Chapter 31: The Power Shift

Lin Wannian's press conference sent shockwaves through Ancheng's business circles.

A corner of the Shen family's long-hidden operations had finally been exposed, and public opinion swiftly shifted in favor of the Lin family. Overnight, countless financial media outlets and independent journalists picked up the story. Even international investors began demanding transparency from the Shen Group.

By the next morning, the company's stock price had plummeted.

Inside the Shen Group's main conference room, Shen Manman had convened an emergency board meeting.

"This isn't the time to argue about who's right or wrong. What matters now is damage control," she said, dressed in a sharp business suit, her tone icy. "We need to launch a media campaign immediately. PR should arrange interviews to portray the Shen Group as a company willing to confront its past and take responsibility."

But the elderly chairman slammed his hand on the table. "Enough with the PR talk, Manman! Do you even realize how much our stock dropped today? Investors are pulling out! What we need now is a leader—someone who can make real decisions."

"What are you implying?" Shen Manman's face stiffened.

"I think my point is clear," the old man said, rising from his seat and glancing at the conference room doors. "It's time for the rightful heir to return."

The doors opened.

In walked Shen Sihan, clad in a dark gray suit, expression composed and austere.

He represented a coalition of major shareholders and the family trust.

"Brother!" Shen Manman stared at him in disbelief.

"From this moment on," Shen Sihan announced, "I'm taking over the group."

His voice wasn't loud, but it landed like a thunderclap.

Several board members nodded in agreement. "Now that President Shen is back, we feel assured."

Shen Manman scoffed. "You think you can fix everything just by coming back? Lin Wannian won't let you off easily."

Shen Sihan looked at her, eyes cool and calm. "She's not here to destroy the Shen Group. She's here for the truth."

"She'll push her limits."

"If we don't even have the courage to own up to our mistakes, then the Shen Group doesn't deserve to survive."

The room fell silent.

Shen Manman clenched her fists.

She could see it clearly—Shen Sihan had changed.

The man who once prioritized profit over everything else was now willing to acknowledge the company's past sins—for a woman.

Meanwhile, at the newly established New Lin Group office, Lin Wannian reviewed contracts in her email.

They were from several foreign investment firms offering to fund the group's revival plan.

"They're really investing in us?" Su Wan asked in disbelief.

"Yes," Lin Wannian nodded. "I believe it's not about me—it's about the truth we revealed. Capital may avoid scandals, but it rewards honesty."

"Wannian, you're amazing." Su Wan's eyes sparkled with admiration.

But Lin Wannian didn't smile. "This is just the beginning. The real challenge is yet to come."

She knew the Shen Group wouldn't go down without a fight.

The real war had only just begun.

That night, Lin Wannian received a private email.

Sender: Shen Sihan.

She hesitated, then clicked it open.

It was brief.

Wannian:

I won't make excuses for the past, but I will take responsibility.

Your father's recordings and letters have been officially acknowledged. We will initiate compensation to the Lin family and return the original shares.

If you're willing, I'd like to speak with you in person—not as the Shen Group's CEO, but simply as Shen Sihan.

—Sihan

Lin Wannian's fingers trembled slightly.

She hadn't expected him to bow his head. She hadn't expected him to say the word "responsibility."

She closed her eyes, and memories surged.

He once stood at the end of a corridor, cold and aloof, but silently held an umbrella for her when she cried.

He quietly stocked the best medicine at her bedside during her illness.

And on their wedding day, he said: "Now that I've married you, I won't let you be humiliated."

But could those things ever make up for what he did?

She lay in the hospital for three days—he never came.

She slapped Shen Manman to defend him—he repaid her with divorce papers.

Those scars couldn't be erased by a single act of contrition.

Still, Lin Wannian clicked "Reply."

Shen Sihan:

Fine. You want to face me? I'll give you the chance.

Tomorrow at 3 p.m., Cloud City Café.

Don't be late.

—

The next day, at Cloud City Café.

Lin Wannian wore a cream-colored trench coat and sat by the window, flipping through documents.

At exactly 3 p.m., Shen Sihan arrived.

Dressed in a black coat, his eyes calm, his gaze held no sharpness, no calculation—only a heavy, unreadable expression.

"It's been over two years. At least you've learned to be punctual," Lin Wannian spoke first.

Shen Sihan sat down and smiled bitterly. "I don't want to miss any more moments related to you."

She didn't respond, instead placing a few documents on the table.

"These are the Lin family's documented losses, and the illegally transferred share breakdowns. I don't need emotional compensation. I want restitution—facts."

Shen Sihan nodded. "I've instructed the legal team. Everything will be returned with interest, plus additional compensation."

"One more condition."

"Name it."

"I want you to completely withdraw from New Lin Group—no shadow shares, no backdoor influence."

Shen Sihan paused, then nodded. "Alright."

"Shen Sihan," Lin Wannian suddenly looked up. "You're not heartless. But you only ever try to fix things after they're already broken."

"I know," he said quietly. "If I could go back, I'd never have let you go."

"Too bad there's no such thing as a 'go back' in life."

Lin Wannian stood and smoothed her coat. "This is the end of us."

At the door, she paused. Back still to him, she said:

"I'll rebuild the Lin family—not for you to see, but for myself."

Shen Sihan didn't follow her.

He just sat there, watching her leave, eyes full of sorrow and regret.

Outside, sunlight poured down.

Lin Wannian walked into the light, and for the first time in a long while, peace settled over her face.

The past, heavy and painful, had finally come to an end.

And she could finally breathe again—

Not for anyone else.

Just for herself.