Chapter 11: Reason Is Useless Beneath the Rod

Ye Yaoyao lowered her head, flipping through the documents, preparing to present her thoughts on the project.

“Mr. Shen, I believe this plan can—”

“You really do know how to please Ye Shen, don’t you? Otherwise, why would he entrust such a core project to you?” Shen Yan scrutinized her appearance; her looks and figure could carry any style, and the ordinary business attire seemed transformed into high fashion on her. Her hair was half up, half down, radiating both gentleness and crisp efficiency.

How had he not noticed before that she could be so dazzling? In his memory, she always dressed simply, and when she accompanied him, she spoke little—only appearing when needed, handling everything in perfect order. She had been more a companion walking by his side than anything else. Yet now, every smile and subtle expression carried an indescribable charm.

Ye Yaoyao frowned. Personal vendetta, indeed impressive.

Assuming the project was as good as dead, she closed the file, no longer bothering to feign courtesy.

“Yes, Brother Shen treats me well. In just a few days, he’s already handed this crucial project to me. Unlike some people—after years of working by his side, I still saw nothing of importance.” Her tone was laced with sarcasm, venting all the grievances of years past.

At her words, Shen Yan’s eyes changed, turning sharp as he looked at her, clearly displeased by her partiality.

Why did she defend Ye Shen so fiercely? Couldn’t she tolerate even the slightest criticism of him?

“Shen Yan, professionalism is the bare minimum. I shouldn’t have to teach you that, should I?” Her gaze was indifferent. “I may dislike you, and never want to see you again in this life, but for the sake of Ye Corporation’s development, I still came, didn’t I?”

“You know better than I the value of this project. If it succeeds, it benefits both companies. Shen Corporation has always wanted to expand overseas—now’s your chance.”

After all those years as Shen Yan’s secretary, not knowing the basics would have been inexcusable.

Ye Yaoyao tried earnestly to persuade him, but what Shen Yan heard was—

She disliked him, didn’t want to see him?

His gaze darkened, eyes reflecting an unfathomable light.

Receiving no reply, she assumed his silence meant refusal. She rose to leave, but he stopped her. “Did I say you could go?”

She looked at him, only to see him pick up the partnership agreement and sign it without a word.

As expected, his way of thinking was unlike anyone else’s—signing before any details were settled?

“Let me see the proposal.” Shen Yan extended his hand.

Ye Yaoyao was momentarily stunned before handing it over.

After reading, his eyebrow lifted. He knew her capabilities, but not just how exceptional she could be—every possible scenario and contingency was addressed in detail.

Once this project began, success was all but inevitable!

Yet, the proposal did not bear only her fingerprints.

“Who taught you to draft proposals like this?” he asked, eyes sharp.

“Ye Shen,” she answered honestly.

Her plan was solid, but to ensure Shen Yan found no fault, her brother had reviewed it and perfected the details.

Ye Shen had originally wanted to forgo the project, not wishing his sister to suffer for anything.

But Ye Yaoyao didn’t want to become a burden to the family—she insisted, and he couldn’t refuse.

Shen Yan clenched his fist. “Ye Yaoyao, you...”

He wanted to say more, but in the end, said nothing.

The contract was signed in the morning, and by afternoon, the two went for an on-site inspection.

The location was just outside the city, the environment ideal for a resort.

Her planning for the land did justice to such a prime spot.

They traveled together by car, and Ye Yaoyao chatted in a group chat on her phone, smiling at the jokes.

Though she didn’t laugh aloud, Shen Yan found the sound of her amusement aggravating.

Even with his eyes closed, he felt irritated!

Previously, when they went home together, she’d often sneak glances at him.

Now, she simply ignored him?

The shift was unacceptable. What had captured her attention?

Opening his eyes, he saw a flurry of flirtatious emojis from Gu Yancheng, and a smile playing on her lips.

Were they together now?

Enjoying resources from Ye Shen while tangling with another man?

Had she considered his feelings at all?

Yuan Qing and Gu Yancheng had just returned from abroad and were resting. They recounted amusing stories from overseas, and Ye Yaoyao felt a pang of nostalgia for her school days.

Just as she was about to reply, a large hand snatched her phone and flung it out the window.

She was stunned.

“Shen Yan, are you insane?”

“It was noisy.”

“Did I make a sound?”

“Your facial expressions were noisy,” he replied, face calm.

“If you can hear what others can’t, you should see a doctor.” Fury churned in her chest.

Seeing her angry lessened his own anger.

She stared out the window, trying hard to compose herself. The contract was signed; they were in this together. Harmony breeds wealth—she mustn’t lose her temper!

She held back all the way. Once out of the car, she slammed the door and strode off without a word.

Shen Yan got out leisurely, watching her high ponytail swing with each step, a faint smile curling his lips.

The land supervisor was waiting at the entrance and led them inside for a tour.

Being so close to nature lifted her spirits. As long as the environment remained undisturbed, vacationing here would be wonderful.

She inspected all the key areas, asked the important questions, and felt increasingly satisfied.

Watching her focus so intently, seriously engaged in her work, Shen Yan found himself unable to look away. He had never realized how different she could be.

With a bright smile, she shook hands with the supervisor. “Good, that settles it. Let’s sign the contract now.”

Finishing things swiftly avoided later complications.

“Agreed,” the supervisor nodded emphatically.

Shen Yan’s gaze lingered on their clasped hands before shifting to the supervisor, who shuddered and quickly let go.

Ye Yaoyao noticed nothing amiss and sent someone to fetch the contract from the car.

Just then, a commotion erupted at the gate. The three turned to see a large group of villagers approaching, brandishing sticks and radiating hostility.

“How many times do we have to say it? We won’t give up this land! Don’t you understand?”

“You even dare bring people for an inspection? Brothers, drive them out!”

“Drive them out! We’ve lived here for years. How could we just give it up?”

These were people ready to use force; as soon as they finished shouting, they surged forward.

Ye Yaoyao hadn’t known about the holdouts—she only knew the land was authorized for development.

Reasoning meant nothing under swinging sticks; she and Shen Yan had no choice but to fight back.