The Villainous Sister-in-law Mistakenly Marked as the Heroine (Transmigration) - Chapter 15
Early the next morning.
Lin Qile had just arrived at the office when she received an email.
Opening it, she found detailed materials for several projects, everything from letters of intent, background investigations, project content, to scanned copies of contracts.
She immediately messaged Rong Jing: Are these the projects the Rong family is compensating me with?
Mm.
If someone wanted to steal the benefits from these projects, how do you think they’d do it?
A long pause later, she received a single symbol in reply: ?
Propping her chin on her hand, she grumbled internally: Do you have to be this aloof? Even your texts are one word at a time.
If this were a virtual business simulation, and a third party wanted to snatch this deal, how would they go about it?
Just as she assumed Rong Jing wouldn’t give her a proper answer, a lengthy message suddenly came through: Take the East City old building redevelopment as an example. The Rong and Lin families are collaborating on demolition and reconstruction as joint clients. We would decide together on a third-party demolition agency for relocation and controlled implosion. Now that the Rong family is stepping back from decision-making, the authority rests solely with the Lin family. No one can steal this project from you.
After sending the message, Rong Jing looked up to find the entire meeting room staring at her.
She spoke coolly, “Continue the meeting. Planning department, share your thoughts.”
“Yes, Vice President Rong.”
Meanwhile, Lin Qile studied the reply.
If that was the case, then Qi Song could only siphon profits by manipulating the third party, the demolition agency.
That same day, she tracked down the three companies bidding for the demolition contract:
1.Wanhua Demolition – A 15-year-old company with extensive experience.
2.Yushan Demolition – A joint venture holding multiple demolition patents.
3.Xinzhi Demolition – A new company, but with partial government investment, effectively semi-state-owned.
All three had impeccable qualifications.
But…
System, I need you.
[Host, I’m here!]
Show me the real owners behind these companies.
[Got it! Company A is owned by Zhao Zhongyi, the national tycoon. Company B is under Lian Qian. Company C is jointly held by Wang Ming and the government.]
Lian Qian?!
[That’s right.]
Wasn’t Lian Qian Ji Zhao’s mother?
“Got you.”
Lin Qile clenched the documents in her hand. So, she’s transferring her wife’s assets to her mistress’s name, huh?
[Host, what’s your plan?]
If they have to win the bid, then I’ll make sure they can’t!
At noon, Lin Qile called Rong Jing.
At that moment, Rong Jing was having lunch with her mother. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at it before declining the call.
It rang again.
Rong Yihua asked, “The same person who messaged you this morning?”
A flicker of unease crossed Rong Jing’s eyes.
“Go answer it. It might be important.”
She hesitated.
Rong Yihua smiled. “It’s rare to see you socializing outside of work. If this person is worthwhile, I won’t mind whether they’re an alpha or not as long as you’re happy.”
“Mother, you’re misunderstanding.”
The phone kept ringing.
Rong Yihua urged, “Go on. They might really need you.”
Pressing her lips together, Rong Jing stood and walked to the lounge area outside before answering, “This had better be urgent.”
“It’s a matter of life and death!”
Rong Jing tensed. “What’s wrong?”
“I didn’t realize the final round of bidding for the demolition company is this afternoon. If I want to stop one of them from winning, what do I do?”
Silence stretched on the other end. Lin Qile grew so anxious that beads of sweat formed on her nose.
“Miss Rong, please help me, I’m begging you.”
“Why won’t you agree?”
“Forget it if you won’t help.”
Lin Qile grew both angry and anxious, her voice turning noticeably colder.
Seeing her genuine distress, Rong Jing finally spoke: “Give me the company’s name.”
“What for?”
“There are many ways to ensure a company doesn’t win the bid. Just tell me the name.”
With some hesitation, Lin Qile provided the name.
“Done. They’ll be disqualified.”
“You… are you sure? What if this company was pre-selected?”
Leaning against the wall with unprecedented confidence, Rong Jing replied, “Any company I say will be disqualified stays disqualified, even if your mother personally arranged it.”
Damn!
That’s exactly what I wanted to hear!
“Then I’m really counting on you. Don’t let me down!”
“Mhm. I’m hanging up now haven’t even had lunch yet.”
Rong Jing ended the call abruptly.
That afternoon.
All three bidding companies arrived.
Lin Qile fidgeted nervously, nearly crumpling the documents in her hands.
Chen Nan organized files while observing, “Why are you so tense?”
She forced a bitter smile.
Of course she was tense.
Despite Rong Jing’s bold claim, she couldn’t relax until the final moment.
