Chapter 266: Couldn’t Keep Up the Pretense

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Returning to her room, she organized the information needed for Mingya’s acquisition into an encrypted document, pinpointed several key details, and analyzed them one by one. She then sent it to Yi Hong through a secure email. About half an hour later, she received a call from Yi Hong.

‘Tve already sent someone to negotiate with Mingda in Ning City. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow morning at nine.”

“Is that person reliable?”

“Don’t worry, they’re on our side, tight-lipped and capable. Plus, with the information you just sent, we have a strong advantage.” Although Yi Hong’s voice sounded calm and composed, his inner turmoil was evident.

Although they met before and he knew that Shen Wan was “Mr. Wan,” sometimes he still found it unbelievable.

For example, the information she just provided not only listed numerous flaws in Mingya, making it easier to negotiate for a lower price but also outlined three possible negotiation strategies to be flexibly used based on Mingda’s attitude.

Accurate judgment, seasoned skills, and a deep understanding of the business world-all signs of a savvy old fox. Yet she was barely twenty years old!

So, what had she been raised on?

She was undoubtedly intelligent, but also quite ruthless!

Yes, ruthless!

This was evident from the offer she had made; it was a classic case of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Even Yi Hong, who had been in this business for decades, dared not play such a game. It seemed that not only was the young calf not afraid of the tiger, but it might not even fear the Heavenly King himself.

However, Shen Wan was unaware of Yi Hong’s complex thoughts and calmly asked, “What about the other party? Any developments?”

“Nothing.”

A frown appeared between Shen Wan’s eyebrows. “Be more specific.”

“I inquired, but the other side has only expressed their intention to acquire Mingda. They haven’t initiated direct negotiations, and both sides have yet to meet in person.”

Shen Wan’s gaze flickered. “Did they raise the offer?”

“You’re right!” Yi Hong was about to say, but Shen Wan beat him to it.

“…How did you know?” His surprise was evident in his tone.

“I guessed.”

Yi Hong:

Shen Wan’s gaze darkened. She knew who the other person was-Shen Ru!

To remain idle without taking thorough action. As clever as she was, she couldn’t help but raise the price, played hard to get, and projected an air of composure, yet lacked the essential patience.

Such individuals may have been intelligent, but they fell short in certain aspects.

Like a jade with imperfections, not easily discerned from afar, but as time goes by and one draws closer, it becomes inevitable for their flaws to be exposed.

In her previous life, when Shen Wan just arrived at the Shen family, she was slapped by Shen Qian and permanently lost her hearing. It was Shen Ru who personally rushed her to the hospital, busy running back and forth.

At that moment, Shen Wan felt grateful to her half-sister, Shen Ru.

She even had a fleeting illusion that she could rely on her.

After that, whenever Shen Yan caused trouble for her, Shen Ru would step in to stop her. Shen Wan thought that Shen Ru didn’t dislike her. However, one day as she held a fruit tray, about to knock on Shen Ru’s door, she found the door ’ slightly ajar, not locked at all.

Inside, she could hear the two sisters speaking, their voices alternating between being loud and soft.

For some reason, Shen Wan didn’t immediately push the door open. Instead, she stood in place, slowly leaning in, using her intact ear to listen through the narrow gap in the door.

“Sister, why do you always protect that little bitch?” It was Shen Yan, her melodious voice akin to a lark’s, but the words she uttered were as venomous as a crow’s.

“Protect her? Have I?” Shen Ru had always been gentle, dignified, and graceful

Shen Wan imagined that she must be smiling at this moment.

A warm and indulgent smile.

But the next moment, those “self-proclaimed” words were like a series of crisp slaps to the face, even harsher than the slap from Shen Qian.

She said, “She’s just a clawless little kitten. Since Dad brought her back, he must have his own plans and considerations. I stopped you from conflicting with her for two reasons. First, to stop embarrassing Dad and make things easier for him. Second, it’s for your own good.”

“How is it for my own good?” Shen Yan’s dissatisfaction carried a hint of coquetry.

“She’s a nameless and illegitimate child, even if she carries the Shen surname and enters this family, she won’t be acknowledged. When she comes of age, at most, she’ll receive a check as her dowry. Just like water under the bridge. The more you care about it, the more you lose your status. Is it worth it? On the other hand, if you show a little kindness, you can win others’ hearts Why not do it?”

“Then when I get married in the future, will I also become water under the bridge?”

“Are you the same as her?” Shen Ru’s tone carried surprise and a slight reproach, but it remained gentle as water. “Ah Yan, remember, you are the legitimate young lady of the Shen family, the apple of our parents’ eyes. Shen Wan is just dirt on the ground, a speck of dust on the wall. One is in the sky, the other on the ground, with no comparison whatsoever!”

“Alright, big sister, I’ll remember that.”

Shen Wan stood frozen in place, maintaining her eavesdropping pose. Her ears seemed to start hurting again. Her hands and feet were cold, and she felt almost suffocated. However, she held the fruit tray with great steadiness in her hand, without dropping or knocking anything over, as often portrayed in television dramas.

Then, she saw Shen Yan leaning affectionately on Shen Ru’s lap, facing the direction of the door, with a victorious smile on her face.

At that moment, Shen Wan felt that the two sisters inside-

One was extremely hypocritical, and the other was utterly foolish.

She turned away gently, leaving without shedding tears. Instead, a smile hung on her lips.

In this lifetime, she arrived four years ahead, Shen Wan couldn’t help but notice that Shen Ru hadn’t undergone significant changes from her previous life. It appeared as though she had perfected the art of wearing her mask, as if it were her second skin, with her skills honed to the highest level.

She wanted to pretend to be friendly, to show kindness to Shen Wan, but she couldn’t let go of the demeanor of a proper young lady. She only expressed closeness in words but took no actual actions.

She wanted to appear generous, taking the initiative to suggest that Shen Wan work at Mingda. However, she was unwilling to offer a good position and could only watch as Shen Wan joined Mingya. On the surface, she remained calm, but inside, she was discontented.

She aimed to present herself with elegance, often choosing conservative attire, and her wardrobe was filled with traditional qipaos. Yet, Shen Wan noticed her’ longing glances at Shen Yan’s bold style of dresses more than once.

Her actions didn’t align with her words; she couldn’t even keep up the pretense.

For instance, in this competition for the acquisition, if she already planned for

a standoff, why did she willingly increase the bid?

Prior to this, Shen Wan had directed her attention towards Shen Chunting.

From both the standpoint of internal rivalry and profit potential, he had ample motives to seek control of Mingya.

However, the surprise was that it was Shen Ru all along!

She had started this so early?

Shen Wan looked up at the ceiling, suddenly feeling quite content. With her, Shen Qian, and Shen Ru’s early dissent, this family was about to become lively.

Very soon!

“No need to worry, proceed as planned.”

Yi Hong replied, “Understood.”

Shen Wan had lunch alone, with a servant standing nearby, offering tissues and cutlery, providing exceptionally attentive service.

She seemed unfazed by having someone wait on her, maintaining a composed expression and displaying practiced movements, clearly accustomed to such luxurious indulgence..