The receptionist was startled by Cheng Jing's expression and words. She glanced at Qi Huan, and upon noting his wheelchair-bound state, recalled the recent company discussions about President Qi.
The rumor was that the Qi Family's once-dominant eldest son, now disabled, was about to be stripped of his position by Chairman Qi, to be replaced by the current President Qi. Nearly all employees, including newcomers like her, had heard the gossip.
In other words, the man before her was likely the soon-to-be-deposed former president.
Admittedly, even in a wheelchair, Qi Huan exuded an unrivaled air of nobility—no wonder he had once been a towering figure in the business world.
A pity, though. No matter how brilliant he had been, the Qi Family's eldest son was now immobile and, as rumors went, even infertile.
Maintaining a professional smile, she replied in a businesslike tone, "My apologies, I’m new here and unaware of the specifics. But during onboarding, the HR director emphasized that Qi Yue is our president now."
Cheng Jing scoffed. "Just a month in, and Qi Yue is already trying to usurp the company."
Qi Huan’s expression remained unreadable.
The receptionist continued, "I really can’t let you in without authorization. Perhaps you could wait in the lounge downstairs? Once President Qi finishes his morning meeting, I’ll notify him."
"Wait?" Cheng Jing sneered. "In this company, people have always waited for Young Master Qi. Since when does Qi Yue dare to put on such airs? Call him down immediately."
"I’ll try." Unable to argue, she returned to the front desk and dialed Qi Yue’s number.
This time, Qi Yue didn’t hang up.
Recalling how his own calls had been instantly rejected, Qi Huan chuckled coldly, his eyes darkening. Truth be told, Qi Yue was too impatient and lacked composure.
"President Qi, there’s a gentleman in a wheelchair downstairs asking to see you. He insists you come down immediately… The meeting isn’t over? Another half hour? Have him wait? Understood."
Hanging up, the receptionist apologized again. "President Qi said the meeting will take another half hour. He asked if you could wait in the lounge. There are sofas there—"
Qi Huan showed no trace of anger, merely smiling leisurely. "No need. If Qi Yue is busy, so be it. He’ll come begging soon enough. Cheng Jing, let’s go."
...
Upstairs in the corporate tower, Qi Yue stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, champagne glass in hand, watching Qi Huan’s departure below. He smirked triumphantly at Qi Tianxiang. "Dad, seeing Qi Huan slink away like a stray dog is downright satisfying."
Qi Tianxiang chuckled. "Once you inherit the Qi Family and take full control, you’ll savor this feeling often. Everyone beneath you will grovel, hang on your every word, and await your decisions. Nothing compares."
Qi Yue’s eyes gleamed with ambition as he poured champagne for his father. "I can’t wait for that day."
Qi Tianxiang swirled his glass. "It won’t be long. Once you’re the heir, we’ll never have to bow to anyone again."
...
After leaving Jing City’s largest auction house, Jiang Youli checked the time—not even 10 a.m.
Once in her car, she called Qi Huan.
He answered promptly.
"Little Huan, what time’s your therapy today?"
A low, self-deprecating laugh came through. "Anytime now. I planned to visit the company earlier, but after a month away, my own employees barred me from entering."
Jiang Youli leaned back, arching a brow teasingly. "Locked out of your own company? How humiliating."
"Exactly. Pathetic, isn’t it? I’ll need my future wife to console me."
"I think you’re just fishing for sympathy."
"Scout’s honor, I’m innocent."
"Fine. Same place as usual, or should we book a presidential suite like I suggested last night?" she continued, amused.
Qi Huan played coy. "Neither. Somewhere more interesting today."
"Oh? Color me intrigued~"
"Location sent."
Following the coordinates, Jiang Youli arrived at the destination and raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Two burly bodyguards in black suits lay unconscious outside the door, swiftly taken down.
This was Qi Huan’s idea of "interesting"?
It didn’t disappoint.
The door was ajar, so she stepped over the fallen guards and strode inside.
By the window sat Qi Huan in his wheelchair, a faint smirk on his lips, his gaze inscrutable. Beside him stood Cheng Jing, his ever-present assistant.
Then her eyes landed on a young woman, no older than twenty, seated on the sofa.
Dressed head-to-toe in expensive, seasonally trendy avocado-green designer gown, her jet-black hair cascaded freely, radiating youthful vibrancy.
Yet her pretty face was a canvas of conflicting emotions—anger, fear, humiliation, resentment...
Hearing footsteps, Qi Huan turned. "You’re here, Little Li."
Jiang Youli tilted her chin toward the woman. "And this is?"
Qi Huan introduced, "The Qi Family’s adopted daughter, Qi Yu."
Qi Yu, meanwhile, scrutinized Jiang Youli with equal curiosity.
The legendary Jiang Family’s true heiress, who stole the spotlight at the welcome banquet?
Her features were delicate, but her sun-kissed complexion defied traditional fair-skinned beauty standards, exuding a bold, untamed allure.
After sizing her up, Qi Yu couldn’t fathom it. Jiang Yonghe—raised as the Jiang Family’s jewel, rigorously trained in arts, etiquette, and social graces—had lost to this village-born Jiang Youli?
Seems Jiang Yonghe was all reputation and no substance.
Though filled with doubt and disdain, Qi Yu dared not speak carelessly now. She put on an innocent, harmless demeanor and asked Qi Huan sweetly, "Brother, is this the young lady the Jiang Family just brought back—my future sister-in-law?"
Qi Huan didn’t respond.
Instead, Jiang Youli studied Qi Yu with an inscrutable glint in her eyes, her lips curving into a faint, ambiguous smile. "So you’re the Qi Family’s adopted daughter. My little Huan Huan broke his legs saving you, didn’t he?"
At these words, Qi Yu’s expression froze instantly, the smile on her lips vanishing without a trace. She forced a dry chuckle and murmured, "Yes… it’s true that I caused trouble for Brother."
Jiang Youli’s gaze sharpened. "Oh? Was it trouble—or a deliberate attempt to harm him?"
