Chapter 66: Praise That Kills

“Yes, I never imagined that the Su family could enjoy such honor. Shifeng, this is all thanks to you. From now on, you are the pride of the Su family.” Old Madam Su nodded with utmost satisfaction, lavishing praise on Su Shifeng.

The next moment, Su Shifeng suddenly noticed Lin Feng and Su Qingxue’s figures, and his expression instantly turned cold. He exclaimed in surprise, “Strange, why are Lin Feng and Su Qingxue here as well?”

“What? They’re here too?” Liu Farong, who had not noticed the two before, immediately followed his gaze upon hearing his words. She saw Lin Feng and Su Qingxue slowly making their way inside, and her face instantly twisted in anger.

“Those two really have no shame! Today is the celebration banquet arranged for us by Chairman Zhou, and yet they came here to bask in our glory.” Liu Farong glanced at them with disdain and spoke scornfully.

Old Madam Su’s eyes grew icy and narrowed sharply. She led the others directly to confront Lin Feng and Su Qingxue, shouting angrily, “Lin Feng, Su Qingxue, stop right there!”

“Grandmother?” Su Qingxue turned her head, puzzled to see her grandmother, mother, and brother approaching.

She had no idea that this morning, it was because Su Shifeng had gone to see Zhou Liran that the celebration banquet had been arranged.

“Grandmother, I didn’t expect to see you here. We can go in together and attend the banquet,” Su Qingxue said with a look of delight. She thought that if she could please her grandmother, the thirty billion would be returned, and the company’s crisis would be over.

But before she could finish, Su Shifeng gave a cold snort and said, “Sister, you really are clever. This afternoon’s celebration banquet was prepared by Chairman Zhou for me.”

“You lost thirty billion for Su Bank, plunging our family into a huge crisis. Even Chairman Zhou knows what you did now. Do you really think he’d welcome you?”

“What nonsense! That thirty billion was used to buy land for you. I didn’t lose it!” Su Qingxue protested.

“Wait, what did you say? Chairman Zhou already knows?” A chill ran through Su Qingxue’s heart, and her expression changed from anger to panic.

She had been hoping to find a chance to reclaim the thirty billion and continue working with Chairman Zhou. But now, Zhou already knew?

Could it be…?

As she thought it over, the truth dawned on her. Lin Feng had mentioned earlier that Su Shifeng had gone to see Zhou Liran. It must have been him who told Zhou. Now Zhou had even arranged a celebration banquet for him. Did this mean Zhou had completely lost faith in her and was planning to let Su Shifeng take her place?

Was this all part of her grandmother’s plan?

“Qingxue, you shouldn’t be here making a scene today. When you see Chairman Zhou, you’ll only upset him. I know Lin Feng is close to him, but even he can’t decide whether Chairman Zhou will work with Shifeng. If you know what’s best for you, you should go home. There’s nothing for you here,” Old Madam Su said to her in a grave, almost sympathetic tone.

Su Qingxue slowly regained her composure and shook her head, hurt and disappointed. “Grandmother, I can’t believe it. I can’t believe you’d do this to me. I’m your granddaughter—why would you harm me? I’ve poured my heart and soul into this partnership. Can’t you see that? Why do you only have eyes for my brother, but never see me for who I am?”

“Su Qingxue, this is not a place for your tantrums. Don’t get in the way. Leave now,” Liu Farong’s face turned ice-cold as she gave a harsh order.

Su Qingxue forced a bitter smile, as if she hadn’t heard Liu Farong’s words. Tears slipped from the corners of her eyes.

Lin Feng saw it all.

He gazed at the people before him with an expressionless face. If it weren’t for the spectacle about to unfold, he would have made them pay on the spot.

“It’s all right, Qingxue. We were invited by Chairman Zhou. They have no say in the matter. Let’s go in,” Lin Feng said calmly, suppressing his anger.

“Yes. Su Bank is my life’s work. I should be happy it has come so far. I’ll go in with you,” Su Qingxue replied, wiping away her tears and forcing herself not to sob. She turned and followed Lin Feng into Liran Group.

“Hey, Su Qingxue, you—”

“Enough. If she wants to go, let her. With Lin Feng’s connection to Chairman Zhou, she won’t affect his mood,” Old Madam Su stopped Liu Farong, waving her off, and then entered Liran Group with the others.

Click, click!

As they entered, someone recognized them. The reporters nearby, upon learning they were the heads of Su Bank, hurried to take their photos.

Old Madam Su and Su Shifeng became the focus of everyone’s attention—celebrities in their own right.

Once inside, Lin Feng and Su Qingxue quietly took seats in an unremarkable corner and watched the unfolding celebration in silence.

Lin Feng said nothing, knowing that soon all of Su Qingxue’s grievances and anger would melt away.

“Welcome, everyone, to Liran Group. I am delighted you could join us for this celebration of our project partnership with the Su family,” Zhou Liran began as soon as everyone was seated. Holding the microphone, he stepped from behind the scenes, radiating joy and greeting the crowd.

Click, click!

As Zhou Liran appeared, all the reporters’ cameras turned on him, the flashes popping non-stop. Applause broke out throughout the hall.

When the applause faded, Zhou Liran continued, smiling, “On this special day, I feel greatly honored to be working with the Su family. I hope the Su Group will continue to prosper. Now, let us welcome the head of Su Bank to the stage for a few words.”

Another round of applause erupted.

Old Madam Su’s face was alight with happiness. Hearing this, she hurriedly nudged Su Shifeng and whispered, “Shifeng, be sure to do well. Don’t let everyone down.”

“Don’t worry, Grandmother. I’m ready,” Su Shifeng replied, straightening his suit and taking a sip of water to clear his throat, preparing to head for the stage.

But just then, Zhou Liran’s gaze shifted to Lin Feng and Su Qingxue. Smiling, he extended his hand and invited warmly, “Now, let us welcome President Su Qingxue of Su Bank to the stage for a speech.”

In an instant, all eyes turned to Su Qingxue.

Stunned, she looked around in bewilderment, completely unprepared.

“What? Me?” she whispered in disbelief.

Su Qingxue looked back at Lin Feng, only to see him smiling as if he had foreseen this moment.

Lin Feng handed her a sheet of paper and whispered, “Qingxue, you can do it. I’ve prepared your speech for you. Don’t let everyone down.”

“Lin Feng, you…” Su Qingxue was deeply moved.

It all became clear—this was Lin Feng’s plan all along. He did this to elevate her and Su Bank, to show everyone that she was the true president of the bank, and no one else should even think about it.

Realizing the truth, her eyes filled with tears. She covered her mouth, overcome with emotion, and wept.

She could hardly believe that all of this was real.