Double evil in the business district

The lights in the banquet hall suddenly came on, dispelling the previous darkness and eerie atmosphere like daylight. Lin Xiao froze in mid-air, the USB drive in his hand sliding weakly to the ground, making a subtle but piercing sound on the polished floor.

"What's going on?" she muttered to herself, looking around in astonishment. The originally chaotic scene had returned to order.

Under the spotlight, Xiao Yue walked up to the podium calmly. There was no panic on her face, but instead a confident smile.

The thrilling episode just now seemed to have no effect on her. She gracefully picked up the microphone, and her clear voice echoed throughout the banquet hall: "Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. I'm sorry that there was a small incident just now, which delayed everyone's time."

She paused, her eyes sweeping across the audience before finally settling on Lin Xiao, a subtle hint of pity in her eyes. Then, she continued, "Next, please allow me to formally introduce the Xiao Group's new business—"

Xiao Yue's presentation was concise, yet passionate. She explained the advantages and potential of the new business in a simple and accessible manner, emphasizing Xiao Enterprises' commitment and commitment to this project. Her confident demeanor, professional presentation, and vision for the future gradually won the hearts of the guests. The initial skepticism instigated by Lin Xiao gradually faded, replaced by murmurs of appreciation and enthusiastic applause.

Lin Xiao sat in the audience, her face livid. She tried to incite the guests again, spreading rumors about Xiao's new business venture, but this time, no one paid any attention. The guests were captivated by Xiao Yue's speech, preferring to trust this energetic and confident young woman rather than a rich heiress full of lies.

Lin Xiao's plot had completely failed. She watched helplessly as Xiao Yue shone on the stage, winning everyone's admiration, while she, like a clown, was isolated and ridiculed. She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms, and the jealousy and anger in her heart spread like wildfire.

As Xiao Yue's speech drew to a close, she took a deep breath and spoke in a more resolute and inspiring voice, "The Xiao Group's new business is not just a commercial project; it also carries our hopes and dreams for the future. We believe this project will bring tremendous value to society and open a new chapter for the Xiao Group!"

Thunderous applause erupted again, lasting a long time. Xiao Yue bowed gracefully in thanks, a pleased smile on her face. She knew she had succeeded. Not only had she secured Xiao's new business, but she had also earned recognition and respect from the industry.

At this moment, a figure walked out from the crowd and walked straight to the podium...

Shen Ting's appearance undoubtedly brought the banquet to a new climax. He walked straight to the podium, emitting an irresistible aura. The guests' eyes were fixed on him, and they held their breath, waiting for the business tycoon's speech.

Shen Ting's gaze fell on Xiao Yue, the corners of his mouth rose slightly, and he slowly said: "Ms. Xiao, your speech was very wonderful." His voice was low and magnetic, and every word was powerful.

"Thank you, Mr. Shen, for your compliment." Xiao Yue responded politely, but a ripple of emotion welled up in her heart. She knew that Shen Ting's presence wasn't just for simple praise.

Sure enough, Shen Ting paused and continued, "The Xiao Group's new business is extremely innovative and has great market potential. I'm personally very optimistic about this project." His eyes swept across the audience, and his tone became more resolute. "Shen Enterprise is willing to cooperate with Xiao on this new business, jointly develop the market, and create greater value."

The entire room erupted in an uproar. Shen's enterprise's strength and influence were undeniable, and their intention to collaborate was undoubtedly a tremendous endorsement of Xiao's new business. The guests chatted among themselves, discussing this unexpected partnership, their admiration for Xiao and Xiao Yue evident.

Gao Binke, who had been instigated by Lin Xiao to express doubts about Xiao's new business, now showed regret on his face. He thought of Lin Xiao's solemn promise and his own foolishness in believing the rumors, and he couldn't help feeling ashamed.

He walked up to Xiao Yue and apologized sincerely, "Ms. Xiao, I'm really sorry that I believed the rumors and was skeptical about your new business. Your speech has deeply inspired me, and I believe Xiao's new business will be a success."

Other guests also came forward to congratulate Xiao Yue. The banquet hall was filled with praise and congratulations. Xiao Yue was surrounded by the crowd, her face filled with joy. At this moment, she felt an unprecedented sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. She knew that she had finally earned the recognition and respect of the industry through her hard work.

Xiao Yue's eyes casually swept across the crowd, only to find Lin Xiao standing in a corner, her face livid and her eyes filled with resentment. She clenched her fists tightly, her body trembling slightly, as if suppressing immense anger.

Lin Xiao's plan completely failed. Her carefully orchestrated scheme not only failed to destroy Xiao's new business, but actually led to Xiao Yue's even greater success. She watched helplessly as Xiao Yue shone on the stage, receiving praise and congratulations from the crowd, while she, like a loser, was isolated and ridiculed. The huge gap and humiliation were almost unbearable for her.

Lin Xiao glared at Xiao Yue fiercely, as if he wanted to eat her alive...

Then, she turned abruptly and left the banquet hall, her high heels tapping against the floor, making a rapid and chaotic sound, as if venting her inner resentment and anger.

"She..." Shen Ting looked at Lin Xiao's departing back, his brows slightly furrowed, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he remained silent. He turned his head and his gaze fell on Xiao Yue, with a subtle tenderness in his eyes. "Ms. Xiao, congratulations."

