Chapter 283: Chapter 283
Since Shen Shichen had taken over the Shen Family, he had never been bullied . Being threatened by a woman he despised made him so furious that he replaced his entire security detail. After returning home and venting his anger, he gradually calmed down.
The Shen Family excelled in pharmaceuticals, and their years of cooperation with the Bai Family had earned them a substantial fortune. The Shen Family had gradually become the chief of Jiangnan Pharmaceutical.
Fu Bing, a mere newcomer, dared to challenge him. She was truly courting death!
Shen Shichen ordered, "Suppress all of Fu Bing’s projects! Profit isn’t the goal. Just drag her down, do whatever it takes!"
After Fu Bing ensured Lin Ying was settled, she immediately called Yang Ningzheng.
"I’ve had a conflict with Shen Shichen. He’s likely to cause us trouble, so be prepared."
"Understood. The annual pharmaceutical research and development project conference is approaching. If he intends to cause trouble, he’ll do it there. I attended last year, but it would be best for you to go this year."
Yang Ningzheng had his own reasons. Although Fu Bing had entrusted him with the entire pharmaceutical platform and rarely interfered, he still hoped she would attend at crucial moments to affirm her presence. If the industry leaders only recognized him and were unaware that Fu Bing was his boss, he felt it would be improper.
The pharmaceutical project proposal conference was the most important annual event for pharmaceutical companies. Fu Bing also treated it with particular importance. She rarely wore suits, but on this occasion, she donned one, complemented by mid-heel shoes. Her makeup was understated; at a glance, one might think she wore none at all.
When Yang Ningzheng arrived to pick her up, the undisguised admiration in his eyes at her attire was striking. Fu Bing seldom wore suits, but she was a natural clotheshorse; anything looked good on her. She wore a pale green suit, her long hair secured with a diamond clip. A delicate necklace of tiny diamonds graced her neck, shimmering faintly with her movements.
Yang Ningzheng etched her radiant image into his heart, to be savored privately in the quiet of the night.
The pharmaceutical project conference was held at the same venue as last year’s medical skills competition, with accommodations at the base’s hotel. Stepping into the base hotel once more, Fu Bing felt a wave of complex emotions.
After she and Yang Ningzheng checked in, they took the elevator. Yang Ningzheng’s room was on the eighth floor, so he exited first.
Suddenly, Fu Bing was alone in the elevator. As the doors were about to close, a slender, elegant hand blocked them. The mere sight of the hand made Fu Bing’s nerves tighten. The next moment, the elevator doors slid open, and Qin Jinhai’s face was unexpectedly before her.
Their eyes met. The air instantly grew thin.
Fu Bing averted her gaze. Qin Jinhai stepped into the elevator, a rare note of uncertainty in his voice.
"I thought you wouldn’t return to this place."
Fu Bing didn’t respond. The events that had transpired in this hotel were etched deep within her. Seeing the other person involved again, it was impossible for her mood to be good.
"I’ll handle Shen Shichen and the Shen Family."
Fu Bing raised an eyebrow. "Is this your arrogant male pride at work? You haven’t even finished annexing Liu Pharmaceutical, and now you want to provoke the Shen Family? Or are you trying to snatch away something I’ve targeted?"
"I want to help you."
"On what basis are you helping me? Do you think I’m too weak to handle the Shen Family and Shen Shichen?"
"You’re not weak. I just want to protect you."
"Unnecessary. I can handle it myself."
Qin Jinhai leaned against the wall. His impeccably tailored suit couldn’t conceal the sharp aura he exuded, a dazzling edge he kept carefully contained within his domain. Even leaning casually against the elevator wall, he was strikingly handsome.
It had to be said, watching a man grow and transform was a deeply satisfying experience. The only caveat was not becoming a casualty of his growth.
Fu Bing averted her gaze, feeling a surge of irritation.
The elevator reached Fu Bing’s floor. As she moved to get her suitcase, someone had already pushed it out. Fu Bing could only hasten to follow. Just as she was about to retrieve her suitcase from Qin Jinhai, she saw Shen Shichen approaching from the other end of the corridor with a group of people.
Seeing Fu Bing, a flicker of hatred crossed Shen Shichen’s eyes. He said coldly, "Some people are truly shameless. Still trying to cozy up even after being played. If you’re that debased, why bother acting virtuous in front of me?"
Qin Jinhai was about to act when he realized someone else was faster. Zhang Jing appeared as if from nowhere. SLAP! SLAP! She struck Shen Shichen across the face twice. The crisp sound of the slaps stunned onlookers.
In Jiangnan, no one had ever dared to humiliate Shen Shichen, let alone slap him publicly.
"If you can’t learn to speak properly, I don’t mind teaching you myself!" Zhang Jing declared.
Shen Shichen was momentarily dazed by the slaps. Then, the rage in his chest instantly ignited. Just an actor! How dare she humiliate him repeatedly!
Shen Shichen glared at Zhang Jing, who stood protectively in front of Fu Bing. His numerous bodyguards hadn’t been able to best her. And Qin Jinhai was here too. Shen Shichen knew he couldn’t gain an advantage here. However, that didn’t stop him from wanting to spite Fu Bing and Qin Jinhai. If these two joined forces, they would eventually dominate the entire medical field. Even without his Qin Family status, Qin Jinhai was still Elder Jiang’s most favored disciple! And Fu Bing’s pharmaceutical platform was expanding like wildfire.
Shen Shichen sneered, "You think an admission ticket to the pharmaceutical conference gives you the right to act so arrogantly here? You really overestimate yourself."
"If my admission wasn’t a threat to you, why are you so agitated?" Fu Bing retorted calmly.
Shen Shichen was about to retort when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a figure in a wheelchair emerging from the elevator. He instantly fell silent.
Bai Zhirui’s expression changed upon seeing Fu Bing and Qin Jinhai. She maneuvered her wheelchair to Fu Bing’s side. "Regarding what happened before, I’m sorry."
Fu Bing glanced at her in the wheelchair but said nothing, then left with Zhang Jing. Zhang Jing snatched the suitcase from Qin Jinhai and followed Fu Bing away without a backward glance.
Qin Jinhai watched Zhang Jing trail Fu Bing like a loyal puppy and lost interest in the unfolding drama. Dealing with Shen Shichen was too simple. He held no real value for the Shen Family; they could oust him internally. Clearly, his recent actions had already provoked their ire. Follow current novels on novelꜰire.net
Bai Zhirui turned her wheelchair to face Shen Shichen. Meeting her gaze, Shen Shichen suddenly found he couldn’t look her directly in the eye.
Bai Zhirui realized Shen Shichen wasn’t as captivating as she remembered. She used to believe he had an excellent family background, was handsome, charming, and talented. She’d had to work hard to stand out among his many admirers. Now, however, she found him to be... rather lacking...
Bai Zhirui looked directly at Shen Shichen. "Let’s talk."
Shen Shichen forced himself to meet her gaze. She’s just a cripple; what’s there to fear? Is she afraid someone will steal me away? Otherwise, why has she been getting so close to my stepmother lately?
Shen Shichen said with a patronizing air, "Make it quick. I’m very busy!"
Bai Zhirui’s face turned pale at his words. Her hands clenched the wheels of her wheelchair so tightly that her fingertips were white.