Chapter Fourteen: The New Director

Earlier, when things had gotten out of hand, Wei Xie had never appeared. Yet, as soon as the security force was in place, he emerged to take charge, swiftly delivering his verdict with just a few words. This was an old hand, adept at reading the situation, with both cunning and skill.

"Wait!" Hong Chen, having formed his judgment, kept his expression calm and halted the restless security guards, gazing coolly at Wei Xie as he asked, "Who are you, and what gives you the authority to order the security to escort us away?"

A young employee behind Wei Xie replied, "He's the Executive Deputy Director of our Investment Promotion Department. I'd say he has the authority."

Wei Xie shot an annoyed glare at the lead security guard, waving his hand impatiently. "On my turf, you injure a member of the Security Department, and you molest my clients—on my turf no less—and you still aren't taking them away?"

"Stop!" This time, the security guards no longer hesitated and began to close in on Hong Chen and his companion. Suddenly, a cold, commanding voice rang out, and a woman in a professional suit strode briskly over, her beautiful face frosted with icy resolve.

It was none other than Secretary Qiu, Gao Tianxiong's secretary.

With the president's secretary intervening, the security guards naturally dared not proceed.

"Hong..." Hong Chen interrupted Secretary Qiu, saying, "Secretary Qiu, there's something here that needs your fair judgment."

Secretary Qiu paused, and Hong Chen promptly recounted what had happened to Xu Le earlier. He had barely begun when Wei Xie interrupted, "Secretary Qiu, if this gentleman feels he has something to argue, he can go to the security office and make his case—no need to disrupt the normal work of the Investment Promotion Department here."

But Hong Chen insisted, "My friend was beaten up here just now by four security guards, witnessed by many and even filmed. This concerns his reputation, all parties are present, so it’s best to clarify matters face to face. Please, Secretary Qiu, uphold justice."

Secretary Qiu considered briefly, recalling the president’s instructions, then nodded, "Let’s settle it here then."

Wei Xie was clearly displeased, wanting to protest further, but Secretary Qiu cut him off, "Deputy Director Wei, if you have objections, perhaps you should consult Mr. Gao?"

Wei Xie narrowed his eyes and said nothing more.

Hong Chen then recounted the events Xu Le had experienced. As soon as he finished, Wei Xie, his face dark with anger, barked, "Utter nonsense! Secretary Qiu, I cannot tolerate him twisting facts with baseless accusations in my department—it's an insult to my character and reputation."

Allowing Hong Chen to speak was not about maintaining an upright image before everyone; rather, Wei Xie cared too much about his own reputation. To preserve the semblance of fairness, especially under so many watching eyes, he conceded to Secretary Qiu.

But that was as far as he’d allow.

The Investment Promotion Department was his domain; he was the boss here. No one present had the right to judge him—not even department directors from other divisions, nor vice presidents not in charge of this department.

Frankly, Xu Le had come to his turf, and if Wei Xie wanted, he could have thrown Xu Le out without reason. To be singled out and trapped by Wei Xie’s schemes was, in a sense, an honor. Trying to turn the tables was sheer folly.

"Secretary Qiu, the more you dwell on this, the worse it gets. I won't argue further. I just want to ask: what reason would I have to risk my own reputation to frame him? What could possibly make him worth such effort? And as an executive, why would I bother?"

Lin Meimei pointed at Xu Le, her eyes misty as she gazed at Secretary Qiu, looking deeply aggrieved—pitiful enough to win anyone's sympathy.

Secretary Qiu had no response. Hong Chen had mentioned Xu Le was here for an interview, merely a trainee manager earning six or seven thousand a month—a clear sign of his modest background, and his appearance and stature were unremarkable. From her perspective, it was hard to believe Wei Xie and Lin Meimei would conspire to frame Xu Le.

She actually suspected Xu Le of deceiving Hong Chen, but she couldn’t voice this; if Hong Chen took offense and mentioned it to the president, she’d be in trouble.

People whispered among themselves, shaking their heads. Though their murmurs were unclear, the looks they gave Hong Chen and Xu Le suggested most believed Xu Le was a lecher, and Hong Chen was just making excuses.

