Bai Xiaoxiao pouted, complaining, "Ranran, how could you not tell me about something so entertaining? And about Linda too—she strutted around like a proud peacock that day. I can't wait to see her cry her eyes out."
A flicker of surprise passed through Wen Ran's eyes as she glanced toward Luo Haofeng with mild astonishment. Even the matter of Linda—he told Xiaoxiao that as well?
"I hadn't planned to tell Bai Xiaoxiao," Luo Haofeng shrugged, "but after spending an evening sickened by those two hideous women, I needed some beauty to cleanse my eyes today. Otherwise, I wouldn't even be able to swallow a drop of water. Besides, she's one of the main characters in this little drama—I had to let her know. It's not like you could come along to watch the show, right?"
As he spoke, Luo Haofeng lifted one perfectly shaped eyebrow and casually shot a sidelong glance at Mo Xiuchen, silently hinting at Wen Ran not to let Mo Xiuchen pull such dirty tricks again.
Wen Ran furrowed her brows ever so slightly, somewhat concerned that Bai Xiaoxiao might be swayed by Luo Haofeng's silver tongue. She had just come out of a breakup, the most vulnerable time for a woman's heart to be moved.
And Luo Haofeng was no stranger to romantic entanglements—if Xiaoxiao were to be hurt by him...
"Ranran, we should head to the company. It's not polite to keep the board members waiting too long."
Mo Xiuchen gave Luo Haofeng a warning glance, then looked down at Wen Ran, his tone gentle and tender.
"All right," she murmured softly, her lips curving into a faint line. Xiaoxiao had always been lively and playful, and she seemed genuinely intrigued by Luo Haofeng's suggestion. If Wen Ran forbade her from going, it would surely dampen her spirits.
MS Group
By the time Mo Xiuchen and Wen Ran arrived, the exterior of the towering building was already surrounded by a throng of reporters.
They weren't late; the little detour to Cheng Jia's house had actually been earlier than their usual office hours. They arrived just on time for the start of the workday.
The reporters had rushed over from Cheng Jia's residence as well, merely a few minutes ahead of them.
Flashbulbs popped continuously as Mo Xiuchen and Wen Ran walked side by side toward the revolving doors of the building. The handsome man and beautiful woman made for a stunning sight, eliciting envy from onlookers. But what drew the most admiration was Mo Xiuchen's unwavering affection for Wen Ran. The way he looked at her—with a tenderness never before seen—melted hearts.
His tone, too, held a gentle indulgence that was unfamiliar to those who knew him. As the couple was escorted toward the private elevator by several senior executives, their grace and harmony became the center of attention.
"Ranran, let's go."
Someone had considerately held the elevator door open. Mo Xiuchen turned to Wen Ran and spoke softly before placing a protective arm around her and stepping inside. The executives followed, while the reporters took the adjacent elevator.
Just before the doors closed, Mo Xiuchen gently brushed a few stray strands of hair behind Wen Ran's ear, his every movement imbued with tenderness.
Wen Ran accompanied Mo Xiuchen to the board meeting, witnessing the moment he officially assumed the role of CEO.
Meanwhile, Qin Mu was tasked with personally going to the hospital to escort Wen Jin to the Wen Pharmaceutical Factory.
Li Qian accompanied him.
Wen Jin's mood seemed subdued, his words tinged with a faint heaviness.
Ever since he received Mo Xiuchen's call that morning, his emotions had taken a sudden downturn. That arrogant man had informed him that Ranran would attend the board meeting alongside him and would not be visiting the factory today.
He had even added, in feigned kindness, that if Wen Jin were willing to return and manage the factory, he would appoint Ranran as his personal secretary—sparing her further hardship.
To top it off, he had sent Qin Mu as support, worried that a man who couldn't stand might fail to keep Zhou Mingfu in check.
In truth, Wen Jin had already contacted a friend in the police department the night before, instructing him to station officers near Zhou Mingfu's residence, in case he attempted to flee upon catching wind of anything.
What he hadn't anticipated was Zhou Mingfu's desperation—his rash decision to lay hands on Ranran. Fortunately, she escaped, and in turn captured the two women he had sent to the hospital.
In the dead of night, Wen Jin received a call: Zhou Mingfu had tried to flee, but was apprehended by two officers. He had been taken into custody on charges of orchestrating Wen Ran's abduction.
As a result, Zhou Mingfu would not be at the factory that morning. All Wen Jin needed to do was publicly announce the "evidence" of his crimes.
Without Zhou's presence, the matter would proceed more smoothly.
The two women who had returned home with Luo Haofeng would also head directly to the police station today to confront Zhou Mingfu. The only regret was that during the previous abduction in F City, none of the captured perpetrators had implicated Zhou Mingfu, no matter the method used.
That kidnapping case, it seemed, had reached a dead end.
At 9 a.m., Wen Pharmaceuticals held an all-staff assembly.
Wen Jin, pushed by Li Qian and flanked by Qin Mu, ascended the stage. The employees who saw him were visibly delighted and stirred with emotion. When Li Qian announced, "Let us welcome President Wen's return," thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
It was clear that Wen Jin had earned deep respect during his tenure.
Although he had managed some affairs from the hospital following the car accident, and many employees had visited him there, nothing could compare to the uplifting effect of his physical return.
After a brief introduction by Li Qian, Wen Jin took the microphone and addressed the crowd in a calm and gentle tone:
"First, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you. During the time I was unconscious, after the passing of my parents, each of you chose to remain at your posts, steadfastly following my sister, Wen Ran, and continuing your work at the factory…"
At his words, a wave of emotion swept through the audience. Those who had sincerely believed in Wen Ran were visibly moved, eyes glistening with tears. And those who had once harbored doubts—those who hesitated, suppressed by Wen Ran's resolve or secretly prepared to jump ship—now sat awkwardly, feeling the sting of guilt.
Eighty percent of these employees had been with the company for over eight years. Though Wen Pharmaceuticals lacked the financial might of MS Group, its employee welfare was unparalleled.
From insurance to holiday bonuses, from birthday gifts to compassionate gestures in times of illness or family affairs, the factory never failed to show care.
More importantly, there were no penalties—only rewards. Even when mistakes occurred, superiors taught patiently instead of punishing.
Such a rare and benevolent company, with a boss so compassionate—how could they bear to leave?
Yet, the car accident had taken both Wen Hongrui and his wife, leaving Wen Jin in a vegetative state. No one knew when, or if, he would wake up. The entire burden fell upon a young woman fresh out of university—Wen Ran.
Under such internal turmoil and external pressure, fear and uncertainty had gripped many hearts.
Wen Jin allowed a few seconds for the crowd to process their emotions. Then, his brows furrowed slightly, and his expression turned solemn. In a grave tone, he declared:
"The reason I've gathered everyone here today is to make an important announcement."
The audience fell into silence, all eyes turning to him.
Beside him, Qin Mu handed over a folder containing documents and evidence. Li Qian whispered a question, asking whether the two women from the previous night should be brought in.
Wen Jin shook his head lightly and lowered his gaze. A chill flashed across his eyes as they swept over the papers. When he looked up again, his expression was steely and commanding.