Chapter 72: Fated Enemies Cross Paths

After a fierce quarrel, there was still no resolution in the end.

The next morning.

The family headed out early and climbed into the Range Rover parked downstairs.

Ye Tianlin gripped the steering wheel, but did not rush to drive off.

“Tianlin, why aren’t we leaving yet?” Su Rulan asked in surprise.

“It’s getting late, and if we’re late, it won’t look good. After all, your position is quite high now—you need to set an example!” Gao Yulan said from the back seat, appearing deeply concerned.

Ye Tianlin shrugged calmly, gazing out the window toward the entrance of the building, and waved his hand, “No rush, let’s wait a bit. Dad hasn’t come down yet, has he?”

Gao Yulan grumbled, “Forget waiting for that stubborn old man. I spent the whole night persuading him in his room, but he wouldn’t listen at all. He kept giving me attitude, nearly drove me to anger. He’s just too proud for his own good, suffering for the sake of saving face.”

She grew even angrier as she spoke, cursing, “Su Weimin, that man, has no real abilities, yet he dares to question my son-in-law. The truth is plain to see, and he still insists Tianlin’s success is just luck. It’s shameless, blatant lies!”

Ye Tianlin offered a bitter smile, “Mom, don’t let it upset you. You know Dad’s temperament—he’s simply proud, finds it hard to let go of his dignity. After all, he’s not just an elder but a man too, and he doesn’t want to lose his standing at home.”

“He’s got nothing to be proud of, always acting like he’s something special, but he’s really just got that stubborn streak. You’re different, Tianlin. I used to blame you for everything, but now I realize how foolish that was!” Gao Yulan’s expression softened, her words laced with apology.

Ye Tianlin smiled magnanimously, “It’s all trivial, Mom. We’re family—no need to keep track of every detail. As long as you understand me now, that’s enough.”

Su Rulan nodded in agreement. At least now, Gao Yulan’s attitude as a mother had changed drastically from before.

Just then.

Su Weimin emerged from the stairwell, hands resting on his lower back, his expression odd and his gaze shifty, glancing all around as he strode directly toward the car.

When he reached the door, Su Weimin coughed a few times, then opened the rear door.

“Dad, are you going to work?” Ye Tianlin asked with a smile.

Su Weimin, maintaining his facade, sat in the back seat with a deliberate air, and replied in a lowered voice, “Well… I’m worried you might not pass your assessment and end up getting dismissed, so I decided to go too. If you’re gone, at least the rest of us still have jobs and won’t starve!”

“Give it a rest. Even now you won’t admit it. Honestly, you’re shameless!” Gao Yulan rolled her eyes in disgust.

“Dad, didn’t you say yesterday that if Tianlin were dismissed, Vice President Zhang would surely turn on us? If that’s true, our whole family would suffer. So what’s the point of you going? Isn’t that contradictory?” Su Rulan questioned.

Su Weimin’s face stiffened, but he remained stubborn, explaining, “That’s just a possibility—it doesn’t mean it’ll happen. I’m just being cautious!”

“Keep pretending. Let’s see how long you can keep it up,” Gao Yulan said, unable to hide her contempt.

Su Weimin crossed his arms, leaned back against the seat, glanced at Ye Tianlin up front, and grunted, “Enough chatter, drive already!”

Ye Tianlin smiled wordlessly and finally drove off.

After about ten minutes, they arrived smoothly at Yunhai Chamber of Commerce.

As soon as Ye Tianlin stepped out of the car, he received a sudden notification and hurried off to attend a senior management meeting.

As for Su Rulan and the rest, they entered their department and prepared to clock in.

Yet, just as Su Rulan stepped into the sales department, before she could even clock in, she spotted a familiar figure holding contract documents, standing outside the general manager’s office.

It was none other than Li Jiaojiao!

“What a twist of fate—how did we run into her here?” Su Weimin immediately faltered, his eyes desperately avoiding hers.

“Hurry, don’t let her see us, or she’ll surely make things difficult. If our colleagues witness it, it’ll be so embarrassing,” Gao Yulan’s face clouded, shrinking back in fear of being noticed by Li Jiaojiao.

But their efforts were futile: Li Jiaojiao turned and immediately spotted the family.

She frowned slightly and strode over, greeting them, “Well, looks like your whole family passed the interviews and landed jobs at Yunhai Chamber of Commerce. Lucky you!”

“What are you doing here?” Su Rulan asked.

Li Jiaojiao curled her lips in a triumphant smile and waved the contract in her hand, her tone mocking, “I’m here to sign contracts, of course. Last time, Vice President Zhang had issues with the terms, but I’ve revised them, and he’s signed.”

“But Vice President Zhang said the contract also needs the sales department’s general manager’s approval and signature to be valid. So here I am.”

“Who would’ve thought I’d run into you here again? I’ll make sure to have a word with your general manager and, hopefully, get you fired!”