Xu Le struggled internally, finally gritting his teeth and declaring loudly, "Who says Wei Xie has no reason to frame me? He..."

Hong Chen knew what he was about to reveal—if the truth about his girlfriend being stolen came out, it would certainly tarnish Wei Xie’s image, but Xu Le would suffer far more. The other party could simply deny everything; it would be a Pyrrhic victory, harming Xu Le more than Wei Xie. It wasn’t worth it.

So, he quickly silenced Xu Le with a cigarette, turning to Secretary Qiu, "The incident started at the corridor entrance. Just check the surveillance footage."

Wei Xie snorted, looking at Hong Chen as if he were an idiot. The lead security guard shook his head solemnly, "Sorry, you don't have permission for that."

Hong Chen looked at him in confusion, then at Secretary Qiu. She explained quietly, "Unless there’s a formal investigation, only deputy directors or above in each department can access relevant surveillance. It’s company policy."

Superiors naturally oversee subordinates, but subordinates cannot monitor superiors—such is the rule in both official and business circles.

"I see." Hong Chen mulled it over, then asked, "So, does the department director of Investment Promotion have permission?"

Secretary Qiu forced a smile. "Of course. But the director’s position is currently vacant, with Deputy Director Wei handling daily operations." She hesitated, lowering her voice, "Perhaps we could speak outside; tell me what outcome you want, and I’ll handle it."

Hong Chen understood—she wanted to resolve things privately, so she could consult the president. He declined with a wave, smiling faintly at Wei Xie, "You claim the Investment Promotion Department is your territory?"

He pointed to Xu Le. "Do you know who he is, what his status is? Yet you dare to assert you’re in charge in front of him? Who gave you such confidence?"

His voice grew louder, rising by octaves, drawing all eyes. Was this fat man hiding some extraordinary identity?

Secretary Qiu was bewildered, eyeing Xu Le suspiciously. Even Xu Le himself was confused—could his status really be higher than Wei Xie’s? He had no idea.

Wei Xie’s face darkened, watching Hong Chen’s mocking smile. He felt Hong Chen was ridiculing him for kicking against an iron wall.

Blustering, trying to impress the crowd—did they really think a few loud words would scare anyone?

If Xu Le had a status Wei Xie needed to respect, would his girlfriend have abandoned him for Wei Xie, even willing to be a mistress just to distance herself from Xu Le?

Absurd!

"I really don’t know. Why don’t you tell me, what is his status?"

"Then listen: his name is Xu Le, and his status is... the new Director of the Investment Promotion Department. He’s here today for his interview, disguised as an ordinary applicant."

At Hong Chen’s words, the cold smile on Wei Xie’s lips froze instantly. Everyone gaped, their expressions utterly incredulous.

Xu Le appeared calm, only slightly stunned, and glanced sidelong at Hong Chen’s serious face. Inwardly, he was crying—brother, this isn’t just playing with hearts; you’re playing with lives!

Secretary Qiu was on the verge of losing it. This was the company, and aside from the interviewees, everyone present was a member of the Investment Promotion Department—at every level. Besides Wei Xie, two more deputy directors were there, though they'd kept quiet. How could Hong Chen joke about something like this?

Yet what she hadn’t expected was Hong Chen’s next move, which pushed her over the edge.

After making his announcement, Hong Chen turned to Secretary Qiu, "Some may not believe me, so please confirm: is Xu Le the new Director of the Investment Promotion Department?"

Secretary Qiu’s pupils contracted to pinpoints, her entire body petrified. In an instant, every gaze converged on her.

The reception hall, dozens of people—silent as a grave, you could hear a pin drop!

Like the calm before a storm, the direction of the coming tempest depended entirely on Secretary Qiu’s next words.

Though only dazed for ten seconds or so, to Secretary Qiu it felt like millennia. As her mind cleared, she looked at Hong Chen’s calm face and, encouraged by his gaze, made a pivotal decision. Her lips parted, and though her voice was not loud, it was utterly clear: "Yes, Xu Le is the new Director of the Investment Promotion Department."