System, why couldn’t the Lin family be in pharmaceuticals? At least that would match my expertise. I’m completely clueless about business have to rely on the villainess to bail me out.
[If you tame the villainess, you could just be a hands-off boss.]
Huh?
[I said nothing!]
Tch!
The conference room doors opened.
Participants emerged, she’d noted earlier that Lian Qian hadn’t come personally, only a representative, who now looked thunderous.
Did they lose?
Qin Song exited last, her expression unreadable.
“Congratulations to Wanhua for winning the bid. We look forward to successful cooperation.”
Wanhua won not Yushan Company!
Rong Jing actually pulled it off.
Lin Qile covered her mouth in excitement.
Watching the Yushan representatives storm off, she could practically visualize Qin Song’s true feelings.
When Qin Song passed her desk, their eyes met.
Lin Qile flashed a radiant smile.
That’ll piss you off!
Qin Song took a deep breath. “Stop fooling around. If you’re serious about working here, apply yourself properly!”
“I absolutely will! But filing documents is too basic, I want project responsibility. Specifically those projects the Rong family gave me as compensation. I want to manage them myself.”
Qin Song studied her with inscrutable depth.
After a long pause.
“Fine. You want them? They’re yours.”
She agreed that easily?
Even after receiving all project documents at day’s end, Lin Qile could scarcely believe she’d gained control so effortlessly.
[Host, Qin Song clearly believes you’re incompetent to handle these projects.]
“Then I’ll prove her wrong!”
At five o’clock sharp, she left work.
Lin Qile drove straight to Rong Corporation.
Qin Song might doubt her capabilities, but never anticipated her secret weapon!
Entering the Rong building lobby attracted numerous stares unlike at Lin Corporation where employees still treated her respectfully as the heiress, here staff openly gawked at one of the tabloids’ recent headline subjects.
Approaching reception, she smiled. “I’m here to see Rong Jing.”
“Do you have an appointment? Assistant Rong doesn’t meet unannounced visitors.”
“Never mind, I’ll call her.”
She had just pulled out her phone to make a call when the elevator doors nearby opened, revealing Rong Jing stepping out. She quickly raised her hand and waved.
“Rong Jing, over here!”
Putting away her phone, she took two steps forward but then froze in place when she saw the person following Rong Jing out.
Ji Zhao?!
“Why is she here?”
She struggled to suppress her anger.
Rong Jing and Ji Zhao walked over together, with Rong Jing asking, “What brings you here?”
“I’m asking why she’s here!”
Ji Zhao glared at her hatefully: “I work here now, Lin Qile. Did you think your privileged status in kicking me out of Lin Corporation would leave me jobless?”
“So what if I used my privilege? I’m the rightful sole heir of the Lin family. It’s my company, and I have every right to fire anyone I dislike!”
“You!”
The two were at each other’s throats, on the verge of a physical altercation when Rong Jing grabbed Lin Qile’s arm, subtly positioning herself between them. Turning her back to Lin Qile, she addressed Ji Zhao, “You should leave first.”
“Let go of me, Rong Jing! This is my personal matter to handle!”
Lin Qile struggled fiercely, yet despite being an alpha, she couldn’t break free from an omega’s grip, her face flushing red with frustration.
Ji Zhao opened her mouth to retort but was silenced by a sharp look from Rong Jing.
“Auntie, I’ll take my leave.”
As Ji Zhao headed toward the main entrance, Rong Jing pulled Lin Qile toward the underground parking garage.
“Let… let go!”
They didn’t stop until reaching the garage, where Lin Qile was unceremoniously shoved into the car.
Lin Qile remained fuming the entire time.
Rong Jing glanced at her before slowly driving out of the garage.
“Ji Zhao has started working at Rong Corporation.”
“No kidding.”
Arms crossed, the mere thought of Ji Zhao reignited her fury. According to the original plot, both Rong and Lin Corporations would eventually fall into Ji Zhao’s hands.
She’d just expelled this pest from Lin Corporation, and now the woman had immediately infiltrated Rong Corporation?
Was she truly determined to seize both companies?
As they exited the garage, Rong Jing stopped the car. “Buckle up.”
Fastening her seatbelt sullenly, Lin Qile muttered, “You shouldn’t have hired her. She’s nothing but trouble!”
“She’s also the mother of Wanning’s unborn child.”
“Hmph.”
Rong Jing continued, “I know you resent Ji Zhao for stealing the person you love, but if you couldn’t win Wanning’s affection, that’s your own failing. Don’t blame others.”
“I don’t love Rong Wanning.”
