Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 309 Judge

Chapter 309: Chapter 309 Judge

Deng Yan wanted to speak, but in his hesitation, he felt that explanations were meaningless now. Ultimately, he chose not to utter another word, letting Zheng Rongxi’s sharp questioning flow unimpeded. He became like a meditating stone statue, completely immobile.

Unable to get a response from him, Zheng Rongxi was left performing a monologue. She felt both annoyed and embarrassed, but without the ability to force him to talk, she could only redirect the focus back to Cheng Xiangheng and asked:

"Old Cheng, he’s your man. You talk to him."

She skillfully used the word "talk" in an attempt to ease Cheng Xiangheng’s suspicions, ensuring he wouldn’t suspect her of taking advantage of the situation to eliminate dissent.

Cheng Xiangheng was still simmering with anger, but Deng Yan’s earlier words showed that he was unafraid of leaving the company. Threatening someone without concerns or fears was pointless. However, knowing Deng Yan’s temperament, if he didn’t want to talk, no one could make him.

"Secretary Deng," Cheng Xiangheng began, "in the company, we are leaders and subordinates. But privately, I’ve always seen you as a child. If you’re dissatisfied with anything, you can talk to me. I’m not unreasonable. You know better than anyone how I’ve treated you. If you feel wronged, bring it up with me directly."

Deng Yan replied with a calm tone: "Mr. Cheng, I have not betrayed you. I only hope for the betterment of the company. Today’s situation began because Manager Cheng came to you multiple times, and when he couldn’t get answers, he splashed water on me. Chairman Cheng happened to see it and spoke up for me."

"Dad, I was just anxious," Cheng Siluo stood up to defend herself. "He wouldn’t say anything, even though a single sentence could’ve clarified everything." Seeing her father glare at her, she trailed off, her voice growing quieter, "...Why wouldn’t he just speak? What’s there to hide?"

Cheng Xiangheng furrowed his brows tightly. "I was the one who told him not to say anything."

Cheng Siluo froze, pouting. "How was I supposed to know?"

In her mind, she believed she was the only rightful child of the Cheng Family, entitled to everything—their love and affection—and free to throw tantrums. After all, her parents would always forgive her.

Zheng Rongxi wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip away. "Old Cheng, the issue isn’t whether Siluo came looking for you; it’s Qiaobei hitting Siluo. As for Deng Yan’s personal relationship with Qiaobei, I don’t really care."

Upon hearing the latter part, Deng Yan couldn’t help but admire Chairman Zheng. Truly a woman honed by the business world, tough and shrewd.

Cheng Xiangheng replied, "What do you mean by ’hit’? He merely grabbed her, that’s all. Kids’ squabbles don’t need to be blown out of proportion."

"Cheng Xiangheng, what’s that supposed to mean?" Zheng Rongxi said furiously. "Are you going to favor your son? Siluo is also your daughter. If during her most vulnerable moments, she feels unable to trust or rely on her own father, then who can she count on?"

"Alright, alright," Cheng Xiangheng raised his hand to calm everyone. He pulled out his phone and called Cheng Qiaobei.

"What are you doing?" His tone was displeased.

Cheng Qiaobei could hear his irritation, guessing that Cheng Siluo must’ve complained and, more likely, that mother and daughter were performing a duet against him.

He responded, "Working on some documents."

Cheng Xiangheng got straight to the point, "Come here immediately."

Cheng Qiaobei said, "Got it."

Ending the call, Cheng Qiaobei stood up, buttoned his suit, and closed his jacket.

Some people, relying on certain advantages, engage in all kinds of petty behaviors. But eventually, their antics wear people out.

Leaving his office, he crossed paths with Wei Lai, whose gaze moved from her computer screen to land on him.

Cheng Qiaobei walked over and said with a half-smile, "What you said the other day, does it still stand?"

Wei Lai asked, "...Which sentence?"

