Chapter 5 - One down, Nine left. (1/2)
On her way to her apartment, Jing Lihua stopped by her mother's tomb. She had brought a fresh boutique of flowers along with her.
”Mother, thanks for granting me a second chance. I know you've always been watching over me. This time, I'll not disappoint you. I'll get back at all of those who treated you badly. I'll not spare a single one of them. I'll make you proud of me, mother.” Jing Lihua bent to place the boutique. She was surprised when she noticed fresh rose flowers on her mother's tomb.
Someone had recently visited her.
She picked up a rose and looked around. The cemetery was empty. Was there anyone else in this world who missed her mother?
...
Jing Lihua arrived at her apartment at six pm. She took a bath and prepared something for dinner. She was halted midway when she received a call. Jing Lihua glanced at the number. With a cold smile, she placed down her phone and resumed to cook. The phone continued to ring relentlessly. At the tenth call, she picked up.
”Jing Lihua, why the fuck you took so long to pick up? Now that you have married Su Liwei, do you think that you can act so arrogantly in front of me? We both know that Su Liwei cherishes your little sister. If not for your grandfather, he would never have given you a second glance.”
Jing Lihua kept silent for a long time. She could sense her stepmother's impatience growing on the other side. Just as she was at the edge, Jing Lihua spoke.
”Is there anything He Zhoyan?” Her voice was calm and sweet. He Zhoyan felt like Jing Lihua was mocking her by ignoring her.
”How much you hate me, you still have to respect me! I'm your stepmother! Do you want me to tell your father you disrespected me?” He Zhoyan threatened.
'I'm already not hanging up on you. That is far more respect than you deserve.” Jing Lihua laughed.
”You...” He Zhoyan calmed her temper. ”Listen to me, your father has invited the host of a famous reality show to our home. She agreed to this show only when we said that you would come. I want you to come home this Saturday. Your father has been thinking for your sake. You can use this opportunity to clear your bad reputation by behaving well.” He Zhoyan said it as if she wanted to help Jing Lihua. Jing Lihua knew that her stepmother only wanted to embarrass her in front of everyone. She wanted to open a door of opportunity for her daughter Jing Tian by introducing her to everyone. This was how she had done it in her last life.
”Sure I'll come.” Jing Lihua gently said. But He Zhoyan failed to get the deeply hidden hint in her tune.
”Alright.” He Zhoyan hung up on her. She had expected it would take more effort to make Jing Lihua agree. Ha! Such a stupid woman. She agreed so readily.
The next morning, when Jing Lihua arrived at the twin skyscrapers, she found a huge crowd at the foot of the building. There were reporters from different media channels. Half of her employees had gathered around along with all of those who she had fired. They were holding banners. Jing Lihua's eyes filled with amusement. She walked out with a calm smile.
”What is this all about?”
Mei Xiu quickly sided Jing Lihua. She looked worried. ”President, I was going to inform you...”
”President Jing, is it true you fired fifty people just after taking the office without giving them the proper reason?”