Pampered by Short-Lived Bigshot

Chapter 303: 206 Recognition (1) Subjected to ridicule, virtue unworthy of position

Around 6 p.m., the Xie Family employees and the guests had already gathered around the tables and taken their seats. After all, it was the annual gathering, and inevitably there would be feasting and drinking, but the banquet had not yet started, and only some desserts, fruits, and melon seeds were placed on the tables.

Tang Wan had entered the venue alongside Jiang Zhenhuan and his wife, which sparked quite a bit of discussion at the time.

“I didn’t expect the Jiang Family to show so much respect; it would have been enough for just the second master to come, but to think even Jiang Zhenhuan and his wife are here!”

“Is that person next to Fan Mingyu from the Tang Family? I’ve heard she was previously engaged to the Jiang Family. When Old Tang came to Beijing for medical treatment, the whole family stayed with the Jiang Family. I just wonder whether the engagement will still be honored?”

“I’ve never heard about this.”

“That’s normal; the Jiang Family wouldn’t announce something like this unless it was certain. But it seems that Mrs. Jiang is quite fond of her; she even attended some charity auction with the fifth master, so their relationship must be quite good.”

…

After Tang Wan sat down, she subconsciously surveyed those at their table: apart from the Jiang Family, there were Qi Zeyan and Ruan Mengxi, as well as Duan Linbai, with whom she was not very acquainted.

It seemed that he had been seated for a while, as the little porcelain dish in front of him was already half-filled with cracked melon seed shells.

“Uncle Jiang, Auntie Jiang,” Duan Linbai greeted with a smile.

“Lin Bai…” It was clear that Fan Mingyu knew him better.

Close to Tang Wan, Jiang Jinsang leaned over and whispered in her ear, “My mom used to be a singer, and Duan Linbai used to study music; they’ve collaborated before.”noveldrama

Tang Wan nodded.

On the other hand, Qi Zeyan, sitting on the other side, seemed to still be harboring a grudge from losing an argument earlier on.

“Actually, with their personalities, and having known each other for so long, they should be able to become friends,” Tang Wan commented with a smile.

“That’s not a matter of personality. Haven’t you accompanied your grandma to Peach Garden before?” Jiang Jinsang explained.

“Yes,” Tang Wan nodded.

“That’s a garden owned by the Chuanbei Family in Beijing. In Beijing, North Sichuan, Lingnan, Hexi… there are all their respective prominent families. Duan Lin Bai has good relations with that family from North Sichuan…”

Tang Wan had indeed heard something about this; apparently, North Sichuan was formerly known for its chaos, and that family had an especially notorious reputation for cruelty.

“We have friends whose families have made significant contributions for generations, and their standing is completely different from that of North Sichuan’s. Everyone knows each other; it’s just that they have their different circles, and it’s not about who’s good or bad.”

Tang Wan nodded seriously.

…

After everyone settled around the table, they chatted among themselves. Jiang Yanting wasn’t much of a talker to begin with, and today he was even more reticent. After taking his seat, many tried to engage him in conversation, but seeing his solemn face, they left disappointed.

Included among them were some young girls, to whom he didn’t give the slightest hint of a smile.

Seeing this, Fan Mingyu couldn’t help but reproach him, “They are after all young girls; can’t you stop making such a sour face, and be a bit gentler?”

“I just want them to understand that there’s no possibility between us. That is the greatest kindness I can show them,” Jiang Yanting said confidently.

Fan Mingyu felt that his behavior was likely to embarrass some of the girls, but his words did make sense.

**

As the annual meeting was about to begin, the Xie Family members gradually took their seats, and naturally, it was the elderly Mr. Xie and Shen Zhixian who were the last to make a grand entrance.

Shen Zhixian was also dressed in a black waist-cinching gown with a voluminous skirt that revealed a slender, delicate ankle. She was naturally dignified and tranquil, with her hair put up and matched with a set of pearl jewelry, exposing her shoulders and neck, which were exquisite and striking, adding an air of grace and grandeur.

Compared to other colors, black is always the safest choice.

Perhaps it was because the surrounding lights were overly soft, she seemed to be covered in a wistful haze, fresh and stunning, emanating an irresistible allure all on her own.

The hall floor was so shiny it could be used as a mirror, reflecting her soft, form-fitting black dress as she passed in front of everyone…

Today was her turf; all spotlights and focus were on her, and like an elegant silhouette, she dazzled everyone present.

“I had thought that a child brought back midway would be unfit for public appearance, but she turned out to be quite beautiful after all. She even has a demeanor very much like the Xie Family.”

“What’s the use of that? A bastard daughter’s status will ultimately be unacceptable for public appearances.”

“What does that matter? If she really can inherit the Xie Family’s fortune, who cares about her status? In the whole of Beijing, who knows how many families would like to marry her? By then, it will be her choice.”

…

By that time, the person in charge of the annual meeting had already walked over to the elderly Mr. Xie, “Old Master, it’s almost time; shall we go up on the stage?”

