Chapter 73: I Told You Long Ago, You Could Never Defeat Me

Faced with Li Jiaojiao’s aggressive interrogation, Su Weimin and Gao Yulan were instantly struck pale, their faces etched with terror and shock.

It was already common knowledge that the Wang family of Yandu sought to expand their business in Jiangnan. The newly established Yunhai Chamber of Commerce, eager for opportunities, would never turn away such a major client; cooperation was inevitable, a means to mutual benefit.

As the representative of the Wang family’s Jiangnan project, Li Jiaojiao was, without question, far from an ordinary figure in the Yunhai Chamber of Commerce. Her significance rivaled even that of the Capital Consortium, and surely attracted their attention.

Though Ye Tianlin now held the position of General Manager in the Business Department, his status paled in comparison to Li Jiaojiao’s. Should she choose to stir trouble behind the scenes, complications would surely arise—by any measure, the disadvantages far outweighed any possible gain.

Thus, the best course regarding Li Jiaojiao was to ingratiate themselves, appease her anger, and further secure Ye Tianlin’s position within the Yunhai Chamber of Commerce so he would not be dismissed by the Capital Consortium.

With this in mind, Su Weimin was the first to muster a smile, groveling, “Everything before was just a misunderstanding. Those rumors are not to be trusted. Our family has worked hard to secure these jobs. Please, show mercy and don’t hold it against us.”

Gao Yulan, flustered, quickly echoed, “Yes, yes, our relationship shouldn’t be so strained. Cooperation brings mutual benefit—there’s no need for conflict.”

Li Jiaojiao sneered, “What benefits could you possibly bring me? Who do you think you are? If I wanted to deal with you, it would take no time at all!”

Seeing this, the couple instinctively bowed lower, but Su Rulan could not bear it. She stepped forward, facing Li Jiaojiao directly, and said, “I am now the secretary to the General Manager of the Business Department. What do you say to that?”

At once, Li Jiaojiao was stunned, her expression filled with surprise.

The Business Department of Yunhai Chamber of Commerce was the most important among all divisions, and this wretched Su Rulan had actually become its secretary?!

Had the Matriarch not exerted pressure from above? More crucially, the Capital Consortium had disregarded the Matriarch’s influence and, against all odds, accepted Su Rulan. What was going on?

“So what if you’re the General Manager’s secretary? It doesn’t mean anything—you have no real authority. Do you think I’m afraid of you? More likely, you just got lucky.”

At this, Li Jiaojiao paused, quickly regained her composure, and waved the contract in her hand with pride. “Unlike me, who holds such a major project that Yunhai Chamber of Commerce must take seriously. When I meet your General Manager, dealing with you will be easy!”

Su Rulan took a deep breath, unable to endure further, and said, “What if I told you my husband, Ye Tianlin, is the General Manager you wish to meet?”

The words had barely left her lips when Li Jiaojiao was stunned again, her face contorting with shock.

Yet, upon further consideration, Li Jiaojiao thought that, given Ye Tianlin’s identity as heir to the Ye family, his joining Yunhai Chamber of Commerce was perfectly reasonable.

But the Wang family had now abandoned any further entanglement with the Ye family, turning their focus to the Capital Consortium. With no need for the Ye family, they needn’t concern themselves with their opinion—there were other options.

Moreover, the Capital Consortium was not under Ye Tianlin’s control; he was merely a department manager. What was there to fear? In fact, she could take advantage of Ye Tianlin’s weakened position to trample him and vent her own frustrations.

Thus, Li Jiaojiao scoffed, “So that’s where your confidence comes from. How disappointing—you’re far too self-assured.”

“This cooperation has already been fully negotiated, with Vice President Zhang’s personal signature and seal. Do you dare jeopardize the interests of the Capital Consortium and Yunhai Chamber of Commerce?”

“Ye Tianlin is nothing now. Even I can make him stumble, so what makes you think you can act important in front of me?”

With that, Li Jiaojiao laughed openly, without a hint of restraint, her arrogance laid bare.

Colleagues from surrounding departments, hearing the commotion, cast curious and strange glances their way.

Su Weimin’s cheeks burned with shame, his dignity in tatters, yet he could only steel himself and plead humbly, “Please, show us mercy. Rulan was impulsive just now.”

“Yes, yes, please be magnanimous. Don’t target small people like us. We promise this cooperation will go smoothly, and whatever you need in the future, we will do our best to support you,” Gao Yulan added, sensing disaster.

Su Rulan’s face was taut, her fingernails digging into her palm. She knew Ye Tianlin did have authority, but the Wang family’s project was so significant that any loss would see Ye Tianlin held responsible. No matter his power, the Capital Consortium would not stand idly by.

If, because of a personal grudge, Ye Tianlin were dismissed, then as his wife she would be utterly unworthy. After all, Ye Tianlin had lost everything he was entitled to as the Ye family heir for her sake, and now there was no other path.

With no alternative, Su Rulan could only force herself to bear it. She bowed deeply, ninety degrees, and said to Li Jiaojiao, “I’m sorry. I was wrong just now. Please forgive me. We can sit down and discuss the contract carefully. We won’t cause you any trouble.”

“Hahaha! I love seeing you like this—it’s so satisfying. Su Rulan, I told you you couldn’t beat me. Don’t think for a moment that I’ll let you off because of this. That’s absolutely impossible,” Li Jiaojiao laughed triumphantly.

As Li Jiaojiao’s laughter echoed through the office, Ye Tianlin finally finished his brief emergency meeting and stepped inside.