She kept her marriage a secret for three years, then divorced and was forcefully pampered by a power

After waiting for a long time without any response, Shao Yan felt that since she had clearly rejected Huo Xiao last time, he definitely wouldn't talk to her again.

A wave of intense despair washed over Shao Yan, and she finally gave up hope.

Just as I was drifting off to sleep, my phone vibrated twice on the bedside table.

A live photo pops up in the message.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows of the luxurious penthouse lies the bustling night view of the northern city. On the marble table of the open-air balcony sits a half-full glass of red wine, its crimson liquid imbued with the ambiguity and luxury of the night, as if whispering secrets to a lover.

Shao Yan didn't understand why he sent her this photo and kept waiting for a follow-up, but there was no further news from him.

The next day, Shao Yan went to the company with dark circles under her eyes, having spent the whole night trying to understand Huo Xiao's meaning.

There had been some ambiguous relationship between them, and she was too embarrassed to talk too much with a man who seemed lonely late at night.

As soon as Shao Yan arrived at the company, Ye Xin came to find her.

"Assistant Shao, President Meng wants you to go to his office."

Ye Xin spoke with a hint of schadenfreude, which Shao Yan sensed was not a good thing.

After Meng Yusu woke up and returned to the Meng family, he never took the initiative to contact her.

The reason given was ridiculous: Shao Yan has a bad image.

She had heard from people at the company that if she hadn't been forced into the position by the old man, Meng Yu would have fired her long ago.

However, during the three years that Meng Yu was in a coma, if she hadn't gone all out, those debts would have already dragged the Meng family down.

Shao Yan didn't say anything, and pushed her wheelchair to Meng Yu's office.

As soon as they reached the door, they heard a sweet female voice coming from inside, and Meng Yu gently coaxing Pei Rongrong.

He said he wanted to buy her a piece of jewelry she had recently taken a liking to.

Pei Rongrong said she didn't need it, but she was overjoyed.

Shao Yan symbolically knocked on the door, and Pei Rongrong stared at Shao Yan with her big, bright eyes.

Looking at Shao Yan's wheelchair, Meng Yu still frowned almost imperceptibly.

"I called you here because I have something to discuss with you. Rongrong needs to write a thesis for her graduation from university, and I've arranged for her to intern at the company. Could you mentor her?"

Shao Yan stared intently at Meng Yu.

What does it mean to "bring Pei Rongrong along"? It's obvious they're after her for the assistant position.

Before Shao Yan could respond, Meng Yu continued.

"Once Rongrong is familiar with the work process, you can give up your assistant position. She's young, efficient, and most importantly, she doesn't want to be my subordinate; she wants to have her own career and can lend me a hand someday."

Shao Yan has come to a profound understanding of what it means to be discarded after one has served their purpose; isn't her current situation a perfect example of this?

"If I remember correctly, the Pei Group belongs to Miss Pei's family, right? Such a large company surely has enough places for Miss Pei's internships, why does she need to compete with a mere assistant like me?"

Meng Yu never expected that Shao Yan, who always obeyed him at the company, would openly defy him in front of Pei Rongrong.

"Shao Yan, do you need to be so petty? Rongrong is the eldest daughter of the Pei family, but she is not spoiled like a typical young lady. She wants to earn her own living and survive on her own abilities. Unlike you, who only knows how to curry favor with the powerful and become a parasite."

Shao Yan bit her lower lip so hard it almost bled.

Clinging to power and becoming parasites?

Despite all the years she's built the Meng Group to its current state, she's seen as utterly useless trash by Meng Yu.

Pei Rongrong had been standing by watching the show. Seeing that the conversation between Meng Yu and Shao Yan had reached a fever pitch, she softened her voice and placed her delicate, boneless hand on Meng Yu's chest.

"Ah Yu, you're too fierce."

Pei Rongrong looked at Shao Yan: "Sister Shao, you should apologize to A Yu right away. I won't blame you. A Yu is a CEO. How could you talk to him like that?"

I've heard about what happened to you. The only reason Ah Yu keeps you in the company is because you once saved him. If you're worried that I'll take your assistant position, I don't have to learn from you.

But as a subordinate, you should at least have basic respect for your superior.

Meng Yu put his arm around Pei Rongrong's waist in front of Shao Yan, his dark eyes so deep they seemed to drip water.

"Shao Yan, did you hear that? Even a little girl is more sensible than you. What right do you have?"

Shao Yan scoffed: "I should be the one saying that. When President Meng was in a coma, he dumped this mess of the Meng Group on me. If I hadn't staked everything I had, even my mother's inheritance, to help your Meng family—"

"That's enough. I've heard too much about these things, and I don't want to hear any more. Shao Yan, you don't need to bring it up again."

Meng Yu was most annoyed by this matter, as if without Shao Yan, the entire Meng family would starve.

Shao Yan had never taken credit from Meng Yu before. This was the first time she had poured out her grievances to Meng Yu, but all she received in return was his disdain.

"So that's why Sister Shao Yan dared to act so arrogantly in the Meng family?"

Pei Rongrong clung tightly to Meng Yu, whose face was extremely grim. Pei Rongrong was adding fuel to the fire.

"So last time at the Meng family's house, you threw an ashtray at A-Yu, did you think you were so capable? But I heard that while A-Yu was in a coma, Grandpa Meng was the one controlling the company behind the scenes. Because you were A-Yu's savior, Grandpa Meng arranged for you to work odd jobs at the Meng Group to repay you, isn't that right?"

Shao Yan laughed in anger as she looked at Meng Yu.

"Is this how you introduce me to your girlfriend?"

Meng Yu's face was somewhat gloomy; he actually wanted to explain.

Although he had no romantic feelings for Shao Yan, she had indeed saved his life.

As for saying that Shao Yan is a general worker in the company, that's a bit of an overstatement.

He never told Pei Rongrong this.

"Meng Yu, does your girlfriend know that we actually—"

"Shao Yan, don't go too far."

Meng Yu realized what Shao Yan wanted to say, and clenched his fists so tightly that the veins on the back of his hands were clearly visible, as if he could kill someone at any moment.

Shao Yan's eyes held a clear provocation, while Pei Rongrong stared at Shao Yan with bright, curious eyes.

"What are you two actually?"

Pei Rongrong couldn't think of any leverage a cripple could have that would frighten Meng Yu.

"You said you helped A-Yu and even staked your entire fortune. I'm the daughter of the Pei family. How much did you invest in Meng's? I'll pay it back for A-Yu."

Meng Yu gritted his teeth, as a man he hated nothing more than being told that he relied on women.

Moreover, he did not believe that what Shao Yan said was true. At that time, the Meng family was only temporarily in crisis, and it was not as serious as Shao Yan said.

Ye Xin stood at the door listening for a long time. She wanted to continue watching the show, but it was time for the meeting to start. If she didn't remind Meng Yu, he would definitely punish her.

She had no choice but to interrupt them, saying, "President Meng, it's time for the meeting."

Meng Yu restrained his temper and reserved all his gentleness for Pei Rongrong.

"You'll come with me to the venue later to familiarize yourself with the company environment."