In Wen Ying’s eyes, the backs of Zhang Liqun and Pang Jinglong were straight and upright. This mother and son, oppressed for many years, had finally stood tall.
Wen Ying felt immensely happy.
Happier than if her novel had sold an extra million copies.
While everyone waited outside together, He Zhen took the initiative to chat with Wen Ying about company matters.
The 3 million investment had been secured, making Wen Ying a shareholder. It was only right to discuss the company’s development plans with her.
“I want to shift the company back to domestic development.”
Hua country had the advantage of population.
With population came demand, and He Zhen was very optimistic about the medical aesthetics market in Hua country.
“Now, return to the country?”
Seeing He Zhen nod, Wen Ying immediately calculated inwardly: would that not clash with “Silan”‘s business?
Wen Ying could not wait for He Zhen to replace “Silan”, dealing a heavy blow to Zhao Dong and his ilk. If He Zhen were the “Young Mr He” from her previous life, Wen Ying would have no worries. But the current He Zhen was still so young…
“What about Rebecca? I mean, if you develop back home, you two would not just continue a long-distance relationship, would you?”
Wen Ying did not directly question He Zhen’s abilities but approached from another angle.
In her previous life, why He Zhen and Rebecca broke up, Wen Ying had never asked in detail, but long-distance love was likely a major reason.
Wen Ying feared that in this life, with He Zhen’s career taking off early, he might still drift apart from Rebecca. That would be such a pity.
“Thank you for your concern. I have already invited Rebecca to join the company’s research and development centre. Currently, limited by the company’s scale, we can only use others’ existing patents. In the future, I want our own patents.”
Young He Zhen did not hide his ambitious career goals at all.
Though Wen Ying had limited contact with Rebecca, she could sense her intelligence and independence.
Would Rebecca accept He Zhen’s invitation?
Joining He Zhen’s company, transitioning from girlfriend to business partner.
Such a choice had pros and cons. If it were Wen Ying, she would not know how to choose either.
“…Has Rebecca agreed?”
Young He Zhen finally showed some uncertainty. “She is considering it. We formally discussed this before returning to the country.”
Rebecca absolutely supported He Zhen’s decision. A career was a man’s source of confidence, and Rebecca had never thought of making He Zhen live off her. But He Zhen had his career, and Rebecca had her own pursuits. Joining his company’s R&D centre was a decision Rebecca had to consider seriously.
Wen Ying asked cautiously, “If Rebecca refuses…”
“Then I will split the company into two parts. I will stay abroad, and let Jinglong handle the domestic side.”
These words were firm and resolute. Wen Ying immediately smiled. “It seems you have thought it all through. When I invested, I said I do not understand company matters. You make the decisions.”
Not understand company matters?
He Zhen did not quite believe it. During their trip abroad, Wen Ying could still play dumb like that. Hiring Lawyer Liao to help Pang Jinglong’s mother with the lawsuit, pretending to be naive now would be excessive.
He Zhen did not expose Wen Ying. “Whether you understand or not, I have an obligation to inform shareholders of company directions.”
A few metres away, Dong Runfang nudged Zhu Xu’s arm and whispered, “Do you know what is going on with Xie Qian? I heard from Wang Shuang that Xie Qian has some business abroad and even deferred enrolment at Aurora University. What business is so important?”
Xie Qian had been absent for nearly two months.
Though Wang Shuang, Peng Guoqing, and others could contact Xie Qian, no one had seen him in person.
Wang Shuang had been busy with his stall business and had no time to dwell on it. Peng Guoqing believed whatever Xie Qian said.
But the adults had long sensed something unusual.
These days, focused on rescuing Zhang Liqun, Dong Runfang only now found the chance to ask Zhu Xu.
Zhu Xu did not know how to explain and vaguely said, “Xie Qian’s family situation is quite complicated. The business he cares about, we cannot help with. Let him handle it himself.”
Dong Runfang sighed. “I am not worried about Xie Qian falling behind in studies. I know our family business is decent in Rongcheng, but in places like Modu or the capital, it is nothing. Even so, we would be willing to help if Xie Qian needs it.”
Dong Runfang did not need to flatter the Xie family.
Wang Jun was indeed no big boss, but his earnings could support ten Dong Runfangs.
Dong Runfang cared about Xie Qian because he had helped Wang Shuang.
Zhu Xu’s eyes sparkled. “I think the same as you. No wonder we get along so well. Let us be patient and wait. Xie Qian will return eventually.”
Everyone chatted while waiting for the hearing to end, even having lunch in between.
