Transmigrated Into a Scumbag Alpha In a Melodramatic Novel and Been Targeted by My Love Rival - Chapter 18

Zheng Ming felt even worse knowing that Xia Wu had been injured trying to arrange a meeting between him and Shen Ruofei.

He apologized sincerely, “I feel terrible for putting you through all this trouble.”

Xia Wu smiled warmly at him. “It’s alright, Mr. Zheng. If it weren’t for your support over the years, I’d probably have had to wait another decade or two to achieve what I have.”

Zheng Ming gazed steadily into Xia Wu’s eyes, hidden behind her cold lenses, and sighed, his expression conveying a wealth of emotions.

OmniTech had been founded by a group of ambitious university students, with Zheng Ming, as the technical core, naturally becoming its leader.

While these students were skilled in technology, they knew nothing about managing a company.

Over time, those who had initially gathered around Zheng Ming’s talent gradually drifted away after obtaining what they wanted.

Zheng Ming was unable to manage this ship that had only just set sail. At that time, Xia Wu returned to the country, and the two met through a friend, quickly hitting it off.

Xia Wu helped Zheng Ming manage the company, while Zheng Ming focused on developing new technologies. In the beginning, their collaboration was quite harmonious.

However, as Xia Wu’s actions gradually became more unorthodox, systematically eliminating the families who had once targeted the Xia Family, Zheng Ming finally understood what Xia Wu had meant when they first met and she insisted on doing something.

He knew Xia Wu was capable, but he didn’t want OmniTech to become infamous because of her.

The specialized technology in Zheng Ming’s hands made many drool with envy. At banquets, he heard numerous stories about Xia Wu’s ruthless and cunning deeds, gradually making him uneasy.

Seeing the rift between Zheng Ming and Xia Wu, others eagerly approached Zheng Ming, offering to invest in OmniTech. Through this back-and-forth, Zheng Ming’s stake in OmniTech gradually diluted.

Xia Wu had warned Zheng Ming that accepting investment might not be wise, but he hadn’t listened, convinced that having supporters for his beloved project couldn’t be a bad thing.

As the OmniTech board members increasingly obstructed Xia Wu, making it impossible for her to get approval for any project, Zheng Ming, though she remained silent, keenly sensed her growing frustration.

He suddenly realized how absurd his own behavior had become.

Xia Wu’s contract with OmniTech was about to expire. Five years ago, she had initially agreed to a three-year deal, but Zheng Ming, expressing his trust in her, had asked her to stay longer.

Xia Wu smiled. “Then I must thank you for your trust, Mr. Zheng.”

With the five-year contract nearing its end, the Shen Family, upon learning of this, extended an olive branch to Xia Wu.

In the north, no one could refuse the Shen Family.

Even if Zheng Ming was reluctant to let her go, Xia Wu joining the Shen Family seemed inevitable.

Yet, even in these circumstances, Zheng Ming still wanted to speak face-to-face with Shen Ruofei, both for himself and for OmniTech.

That day, Shen Ruofei was feeding fish by the Shen Family’s artificial lake.

Since returning from the ski resort with Xia Wu, Shen Ruofei’s knee had swollen to the size of a bun.

Shen Hong had initially suspected Shen Ruofei had gone to the neighboring city to engage in some unspeakable act, but upon hearing that it was simply an injury from skiing, she seemed relieved.

Shen Ruofei had been claiming to have a poor memory lately, and Shen Hong worried she might do something even more unconventional than declaring her affection for an Alpha.

After resting for about three days, Shen Ruofei was clearly able to walk unaided, yet the household servants continued to push her around in a wheelchair. She seemed to enjoy this leisurely treatment, appearing quite relaxed.

A few days earlier, during her headache, Shen Ruofei had stumbled upon a black wood bracelet while wandering aimlessly at home. Since then, she carried it with her everywhere, fiddling with it when lost in thought.

When Zheng Ming arrived, he found Shen Ruofei leisurely tossing fish food into the pond. The koi carp, plump and vibrantly colored, swam in a frenzy before her, vying for the treats.

“Miss Shen, hello, I’m Zheng Ming.”

