Chapter 505: Gift!

Standing at the office door was none other than the group's second shareholder, Sun Licheng.

Wang Yining's pretty face froze for a moment, and she asked doubtfully, "General Manager Sun, are you looking for me? Is there something?"

Sun Licheng had his hands behind his back, his expression cold as he swept his gaze over the office.

Sun Licheng said in a low voice, "Manager Wang, I have something to discuss with you. Is it convenient?"

"Of course, it's convenient." Wang Yining quickly stepped aside to let him in.

Sun Licheng strode in with long, purposeful steps.

Wang Yining's heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst out of her chest.

She furtively gave a glance toward the space under the desk, signaling Lin Yuan to stay absolutely silent.

Afterward, Wang Yining quickly walked to the inner side of the desk and sat down.

Her legs happened to be right under the desk, forming a natural screen.

Lin Yuan held his breath beneath the desk.

Just now, when he heard the three words "Sun Licheng," he felt a bit nervous.

Sun Licheng—how could he show up at this moment and suddenly come looking for Wang Yining?

This left Lin Yuan somewhat puzzled and bewildered.

Lin Yuan hid beneath the desk, eavesdropping.

At that moment, Wang Yining's legs, clad in black stockings, her delicate high heels tapping the floor, made a faint sound.

Wang Yining, however, feigned surprise: "General Manager Sun, you're overestimating me—I'm just an ordinary manager; I wouldn't dare dream of a director's position."

Outside the desk loomed the tiger‑gazing Sun Licheng.

Under the desk was Wang Yining's bold provocation.

At that moment, Sun Licheng leaned forward, his tone laced with temptation: "What is there not to dare imagine?"

"Manager Wang, you're still young. As long as you throw your lot in with me, I'll guarantee you get that director position. Thereafter, the authority over hiring and firing in the Human Resources Department will be yours to wield. I'll handle Su Monong's side; you just need to keep an eye on her movements for me."

Lin Yuan, hidden under the desk, overheard this exchange and couldn't help but startle.

It turned out Sun Licheng was trying to bribe Wang Yining?

Under the desk, Wang Yining's toe slid onto Lin Yuan's face, lightly hooking it.

Wang Yining's voice, however, carried difficulty: "General Manager Sun, you know I was hired by Director Su; she has shown me kindness and trust. To betray her would be inexcusable..."

"What's a debt of gratitude worth in money?" Sun Licheng snorted coldly, pulling a bank card from his pocket.

"Inside are two million, which I offer as a token of sincerity. If you nod, I'll give you a Hangcheng villa worth eight figures. Moreover, each year thereafter I'll provide you with benefits exceeding one million."

Sun Licheng slowly laid out the compensation he was offering.

That compensation is truly high—like a pie falling from the sky.

Those words made Wang Yining's pretty face tighten.

Wang Yining gave an apologetic smile: "Sorry, General Manager Sun, I really don't dare. Some money I wouldn't earn—for fear of trouble. I'm afraid of becoming the next Ning Shen."

Sun Licheng's eyes narrowed slightly: "Manager Wang, then you're not afraid of offending me? If you do, your fate will be grim. Are you really not going to consider it at all?"

Wang Yining looked at Sun Licheng and spoke sincerely:

"General Manager Sun, I'm grateful for the money and the villa, but I truly cannot betray Director Su. If you think I'm still capable, I'll do my best to cooperate wherever the Human Resources Department needs me—but as for defecting… I'm truly sorry."

"Are you sure you want to refuse?" Sun Licheng's face darkened. "Su Monong can barely protect herself now; half the board are my people, and she won't last long. You've picked the wrong side, and you'll regret it later."

Just then, a sound suddenly came from under the desk.

"What sound?" Sun Licheng jerked his head up.

Wang Yining's face changed instantly, and fragrant sweat trickled down her back.

She hastily pressed her foot firmly over Lin Yuan's mouth.

At the same time, Wang Yining deliberately shifted her body, making the chair creak.

Immediately, she bent over to rub her own ankle, squeezing a pained expression onto her face: "No, General Manager Sun, don't read too much into it… I… I just sat too long, my foot got a little sore, and when I moved I accidentally bumped the desk leg."

"Lately I've been working overtime sorting department files, my old ailment flared up again, and just now I didn't control the force well, causing you to misunderstand." Wang Yining explained.

He stared into Wang Yining's eyes for a few seconds; seeing her gaze was open and honest, he gradually withdrew his suspicious look.

Sun Licheng said, "Manager Wang, since you're feeling unwell, you should rest more. However, you must keep what I said in mind."

Wang Yining quickly went along with his words, her tone tinged with hesitation:

"General Manager Sun, the terms you offered are indeed tempting, but this is a major matter; I can't make up my mind right away. Could… could you give me some time to think it over?"

