CHAPTER 156: CHAPTER 156: ILLUSION OR REALITY (2)_1

"Girl, shall we go in, or do you want to watch the show?" Shangguan Qing asked softly. He knew she had some scores to settle with them, and seeing them embarrass themselves now would likely be quite a treat for her.

"Let’s watch for a while. I have a feeling I’ll see Brother Jie," Shangguan You said softly, her eyebrows curving. It would be great if we could meet.

"You girl," Shangguan Qing chuckled, his brow furrowing slightly before relaxing. The two of them watched from a distance. Amidst their quiet conversation and laughter, a portly figure emerged from the elevator. Director Li wiped sweat from his forehead, his chubby face glistening with perspiration as he stormed furiously toward the security guard.

"Get your security manager here to see me! Does the Lin Family employ guards who push customers out? Do you think you can still work for the Lin Family after this? The Lin Family doesn’t need guards who drive away guests! Go to the finance department and get your pay. You’re fired! Someone like you doesn’t deserve to be with the Lin Family. Your very presence on Lin Family property soils it!"

Director Li’s belly jiggled as he jabbed a finger at the security guard. The guard’s face turned ashen, and his hands clenched tightly.

"Director Li, I was just following orders! I haven’t violated any company policies. You can’t fire me!"

"I am Director Li, the company’s vice president! Who do you think you are? A mere security guard? What I say are the rules of the Lin Family!" Director Li bellowed, glaring down at the security guard he deemed presumptuous.

With Director Li’s arrival, the security manager and other relevant personnel hurried over. Seeing it was Vice President Li and hearing his outburst, many of their expressions soured. They, too, were merely following orders from higher-ups, all in accordance with company policy.

"If all of you want your entire department to be sent home packing, then keep blocking me! It’s your choice: sacrifice one person, or the whole department goes home!" Director Li threatened viciously. His expression then shifted, a smile spreading across his face as he extended a large hand toward Wanqian.

"Wanqian, these people must be new. They didn’t recognize you, and that’s why they stopped you at the door. Come on, whatever you’d like to buy, I’ll give you a 10% discount as an apology." Director Li took Wanqian’s small hand, stroking it a few times before letting go, his face brimming with an ingratiating smile. He had ongoing business dealings with the Shen Family and had benefited greatly from their association, so he naturally had to handle even this minor issue properly.

"Then I truly must thank you, Director Li. When Shen Cheng and I are free, we’ll be sure to treat you to a meal," Wanqian replied, a polite smile on her face.

"Of course, of course! There will be plenty of opportunities for a meal. No rush, no rush at all. Let’s go," Director Li said, his chubby face wreathed in smiles.

"HMPH! They dared to block me at the door! He can go home and fend for himself now! The Lin Family... pfft, what are they anyway?" Shen Jia gloated, smirking triumphantly at the dismissed security guard.

"What are you still standing here for? Leave immediately! You’re no longer an employee of the Lin Family!" Director Li shouted, glaring at the guard whose face was tight with anger. He’s already been fired. What right does he have to stand here? He must leave.

"Since when did the Lin Family’s affairs become yours to command, Director Li?" A deep, chilly voice suddenly resonated, startling everyone. A dark figure appeared: a handsome man with tousled hair and a cold smirk. It was none other than Lin Wenjie.

Seeing the newcomer, Shen Jia’s expression faltered. Isn’t this the same person Shangguan You called ’Brother Jie’ at the resort? Could this place be his too? If that’s true, then I understand why I was barred at the door!

So, Shangguan You was the mastermind behind all of this! Anger surged through Shen Jia, her face flushing red once more.

"President! What... what brings you here?" Director Li scurried over to Lin Wenjie, his demeanor instantly fawning. A cold sweat broke out on his brow. If I had known the President was coming, especially when I was trying to impress Wanqian, I wouldn’t have been so careless! He saw my mistake!

"The Lin Family is mine. Why shouldn’t I be here? Or were you perhaps thinking the Lin Family had changed its name to Li?" Lin Wenjie’s voice was icy. "Director Li, go to the finance department, collect your pay, and leave immediately. The Lin Family has no place for managers who disregard company directives. You are not fit for your position."

"President, every visitor is our guest. Why should we turn guests away? That goes against our company’s principles! I was just following regulations!" Director Li pleaded, sweat streaming down his forehead as he tried to explain.

"The Lin Family has no need for guests like this Miss Shen. Furthermore, the order came directly from the Chairman. If you have any complaints, you can take them up with him." A cold smile touched Lin Wenjie’s lips. Two guards in black suits swiftly stepped forward and escorted Director Li away.

Wanqian’s expression turned unsightly. I truly didn’t expect... we actually offended someone so powerful? A vice president, dismissed just like that, and all because of me? Isn’t this a direct slap in my face? Does the Shen Family no longer have any influence in Beijing? To be humiliated like this...

"President Lin, surely there’s a reason for this, isn’t there? If you’re open for business, you should treat all customers equally. Your mall turned us away. Don’t you think that’s going too far? Moreover, was it really necessary to fire Director Li so abruptly over a disagreement?" Although Wanqian had never personally interacted with Lin Wenjie, she was familiar with his reputation and various accomplishments.

He’s so young, yet his businesses span the entire country and even extend overseas. And this President rarely makes public appearances. I truly never expected to meet him here.

"The Lin Family is mine. I’ll do as I please. Can the Shen Family do anything about it?" Lin Wenjie swept a cold gaze over Wanqian, then his icy stare fixed on Shen Jia. The sheer arrogance in his tone was astounding; if Ye Sanshao had been present, their levels of audacity would have been comparable.

"You—!" Wanqian’s face turned a kaleidoscope of colors—from red to white, then to a sickly green. I never imagined Lin Wenjie would be so brazen, so openly arrogant! Yes, the Lin Family is his, but did he really need to declare it so haughtily?

"Are you doing this for your little lover, Shangguan You? Is that why you blacklisted me?" Shen Jia’s face paled, and her body trembled with rage as she stared at Lin Wenjie.