Chapter Fourteen: I Accept!

"Grandmother, I..." Xu Qingran had just begun to explain.

But before she could finish, the old lady waved her hand dismissively. "You don't need to say anymore. I have been keeping an eye on the affairs of Splendid Beauty all along."

"Last time, I agreed to let you continue managing Splendid Beauty."

"But now, I seriously doubt your capabilities. As it stands, you are no longer suitable to oversee the company. I will arrange a department manager position for you instead."

Her words were as absolute as a royal decree. With just a sentence, she was ready to strip Xu Qingran of her authority.

Upon hearing this, both Xu Qingran and Sun Ling's expressions changed dramatically.

Meanwhile, Xu Zhongshan, Xu Chengyang, Xu Qian, and the others looked at Xu Qingran with cold, mocking smiles.

A married daughter is like water poured out. How could a mere woman, married to a useless man, expect to continue managing one of the Xu family's three major companies, Splendid Beauty? It was simply delusional.

At that moment, the old lady turned to Xu Chengyang, her demeanor completely transformed, and smiled warmly. "Chengyang is excellent—both his character and ability are top-notch."

"Zhongshan, I’m handing Splendid Beauty over to you. Since you’re familiar with the operations, teach Chengyang well. Once he’s acclimated, he’ll take over the management of Splendid Beauty."

Xu Zhongshan and Xu Chengyang were elated.

"Thank you, Mother!"

"Thank you, Grandmother!"

They hurried to express their gratitude, their faces brimming with smugness as they glanced at Xiao Chen and Xu Qingran.

The other members of the Xu family watched Xu Zhongshan and Xu Chengyang with envy, offering congratulations.

Beside them, Fang Zhipeng from the Fang family let out a soft laugh. "Madam Xu has sharp eyes. Dr. Xu is a friend of our Fang family—if you ever encounter difficulties, just give me a call. I’ll certainly help."

Xu Zhongshan and Xu Chengyang were even more delighted, quickly thanking Fang Zhipeng.

Sun Ling and Xu Qingran, on the other hand, were utterly despairing.

The old lady had given her order, and with the support of the second son of the Fang family, the matter was settled. Their branch of the family would likely be sidelined forever.

"Wait!" At that moment, Xiao Chen suddenly spoke.

"What are you doing, Xiao Chen?" Sun Ling and Xu Qingran were startled. Whenever Xiao Chen opened his mouth, trouble followed.

The old lady glared coldly at Xiao Chen, her dislike evident. Some of her dissatisfaction with Xu Qingran stemmed from Xiao Chen, whom she considered a useless man.

When Xu Qingran had married Xiao Chen, the whole Xu family had become a laughingstock.

She snorted, "Xiao Chen, do you have an objection to my decision?"

"Who does he think he is? How dare he object?" Xu Zhongshan scoffed.

Xu Qian sneered, "That's right. He’s just a worthless son-in-law—how dare he have an opinion? Who does he think he is?"

"Take a look at yourself—how could you possibly question the old lady's decision?"

Xiao Chen ignored them, speaking calmly, "It's not really an objection. But Grandmother, you say Qingran lacks ability, while Xu Chengyang is capable?"

Before the old lady could reply, Xu Qian cut in, "Of course! Chengyang cured the Fang family patriarch’s stubborn illness and has connections with their family. Are you saying he’s not capable?"

"That’s entirely beside the point," Xiao Chen shook his head. "Grandmother, you believe Qingran isn’t capable because she failed to secure the cooperation with Ruby Entertainment."

"So, why not have Qingran and Xu Chengyang each try negotiating again?"

"Let Xu Chengyang go first. If he succeeds, Splendid Beauty goes to him. If not, Qingran gets another chance. How about that?"

Xu Chengyang's eyes flickered, a mocking smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. "Oh? Since you've suggested it, I could give Xu Qingran another opportunity."

"But this chance isn’t free. If I succeed, or if Qingran fails again, it proves she’s lacking. She’ll have to start as a junior employee. What do you think?"

"If you agree, I'll let her have this chance."

He looked at Xiao Chen, half-smiling.

Xu Zhongshan and the others’ eyes lit up. Chengyang’s move was shrewd.

Sun Ling and Xu Qingran were alarmed. They hadn’t expected Chengyang to be so ruthless—he wanted to crush them completely.

No! They absolutely could not agree.

Sun Ling was about to refuse when Xiao Chen nodded decisively, "Alright, I accept!"

Sun Ling exploded with anger. "Xiao Chen, you idiot! Who do you think you are? How dare you accept on Qingran’s behalf?"

If they followed the old lady’s arrangement, at least there would be a department manager position. It wouldn’t be as prestigious, but it was still management.

But if they accepted Chengyang’s terms and had to start as a junior employee, they would never rise again.

Xu Qianran was even more furious, pointing at Xiao Chen and cursing, "Xiao Chen, are you trying to ruin my sister?"

Not to mention Chengyang’s connections and ability—now that he had the support of the Fang family, securing the cooperation with Ruby Entertainment would be much easier for him.

Even if Chengyang failed, Qingran had already lost once—what were the chances she could change the outcome with another attempt? If she still couldn’t secure the deal, she would lose anyway.

Xu Qingran bit her lip.

Xu Chengyang looked at Xiao Chen with undisguised ridicule. "Yes, do you have the right to accept on Xu Qingran’s behalf?"

Xiao Chen ignored Sun Ling’s fury and simply looked at Xu Qingran.

Meeting Xiao Chen’s gaze, Xu Qingran’s heart trembled slightly. She suddenly remembered what he had said outside the hotel: “Leave everything to me.”

She bit her lip and, as if compelled by some unseen force, nodded. "I accept."