The Billionaire's Hidden Affection-Chapter 569 - 566 Time’s Up 8_1

Wan Donglin was startled. "When did this happen?"

"I received the news ten minutes ago. The person in charge has disappeared, and now they’re leaderless."

He pondered for a moment. "Be careful, they might get desperate."

"But it’s impossible to guard against completely. I’ve already called your mother. She wants you to come back immediately."

Wan Donglin took a flight home that very night. By the time he arrived home, it was already evening.

Liu Daqing was taking a walk in the garden, her eyebrows tightly furrowed. It wasn’t clear if her frown was due to the smoggy sky or the recent events.

She was holding a microscope. One look through it made things seem even worse. The suspended particles in the air were clumped together like pests, dark and terrifying.

"Paying my respects to the Empress Dowager..."

She turned around, frowning. "Where did you learn such cheekiness?"

Wan Donglin shrugged. "Who else but Yan Xixi? She’s been maligning you behind your back, calling you the Empress Dowager."

Liu Daqing couldn’t help but chuckle.

Wan Donglin’s smile faded. "Come with me. I have something to discuss with you."

In the study, a thick pile of materials lay there, truly startling to behold.

He flipped to the end and stopped, his gaze falling upon a confidential letter. It was a list of candidates for the position in charge, and Huang Xiaojue’s name was prominently displayed on it.

He noticed an emphasis mark next to that name, clearly made by Liu Daqing.

He was quite surprised. "Is Huang Xiaojue planning to jump ship?"

"That seems to be the case. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be on this list."

Wan Donglin mused, "Is he really considering going over to the Zhou Family? At such a critical juncture, isn’t he weighing his options?"

"It’s hard to say. After all, the outside world isn’t aware of the Zhou Family’s true circumstances. Besides, this is a public recruitment. On the surface, none of the candidates are affiliated with any particular family, but it’s certain they are proxies for different factions. Huang Xiaojue’s qualifications don’t particularly stand out among them. However, he has gained considerable fame in the last two years. He’s made several high-profile appearances among annual economic figures, and comparatively, his background is the cleanest. It’s not necessarily that he’s aiming entirely for the Zhou Family..."

If he’s not aiming for the Zhou Family, then who is backing him from behind the scenes?

"This is a public recruitment, and at this juncture, any behind-the-scenes manipulation would be very difficult. Even if Huang Xiaojue does secure the position, it would largely be due to his own efforts and luck."

Wan Donglin countered, "What if he marries Zhou Ting in the future?"

Liu Daqing replied coolly, "Then that’s not something you or I need to concern ourselves with."

Wan Donglin smiled bitterly.

He had never truly imagined that Huang Xiaojue could one day become such a formidable opponent. Even if he wasn’t one now, who could say what the future held?

The mother and son conferred in private for a while. Wan Donglin briefed his mother on the crucial points of this meeting. By now, the sky had gradually darkened.

Seeing his restlessness, Liu Daqing, who knew what was on her son’s mind, immediately said, "By the way, isn’t it your birthday tomorrow? Invite Yan Xixi to join us for a meal."

Wan Donglin smiled bitterly.

She asked in surprise, "What’s that look for?"

"Yan Xixi is a little intimidated by the Empress Dowager."

"Why would she be scared of me? Am I some kind of ogre?" 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Wan Donglin grinned cheekily. "Empress Dowager, I have a small suggestion, though I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to mention?"