Zheng Ming was young, at the height of his ambition, yet when Shen Ruofei turned to face him, she sensed a hint of weariness in his expression.

Shen Ruofei handed the fish food jar to the servant behind her, playing with her bracelet as she spoke. “Please, Mr. Zheng, have a seat. What would you like to drink? I’ll have the servants prepare it.”

“No need for trouble. Water will suffice.”

Perhaps surprised by Shen Ruofei’s youth, Zheng Ming stared at Xia Wu for a long moment.

In Zheng Ming’s imagination, the Shen Family Head should have been a fearsome, demonic figure surrounded by bodyguards, making it difficult to approach.

Yet today, Shen Ruofei wore a loose, linen white blouse and a blue embroidered long skirt. Her hair was loosely pinned up, with a few strands falling across her forehead, and she was stringing beads with her hands.

If not for her strikingly captivating face, her attire alone would have evoked the image of someone utterly pristine and untainted.

She gave off a strikingly similar aura to Xia Wu.

Noticing Shen Ruofei’s unblinking gaze fixed on him for a long moment, Zheng Ming shifted his gaze nervously and said, “My apologies for being so abrupt, Miss Shen. I’m here primarily to discuss Xia Wu’s situation. Miss Shen, OmniTech truly… cannot function without Xia Wu.”

It wasn’t until after those directors had repeatedly “committed their misdeeds” that Zheng Ming realized, despite Xia Wu using company resources to exact her revenge and earning a ruthless reputation in Baijin City, she had never harbored any personal motives toward OmniTech. Everything she did was for the company’s growth.

Her dedication to her work was meticulous and commendable. Competitors’ repeated provocations posed no real challenge to her.

But who could have imagined the harsh treatment Xia Wu faced within OmniTech, forcing her to endure until the eve of her departure?

Zheng Ming had originally hoped to retain Xia Wu at OmniTech by offering her shares in the company. However, the Shen Family’s sudden intervention disrupted all his plans.

Therefore, he sincerely hoped Shen Ruofei would show leniency and allow Xia Wu to remain at OmniTech.

Shen Ruofei smiled knowingly, her eyes filled with understanding. “Mr. Zheng, I’m not well-versed in business matters and usually delegate such decisions. But I do believe in one principle: trust those you employ, and don’t hire those you doubt. I know you worked hard to recruit Xia Wu for OmniTech, but it was also you who gradually marginalized her over the years, wasn’t it?”

He valued Xia Wu’s capabilities but grew suspicious due to her personal affairs. By seeking external investment, he not only lost control of the situation but also subjected Xia Wu to immense hardship.

While Zheng Ming was undeniably skilled in technology, he clearly lacked tact and judgment in handling people and situations.

Regret etched across Zheng Ming’s face as he acknowledged, “I was the one who disappointed Xia Wu.”

“Not exactly. When I spoke to her, she mentioned that Mr. Zheng had assigned her another time-consuming and laborious project, and that the matter of joining the Shen Family would likely have to be postponed. Her loyalty to you is truly admirable—it makes me jealous.”

Zheng Ming lifted his head, his eyes gleaming with anticipation, as if hoping Shen Ruofei would agree to let Xia Wu remain at OmniTech.

But Shen Ruofei merely shook the beads in her hand and replied casually, “In that case, I hope Mr. Zheng will also accept the Shen Family’s investment. We will handle all the troublesome matters you find burdensome, allowing you to focus on your research as before. What do you say?”

“This…”

Zheng Ming was stunned, momentarily unsure whether to accept or decline.

If the Shen Family invested in OmniTech and acquired a majority stake, Zheng Ming would likely lose control of the company.

Yet, given the current situation, Shen Ruofei’s proposal was undoubtedly the best solution.

Regardless of Xia Wu’s lingering attachment to OmniTech, if she joined the Shen Family and OmniTech came under their control, all of Zheng Ming’s worries would be resolved.

The risks of this approach were simply too great.

Even Zheng Ming, who wasn’t particularly business-savvy, sensed the danger.

