Chapter 1, The Countryside Courtyard

In fact, she is not exceptionally beautiful; her features are merely delicate. However, her skin is fair, her figure is very good, and she is of average height. Unlike most women of East Asian descent who have a flat-chested pear-shaped figure, she possesses a well-proportioned and curvaceous form, with graceful contours, just like her name—Linglong Wumei.

No problem, as long as there is a place to stay. Besides, it is quite peaceful here, and I really like the tranquility; I can sleep well and enjoy myself the next day!" She turned to the shop owner couple and, at the same time, forced a smile for her colleague Zhou Liwen, who had rushed in with feigned concern and genuine curiosity.

Since that's the case, I will get it for Miss Cheng, right? The shopkeeper let out a sigh of relief and displayed a professional smile. I will go get the bedding for Miss Cheng, ensuring that it is brand new inside and out, with a brocade duvet cover.

She thought of herself as very cute, but Linglong only found her disgusting. This young girl had just graduated from university and entered the company, yet she was quite shrewd. It is unclear whether she learned about office politics in university, but she was adept at speaking appropriately to different people, using one set of words for humans and another for ghosts. On the surface, she appeared innocent and enthusiastic, but behind the scenes, she had likely employed countless schemes and tricks.

Watching Zhou Liwen and the shopkeeper couple leave the house, Linglong weakly placed her simple luggage on the bed, touched her somewhat stiff cheek, and couldn't help but smile wryly

In fact, I am about to sleep

"As long as you are comfortable with your living habits," Zhou Liwen said with a sense of "relief," but there was a hint of disappointment in his expression

She has never harbored a mindset similar to that of a *picture* book; on the contrary, she has consistently strived to maintain distance from certain ill-intentioned individuals. She does not wish to be a frivolous woman and has always sought to protect her true feelings, waiting for a good man who can truly touch her heart to appear

"So you haven't gone to sleep yet? Let's chat for a while!" Song Xin smiled sweetly, but her actions were quite unceremonious as she squeezed past Linglong and entered the room. "Usually everyone is busy, but since we are out, we should definitely take the time to connect more. As for sleeping, there will be plenty of time for that once we get home!"

Although it is well known that Linglong is very frugal, the highest-ranking leader, Song Xin, insisted that she stay elsewhere, stating that the company would not cover the expenses, forcing Linglong to move into this storage room.

After dinner, she hurried to take a shower and then returned to her room. By this time, the bedding had already been delivered, and it was indeed brand new inside and out. However, the brocade quilt cover was somewhat different from what she had expected. She did not mind these details; the spring nights in the mountains were still a bit chilly, and as long as the quilt was warm enough, that was all that mattered

Linglong is the assistant to the general manager of a large foreign-funded company, with exceptional business capabilities and a flawless record. The reason she faces exclusion is simply due to the suspicions of the general manager's wife, Song Xin, who is also the company's financial supervisor, believing that Linglong intends to seduce her husband

Linglong forced a smile, remaining silent, yet she longed to tear off Zhu Min's mask to see her true face

When this graceful figure is enveloped in a well-tailored professional suit, it naturally attracts the covetous gazes of numerous men who view women through a "colored" lens, including that somewhat unscrupulous general manager

This time, it was a company-organized trip for employees in batches. She originally did not want to come, but could not withstand Song Xin's sarcastic remarks, so she participated in this three-day, two-night tour to Longpan Mountain in Jingxian. Little did she expect that upon arriving here, new antics would immediately unfold

How could they let her live in such a place? This is truly an affront to humanity

"Cheng Linglong! Cheng Linglong!" A voice, neither distinctly male nor female, called out to her in a sharp tone, reminiscent of an old eunuch

Next to appear is Song Xin, who is in her forties, exuding the demeanor of an empress dowager. Wherever she goes, she seeks to be the center of attention, making a grand entrance. Although the general manager is her husband and not her son, she must wait at least another ten years to truly assume the role of empress dowager.

"Let me apologize first; I have made you suffer. Sister Cheng won't blame me, will she?" Zhu Min stuck out her tongue and said in a coquettish tone

Cheng Linglong surveyed the room she was in, cursing inwardly, yet her expression remained calm, even carrying a hint of defiance

As soon as the door opened, a ghostly figure suddenly dashed in front of her with a "swish." Even though she was mentally prepared, she was still startled, "Old Qian, can you stop messing around? It's really childish!" Even if her head had been squeezed by the door countless times, she could still recognize the owner of that distinctive voice.

