Return to 88: Starting from Marrying My Sister-in-law

"Knock knock knock..."

A soft knock broke the suffocating silence in the office.

Yin Mingzhu withdrew her gaze from the gloomy skyline outside the window, and the pen in her hand finally stopped its unconscious and unsettling spinning.

She looked up, her gaze calm and still, like a bottomless pool of cold water.

Assistant Yu Li carried a thick stack of documents and walked in cautiously, her footsteps so light they were almost inaudible.

The air seemed to freeze. She could clearly feel the low pressure emanating from her boss, a cold eye of a storm that had settled after extreme repression.

“President Yin…” Yu Li’s voice was even lower, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor.

"...Sifei Media's lawyer's letter has officially responded. They...have not withdrawn their lawsuit against us. The court has accepted the case and the summons...is expected to be served soon."

talking.

She placed a crucial document on the edge of Yin Mingzhu's large desk, not daring to get too close to her.

Yin Mingzhu's gaze fell on the document, and the cold, printed words "Sifei Media" pierced her eyes like needles.

Her fingertips traced the smooth surface of the table; she didn't pick up the document, but simply nodded very slightly.

"understood."

Her voice was unexpectedly calm, without any emotion, even carrying a kind of indifference, as if the document wasn't directed at the company to which she had poured her heart and soul.

"Just follow the pre-agreed internal plan and handle it normally. Prepare all the necessary evidence and documents. Let the legal department follow up fully; there's no need to ask me for details again."

Her tone was resolute, as if she were stating a given fact rather than an imminent crisis.

"Yes, President Yin." Yu Li quickly replied, secretly relieved, but also feeling uneasy about the strange calm.

She carefully examined Yin Mingzhu's face. Although it was slightly pale, her eyes remained sharp, and her jawline was taut, showing no signs of illness or fragility.

Li quietly left, closing the door behind her, and the office fell silent once more.

Yin Mingzhu remained in that position, motionless.

A few seconds later, a very soft, very cold snort, full of endless mockery, escaped from her nostrils.

"Humph……"

"really……"

"What a wonderful... sisterly bond!"

“Sisi…” she murmured the once incredibly affectionate name, each syllable like a blade chilled by ice, “…It seems that becoming his woman surnamed Lu has truly changed you.”

Her gaze returned to the huge floor-to-ceiling windows.

In the distance, the leaden sea surged with turbid waves under the gloomy sky, heavy and oppressive, just like her mood at that moment.

"She's no longer that innocent and carefree little girl. Her methods have become increasingly ruthless, learned from that person." A cold smile curled at the corner of Yin Mingzhu's lips, but her eyes were chillingly cold.

"However... Sisi, I'm very curious, and I really want to see if when you're completely immersed in his colors, even the blood flowing in your veins will become as cold and ruthless as him?"

As she stood up, her tall, slender figure appeared exceptionally lonely in the empty office.

She walked to the window, almost touching the cold glass, looking down at the bustling city below, a city that offered no warmth to her.

The sea breeze seemed to penetrate the thick glass, bringing a salty and chilly scent that ruffled a few stray hairs at her temples.

Singapore, thousands of miles away.

Sunlight generously streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows of the top-floor conference room at Century Group's overseas headquarters, making the expensive mahogany furniture inside glow with a warm luster.

The air was filled with the rich aroma of coffee and the fresh scent of tropical plants, a stark contrast to the cold and oppressive atmosphere of Yin Mingzhu's office.

Lu Yang sat in the main seat, his posture relaxed yet exuding an air of complete control.

Two people were sitting opposite him: Chen Wen and Lin Chundong.

The former was a top-notch technical expert he poached from the international semiconductor industry with a hefty sum, while the latter had a more complex and thrilling "onboarding" experience.

He was introduced by Chen Wen and was "snatched" from the Taiwanese agents by Lu Yang's special operations team, which had undergone rigorous training at overseas bases.

"Mr. Lu, the R&D center and production line in Singapore are running smoothly, and the team is working together very well." Chen Wen pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses and spoke slowly and deliberately, with the meticulousness characteristic of a technical elite.

"Personally, I am more adapted to the climate and environment here, and I am not very familiar with the situation on the mainland."

He changed the subject and looked at Lu Yang sincerely: "However, if Mr. Lu needs me to lead a team to expand our territory on the mainland, I guarantee I will do my best and will never refuse."

Lu Yang nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Lin Chundong on the other side.