“Mr. Zheng may need some time to think. Don’t worry, I’m not in a hurry. President Xia’s contract with OmniTech still has some time left, and I doubt he’s in a rush either.”

However, Zheng Ming’s expression made it clear he was deeply anxious.

Anything the Shen Family set their sights on invariably ended up in their coffers. Over the years, the family had become more restrained, recognizing the need for healthy market competition. Apart from the new Family Head’s more assertive style, their operations remained methodical and steady.

Shen Ruofei’s proposal was Zheng Ming’s only viable path forward.

Without Xia Wu to maintain control, OmniTech would inevitably be devoured whole. It was only a matter of time.

When Xia Wu arrived, Shen Ruofei was already replenishing her fish food from the servant’s tray, ready to continue feeding the koi. Seeing Shen Ruofei’s nonchalant demeanor, Xia Wu couldn’t suppress her amusement.

“You scared Mr. Zheng away.”

“Huh? Did I say something threatening?” Shen Ruofei feigned genuine surprise, lowering her head thoughtfully.

She had merely shared her thoughts and the current realities with Zheng Ming. Surely that hadn’t frightened him, had it?

As Zheng Ming left the Shen residence, he turned to Xia Wu with a pained expression. “She’s ruthless,” he said. “Her suggestions are impossible to refuse. Xia Wu, do you really think you’ll be happy staying by her side in the future?”

Xia Wu didn’t answer Zheng Ming directly. She simply smiled. “Neither of us has the right to refuse, do we?”

Whether she was happy or not, she only hoped that person would continue to bask in this smug satisfaction.

After all, Shen Ruofei’s domineering demeanor was truly—

irresistibly alluring.

Xia Wu took the seat Zheng Ming had just vacated. Shen Ruofei casually handed her the fish food jar. “Grab a handful and toss it around. Have some fun.”

“Crushing OmniTech for you is as effortless as tossing fish food.”

Yet Shen Ruofei still granted Xia Wu the courtesy of avoiding a scandalous demise for her former employer.

Even though Xia Wu had left OmniTech, if the company accepted investment from the Shen family, Xia Wu could still help Zheng Ming manage it through the Shen family’s influence. There would be no real difference.

Xia Wu grabbed a large handful of fish food and flung it out with force. Shen Ruofei’s eyes widened in shock. “You threw so much at once! They’ll all burst from overeating!”

“Remember how you mentioned taking me bungee jumping abroad last time? Are you in? Mr. Zheng probably won’t let me lead any projects for a while anyway.”

This woman’s ability to change the subject was truly remarkable.

Just last time, when Xia Wu had driven Shen Ruofei home, Shen Ruofei had casually mentioned something. Yet Xia Wu had already managed to make her fulfill her promise so quickly.

“Has the bruise on your back healed yet? My knee still hasn’t recovered!”

“How is your healing ability so poor?”

Shen Ruofei rolled her eyes at Xia Wu and waved a hand, signaling the servant to push her wheelchair back.

Noticing Shen Ruofei’s reluctance to speak, Xia Wu smiled and walked over to the servant. “I’ll push her back.”

The servant tactfully stepped back.

Given the current situation, it was only a matter of time before Xia Wu became a permanent fixture in the Shen family.

The day Fang Yu returned, Shen Ruofei had summoned all the Shen family members to welcome Xia Wu and congratulate her on officially becoming the Shen family’s chief steward.

The Shen family hierarchy was strictly defined. To put it politely, Xia Wu was someone Shen Hong had long been planning to recruit specifically for the family. To put it bluntly, she was a newcomer parachuted into the Shen family, and the potential trouble she would have to deal with was only going to increase.

As Xia Wu stepped out of the car and saw Shen Ruofei standing in the central position of the Shen family gathering, surrounded by a crowd of loyal Shen family retainers all welcoming her, she silently drew a sharp breath.

What a grand display.

Xia Wu was afraid of offending someone.

As Xia Wu approached Shen Ruofei, her composure remained unshaken. She smiled and said, “Family Head, personally coming to welcome me today? I’m truly overwhelmed by this honor.”

“How else could I show you how much I value you, Miss Xia? The Shen Family welcomes you with open arms.”

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