Wang Chunlai formally submitted his resignation to Xie Linhui, unable to accept the scoring system used for layoffs. At 53 years old, Wang Chunlai had dedicated nearly three decades to Zhongshang Langchao since joining at 24. He had worked diligently and without complaint, and he couldn’t reconcile his years of effort being reduced to a single score. Despite his flawless record, he felt the system was an unfair judgment of his career.
Wang Chunlai expressed his gratitude for Xie Linhui’s support over the years and gifted her a notebook commemorating his award as an Outstanding Journalist. Although Xie Linhui didn’t want to see him go, she couldn’t stop him. After leaving her office, Wang Chunlai packed his belongings and departed the magazine.
Meanwhile, Zhou Hang faced a crisis of his own. A position on his company’s board of directors became vacant, and while Zhou Hang was the leading candidate, the chairman unexpectedly brought his son, Xiao Hao, back from abroad. Zhou Hang sensed that the situation was far more complicated than it appeared.
A Thoughtful Gift for a Friend
For Xue Lai’s baby celebration banquet, Xie Linhui thoughtfully prepared a luxurious scarf as a gift. Xie Linhui had noticed that Xue Lai had admired the scarf multiple times while shopping but couldn’t bring herself to buy it. Seizing the opportunity, Xie Linhui gifted it to her friend, emphasizing her appreciation for the sacrifices mothers make, which often go unnoticed.
True to her nature, Xie Linhui declined to attend the banquet, as she disliked crowded family gatherings and had work commitments. Xue Lai, being her longtime best friend, understood her perfectly and didn’t press the issue. Xie Linhui’s priority for the day was an important interview—with none other than He Yushan, Zhou Hang’s ex-girlfriend.
Interview with an Old Rival
Xie Linhui confided in her friend Xiao He about the interview. Xiao He reminded her that He Yushan had always been a “green tea” type of woman. Back when He Yushan’s father passed away, even though Zhou Hang had already broken up with her, he went back to her hometown and stayed for over a month. While their families were close, Xiao He believed that the extended stay was excessive, hinting that He Yushan was not simple. She warned Xie Linhui to be cautious and even helped her pick out an outfit to ensure she exuded sophistication and confidence during the meeting.
Xie Linhui conducted the interview professionally, but as it concluded, Zhou Hang arrived at the scene—a deliberate arrangement by Xie Linhui. She felt there was no need to keep the past hidden and decided to face it openly.
However, both Zhou Hang and He Yushan were visibly uneasy. They had met privately in Beijing but had kept it from Xie Linhui, unaware that she already knew. The dinner following the interview was tense, with everyone feeling uncomfortable. During the meal, Xie Linhui unexpectedly announced her decision to start a family with Zhou Hang, making it clear in front of He Yushan. Startled, He Yushan excused herself, citing another engagement, and left early.
Sensing Zhou Hang’s unease, Xie Linhui pressed him for an explanation, but he denied anything was wrong. Feeling disheartened, Xie Linhui lost her appetite and decided to end the meal.
Chaos Over a Controversial Report
A report about Zhongshang Langchao was published, causing significant trouble for Yu Xiang Investments. The report was Jiang Yidi’s responsibility, and its unexpected release left everyone shocked. Jiang Yidi faced severe criticism from her superior, Director Ding, and stormed into the magazine office to confront Xu Delin, accusing him of fabricating information in the report.
The commotion reached Xie Linhui, who arrived in time to mediate. She assured Jiang Yidi that she would take responsibility for every article published by Zhongshang Langchao and vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Lu Jian seized the opportunity to stir up trouble. He approached Jiang Yidi and pretended to be unaware that she had paid Xu Delin, falsely claiming that Xu Delin was one of Xie Linhui’s people. By feeding Jiang Yidi misleading information, Lu Jian aimed to sabotage Xie Linhui’s credibility and complicate her position further.
