Chapter 27: So-called Friends Part 2

It was already 2 a.m. when Wen Ya arrived home. She felt a bit lightheaded after having a few glasses of wine. She took a quick shower and slipped into bed. When she woke up at dawn, she lay there, staring at the ceiling, and let out a deep, tired sigh.

After dinner the previous day, she sang several songs in a row, releasing all the unhappiness she had felt over the past few days. It left her feeling incredibly happy.

“Hello?” Wen Ya had just finished getting dressed when she received a call from Huang Jingyang.

“Boss Wen, something has happened at the Yangcheng branch.”

The urgency in Huang Jingyang’s voice made it clear the situation was serious. Wen Ya rushed downstairs and asked Uncle Li to bring the car around.

“No matter how urgent it is, you must eat breakfast first,” Mother Wen insisted, her heart aching as she watched Wen Ya gulp down her milk. “Take your time, don’t rush.”

Wen Ya nodded. “I understand. Aunt Wang, please prepare something for us to eat on the way.”

When she arrived at the company gate, Assistant Wang was already waiting for her. Wen Ya got straight to the point. “What’s going on?”

“The factory workers are causing trouble at the gate, claiming we haven’t paid them for three months,” Assistant Wang explained.

“Salary? Didn’t we have all the branches checked before? How could such a big mistake happen?” Wen Ya couldn’t believe such a major issue had gone unnoticed.

“That’s the problem. This garment factory isn’t registered under our company’s name. Someone used our company’s reputation to deceive the workers. Mr. Zhang from the branch confirmed it was the former vice president. He’s sent people to look for him, but they haven’t found him yet,” Assistant Wang briefed her.

The two entered the elevator, and Huang Jingyang was already waiting in the conference room.

“Mr. Wen,” Huang Jingyang and the others greeted her as she entered, quickly filling her in on the details.

The former vice president had gone to Australia City and lost a significant amount of money. Desperate, he hatched a scheme. Using his position, he opened a factory outside the company, telling the workers it belonged to Wen’s. He kept both sides in the dark. After being fired by Wen Ya, he fled with the money.

The factory workers had no idea. The Wen’s clothing brand was doing so well that they never suspected the company would default on their wages. It wasn’t until yesterday that they came to the company to demand payment. The branch was equally shocked—they had no knowledge of this factory.

The branch explained the situation to the workers, but those whose wages were withheld didn’t care. To them, they had been working for Wen’s, and the boss was the company’s president. Did that mean he wasn’t the boss anymore?

“What do the Yangcheng officials say?” Wen Ya asked. Worker unrest was no small matter, especially for a large enterprise like Wen’s. Mishandling it could ruin their reputation.

“They hope we can help resolve it,” Huang Jingyang replied, his expression grim.

Wen Ya tapped the table. “Where’s the information on that factory?”

The former vice president had been quite resourceful. His small factory had over a hundred workers and decent equipment. If Wen Ya hadn’t acted swiftly, he might have gotten away with it and become his own boss.

“Mr. Wen, I think the factory is in good shape. Why don’t we negotiate with the authorities to incorporate it into our company? Then we can settle the unpaid wages,” suggested Mr. Liu.

“Mr. Wen, I agree with Mr. Liu’s idea,” others chimed in. They had all reviewed the factory’s details. Acquiring a factory for just three months’ wages was a steal.

“Will the Guangzhou government agree?” Wen Ya wondered. If they could acquire the factory at such a low cost, this crisis might turn into an opportunity.

“That’s what we need to discuss.”

“Alright, let’s send someone to calm the workers first. I’ll head there early tomorrow morning,” Wen Ya decided. She had already planned to visit, but now she had to move up her schedule.

She booked a flight for the next day, discussed it with Mother Wen, packed lightly that evening, and set off on her business trip with Assistant Wang.

This was her first time flying first class. The seats were far more spacious than economy. She remembered her last flight, sitting next to the wing, the vibrations leaving her ears ringing long after landing.

When Ji Ming entered the cabin, he spotted Wen Ya’s assistant. Scanning the area, he found Wen Ya.

“Whatever it takes, get the seat next to her,” he instructed Xiao He before approaching Wen Ya.

“Xiao Ya? What a coincidence,” Ji Ming said, sitting down and smiling at her.

Wen Ya was surprised to see Ji Ming on the same flight, sitting right beside her. What were the odds?

“Mr. Ji, are you heading to Yangcheng too?” Wen Ya asked.

“I told you to call me by my name,” Ji Ming said seriously.

Wen Ya paused. “Ji Ming, are you on a business trip to Yangcheng?”

“I think it’s easier to call me Ming. Everyone close to me does.”

Liar, Xiao He thought to himself. The Ji family elders called him Ji Ming, and his acquaintances referred to him as Ming Shao. No one called him just Ming.

But Wen Ya didn’t know that. If he said so, she believed him.

“On a business trip. What about you?” Ji Ming asked.

“Something came up at the branch. I’m going to check it out,” Wen Ya replied, not hiding the truth. She knew Ji Ming was likely already informed and was just being polite.

The plane prepared for takeoff. The two fell silent for a moment. Wen Ya frowned, feeling uncomfortable. Ji Ming noticed. “Not feeling well?”

“It’s fine. It’ll pass soon,” Wen Ya said. She wasn’t airsick, but the takeoff made her chest feel tight.

Ji Ming asked for a glass of warm water and handed it to her. “Sip it slowly. Let me know if you still feel unwell.”

The flight from Nancheng to Yangcheng took over four hours. Wen Ya had initially worried about awkwardness sitting next to Ji Ming, but he didn’t bring up anything personal. Instead, he discussed the company and analyzed how to handle the branch’s crisis, offering detailed suggestions. As they talked, Wen Ya forgot her earlier discomfort and listened intently.

“It’s true that listening to you is like gaining ten years of knowledge. I’ll think carefully about your suggestions,” Wen Ya said, expressing her heartfelt thanks.

“If you want, you can talk to me anytime,” Ji Ming replied, looking at Wen Ya with genuine sincerity.

Wen Ya paused and smiled, “Is this another way of showing your sincerity in pursuing me?”

“No, I’m just showcasing my knowledge and skills to someone I like,” Ji Ming said straightforwardly.

Wen Ya: …

“Actually, I’ve been meaning to say that I just ended my engagement and I’m still not over my last relationship. So, I’m not ready for a new one yet. I’m afraid Mr. Ji’s efforts might be in vain.”

“Ah Ming.”

Wen Ya was speechless, still struggling with how to address him.

“Alright, Ming, I hope you won’t waste your time on me.”

“Do you really like Gu Chengze?” Ji Ming stared at Wen Ya. “If you don’t like me, how can you move on from your past? What do you think of my looks and personality? Do you still have feelings for me?”

“To be honest, it’s because you’re so outstanding that I think we should be more careful,” Wen Ya admitted, though she wasn’t sure what she truly felt.

“I didn’t know being too good could be a problem,” Ji Ming smiled warmly, feeling like a breath of fresh air. He moved closer to Wen Ya, “It’s precisely because I’m so good that I can only choose you.”