Chapter 19: Daji in the Present World

Gu Qichen noticed Xia Yangyang immediately. He glanced at the shattered teacup and the coffee-stained reports scattered on the floor, then sternly asked, "What happened?"

Lin Yuanyuan, adopting a victim's pose, complained, "Mr. President, I was taking these charts to your office when she deliberately bumped into me. I know she's your wife, but she should apologize. This is a day's work ruined."

Xia Yangyang was furious. Could Gu Qichen possibly believe her? Her face flushed as she looked at him.

Remaining calm, Gu Qichen addressed Lin Yuanyuan: "You claim she intentionally bumped into you. Why would she do that?"

Lin Yuanyuan hesitated, then said, "Perhaps she's jealous perhaps she misunderstood our relationship"

A gasp rippled through the room. Lin Yuanyuan's audacity was shocking. She was clearly trying to create conflict between Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang. Even without any actual impropriety, her words could easily cause misunderstandings.

Gu Qichen's voice was cold and indifferent. "So, you're saying Yangyang, misunderstanding a relationship between us, became upset and intentionally bumped into you?" His gaze remained fixed on Lin Yuanyuan.

Lin Yuanyuan's cheeks burned. Never before had he scrutinized her like this. The sensation was… intoxicating.

"I believe that's what happened," she confirmed, silently adding, Will he understand my feelings now? The truth was, she had long admired him and believed herself superior to Xia Yangyang in every way. The Xia family's wealth and prestige paled in comparison to the Lin family's. She couldn't understand why he'd chosen Xia Yangyang, especially since they'd both been interns at Shengyuan.

Gu Qichen raised an eyebrow. "Since your presence here easily leads to misunderstandings with my wife, you can submit your resignation to HR tomorrow."

Another gasp echoed around the room. Xia Yangyang stared in surprise. When Gu Qichen turned to her, his expression softened.

"If you were coming to see me," he said, "you should have told me beforehand. I would have sent someone to pick you up. This wouldn't have happened."

Disbelief hung heavy in the air. His protectiveness toward his wife was undeniable. Jealousy and envy were etched on everyone's faces.

Lin Yuanyuan, stunned, stammered, "Mr. President, what did you say? You want me to resign?"

Gu Qichen, losing patience, replied coldly, "I don't like to repeat myself." He then took Xia Yangyang to his office.

Lin Yuanyuan, trembling with rage, slumped into a chair, her knuckles white from clenching her fists. Everyone was astonished. The president had summarily dismissed someone who had displeased Xia Yangyang—a blatant display of power. Even for a man as astute as Gu Qichen, it seemed hasty and reckless, especially considering Lin Yuanyuan's family connections. Some consideration should have been given to the Lin family. But he showed no interest in investigating the truth. It seemed his only concern was: If you obstruct my wife's path, if you upset my wife, you will be punished! Xia Yangyang, they whispered, was a modern-day femme fatale.