Chapter Seventy-Five He Was Dismissed!

Ye Wushang’s expression was cold and indifferent. “There’s nothing for us to talk about,” he said quietly.

“Even though you gave me the core formula—”

“I never said that,” he interrupted.

Lan Ruoxue shook her head, her tone serious. “I just wanted to warn you to be careful. Lin Dong, Zheng Yiren’s boyfriend, is here. Ruoshang asked him to teach you a lesson—he’ll probably be looking for trouble with you soon. I think you should either leave now or reconcile with my sister. You don’t need to apologize, but at least show some goodwill. With me mediating, things should smooth over.”

Hearing this, Ye Wushang’s heart grew complicated.

Was she concerned for him?

If she truly cared about their marriage, she ought to have understood the situation before confronting him. Instead, she demanded he apologize to her sister, and now she comes to warn him—what was this, a belated attempt to make amends?

“Let him do as he pleases,” Ye Wushang replied, unmoved, lifting his gaze.

At that moment, Lan Ruoshang and Zheng Yiren were gathered around a young man. That must be Lin Dong—the son of a building shareholder, a typical scion of wealth.

His appearance betrayed a life of indulgence; even if he hadn’t yet been ruined by vice, he was well on his way. Such a debauched youth wouldn’t help them out of kindness; he must have ulterior motives.

“You’d better worry more about yourself,” Ye Wushang said. “Associating with people like him will only bring trouble sooner or later—”

“That’s enough, Ye Wushang!” Lan Ruoxue snapped.

She had come with good intentions, only to be met with rejection and sarcasm.

“Lin Dong agreed to help me speak to the An family out of respect for Zheng Yiren, hoping to secure the agency rights. He wants to deal with you because you made my sister kneel and apologize—he finds it intolerable and wants to teach you a lesson. Is that so strange? I’m thinking of our past as husband and wife and don’t want you to get hurt, but instead of appreciating it, you insult me. You—you’re truly heartless!”

With a furious shout, Lan Ruoxue stormed off.

Ye Wushang was moved by her warning, and he felt a trace of gratitude, but her attitude soured his mood. Now divorced, there was no reason for further contact. He put it aside and continued with his work.

Meanwhile, Lan Ruoshang watched her sister return unsuccessful and sneered, “How did it go, sis? Got put in your place?”

“I told you, that loser not only has a rotten temper but is mentally ill. You tried to reason with him, but he just shot you down.”

“This matter—”

“Enough!” Lan Ruoxue cut her off coldly. “Do whatever you want; I won’t interfere. I’m focused on one thing: securing the An family agency rights. Everything else is none of my concern.”

“Rest assured, Miss Lan,” Lin Dong chimed in. “I’ve already called my father. Unless something unexpected happens, the agency rights will be yours.”

As he spoke, Lin Dong cast a mocking glance at Ye Wushang, who was busy directing security. “Head of security, huh?” he scoffed. “I’ll stir things up and get him removed from his position. Once he leaves the hotel, I’ll have my people outside give him a proper lesson.”

“Great!” Lan Ruoshang exclaimed, excited. “Let’s beat him half to death first. When we head out later, I’ll deal with him myself!”

“And me!” Zheng Yiren added bitterly. “I even bowed to him, but he said I wasn’t qualified to kneel for him? That loser’s truly arrogant—this time, we have to put him in his place!”

“Boom, boom, boom!”

Just then, the sound of three drums echoed as Secretary Sun Huiru stepped onto the stage. The bright lights dimmed.

“Everyone, please quiet down,” Sun Huiru announced. “I’m delighted you could all attend the banquet hosted by the An family tonight. This event is meant to foster connections among families and businesses, and also to announce the final candidate for our agency rights. Now, let’s welcome the CEO of An Group, Ms. An Lan, to the stage—”

“Wait.”

Before she could finish, Lin Dong suddenly stepped forward, interrupting. “Before the banquet begins, I’d like to make a suggestion. Is that alright?”

He shot a reassuring glance at Lan Ruoshang and Zheng Yiren. The crowd turned their attention to him. Though the Lin family was only second-tier, their network was extensive. People neither approved nor disliked him.

