Chapter 27: Miss Song Forces Dake Group’s President Shen into Marriage-A coadjuvante descartável desperta, e o príncipe do círculo de Pequim se ajoelha chorando de arrependimento.(dez mil grãos)

The figure in the rain appeared so helpless.

She had no umbrella, and her thin clothing was instantly soaked, clinging tightly to her frame. A moment later, she ran to the corner of a wall, slowly crouched down, and curled into a ball.

Qin Ze’s heart gave a sudden jolt; a strange feeling he had never experienced before welled up within him. Instinctively, he slammed on the brakes, his gaze locked firmly on the figure in the corner, filled with a sharp, aching sympathy. He hesitated for a moment, then slowly pulled the car closer to the wall. He sat quietly inside, watching the girl, wanting several times to get out but not knowing what excuse to use to approach her. In the end, he simply watched in silence until she stood up and left.

From that day on, Qin Ze began to linger frequently near that university, hoping to see her again. After making inquiries, he learned about her situation. That night on the yacht, his appearance before her had been intentional.

...

It was Song Xixi’s first day officially working at Dake. Dressed in a crisp, professional suit, she walked into the office building with a confident stride. However, the moment she stepped inside, she keenly sensed that the gazes of those around her were unusual. Many people’s eyes flickered the instant they saw her, then they hurriedly looked away; those shifty, avoiding glances felt like needles pricking her back.

Though puzzled, she did not show it, continuing toward the elevator with her usual composure. Yet, as she approached, the people inside saw her coming and, as if by prior arrangement, someone quickly reached out to press the close-door button. The elevator doors slid shut right in front of her.

Song Xixi was baffled, vaguely suspecting that some unfavorable news about her had spread through the company. Before she could dwell on it, her phone suddenly chimed. She pulled it out and saw a link sent by Ye Chunxi. She tapped it with confusion.

A striking, sensational headline immediately popped up:
【Scandalous! The Fourth Miss of the Song Family, After Failing to Force Marriage on CEO Shen, Uses Unscrupulous Means to Obtain a Position—Inside Story Exposed】

Song Xixi finished scanning the content and was so enraged she actually laughed out loud.

The fabricated story was full of holes and lacked any factual basis, yet it was written with such vivid, salacious detail that it sounded entirely plausible. As she walked, she pondered how to deal with this sudden slander.

At the entrance to her office, Secretary Wang happened to pass by. Giving her a sideways glance, the secretary said with a sour, mocking tone, "Director Song, you’ve only just arrived at the company and you’re already this famous? It seems your methods are truly extraordinary."

After saying this, she deliberately looked her up and down with eyes full of contempt and ridicule before strolling away slowly. Many people around them nodded in agreement.

Song Xixi didn't get angry; instead, a faint, mocking smile curled at the corners of her lips. She straightened her back slightly. *Little girl, you want to upset me?* Panic and anger would be useless; she had to respond with a clear head.

Once seated, she quickly organized her thoughts and began to brainstorm a counter-strategy. If this rumor spread through the company and across the internet, it would not only severely damage her reputation but also create significant obstacles for the project’s progress and might even implicate Shen Anzhi. She absolutely could not sit idly by; she had to take the initiative. However, there was an important meeting coming up. She would deal with it after the meeting.

Shen Anzhi was adjusting his clothes when his phone suddenly rang. Seeing it was Special Assistant Lin, he answered immediately. Lin’s anxious voice came through: "CEO Shen, this is terrible. The matter between you and Miss Song is trending, and the public opinion is having a very negative impact on the company."

Shen Anzhi looked blankly ahead. "What matter?"

After Lin reported the contents of the trending topic one by one, Shen Anzhi’s pupils dilated. He had never imagined such a thing would happen. He immediately ordered, "Investigate this immediately. Find out who is spreading these rumors behind the scenes. We must resolve this as quickly as possible to minimize the negative impact on the group."

He hung up, his brows knitted tightly together. If this wasn't handled well, it wouldn't just damage the company's image; it could also land Song Xixi in a dire situation. *Who could it be?*

He had just arrived at the company when he saw, from a distance, Song Xixi standing by her office door, leaning against the wall. Seeing Shen Anzhi approach, Song Xixi offered a helpless, bitter smile and said with a touch of self-mockery, "CEO Shen, it seems there are many people who don't want us to work together. I've only just started, and they’ve already orchestrated such a grand spectacle."

Shen Anzhi looked apologetic. "Director Song, I’ve wronged you. But don't worry, I’ve already sent Special Assistant Lin to investigate. I will find the mastermind and give you an explanation."

Song Xixi gestured with her chin toward the office door. "CEO Shen, let's go inside and talk."

Once inside, she took a deep breath and stood tall. "CEO Shen, this matter can only point in two directions. Either it is your business competitor, or it has something to do with my sister, Song Yanyan."

Shen Anzhi’s gaze sharpened. "I had already sensed that much myself." The two of them exchanged thoughts on the matter.

...

Secretary Wang was feeling triumphant today. Unable to wait, she pulled out her phone to send a WeChat message to Song Yanyan: 【Miss Song, I have good news. Today, the way people in the company look at Song Xixi has changed. I’m afraid her days here won't be easy.】

Song Yanyan looked at the message, filled with spiteful glee. She quickly replied: 【Even though she is my sister, her intentions are crooked; she deserves to suffer.】

After a moment of thought, she added: 【Secretary Wang, please continue to keep an eye on her. I’m afraid she might cause some major trouble if we aren't careful.】

After sending the message, she leaned back on the sofa, imagining Song Xixi in a state of desperation, and felt a surge of secret satisfaction. *Song Xixi, did you think you could turn your life around just by getting into the Dake Group? How naive. I have plenty of ways to ruin you.*

Qian Duo had just finished reporting his work to Qin Ze and stood there, looking as if he had more to say but was holding back. Qin Ze glanced at him inadvertently and spat impatiently, "Stop dawdling like a woman! If you have something to say, say it!"

Only then did Qian Duo summon the courage to speak: "CEO Qin, today’s trending topic—"

Before he could finish, he was cut off by a sharp retort: "When did you pick up the bad habit of being interested in gossip? Is your work so light that you have time for this?"

Qian Duo hurriedly explained, "CEO Qin, it’s not gossip; it’s about the trending topic involving Miss Song. It’s spreading like wildfire online, and it’s doing great damage to her reputation. I thought you might be concerned."

"Miss Song?" Qin Ze’s previously indifferent expression sharpened instantly. The fountain pen he had been toying with hit the table with a loud *clack*, and he straightened up abruptly. "Are you talking about Song Xixi? What happened to her?"

Qian Duo cleared his throat and braced himself. "The trending topic says Miss Song failed to force a marriage on Dake Group’s CEO Shen and used underhanded means to secure a position. Now, public opinion is overwhelmingly blaming her, and it’s very disadvantageous for her."

"Absurd!" Qin Ze’s face instantly darkened.