Having achieved financial freedom, I reorganized my workplace.

Chapter 116 Huge Blow (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chen Ya wore that apricot-colored dress today.

Lin Chen bought this dress for her before their falling out. He jokingly called it his "best battle dress." Not only was the hemline three inches above the knee just the right length to be alluring, but the most wonderful thing was the zipper at the back that could be pulled all the way down. With just a gentle pull, it was like opening a mysterious door, easily stripping her bare.

When they first got together, Lin Chen loved to play this trick. He would lean close to her ear and tease her with his tobacco-scented breath, while his fingers would slowly and deliberately pull on her zipper, watching her blushing earlobes and the way she clutched her clothes and trembled with breath.

Seeing the expression on her face, as if ants were crawling all over her body, I felt an overwhelming sense of conquest.

Lin Chen got out of the car and walked over. Chen Ya, her eyes sparkling with spring, leaned closer, her voice sweet and cloying: "Lin Chen."

"What are you doing here? Is there something you need?" Lin Chen remained extremely calm.

"Something came up." Chen Ya looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with a hint of deliberate tenderness. "Thank you for helping me today."

"I said no." Lin Chen frowned slightly. "There's no need to say these things between us."

"I know, but I..." she said, taking a step forward, almost touching Lin Chen. Suddenly, her voice held a hint of grievance, yet also a desperate courage: "I know I was too foolish and naive before. I shouldn't have broken up with you. I was wrong, I regret it, I've never forgotten you. Can you give me a chance to start over?"

A night breeze swept by, ruffling her hair and making her skirt flutter. She looked up at Lin Chen, her eyes overflowing with a lustful, almost humble expectation.

Lin Chen looked at her, his heart stirred. But the higher he climbed in the company, the more he understood that romance was the most useless burden. He was never short of women; the young and innocent Tang Yuwei, the mature and capable Tang Xin—each was far less troublesome than Chen Ya. Why bother with this scheming ex-girlfriend again?

"Chen Ya." Lin Chen's voice was deep, with an undeniable coldness: "The past is the past. There is no possibility between us anymore. Continuing to entangle us will only embarrass the other person. I don't want to go back to the past. You should look forward too. You don't like me at all now; you just like the power you have as the director."

"No, that's not it." Chen Ya hurriedly retorted, her eyes slightly reddening, and she was about to hug Lin Chen: "Lin Chen, I—"

Lin Chen avoided her gaze, maintaining his last shred of rationality: "It's getting late, let's go home soon."

Chen Ya suddenly reached out and grabbed his wrist. Her fingers were cool, like flower petals covered in dew. "Lin Chen, I know you don't like me anymore." Her voice grew softer and softer, with a hint of grievance and a desperate spirit. "I don't dare to ask for anything, I just want—I just want you to love me one more time, just once, okay?"

These words were like a red-hot branding iron, scalding Lin Chen's tense forehead. What was wrong with this woman? Was she shameless?

Damn it, how can anyone refuse? Lin Chen had told himself that he would not provoke women, but if they came after him, he would not let them go.

So, Lin Chen scooped her up in his arms, kicked open the apartment door, roughly threw her onto the sofa, grabbed the familiar zipper with both hands, and with a "rip," the apricot-colored skirt fell to the ground.

Inside the door, the boundless night churns with surging desires; outside, the bustling world continues as before.

A month later, another huge piece of bad news came from the city company.

That is, General Manager Fan of the municipal company was transferred to the neighboring municipal company, and Zeng Huihuang officially took over as the head of the municipal company.

No one knows how many shady dealings were behind this change of position. There were only vague rumors circulating in the break room that Zeng Huihuang had spent seven figures to bribe Bi Fuhai, the second-in-command of the provincial company, so his position was secure.

The day Lin Chen heard the news, he didn't eat a single bite of food all day. What the hell is this? It's absolutely infuriating.

He had clashed with Zeng Huihuang countless times in the past, both openly and covertly. Now that old man had risen to power and held the power of life and death, how could Lin Chen possibly have a good life in Ning City?

Fortunately, Lin Chen was not in the city company, otherwise he would have been in dire straits. However, not long after, Lin Chen received news that Zeng Huihuang had come to Sui County for inspection again.

That's fucking bad.

In fact, Zeng Huihuang did not just come to Suixian County this time, but to visit every county. Having just "ascended the throne" and put on the imperial crown, he was eager to come down and show off his power and receive the worship of his subordinates.

Zeng Huihuang's visit this time was a complete departure from his previous visits. All the feigned friendliness and approachability he used to put on was gone; he didn't even bother to pretend anymore.

He was full of vigor and his face was glowing. Every gesture and expression exuded confidence and composure, as if he had been given a second spring.

Lin Chen sneered inwardly: Sure enough, power is the best aphrodisiac.

