Velvet Chains of a Tycoon

Yin Chunmei ultimately decided not to join them on the boat trip.

Just before they were about to leave, she claimed to have a stomachache. After a quick trip to the restroom, she asked Fourth Aunt to buy her some emergency supplies.

Ran Qin hadn't been prepared for such matters until Sheng Lu helped her purchase sanitary products last time, and now she understood that it was a woman's monthly cycle.

So he quickly turned to Ran Qin and asked, "Are you still up for the boat trip?"

Ran Qin, who wasn't good at lying and didn't fully grasp Sheng Lu's underlying concern, replied innocently, "Of course! I'm feeling perfectly fine."

Sheng Lu: *...* A woman so oblivious—there was no way he could escape this fishing trip.

The elderly man chuckled warmly. "Then let's go. Sheng Lu, make sure to buy Xiao Ran a fisherman's hat and some sunscreen. Her skin is delicate; we can't let her get sunburned."

Sheng Lu: *...Alright.*

Once Grandfather led Sheng Lu and his wife out of the house, Yin Chunmei turned to Fourth Aunt with an irritated sigh.

"What kind of wife did the old man find for A Sheng? Not only does she come from humble origins, but she also pairs skirts with sneakers. She clearly has no sense of style whatsoever."

Fourth Aunt smiled gently. "I heard from my husband that the young mistress wasn't chosen by the old master. He originally had his eye on Lin Li, the daughter of the Lin family, but for some reason, A Sheng ended up marrying this girl named Ran Qin instead."

"What?" Yin Chunmei was taken aback. "You mean A Sheng chose Ran Qin himself and willingly married her?"

Fourth Aunt nodded. "It seems that way. Though, the young mistress is quite sensible."

Yin Chunmei pursed her lips. "She may be sensible, knowing what questions to avoid and refraining from prying, but as the wife of the president of the Lu Corporation, she should come from a prestigious background. She needs to excel both in domestic duties and social graces."

"How will A Sheng ever bring someone like Ran Qin out in public?"

Fourth Aunt: *...* She didn't know how to respond.

---

In Bin City,

Qin Jian, clutching the card given by his sister, hurriedly rode his electric scooter to the gas company.

Sun Guoping was astonished to see that Qin Jian had managed to gather 500,000 yuan in such a short time.

"Qin Jian, the 500,000 yuan compensation is for the property. However, because your actions have significantly impacted the company, we've decided to terminate your employment and issue a notice within the industry..."

"What?" Qin Jian's eyes widened in shock. "I've already paid the compensation, and the company hasn't suffered any losses. The property hasn't severed ties with us either. I can accept being fired, but why must you issue a notice to the entire industry?"

If his employment was terminated, he could still find another job. But if he was blacklisted across the industry, it would tarnish his career forever—no company would hire him again.

"Because you damaged the company's reputation," Sun Guoping said sternly. "Our company prides itself on quality work and high employee standards. This time, you altered the blueprints without authorization..."

"I didn't alter the blueprints!" Qin Jian shouted. "What proof do you have to accuse me of that? If you're going to blacklist me in the industry, then I won't pay the 500,000 yuan compensation."

Sun Guoping's face paled. "Qin Jian, are you trying to invite legal trouble? If you refuse to pay, the company will sue you. If we refuse to settle, you'll face at least five years in prison."

"So be it!" Qin Jian snapped back defiantly. "If I pay the money and get blacklisted, I won't find work again. It's the same as being imprisoned—I won't earn a penny either way, so what's the difference?"

"How can there be no difference?" Sun Guoping tried to reason with him. "Being blacklisted means you might struggle to find work in large companies, but smaller firms or individual businesses might still hire you. You'll retain your freedom. In prison, however, you lose everything—not just your liberty, but also your dignity. Life behind bars is far harsher than you imagine. Think carefully before making a decision."

Though Sun Guoping had sided with Manager Zhang, he couldn't help but feel sympathy for Qin Jian, who had been his colleague for over a decade.

As Qin Jian mulled over Sun Guoping's words, the door to the hall suddenly opened. A well-dressed woman wearing sunglasses strode in.

"What's going on here? Has anyone been sent to handle the gas pipeline issue at the property?"

Her voice sounded familiar. Qin Jian turned around and recognized her immediately—it was the owner of the Maserati he had hit.

"Oh, Miss Shui! What a surprise to see you here."

Qin Jian rushed over, visibly excited. "Could you give me another business card? I accidentally lost the one you gave me the other night, and I was worried about how to contact you."

Shui Qingying looked at the young man in front of her, momentarily disoriented. That night, Qin Jian had been covered in mud, and the poor lighting made it impossible for her to see his face clearly.

Seeing this, Sun Guoping quickly intervened, pulling Qin Jian aside and scolding him. "Qin Jian, what are you doing? Miss Shui is an important guest of the company. Do you want to escalate the situation further?"

"Getting Miss Shui's business card has nothing to do with the company," Qin Jian retorted, pushing Sun Guoping away. "I've already been fired. Why should you care?"

Sun Guoping: *...*

Shui Qingying stepped forward, frowning at Qin Jian. "Are you an employee of this company?"

Qin Jian: "Not for much longer."

Shui Qingying: "Why are they firing you?"

"Because they blame me for the gas pipeline mishap," Qin Jian explained. Then, turning to Shui Qingying, he added earnestly, "But don't worry, Miss Shui. I'll sell my house soon and use the money to cover the repair costs for your car. I promise I won't shirk my responsibility."

Hearing this, Shui Qingying—who had been visibly agitated—suddenly calmed down. She turned to Sun Guoping.

"He's your subordinate?"

Sun Guoping hesitated slightly. "Yes… he used to be."

Shui Qingying: "What exactly did he do wrong?"

Sun Guoping: "He was responsible for installing the gas pipelines at your property. Due to a significant error, he must take full responsibility. Miss Shui, rest assured—we will deal with negligent employees appropriately and ensure you receive satisfaction."

Qin Jian interjected, "I admit my mistake and have already paid the 500,000 yuan compensation. I accept being fired, but why must you issue a notice to the industry?"

Shui Qingying, confused, asked, "500,000 yuan compensation? What happened?"

Qin Jian, looking apologetic, explained, "Miss Shui, I didn't realize the property belonged to you. I was in charge of the gas pipeline installation and made errors on three buildings. The company calculated the total cost of modifications, materials, labor, and delays, which amounted to 500,000 yuan. As the project manager, I took full responsibility and paid the amount myself."