Chapter 33: Let’s Get Married as Soon as Possible

This time, she was more cautious. After saying her goodbyes, she didn’t leave the company immediately. Instead, she lingered outside for a while, waiting until the last two candidates had finished their interviews before heading to the entrance.

Inside, the HR manager and the assistant were slumped in their chairs, relaxing as they chatted. “Not a single satisfactory candidate. It’s such a pity about Miss Shen—her resume is so impressive, she’d be a hot commodity anywhere. But since the higher-ups have spoken, we don’t dare hire her.”

The assistant began gathering her things, forcing a wry smile. “Our little company can’t afford to be caught up in these kinds of troubles. There’s nothing else we can do. But who on earth did she offend?”

“Shh—let me tell you, but don’t breathe a word to anyone else,” HR lowered her voice, glancing warily around before continuing, “It was that rich scion from the Zhou family. He came by in person to deliver the message—I happened to see him. The boss was very deferential to him. For the sake of one employee, we really can’t afford to cross someone like that.”

The assistant couldn’t help but sigh. “What a shame. I wonder what Miss Shen did to offend him. Is this an industry-wide blacklist?”

HR pursed her lips, her face all curiosity and gossip. “Most likely it’s a romantic entanglement.”

As their conversation veered off into idle speculation, Shen Ling had already lost patience. It was just as she had suspected—Zhou Bin was behind this.

Forcing her to resign from her previous company wasn’t enough; now he was cutting off all her prospects. He was determined to leave her with nowhere to turn. If this matter wasn’t resolved properly, it would be endless trouble.

She clenched her jaw, just about to seek Zhou Bin out and settle the score, when her phone rang—it was Zhou’s mother calling.

Clearly unaware of what had transpired between them, Zhou’s mother sounded cheerful and warm as she invited her, “Xiao Shen, are you free? I’ve reserved a table at the tea restaurant I frequent. I have something I’d like to discuss with you.”

Shen Ling had intended to refuse and to tell her about the breakup, but then she thought better of it. Zhou’s mother had always treated her kindly; it would be best to talk things over face to face. So she agreed, “Alright, Auntie, I’ll come over now.”

After hanging up, she went downstairs, hailed a cab, and headed to the tea restaurant. She glanced around upon entering and soon spotted Zhou’s mother seated by the window.

Zhou Bin bore little resemblance to his mother. Madam Zhou was composed and dignified, adorned in pearls and jewels. Though she was slightly plump, her bearing was nothing but elegant—a kindly face with a hint of resoluteness. At the sight of Shen Ling, her expression softened into a warm, gracious smile.

“Xiao Shen, over here. I’ve ordered your favorite hazelnut pie—it’ll be here soon.”

Shen Ling hurried over, took a seat, and returned her smile. “Thank you for remembering what I like, Auntie.”

The two had first met during a collaborative project. Throughout their partnership, Zhou’s mother had seemed deeply appreciative of her. In truth, Shen Ling and Zhou Bin had gotten together because of Zhou’s mother’s influence. The Zhou family had been urging Zhou Bin to find a girlfriend and settle down, so they had started dating to appease his family.

Afterwards, every time Shen Ling saw Zhou’s mother, the older woman would urge her to marry into the family as soon as possible and help manage the household. She’d long since given up hope on her unpromising son, wishing only for him to marry a capable woman. Shen Ling suspected today’s conversation would revisit old topics.

And indeed, after sipping her coffee and setting the cup down, Madam Zhou wasted no time in broaching the subject. “How are things between you two lately? If your relationship is stable, you should get married as soon as possible.”