When Zeng Huihuang visited Sui County, Song Jiehui's respect was so low it was almost obsequious. From the report to the banquet, he personally served Song Jiehui without the slightest negligence.

Back when Zeng Huihuang hadn't yet become the top executive of the city company, Song Jiehui could at least put on airs and challenge him. Now that Zeng Huihuang holds the power of life and death, even if Song Jiehui is unwilling, he can only obediently lower his head and crush his arrogance.

The reception process was still very formulaic: first a work report, then dinner and drinks.

After a few drinks, Zeng Huihuang's hypocritical mask shattered completely, and his lustful audacity grew. He blatantly shouted outside the door, demanding that Chen Ya come and drink with him.

As Chen Ya timidly moved to the table, he took the opportunity to put his arm around her waist. Chen Ya was so frightened that her face turned pale and her body stiffened like a stone. She could only look to everyone for help, but it seemed that no one dared to speak.

Seeing this, Lin Chen immediately stood up with his wine glass, walked to his side, and said in a calm but firm tone, "President Zeng, I'd like to toast you."

Zeng Huihuang glanced at Lin Chen, released Chen Ya, and gave a mocking smile: "It seems that Director Lin and I have always had some misunderstandings. I can't accept this drink."

Everyone at the table held their breath; they could all hear the underlying threat in those words.

Seeing that Chen Ya had escaped the tiger's clutches, Lin Chen didn't care anymore and said indifferently, "Since President Zeng doesn't want to drink with me, then don't force yourself. Just pretend I didn't toast you. Sorry."

Lin Chen remained expressionless, turned around and left, not giving him a chance to cause trouble. Zeng Huihuang pouted, unable to say anything. Everyone admired Lin Chen's courage.

After finishing his drink, Song Jiehui brought up some company plans, hoping Zeng Huihuang would give him his approval. Zeng Huihuang immediately reprimanded him: "Director Song, the Suixian Company is the place I'm most worried about. Some leaders have personal ideas that are seriously out of touch with reality, are very selfish, and have no sense of the big picture at all. I suggest you do a good job of ideological education, unify everyone's thinking with the company's pace, and don't let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch."

These words were spoken to Song Jiehui, but his eyes were precisely fixed on Lin Chen. Lin Chen didn't even lift his eyelids, having no intention of responding to this at all.

Song Jiehui immediately admitted his mistake: "Yes, President Zeng is right. There is indeed a problem of some leaders in our company being lax in their thinking. I also plan to learn from your city company and correct this trend."

Zeng Huihuang was quite satisfied with Song Jiehui's attitude and showed a gratified smile. However, for some reason, he brought up the Wushan Water Station again in the end. I don't know how he had the nerve to mention it.

"Director Song, what's the current situation with the Wushan Water Station? I heard it's been shut down completely? That doesn't seem right. Although the Wushan Water Station has had its flaws and problems, we can't just give up on it like that. Besides, so much time has passed since the Wushan Water Station breached its banks. Has the reconstruction of the station not been completed yet?"

Upon hearing this, Song Jiehui's face turned deathly pale, and a cold sweat instantly broke out on his back. Everyone knew that the Wushan Water Station had long been a mere decoration.

Because the Wushan Water Station stopped operating after the dam broke.

Although the entire dam foundation has been repaired, the water quality is still substandard, remaining highly acidic for a long time.

Later, the company invited professionals to inspect the water. The test report showed that Wushan is a mineral-rich area with many elements. The water contained too many dissolved minerals, which made it highly acidic.

Normally, this geological environment is completely unsuitable for building a water plant; it's blatantly playing with the lives of the people. But back then, Zeng Huihuang, for his own political achievements and to gain more power, insisted on making the decision to build it. No one could persuade him otherwise; anyone who objected was targeted.

Therefore, after the Wushan Water Station was rebuilt, Lin Chen overruled all objections and completely closed the Wushan Water Station, leaving only its function of water diversion, irrigation and drought relief, which can be regarded as preserving the water station's dignity to the greatest extent.

"Director Song, why aren't you saying anything?" Zeng Huihuang, seeing Song Jiehui stammering and refusing to answer directly, immediately raised his tone, his voice turning cold as he pressed, "What exactly is the situation at Wushan Water Station?"

Song Jiehui wiped the sweat from his forehead and answered hesitantly, "President Zeng, the reconstruction of the Wushan Water Station is complete, but there are still many other problems, so it cannot operate normally for the time being."

"Other problems? What problem has been dragging on for so long?" Zeng Huihuang was very unhappy. Everyone knew that this was something he was proud of, his only achievement to boast about. So he continued to lecture him with a stern face: "What on earth are you doing? The Wushan Water Station is a benchmark project for the city, and it's the only water station that your Sui County can be proud of. The accident happened almost half a year ago, and it still hasn't been resolved? What have you all been doing?"

