Chapter 110
“This condition.”
“We won’t agree to this condition.” Xu Ke interrupted Lin Mengyao before she could speak, directly refusing without any room for negotiation.
“If the Lin Family finds out all the troubles they’re facing now are because of you, do you still think you can stay at Lin Corporation? It seems you haven’t understood. The condition I just proposed wasn’t asking for your opinions; I was announcing what you two have to do. Otherwise, Lin Corporation going bankrupt is only a matter of time. You can see for yourself.” Vice President Huang leaned back, a look of determined assurance on his face.
Lin Mengyao’s face showed a heavy expression; she knew all too well the nature of the Lin Family’s character.
Vice President Huang expected to see the two in a state of panic or on their knees in regret; he’d even positioned himself to enjoy the view from the best angle. But he didn’t expect Xu Ke to assume the same unmoved posture, a sense of loss of control unexpectedly welling up in his chest.
“Don’t be overconfident. You use the bank’s power to satisfy your personal grudges. Does your president know about this? What do you think will happen if your bank faces a major incident because of your actions?” Xu Ke had a slightly mocking expression on his face, causing Vice President Huang to feel inexplicably uneasy.
“Humph, our bank is not going to have any major incidents. Your assumption is groundless. Anyway, you two will have to agree whether you want to or not. If you’re smart, you’ll come and sign this contract willingly to suffer less in the end.” Vice President Huang forcibly suppressed the panic in his heart, insisting on completing his current task.
“Since you claim the assumption is invalid, let’s make it a reality.” Xu Ke sat up straight, reaching into his coat.
Both people’s eyes were fixed on that hand; for some reason, the air in the room seemed to contain less oxygen, making it a little difficult for Vice President Huang to breathe.
Just as Lin Mengyao and Vice President Huang’s nerves were stretched to their limits, Xu Ke pulled out a worn wallet from his coat pocket. The reversal almost made Vice President Huang choke on his breath.
“You’re playing with me?” Vice President Huang slapped the sofa and was about to stand up, only to see Xu Ke’s index and middle fingers pull out a Black Card from the wallet. This turn of events forced Vice President Huang to swallow back the words already at the tip of his tongue, causing him to cough violently.
Lin Mengyao wasn’t faring much better. She knew Xu Ke’s identity was unusual, but she didn’t expect him to carry a Black Card. The five-ring symbol on the card left her speechless; it was a Black Card issued by the headquarters of Huaxia Bank, in collaboration with the other five major banks. Holders of the card could withdraw all the funds from any branch of these banks at will.
There were only five such cards nationwide, yet one was in Xu Ke’s hand.
Xu Ke looked at Lin Mengyao’s incredulous gaze upon him, amused, as he put his hand on Lin Mengyao’s, giving it a firm squeeze to bring her back to reality.
Beads of sweat the size of beans appeared on his forehead and rolled down.
“What do you want?” Vice President Huang slumped, his once-rigid spine now devoid of any strength.
In less than five minutes since Xu Ke entered, the situation had undergone a complete reversal, with both parties’ positions entirely swapped.
Vice President Huang had completely abandoned his idea of avenging his nephew and niece-in-law and was inwardly praying that the other party wouldn’t retaliate against him or his family.
“Yaoyao, why don’t you speak.” Xu Ke handed the conversation over to Lin Mengyao.
Lin Mengyao looked deeply at Xu Ke once before refocusing on Vice President Huang, clearing her throat, and said, “Let’s proceed according to the rules and remove all the manipulations you’ve done. Reset everything back on track. And after this, resign. This industry is no longer suitable for you.”
Lin Mengyao didn’t intend to completely ruin the man, nor did she plan to let him off lightly. This level of punishment was just right for her.
Upon hearing that Lin Mengyao bore no grudge against his family, Vice President Huang sighed with relief even as a sense of regret filled his heart.
“Additionally, I hope only the three of us know about today’s affair. Do you understand?” Lin Mengyao turned abruptly halfway to the door, warning Vice President Huang, “If this ever gets out, the consequences will be beyond your imagination.” Leaving the threat, Lin Mengyao and Xu Ke finally exited for good.
Once out of Huaxia Bank, Lin Mengyao’s demeanor dropped drastically. Xu Ke stopped, holding the absent-minded Lin Mengyao, who seemed defeated, “What’s the matter? Didn’t we resolve this issue? Shouldn’t you be happy? Why do you seem unhappier?”
“I feel that there’s a growing gulf between us, like there’s a mountain between us. I am transparent to you, but you have so many secrets from me. I don’t know your exact identity, but seeing the way you brandished the Black Card today, it must be something quite high. But if your status is so high, why marry into the Lin Family? And why have you endured three years of hardships in our family? There are too many things about you I don’t know, and it makes me uneasy.”
Lin Mengyao didn’t hide her agitation, revealing it all to Xu Ke.
Xu Ke was taken aback for a moment, then slowly pulled Lin Mengyao into his embrace, “I can’t answer these questions for you now. Once I’ve dealt with my affairs, I promise I’ll tell you everything you want to know, alright?”
“Why not now? I can tell you my secrets. Does telling me yours trouble you that much?”
“We’re legally married; I wouldn’t harm you. But this matter is just too tangled, and knowing it wouldn’t help you at all. On the contrary, it might bring you danger. So, until I’ve eliminated these threats, I don’t want to involve you. Give me another year, alright? I promise to eradicate all threats and reveal everything then.”
“Alright.” Lin Mengyao nodded in Xu Ke’s embrace.
Meanwhile, after Xu Ke and Lin Mengyao left, Vice President Huang slumped on the sofa, no longer exuding the vibrant energy he once had, instead looking like he’d aged a decade.
He was deeply regretful, wondering why he’d gotten involved in this in the first place. If he hadn’t, perhaps none of this would have happened, and he would still be the flourishing vice president he once was. But there’s no medicine for regret. He could only comply with Lin Mengyao’s requests obediently.