Volume One, Chapter 52: Get Out! Leave Immediately!

The next morning, Lu Jinnian reverted to his usual reserved demeanor. Facing Lin Zhaozhao, he spoke gently, “I already discussed it with Xiao Mu last week. He knows you’ve moved in, and if you pick him up after school, he’ll be delighted.”

Lin Zhaozhao finally felt at ease. Yesterday was Monday, but since Lu Jinnian and Lin Zhaozhao were going on a date, Su Baohui had picked up Lu Xiaomu early. Today, life would return to its proper course.

“After tomorrow’s municipal bidding conference, the company will get busy... Now that you’ve moved in, it’s the perfect time to familiarize yourself with Xiao Mu’s routine.” Lu Jinnian called for Wang, the housekeeper. “From now on, if anything comes up at kindergarten, contact Zhaozhao directly.”

“Yes,” Wang replied.

Lin Zhaozhao’s heart bubbled with joy. “Wang, I like a fried egg and an Americano for breakfast. The egg should be fried on one side, seventy percent done. Just three ice cubes in the Americano.”

Lu Jinnian frowned.

Lin Zhaozhao tensed. “Jinnian, what’s wrong?”

He disliked outsiders in the house. Wang was only responsible for grocery shopping, tending the garden, and cleaning. For years, breakfast and dinner had been personally prepared by Sang Wan. After the divorce, dinner and picking up Xiao Mu would fall to Lin Zhaozhao. But for now, the most important thing was tomorrow’s bidding conference. The rest could be explained gradually.

Lu Jinnian shook his head. “Nothing.”

He felt the coffee tasted off lately. He took a sip and looked up at Wang. “Did you change the beans?”

“I don’t know, Mr. Lu,” Wang replied. “Madam always made the coffee, so I never knew which beans she used. I just grabbed a random ground bag. Should I ask...?”

“No need!” Lu Jinnian’s expression chilled. “Change the beans tomorrow. And from now on, don’t consult her about anything in the house.”

“Yes,” Wang answered.

The alcohol from last night left his stomach unsettled. Wang’s breakfast didn’t suit him either. After Lin Zhaozhao helped him straighten his tie, Lu Jinnian’s mood improved slightly. The two left together for the company.

As expected, when Lin Zhaozhao appeared behind Lu Jinnian, the entire secretary’s office changed their expressions. They had seen Lin Zhaozhao’s social media post the night before: a beautiful night view, a romantic candlelit dinner, and, at the center of the nine-photo collage, Lu Jinnian himself. Lin Zhaozhao’s caption was concise: “Finally found you!”

It wasn’t a proposal or a wedding, but she had managed to get Lu Jinnian to divorce Sang Wan. To post such a bold update, she truly had nerve. The group, once lively with gossip, now dared not utter a word, faces filled with apprehension.

Lin Zhaozhao felt a secret delight. She looked toward Yang Yan, who knocked and entered Lu Jinnian’s office, a trace of disdain curling at her lips. Yang Yan was the fiercest toward her in the secretary’s office—always assigning her tasks, always ordering her around. To those who knew, he was the CEO’s special assistant; to those who didn’t, he might as well be the CEO himself. Now, things had changed. Once he looked down on her, but from now on, he’d have to behave obediently, like a lapdog. Otherwise, she could fire him at a moment’s notice!

She had already planned to order Yang Yan to make two cups of coffee and bring them to her and Lu Jinnian. Glancing at her phone, she waited for Yang Yan to finish his report and leave so she could enter.

Inside the office, Lu Jinnian stared darkly at Yang Yan. “What did you say?”

“This is my resignation letter,” Yang Yan replied, handing over the document. “I’ve already sent the resignation email according to company protocol and CC’d HR. If you have a preferred successor in the secretary’s office, let me know. If not, I’ll hand over duties according to seniority and aim to complete the transition this month. Is that acceptable?”

“Why?” Lu Jinnian didn’t even glance at the resignation letter Yang Yan placed by his hand. He leaned back in his leather chair, eyes cold. “Yang Yan, do you know what you’re doing?”

The Chief Executive Assistant of Lu Group—Yang Yan’s position was coveted by many. He had worked solidly at Lu Jinnian’s side for four or five years. With just one opportunity, he could head a branch company, or, after more experience, become Lu Jinnian’s right-hand man and vice president of Lu Group—a true core member. With that came a high salary and substantial company shares.

An irrelevant memory flashed: the contact name for Sang Wan in Yang Yan’s phone—Miss Sang. Lu Jinnian couldn’t help but ask, “Is this because of Sang Wan?”

Yang Yan was silent for a moment, then admitted calmly, “You could say that.”

Lu Jinnian’s eyes shot up.

Yang Yan explained, “When I first joined Lu Group, I was a design assistant in the project department. Year after year, I was stuck doing menial tasks, without any notable project designs or achievements. When I was discouraged and considering resignation, Sang Wan suggested I transfer departments.”

“She said that after working together for a year, she could see my ambitions and abilities didn’t lie in architectural design, but rather suited administrative work. She recommended me to you, and that’s how I came to work by your side.”

Lu Jinnian remembered. From project department to the CEO’s office, from project director to vice president, that period was frantic for him. He only recalled that one day, everything fell into place: Sang Wan handled the professional matters, Yang Yan managed the trivial tasks. He was able to focus and smoothly take over Lu Group from the professional manager, becoming CEO.

He had believed Yang Yan was his own protégé, someone he had promoted. His man. But Yang Yan considered himself Sang Wan’s?

“Yang Yan, aren’t you mistaken?” Lu Jinnian laughed incredulously. “If you want to show loyalty, show it to the right person.”

“Sang Wan is no longer Lu Group’s CEO’s wife. She’s now at Lou Group, not even a senior architect.”

“If you want to curry favor, you should pick the right target.”

Yang Yan remained silent, his demeanor calm and resolute, with no intention of changing his mind.

Lu Jinnian tapped the desk. “Yes, it was Sang Wan who recommended you to me. But remember, it was I who promoted you from the project department to the CEO’s office! Do you really think, by showing loyalty to Sang Wan, she’ll give you better opportunities? Are you dreaming?”

It was true he had promoted Yang Yan. But wasn’t it also because Yang Yan had worked diligently for years? Their principles no longer aligned; there was no need to force unity. If their paths diverged, there was no point in continuing.

Yang Yan bowed his head. “Sorry, Mr. Lu, I’ve disappointed your expectations.”

Staring at the stubborn Yang Yan, Lu Jinnian’s irritation flared once more. Sang Wan. Yang Yan. One was his most intimate partner, the other his most trusted subordinate. Two people who, apart from phone calls, had barely met in years—had both betrayed him?

“If you insist on leaving, I won’t stop you. And don’t waste a month on handover; there are plenty of people in the secretary’s office who can do your job.”

He grabbed a pen and signed swiftly. Closing the resignation letter, Lu Jinnian tossed it to Yang Yan. “Get out! Leave now!”