Chapter Four: Returning Home

“Are you finished? If so, please leave my office. You’re not welcome here.” Although she knew Zhang Jun was telling the truth—his family did have veto power within the association—when forced to choose between the conglomerate and Ye Qiu, Liu Yiran would never hesitate to stand by Ye Qiu.

She had spent her whole life shielding her younger brother from the world, just as she had when they were children.

“Fine, but don’t regret this,” Zhang Jun snarled, jabbing a finger at Ye Qiu’s throat. “Pretty boy, you’re dead meat, mark my words.”

Fuming, Zhang Jun stormed out of the office.

Chu Shu, who had barely contained herself, wore a triumphant sneer as she pointed at Liu Yiran. “Enjoy your time as CEO while it lasts. I’m calling Chairman Tong right now to convene a board meeting and have you ousted, you filthy—mmph—!”

She was in the midst of her tirade when, from out of nowhere, a foul-smelling sock flew straight into her mouth.

“You all… I’m going to see Chairman Tong this instant!” Chu Shu stomped her foot in fury, hurried after Zhang Jun, and began dialing the chairman’s number.

…

“Did you hear? Zhang Jun’s cutting off all business ties with us.”

“Does that mean our stock price will fall again?”

“Are women all slaves to romance? She actually offended Young Master Zhang over some pretty boy.”

“If I’d known, I would’ve asked for cash instead of shares.”

“Who would’ve thought that beneath General Manager Liu’s icy exterior burned such fiery passion? Just imagine if I could be her boyfriend—what a dream!”

Unbeknownst to Ye Qiu and Liu Yiran, these rumors swept through the entire company, casting a shadow over the conglomerate. But at that moment, the two of them were staring at the bugging device they had just dismantled, eyes locked in silent understanding.

“Yunyan, can you locate the origin of the signal?”

This time, Liu Yiran was certain Ye Qiu was speaking to someone else.

To her astonishment, a three-dimensional holographic projection materialized before her—a virtual figure bearing a striking resemblance to herself appeared out of thin air.

At a time when most people still needed VR equipment, Yunyan’s sudden appearance left Liu Yiran utterly stunned.

“Master, I don’t have permission to trace signals within China,” Yunyan said, her large, glistening eyes gazing innocently at Ye Qiu.

The meaning was clear: Grant me access.

“Yezi, who is this?”

Though she had begun to suspect, Liu Yiran still found it hard to believe. Everyone said the third technological revolution would be driven by artificial intelligence. The Ye-Liu Group had staked everything on it, yet progress had been slow. She never imagined that, right in front of her, would appear such advanced AI.

“Allow me to introduce myself, Elder Sister. My name is Yunyan, and I am my master’s steward.”

Liu Yiran was completely petrified.

This was too intelligent to be believed.

“Sis, I can give you all the AI source code,” Ye Qiu said, “but artificial intelligence is like a newborn child—it needs to be taught and raised. What it becomes will depend on how you nurture it.”

That was why Ye Qiu had dared to throw Zhang Jun out without hesitation. With this code, not only would their shares soar, but the company’s value would multiply many times over. In time, the Universal Association would be the one begging to let her join.

And as for that Chairman Tong, he’d be tripping over himself to curry favor.

“No, this is too valuable, Yezi. This is worth at least several billion.”

“Sis, how can our bond be measured in money?” Ye Qiu replied, face solemn.

“Stupid Yezi, you’ve misunderstood me. You’re old enough to have your own career. With this code, you could be the CEO of a publicly listed company yourself.”

“Sis, I’ve always been lazy. I have no interest in running a company. Besides, what’s mine is yours.”

A wave of warmth filled Liu Yiran’s heart. She gazed at Ye Qiu, her eyes brimming with tears.

After a long moment, she raised her delicate fist and thumped him hard. “Wretched Yezi, you’ve only just returned and already you’re making your sister cry. Come, let’s go home. I want you to see the house I’ve prepared for you.”

Ye Qiu was astonished. “Sis, you mean I have a home here?”

“Stupid Yezi, have you forgotten what your sister always told you?”

Ye Qiu paused, memories surfacing of his childhood in the orphanage—his sister quietly slipping him eggs, puffing out her tiny chest and promising: “Don’t worry, Yezi. When I grow up and have money, I’ll give you a big bedroom filled with snacks.”

Though life had made Ye Qiu’s heart as hard as stone over the past ten years, he was deeply moved at this moment.

“Don’t just stand there—come on, let’s go home.”

Without waiting for his reply, Liu Yiran took him by the hand and led him out. Every employee of the Ye-Liu Group was struck dumb by the sight.

Up till now, it had all been rumors, but now they saw it with their own eyes: the always proud and aloof General Manager Liu, holding hands with a handsome young man, happiness and a soft, feminine glow lighting up her features. Everyone was left utterly speechless.

So, the ice-cold Miss Liu had this enchanting side to her after all.

At that moment, the hearts of all the male employees shattered into tiny pieces.

The female employees, meanwhile, were filled with renewed enthusiasm for their work. If a promotion and a raise could bring them such a handsome man, what didn’t they dare to strive for?

…

“Uncle, Liu Yiran has completely lost her mind. Do you know what she did? She actually dared to offend Young Master Zhang for the sake of some pretty boy. Now Zhang’s going to cut off all our business. When the market opens tomorrow, we’ll probably face another limit-down.”

Tong Tiexing’s face was dark. In truth, he had already received word the moment Zhang Jun left the Ye-Liu Group in a rage—he’d never trust Chu Shu alone with such a large conglomerate.

“Shushu, have Chairman Chen and Chairman Qian come see me.”

“I’ll get right on it.”

Chu Shu was elated, immediately reaching out to the other board members. Filthy wretch, just wait until the board meeting—you’re in for a shock.

You dared to cross me? I’ll show you the true power of capital.

Tong Tiexing tapped the table lightly, his face unreadable. Years of corporate warfare had trained him to remain unruffled in any storm. Outwardly, he made it seem that Liu Yiran’s removal was for the company’s good, but in reality, as an investor, he had long been eager to oust the woman who had single-handedly built the group. This was the perfect excuse.

Liu Yiran had outlived her usefulness.

Before long, Chu Shu returned, glowing with excitement. “Uncle, all the directors have agreed. We can call a board meeting at any time.” She tried to contain her glee as she looked at Tong Tiexing. “Uncle, after Liu Yiran is removed, could I take her place as CEO?”

She had coveted that position for a long time—in fact, much of her animosity toward Liu Yiran stemmed from her desire for that seat.

…

“Yezi, are you happy with your room?”

Warm sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Standing there, one could see blue skies, white clouds, and the artificial lake of the villa complex. The fresh, clean blue bed linens still carried the scent of lemons.

Only the huge refrigerator against the wall was a bit of an eyesore.