Upon hearing "think it over," Sun Licheng's expression softened considerably.

He had still expected Wang Yining to refuse outright.

He hadn't anticipated that the situation still had a turning point.

As long as Wang Yining could defect to him.

Then Sun Licheng might be able to regain control of the Human Resources Department's authority.

Sun Licheng picked up the bank card on the desk again and pushed it toward Wang Yining: "All right, I'll give you three days. Take this card for now—it's a small token of my sincerity; no matter what you ultimately decide, the money is yours."

Having said that, Sun Licheng stood up and straightened his suit jacket.

"Manager Wang, you go ahead and get back to work; I'm leaving." Sun Licheng rose and left the office.

As he walked out of the office, Sun Licheng's steps paused again.

Sun Licheng turned his head, his tone carrying a hint of warning: "But I'll say this up front—the opportunity comes only once; don't wait till you've missed it to regret it. If you figure it out, call me right away."

"I understand, thank you, General Manager Sun." Wang Yining lowered her head and replied respectfully.

Sun Licheng said nothing more, turned, and departed.

When he reached the doorway, he deliberately glanced back at the desk, saw nothing amiss, and then closed the door with peace of mind.

As soon as the office door shut, Wang Yining went limp in her chair.

"Manager Wang, you're crazy? We almost got caught just now." Lin Yuan said helplessly.

Wang Yining, however, burst into giggles.

She took off her glasses, her eyes full of excitement: "We weren't caught, after all. Besides, I've long been tired of Sun Licheng's high-and-mighty attitude; teasing you also gives me courage."

She pointed to the bank card on the table: "Look, he still wants to bribe me with 2 million."

Lin Yuan picked up the bank card, flipped it over, then put it down.

"He's using both soft and hard tactics—threatening you and tempting you with benefits. It looks like if you refuse him, your days won't be easy." Lin Yuan sighed.

"I'm not afraid." Wang Yining put her glasses back on, regaining her professional, efficient aura.

She murmured, "As long as I can help Director Su secure the Human Resources Department, this pressure is nothing."

Wang Yining suddenly leaned in, her voice tinged with an ambiguous smile.

Lin Yuan's cheeks instantly flushed.

Lin Yuan hurriedly changed the subject: "Stop it, Sun Licheng definitely hasn't gone far. I need to leave quickly to report to Director Su's office. He just said he's giving you three days, which means he'll come back to cause you trouble."

"What's the rush?" Wang Yining suddenly reached out and pressed down on his hand that was grabbing his coat.

Behind her glasses, her beautiful eyes curved like crescent moons, stunningly alluring, full of endless charm.

Wang Yining spoke with a hint of coquettishness: "Director Lin, tell me, is my sincerity today enough? Sun Licheng tried to win me over with 2 million and a big villa, but I haven't wavered in the slightest, openly and secretly standing on our side."

Lin Yuan startled, then nodded: "Still good, you didn't drop the ball at the crucial moment."

"'Still good' is that all?" Wang Yining leaned forward.

……

An hour later, Lin Yuan finally tidied his clothes.

Wang Yining leaned against the sofa, lazily playing with her hair.

At that moment, Su Monong also called to urge him, asking why he hadn't come up yet.

Only then did Lin Yuan hastily get up, preparing to go upstairs.

"Remember you owe me a reward." Wang Yining shouted at Lin Yuan's back, her eyes full of amusement.

Lin Yuan's steps paused, he didn't turn back.

He just waved his hand and quickly left through the back door.

……

Lin Yuan headed straight for the Chairman's Office.

As he pushed the door open, Su Monong was processing documents on her computer, while Ning Xue stood beside her reporting work.

"Director Su, I'm back."

Su Monong lifted her gaze, her eyes sweeping over his disheveled collar.

She seemed to sense something, her red lips curling into a knowing smile: "You and Wang Yining had a rather 'in-depth' talk?"

Lin Yuan's cheeks heated, and he hurriedly changed the subject……

Lin Yuan reported in detail how Sun Licheng had tried to lure Wang Yining, her refusal, and the matter of that 2 million bank card.

As she listened to Lin Yuan's report, Su Monong's beautiful eyes narrowed.

Finally, Lin Yuan added: "Director Su, Wang Yining's stance is very firm; she expressed her willingness to be loyal to you. Moreover, her work abilities are solid, making her someone we can trust."

"Are you sure she won't betray you?" Su Monong asked lightly.

Lin Yuan nodded, "I'm sure."

"All right, this afternoon we'll draft a plan and promote Wang Yining to head of the Human Resources Department." Su Monong exhaled.

"Huh?? That fast?" Lin Yuan stared, stunned.

