Returning - Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Acting Skills

When Zhao Yu rushed to the conference room, everyone was already inside waiting.

A joint investigation by four major departments—the display of force was rather intimidating.

Seeing her enter, Fu Tao nodded at her, his expression clearly telling her there was no need to be afraid.

Zhao Yu smiled as she sat down, waiting for the leaders to speak.

Manager Zhang from the Administrative Department took the lead. "Xiao Zhao, I trust your Manager Cui has already briefed you, so I won't beat around the bush. We've called you here to ask about your relationship with President Fu. Of course, we're not a judicial body and have no right to pry into your private life, so you may decline to answer many of these questions."

Zhao Yu smiled faintly. "But you do have the right to fire me."

"You are quite humorous. The company would never dismiss an employee without cause. We brought you here precisely to clear your name."

Manager Zhang handed her a document. "These are the two anonymous Whistleblower letters and the photos they claim show intimate behavior between you and President Fu. President Fu mentioned you've been unwell these past few days, and judging by your complexion, I can see it. So let's be efficient. You can directly explain these contents. Don't feel pressured to disclose anything private you're uncomfortable sharing."

Zhao Yu took the file and glanced through it, letting out a helpless sigh. "Beyond our professional superior-subordinate relationship at work, President Fu and I have no other connection. In fact, privately, we aren't even friends. After all…"

At this point, she cast a slightly apologetic look at Fu Tao. "After all, President Fu and I have an age gap, and the generation gap is rather severe. Outside of work, we don't really have much to talk about."

Hearing her words, Fu Tao showed neither embarrassment nor annoyance, his expression remaining impassive. It was Xue Zi'ang who let out a "Pfft" of laughter, quipping, "Lao Fu, you're being dismissed as too old."

Zhao Yu continued, "However, I truly have no evidence to prove there's no improper relationship between President Fu and me. The burden of proof shouldn't fall on me to demonstrate my innocence; the whistleblower should present more compelling evidence. As for these photos…"

Looking at the photos in her hand, she hesitated briefly, glancing at Fu Tao before quickly averting her gaze. "These photos are perfectly normal. I don't understand why some people interpret them as intimate behavior."

In the photos, she and Fu Tao were indeed in ordinary work settings. At a glance, they didn't appear particularly intimate. Yet the way Fu Tao looked at her was too obviously suggestive.

This was a point everyone present was undoubtedly fully aware of.

But every person feigned ignorance while understanding perfectly, unanimously agreeing the photos were unproblematic. They then listened as Zhao Yu, addressing the contents of the whistleblower letters, explained her sources of income and matters like having had boyfriends while overseas. With that, the investigation was considered complete.

Zhao Yu spoke until her mouth was dry, looking helplessly at the leaders before her. "I understand. Because I just arrived at headquarters, my three years of experience at the North American branch aren't acknowledged by my colleagues. Everyone thinks I'm not yet qualified to compete for that Deputy Manager position. I can understand that."

"Now, the rumors about President Fu and me are swirling wildly. I believe that whether or not I succeed in the selection process, I won't be able to silence people's gossip."

"For the sake of both President Fu's reputation and my own, I will withdraw from the selection and apply for a transfer. No matter whose assistant I'm assigned to, I will prove myself through my capabilities. I am confident that the next time a competitive selection arises, I can earn their genuine, wholehearted acceptance."

Hearing her request for a transfer, Fu Tao furrowed his brows. But Xue Zi'ang merely looked at her and smiled. "Bold words. But what if you miss this chance and no suitable position opens up for a long time?"

Zhao Yu met his gaze directly. "Capable people don't need to worry about a lack of opportunities."

Xue Zi'ang let out another "Tch" of a laugh and patted Fu Tao on the shoulder. "This young assistant of yours is a lot like you. Arrogant enough."

When the investigation concluded, Fu Tao asked Zhao Yu to leave first, so she didn't bother with the others anymore.

After exiting the conference room and pulling the door shut, she doubled over, clutching her lower abdomen. In the corridor, she took several deep, gasping breaths and slowly made her way toward the elevator.

Just as she gritted her teeth and leaned against the wall waiting for the elevator, Fu Tao's voice suddenly came from behind. "Are you alright?"

Zhao Yu's entire body stiffened. She didn't turn around immediately but instead discreetly raised a hand to wipe away the tears at the corner of her eye. "I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, President Fu."

Her voice was hoarse, clearly tinged with tears.

Xue Zi'ang, standing beside Fu Tao, observed her disheveled silhouette and remarked with a smile, "I thought Miss Zhao truly was that confident. Turns out she's just a paper tiger."

"Who the hell is a paper tiger?" She spun around angrily to retort, but upon seeing Xue Zi'ang's mocking face, she immediately lowered her head to apologize. "I'm sorry, President Xue. My temper gets bad during my period. Please don't hold it against me."

"So Miss Zhao cries during every menstrual cycle?" Xue Zi'ang looked at her with amusement, taking in her red-rimmed eyes. "Such a trivial matter, and it's worth crying over?"

"I am not crying!" Zhao Yu still tried to put up a brave front, but tears fell the moment the words left her mouth. She simply turned around, ignored the status of the people behind her, darted into the elevator in a few quick steps, and pressed the close-door button.

As the elevator doors shut, neither Fu Tao nor Xue Zi'ang stepped inside. After all, Zhao Yu's state clearly showed she was fleeing in embarrassment and wanted to hide. Naturally, they had to be gentlemanly and give her some space.

Seeing the smile on Xue Zi'ang's face had completely vanished, Fu Tao explained with a chuckle, "Xiao Zhao just has that temperament. She absolutely can't stand being wronged, yet she always insists on acting tough in front of others. My apologies for the scene she caused, President Xue. I hope you won't take it to heart."

Xue Zi'ang stared blankly at the descending numbers on the elevator display and murmured, "Yes… that temper of hers."

Once out of the parking lot, Zhao Yu shed her pitiable, delicate act. She sat up straight and focused intently on driving.

The phone beside her rang. The caller ID displayed "Gu Yunfei." Zhao Yu calmly answered. "What is it?"

"How did the investigation go?"

"Just as I guessed. A mere formality."

"But they'll definitely look into who the whistleblower was."

"What, are you scared?"

Gu Yunfei snorted. "I was planning to quit and go back to my hometown anyway. Being able to cash in one last time before I leave—what do I have to be afraid of?"

Zhao Yu smiled too. "The money's been transferred to your account. Be sure to check."

"I already received it. I just don't understand. What's the point of spending so much money to have me collude with Ye Zi to file that complaint against you? Since you're this wealthy, why cling so desperately to a small assistant's position? Or is it really like Ye Zi said—you want to climb into Xue Zi'ang's bed? A playboy's bed like that… even if you get in, you won't hold your place for long. I see you as a smart person; surely you understand that."

"That's none of your concern. Just remember: within the company, you and I will always be at each other's throats."

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