The Ex-Wife Of A Wealthy/Powerful Family Tempts Me To Treat Her Badly/Betray Her - Chapter 25

Chapter 25: [I’ll be waiting for you.]

Jiang Yu preferred a quiet and dimly lit atmosphere, so the bedroom usually only had a single lamp on.

She leaned against the headboard, fiddling with her phone.

Rong Wei was probably busy and hadn’t replied yet, but Jiang Yu wasn’t in a hurry.

It was strange; perhaps her attention had been successfully diverted.

After sending the message to Rong Wei, the peculiar restlessness in Jiang Yu’s heart was gradually disappearing.

She really wasn’t sleepy right now, so she switched to a document and prepared to continue working.

After all, Ji Zhou’s clarification statement had been issued.

And she, thanks to Qin Yuanshan, was still enduring criticism online.

…

It was only the next morning, as Jiang Yu was preparing to head to the company, that she saw Rong Wei’s reply.

The message had been sent at four o’clock that morning.

Rong Wei had succinctly left three words: [I’ll be waiting for you.]

Jiang Yu looked at the message, a smile curving her lips.

Perhaps because the online troubles were coming to an end, Jiang Yu felt that she was in a very good mood right now.

She walked with a light step into the company conference room.

Inside the conference room, the public relations department was monitoring public opinion.

Seeing her enter, the department manager reported the situation: “Ms. Jiang, Director Ji’s wrap-up work is complete, and public opinion is peaking. The timing is about right.”

Jiang Yu sat down, exchanged a look with Lu Linqiao, and then nodded: “Then let’s begin.”

The optimal time limit for refuting rumors is within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

According to the plan, they resolved the rumors about Ji Zhou last night. Now, they would seize the opportunity to issue the collaboration statement, and then use the momentum to address the negative comments related to Jiang Yu.

It was a very simple matter. Jiang Yu couldn’t fathom where Qin Yuanshan got the confidence to try and trouble her with this.

Jiang Yu thought expressionlessly. Subsequently, the company’s PR department logged into major social media platforms and published an announcement.

【Star Model Management: Pleasant collaboration. @JiZhouV】

Ji Zhou had an engagement today and wasn’t at the company, so she cooperated by posting a Weibo message from home: 【Thank you all for your recent attention. The untrue rumors circulating online about me have all been verified, and I will not elaborate further here.

I merely wish to issue a statement of resignation: I, Ji Zhou, terminated my contract with EG Company in 20X6. My non-compete period has now expired, and I signed an employment contract with Star Model Management six months ago.】

After Ji Zhou’s Weibo post, Jiang Yu and the staff in the conference room temporarily held off on their next move.

Many netizens already had negative opinions of Jiang Yu, and with Ji Zhou’s statement, public opinion was reignited.

【What’s the point of this statement? Didn’t you ask for trouble and get it?

You say six months ago, and we’re supposed to believe it? You just seal the deal with a quick lie? Show us the collaboration date as proof, or you’re lying if there’s no evidence.

Get away from me, hype-woman. I really don’t want to see her anymore. If you want to make a comeback, do it honestly, stop creating drama.】

The public opinion continued to escalate. At the moment when the public was almost unanimously condemning her, a few comments from Jiang Yu’s fans appeared in the comments section.

【Look, us Jiang fans are just old, not dead.

Jiang Yu seeking attention for a comeback? Get it straight, okay? That’s Jiang Yu. If anyone lacks popularity or resources, it’s definitely not her.

Is Ji Zhou collaborating with Jiang Yu some kind of rare event? They are both Chinese people in the fashion industry. What’s wrong with helping each other?】

However, these voices were quieter and still suppressed beneath the multitude of negative comments.

Jiang Yu keenly observed these. She inadvertently looked up and met Lu Linqiao’s gaze, which held a look of “I told you so.”

A long-lost warmth emerged in Jiang Yu’s heart. She smiled helplessly, and eventually averted her gaze.

An hour later, the hashtag once again surged to the top, and Ji Zhou posted another Weibo message.

【[Image].

The image shows the date I signed the agreement with Star Model Management. Please stop spreading unfounded rumors.】

After Ji Zhou published this Weibo post, netizens were once again stirred up.

【Wow, what is this? There’s really proof.

It wasn’t just a casual lie to confuse the public?

Why so many twists and turns these past few days?

Summary—there’s no real drama in the fashion industry.

Wait, I feel like something is off about this. Jiang Yu, she’s been retired for so long, why was she suddenly brought up this time?

There’s a high probability that someone is trying to throw mud at her.】

…

The discussions online continued. Many netizens analyzed the reasons behind the attempt to slander Jiang Yu, making the scene quite lively.

However, neither Jiang Yu nor Lu Linqiao paid much mind, as the storm had mostly subsided.

Leaving the conference room, it was already noon.

Jiang Yu and Lu Linqiao hadn’t eaten properly these past few days, so they agreed to have lunch at the restaurant downstairs.

It was their usual dish: a vegetable salad.

While waiting for their food, Lu Linqiao let out a deep breath: “The matter is finally settled. Let’s go out and celebrate once this busy period is over.”

Jiang Yu: “Sounds good. Once the collaboration with Qijiang is wrapped up, we’ll find some time to go out and have fun.”

“Otherwise, we won’t have time to gather once I return to China.”

Jiang Yu and Lu Linqiao chatted leisurely. During their conversation, Lu Linqiao’s phone vibrated.

Seeing this, Jiang Yu lowered her eyes and quietly continued eating.

Lu Linqiao spoke: “It’s about the new models at Rece. They’ve also set their sights on the domestic market and recruited quite a few newcomers.”

Lu Linqiao slowly read through the information, chewing on a piece of lettuce. After a while, her gaze sharpened, and she put down her knife and fork.

“Jiang Yu, there’s something I think I need to tell you.”

Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow in confusion, signaling her to continue.

Lu Linqiao paused, then continued: “There might be an acquaintance on this list.”

“Hmm?” Jiang Yu questioned.

“Qin Yan, she’s also on this list.”

Jiang Yu’s hands stilled. All her questions were answered at that moment.

Based on her understanding of Qin Yuanshan, he most likely just wanted her to help Qin Yan, but fearing her disobedience, he tried to damage her reputation. This way, he could do her a favor and demand a return.

He truly was a good father, so worried about his daughter.

Thinking this, Jiang Yu laughed mockingly, took a sip of water, and said calmly: “Thank you, I understand.”

…

After the internet storm subsided, just as Lu Linqiao had said, the negotiation project with Qijiang International officially began.

In the midst of Jiang Yu’s busy schedule, time quickly flew to Saturday.

To save time, neither Jiang Yu nor Rong Wei beat around the bush and agreed to meet directly at the hotel.

However, Rong Wei seemed to be relatively free today. When Jiang Yu arrived at the familiar presidential suite, Rong Wei was already there.

Seeing her enter, Rong Wei recalled what Rong Shi had told her about Jiang Yu a few days ago and casually asked: “Was work smooth?”

Jiang Yu merely nodded, giving a brief, understated “Mm,” without saying more. She then smiled and asked: “Why bring up work at a time like this?”

She moved closer, wrapping her hands around Rong Wei’s neck, and spoke in an extremely ambiguous tone: “I want to see what you’ve prepared today, Ms. Rong.”