Chapter 39: It Is the Proprietress Who Is Negotiating With You

Wen Ying paused slightly upon hearing the phrase "President Lu’s girlfriend."

So, this was how he acted when he chose to acknowledge a relationship within the company. He would openly declare his beloved, ensure Su Nian had free rein throughout the firm, and provide her with the sense of security that comes from being fully recognized. In Lu Jinchuan’s eyes, only Su Nian deserved such treatment.

Shen Jiaxiao’s smile did not reach her eyes. "A girlfriend? So, she isn’t actually an employee of Tengyang?"

Su Nian smiled gently. "Jinchuan has granted me special permission to conduct field studies here. While I’m not a formal employee, I assist in evaluating projects."

Does that mean Su Nian could also weigh in on their current negotiations regarding manufacturing materials? Wen Ying felt her brows furrow slightly. Lu Jinchuan had granted Su Nian so many exceptions. Not an employee, yet she could freely enter classified sample rooms, view manufacturing and 3D modeling blueprints, and participate in key production projects?

General Manager Jiang explained, "Please rest assured, the two of you; Ms. Su’s capabilities are beyond doubt. President Lu stated that Ms. Su is to be kept informed of all the details, and should any issues arise, he will take full responsibility."

Shen Jiaxiao almost laughed out of sheer indignation. She was furious and felt it was an insult to Wen Ying. They were currently in the middle of divorce proceedings, not yet officially divorced, and Lu Jinchuan was already grooming and elevating his mistress!

Wen Ying remained silent. She was simply reflecting on how she had once believed Lu Jinchuan was cold-natured and strictly adhered to company regulations, which was why he never allowed her to overstep in the slightest. He hadn’t allowed her to visit him in his office. He hadn’t allowed her to greet him at the company. He hadn’t allowed her to disclose even a shred of information about her being his wife. He hadn’t allowed her to touch any of the Lu Group’s projects.

It turned out it hadn’t been about company policy at all; it was just that, to him, she wasn’t worth making an "exception" for. Even when she asserted her status as Mrs. Lu, she carried far less weight than the favored Su Nian.

"If you wish to discuss the details of the parts, I’m afraid you will have to wait a moment, General Manager Shen. I need to inspect the progress in the sample room first. General Manager Jiang will be happy to host you in the meantime." Su Nian nodded elegantly and cast a glance at Mr. Jiang.

Mr. Jiang immediately said with a smile, "Why don't I take the two of you to see the 3D blueprints first?"

Wen Ying could see that Mr. Jiang was quite subservient to Su Nian, even though he was the highest-ranking manager on-site. Su Nian was currently projecting the aura of the mistress of the house. By using words like "inspect" and ordering Mr. Jiang to host them, she was acting exactly like a hostess. Even when facing Wen Ying, she showed no sign of intimidation. It was the confidence born of being deeply loved.

Shen Jiaxiao could no longer hold back; she felt like she was going to be sick. Facing the true lady of the Lu Group, how could Su Nian be so arrogant? Was she not being too brazen?

"I am, after all, a shareholder of Feixi. Since Ms. Su is not officially employed by Tengyang, you have no authority to keep us waiting. I require someone of my own rank to conduct these negotiations. Ms. Su, what is your official rank that allows you to speak to me in this manner?" Shen Jiaxiao’s expression was one of mocking amusement, but her words were sharp and piercing. Even with Lu Jinchuan’s special permissions, Su Nian was still not part of the management!

Su Nian looked at Shen Jiaxiao, her expression unchanged. She was merely surprised that Shen Jiaxiao, as one of the owners of Feixi, couldn't keep the conversation focused on business, and was so easily influenced by Wen Ying’s words. With this kind of management style at Feixi, they would never amount to much.

Moreover, Wen Ying seemed quite fond of brainwashing others and smearing her reputation. Otherwise, neither He Xicheng nor Shen Jiaxiao would hold such deep prejudices against her.

Su Nian finally glanced at Wen Ying and said, "General Manager Shen, I hope we can keep this professional. If you have any personal grievances, I can arrange for General Manager Jiang to discuss things with you. After all, the priority is our cooperation, isn't it?"

Shen Jiaxiao sneered. Was she trying to show off her supposed magnanimity?

Mr. Jiang was caught in the middle, feeling troubled. He didn't understand why the atmosphere had turned so tense, but Su Nian was, after all, President Lu’s girlfriend; he had to give her some face, right?

Wen Ying stopped Shen Jiaxiao from lashing out further and said, "General Manager Jiang, please, let’s discuss the next steps."

Mr. Jiang let out a sigh of relief, looking at Wen Ying with a touch of gratitude. It was a relief that she had de-escalated the situation; otherwise, he wouldn't have known who to side with.

Su Nian didn't seem to mind Shen Jiaxiao’s attitude and said magnanimously, "Carry on, then." She turned and left, coming and going as she pleased.

Shen Jiaxiao scoffed, "Who does she think she is!"

Wen Ying looked at Mr. Jiang and said, "Let’s go see the sample room."

Mr. Jiang now felt that Wen Ying was far more composed and intelligent than Shen Jiaxiao, and he felt compelled to explain cautiously, "You might not be aware, and perhaps you think Ms. Su has no real power and is just stalling, but that is not the case. President Lu values Ms. Su highly. The two of them have a very special relationship, and I suspect marriage is only a matter of time."

"So, please believe that we are not slighting you in any way; negotiating with Ms. Su is, in effect, the same as negotiating with the lady of the house herself."