Chapter 54—There Will Be a Chance
The heiress of the Yang family, a renowned name in Shanghai's social circles, Yang XX, had become the subject of heated discussions. Her extravagant 'Seaside Birthday Party', attended by several male models, had resulted in the circulation of many indecent photographs online, thrusting her into the spotlight of trending scandals.
Long, slender fingers with clearly defined joints tapped rhythmically on the table—one tap after another, light and unhurried. It was as if he was perfectly composed, awaiting something he had anticipated would inevitably occur. In those cold, obsidian eyes, a rare trace of amusement flickered.
At the seventh tap of Sinan’s fingertips against the solid wood desk, the office door was suddenly pulled open with force. The sharp, angry staccato of high heels resounded across the floor, heralding her arrival. A stack of unsightly photographs was flung onto the desk, and with them came a voice—clear, yet laced with anger.
“President Nan, what a clever scheme. You certainly went to great lengths to get rid of me!”
Sinan’s gaze just brushed over the photographs before he recoiled, a flash of distaste passing through his eyes. When he looked up at the beautiful Miss Yang, a faint hint of pity tugged at him.
Her beauty was the kind that married sensuality with a touch of youthful charm, her figure graceful and alluring, every curve in place. She was no different from the other women that usually surrounded him.
“Please, Miss Yang, have a seat,” Sinan said, rising politely to offer her a chair. His tone was devoid of emotion, but there was a trace of gentlemanly decorum.
“No need for your feigned civility, Sinan. I know you had those photos taken, and I understand your motives quite well…” Miss Yang’s voice was cold as she stared at Sinan, who sat down without a flicker of expression.
“Rest assured, I’ll speak to my father as soon as I return, and the marriage alliance between the Yang and Si families will be officially cancelled.”
Sinan smiled faintly, lifting his gaze to her face, beautiful yet twisted by anger. “If Miss Yang can convince President Yang, that would be ideal. It would save my father the trouble of worrying about this matter any longer.”
“Hmph…” Miss Yang snorted coldly, her eyes probing Sinan’s smile that never reached his eyes.
“I’m curious, Sinan, what sort of woman will one day ensnare a calculating, scheming man like you? Or perhaps, who will be unlucky enough to catch your eye… I did like you, but now I fear you.”
Sinan did not react with anger; instead, he laughed. His features, though sharp and handsome, fit the mold of a successful, cold-blooded businessman. Yet when he smiled, a pair of shallow dimples appeared, softening the impression of the ruthless prince of the Si family that everyone knew.
“Miss Yang, you’re overthinking.”
Sinan’s reply was brief and indifferent. Despite his good mood, he felt no need to waste time on this woman.
“Rest assured, Miss Yang, the trending topic will soon be overshadowed by other news. I’ll see to it that the impact on you is minimized.”
His words were concise and direct. Miss Yang clenched her teeth, her newly manicured nails digging into her palm from the force.
“So I should thank you, President Nan?”
Sinan stood again, courteous as he walked to the door and glanced back at her with a faint smile.
“No need for thanks, Miss Yang. And by the way, you’d best take those photos with you. There are many people in this office—if someone were to see them…”
“Hmph!” Miss Yang snorted again, scooping the stack of photos into her designer bag. As she passed Sinan, she paused, her gaze almost piercing him.
“Sinan, everyone says to leave room for future encounters, especially in business. I refuse to believe that one day you won’t come to me for help.”
“Take care,” Sinan’s faint smile vanished, replaced by familiar coldness.
There were two things Sinan hated most in life: being threatened, and being threatened again.
He had dominated the business world for years, always decisive and ruthless. Leave room for future encounters? Anyone Sinan expelled would never have the chance to meet him again.
So, as soon as Miss Yang left the office, Sinan slammed the heavy double doors shut. To dare threaten Sinan was pure folly.
The floor near the tall windows was scattered with sunlight, the glass almost dazzlingly bright. Sinan narrowed his deep eyes, glancing to the wall where an elegantly framed calligraphy piece hung, its powerful brushstrokes reading: ‘The Morning Sun Rises from the East.’ The inscription was by the Chairman—Sinan’s father.
For reasons unknown, as Sinan pondered the literal meaning of these words, a vision of the little girl named Ranran appeared before him, and then seamlessly shifted to the face of the woman called Xiaowen.
A gentle, fresh face, untouched by heavy makeup, lacking the arrogance and innate sense of superiority so common in her circles. She was, in fact, a girl who made people feel comfortable just by looking at her.
A soft knock at the door pulled Sinan’s thoughts back from Shanghai. After he replied with a quiet “Come in,” Xia Bin entered, his steps steady and sure.
“President Nan, the Chairman has replied. He’s aware of Miss Yang’s situation and will no longer interfere in your decision whether to continue seeing her. He leaves it entirely up to you… The Chairman also said…”
Sinan sat back in his chair, listening intently, but Xia Bin paused mid-sentence. Sinan frowned, signaling him to finish.
“The Chairman also said you should consider the bigger picture, even if you truly don’t wish to pursue things with Miss Yang. Given that our families have long been close, you shouldn’t make things too absolute.”
The old Chairman knew his son all too well, and because of that, worried even more for the company’s future. Ruthless and unsparing—these were not just the public’s assessment of Sinan, but his father’s as well.
His father’s affection and expectations were always reserved for his elder brother, Sidong. Sinan knew this. So nothing his father said surprised him; after all, they were family, and his father had no choice but to rely on him.
Sinan nodded slightly, seeming to sigh before responding, “Tell the old man I understand. I won’t repeat the same mistake and cause him displeasure. But on the condition that he doesn’t interfere with my decisions—after all, I’m handling most of Ran Dong’s affairs now, and his health isn’t good. He should rest rather than worry. And… after this incident, the Yang family’s uncle should refrain from making any moves. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee what I might do…”
Having said all this in one breath, Sinan rubbed his brow, thinking hard before suddenly recalling, “Oh, I remember now! I heard their electronics company has been losing money these past few years, right?”
Xia Bin paused, perhaps not expecting Sinan to ask about this, before replying calmly, “I’ve heard about it, but haven’t dealt with it directly.”
“No matter,” Sinan replied, in high spirits. “There will be opportunities.”
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