This engineer, with his thin face and unusually firm eyes, possessed a maturity beyond his years after his experience of imprisonment.

Lin Chundong didn't stand on ceremony. Meeting Lu Yang's gaze, he spoke slowly but clearly: "Boss, since President Chen is more adept at overseeing the company in Singapore, I'm willing to take on the pioneering task of expanding into the mainland market."

He paused for a moment, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. "I have carefully analyzed the current international semiconductor landscape, especially the cutting-edge lithography and wafer cutting technologies. Europe, the United States, Japan and South Korea have a huge lead, but it is not insurmountable. Although the mainland started from a low point, it has unlimited potential. The support at the national level is unprecedented, and the relevant talents cultivated by top universities are emerging in an explosive manner."

He picked up the tablet on the table and pulled up several data charts to illustrate: "Give me a lean core team, combined with the existing industrial base and the continuous pool of high-quality talent in mainland China, and I am confident! It's not about simply replicating the model of the park here in Singapore, but about building a new team in mainland China with independent R&D capabilities and continuous innovation momentum! The key is to break through the precision and yield of wafer cutting technology, and use this as a wedge to gradually enter more core areas, catching up with or even surpassing the international first-class level. This is not just empty talk!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it was filled with a highly infectious conviction. "And..." He paused slightly, revealing a hint of bitterness.

"From the perspective of long-term development and personal security, I also believe that the mainland, which has full sovereignty, may be a more suitable place to settle down than small Singapore."

Lu Yang and Chen Wen both understood the deeper meaning behind that last sentence.

That thrilling "human repatriation" operation in Taiwan was destined to become an indelible mark on Lin Chundong's heart.

A satisfied smile appeared on Lu Yang's face.

Lin Chundong's analysis hits the nail on the head, demonstrating both determination and confidence. What's even more remarkable is his unwavering conviction about the future of mainland China, based on his own personal experience.

"Good!" he said loudly, making the final decision. "The wafer fab project will be led by Engineer Lin! The group will fully support you with all the resources, technology, and core personnel you need. You can discuss the specific departure time with Engineer Chen and then report back to me." In the evening, Lu Yang returned to his detached garden villa in a wealthy area of ​​Singapore, surrounded by greenery.

As soon as he stepped into the spacious and bright entryway, a figure carrying a faint fragrance greeted him and naturally took the suit jacket he had taken off.

Xu Siqi has recovered very well after giving birth. She wore a well-tailored off-white home dress that perfectly accentuated her more voluptuous and attractive curves than before. Her face radiated a gentle maternal glow, adding to her mature charm.

Lu Yang changed his shoes and walked straight to the soft carpet in the living room.

There, my daughter, who had just turned one year old, was clumsily chasing a brightly colored ball, giggling adorably.

Looking at his daughter's innocent smile, Lu Yang's brows, which had been hard all day, softened instantly. He squatted down and gently teased his daughter's chubby cheeks with his fingertips, which made the little one shout and flutter even louder.

Xu Siqi carefully hung up her coat, walked over to Lu Yang's side, and watched her daughter play with a smile.

A moment later, she leaned slightly closer to Lu Yang's ear and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, her tone tinged with barely perceptible trepidation and anticipation, "Have you finalized your travel plans for your trip back to China? Can...can I go back with you?"

Lu Yang paused in his teasing of his daughter, turned his head, and his deep gaze fell on Xu Siqi's face with scrutiny.

Xu Siqi's heart tightened slightly, and she quickly explained, "Honey, don't misunderstand! I promise I won't cause you any trouble!"

She spoke a little faster, "Mainly... as you know, the company is currently embroiled in a plagiarism lawsuit with Mingzhu Media, and there are several key points that need to be managed. There are also collaborations with Hunan TV and Dragon TV on several S+ level variety shows, as well as the progress of two commissioned drama projects, all in very sensitive negotiation stages. I want to personally go back to oversee things; face-to-face communication with the TV station executives would be more effective. And..."

She paused, then her voice softened, tinged with longing, "I also want to go back and see my dad. He's all alone in Luzhou, and I'm a little worried about him."

Lu Yang pondered for a moment.

Based on his understanding of Xu Siqi, while the so-called "taking charge of the overall situation" was important, her concern for her father, and... perhaps a subtle desire deep down to get closer to Yin Mingzhu's current situation, were probably the main driving forces.

He didn't point it out.

"Ah."

Lu Yang nodded. "Alright then, you can come back to China with me."