This room has not been inhabited for a long time, and in the warm and sunny weather of spring, one immediately feels a slight chill upon entering.

However, Song Xin completely ignores the facts, or perhaps she simply does not wish to understand them; she only seeks someone to serve as a target to vent her helplessness and anger, attempting to compensate for her own spiritual despair by harming others.

"Alright, thank you." Linglong maintained a satisfied smile, accompanied by a hint of unexpected joy, as if she were genuinely happy. In truth, she was pleased to have disappointed Zhou Liwen. Her disappointment signified that Song Xinhui would also be disappointed, and she finally achieved a small psychological victory amidst her assigned fate.

In fact, the environment here is quite good, "Song Xin said gracefully, but from the furrowed brow, it was evident that she disliked the chill and the faint musty smell in the room. "At least they haven't shortchanged the employees

The war among women is truly boring and childish

"I hope I’m not disturbing you, Xiao Cheng. Let’s see how you’re settling in. In any case, this is the company’s oversight; Zhu Min has always been rather careless, so please don’t take it to heart." Song Xin feigned concern for the employee, "After all, it’s still early, and I assume you’re not sleeping yet."

She is not the type to be a punching bag, silently enduring bullying without resistance; thus, this has become a protracted tug-of-war. Although she has been at a disadvantage for over a year, those individuals have been unable to eliminate her.

What is there for Song Xin to discuss with her? Is it to confront her directly? However, she is upright and has nothing to fear, having done nothing wrong; she is not afraid of their schemes or their facade. But—will they resort to violence against her simply because they outnumber her?

Linglong rolled her eyes, intending to ignore them, but fearing they would create an endless commotion. Additionally, she did not want to appear weak, so she jumped out of bed to open the door

Is that how you treat her? Unfortunately, she possesses a resilient spirit; no matter how much they oppress her, she will stubbornly persevere!

As the sky began to darken, she no longer waited for the shopkeeper to bring the quilt and hurried to the dining hall. From her experience, if she delayed any longer, there might not be any food left to eat, and then Song Xin would say: "The company does not cover the cost of additional meals!" In that case, she would be at a disadvantage. It was better to eat her fill now, so she would have the strength to resist their various schemes and tricks.

With this thought in mind, she walked to the right side of the door and sat on a low cabinet. That side was closer to the main entrance, and there was a rolling pin nearby that looked quite handy. Although she believed that Song Xin would not act impulsively and do something as foolish as hitting someone, she still decided to be prepared for any eventuality

This small house is relatively clean, situated alone in the corner of the entire yard, approximately ten meters away from the main house used for accommodation. Although it is referred to as a storage room, there is not much clutter inside; the room contains a few pieces of old furniture and daily necessities that have been replaced but not discarded, as well as an old wooden bed.

Linglong's work performance is commendable, and Song Xin cannot casually dismiss her. However, she finds various ways to trouble her, attempting to force her to resign voluntarily. The reason Linglong endures and does not resign is that this job offers the highest salary in the same industry. To pay for her father's medical treatment, the family has incurred a significant amount of debt, and after her father's passing, she must repay it.

Qian Heming, a so-called middle-level leader who is merely coasting along in the company as he approaches retirement, is, in fact, a disgraceful individual who survives solely by flattery and sycophancy. Following him, one need not look closely to know that it is the two young women in their twenties, Zhou Liwen and Zhu Min, who are as worldly as if they were in their forties. The three of them are the trusted aides of the general manager's wife and financial supervisor, Song Xin, forming her inner circle.

Indeed, this place is quite nice; I suppose I can consider it a blessing in disguise!" Linglong remarked to Song Xin.

She lay on the bed wrapped in a quilt, listening to music, thinking that it was not bad to be away from those petty people, at least she was not disturbed. However, before she could savor the quiet moments, a rustling sound came from outside the door, and the wooden door and window began to creak.

However, to say that she wants to seduce others is truly an immense injustice

They did not stay at the inn in the town, but instead chose to lodge in a more charming farmhouse courtyard. Upon arrival, they regrettably discovered that the two farmhouse courtyards had a total of twelve rooms, while their small tour group consisted of thirteen people, with the name Linglong having been "forgotten" in the registration.

Moreover, Song Xin was bullied by those sycophantic colleagues, which instilled in her a strong sense of rebellion and an unwillingness to yield -- You want to force her out, right? She will stubbornly hold her ground!