Chapter 67: Seeds of Discord

After finalizing her itinerary, Li Manya approached Ye Nan to request permission for an overseas trip to negotiate a contract. Ye Nan merely sighed and waved his hand irritably. "Do as you please." With approval granted, Li Manya took two days off, returning home to meticulously plan every detail, determined to ensure absolute success this time.

The door creaked open, revealing a slightly drunk Liang Yihang leaning against the frame, tugging at his collar. "Wife, it's so late—still not resting?" Li Manya frowned lightly, her tone tinged with reproach. "I've been busy with work all day. Why have you been drinking so much?"

Liang Yihang staggered over and sat before her. "Work, you know how it is. No one wants to continue negotiations without a few drinks." Li Manya frowned again, rising to pour him a refreshing glass of lemon water. After he drank a few sips, she said, "There's something I need your help with."

Without hesitation, Liang Yihang replied, "Whatever my wife commands is law."

Li Manya smiled shyly. "You have that old high school friend working abroad, right? At the Paige Group?"

"Yeah, why?"

She gently linked her arm through his and rested her head weakly on his shoulder. "Ye Corporation has recently suffered significant setbacks. I'm sure you've seen the news."

"I'm thinking of lending a hand."

"I've been with this company for years. This is a perfect opportunity to impress Ye, maybe even earn a promotion."

"The director just resigned a few days ago. If I could take that position..." Liang Yihang's face grew darker, sobriety returning swiftly. He abruptly shook off her hand, meeting her surprised gaze. "What do you mean? You want to use my connections to pave your way?"

Panic flickered in Li Manya's eyes as she hastily smiled and grabbed his hand again. "Honey, that sounds harsh. Using your work as leverage isn't a bad thing, is it? Don't forget, you've collaborated with Ye before."

Liang Yihang's expression darkened like a pot bottom. "Could you think before you speak and act? If I ask my friend for help, I'd owe him a favor."

Her heart instantly sank. "I know this puts you in a difficult position, but I'm thinking long-term. Despite Ye Corporation's current plight..."

"Enough with the 'long-term' nonsense!" Liang Yihang snapped irritably. "This is not up for discussion."

"I've already told my colleagues, booked the tickets—I'm just waiting for your go-ahead!" Li Manya's face changed drastically. She never expected such a simple request to be outright refused.

Seeing her anger, Liang Yihang softened his tone. "Then cancel it. Ye Corporation is beyond saving; don't waste your energy."

"If they go bankrupt, you can just stay home and be a housewife. There's nothing wrong with that."

"I never wanted you to work out in the open anyway—I can support you."

"Come on now." Li Manya clenched her teeth and fists, silent.

"Don't be mad, darling. I only want what's best for you."

After a brief attempt to soothe her, Liang Yihang lost patience. Rising, he said, "I'm going to shower."

Watching his retreating figure, Li Manya bit back her frustration. "Su Wanwan will be going on this trip too. She seems quite concerned about Ye's company and even asked me for help."

Liang Yihang froze mid-step, turning back with a spark of curiosity and excitement. "Really?"

Though the room was comfortably warm, Li Manya felt icy cold, as if frost crept into every pore, chilling her very heart. She forced a bitter smile to mask her vulnerability and grabbed her phone. "Since you disagree, I'll just tell Su Wanwan."

"No, no, no!" Liang Yihang hurried forward, gripping her hand. "Don't get upset. I drank too much tonight and wasn't thinking clearly. I've thought it over—you make sense. After all, I've worked with Ye Nan too... Fine, I'll help him out."

"And about going abroad—how can you girls run around unsupervised? What if something happens?"

"Alright, I'll go with you."

Li Manya's lips twitched faintly, unable even to smile.

"Good." Liang Yihang nodded, tossing her his phone. "Wife, book me a ticket!"

After he entered the bathroom, Li Manya took his phone and purchased a ticket for the same day. Then she called his assistant on her own phone.

At the airport, Su Wanwan wheeled a small suitcase toward security and spotted a group chatting happily near the gate. Seeing her, they waved and greeted her warmly. "Wanwan, finally here!"

Yawning, Su Wanwan glanced at the time. Li Manya apologized sincerely, "Sorry, the company's cash flow is tight, so I booked the earliest flight to save money. I know it's been tough on you all..."

"No worries," they assured her. "It's a long trip; we can sleep on the plane."

Suddenly, an awkward rumble came from someone's stomach.

The male employee sheepishly said, "Sorry, I overslept and barely caught the carpool to the airport. Didn't have breakfast."

Li Manya parted her red lips, about to speak when Su Wanwan coolly said, "The shop nearby just opened. Let's go; breakfast is on me."

"Thanks!" Li Manya glanced at her, biting her lip.

After eating, everyone boarded the plane one by one. The long, dull flight was punctuated by muffled conversations.

Su Wanwan closed her eyes, resting against the seat, headphones over her ears, slender fingers rhythmically tapping on her lap.

Li Manya turned to look at her, suddenly smiling. "Miss Su truly is unlike ordinary people."

Su Wanwan's sleepy eyes flickered open. "Hm?"

Li Manya's smile was free of menace. "When we first heard about your piano performance, we were stunned. A quiet, unassuming junior employee performing alongside a world-class pianist..."

"Surely the fee for that concert is an astronomical sum most people could never earn in a lifetime."

"At first, I was curious why you stayed at the company after breaking up with Ye."

"If it were any other woman, she would have left far behind, vowing never to cross paths with that man again."

"But you... took the opposite path."

"Could it be you still harbor feelings for Mr. Ye?"