Xu Siqi's eyes lit up with surprise, as if afraid he would change his mind. She immediately stood on tiptoe and gave Lu Yang a loud kiss on the cheek: "That's great! You're the best, honey! Don't worry, I'll be absolutely sensible!"

She was as happy as a bird released from its cage and quickly made plans: "After I get off the plane, I'll fly directly to Luzhou with General Manager Lin and the others! I can also take a look at a few projects in East China."

"Alright."

Lu Yang agreed, "I plan to stay in Shenzhen for two days to take care of some things, and then fly to Luzhou. You can spend a couple more days with your dad in Luzhou, and then..."

“You don’t need to come with me then!” Xu Siqi immediately replied understandingly.

“I know you have a tight schedule, so you should focus on your business! I’ll stay in Luzhou for two days, and then I’ll take the company team directly to Shanghai! There’s a ton of work waiting for me there.”

She counted on her fingers, looking every bit the energetic and capable businesswoman.

Looking into her bright eyes, Lu Yang knew she really wanted to do something, and he was happy to let her distract herself.

"Ah."

He nodded again.

Xu Siqi snuggled close to him, tilting her head and gazing up at his sharply defined jawline.

Lu Yang couldn't help but lift her chin and say, "You can proceed with the lawsuit normally. Although it may not have a result, from a reputation perspective, the continuous public pressure and negative exposure will definitely deal a significant blow to Mingzhu Media's reputation. In this way, your Sifei Media's advantages in advertising sales, artist management, and project competition will naturally emerge."

"Hehe, honey, you guessed right." Xu Siqi snuggled against Lu Yang's chest with a hint of smugness. "That's what I was planning too, although Mingzhu and I used to... well, we had a very good relationship."

Her voice lowered slightly, a hint of barely perceptible complexity flashing across it, "But business is business! Who told her to actually copy and plagiarize? And these ideas..."

She raised her head again, her eyes regaining their clarity. "But these are all 'secret techniques' you secretly taught me! What is she doing? Getting something for nothing, reaping the benefits without lifting a finger? Of course, she has to pay a price!"

She tried to make her tone sound confident, as if she were trying to convince herself.

Lu Yang looked down at her, his deep eyes revealing little emotion.

He suddenly reached out and gently stroked Xu Siqi's small, pert nose with his knuckles.

This intimate gesture startled Xu Siqi slightly, but then a strange sense of unease rose in her heart.

She instinctively grabbed Lu Yang's shirt and whispered, "Honey...you don't...think I'm being a little petty, do you?"

She furrowed her brows slightly, her eyes filled with genuine worry. "After all... after all, she and I used to have such a deep relationship... you know, we used to be really... good..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the complex emotions she felt about their past relationship were already evident.

"Fool." Lu Yang's deep voice rang out, carrying a reassuring magnetism. "I was the one who asked you to deal with her in the first place, how could you think you're a villain?"

He looked into her eyes, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable weight, "You're overthinking it. Go ahead and do it."

"That's good! That's good!" Xu Siqi breathed a long sigh of relief and subconsciously patted her chest, which had become even fuller and firmer after childbirth, causing it to tremble slightly and intriguingly.

This unconscious movement, and the alluring rise and fall of her body beneath the neckline of her house dress with each breath, instantly ignited a hidden flame in Lu Yang's eyes.

His eyes darkened, his gaze sweeping over the alluring mound with a palpable heat.

Xu Siqi noticed Lu Yang's sudden change in expression and the dangerous aura emanating from him. Her cheeks flushed red, and she hurriedly whispered, "What...what are you doing? The baby...the baby is still here..."

Lu Yang curled his lips into a highly aggressive smile.

His strong arms wrapped around her slender waist without warning, and with a little effort, he lifted her up in a light, horizontal embrace.

"Nothing." He lowered his head, his hot breath deliberately spraying onto her sensitive earlobe and neck, causing a slight shiver. His voice was husky and magnetically seductive. "Guess... what I want to do?"

"Ah!" Xu Siqi exclaimed softly, her cheeks flushed red, but she did not struggle. She simply buried her face in his firm chest shyly.

Lu Yang held the soft, fragrant woman in his arms, glanced at his daughter who had finished playing on the carpet and was now dozing off while hugging her teddy bear, and said in a low voice, "The little one is asleep. Let the nanny take her away."

Without pausing, he carried Xu Siqi and strode upstairs to the master bedroom. (End of Chapter)