Xiao Yue smiled slightly, her eyes gleaming with confidence. "Thank you, Mr. Shen." She knew that tonight's success was not only her personal victory, but also a victory for the Xiao Group.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her excitement. The guests around her continued to praise her, and she responded one by one with elegant manners.

The bustling banquet hall seemed to be veiled in her eyes, and the compliments and praise seemed distant and blurred. She knew in her heart that Lin Xiao's departure was not the end, but a new beginning. Tonight's victory would only make Lin Xiao more resentful, and the challenges ahead would be even more severe.

Thinking of this, Xiao Yue's smile gradually faded, replaced by a solemn expression. She looked around, trying to find a clue among the crowd, any clue that might indicate Lin Xiao's next move. However, apart from the clinking guests and the dazzling lights, she found nothing.

Shen Ting noticed the change in Xiao Yue's expression and asked with concern, "What's wrong? Are you tired?"

Xiao Yue shook her head and forced a smile. "It's okay, just a little tired." She didn't want to make Shen Ting worry, and she didn't want anyone to see her inner uneasiness.

"Go back and rest early." Shen Ting's voice was low and magnetic, with a hint of reassuring power.

Xiao Yue nodded, said goodbye to Shen Ting, and turned to leave the banquet hall. The night breeze blew gently, blowing away the noise in the banquet hall and also blowing away the slight tension in Xiao Yue's heart.

She walked home alone, her mind racing. While she was delighted by the success of the night, Lin Xiao's threat was like a thorn that pierced her heart.

She knew that in the business world, there were no permanent enemies or friends. Profit was the eternal driving force. Lin Xiao came from a wealthy family, possessing a strong background and resources. She would not easily give up suppressing the Xiao family. She, on the other hand, must remain vigilant at all times to remain invincible in the ensuing struggle.

Just as Xiao Yue was immersed in the joy of success and the worries about the future, she suddenly felt something in her pocket. She reached in and pulled out a neatly folded envelope. There was no signature or postmark on the envelope, only a line of elegant handwriting: "Be careful of those around you, especially Shen Ting."

Xiao Yue's heart sank, a chill running from her feet to her head. She quickly opened the envelope and, in the dim light of the street lamp, read the contents. The letter contained only a few sentences, but each one was piercing, implying that her relationship with Shen Ting would bring trouble to the Xiao family and even destroy everything she had.

Xiao Yue clutched the letter tightly, her knuckles turning white. Could this be Lin Xiaoxin's conspiracy? She looked up at the brightly lit city in the distance, a complex light flashing in her eyes...

"Shen Ting..." She murmured the name softly, her heart filled with confusion and uneasiness.

The halo of the streetlight stretched Xiao Yue's figure into a long, slender figure, and the letter was deformed in her hands. The contents of the anonymous letter were like a poisonous sting, piercing the joy of her recent success.

Could this really be Lin Xiao's new tactic? She had indeed had a lot of contact with Shen Ting, but it was mostly due to cooperation. What exactly was the "trouble" mentioned in the letter? Xiao Yue's heart was pounding, and an inexplicable uneasiness enveloped her.

She repeatedly looked at the handwriting on the letter. It was neat and graceful, yet tinged with a chilling coldness. It was unfamiliar, unlike Lin Xiao's style. Could it be someone else? Xiao Yue's mind raced, trying to find some clue from tonight's banquet. She recalled the look in Lin Xiao's eyes as he left, filled with resentment and unwillingness. Was this just a deliberate attempt to confuse her?

Xiao Yue took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. The most important thing now was to understand the letter's purpose and the person behind it. She carefully folded the letter, put it back in her pocket, and hurried home.

A sleepless night. Xiao Yue lay in bed, tossing and turning, her mind preoccupied with the contents of the anonymous letter. She kept analyzing various possibilities, but she couldn't find an answer. At dawn, she couldn't lie still any longer. She decided to find Shen Ting and ask him face to face.

The morning sun streamed into the room through the glass windows, casting a golden glow on everything. Xiao Yue washed up briefly, changed into a smart business suit, and drove to Shen's Enterprise.

The Shen Enterprise Building towered into the sky, imposing and majestic. Xiao Yue walked into the lobby and went straight to the front desk. "Hello, I'm looking for Mr. Shen Ting."

The receptionist smiled politely and asked, "Do you have an appointment?"

"No." Xiao Yue shook his head. "I have something important to see him about."

The receptionist said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Mr. Shen's schedule is very tight. If you don't have an appointment, I'm afraid I can't arrange a meeting with him."

Xiao Yue was anxious. This anonymous letter was like a thorn in her throat. She had to see Shen Ting as soon as possible. At this time, a woman in a black business suit and exquisite makeup walked over. "Miss Xiao?"

Xiao Yue recognized her as Shen Ting's secretary, Secretary He. "Hello, Secretary He, I want to see Shen Ting. It's very important."

Secretary He smiled slightly, but his tone was a little cold. "I know. The front desk has already told me. Mr. Shen is in a meeting now and cannot be disturbed."

"But..." Xiao Yue wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Secretary He.

"Ms. Xiao, if you really have something important to tell me, you can tell me first and I will pass it on to Mr. Shen." Although Secretary He's tone was polite, it revealed an unquestionable firmness.

Xiao Yue hesitated, unsure whether to trust Secretary He. After all, the anonymous letter had made her suspicious of everyone around her. But she had no other choice but to place her hopes on Secretary He. She took a deep breath and was about to speak when a voice suddenly rang out from behind her...

"Xiao Yue, why are you here?"