Chapter 0440

"Later, you can just clarify the situation online, and I won’t stay any longer."

Wei Junjie immediately stopped Luo Yao, "Assistant Liu, how about having dinner together tonight? It’d be great if you could invite President Luo out. I’d also like to apologize to her on behalf of the Chinese Academy of Sciences."

Everyone in the room, all the experts, felt an unprecedented pressure. It almost felt like this special assistant wasn’t just an assistant—it was as if the infamous Luo Yao herself had arrived.

"That’s unnecessary. President Luo is waiting for me to report back. After the report, she can hurry home to accompany her husband."

Wei Junjie fell silent for a moment before speaking again, "Special Assistant Liu, the Science City project isn’t something I can decide alone. A three-point profit margin is a bit too much—it’s beyond my authority. What do you think…?"

"That’s your problem to solve, not mine. If you don’t want to concede, that’s fine. I won’t make things difficult for you."

Liu Meng made her point without overstepping—anything more would be impolite.

Wei Junjie was starting to get angry. "Assistant Liu, even President Luo wouldn’t be this aggressive, would she?"

"She’s her, I’m me. This is how I operate. If you’re unwilling, you can refuse. Of course, I won’t make things too hard for you—just withdraw some investments, cancel a few projects, and maybe cut scholarships for the three universities directly affiliated with your academy."

Wei Junjie was stunned. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

"Can Special Assistant Liu’s words truly represent President Luo?"

"My very first sentence when I arrived was that I have full authority to represent her."

To be honest, when he first heard Liu Meng was handling this matter, he had felt relieved, thinking this woman would surely be easier to deal with than Luo Yao. He never expected her to be this tough.

Now, he felt like he was facing a formidable enemy—no less intimidating than dealing with Luo Yao herself.

After a long silence, he finally gave in. "Rest assured, I’ll report this to my superiors."

Liu Meng nodded, acknowledging Wei Junjie’s attitude, then walked out of the room. At the door, she casually tossed back a final remark, "Don’t forget to make sure Chen Buhui clarifies things quickly. I’m afraid President Luo might get impatient if she has to wait too long."

Once she left the academy and got into the car, Liu Meng let out a long sigh.

Playing the cold, unapproachable role was exhausting. She truly admired Luo Yao for maintaining that image year after year.

Well… maybe Luo Yao didn’t have to "maintain" it—maybe that was just who she was.

Liu Meng had her reasons for being so assertive, especially when dealing with these state-affiliated enterprises. If she wasn’t firm, they’d chew her up and spit her out.

Only by being unyielding could she make them think twice.

A company could grow big, but once it reached the top, it had to tread carefully—one misstep could lead to ruin.

The public couldn’t topple a corporate giant, but the government could.

Of course, that was the worst-case scenario. The business environment in China was relatively decent. (Don’t read too much into it.)

By the time she returned to Luo Corporation, Luo Yao had already finished her meeting. Liu Meng immediately reported the academy’s stance.

Luo Yao listened attentively the entire time and only nodded at the end. "Well done."

This time, she didn’t mention any bonuses, but those two words—"well done"—meant more to Liu Meng than any reward.

It was another affirmation from Luo Yao.

"President Luo, heading back to the estate?"

Even though it wasn’t yet time to clock out, Liu Meng seemed to understand Luo Yao’s thoughts perfectly.

Sure enough, Luo Yao nodded, and the two left Luo Corporation together.

As the car moved, Liu Meng fell into brief contemplation.

Leaving early like this would have been unthinkable in the past. When had President Luo started prioritizing home so much?

It seemed to coincide with the time Lin Ran began treating her well.

In the car, Luo Yao, who had been resting her eyes, suddenly spoke, interrupting Liu Meng’s thoughts.

"Liu Meng, you handled this well. Keep an eye on the academy’s follow-up. Also, I want to take some time off to be with A’Ran. During this period, you’ll be acting head of the group."

Liu Meng: You’ve only been back at work for one day, and now you’re taking another break? Are you even a CEO anymore?

"Understood."

Though she was complaining internally, outwardly she remained obedient. She didn’t have the right to refuse.

But… was this really her President Luo?

Had Lin Ran saved the galaxy in a past life to deserve someone like Luo Yao?

It almost made her want to find love herself.

Of course, she’d never say any of this out loud.

Soon enough, Chen Buhui’s clarification arrived—late, but it arrived.

One statement, and the internet exploded.

["Money’s hard to earn, sht’s hard to eat—being a stray dog is fine"]: So… this was all orchestrated by Chen Buhui? She was willing to slander herself just to drag Luo Corporation down? Hah! Hahahaha! What’s even real anymore?

["Warm Dad from the Kindergarten Group Chat"]: I’ve got insider info—Chen Buhui clashed with Lin Ran and Luo Yao during the Shanghai bidding. There’s also a leak saying she rigged the process to block Luo Corporation from winning the project.

The leak came from Chen Nianshi, who was furious at Chen Buhui’s veiled insinuations, making it seem like the entire Chen family was involved in her schemes.

["Got Nothing to Do? Eat Some Candy"]: So we were all fooled? Aren’t they family? Why would Chen Buhui do this? Isn’t she a tech mogul? Someone I respected turns out to be like this?

["Chen Qingtian V"]: Achievements don’t reflect character. Who doesn’t have a few disgusting relatives?

["Huh?"]: Holy sht, verified celebrity! So even the Chen family dislikes Chen Buhui? Feels like her reputation just collapsed.

Public opinion online took a sharp turn.

Chen Buhui’s lofty image had already started crumbling when Hu Shuo exposed her collusion with Luo Corporation.

Now, with the revelation that she backstabbed Luo Yao, her reputation was in free fall. Chen Qingtian’s comment only fueled the fire, unleashing the full imagination of netizens.

At the Chen Family Villa, Chen Qingtian high-fived his father in celebration. "Yes!"

"Dad, you’re so bold! You’d leak anything! If Grandpa finds out, won’t he break your legs?"

Chen Nianshi glanced at him. "Your grandfather’s too old to beat me now. But I might just break your legs instead."

And so, the villa echoed with the screams of a certain celebrity.

"Ahhh! Stop! I’m still injured!"

"You’re hurt?" Chen Nianshi looked puzzled. Chen Qingtian rolled up his loose pant leg, revealing stitches from a drunken fall days earlier.

Chen Nianshi fell silent. "You went out drinking alone?"

Chen Qingtian suddenly looked like a wilted plant, refusing to speak.

Chen Nianshi sighed. "Was it because of Little Xia?"

Chen Qingtian’s eyes widened in shock.

"Sometimes, you should learn from your cousin. A’Ran is a kid who loves and hates openly. But you…?"