The Cold White Moonlight Desires Me Every Day - Chapter 27

A loud objection rang out, drawing everyone’s attention to the conference room entrance. A woman in her mid-twenties strode in, her black stiletto heels and wide-legged trousers cutting through the air with each purposeful step.

Her wine-red satin V-neck blouse accentuated her delicate, radiant complexion. Her features were charming, framed by gentle, straight eyebrows, but her sleek, shoulder-length black hair added a sharp edge to her overall appearance.

The attendees below looked on in confusion, while even more than half of the dozen or so executives at the head table seemed unsure of her identity.

As Ni Yunshi puzzled over the woman’s identity, she noticed Ruan Tang’s eyes light up in her peripheral vision.

“Hewan, what are you doing here?” Ruan Tang’s tone softened instantly as she abruptly rose from her seat to greet the newcomer. This warm, unguarded demeanor was a stark contrast to the steely facade she usually presented in public.

Alert! Alert!

Enemy forces have entered the battlefield!

I’ve been jungling for three years, and the enemy just stole our crystal!

“That’s Miss Gu! Quick, get another chair!” someone at the head table called out immediately.

Though the Gu Family had relocated overseas, their domestic companies and business interests had long been integrated into the group, making them founding members of the conglomerate.

When Ruan Tang returned to China, it was the Gu Family’s support that allowed her to smoothly settle her inheritance and, within three years, secure an unprecedented promotion to management.

At that moment, the CEO of the Gu Family, seated in the upper tier, hurriedly rose to greet her.

“Miss Gu, what brings you here? You didn’t even give us advance notice!”

“If I hadn’t come, you would have let this menace in! Why didn’t you consult me about such a crucial matter? Are you implying my parents and I are dead?”

Gu Hewan shot him a sidelong glance, leaving him speechless.

After all, the Gu Family’s attention had been focused overseas in recent years, with little involvement in domestic affairs.

Her words were clearly directed at Ni Yunshi.

Ruan Tang frowned slightly, glancing at Ni Yunshi. As expected, her expression was dark and stormy.

Let go! Let go of me!

I’ve shed bl00d for Tangtang! I’ve achieved great things for Tangtang!

I’ve struggled through countless trials and tribulations! Tangtang’s hand should be mine to hold!

Though she remained silent, her inner thoughts roared like a rabid dog’s frenzied barking.

Ruan Tang suddenly realized she had unconsciously taken Gu Hewan’s hand.

She was about to release it when Gu Hewan tightened her grip and led her to their newly assigned seats, where they sat down together.

In just a few minutes, the atmosphere in the hall had completely transformed.

The individuals who had previously voted to promote Ni Yunshi, swayed by Ruan Tang’s earlier influence, now sat as silent as cicadas in winter.

After all, management promotions required not only the highest number of votes from subordinates but also unanimous approval from senior executives.

A single dissenting vote meant absolute veto.

With no one to speak on her behalf, Ni Yunshi took the initiative.

“Miss Gu, my department consistently achieves the highest performance within the group. Our material audits and field inspections have all been approved. Why am I being denied a promotion?” Her tone was sharp, laced with challenge and provocation.

“While your department’s performance is indeed outstanding, the other two candidates’ records are also commendable. Moreover, although there are vacancies in management, we’re managing to cope with the workload,” Gu Hewan replied calmly, then turned to address the others at the table.

“It’s rather inappropriate to decide such a high-level appointment based on a single meeting. I propose we include all three candidates in our talent pool for further evaluation. After a period of practical experience, we can make a final decision.”

Her suggestion sparked murmurs among the attendees, but they ultimately nodded in agreement.

Ruan Tang frowned silently, but Gu Hewan turned to her with a smile. “Xiao Tang, what do you think?”

What do I think?

Of course I disagree!

But how could she possibly voice her objection in this situation?

All three candidates, including Ni Yunshi, had deep-rooted connections to the upper echelons. Including them in the talent pool would protect the interests of the other factions.

To object now would mean making enemies of the entire senior management.

Ruan Tang nodded. “That sounds reasonable.”

“Then let’s proceed as planned,” Gu Hewan said with a smile, affectionately patting Ruan Tang’s hand.

Kidnapping! This is blatant moral blackmail!

And she dares to touch my sweet darling!

“Grrr—I’ll bite her neck off!”

Ni Yunshi’s fists clenched, the fury in her eyes undiminished, as if she were about to lunge forward at any moment.

Ruan Tang shot her a warning glare, signaling her to restrain herself.

But Ni Yunshi’s eyes suddenly reddened, and she lowered her head.

“Waaah, I guess I’ll just wear the green hat Tangtang gave me.”

“No way! Even if I wasn’t here first, I’m still a concubine!”

“I’ll compete with her for Tangtang! I refuse to swallow this bitter pill!”

Her inner turmoil surged in waves. As the last thought faded, Ruan Tang clearly saw Ni Yunshi steal a glance upward, shooting Gu Hewan a venomous glare.

Her wild fantasies were real, but at least she hadn’t acted out.

Ruan Tang blinked slowly in relief. But when she came back to herself, she noticed Gu Hewan watching her.

Clearly, Gu Hewan had caught her little exchange.

With the matter settled, the conference quickly concluded.

For once, everyone seemed satisfied.

The attendees filed out in small groups. Gu Hewan exchanged pleasantries with the others, while Ruan Tang accompanied her. Naturally, the two ended up being the last to leave.

As they emerged, they found Ni Yunshi waiting outside the door, having been there for quite some time.

Seeing them, Ni Yunshi strode forward and seized Ruan Tang’s wrist.

“President Ruan, you owe me an explanation for what happened today,” she said, her tone ambiguous, leaving it unclear whether she was referring to business or personal matters.

“Awooo! Pick me, pick me!”

“I haven’t spoken to Tangtang all morning!”

If I don’t get a hug soon, I’m going to die right here!

Ruan Tang was about to nod when her other wrist was suddenly gripped tightly.

Gu Hewan pulled Ruan Tang closer, her smile unwavering. “It’s lunchtime now. Xiao Tang and I haven’t seen each other in half a year—we need to catch up. We can discuss work matters during work hours, right?”

Both women’s gazes locked intently on Ruan Tang.

Caught between two blades, she could only consider which would cut less painfully.

With that thought, Ruan Tang gently freed herself from Ni Yunshi’s grasp, smoothed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, and softened her voice. “Go rest for now. I’ll come find you this afternoon when I have time.”

Would this be enough to keep her alive?

Ohhh—baboon noises!

Tangtang’s smile at me is so beautiful!

Wait, does it feel like Tangtang just promised me the moon?

Ni Yunshi snapped back to reality, ready to protest, but Ruan Tang had already followed Gu Hewan into the elevator.

Back in the office, Ruan Tang sent Li Xiao away and closed the door. Before she could ask Gu Hewan why she had returned to the country, Gu Hewan jabbed her chest forcefully.

“Ruan Tang! Do you even have a brain? The moment I take my eyes off you, you’re softening toward her again?” Gu Hewan glared, her cheeks puffed with anger.

Ruan Tang shook her head frantically. “No, this time it was my plan to promote her at the conference.”

“Xiao Tang, was it your plan, or did she manipulate you into thinking it was your plan?”