Chapter 29: Are All Scoundrels Like This?

"Xi, did you know? The rumors about you have been cleared up! The person who started the rumors actually issued a public apology and even confessed to accepting bribes to fabricate the whole thing."

Ye Chunxi speculated on the other end of the line, "I'm just curious, who on earth would instigate such a malicious act? The methods used were truly despicable."

Song Xixi pursed her lips in a cold smile.

She mused to herself: Who else could it be but Song Yanyan?

She really wouldn't stop until she achieved her goal.

Meanwhile, other members of the technical department had also seen the clarification online.

The disdain that had previously been on their faces instantly turned into expressions of awkwardness.

One by one, they lowered their heads and bowed slightly toward Song Xixi.

Then, they slunk out of the conference room.

Song Xixi remained composed, showing no particular emotion.

After hanging up on Ye Chunxi, she returned to her office.

As soon as she sat down, she habitually opened her phone.

A live broadcast appeared on her screen—it was Shen Anzhi's press conference to clear the air.

Dressed in a well-tailored dark suit, he stood tall and upright before the media.

"The rumors regarding our partner, Ms. Song Xixi, were entirely malicious fabrications with no basis in fact. Dake Group will not tolerate such behavior that damages the reputation of our partners and harms the company's image. We will investigate this thoroughly and hold the rumor-monger legally accountable."

A surge of gratitude welled up in Song Xixi.

So, it was his doing.

She clicked on the "Leaked News Pioneer" account and found it had been permanently banned.

Shen Anzhi’s methods were indeed efficient.

She picked up her phone and sent him a message.

[Mr. Shen, thank you for your help.]

At that moment, Shen Anzhi’s phone buzzed.

He calmly took out his phone, saw Song Xixi’s message, and quickly replied.

[You are too kind, Ms. Song. This is simply what the company should do.]

Seeing the reply, Song Xixi smiled.

Meanwhile, Qin Ze returned to the company after dealing with the "Leaked News Pioneer."

Upon learning that Shen Anzhi was holding a press conference, he felt unsettled.

An inexplicable sense of jealousy made him incredibly restless.

"Qian Duo, do you think this Shen Anzhi is just putting on an act?"

Qian Duo was stunned, having no idea what he was talking about.

However, his years of experience as an assistant made him nod instantly. "Yes! He is definitely faking it."

Qin Ze curled his lip, looking at the video with disdain.

*This guy,* he thought, *I’ll have to meet him one of these days...*

Secretary Wang had just stepped into her office when she couldn't wait to take out her phone.

When she saw the news that the rumors about Song Xixi had been cleared, her previously smiling face froze and then turned ashen.

"How is this possible!" she muttered.

She began pacing the office irritably, her high heels clicking sharply against the floor.

"That bitch, she must have used some underhanded tricks!" she cursed through gritted teeth while stomping her feet.

She couldn't swallow this frustration.

How could Song Xixi resolve this crisis so easily?

Without hesitation, she pulled out her phone and called Song Yanyan.

As soon as the call connected, Secretary Wang began to complain. "Ms. Song, why is this so strange? That woman Song Xixi managed to settle everything in less than a day. I don't know what kind of luck she has, but everyone is helping her!"

Song Yanyan was already fuming. Hearing Secretary Wang’s complaints only made her more enraged.

"Hmph, I'm wondering that too! She probably just used some tricks to bewitch those people."

Why was everything always smooth sailing for her?

Secretary Wang echoed, "Exactly, Ms. Song. How do you think she did it? Even Mr. Shen is protecting her like that."

Song Yanyan gritted her teeth. "Secretary Wang, you keep watching at the company. Report anything unusual to me immediately."

Secretary Wang nodded repeatedly on the other end. "Don't worry, Ms. Song, I will keep watch. But what should we do next?"

She had realized that Song Yanyan simply couldn't stand her own sister.

However, that had nothing to do with her.

As long as she did things for Song Yanyan, she would get designer bags.

It was a good deal!

Song Yanyan stopped pacing and said viciously, "Hmph, if the public opinion route doesn't work, then we'll meddle with the project. See if you can find any loopholes and cause some trouble for her. If the project runs into problems, let’s see how she manages to stay at Dake Group!"

At this point, she couldn't be bothered to pretend anymore.

After all, some things required someone to do the dirty work.

Wang Chunlei was easy to handle—a few bags would do the trick.

Secretary Wang hesitated. "Ms. Song, I don't really understand project matters. What if I mess it up..."

Song Yanyan interrupted her impatiently, "What are you afraid of! If you don't understand, ask someone else, or spend money to hire someone. As long as you can ruin Song Xixi, it doesn't matter how much it costs!"

Secretary Wang quickly replied, "Understood, Ms. Song. I'll get right on it."

If there was money involved, everything was easy!

She might even be able to skim a bit off the top.

After hanging up, Song Yanyan slumped onto the sofa.

*Song Xixi, don't get too smug too soon. This isn't over!*

*What a vixen, she has people protecting her everywhere.*

*If it hadn't been for her, would Huang Xu have asked for a breakup?*

...

Song Xixi was the last to leave the company.

Night had fallen, and the city's neon lights were glowing brilliantly.

As she stepped out of the entrance, she saw Shen Anzhi standing straight by his car, looking in her direction.

Seeing her come out, he smiled and walked over. "Director Song, this incident was likely the work of my competitors. I truly apologize for the impact on your reputation. To show my regret, would you like to have dinner together?"

Song Xixi hadn't expected Shen Anzhi to think it was his competitor's doing.

She paused slightly, organizing her thoughts on how to politely decline the invitation.

Just then, Qin Ze suddenly appeared from nowhere.

He strode over and, without a word, wrapped his arm around hers.

He looked at Shen Anzhi with a hint of provocation.

"Mr. Shen, you want to ask my little girlfriend out? It's late at night; wouldn't it be inappropriate for a man and a woman to be alone?"

Before he finished speaking, the smile on Shen Anzhi’s face stiffened.

A look of visible shock flashed in his eyes.

Song Xixi looked at Qin Ze in disbelief, her eyes wide.

*Had this man lost his mind?*

She wanted to refute him, but she was momentarily speechless.

The next moment, a surge of bitterness rose within her.

For the three years she had been with him, she had never been allowed to appear at formal occasions.

Let alone be introduced by him so straightforwardly as his girlfriend.

Unexpectedly, now that things had changed, he would say such a thing.

It was all too ironic.

Were all scumbags like this?

Only when they can't have something do they scramble desperately to take it back.