Song Jiehui opened his mouth, wanting to talk about the water quality, but he swallowed the words back. If he brought it up, it would definitely cause another bloodbath.

"President Zeng," a voice called out at that moment, neither too loud nor too soft, but clearly carried throughout the entire conference room. But upon glancing to the side, there was no surprise; it was still the man with his own aura, Lin Chen, who stepped forward.

He slowly stood up, his back ramrod straight, his eyes calm as a deep pool, neither humble nor arrogant: "The Wushan water station wasn't left unresolved; it was thoroughly resolved. Closure is the final outcome."

"Hehe." Zeng Huihuang raised an eyebrow, his smile widening, with a hint of cat-and-mouse amusement: "Oh, so shutting down production is your solution? This is truly an eye-opener. Director Lin, tell everyone, a perfectly good water station, with so much manpower and resources invested, and you just shut it down like that? Is this the kind of efficiency your Sui Company has? Do you even know how much waste this has caused the company?"

"Waste?" Lin Chen chuckled, his laughter laced with undisguised sarcasm. "I can't agree with what President Zeng said. When the waterworks breached its banks, how many villages were destroyed? How many hamlets were flooded? That debt hasn't been settled yet. Although the water plant was rebuilt later, the water quality in Wushan is highly acidic, completely failing to meet drinking water standards. Let alone people drinking it, it could even burn seedlings if used for irrigation. Does President Zeng intend for the people of Suixian to drink this acidic water that could burn their stomachs?"

These words were like a slap in the face to Zeng Huihuang. His smile froze, and a flash of anger crossed his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.

After all, he is a newly appointed leader and cannot lose his composure.

He cleared his throat, his tone becoming agitated: "The water is highly acidic. Didn't we already say that? Didn't we have it cleaned up?"

Lin Chen continued to attack his morale: "This is fundamentally incurable because the entire Wushan area is essentially a giant mine. The flowing water will carry minerals into the water, causing pollution. To put it bluntly, this place is unsuitable for building a water station. When you insisted on building the water station here back then, did you ever consider the disastrous consequences?"

"Director Lin's words are a bit alarmist. Every project development involves a process of trial and error. The water station was built in response to the company's call for rapid development in Suixian County. Moreover, the soil quality report at the time didn't mention this. Now that the dam foundation is complete and the technology has improved, these minerals can be filtered. Why can't we try again?"

"Try it?" Lin Chen leaned forward, his gaze sharp as a knife: "President Zeng makes it sound so easy. The price of trying is the lives and health of ordinary people, and the loss of company assets. I can't afford to try, and I don't dare to try. I don't have that kind of guts."

"Lin Chen." Zeng Huihuang finally frowned, his voice suddenly rising, "What kind of attitude is this? Do you have no respect for your superiors? Do you have no sense of the bigger picture?"

"I only recognize facts, science, and the interests of the people." Lin Chen stood firm, each word ringing with conviction: "As for the big picture, does President Zeng consider opening a polluting water station as having a big picture?"

The conference room was deathly silent; you could hear every breath. Song Jiehui was so frightened his face turned green, and he desperately tried to signal to Lin Chen to stop talking.

Chen Ya, huddled in the corner, clenched her clothes tightly, her fingertips turning white. She was afraid that Zeng Huihuang would take his anger out on Lin Chen, and she was also afraid that this confrontation would implicate her. Her eyes were filled with panic and helplessness.

Not far away, Tang Xin held a water glass, her fingers slightly clenched, her gaze fixed on Lin Chen's straight back, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes. This guy has gone crazy again.

Zeng Huihuang's face flushed red and then turned pale, his fingers clenching so tightly they cracked. He hadn't expected Lin Chen to dare to show him no respect in front of so many people, even though he was the top leader.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and his tone became sinister: "Director Lin has become even bolder than before. I wonder if he thinks his position is too high."

Even a fool could hear the threat in those words.

Lin Chen seemed not to understand, picked up the water glass on the table, took a slow sip, and said calmly, "President Zeng, you flatter me. I am bold because I have a clear conscience. This is the confidence that the people give me."

Zeng Huihuang stared intently at Lin Chen. Their gazes collided in the air, sparks flying. After a long while, Zeng Huihuang suddenly laughed, but the laugh was colder than ice: "Good, very good. Director Lin is indeed a man of principle."

He clapped his hands, turned to look at Song Jiehui, and his tone returned to its previous nonchalant tone: "Director Song, we really need to step up our efforts in ideological education in Sui County. Some people just won't shed a tear until they see the coffin."

Song Jiehui nodded: "Yes, yes, Mr. Zeng, rest assured, I will definitely make sure it is implemented."

Zeng Huihuang snorted coldly, not glancing at Lin Chen again, and strode out of the conference room with his hands behind his back.

Only after that arrogant figure completely disappeared did everyone in the private room breathe a sigh of relief, as if all their strength had been drained away.