Chapter 616: Is He My Son-in-Law?
by xennovelUncle Gong had been wanting to speak up for a while but never found the right moment.
As a driver, he generally shouldn’t comment on his employer’s family matters. However, once Feng Shihua asked, he couldn’t hold back.
“What do you mean by returning it to the lady of the house? What happened to Duan Ying? Did they have a conflict while eating?”
“The lady of the house is unkind to the young lady.”
“Duan Ying has been rather strict with Nanshu, demanding much of her studies. Isn’t that how all parents teach their children? Is Jiang Qin retaliating for this, like a student who finishes high school and goes back to beat up their teacher?”
The woman Duan Ying is clever because she never leaves any handle for others to grab.
Uncle Gong had reported her long ago, but every complaint got overshadowed by Duan Ying’s reasoning for Feng Nanshu’s wellbeing.
Excuses like stray dogs might carry diseases got handled swiftly for Nanshu’s health and safety.
Having his trusted secretary follow her closely, disallowing social interactions might seem controlling but could also be seen as being diligent.
Not letting her eat snacks sounds more like a good thing.
The young lady got left in the amusement park all day, which could be spun as her being disobedient.
The Chinese language is deep and profound, indeed.
With years in education and a minor in psychology, Duan Ying handled these matters with ease.
Being a stepmother might be tough for others, but she thrived in it like a fish in water.
“Being a strict stepmother is hard, I know people talk, but even so, I won’t neglect Nanshu!”
Uncle Gong felt if she were in a palace drama, she’d surely survive till the finale.
Later, as Feng Shihua and Duan Ying had a child and lived overseas, Uncle Gong lost hope that Feng would ever advocate for his eldest daughter.
With some matters misrepresented by the lady of the house, once Feng believed it, Uncle Gong became the gossip-monger in his eyes.
At this rate, he might be dismissed much earlier than anticipated.
Though dismissal didn’t bother him much as Uncle Gong was already at retirement age.
But if he were dismissed, then the young miss wouldn’t have anyone of her own left by her side. What would her life turn into?
So, he eventually stopped reporting; he, like Feng Nanshu, had grown disillusioned after many experiences.
Interestingly, this process unfolded bit by bit.
It started with Feng Nanshu, then Uncle Gong, and just a few days ago, even Feng Shihua gave up hope.
Hence, Uncle Gong hadn’t spoken about Duan Ying to anyone for many years.
Like before, when the son-in-law sensed something off and asked about the young lady’s stepmother, Uncle Gong kept silent, only able to sigh.
At this moment, Feng Shihua sat silently in the car.
After a prolonged silence, Uncle Gong glanced at the time and suddenly spoke, “Haven’t you mentioned where to?”
“Let’s not go anywhere. Let me have some quiet time. I just came back from Kyoto and am quite tired.”
Feng originally planned to seek out Feng Shihua but changed his mind after talking with Uncle Gong for so long.
He indeed had neglected his daughter, an undeniable truth. Exposed, Feng felt guilty and decided not to disturb them at this time.
Yet he still believed that taking over Feng Corporation recently, he was right not to be distracted by other matters.
The Feng Corporation, with its various subsidiaries and nearly ten thousand employees, all depended on him for a better future. He indulged in every detail for this reason.
Everyone has their burdens. He might be misunderstood but won’t admit wrongdoing.
Besides, since Jiang Qin is his daughter’s boyfriend, they will meet someday. There’s no rush for now.
Most importantly, as the president of the Feng Corporation, he need not rush to show deference to the president of the rival group, especially since he is his son-in-law.
Just then, Feng’s phone rang with a call from the company’s vice president.
“Mr. Feng, the board thinks we should steer clear of the internet sector.”
“Why?”
“Our last two investments failed. The shareholders think Feng Corporation isn’t suited for the internet sector yet. Let’s stick to investments related to real estate, like the hotel industry.”
Feng paused momentarily: “The situation is still under control, not so severe as you think.”
The vice president sighed: “The shareholders have heard some rumors.”
“What rumors?”
“They heard that the head of the rival group doesn’t like you, so they don’t want you investing in the internet right now. Although that group isn’t top in the industry, everyone knows Alibaba has suffered losses against them.”
“Did they also hear that the rival group’s president is my son-in-law?”
Feng said coldly and hung up the phone.
Meal Point, though somewhat known in the delivery industry, holds little weight in the whole internet business circle.
Yet, this downturn orchestrated by that group caught many eyes.
Not just Feng’s shareholders had concerns, even acquaintances started calling to what happened.
Feng could only claim it was an accident, not a major conflict with the rival, and things would be resolved.
One call after another, Feng eventually felt overwhelmed and directed calls to his secretary.
He hadn’t expected that group to wield such significant influence in the industry. Just one market maneuver drew much attention; perhaps it was time to lay low.
Feng decided to shift his focus and stabilize his shareholders first.
“Uncle Gong, let’s go back to Sheshan Manor.”
“Alright, Mr. Feng.”
Meanwhile, Duan Ying was sitting in the living room of the villa, across from Duan Wenzhao, who managed a fierce market onslaught only to end up with a mess.
Although the business failed, Duan Wenzhao couldn’t just walk away as if nothing happened. He came to Shanghai specifically to own up to his mistake.
As they talked, Feng walked into the living room, instantly silencing the atmosphere.
“Didn’t you know the person Nanshu brought was Jiang Qin?”
“I just returned to the country and am not a businessman. How would I know who he is? If I had known, would I have let Wenzhao fall into this trap?”
“Never mind, even I didn’t know, so it’s not strange you didn’t. But it seems like Nanshu really hates us.”
“… ”
Duan Ying pressed her lips tightly, her fists clenched on her knees.
(Additionally, I need to correct a bug from earlier in the text…)