Chapter 69: A Grave Crisis

“You’re saying your brother-in-law is actually the vice president of the Yunhai Chamber of Commerce?”
“And he’s also the chief executive in charge of all major departments at Yunhai Chamber?”
Su Weimin and Gao Yulan were instantly overwhelmed with panic, their faces drained of color.
Although Ye Tianlin had successfully joined the company, compared to the vice president’s status, there remained a chasm that could not be crossed. According to the chamber’s hierarchy, Ye Tianlin could be destroyed at any moment.
The couple never imagined that Chen Zhigang had such powerful backing behind him!
Ye Tianlin, that reckless fool, merely got lucky; yet, without any foundation, he dared to take action against Chen Zhigang directly—how utterly suicidal!
Thinking of this, the couple were nearly beside themselves with rage, almost spitting blood in their fury.
“The vice president is your brother-in-law…” Su Rulan’s expression shifted; she too could never have foreseen such a dramatic twist.
Chen Zhigang placed his hands behind his waist, glaring furiously as he shouted, “I treated you all with goodwill, and this is how you repay me? If that’s the case, I have no reason to be civil. Wait and see what consequences this will bring!”
“Zhigang, this is a misunderstanding. Please, don’t act rashly,” Su Weimin pleaded, flustered.
“That’s right! It’s all Ye Tianlin’s fault—he’s blind, he doesn’t recognize greatness!” Gao Yulan, on the verge of tears, grabbed desperately at Chen Zhigang’s sleeve.
Chen Zhigang shook her off, feigning grievance. “Your whole family is ungrateful. Spare me your tricks; I won’t let this go so easily.”
With that, Chen Zhigang turned and strode out the door.
Gao Yulan’s legs gave way at the sight, and she collapsed to the floor.

Su Weimin erupted in fury, pointing at Ye Tianlin and cursing, “You idiot! Do you realize what a disaster you’ve caused? You didn’t even bother to find out his background and let your petty ambitions get the better of you. Are you out of your mind?”
“Dad, please don’t blame Tianlin. He only wanted to protect me,” Su Rulan said, bracing herself.
Su Weimin’s eyes blazed as he barked, “Protect? Nonsense! He’s simply jealous of Chen Zhigang, taking this opportunity for personal revenge. He doesn’t realize Chen Zhigang was acting out of genuine goodwill. Even if Tianlin deserves credit for getting the job, that doesn’t mean Chen Zhigang isn’t a good person!”
Su Rulan’s face stiffened, unsure how to respond. After all, no one had concrete evidence against Chen Zhigang’s behavior.
Ye Tianlin’s decision to fire him on the spot was perhaps excessive and hardly justified. Even if word spread, it would be difficult for others to accept.
Ye Tianlin looked at Su Rulan, understanding the dilemma. He said, “There’s no such thing as free kindness. Just because Chen Zhigang seems respectable doesn’t mean you truly know him.”
“You’ve only met Chen Zhigang once, so what gives you the right to judge? Are you saying you know him better than we do?” Su Weimin retorted angrily.
Gao Yulan climbed to her feet, eyes full of reproach. “Ye Tianlin, you’ve truly ruined us this time. I suggest you hurry after him and apologize!”
Ye Tianlin shook his head helplessly. “I don’t believe I’ve done anything wrong. This is my department; the chamber gave me authority, so I act accordingly. If Chen Zhigang were truly the good man you claim, he could have explained himself to me directly instead of storming off to complain.”
“You’re still being stubborn?!” Su Weimin raised his hand as if to strike.
“Dad, this is a company, not our home. You can’t do as you please here,” Su Rulan quickly intervened, and upon reflection found some sense in Ye Tianlin’s words.
For Chen Zhigang to turn so quickly was unnatural—it seemed more like guilty behavior exposed.
“Step aside!” Su Weimin demanded.
“Dad, are you really going to trust an outsider over Tianlin? I’d like to know, who is truly your son-in-law?” Su Rulan asked.

“I…” Su Weimin’s throat seemed blocked, unable to speak.
“Forget it, let’s not argue. We’re bound to be fired again; let’s pack up and leave. Besides, we don’t have the face to stay here any longer,” Gao Yulan said dispiritedly.
Without another word, the couple began gathering their things, stubbornly refusing to listen to any explanation, and left Yunhai Chamber of Commerce in disgrace.

“Tianlin, my parents…” Su Rulan was nearly faint with anger.
Ye Tianlin was speechless as well; with the couple gone, nothing could be said now. So he took Su Rulan into the office to get familiar with the environment.
But before they could sit down, the office door was pushed open.

Chen Zhigang entered, looking thoroughly aggrieved.
Behind him came a man in his thirties, dressed formally, exuding authority and power from every gesture.
Su Rulan immediately sensed danger and her heart tightened.

Chen Zhigang pointed and declared, “Brother-in-law, he’s the one who, relying on his higher position, fired me without any reason. You must stand up for me—I’ve been wronged!”
Zhang Kun stood with his hands behind his back, his brows commanding, and looked Ye Tianlin over with cold superiority. He questioned, “Do you know who Chen Zhigang is to me? How dare you fire him without even notifying me?”
“It really is Vice President Zhang…” Su Rulan’s expression changed dramatically; she trembled in fear. The Vice President of Yunhai Chamber of Commerce had truly been alarmed—this time, trouble was inevitable!