Chapter 111: Unexpected Meeting

As Lin Xiao made his way from the Brilliant Tower toward the mall, conversations about him were already unfolding in an office on the tower’s 34th floor—the second-highest level.

A man in gold-rimmed glasses leaned in obsequiously toward a rotund middle-aged figure seated behind the office desk. “Mr. Lu, that new Logistics Director, Lin Xiao’s audacity is beyond reason. He blatantly disrespects your authority. We can’t just let that slide. He needs to be taught a lesson.”

This subservient man was none other than Secretary Wang, whom Lin Xiao had humiliated just two days prior. The imposing figure he addressed was Lu Pengbo.

Lu Pengbo sighed, “Lin Xiao isn’t just anyone, he’s Wan Caixuan’s personal bodyguard. Moving against him without due cause might be ill-advised.”

Having been publicly undermined by Wan Caixuan in a recent meeting, Lu Pengbo was wary of further direct confrontations.

However, Secretary Wang, with a malicious gleam, added, “Sir, even if Lin Xiao is Wan Caixuan’s bodyguard, if he makes mistakes in his work duties, surely she wouldn’t be brazen enough to shield him. This could also be a strategic blow to her standing. And while we can’t stop Wan Caixuan from personally hiring Lin Xiao, we can certainly use him to tarnish her reputation.”

The resentment Secretary Wang held for Lin Xiao was palpable. With the entire company whispering about Lin Xiao’s slight toward him, he needed to reclaim his dignity.

Lu Pengbowas intrigued. “Do you have a plan to ensure he slips up?”

Although reluctant to directly challenge Wan Caixuan, he wouldn’t miss an opportunity to dent her reputation.

Secretary Wang, with a smirk, elaborated, “I’ve dug a bit into the Logistics Department. Yang Tao, previously the head of the security team, was primed for the role Lin Xiao now occupies. Moreover, rumor has it that on Lin Xiao’s inaugural day, Yang Tao was made an example of, with Lin Xiao leaving him severely injured. He’s recuperating now, but his resentment for Lin Xiao must be brewing.”

Lu Pengbo raised an eyebrow, “You aren’t suggesting we use Yang Tao as our pawn, are you? A mere security head might be insufficient.”

Secretary Wang, exuding confidence, added, “Bear with me, Mr. Lu. My findings reveal that Yang Tao is affiliated with the Chen’s Martial Arts Hall. Though he’s but an intern there, we shouldn’t overlook his network. He could be our key to some chaos.”

Lu Pengbo’s eyes widened. “The Chen’s Martial Arts Hall? Are we speaking of the same renowned institution?”

Having resided in Jinghai City for an extended period, he was well aware of Chen’s Martial Arts Hall’s significant influence within the city.

While Brilliant Aya Limited stood as a billion-yuan conglomerate with backing from the influential Wan family, it didn’t originate from Jinghai City. Also, the Wan family oversaw a plethora of subsidiary companies. Among them, Brilliant Aya was just one, barely a blip on their radar.

Financially, Chen’s Martial Arts Hall might not surpass Brilliant Aya Limited, but when it came to influence within Jinghai City, they clearly overshadowed the conglomerate. The Martial Arts Hall held substantial sway in Jinghai’s political and business sectors. More notably, its influence within the police system was simply staggering.

“Yes, we’re talking about that very Chen’s Martial Arts Hall,” Secretary Wang said with a cunning grin. “Though Yang Tao is merely an intern, he undoubtedly has connections within the fire safety department. The Logistics Department might seem inconsequential, but they’re in charge of fire safety. If Yang Tao happens to uncover a few ‘irregularities’—just enough to cause some noise—those in charge would be scrambling. Wouldn’t that give you the perfect reason to step in, Mr. President?”

Lu Pengbo gave a nod of agreement, “If we manage to push Wan Caixuan out, then young master Wan won’t let our efforts go unrewarded.”

“Rest assured, Mr. President. I’ll handle this to the best of my abilities and won’t let young master Wan down,” Secretary Wang assured with evident enthusiasm.

***

Lin Xiao was oblivious to Secretary Wang’s vengeful schemes. At that moment, he found himself in the bustling heart of the city’s mall, on a mission to purchase a suitable outfit as Wan Caixuan had instructed.

The mall was a hive of activity, even without the pull of a holiday.

Lin Xiao planned to head to the third floor, the home to an array of clothing stores. Yet, his plans were momentarily derailed when he recognized a familiar face.

“Huang Caixing? Shouldn’t she be in class right now? What brings her here? Did she ask for another day off?”

Beside Huang Caixing stood an elegant woman bearing a striking resemblance to her. Lin Xiao surmised this must be Huang Caixing’s mother. Dressed in a contemporary cheongsam, her attire accentuated her alluring physique. Her hair, neatly twisted into a bun, revealed her pristine arms and calves. She exuded a mature, seductive charm that was palpable even from a distance.

Huang Caixing wore a pair of jeans and a pink t-shirt, embroidered with a cartoon pattern on the front. Her jeans clung tightly, portraying her from afar as a vibrant and adorable teenager radiating youthful charm.

Huang Caixing spotted Lin Xiao. Her face lit up with a delighted smile, and she enthusiastically waved at him.

Huang Caixing dashed over to Lin Xiao’s side, then grasped his arm, her face lighting up with excitement.

“Big Brother Lin, such a coincidence! Are you here to shop too?”

“Yes, I’m here to buy a suit,” Lin Xiao replied with a nod and a smile. “Is that your mother?”

By then, a beautiful middle-aged woman was walking toward them. The closer she came, the more Lin Xiao felt sure of his hunch. She bore a striking resemblance to Huang Caixing. Particularly, the dimples on her cheeks were identical.

“Yes, that’s my mom,” Huang Caixing confirmed, wrapping her arm around Lin Xiao’s with a gleeful smile. “It seems this is your first time meeting her.”

The woman, briefly surprised by Huang Caixing’s familiarity with Lin Xiao, offered her hand with a graceful smile. “You must be Lin Xiao? Caixing speaks of you often. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, your reputation certainly precedes you.”

Lin Xiao shook her hand, responding, “Hello, Aunt.”

“Why call me Aunt? It makes me sound unnecessarily old,” she said with a playful scowl. “My name is Huang Xinyu. You can call me Sister Xinyu.”

For a moment, Lin Xiao was at a loss for words.

“Mom, what are you even saying?” Huang Caixing interjected, her eyebrows knitted in mild annoyance. “Big Brother Lin and I are of the same generation. If he calls you Sister Xinyu, aren’t you mixing up our generational titles? He should address you as Aunt.”

Huang Xinyu shrugged it off, replying, “You stick to your titles, I’ll stick to mine. What’s the big deal? And besides, do I even look that old? Do I resemble an old auntie?”

“It’s not about appearances,” retorted Huang Caixing with a hint of sass, “You are technically in the Auntie age bracket. You’re in your thirties. Why pretend to be younger?” Even toward her mother, Huang Caixing’s tongue was sharp.