After who knows how long, Wen Ying, with sharp eyes, spotted Boss Pang first.
Boss Pang stormed out like a tempest, his lawyer jogging behind.
Boss Pang’s face was grim, as if someone had dug up his ancestors’ graves.
Wen Ying nearly laughed aloud: Zhang Liqun taking so much property must hurt Boss Pang more than grave desecration, right?
Boss Pang was almost at his car when he braked hard, standing still, gazing deeply behind him.
Zhang Liqun and Pang Jinglong walked slower than Boss Pang.
Especially Zhang Liqun, formally embracing her new life, each step steady and sure.
“Liqun, I do not blame you for insisting on divorce. I hurt your heart. I can swear now, but you would not believe me. Just watch my future actions.”
Hearing this, he still had not given up, thinking of reconciling with Zhang Liqun?
Zhang Liqun and Pang Jinglong were disgusted beyond words. Lawyer Liao said leisurely, “Mr Pang, to show your determination to change, no need to wait for the future. Just do not delay transferring the property to Ms Zhang.”
A disgusting scum like Boss Pang needed Lawyer Liao to handle him. Liao’s words hit Pang’s vital spot, making him glare fiercely at the lawyer.
If looks could kill, Lawyer Liao would have died a thousand times in court.
Unfortunately, looks cannot kill.
Boss Pang restrained himself from glancing at Zhu Xu and Dong Runfang, especially Zhu Xu. This woman suddenly appeared to back Zhang Liqun, even getting the chamber of commerce president to mediate, preventing Boss Pang from using many aggressive tactics… Humph, wait and see. Everyone in business has ups and downs. Boss Pang swallowed his anger.
Boss Pang left reluctantly.
Seeing the expectant looks from Wen Ying and others, Lawyer Liao smiled. “Today the court has granted the divorce. What remains is property transfer and renaming. I previously applied for asset preservation. If Pang Zhigang drags his feet and refuses cooperation, the court can enforce it.”
Already granted divorce?
Wen Ying had thought the second hearing would rule divorce, but hearing confirmation from her mentor made her extremely happy.
Everyone congratulated Zhang Liqun. Her eyes reddened. “I could divorce all thanks to your help.”
Wen Ying was curious about the hearing. “Lawyer Liao, Boss Pang actually had no objections to the property division plan?”
For the Pang surname to be so agreeable, Wen Ying was truly surprised.
“Of course he had objections, but our division plan was fair and reasonable. His objections were useless. I was originally worried Pang Zhigang would entangle endlessly and appeal after the first instance, dragging this divorce out prolonged. Unexpectedly, Pang Zhigang seems to have concerns. He had his lawyer convey that he will not appeal.”
When things are abnormal, there must be a reason.
After discussing with Zhang Liqun, Lawyer Liao responded to Pang Zhigang’s sensibleness: if Pang no longer appealed or entangled, Zhang Liqun would withdraw the bigamy charge against him.
“Alas, truly letting him off easy.”
Wen Ying muttered, without dwelling on it.
Lawyer Liao smiled. “I thought you would disdain my insufficient ability, unable to send Pang Zhigang to prison.”
Wen Ying had long considered this. “I thought you might use withdrawing the bigamy charge as exchange. Of course I want Pang Zhigang imprisoned. For all he did, does he not deserve it? But if the court convicts him of bigamy, likely just a few months in jail. That way, though Auntie Zhang and Pang Jinglong vent their anger, afterwards they would probably face endless pestering from this petty man… The trouble outweighs the gain. Withdrawing is the best choice.”
Wen Ying’s voice was a bit muffled. In her practising career, she had made similar “compromises”.
Her mentor’s philosophy was exactly this: fight the lawsuit, but also protect the client.
Sometimes to protect the client, her mentor would even take a good settlement, cutting off issues. That petty Du Li had once attacked her mentor for this, calling him soft, unable to maximise client interests. Pah, what did Du Li know.
Wen Ying quickly regained her spirits.
“Compromise is not weakness. Knowing when to compromise and when to be firm is a skill requiring wisdom. I only know that a brand new life awaits Auntie Zhang.”
Lawyer Liao looked back at Zhang Liqun and Pang Jinglong, fully agreeing with Wen Ying.
Zhang Liqun had a brand new life, and so did Pang Jinglong.
Boss Pang did too.
The difference was that Zhang Liqun and Pang Jinglong’s new lives meant shedding burdens and travelling light, while Boss Pang would face life’s storms and tempests.