Su Monong stood up, a decisive light flashing in her eyes: "Since Wang Yining has declared her loyalty, we can't let her feel discouraged. We'll promote her today. Use those you trust, don't suspect those you employ."

Su Monong instructed, "Ning Xue, immediately notify all department heads; in half an hour, hold an emergency promotion meeting in Conference Room One, with the agenda being the appointment and removal of the Human Resources Department head."

Ning Xue was startled, then replied: "Okay, Director Su, I'll arrange it right away."

Lin Yuan was somewhat surprised: "So urgent? Sun Licheng's side hasn't reacted yet."

"That's exactly the point—to catch him off guard." Su Monong walked over to Lin Yuan.

She patted Lin Yuan's shoulder: "Sun Licheng leaked in the board group that there'd be a meeting tomorrow, but I insist on settling this today so his people have no time to prepare. Go tell Wang Yining to bring her reform plan over; at the promotion meeting she can just make an appearance."

Lin Yuan nodded, hurriedly got up, and went to inform Wang Yining.

……

Half an hour later, Conference Room One was fully packed.

Sun Licheng and his faction members hurried over……

When Sun Li saw Lin Yuan sitting beside Su Monong and Wang Yining in the corner??

Sun Licheng's face instantly sank.

"Director Su, why wasn't this meeting announced in advance? I still have important cooperation to discuss." Sun Licheng said coldly.

"No matter how important the cooperation, it can't compare to the group's personnel appointments." Su Monong's tone was flat, yet carried undeniable authority.

Su Monong swept her gaze across the meeting room, then said solemnly, "We've gathered everyone today to announce the appointment of the Human Resources Department head."

As soon as she spoke, everyone in the meeting room grew solemn.

Su Monong paused, then said solemnly, "After evaluation by the CEO's office and considering recent department performance… I propose that HR Manager Wang Yining take over this position."

As soon as her words fell, the shareholders present all looked startled.

However, when the vote was taken on the spot, most shareholders approved.

Everyone also acknowledged Wang Yining's work performance.

But at that moment, the second shareholder Sun Licheng immediately slammed the table in opposition: "I oppose! Wang Yining's experience is too shallow—she's only been a manager for three years, how can she bear the responsibility of a director? I recommend my assistant Wang Hao; he's followed me for years and is experienced."

At that moment, Sun Licheng's face turned icy cold.

He had just, only just tried to win over Wang Yining.

As a result, Wang Yining turned around and defected to Su Monong?

This made Sun Licheng very annoyed and displeased.

"Experienced?" Su Monong let out a cold laugh.

At this moment, Lin Yuan suddenly stood up and threw a document onto the table.

"Manager Sun, your assistant Wang Hao falsely reported travel expenses three years ago and was reported and criticized; last month he also made a major mistake in employee social security calculations, causing ten veteran employees' social security to be interrupted. Such a person—Director Su dares to employ him; do the board members dare to trust him?"

Sun Licheng's face alternated between green and white!

He never expected his assistant's matter to be investigated so thoroughly?

Sun Licheng was about to explain……

Wang Yining had already stood up, holding the reform plan, and walked to the center of the conference table.

"Directors, General Manager Sun, I know you're worried about my experience, but I've spent three years deep in the Human Resources Department, participated in three group compensation system adjustments, and led the core talent recruitment plan."

"This is my reform plan, which offers concrete solutions to the previous departments' corruption loopholes and redundant procedures, and can increase personnel efficiency by 30%."

Wang Yining elucidated the plan's points clearly……

From recruitment optimization to performance reform, every datum was precise and accurate……

Every measure hit the vital point.

The conference room gradually fell silent, with many neutral faction directors nodding frequently.

Su Monong spoke up at the right moment: "Manager Wang's plan, I've already reviewed it—it's highly feasible. Moreover, you probably don't know that just this afternoon, Sun Licheng brought 2 million to win over Manager Wang, but she rejected him on the spot."

Upon these words, Sun Licheng's face changed drastically!

Sun Licheng was completely speechless, seeing the strange looks from the surrounding directors, and could only sit down resentfully.

The voting session had no suspense; Wang Yining passed the promotion resolution with an absolute majority.

"Now I announce the formal appointment of Wang Yining as Human Resources Department Director, effective immediately." Su Monong tapped the table.

"Director Wang, come up and say a few words."

Wang Yining took a deep breath and stepped toward the podium.

Just as she stepped onto the stairs, her foot slipped suddenly, and she almost fell……

Her pretty face blushed slightly.

"Director Wang, are you alright?" Su Monong asked.

"Ah? No, no…" Wang Yining replied, her pretty face blushing.

Inside her high‑heeled shoe…… still lingered Lin Yuan's earlier "sweat".

Inside the shoe, that silky sensation…… made her steps unsteady.

