Chapter Fifty-One: The Culinary Dream Team

The notary stared at the data on the computer screen, methodically reporting the findings. All the companies engaged in financial transactions with Haoyuan Trading had clear records of remittances, and every payment was received in real time.

No wonder the bank had taken notice; after all, the sums involved were significant and connected to more than a dozen companies. The largest transaction totaled over six million, the smallest three million. Without exception, every deal was paid for in advance, with deliveries to follow in due course.

At that moment, every member of the Chen family seemed frozen in place, as if under a spell, stunned and expressionless.

Old Madam Chen unconsciously clasped her hands together, anxiety written across her face as she asked, “Are you certain these are the latest financial details for Haoyuan Trading?”

“Madam, please let me be clear: as notaries, the data we provide is always accurate, valid, and traceable. You are welcome to verify and consult the records at any time. We uphold the most basic standards of our profession, so I ask that you refrain from casting doubts,” the notary replied sternly.

The old lady looked embarrassed, but soon a deep sense of delight began to surface on her face.

She looked again at Chen Muxue, hesitation flickering in her eyes, clearly uncertain.

The other members of the Chen family watched Chen Muxue with complicated expressions—shock, but also envy and jealousy.

In just five days, not only had she recovered two years’ worth of outstanding project payments, but she had also secured over sixty million in new business. If this continued, Chen Muxue was bound to make a fortune.

Meeting their gazes, Chen Muxue’s beautiful eyes reflected a mix of pride and gratitude.

How long had it been since she felt such confidence and vindication within the family? Every time before, she had faced only shame and ridicule, no matter how hard she worked.

But today, with Su Zheng’s support, she felt a long-lost sense of self-assurance.

Su Zheng’s warm hand enveloped hers, filling her with a profound sense of comfort and security.

“Enough. I have made my decision regarding the second matter on today’s agenda. Since Muxue and Su Zheng have completed the task I assigned, there is no need to—”

“Grandmother, I believe there’s a problem here!” Before the old lady could finish, Chen Wenli interrupted, speaking out assertively.

“What problem?” the old lady asked with a hint of displeasure, forcing herself to remain patient.

“As everyone knows, Haoyuan Trading has been operating at a loss for two years under Chen Muxue’s management, yet now, suddenly, she’s secured so many orders in just a few days. Don’t you all find that suspicious?” Chen Wenli said coldly.

Regardless of the old lady’s reaction, she continued her analysis. “First of all, business is getting harder and harder these days. I don’t know what sweet words Chen Muxue used to obtain these funds, but even if the deals are genuine, there are countless fatal issues. One misstep could doom the entire Chen family!”

Her words gave the old lady pause, who gestured for her to go on. The others perked up, waiting for her to continue.

“If she falsified the quality of the materials and we can’t deliver as promised, we’ll be paying huge penalties. And if she’s promised exorbitant kickbacks? She knows her days are numbered—who will clean up the mess then?

“Finally, we all know her family’s situation: they’re desperate for money. I’ll venture to guess, even if these orders are real, what if someone takes the funds and runs away with her whole family?”

Her tone was icy, making no attempt to spare Chen Muxue’s family as she laid out her suspicions openly.

“That’s nonsense! None of what you’re suggesting is true. I, Chen Muxue, vouch for my character—it’s nothing like you claim!” Chen Muxue snapped, her delicate features frosted with anger.

“You still talk about character? How amusing. Well, I’ve said what needed to be said. The rest is up to Grandmother. Why are you so flustered?” Chen Wenli sneered, confidence radiating from her.

“I think Wenli has a point. There are a lot of issues here, and we can’t afford to be careless!”

“Some people are just desperate, ready to drag the Chen family down with them. So shameless!”

“There’s no reason to keep someone like that—she must be expelled!”

“I agree!”

The members of the Chen family voiced their opinions, clearly swayed by Chen Wenli’s arguments.

Sure enough, after a brief moment of contemplation, the old lady spoke, her brow furrowed.

“Muxue, I don’t know what means you used to secure these orders, but for the good of the family, I have decided…”

She paused, hesitation flashing across her face.

Everyone waited anxiously. Chen Jianguo and Lyu Hongmei clutched each other’s hands, trembling ever so slightly.

Su Zheng’s expression was frosty as he quietly held Chen Muxue’s cool hand, waiting for the old lady’s decision.

Meanwhile, Chen Wenli and her father exchanged satisfied, confident glances.

“I have decided that, from today, Chen Muxue will step down as General Manager of Haoyuan Trading and move to a logistics role. The company will be managed directly by Ah Xiong, with Wenli assisting him. Clarify Haoyuan Trading’s affairs as quickly as possible—do not expose the family to risk!”

A buzz of murmurs swept through the room; no one had expected such a decision from the old lady.

She hadn’t expelled Chen Muxue’s family—she’d merely stripped her of her managerial position.

Chen Xiong couldn’t help but smile faintly.

Though he hadn’t managed to drive Chen Jianguo’s family out of the clan immediately, it no longer mattered. With just a few words, Wenli had planted doubt in the old lady’s mind, and now Haoyuan Trading was in his hands.

He might not know how Chen Muxue had managed to secure over sixty million in orders, but the money on the books was real. In the future, there would be plenty of opportunities to profit. And if problems arose, he could always shift the blame back to Chen Muxue’s family.

“Grandmother, you can’t do this! I object!” Chen Muxue protested bitterly.

“You object? Hmph! Are you planning to sever ties with the Chen family, then? I’ve already shown you leniency—how dare you not appreciate it!” the old lady barked, her face darkening.

“Muxue, let it go. You can always find another job. Please, don’t make Grandmother any angrier,” Chen Jianguo pleaded anxiously, tugging at his daughter.

Not being driven out of the family was already a blessing in his eyes; he didn’t want his daughter to provoke the matriarch further.

“Muxue, don’t worry. What’s yours can’t be taken away. Let’s go home for now. I promise you, within a day, they’ll be begging you to return to the company,” Su Zheng said gently, his heart aching for her indignation and pain.

“Stop right there! What did you just say? Repeat it!” the old lady demanded coldly, having caught a hint of Su Zheng’s words.

“I said, today you’ve made a foolish decision. We’ll wait for you to come in person and apologize to Muxue,” Su Zheng replied boldly, his tone calm and resolute.