Pampered by Short-Lived Bigshot

Perhaps it was because the surrounding lights were overly soft, she seemed to be covered in a wistful haze, fresh and stunning, emanating an irresistible allure all on her own.

The hall floor was so shiny it could be used as a mirror, reflecting her soft, form-fitting black dress as she passed in front of everyone…

Today was her turf; all spotlights and focus were on her, and like an elegant silhouette, she dazzled everyone present.

“I had thought that a child brought back midway would be unfit for public appearance, but she turned out to be quite beautiful after all. She even has a demeanor very much like the Xie Family.”

“What’s the use of that? A bastard daughter’s status will ultimately be unacceptable for public appearances.”

“What does that matter? If she really can inherit the Xie Family’s fortune, who cares about her status? In the whole of Beijing, who knows how many families would like to marry her? By then, it will be her choice.”

…

By that time, the person in charge of the annual meeting had already walked over to the elderly Mr. Xie, “Old Master, it’s almost time; shall we go up on the stage?”

“Sure, up on the stage!” the elderly Mr. Xie said, using a walking stick with one hand and holding Shen Zhixian’s hand with the other. Today, he wore a black and red Tang suit, looking sprightly with a constant smile on his lips, warm and calm.

Everyone watched as the two went up on stage, and without needing any prompting, they immediately fell silent. The staff adjusted the microphone for the old master and discreetly backed away.

“First and foremost, thank you all for attending the Xie Family’s mid-year evening gala. I am here to express my gratitude for your presence!” At exactly 6:28 p.m., he timed it just right, and as soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from below the stage.

“The Xie Family has come a long way over more than 60 years, and over these years, apart from the efforts of our exceptional employees, we could not have done without the care from our peers, for which I’d like to thank everyone here,” Mr. Xie spoke warmly, stepping slightly back to give a bow to everyone.

After the formalities were out of the way, thanking employees and colleagues alike, the old man cleared his throat and got to the point.

“… On this occasion, I have an important matter to announce to everyone.”

All went quiet, thousands of eyes intently watching him.

“Some of you may have heard about my family’s situation, about my deceased younger brother, who left behind a daughter in this world. We’ve been looking for her for many years, and after extensive searching, it has finally allowed me to find her.”

“Today, in addition to Xie Family employees, there are also many relatives and friends here, so I want to take this opportunity to introduce her to everyone.”

Mr. Xie took Shen Zhixian’s hand and pulled her into the spotlight, “This is… my legitimate niece—Shen Zhixian. Please, I ask that everyone take good care of her in the future!”

Mr. Xie’s niece…

The use of the word ‘legitimate’ already made clear her status.

With just her lineage known, many in Beijing would have to call her ‘aunt’, let alone need their care.

“Hello, everyone, I am Shen Zhixian.”

The crowd’s glances at Shen Zhixian differed, but out of respect for Mr. Xie, their applause was thunderous.

The matter of kinship, surely the Xie Family must have discussed it internally beforehand. Introducing her to everyone was simply to give her a formal identity publicly, as to whether other families would acknowledge her, that would be another question.

But what Mr. Xie said next set the atmosphere ablaze.

“…Zhixian will henceforth be a part of our Xie Family, she will gradually be involved in various matters of the Xie Family, so I ask for everyone’s care for her in the future.”

Involved in Xie Family matters?

The statement was ambiguous, but no one there was a fool; it was not just about family matters but about the company too, wasn’t it?

For those without business ties to the Xie Family, it didn’t matter; the most affected were the partners and the company employees.

At the company’s annual meeting, eighty percent of the attendees were Xie Family employees. Suddenly there was someone who might not understand anything, getting involved in company matters—affecting personal interests, this immediately caused an uproar.

“Old Master, you mean she will also be involved in the company’s affairs?” One of the top-level managers of the Xie Family couldn’t help but speak up.