

Chen Yong, pulling a stunt like this, really doesn’t know when to quit.

Mengyao got off the scooter, stunned by the scene before her. Why are there so many people?

“Welcome back, Director Chen!” Wenchao quickly shouted, and immediately, over a hundred employees echoed the sentiment in unison.

Mengyao froze, hearing the anger, resentment, dissatisfaction, and a hint of mockery in their voices. In this scorching heat, it’s no wonder they’re upset.

She hadn’t expected Chen Yong to orchestrate such a grand display.

“Yao, welcome back,” Chen Yong said with a smile. “So, how do you like what your uncle has done?”

Something about his words felt off, as if he was implying that all of this was somehow Mengyao’s doing.

Mengyao shook her head, then nodded, feeling completely at a loss.

"How do I even explain this? It's like being put on the spot with no way out," she thought, unable to find any fault with Chen Yong.

"Yeah, I'm satisfied," she finally said.

Xiao Tian, standing nearby, nodded slightly and said calmly, "You did well, you deserve some praise!"

Hearing this, Chen Yong was instantly furious. This useless son-in-law, one day, he would deal with him! But for now, he had finally managed to get Mengyao back, so he decided to hold his tongue until the contract was signed.

Xiao Tian glanced at him indifferently and then led Mengyao into the company.

"This is too much, just too arrogant!"

"Isn't that Mengyao's runaway husband? How can such a coward act so brazenly?"

"It's not like Mengyao told him to do it. If he had the guts, would he have run away in the first place?"

"He probably doesn't even know his wife was with Zhang..."

"Shh, don't say it. If Director Zhang hears us, we're done for!"

A group of employees whispered behind their backs, pointing fingers.

Mengyao really knew how to put on a show. Who would have thought? Now that she's found someone to back her up, she's showing her true colors. So fake!

Their voices were low, but every word reached Mengyao's ears. She hadn't done anything wrong, so why were they slandering her like this?

Listening to the teasing from everyone, her eyes couldn't help but well up with tears.

"Girl, don't pay attention to their nonsense."

Xiao Tian said softly, "Only mediocre people aren't envied. It's the weak who gossip behind others' backs."

"Uncle..."

Mengyao looked at Xiao Tian, feeling a surge of strength that helped her regain her composure.

Chen Yong not only arranged a new office for her but also made it quite luxurious. The most important part was the sign on the door that read "Director's Office."

Why? The contract hasn't even been signed yet, and she's already promoted. This made other employees even more dissatisfied.

Mengyao wanted to refuse, but Xiao Tian walked right in.

To him, this office was just average. His wife deserved better than such a modest office.

And being a director? For such a small company like Fuhua Real Estate, even being the CEO would be beneath her.

"Dad, the whole company is talking about Mengyao. Everyone is genuinely against her."

Wenchao looked at his father with admiration and said, "You really know how to handle things."

Chen Yong also felt a sense of pride. Mengyao was far from being a match for him.

"Call Director Zhang and ask where he is!"

Wenchao nodded, stepped aside, and made a call.

He quickly reported, "Director Zhang said he's just passed the traffic lights and will be at the company soon."

Chen Yong nodded, "Let's go down and welcome Director Zhang."