Rong Jing turned to her: “Then why such hostility toward Ji Zhao?”
“It’s because never mind, you wouldn’t understand.” She sulkily turned to stare out the window.
Rong Jing resumed driving: “Wanning absolutely refuses to terminate the pregnancy. This is the 21st century, the Rong family can’t force someone to have an abortion, especially when Wanning is a public figure. The family’s decision is for her to marry Ji Zhao.”
Lin Qile’s expression faltered.
So they were getting married after all. Was the plot’s momentum truly this strong? Even with her interference over this extended period, she hadn’t managed to separate them?
“Given how far along she is, the wedding can’t be delayed much longer. The announcement should come within days.”
She muttered under her breath, “Getting married right after cheating on me? Aren’t they afraid of public backlash?”
At an intersection, Rong Jing brought the car to a stop.
“Why did you come to Rong Corporation?”
Only then did Lin Qile remember her original purpose for visiting.
“How did you make sure Yushan Company lost the bid?”
“Want to know?”
She nodded vigorously.
Rong Jing pouted her lips, “Not telling you. Did you come just for this?”
“Yep, I came to thank you.”
“Get out of the car.”
Her expression froze: “Huh?”
With an indifferent look, Rong Jing tapped her fingers on the steering wheel, “Thanks given, now get out. Did you think I’d drive you home?”
She grabbed Rong Jing’s arm, “I’ll get out, but I have more questions for you later. You have to answer them.”
“Depends on my mood.”
“It can’t depend on your mood, you must answer!”
Seeing her serious expression, Rong Jing hesitated for a moment before suddenly curling her red lips into a smile, “Fine, inflatable doll.”
“In-flat-a-ble doll!”
Lin Qile stood with hands on hips, glaring at the departing car’s taillights.
“I was just venting, and she really treats me like an inflatable doll?”
Click!
She froze, then turned around but saw no one.
“System, was that my imagination? I felt like someone took my photo.”
But she wasn’t some big celebrity.
[Host, someone did take your photo. A car has been following you since this morning, including when you left the company and came to Rong Corporation.]
“Why didn’t you tell me someone was photographing me?”
[They didn’t harm you. I’m just a system, I can answer your questions but can’t make decisions for you.]
“Who’s the photographer?”
[Private investigator.]
As Lin Qile walked back, she rubbed her chin, “Could it be Qi Song?”
[No. If it were someone connected to you, I’d detect it. Since I haven’t, it’s someone unimportant.]
“Whatever, let’s go home first.”
Lin Qile returned home with the documents to find Qi Song already there.
At the dinner table.
Lin Xinrou kept serving her meat, “Eat more. I heard you’ve been working hard lately.”
She forced a smile.
Qi Song: “Hope it’s not just a passing phase. When have you ever stuck with anything you started?”
“That’s not true!”
Mother and daughter locked eyes across the table, Lin Qile’s gaze firm.
Lin Xinrou interjected, “Ah Song, don’t discourage her. It’s good she wants to learn. If she succeeds, she can take over the company, and we can travel the world.”
Lin Xinrou’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she hugged Qi Song’s arm.
Qi Song shook her head with an indulgent smile, “You spoil her too much.”
“She’s our daughter, don’t you spoil her?”
Qi Song served her partner some food, “She still needs to prove she can handle the company.”
“Then it’s settled. Once Qile can manage things independently, we’ll go traveling.”
Watching them flaunt their affection so openly, Lin Qile bit her lip.
How do you cure someone this lovestruck?
And why was Qi Song showing no cracks at all? She couldn’t even find an opening to hint for her mother to be cautious.
“Qile.”
Qi Song looked at her, “Did you hear? Your mother and I have high expectations. Since you’ve been studying hard lately, show us whether this is just a phase. I’m putting you in charge of those projects with Rong Corporation follow through and prove yourself!”
“Okay.”
“Don’t celebrate yet. If you mess up these guaranteed-profit projects, don’t bother coming to the company anymore.”
Lin Qile’s heart sank was this an attempt to cut off her rightful access as the legal heir?
“I’ll definitely succeed!”
Qi Song lowered her eyes with a faint smile, “Let’s continue dinner.”
After dinner…
Lin Qile returned to her room and immediately began researching several projects.
Qi Song was convinced she had no business acumen, but there was one thing she hadn’t accounted for Lin Qile had an ace up her sleeve!
She pulled out her phone, dialed Rong Jing’s number, and called without hesitation.
The call took a long time to connect. On the other end, loud music and noise drowned out Rong Jing’s voice, making it faint and indistinct. “Hello?”
