Due to the long-standing regulations of the Hengda Group, the fact that Ye Chen appeared at the Hengda Group and was received and escorted by Chairman Xu Jia was kept confidential.
Otherwise, given the current situation where Ye Chen was already under intense scrutiny online, Hengda Group might have also faced unnecessary public backlash.
However, the employees of Hengda Group sensed something unusual about Ye Chen's meeting with the chairman. Could it be that Ye Chen was looking to collaborate with Hengda Group for "Yi Ren Ru Xue"? Or perhaps the chairman intended to acquire "Yi Ren Ru Xue"?
This, undoubtedly, was a question without an answer.
As for the online buzz, as Chen Yinuo stopped accepting media interviews and Ye Chen remained silent from beginning to end, along with the absence of any new controversies, the public gradually lost interest.
Even the most avid gossipers wouldn't keep attacking Ye Chen endlessly when their efforts seemed to yield no response.
A crisis that many viewed as a severe PR disaster appeared to dissolve into nothing.
The sales of Wu Xia Cream were never affected. Whether it was through live streaming or official channels, the product continued to sell out instantly, completely unaffected by the negative press surrounding its founder.
To be fair, this was largely due to the miraculous effects of Wu Xia Cream and the absence of competitors. As long as Ye Chen didn't commit any outrageous acts of betrayal or atrocities, the so-called negative press hardly impacted "Yi Ren Ru Xue."
Even though the media storm didn't affect "Yi Ren Ru Xue," Ye Chen began preparing to record a video response addressing the past controversies, right as the tide of public opinion began to recede.
As the sun set, casting a crimson glow across the sky, it marked the fifteenth day since Ye Chen last appeared at "Yi Ren Ru Xue."
In the office, for several consecutive days, Vice President Pang seemed to be in excellent spirits, with a constant smile on his face.
Inside the general manager's office, after completing his routine work report, Pang Jun's joy was evident as he prepared to leave.
"Old Pang, hold on," Chen Yinuo called out to stop him.
"President Chen, what's the matter? Anything else?" Pang Jun turned around.
"Are you in love?" Chen Yinuo asked with a smile.
She was pleased to see Pang Jun in love, even hoping he would settle down soon. After all, a man finds stability once he starts a family, which would be beneficial not only for Pang Jun but also for "Yi Ren Ru Xue."
However, upon hearing the question, Pang Jun's face flushed.
"You're old enough, why are you embarrassed about dating?" Chen Yinuo teased.
"Well... don't worry, President Chen. Even if I am dating, it won't affect my work. My efficiency will remain high!" Pang Jun scratched his head awkwardly.
"How long have you been seeing her?" Chen Yinuo asked curiously.
Before Pang Jun could answer, she continued, "Have you thought about marriage? At your age, it's time to think seriously. If she's the right one, you should consider settling down soon!"
"President Chen, we haven't even made it official yet!" Pang Jun replied bashfully.
"Huh? Not official yet?" Chen Yinuo was surprised.
If they weren't official, why had Pang Jun been beaming for days? Was he being a bit naive?
Hearing this, Pang Jun quickly explained, "Even if it's not official, I can tell she likes me! Otherwise, why would she chat with me late into the night and show such care? President Chen, don't you think so?"
"She cares for you that much?" Chen Yinuo laughed, amused by his earnestness.
"Well, what does she do?"
"She used to work in real estate sales, but since the market's down, she recently quit. She saved up over the years and plans to start a fashion business," Pang Jun replied.
"Oh, that's great! If she's interested in you, you should seize the opportunity. Sometimes all it takes is breaking the ice. Women tend to be reserved, so as a man, you need to take the initiative!" Chen Yinuo advised.
"Yes, I understand," Pang Jun said awkwardly.
"Good. Do you have a photo of her? Let me see what kind of woman has charmed you like this," Chen Yinuo teased.
Pang Jun hesitated.
"Why? Is it inconvenient? If so, never mind. I'm sure I'll meet her sooner or later," she joked.
"No, it's not that. Since you asked, I'll show you."
Pang Jun pulled out his phone, opened his photo album, and selected a picture of Lin Mengxi.
As soon as Chen Yinuo saw the photo, her eyes lit up.
With delicate features and stylish attire, Lin Mengxi was undeniably beautiful, even from a woman's perspective.
"Wow, Pang! She's stunning. What's her personality like?"
"She's lively, cheerful, and very understanding. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to talk to someone as dull as me," Pang Jun replied earnestly.
Hearing this, Chen Yinuo smiled approvingly. "That's what matters. Meeting someone who truly understands you is rare, so don't let her slip away."
"I have dinner and a movie planned for tonight," Pang Jun said shyly.
Seeing him this way made Chen Yinuo chuckle.
"Alright, since you have a date, you should leave early and get ready. We don't have any urgent tasks right now. Go make yourself presentable for the date!"
"Thank you, President Chen. I'll be going now!"
"Yes, and when things are official, introduce her to me and Ye. We can all have dinner together."
With a smile, Pang Jun hurried out of the office.
Little did he know, Lin Mengxi was just as anxious—if not more—than he was.
She needed to secure Pang Jun before Ye Chen found out about their relationship. Otherwise, all her efforts would be wasted once Ye Chen caught wind of her plans.
Tonight's date was her best chance.