Wang Yining's beautiful eyes gazed wistfully at Lin Yuan, her eyes carrying a hint of resentment.

Lin Yuan was helpless, pretending not to notice.

Wang Yining walked onto the stage; after steadying herself, she bowed to the audience:

"Thank you, Director Su, for your trust; thank you, Director Lin, for your support; and thank you, all the directors, for your recognition. Upon taking office, I will take the reform plan as core, strictly control personnel authority, and lay a solid talent foundation for the Su Group, never failing to live up to everyone's expectations."

As her words fell, thunderous applause erupted from below.

The neutral faction directors nodded in approval.

Su Monong's face showed a satisfied smile. Wang Yining's current performance satisfies her completely.

She is a candidate worth cultivating.

Only Sun Licheng sat in the corner with a deathly pale face, fists clenched tightly, yet unable to rebut.

The promotion ceremony ended amid applause.

Wang Yining was surrounded by several familiar managers offering congratulations.

Su Monong and Lin Yuan stood up and also left the conference room.

Watching Lin Yuan depart, Wang Yining's beautiful eyes gazed wistfully at his back.

Her exquisite red lips curled up in an arc.

……

Lin Yuan followed Su Monong back to the Chairman's Office.

"Well done; this time we've thoroughly slapped Sun Licheng's face." Su Monong handed Lin Yuan a cup of tea.

"Wang Yoning has great potential; you should cooperate more with her in the future, building a linkage mechanism between the Human Resources Department and the Wind Control Department, so as to thoroughly check Sun Licheng's power." Su Monong said.

Lin Yuan nodded in agreement.

The two chatted a bit more about subsequent work arrangements until after six in the evening, when they finally left the office.

From today onward, Su Monong's commuting pick‑up and drop‑off are handled by Secretary Ning Xue.

As for Lin Yuan, after work he intended to drive straight home.

The company has now provided him with a million‑yuan Tesla sedan, making Lin Yuan's commute very convenient.

But just as Lin Yuan pressed the elevator button, his phone began to vibrate.

He doubtfully took out his phone to look; the screen flashed the three characters "Wang Yining".

Lin Yuan answered the call.

"Director Lin, off work?" came Wang Yining's cheerful voice from the other end: "Thanks to your help today in the meeting taking on Wang Hao, I'd like to treat you to a meal as thanks."

Lin Yuan glanced at the floor numbers in the elevator, hesitating: "It's just a small effort; no need to be so polite."

"That won't do; if you don't come, you're denying face to this newly appointed director." Wang Yining deliberately drew out her tone on the other end: "I've reserved a private room at Qinghe Japanese Restaurant; the setting is quiet, perfect for discussing future departmental cooperation—don't refuse me."

Having said all this, Lin Yuan found it hard to refuse further.

Lin Yuan could only agree.

He hung up the phone, and the elevator had just arrived at the basement level.

Lin Yuan rushed straight to the parking lot, drove off toward the 'Qinghe' Japanese restaurant……

……

Half an hour later, when Lin Yuan arrived at the Japanese restaurant.

Wang Yining had already arrived; she had booked a small private room at the Japanese restaurant.

She changed into a cream-colored dress, removed her heavy work makeup, and took off her glasses.

She lost a bit of her efficiency, gaining a bit more gentle charm.

The table was already set with several delicate appetizers and a bottle of clear sake.

The liquor in the glass glowed with a faint amber hue.

"Director Lin is here, hurry and sit." Wang Yining stood up to greet him.

She linked arms with Lin Yuan as she sat down, then personally poured him a drink, saying, "This restaurant's sashimi is very fresh; I specially asked the boss to hold onto the tuna that just arrived today."

After Lin Yuan sat down, the two chatted about work while enjoying the Japanese cuisine.

Wang Yining spoke about the Human Resources Department's reform plan, her eyes full of vigor.

Lin Yuan patiently helped her analyze countermeasures, and they got along exceptionally well.

After several cups of sake, Wang Yining's cheeks flushed.

Her gaze also became hazy.

Wang Yining set down her cup, leaned slightly forward, and fixed her eyes on Lin Yuan.

"Director Lin, do you know? When you spoke up for me in the meeting today, I thought you were especially handsome." Wang Yining said in a soft voice.

Lin Yuan was about to speak……

Wang Yining suddenly stood up and moved to his side.

Wang Yining leaned in, pressing her hands on his shoulders, and exhaled her sake-scented breath onto his face.

It was a pleasant feminine fragrance.

Wang Yining said in a soft voice, "Director Lin, does my performance today count as not disappointing you?"

Wang Yining released his lips, then said in a soft voice, "Director Lin, to celebrate my promotion tonight and to thank you for your patronage, I've prepared a big gift for you tonight."

Lin Yuan was stunned by the words, curiously asking, "What gift??"