Expel him.

In the end, as with all things, some rejoiced while others despaired.

The one rejoicing was Luo Feifei; the one in distress, Manager Zhao.

Of course, he could no longer be called Manager Zhao—now, he was simply Zhao Yimin.

Over fifty and suddenly out of work—was there any fate more bitter? Fortunately, over the years, he had amassed enough assets that he need not worry about his livelihood. But the wound to his pride would not heal.

During this period of unemployment, Zhao Yimin reflected deeply, trying to discern where he had gone wrong. In the end, his suspicions landed squarely on Lin Qi.

Especially after Luo Feifei was promoted to supervisor, Zhao Yimin became even more convinced that Lin Qi was behind his downfall.

Lin Qi had once saved Tang Long’s life; everyone believed that debt of gratitude was already repaid, but in truth, its influence lingered on.

“You took my job from me, I’ll see to it that you lose yours too!”

“I refuse to believe Tang Long will protect you forever!” Zhao Yimin muttered through gritted teeth.

On this particular day, Zhao Yimin arrived at the delivery outpost on Jian She Street.

It was the peak hour for orders, so the outpost was empty of couriers. Only a handful of administrative staff remained, along with the station chief, Hong Yu.

The moment Zhao Yimin laid eyes on Hong Yu, they lit up.

She was stunning.

Though already well into her thirties, she was a woman of captivating charm, her gaze shimmering with intelligence, and an effortless maturity that young girls could never hope to emulate.

Who would have thought such a beauty could be found at a humble delivery station?

But Zhao Yimin was not here to chase women.

Inside the office, he handed his business card to Hong Yu.

Manager, Longyue Group Branch.

Though he had already been dismissed, he still had his old business cards; they might not fool insiders, but outsiders would be none the wiser.

Hong Yu took the card, startled.

This was someone of importance.

“Manager Zhao, what brings you here?” Hong Yu’s demeanor instantly shifted to one of respect, and she personally poured him a cup of tea.

Zhao Yimin savored this treatment. Ever since he was fired, it had been a long time since someone had shown him such deference.

He assumed the air of a manager—first taking a sip of tea, then speaking slowly, “You have someone named Lin Qi here, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Hong Yu nodded.

“Fire him,” Zhao Yimin said.

“Why?” Hong Yu looked at him in astonishment.

“You know he once saved President Tang’s life, right?” Zhao Yimin continued, tapping the desk.

“I do,” Hong Yu nodded again, which only made her all the more surprised.

“This man is insatiably greedy,” Zhao Yimin said. “He’s constantly pestering President Tang for favors, boasting about it everywhere. President Tang is utterly fed up; the two have completely fallen out. President Tang intends to drive him out of Haitong City, and the first step is to have him lose his job. I need your cooperation.”

Hong Yu frowned slightly.

She didn’t believe Lin Qi was such a person.

In three years at the delivery station, Lin Qi had never spoken of it. Even after the wedding, he always told others the favor was repaid and he had nothing more to do with Tang Long.

Moreover, Lin Qi had worked diligently for three years, never once complaining—hardly the mark of a greedy man.

Yet, the man before her was indeed a manager from Longyue Group; what was really going on here?

There must be hidden depths to this that she did not understand.

“I’m sorry, I can’t fire him,” Hong Yu said.

“Why not?” Zhao Yimin’s brow furrowed.

“He hasn’t done anything wrong here. Why should I fire him?”

“Understand this is President Tang’s order—”

“Our delivery station isn’t under President Tang’s jurisdiction,” Hong Yu cut him off. “Whatever grievances there may be between them have nothing to do with us. If President Tang wants revenge, that’s his business. I’m afraid I can’t cooperate.”

Zhao Yimin drew in a sharp breath, staring at Hong Yu in disbelief.

Who was Tang Long? With a single stomp of his foot, all of Haitong City would quake!

Ordinary people would be frightened out of their wits at the mere mention of his name.

Yet here was a station chief at a delivery outpost, openly defying Tang Long!

“You’d better think this through—”

Zhao Yimin tried to threaten her further, but Hong Yu’s patience had worn thin.

“Please leave our premises immediately.”

“You’re throwing me out?!” Zhao Yimin was dumbfounded, pointing to himself. “I’m the manager of Longyue Group’s branch!”

That position was enough to walk anywhere in Haitong City with impunity.

“That’s none of my business. You’re not my superior!” Hong Yu snapped, “Leave. Now. At once!”

Zhao Yimin gaped in astonishment; never had he encountered such a formidable woman.

In the end, he slunk away in defeat.

After Zhao Yimin left, a trace of unease lingered in Hong Yu’s heart.

Longyue Group was truly a terrifying entity.

In Haitong City, it was an absolute colossus.

If Tang Long truly sought revenge, her small delivery outpost would have no means of resistance.

She decided she would speak with Lin Qi.

Better to resolve a feud than to let it fester; after all, Lin Qi was once Tang Long’s savior. Surely there was nothing that couldn’t be talked through.

She waited until after ten in the evening, when the riders were finishing their shifts.

Lin Qi, too, had returned.