Sun Huiru’s expression shifted, but she maintained a pleasant smile. “Of course. You’re our guest—any reasonable suggestion will be considered.”

“Him.”

Lin Dong cut in, pointing to Ye Wushang, who was standing guard at the edge of the stage. “I suggest replacing him. As head of security, I’m very dissatisfied with his work. I don’t trust him with our safety!”

Ye Wushang was momentarily taken aback, eyeing him with suspicion.

Though Lan Ruoxue had warned him, he hadn’t paid much mind—he expected a minor nuisance, nothing serious. Yet Lin Dong was now making a scene.

With the Pei family lurking and Master Wang poised for action, removing him from his post could have disastrous consequences.

Sun Huiru understood Ye Wushang’s capabilities and his relationship with An Lan. It would be impossible to justify replacing him now. Though she was displeased with Lin Dong, she managed to keep calm. “Mr. Lin, I don’t quite follow. Ye Wushang is our specially appointed head of security; his professionalism and conduct are exemplary. What exactly do you mean by dissatisfaction?”

At that moment, Master Wang, seated in the front row, raised an eyebrow and glanced at Ye Wushang, murmuring, “Tiger, is that the boy your father said sabotaged our two assassination attempts—Ye Wushang?”

“And ruined my plans as well,” Pei Qinghu replied, his fury rising at the memory. “Because of him, President Huang despises me, and my pursuit of Huang Pianruo is now hopeless.”

Every time the subject came up, Pei Qinghu’s anger flared; seeing Ye Wushang, he wanted nothing more than to tear him apart.

“Calm yourself, Tiger,” Master Wang said. “We’re here to deal with the An family—other matters can wait. Afterward, we’ll let him take the blame. As your father advised, everything is ready—we’re just waiting for the final negotiations. If they cooperate, all will be well. If they challenge us, everyone here will die.”

With that, Master Wang crossed his legs, looking every inch the strategist. He’d only heard of Ye Wushang before, but seeing him now, he sensed a certain presence. Unfortunately, Lin Dong’s interference meant Ye Wushang would be forced out, robbing him of a worthy opponent.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Lin Dong replied calmly, unshaken by Sun Huiru’s question. “Look around—how many security guards are in this hall? What if someone tried something? They carry no weapons; if an emergency arises, how can he guarantee our safety? Besides, I heard he’s nothing but a useless househusband, only good at laundry and cooking. Putting someone like that in charge of security is just a joke.”

His words immediately stirred the crowd. At first, they thought he was just nitpicking, but upon closer examination, his points seemed reasonable. So many people, such a large venue, yet security was scarce. As for Ye Wushang’s background, everyone had heard rumors—most had chosen to turn a blind eye.

Now, with Lin Dong’s accusations aired, concern spread among the guests.

“This is—” Sun Huiru’s expression turned awkward. She knew his background all too well. She hadn’t expected that exposing Ye Wushang in public would not only embarrass him, but also tarnish the An family’s reputation.

She glanced at Ye Wushang, about to discuss matters with him, when Lan Ruoshang rose and shouted, “What’s there to hesitate about? Remove him now and bring in someone capable! That loser spent three years living off my family, eating and drinking at our expense. In the end, he cheated during marriage, dumped my sister for some temptress. I said a few words, and he beat and cursed me, even made me kneel and apologize! He’s useless and has terrible character—how can anyone trust him with our safety?”

With Lan Ruoshang fanning the flames, the crowd’s hostility toward Ye Wushang surged. Voices rose in condemnation, demanding he step down. Some even began throwing things at him, turning the stage into chaos.

“Ye Wushang, what are you still standing there for? Get off the stage!” Though she claimed she wouldn’t care, seeing him vilified made Lan Ruoxue uneasy. She knew that once he was removed, Lin Dong would send men to attack him outside the hotel. Although Ye Wushang was skilled, he couldn’t take on so many at once. After all, they’d spent three years together, and she didn’t want to see him beaten to a pulp. She immediately stood, signaling him with furtive gestures.

Ye Wushang took a deep breath and was about to step onto the stage to explain when a hand suddenly pulled him back.

He turned around—it was An Lan!

She stepped onto the stage, shook her head, and faced the audience with authority. “I personally selected Wushang as chief of security. Who dares to replace him?!”

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