“Sure, up on the stage!” the elderly Mr. Xie said, using a walking stick with one hand and holding Shen Zhixian’s hand with the other. Today, he wore a black and red Tang suit, looking sprightly with a constant smile on his lips, warm and calm.

Everyone watched as the two went up on stage, and without needing any prompting, they immediately fell silent. The staff adjusted the microphone for the old master and discreetly backed away.

“First and foremost, thank you all for attending the Xie Family’s mid-year evening gala. I am here to express my gratitude for your presence!” At exactly 6:28 p.m., he timed it just right, and as soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from below the stage.

“The Xie Family has come a long way over more than 60 years, and over these years, apart from the efforts of our exceptional employees, we could not have done without the care from our peers, for which I’d like to thank everyone here,” Mr. Xie spoke warmly, stepping slightly back to give a bow to everyone.

After the formalities were out of the way, thanking employees and colleagues alike, the old man cleared his throat and got to the point.

“… On this occasion, I have an important matter to announce to everyone.”

All went quiet, thousands of eyes intently watching him.

“Some of you may have heard about my family’s situation, about my deceased younger brother, who left behind a daughter in this world. We’ve been looking for her for many years, and after extensive searching, it has finally allowed me to find her.”

“Today, in addition to Xie Family employees, there are also many relatives and friends here, so I want to take this opportunity to introduce her to everyone.”

Mr. Xie took Shen Zhixian’s hand and pulled her into the spotlight, “This is… my legitimate niece—Shen Zhixian. Please, I ask that everyone take good care of her in the future!”

Mr. Xie’s niece…

The use of the word ‘legitimate’ already made clear her status.

With just her lineage known, many in Beijing would have to call her ‘aunt’, let alone need their care.

“Hello, everyone, I am Shen Zhixian.”

The crowd’s glances at Shen Zhixian differed, but out of respect for Mr. Xie, their applause was thunderous.

The matter of kinship, surely the Xie Family must have discussed it internally beforehand. Introducing her to everyone was simply to give her a formal identity publicly, as to whether other families would acknowledge her, that would be another question.

But what Mr. Xie said next set the atmosphere ablaze.

“…Zhixian will henceforth be a part of our Xie Family, she will gradually be involved in various matters of the Xie Family, so I ask for everyone’s care for her in the future.”

Involved in Xie Family matters?

The statement was ambiguous, but no one there was a fool; it was not just about family matters but about the company too, wasn’t it?

For those without business ties to the Xie Family, it didn’t matter; the most affected were the partners and the company employees.

At the company’s annual meeting, eighty percent of the attendees were Xie Family employees. Suddenly there was someone who might not understand anything, getting involved in company matters—affecting personal interests, this immediately caused an uproar.

“Old Master, you mean she will also be involved in the company’s affairs?” One of the top-level managers of the Xie Family couldn’t help but speak up.

Mr. Xie smiled, “That’s why I’m asking for your care.”

“Are you joking?”

“Exactly, letting someone who understands nothing partake in company affairs, isn’t this pushing the company into a pit of fire?”

“And besides, her online reputation is terrible right now, ‘unworthy of her position,’ isn’t it?”

…

Once someone took the lead, the sotto voce from the employees got louder. Shen Zhixian had indeed been the subject of a lot of negative attention online lately, which instantly made her the butt of collective mockery.

“Are you done talking?” sitting below, Xie Yongqi suddenly spoke.

He looked stern, with a deep voice, devoid of his usual cultured demeanor.

Tang Wan was taken aback; she had only seen him once before when visiting the Xie Family for a meal. He had appeared mannerly, speaking softly, and she hadn’t expected he would show this side.

But to be able to run a company, even if one seems kind, they must also wield the butcher’s knife.

Xie Yongqi was the current de facto ruler of the Xie Family; as soon as he spoke up, the chatter below hushed instantly.

However, Xie Jing, who had yet to speak out, suddenly did, “Uncle, in truth, they care about the company too, and you really should listen to the opinions from below.”

Xie Duo sat on the side, adjusting his glasses on the bridge of his nose—he had put on a pair with golden frames for today.

Though it was a year-end celebration, his attire wasn’t particularly formal: casual wear, which made him appear somewhat like a refined rascal.

With a slight raise of his eyebrows, he looked at Xie Jing with a casual expression, “Xie Jing, since when do you instruct my father on what to do?”

“I’m just making a suggestion; eventually someone will want to split the family and even the company. Even if the company employees have no right to know, the shareholders and directors present should have the right to be informed in advance, right?”

Below, the Xie Family employees exploded, and even Tang Wan and her companions felt their hearts skip a beat.

“Has Xie Jing gone mad!” Tang Wan furrowed her brows.

Jiang Jinsang laughed lightly, “He’s not mad; he wants to use public opinion to pressure his sister-in-law and even pressure the Xie Family!”

Xie Jing glanced at Shen Zhixian on stage, a self-satisfied smile on his lips.

The law does not punish the masses, he indeed wanted to use everyone’s hands…

To force her!