"He's just some punk, isn't he? How can he suddenly turn into a rich CEO? It must be a joke. I'm sure President Wen would be furious once he learns the truth."

"I feel so sorry for Eldest Master Yao. To think that he has such a nephew. What a pity."

People began giving Yao YuanandQin Manlooks of sympathy, presuming that the couple had suffered a loss with their extended family.

They couldn't believe that there existed such a presumptuous young man, who didn't seem to know his own limits.

He had even deceived the Wen Group, the leading conglomerate in City A. At this rate, theYao family's business might just come to an end.

In the face of these varying reactions, President Wenremained unfazed. He was still waiting—respectfully and patiently—forYao Yan's signature so that he could put away the document.

He only addressed the crowd after everything was done.

"I don't know anything about the Yao family's business. Our Wen family has never worked with them before."

Just like that, President Wenshattered everyone's assumptions.

The atmosphere around him changed, and people seemed to snap back to their senses.

Yes, this was the President Wenthat they knew, the man who acted decisively and without mercy. There was no way someone as wise and experienced as he would be easily deceived by a young man.

Qin Man had obviously misled them!

President Wen's cold, sharp gaze swept over Qin Man. "On the other hand, our Wen family has been working with President Yao Yanfor a long time. Did you really think you can hurl such slanderous claims at him and get away with it?"Judging by all that he had just witnessed, President Wencame to an understanding.

Apparently, this madam from the Yao familywas related toYao Yan, but every word that came out of her lips was a sharp arrow aimed directly at the young man.

Worse, she treated him like an enemy in public, and even tried to sully his reputation.

Since she was the one who started it, President Wensaw no reason for him to be considerate of these so-called relatives ofYao Yan.

Sensing President Wen's displeasure,Yao Yuanscowled atQin Man. "Apologize, right now."

If they ended up making an enemy out of the Wen family, no one would ever dare to do business with the Yao familyin the future.

Qin Man could tell that her husband was serious, but she was still unhappy about the whole thing. Regardless of anything else, she was stillYao Yan's aunt.

How could the words of an elder be written off as though they meant nothing?

"You must have misunderstood," Qin Mansaid through gritted teeth.

She averted her gaze as she added, "Have you forgotten who I am? I am the First Madam of the Yao family, Qin Man. Yao Yan is my nephew. How can you accuse me of slandering my own nephew?"

If not for President Wen's far-reaching influence, she wouldn't even bother with this conversation any longer.

Over to the side, Yang Mingwas frowning. Even he was beginning to think that Madam Yao was making a fool of herself.

With the way she had run her tongue, only an idiot wouldn't be able to recognize her hatred toward the second branch of the Yao family.

"So that's how it is," President Wenmurmured. "Now that you mention it, I seem to recall your secretary calling me last month, saying that theYao familywants to collaborate with us."

Yao Yuan's eyes lit up when he heard this.

"Yes, yes, that's right!" he exclaimed as he bobbed his head in earnest.

But what President Wensaid next fell like a slap on his face.

"I'm afraid that the Wen Group found it impossible to enter any further deals with the Yao Group. I believe the consensus was that our companies are simply incompatible. Though I must admit, if I had known that you were connected to Mr. Yao Yan, I might have reconsidered. But it is obvious that your relationship is anything but good."

Although his tone was amicable enough, there was an edge to his words, and everyone understood his meaning.

They turned to Qin Man, their eyes filled with mockery, and began to whisper among themselves.

How many people were afforded this rare opportunity? It was their one chance to establish a rapport with President Wen, butQin Manhad unwittingly crushed the prospect due to her wretched attitude.

President Wen looked atYao Yuan, then atQin Man, and shook his head.

The Wen Group would never work with these people. They were ignorant and shortsighted, no better than mindless clowns.

And the business world was a battlefield, not a circus.

Qin Man bristled under the taunting eyes of the crowd, but in her heart, she stubbornly clung to her opinions and stood her ground.

It was then that Yao Ranstepped forward and took the initiative to apologize on her mother's behalf.

"Please forgive us, President Wen. My mother was only worried that you might get tricked in your business dealings. Please do not take it to heart. You don't know it, but this cousin of mine…"

Yao Ran made a point of glancing awkwardly atYao Yan, but she didn't continue her sentence. Instead, she heaved a helpless sigh and said, "Anyway, it's a good thing that you weren't deceived. We simply wanted to caution you, that's all."

Her snide innuendo was enough to send the crowd into another round of speculations.

At this rate, even if Yao Yanwas business partners with the Wen family, if the latter cared about their business at all, they were bound to grow suspicious of him eventually.