Chapter 169: Gossip and Rumors

An hour later, Zhou Ming drove back to the factory and stopped right at the front door. Due to some reasons related to the factory, his parents were now staying at home, which Zhou Ming knew from previous phone conversations and chats with Su Han.

He stopped the car and woke Su Han, who had fallen asleep after her earlier emotional outburst. Zhou Ming knew she was exhausted from the stress and let her rest a bit more. As he looked at her sleeping face, he felt a pang of sympathy, wondering how much pressure she had been under at the factory.

"Have we arrived?" Su Han asked groggily as she saw Zhou Ming's home. She quickly added, "Since we're here, I'll head to the factory first."

As Su Han tried to get out of the car, Zhou Ming stopped her and asked, "Why are you in such a hurry? Aren't you coming to my house?"

Su Han shook her head and was about to explain when Zhou Ming's parents rushed out upon hearing the car engine. Zhou Ming got out of the car to greet them. His mother, Wang Fengqin, grabbed his hand and said, "It's good you're back, it's good you're back!"

When they saw Su Han getting out of the car, Wang Fengqin's expression turned to one of alarm. She immediately pulled Zhou Ming behind her, looking at Su Han with suspicion and pointing at her sternly, "How dare you come to our house? I'm telling you, stay away from Zhou Ming. A woman like you doesn't deserve to enter our home!"

Su Han's eyes brimmed with tears. Zhou Ming, confused, asked Wang Fengqin, "Mom, what's going on? I asked Su Han to pick me up from the train station."

Wang Fengqin replied, "Ask her what she's done, and you'll understand. A young woman like her, not learning anything good, only gets involved in shady affairs. Zhou Ming has a bright future ahead and shouldn't be ruined by someone like her!"

"Auntie, please believe me, I am innocent. I haven't done anything wrong!" Su Han pleaded with Wang Fengqin.

Zhou Ming, still confused, asked, "Mom, Su Han, can you please tell me what exactly happened?"

Wang Fengqin huffed, "I don't want to talk about her disgusting actions."

"Let me explain," Su Han said, then recounted the events in detail. The gist of it was simple: rumors.

A month ago, when Zhou Ming left for Nanjiang, he had arranged for his parents to be the factory's manager and deputy manager, with Su Han as the general manager. After Zhou Ming left, rumors began spreading in the factory, claiming Su Han only became general manager through Zhou Ming's influence. Initially, Su Han and his parents thought it was just sour grapes from some disgruntled individuals, but the rumors grew worse.

People unearthed Su Han's past with Huang Zheng and combined it with new claims, saying she was a promiscuous woman who had affairs with many men, including having slept with the deputy manager Cai Zhongxian for his support.

In less than half a month, these rumors spread like wildfire through the factory, with a disturbing level of detail as if people had witnessed everything firsthand.

The staff often whispered about Zhou Ming and Su Han, suggesting that Zhou Ming was just a man who picked up discarded women and that Su Han had charmed him. This gossip upset Zhou Ming's parents, who retreated from the factory and chose to stay at home.

"That's how things are," Su Han concluded, lowering her head. She had already explained enough over the past month.

Hearing the full story, Zhou Ming made a decision. He told Wang Fengqin, "Mom, it's clear someone is spreading these rumors about Su Han to create chaos and usurp control!"

Wang Fengqin seemed taken aback, and Zhou Ming continued, "Think about it: isn't it around the time these rumors started that Cai Zhongxian's power grew?"

This made Wang Fengqin pause. Zhou Ming pressed on, "And after you and Dad left the factory, didn't Cai Zhongxian start to consolidate all the leadership power?"

"It seems... that way," Wang Fengqin admitted.

"That's right," Zhou Ming said. "Clearly, Cai Zhongxian is behind this. He's using these rumors to distract you and seize power."

"But the factory is still buzzing with rumors…" Wang Fengqin started to say.

Zhou Ming interrupted, "What others say isn't necessarily true. Many people enjoy gossiping behind others' backs without caring whether it's true or how it affects others. I heard on the train people speculating about me being some high-profile leader's descendant with extraordinary abilities. Should I take such nonsense seriously?"

"Well, that's true," Wang Fengqin said, "but why were people gossiping about you on the train?"

Zhou Ming realized his parents didn't know about his business in Nanjiang. He replied, "That doesn't matter. Just remember that these rumors are unreliable. We must trust ourselves."

He then added, "Besides, Su Han has stayed with us for so many days. Don't you know what kind of person she is? Is she really like the rumors say?"

"True," Wang Fengqin said. "So, I misunderstood her? But what about the rumors in the factory…"

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll handle this. I'll settle the score with whoever is behind this," Zhou Ming assured.

After talking with his parents, Zhou Ming put away his luggage—just some clothes, tea cups, and a lunch box—and then took Su Han and Zhang Lei to the factory. They parked in front of the office building, where Zhang Lei was waiting. When he saw Zhou Ming and Su Han, he ran over and said, "Zhou Ming, you're finally back. You don't know how much Su Han has suffered while you were gone…"

Before Zhang Lei could continue, Su Han interrupted, "Da Zhuang, don't say any more."

Zhou Ming, holding Su Han's hand, told Zhang Lei, "Da Zhuang, I know everything about the factory and Su Han's grievances. I've come back to seek justice for her."

Zhang Lei nodded, "With you here, I'm relieved. You've always been the smartest, and no problem's too big for you. What's your plan?"

"Let's go inside and talk. We can't stand here all day," Zhou Ming said.

They walked into the building. At the corner of the stairs, they encountered a few people who looked surprised to see Zhou Ming and Su Han. Zhou Ming initially ignored them, but their conversation caught his attention.

"Look, Su Han's here again. How shameless is she to show her face here? After causing so much trouble and making Zhou Ming's parents leave, she still dares to come? It seems Zhou Ming is truly infatuated with her. Her bed skills must be incredible!" one person whispered.

Another person advised, "Shh! Lower your voice. Zhou Ming is right there. What if he hears?"

The first person dismissed this, "So what if he hears? Is talking illegal now? I'm just saying what everyone's thinking. If Zhou Ming's so enchanted by Su Han, it's only right to say a few words."

"But he's the real boss of Factory 760 now. Didn't you hear he made a lot of money in Port City and is doing big business in Nanjiang? If he hears you, he won't let you off."

"Let him try. What can he do? I'm already on the payroll. The worst he could do is move me to another position. Can he really fire me? I'm not scared."

…

Zhou Ming heard every word. His fists clenched in anger, and he was about to confront them when Su Han grabbed his arm.

"Zhou Ming, don't go after them. It won't help," Su Han said.

She then lowered her head, "There are others spreading rumors too. I'm used to it."

Zhou Ming looked at Zhang Lei, who was clearly furious but helpless. Realizing Su Han was speaking the truth, Zhou Ming embraced her and whispered, "Don't worry, Su Han. I believe in you and will help you. I'll deal with everyone who spreads these lies."

Su Han nodded firmly, "Yes! Zhou Ming, I believe in you."

Zhou Ming, Su Han, and Zhang Lei then headed upstairs to the factory manager's office. As Zhou Ming reached for the door, Su Han stopped him.

With a puzzled look from Zhou Ming, Su Han quietly explained, "This is now Cai Zhongxian's office."

Hearing this, Zhou Ming's anger flared. Cai Zhongxian had taken over the office meant for Su Han and his parents. Zhou Ming, enraged, kicked the office door open.

A loud crash echoed as the door flew open, and an angry voice shouted from inside, "Who the hell is so rude?"