Director Wang was deeply troubled, his mind unable to focus, mechanically heading for home.

As he reached the gate of his courtyard, he heard his mother’s hearty laughter from inside before he even went in.

Was there a guest at home?

Who could be so skilled to make his mother laugh?

His mother was known for being strict and seldom smiled.

With this question in mind, Director Wang walked into the courtyard, pushed the door open, set his briefcase down, and looked at the figure on the sofa.

"We have a guest at home."

As soon as Director Wang spoke, the guest turned their head.

"Hello, Director Wang."

Director Wang’s pupils constricted, and every movement, even his breathing, froze at that moment.

"Jiang—Jiang Cheng!"

"It’s me. Director Wang seems surprised to see me."

Jiang Cheng calmly asked, as Director Wang instinctively glanced at his family, but everyone looked normal, as if they knew nothing.

His heart was pounding, trying hard to keep his voice steady: "Indeed, a bit unexpected."

"Please sit down."

Jiang Cheng smiled slightly and said: "I’m here at Teacher Lü’s request to visit Lao Zhang. Sorry for the intrusion, I hope you don’t mind."

Lao Zhang, who was Director Wang’s mother, spoke: "Not at all, I’m so happy you’re here."

"Is Xiao Lu well? Still at Jing University?"

"Thanks to you, Teacher Lü is doing well at Jing University."

The Jiang Cheng before him was the most obedient and outstanding youngster, chatting away with Mrs. Zhang, quoting classics and discussing various topics.

Since Jiang Cheng was here, Mrs. Zhang insisted on keeping her for a meal, but Jiang Cheng politely declined, saying she had other matters at home.

In the end, Director Wang personally saw her out, and the two walked out of the courtyard.

"What do you want?"

Jiang Cheng turned around, looking calmly at Director Wang and said: "Shouldn’t I ask what you want?"

"Do you want to see your life’s work fall into foreign hands, watching foreigners harm our Hua Xia people, ashamed before your ancestors, or will you change your ways?"

Director Wang had long regretted it.

"I really thought he was here to invest, I didn’t think...."

"You thought about it! About stepping on the S City food factory, but you didn’t expect Chase’s methods to be so despicable."

"Or perhaps you thought he might be despicable, but didn’t consider the specific consequences?"

"Director Wang, my standing here today means Chase’s plans will not succeed."

"As for your choice, that’s up to you."

Director Wang looked at the confident Jiang Cheng in front of him, giving a bitter smile: "Do I still have a choice."

"Yes.... at least you can let your mother hold her head high."

Jiang Cheng nodded slightly to Director Wang after she spoke, then left.

Director Wang returned home, dejected, and could not help but fall to his knees after a mere glance at his mother.

"Mother—I’ve been confused and did something wrong."

Mrs. Zhang, seated in her wheelchair, held Director Wang’s head.

"If it’s wrong... we’ll change it, mother will help you change it."

Director Wang burst into tears.

*

The day after Jiang Cheng left Director Wang’s house, the S City food factory, under the full recording of newspaper reporters, caught someone preparing to poison on the spot.

The entire poisoning process was recorded on the camera, and the evidence was undeniable. The poisoner confessed to the location of Chase’s assistant before being taken away.

With the cooperation of the police, Chase’s assistant was arrested according to the law, and since it involved foreigners, diplomatic personnel also got involved.

At the same time, Director Wang from G Province turned himself in.

Director Wang surrendered along with several kidnappers.

The confession of Director Wang and the arrest of the poisoner at S City led to a swift examination.

Both cases pointed to one person—Chase.

Chase denied everything and, as a foreign national, requested legal and diplomatic intervention.

Although no decision had been made regarding Chase, his conspiracy against the S City food factory was thoroughly destroyed.

A large number of newspapers reported on the matter, with the central theme being—foreigners trying to harm us.

Following the newspapers, S City’s official authorities awarded the S City food factory with the title of an advanced enterprise, further affirming its products.

All at once, orders for the food factory poured in like snowflakes.

As the S City food factory celebrated its victory, Jiang Cheng flew away again.

She planned to use the same strategy again, swiftly capturing part of the market in Country M while Chase was away.

She eagerly anticipated Chase’s expression upon returning to his home country; it would certainly be interesting.

On the day Director Wang turned himself in, Jiang Cheng had already traveled to Beijing, visiting Shen Que and Grandma Shen in succession.

After hurried meetings, she headed straight for Country M.

After nearly twenty hours of flying, Jiang Cheng landed smoothly.

"Jiang—over here!"

Rose’s tall figure waved at Jiang Cheng with a very small sign.

Jiang Cheng dragged her suitcase over and asked Rose: "You really don’t mind meeting me?"

Rose casually said: "Chase has been pushed out of the heir race, he’s been abandoned."

Jiang Cheng pursed her lips and said: "Truly a cruel selection mechanism."

"Who says it isn’t."

Rose responded nonchalantly, leading Jiang Cheng and her people to the car to head to the reserved hotel.

In the evening, Rose invited Jiang Cheng and a few others to attend a banquet.

The banquet was hosted by the current head of Rose’s family.

The competition within Rose’s family was harsh and realistic.

If Chase couldn’t make it, he had to step aside for someone who could.

Without a doubt, that capable person was Rose.

Rose quickly took control of the company that Chase was part of, and her swift and decisive methods did not earn disapproval from those in power; in fact, they admired her more for it.

When news of Chase’s defeat and detention in Hua Xia arrived, Rose had a conversation with the family leader.

After this conversation, Rose’s resources elevated further.

This was one of the reasons Rose could invite Jiang Cheng to attend the family banquet.

Today, Jiang Cheng wore a slim-fitting black dress, fully wrapped inside, and her refined Eastern beauty appeared elegant and mysterious against the dress.

Upon seeing Jiang Cheng, distinctly different from usual, Rose showed an appreciative gaze: "Jiang, you’re stunning today!"

"Thank you for the compliment."

Rose attempted to take Jiang Cheng’s arm but was rejected.

"I can walk steadily on my own; let’s go together."

Rose withdrew her arm, walking side by side with Jiang Cheng into the banquet hall.

The matching aura made everyone feel this woman wasn’t Rose’s date.

The two walked into the banquet hall side by side, and Rose did not introduce others to Jiang Cheng. They stood by the bar, chatting.

Rose looked at the water in Jiang Cheng’s hand and said: "It’s my first time seeing someone attend a banquet and not drink."

Jiang Cheng replied without indulging him: "Then you have limited experience."

Rose laughed heartily and said admiringly: "Jiang, talking with you is so fascinating."

Jiang Cheng thought: You’ve barely been hit by harsh reality.

Rose leaned closer, pointing out some people at the banquet, whispering some information to Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng listened intently.

Just then, an elderly man in a black butler’s uniform approached, bowing slightly to the two of them.

"Young Master Rose, the clan leader requests to speak with Miss Jiang."