The Mastermind

The next morning, Han Xi arrived at the company right on time.

Just as she stepped through the door, before she could adjust to her surroundings, a shadow suddenly appeared, blocking her path.

Startled, she instinctively stopped, focusing on the figure.

Upon recognizing the person, her expression turned subtly complex.

“Is there something you need?” Han Xi’s voice was cold and calm, as if indifferent to everything.

Her gaze was icy, impassive, creating an unapproachable aura.

She exuded a sense of detachment, as if the world around her was irrelevant, instilling a feeling of distance.

“Miss Han, I have something to discuss with you. Are you available?”

The woman’s voice was gentle, seemingly polite.

But Han Xi didn’t see it that way; her dark eyes flickered with slight aversion.

“Sorry, I’m rushing to a meeting, so I’m not available. You can talk to my assistant.”

With that, Han Xi prepared to bypass the woman and head to the elevator.

But the ignored woman coldly chuckled, speaking words that made Han Xi pause.

“Miss Han, you’re the mastermind behind all this, aren’t you?”

Han Xi’s gaze darkened, a chill passing through her eyes. She didn’t turn, but her halted steps indicated the woman’s words had piqued her interest.

For a moment, she felt a dark aura emanating from her, as if something uncontrollable was about to overflow.

As the workday approached, many employees hurried in, seeing their boss standing in the lobby, unable to avoid her, they greeted her.

“Good morning, Ms. Han!”

“Did you have breakfast, Ms. Han?”

“Hello, Ms. Han!”

Han Xi glanced at her employees, finally focusing on the woman behind her.

“Follow me; this isn’t the place to talk.”

With that, Han Xi strode toward the elevator.

The woman would surely follow.

After all, this was a rare opportunity for her.

Compared to the bustling first-floor lobby, the 43rd-floor CEO’s office was almost excessively quiet.

Two women sat by the tea table, one in a neat suit, the other in a pink cashmere coat.

“Here’s the freshly brewed tea, enjoy.”

The assistant set down the tea, quietly closing the door.

Han Xi pushed a cup toward her guest, softly asking, “I didn’t catch your name.”

The woman chuckled, her eyes hinting at mockery, her tone teasing.

“Miss Han, you’ve investigated all of Fang Zhou’s ex-girlfriends. Don’t you know who I am?”

Song Qinghuan picked up the teacup, warming her hands, but didn’t drink.

She gazed at her reflection in the tea, thoughts swirling.

Damn capitalism, drinking such fine tea!

Han Xi’s expression shifted slightly, her gaze elsewhere, murmuring, “I’m not that idle.”

In other words, who do you think you are that I’d investigate you?

My time is precious; why waste it on a few ex-girlfriends?

Song Qinghuan wasn’t provoked, setting her cup down with a clink, getting straight to the point.

“Let’s not beat around the bush. You’re the benefactor, right? We’ve met several times; I recognize your figure.”

“What benefactor? I think this is our first meeting, miss.”

Han Xi remained unfazed, not even lifting an eyelid, maintaining her aloof demeanor.

Song Qinghuan found it amusing.

Some people won’t give up until they hit rock bottom.

“Stop pretending. You gave me a million to leave Fang Zhou.”

“You gathered all his ex-girlfriends on the show.”

“You had me block Qin Yun from proposing to Fang Zhou.”

Song Qinghuan spoke confidently, as if certain she was right, without a hint of doubt.

Her eyes were confident, her posture assertive, clearly self-assured.

Han Xi’s expression didn’t change, but her hidden hand clenched, a dark glint in her eyes.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying. Perhaps you should introduce yourself?”

Song Qinghuan raised an eyebrow, delivering her final blow.

“Don’t deny it. I recorded our conversations. You made me sign a confidentiality agreement, but I can’t guarantee the recordings won’t leak.”

Her words were like a hammer, nailing the truth.

Han Xi fell silent, coldly staring at her, as if trying to see through her.

Who was Song Qinghuan?

She’d worked hard to uncover Han Xi’s involvement.

She wasn’t intimidated by such a gaze.

“Are you threatening me?”

Song Qinghuan quickly waved her hands, denying it.

“I’ve said so much, and you still won’t admit it. I had to use my trump card, big boss!”

Her change in address implied Han Xi wouldn’t deny it further.

“What do you want?”

Ultimately, Han Xi didn’t deny it, coldly asking Song Qinghuan’s demands.

Now it was Song Qinghuan’s turn to relax, leaning back.

“My demands are simple: pay the remaining amount, but I won’t sign another confidentiality agreement.”

If the agreement was like before, she had no issue.

But this time, the terms were stricter, even barring her from staying in the country.

No way she’d earn in China and spend abroad!

Song Qinghuan was a proud Chinese citizen!

She refused to contribute to foreign GDP!