"Can you explain what's happening here?"

Yang Lingxi was mentally prepared for this, but still appeared flustered: "President Qian, you've misunderstood, it's not what it seems!

That day, I did see He Kao at the café by the street and even greeted him. There was a girl sitting across from him, and she was crying, which seemed odd to me.

The next day during lunch, I overheard some colleagues mentioning He Kao, so I casually brought up this incident. As a result, they began analyzing various possibilities, speculating on the relationship between He Kao and the girl, and what might have happened between them.

Later, there were all kinds of rumors circulating within the company, but I didn't say anything beyond describing what I saw at that time. Eventually, the rumors got more and more exaggerated, and I felt really guilty, which led to a quarrel with my colleagues..."

Qian Guran was still smiling: "What you said is slightly different from what I've gathered.

When the rumors first started circulating, someone even came to ask you if it was true. Not only did you confirm that you indeed saw it that night, but you also mentioned a lot of speculations and associations, all of which were aimed at discrediting He Kao.

You're very smart; when you were talking, you clarified that those weren't your speculations, but merely a relay of other colleagues' discussions.

But your behavior was fueling the flames; you yourself were a witness and knew the matter was simple, and all the rumors were unfounded, so why did you act that way?"

Yang Lingxi was no longer flustered but rather astonished; she knew He Kao and President Qian had a good relationship, but didn't expect it to be so close. Were they as inseparable as getting dressed together, or did He Kao save President Qian's life?

The conversation had already reached this point, and she wisely chose not to argue further. She lowered her head straightforwardly, her eyes reddening: "President Qian, I was wrong! I'll find He Kao and apologize in person, and I'll also find my colleagues to explain everything clearly.

My actions came from a small selfishness, because I really like He Kao..."

She seemed to choke up here, but in fact, she stopped talking at the right moment. In this situation, the other party would certainly probe further, asking why she did such things despite liking He Kao.

Then she could mention the words she had already prepared, guiding the topic and making a reasonable explanation, ultimately accepting President Qian's profound criticism and advice...

Unexpectedly, Qian Guran didn't probe further but nodded with a smile: "It's good to acknowledge your mistakes. You're still young; you can correct them! Your private relationship with He Kao is none of my business. However, someone as outstanding as you being in this company is really a pity.

This job doesn't suit you. Luckily, you're still in the probation period, so quitting voluntarily won't have a negative impact on your résumé. If you wait until the probation period is over and you're dismissed by the company, your résumé record won't look good.

Anyway, after the probation period, you won't be kept on, as you'll definitely fail my assessment! Therefore, I suggest you leave soon."

Yang Lingxi was quite surprised and looked up at Qian Guran. This man, right in front of her, could deliver such harsh words with a smile and in a gentle tone.

She decided not to act anymore and stared blankly into Qian Guran's eyes: "President Qian, just because of some private matters unrelated to company business, you're making such a hasty decision?"

Qian Guran: "It's not just a private matter, nor is the decision hasty."

Yang Lingxi: "I'd like to give you some advice."

Qian Guran: "Go ahead."

Yang Lingxi: "Earlier, when there was no one else around, those words can be considered unheard, and I'll offer you some advice as well — just pretend those words were never spoken."

Qian Guran: "Or else?"

Yang Lingxi: "I heard that you are Dr. Chunhua. You managed to get into a prestigious university back then and spent a decade grinding at a state-owned design institute before recently transferring to this branch company as a vice president.

Does it feel like you're finally achieving the pinnacle of success?

I'm just a recent graduate, and you're a senior company executive, yet you find various excuses unrelated to business work to engage in workplace bullying, harassing, and threatening me, attempting to force me to comply.

Have you considered that, even if you threaten me further, I'm merely a recent graduate who would only lose a probationary position and could easily find another one?

But everything you have has been hard-earned. If one day it suddenly disappears, wouldn't that be a great pity?"

Qian Guran laughed again: "You've said a lot of convoluted nonsense, but I've only grasped one meaning — you're threatening me, aren't you?"

Yang Lingxi: "I'm not threatening you — I'm just giving you advice, suggesting it's better to maintain good relations with me, otherwise I might not be so easily bullied."

Qian Guran: "I understand; you mean that if you can make He Kao's rumor circulate throughout the branch today, you can spread my rumor throughout the entire corporation tomorrow, with you as the so-called victim in the rumors, right?"

Yang Lingxi: "I never said that — it's your own speculation. But if it indeed comes to that point, it wouldn't be just an internal matter. Our group's social presence is quite prominent.

President Qian, Mr. Qian Guran, have you prepared yourself for all your efforts in the first half of your life to vanish, leaving the second half filled with hardship, despair, and remorse?

To someone like you, wouldn't that be even more unbearable than death!"

Qian Guran tilted his head: "Oh, we originally had no enmity. Just because you made a mistake, and I handled it appropriately while still maintaining your dignity...

For such trivial matters, do you intend to ruin me, and are you confident you can succeed?"

Yang Lingxi actually laughed: "Don't put it that way; I'm just discussing issues with President Qian. All these things can either happen or not happen. Wouldn't you agree?"

Qian Guran turned the laptop around, the screen split into four segments, displaying scenes of their conversation from four different angles clearly with sound recorded.

Yang Lingxi's eyes briefly flashed with anger, but she managed to stay calm, speaking lightly: "So you've set me up — but what does that change?

I've already admitted my error regarding what you've mentioned. As for my words, they were just a description of a fact to remind you, as a leader, to act cautiously. As for any threats — I didn't say that; it was all your speculation.

Your evidence doesn't threaten me."

Qian Guran turned off the surveillance footage and closed the laptop, smiling with a hint of irony: "Alright, the recording stops here, and I've seen nearly enough. What we're going to say now truly has no one else listening.

'Seven leaves bloom as one, and all seas converge.' Can you tell me the next line?"

**

PS: This is a combined long chapter; sorry for the slow update.

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