“Just now, you clearly looked like you were eagerly expecting that young girl to come find you,” Qiao Xin teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Chen Ze’s ears turned slightly red as he awkwardly retorted, “Who said I was expecting that?”

Qiao Xin, always quick to seize on someone’s weak spot, said lightly, “Ah Ze, do you know that your eyes always wander when you’re feeling guilty?”

“This is work time, Secretary Qiao. Please mind your words and actions,” Chen Ze snapped, his face stern. He had great confidence in his cousin’s professional abilities, which was why he’d hired her as his secretary. However, her penchant for teasing was something he could hardly tolerate.

Watching him bristle with embarrassment, Qiao Xin shrugged and muttered under her breath, “What a stubborn personality.”

That morning, Lu Ming opened the newspaper as usual, waiting to enjoy breakfast with Feng Ning.

“What’s wrong? Frowning so early in the morning,” Feng Ning asked, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind and acting coy.

Lu Ming pointed to a small corner of the newspaper and said, “Take a look for yourself. I didn’t expect Wang Xiaoke to think of using a newspaper ad to buy grapes. I underestimated her.”

Following his gaze, Feng Ning saw Wang Xiaoke’s ad and sneered. “Such a cheap trick. Trying to play games with us? She’s nothing but a clown.”

“I understand why Aunt wants to take over Wang Enterprises officially, but we can’t overlook Wang Xiaoke,” Lu Ming said, stroking her smooth hair.

“Don’t worry, I’ll remind her,” Feng Ning replied. After some affectionate moments together, the two reluctantly left their hotel room.

Later, Feng Ning called Feng Jin.

“Mom, have you seen the little stunts Wang Xiaoke has been pulling?” Feng Ning asked.

Feng Jin’s calm and gentle voice came through the phone. “Yes, her idea is quite clever—using this method to buy grapes. But the quantity Wang Enterprises needs is enormous. It’s impossible to accomplish unless she finds a major supplier. The outcome is already set.”

“So, we’re just going to let her mess around like this?” Feng Ning couldn’t stand Wang Xiaoke’s persistent refusal to admit defeat.

After all, seeing her down and out was a rare opportunity. Feng Ning felt she had to make her suffer to avenge the grievances she’d endured under Wang Xiaoke’s shadow.

“Of course not. You can never be too careful. I’ve never liked taking risks,” Feng Jin said.

Her words were like a strong dose of confidence to Feng Ning. Excitedly, she asked, “Mom, how are you planning to deal with Wang Xiaoke?”

But Feng Jin didn’t answer directly. Instead, she replied cryptically, “Don’t worry. I’ve eaten more salt than you’ve eaten rice. Just wait and see.”

“Then I’ll look forward to the good news,” Feng Ning said, trusting her mother’s ability to handle things. Hearing this, she suppressed her eagerness for revenge.

Meanwhile, Wang Xiaoke received a call from Su Man.

“Hey, Xiaoke, I might not be able to go out with you today. Will you be okay on your own?” Su Man asked, sounding both apologetic and concerned.

Having a friend who genuinely cared for her warmed Wang Xiaoke’s heart. She smiled and pretended to be relaxed. “Of course, I’ll be fine. Go handle your stuff. Don’t worry about me.”

“You’re so clumsy. How could I not worry?” Su Man muttered, almost to herself, leaving Wang Xiaoke wondering if she’d made the wrong choice in friends.