“You’re at a bar?”
Even though Rong Jing had been to a bar before, Lin Qile still found it hard to imagine her in such a place. It just didn’t suit her.
“What do you want?”
“Yeah, I’m looking into the New Century Department Store project. The contract’s signed, but I have a lot of questions.”
“Hey, Rong Jing, where are you going?”
“Taking a call.”
“Just take it here. I’ll tell everyone to keep it down.”
Lin Qile rested her chin on the desk, phone pressed to her ear, listening as the noise on the other end gradually faded into silence.
“Ask whatever you don’t understand.”
She chuckled awkwardly, rubbing her fingers together. “Lin Corp and Rong Corp jointly bought this building, renovated it, and planned to sell it. There are plenty of interested buyers, so why hasn’t it been sold yet?”
“The New Century Department Store area has overlapping jurisdiction issues. When we first bought it, that wasn’t a problem. Rong Corp handled the renovations, Lin Corp was responsible for marketing and sales, and profits were to be split. But now, Rong Corp has proposed that all proceeds from the sale go to Lin Corp.”
“Then just sell it! Why is there a deadline involved?”
“That… is complicated.”
Lin Qile hugged her knees, sitting curled up in her chair as Rong Jing patiently explained.
She asked every question she had, no matter how basic. Though Rong Jing’s tone was cold and her words sparse, she answered each one without hesitation.
By the time Lin Xinrou knocked on the door, “Sweetie, want some fruit?”, Lin Qile checked the time and realized over an hour had passed.
She’d kept Rong Jing on the phone for more than an hour!
“Sorry, did I interrupt your time with friends?”
“Yes.”
Lin Qile: “…”
She was just being polite! How could someone so brilliant in business be so clueless about social niceties?
“Then I won’t keep you any longer.”
“Mm.”
Rong Jing hung up, pushed open the restroom stall door, and stepped out, only to find He Yan leaning against the wall, arms crossed, smirking at her.
“Who were you talking to for an hour? You even put up with the restroom smell for them?”
Rong Jing’s expression shifted. “Were you eavesdropping?”
“I only heard something about future profits from a department store, boring stuff. But your tone was definitely not how you talk to subordinates. Whoever it was didn’t even understand RTB real-time bidding. No way you’d hire an amateur like that.”
He Yan slung an arm around her friend’s shoulders, grinning mischievously. “I’ve never seen you be this patient with anyone. Spill, who is it?”
“Don’t be crude. You’re an omega.”
“Wow, you can do it, but I can’t talk about it?”
“Stop asking. If you’re all done here, I’m leaving. I’m tired.”
“Every time that alpha comes up, you make excuses to run. Who the hell is she? You scared to introduce us? She’s not married, is she?”
Rong Jing shot her a look that said, What do you think?
“Hmm, someone as proud as you would never do that. Then… were you in prison? Or involved in some shady business?”
Rong Jing sighed, “Stop guessing. You’ll never figure it out.”
“Then tell me. This concerns your lifelong happiness. As your best friend, I have to vet this for you. Don’t end up like your niece Rong Wanning, getting entangled with a woman like Lin Qile. Just thinking about it gives me nightmares.”
Rong Jing’s expression faltered slightly. “Lin Qile… what do you think of her?”
“What do I think? Pfft. People like her live in a completely different world from us. A friend of mine went to middle school with her. I heard she chartered a private jet in middle school just to confess to a pretty omega at school. When she got rejected, she had people bully them until they developed psychological issues.”
“Who told you that?”
“Classmates. Lots of people know about it. If her family hadn’t been rich enough to cover it up, she would’ve been sent to prison by the Omega Protection Agency. Treating an omega like that she’s practically inhuman!”
Rong Jing’s face darkened.
“Is she really that terrible?”
“You’ve interacted with her a few times recently. You should have the most direct impression, right?”
Rong Jing stroked her chin thoughtfully. “The Lin Qile I’ve met.”
Her expression gradually twisted in confusion.
The Lin Qile who begged for mercy, the Lin Qile sitting at the bar drinking, the cowardly Lin Qile who caved under threats and bribes, the Lin Qile whose eyes crinkled when she smiled…
None of them matched the Lin Qile from the rumors.
Her heart skipped a beat, and her gaze suddenly sharpened. “He Yan!”
“Huh?”
She looked at her friend solemnly. “Do you think if rumors spread enough, they become reality?”
“Probably. In this day and age, lies spread faster than the truth.”
“But who would deliberately smear her name?”
“Who? Smear who?”
“I have to go.”
With that, Rong Jing turned and left.
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