Chapter 1 Rumors

In the HT International Hotel

John Liang walked into the presidential suite, carrying a file in his hand. Seeing the door of his boss's room was wide open, he gingerly walked inside. Upon entering, he noticed Ted Ye's attention was elsewhere. John Liang gently coughed, hoping to attract his attention.

Stubbing out his cigarette in the ashtray, Ted Ye looked up. "Well, did you find out the person behind the rumors?" he asked.

John Liang handed the file to Ted Ye and said, "I've found the name of the woman who started the rumors. I think she bore no ill will. Maybe you don't need to sue her."

After casting a cold glance at John Liang, Ted Ye opened the file and his eagle-like eyes scanned through the document. He drank in every detail that was present in the document. A slow smile worked its way to his face. Turning to John Liang, he asked, "Are you sure you have got the right person? Or could you have made a mistake?"

John Liang shook his head and said, "No, there is no room for doubt." Ted Ye's interest seemed to have been piqued. John Liang couldn't help but wonder whether he knew her.

After putting the file aside, Ted Ye looked up and caught the confused look on John Liang's face. He went forth and explained, "I know her from college. From what I remember, she was a simple and innocent girl. Even in my wildest dreams, I wouldn't have imagined she was capable of doing something like this. Well, I won't let her go so easily."

Ted Ye had made up his mind. Ever since he discovered the culprit, his plans had changed. He had originally planned to sue the person, but now he thought otherwise.

John Liang knew Ted Ye had some vicious plan brewing in his mind. 'Is Mr. Ye dealing with her because he's concerned about his reputation? Or is it because he has personal animosity toward her?'

He looked at Ted Ye and asked, "What are you going to do to her? After all, she is just a girl."

Ted Ye flashed him a smile, picked up a cigarette and lit it. After taking a deep drag, he replied, "As you said, she is just a girl. I won't harm her physically. But I will make sure she begs for my mercy."

John Liang frowned, wondering why he was so hell-bent on troubling this girl. 'Why can't he just let it go? It isn't worth his time!' he thought, but didn't have the guts to voice his opinion.

After taking another deep drag, Ted Ye glanced at his watch and said, "It's getting pretty late. You can go back and carry on with your work."

John Liang nodded and left the suite at once. Then, Ted Ye picked up the document again. He continued to stare at the girl's photo. A smile crept on his face. "I am sorry, but you are in trouble."

And then his devilish laughter echoed through the room. He filled his glass with wine and gulped it down. Not once the smile left his face. If anything, it grew wider.

At the Xie family's house, Joy Xie frantically searched for a tissue.

But before she could get her hands on it, a violent sneeze ripped through her body. She wiped her nose and wearily settled herself on the sofa.

Her mother came out of the kitchen and walked up to her. "Joy, didn't you say that you have a boyfriend? I was wondering why you haven't invited him home. I would love to see him."

Embarrassed, Joy Xie looked around, trying to come up with an excuse. She really wanted to make things clear, but she didn't know how to start.

Just then, the phone rang, attracting Joy Xie's attention. She secretly thanked the caller and picked up the phone. "Hello, Joy Xie speaking," she said in a clear voice.

From the other end, a girl burst out laughing. "Joy, I assumed you changed your phone number. But wow, it's still the same! Tomorrow noon is Cindy's engagement party. I hope you will show up with your husband."