As the heiress of the Qi family, Qi Chengwei was naturally skilled in many areas, so it made sense that she became a regional manager within just a year. Her relentless efforts were all for the day she could stand before the Qi family and showcase her success.
Why did she choose Luo Corporation?
Simple—she had done her research and concluded that Luo Yao was the type who feared no one. Even if the Qi family came knocking, she would have a powerful backer to rely on. After all, anyone would think twice before crossing Luo Corporation.
Her reasoning aligned perfectly with Little Tong’s.
These past few days, Luo Yao’s name had been spreading like wildfire online, and Qi Chengwei was undoubtedly one of the happiest people to see it. The stronger Luo Yao became, the more confidence she gained.
"Good thing she’s not some undercover spy, or else Little Tong would lose his white moonlight," Lin Ran muttered with a bitter smile.
How many star-crossed lovers in this world were torn apart by mismatched social status?
"Yao, how do you plan to handle this? Will you transfer her to the capital or keep Little Tong in Shanghai?"
Luo Yao gave Lin Ran a puzzled look.
"Qi Chengwei is staying in Shanghai—she still has work to do. Little Tong is your bodyguard, so of course he’ll return to the capital."Lin Ran looked surprised. "So… you never intended for them to be together?"
"Whether they end up together is their business. Work and personal life should stay separate—unless one of them quits."
Lin Ran couldn’t help but laugh. "Alright, that’s so you."
Luo Yao had absolutely no trace of a savior complex.
Some might assume she targeted the three major families because she despised their underhanded tactics.
But in reality, those were just standard maneuvers in corporate warfare.
This was Luo Yao—a woman who cared only about results.
Of course, when it came to love with Lin Ran, she savored every moment. Everything else was irrelevant.
"Let’s move on to the next matter."
"Alright."
Soon after, Luo Yao convened a high-level meeting at Luo Corporation’s Shanghai branch and announced that Liu Meng would temporarily take over as acting general manager.
This meant Liu Meng wouldn’t be returning to the capital with Luo Yao.
"You have one month to wrap things up here and ensure Qi Chengwei is promoted."
Liu Meng hesitated.
Training a regional general manager in a month? That was a tall order.
But remembering Qi Chengwei’s capabilities, she felt a surge of confidence.
Besides, Shanghai needed a capable leader, especially with the upcoming tech city project—a major undertaking led by the government, with Luo Corporation handling construction and technical collaboration.
"Don’t worry, President Luo. By the time the New Year passes, you’ll see a fully capable branch general manager."
Then, as if struck by a thought, Liu Meng cautiously asked,
"President Luo… what if we later discover Qi Chengwei has issues?"
Luo Yao shot her a glance. "You’ve worked with me long enough not to ask questions you already know the answer to."
Liu Meng lowered her head. Luo Yao’s temperament had never changed.
As her assistant, she knew to tread carefully.
"Understood. But if I’m not returning to the capital, who will handle the work there for the next month?"
Luo Yao replied, "Let Wang Fang take care of it."
"That works. Sister Wang is competent, though she sometimes can’t keep her mouth shut."
Luo Yao nearly rolled her eyes. Even someone as composed as her couldn’t help but laugh when faced with such absurdity.
"Pot calling the kettle black. Neither of you should judge the other."
Liu Meng: "..."
With Shanghai affairs settled, Luo Yao and Lin Ran returned to the office to wait.
Little Tong and Qi Chengwei had vanished—no one knew where they’d gone or what had transpired between them.
About half an hour later, Lu Youqi arrived as promised.
"President Luo, thank you for resolving my family’s crisis. I, Lu Youqi, keep my word—from now on, Luo Corporation will have my unwavering loyalty."
"I didn’t call you here to listen to empty words."
"Then…?" Lu Youqi didn’t think pledging allegiance was a waste of time.
Clang.
Luo Yao tossed a dagger onto the floor.
"Lin Ran was injured at your estate yesterday. Atone for it yourself."
Lu Youqi broke into a cold sweat as he stared at the blade. He’d never understood why Luo Yao was so ruthless—until now.
She wasn’t just a business magnate. She was a formidable warrior.
Yesterday at the Lu estate, she had defeated the third-ranked assassin from the dark web.
Meeting her unyielding gaze, he knew bargaining wasn’t an option.
As the head of the Lu family, he wasn’t one to hesitate. He picked up the dagger, closed his eyes, and slashed down.
"Ah—!"
A finger fell. Blood spilled.
Lu Youqi had intended to use enough force to sever it cleanly, minimizing the pain. But he hadn’t expected Luo Yao’s dagger to be so sharp—it even sliced through the corner of the desk beneath.
Luo Yao stood, her voice icy.
"At least you’re decisive. If there’s a next time, you won’t live to regret it. Now get out. If you hurry, you might still reattach it."
"Th-thank you, President Luo…"
Not daring to delay, Lu Youqi snatched up his severed finger and fled.
Lin Ran emerged from the inner lounge.
"Yao, do you really plan to let him remain as the Lu family head?"
Luo Yao shook her head. "No. He’s too old and useless. But for now, there’s no better option."
The Lu family had plenty of members, but none were competent enough. Rather than risk an unruly replacement, she’d keep the old man—at least he was more obedient than a dog.
"Shanghai is mostly wrapped up. We can leave this afternoon."
Then Luo Yao made a call.
"Your ex-husband has already left Shanghai."
Park Bo-gi had indeed fled. After learning of his son’s disappearance, he panicked.
Instead of staying in China to search for him, he boarded his private jet overnight and bolted back to South Korea.
China was too dangerous—he couldn’t handle it.
Why hadn’t Luo Yao stopped him? She had her reasons.
Yesterday, when Samsung’s car left Shanghai for the airport, she’d deliberately tipped off Qian Yinshang.
She’d expected the father to flee first, but they’d caught the son instead.
No matter. One was enough to let them tear each other apart.
So she hadn’t informed Qian Yinshang about Park Bo-gi’s movements.
"Why didn’t you tell me sooner?"
Luo Yao’s tone was frigid. "Whether I inform you is my decision. You don’t get to negotiate. From now on, you’re on your own. Sink or swim—it’s up to you."
"Wait, President Luo—"
She hung up, removed the SIM card, and tossed it out the office window.
The moment Park Bo-gi returned to South Korea, he accused China of his son’s disappearance, pressuring the authorities.
Right then, he received a call—from Park Gukgi.
Seeing his son’s name, he answered without hesitation.
"Gukgi, where are you?"
After a long pause, Park Bo-gi ended the call, his eyes narrowing.
"You and your mother had better never come back."
…