Imitating her previous demeanor, Cheng Qiaobei bumped his fist lightly against his chest. "A man is willing to die for the one who understands him."

At the time, he had teased her right after she said it. Wei Lai raised an eyebrow and quipped, "Didn’t you tell me to stop watching TV dramas? I haven’t watched any lately."

Her reply amused Cheng Qiaobei. "Heh, alright. Don’t blame me for leaving you out of the fun. I’m off."

"Hey..." Wei Lai quickly stood up, circled around, and blocked him at the door. Holding onto the edge of the door, she asked, "Do you need me to do anything?"

Cheng Qiaobei leaned in to whisper a few words, causing her eyes to light up as she replied eagerly, "No problem."

When Cheng Qiaobei knocked on the office door and stepped inside, his gaze swept over the scene: a family of three plus a solitary Deng Yan. The scene was peculiar, even a bit absurd. Deng Yan looked at him with an expression resembling a child who had been caught doing something wrong and was now waiting for an adult to defend him.

Cheng Qiaobei shut the door without greeting anyone, walked to the desk, pulled out a chair, and sat down. "What’s the matter?"

Cheng Xiangheng remarked, "With elders present, you don’t even extend a greeting?"

Cheng Qiaobei turned his head and casually addressed Zheng Rongxi, "Chairman Zheng."

Zheng Rongxi smiled thinly and replied, still maintaining appearances, "Hmm."

Cheng Xiangheng seemed to be waiting for him to acknowledge Cheng Siluo, but Cheng Qiaobei showed no intention of doing so, completely indifferent.

Meanwhile, Cheng Siluo continued holding her wrist protectively, turning her face away without any plans to respond to him either.

After five seconds of silence, Cheng Xiangheng said, "Are you two still children? You need me to mediate? Neither of you is ready to apologize?"

"..." Cheng Qiaobei remained expressionless.

"..." Cheng Siluo stayed silent.

"Fine. Keep causing trouble in the office, then. Don’t worry about people laughing at you. Even if you’re not bothered, I won’t tolerate it." Cheng Xiangheng’s tone hardened. "You’re adults now—must I really act as your Judge?"

Cheng Qiaobei finally spoke first, but instead of apologizing, he said, "Is there anything else? If it’s not important, I’d like to leave."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Siluo protested, "Dad, look at him—what kind of attitude is that?"

Cheng Qiaobei continued to ignore her, maintaining his nonchalant demeanor.

If they thought this minor matter could suppress him, they were ridiculous. Cheng Xiangheng cut to the core with the most sensitive question.

"Qiaobei, you’re quite something. You’ve even started making moves on the people around me."

Since Deng Yan’s name was brought up, there was no way to claim their relationship was superficial—he clearly knew something.

Cheng Qiaobei replied, "Deng Yan suits me well. We’ve met privately a few times, though only for casual meals." He asked meaningfully, "Or is there a company rule prohibiting internal friendships?"

Cheng Xiangheng said, "Company regulations don’t forbid it, but his position is unique. As my secretary, aren’t your frequent interactions crossing a line?"

Cheng Qiaobei responded, "I have a clear conscience. What’s there to avoid?"

Cheng Xiangheng pushed further, "Did you donate blood to his mother?"

Cheng Qiaobei narrowed his eyes slightly, realizing that even this had been uncovered.

"I did. I’ve never sought recognition for my good deeds, and I don’t need the company to hand me a medal either."

Except for Deng Yan, the expressions of the other three in the room shifted between red and pale.

Cheng Xiangheng remarked, "It seems your relationship isn’t simple. How can I trust keeping him by my side?"

His words hinted that Deng Yan had betrayed him, leaking important information to Cheng Qiaobei.

But Cheng Qiaobei, sharp as ever, countered decisively, "Are you suggesting, Mr. Cheng, that Deng Yan is someone I planted by your side as a spy?"

Cheng Xiangheng replied, "I didn’t say that."