Limited-Time Attachment - Chapter 27

Lin Zhenmian was the successor wife Zhong Zhengcheng married into the family when Zhou Jibai was nine years old.

At that time, the funeral for Zhou Jibai’s mother had ended a mere two months prior. Yet, Lin Zhenmian was already stepping through the doors of the Zhong household, ready to occupy the position of Mrs. Zhong. Surprisingly, no one in the family found it inappropriate. The wedding ceremony was exceptionally calm just like any other ordinary, “reasonable” marriage with a hall full of guests offering their blessings to Zhong Zhengcheng and Lin Zhenmian.

The long years of separation had caused these people to forget that Zhou Jibai’s mother, Zhou Ying, was the only legal wife Zhong Zhengcheng ever had, and that Lin Zhenmian was nothing more than a shameless, intentional third party.

“You’ve been back for so long, yet it’s rare for you to come home for a meal. Quick, come inside,” Lin Zhenmian said with a gentle smile and a soft voice.

Zhou Jibai looked at Lin Zhenmian and slightly curled the corners of her mouth, her expression flawless. “Alright, Auntie Lin.”

As Zhou Jibai expected, Zhong Xingzhou’s so-called “joining the group” was indeed an entry into Jiaxing.

No wonder Lin Zhenmian had been so nervous at the door.

“Xingzhou is no longer young, it’s time he learned to handle affairs. I thought it would be best for him to learn from you,” Zhong Zhengcheng stated.

Jiaxin was originally built from the ground up by Zhou Jibai herself. Along with other associated subsidiaries, the value it created accounted for nearly half of the Zhong Group’s empire. When she went abroad, Zhong Zhengcheng had arranged for Zhong Xiuwen to enter Jiaxin almost immediately after her departure. Unfortunately, Zhong Xiuwen didn’t have the capability to sustain it. Now, it seemed Zhong Zhengcheng had learned from previous mistakes and planned to send someone to learn how to develop Jiaxin first.

Zhong Xiuwen, Lin Zhenmian, Zhong Zhengcheng… not a single one of them was any good.

Zhou Jibai merely lowered her eyes, using a porcelain spoon to scoop a bit of clear soup. “Fine.”

“Also,” Zhong Zhengcheng’s tone was indifferent yet brooks no argument, “the storm has dissipated now, and no one will bring up the past. However, I do not wish to see a repeat of the ‘absurdities’ from two years ago. There are some matters you should start planning for sooner rather than later.”

The cruise ship was a night of superficial extravagance and absurdity, but Song Ming barely participated. She simply watched Jing Lie embrace various beautiful girls; even when people tried to approach her, Song Ming rejected them.

In truth, Song Ming was very used to such scenes. In fact, in the past, she not Jing Lie, would have been the one controlling the floor.

“Who could play wilder than you?” Jing Lie had once said.

She wasn’t sure how it had changed. Looking back, it seemed to happen after she started pursuing Zhou Jibai. Hearing that Zhou Jibai didn’t like people who lived nocturnal lives or were too boisterous, she changed everything.

On the screen, a new subordinate was reporting work progress. Song Ming subconsciously twisted the ring on her hand, but her movement suddenly froze right, she didn’t use to wear these things.

“Based on the evidence we currently have, we don’t hold the advantage. I’m afraid this appeal will be difficult to yield results,” the subordinate concluded.

Song Ming had already estimated this conclusion after reviewing the materials, but she hadn’t said anything.

Song Zhongtian was still watching from the sidelines. It was better to perform some futile efforts so he wouldn’t think her staying outside was a waste of time and try to drag her back to Songyun.

“If the appeal can’t succeed in the short term, then find a way through public opinion,” Song Ming said.

The subordinate froze, confused. “What do you mean…?”

Song Ming looked up, casting a sharp glance at the subordinate. “Words are invisible knives. Didn’t the defendant rely on this trick to shed their infamy? Is it so hard to give them a taste of their own medicine?”

“Uh…” The subordinate looked down at the documents. “The other party is counter-accusing us of framing them and has gained a fair amount of support because of it. We’ve issued many clarifications and PR statements, but they haven’t had much effect…”

“Statements,” Song Ming sneered, ignoring the subordinate’s bewildered expression. “If one statement doesn’t work, don’t you know how to find other ways? Go dig up the rival’s founding history. Release a wave of materials, true or false and then start playing the victim. Do you not know how? Oh, by the way, is the designer who founded our brand still around?”

The subordinate stammered, “N-not in the company anymore. Ever since the previous CEO took over, Teacher Wu stopped acknowledging anyone from the company.”

“Oh, I see. A pity,” Song Ming said insincerely.

If the victim was present, playing the “tragic” card would be more convincing. But it didn’t matter, it wasn’t the most important thing.

“Is there not a single designer in this company who can hold their own?” Song Ming asked.

“There are some,” the subordinate hurried to say. “Teacher Wu’s student is here.”

A student… might not be enough.

“Search for suitable designers during this time and give me a list.”

Song Ming gave the final order and waved her hand to end the meeting. The secretary, having just gained a bit of insight into the new boss, quickly urged colleagues to get to work, fearing the boss might suddenly ask for results that no one could provide.

Cutting the connection, Song Ming closed her laptop. She was in a pure white room, still on the cruise ship. The vessel, which blazed like a floating palace at night, was quiet and modest during the day. The room was filled with avant-garde furniture, even the desk Song Ming was using was shaped like a piece of pulled play-dough.

Honestly, Song Ming thought, pushing the computer away, they can’t even figure out such small things. No wonder the brand is stuck in a crisis it can’t escape.