Standing before the floor-to-ceiling window, Mom gazed at the city skyline. Her attire today was as elegant and sophisticated as ever—a tailor-made black women's suit perfectly accentuated her shapely figure, the collar of her white silk blouse peeking out subtly, and slim-fitting black trousers highlighting the perfect curves of her long legs. Beneath the crisp trousers, the delicate sheen of black pantyhose was faintly visible, and at the ankles were a pair of gleaming black patent leather high heels, the 10cm stilettos making her appear even taller and more slender.
"Knock knock—"
A crisp knock broke the office's tranquility.
"Come in."
Mom turned around, her long, dark hair swaying gently with her movement, and her delicate makeup highlighting her youthful, beautiful face.
Shang Yan entered, dressed in a champagne-colored haute couture suit. Her shoulder-length chestnut hair shimmered softly in the light, and she wore nude pointed-toe heels. Sheer flesh-colored stockings accentuated her long, slender legs, making them appear even more elegant. Every step exuded the capable and efficient air of a career woman.
"President Xia, this is the marketing report for this quarter."
Shang Yan gracefully handed the document to Xia Ling, her movements fluid and efficient.
"Sit down and let's talk."
Xia Ling gestured for Shang Yan to sit on the leather sofa in the reception area. The two elegant women sipped freshly brewed black tea while engaging in a deep discussion about business. Shang Yan reported on the recent work of the marketing center, while Xia Ling listened attentively, occasionally nodding, her hand twirling her teacup.
As the report neared its end, Shang Yan changed the subject, mentioning Wang Xiong.
"Sister Ling, I've assigned that new high school student to work under An Rou, moving goods in the warehouse."
Mom nodded slightly, her long eyelashes drooping, concealing a fleeting shadow of unease in her eyes. "Okay, I understand. Let him continue working there. A newcomer naturally has to start from the bottom."
Just then, her phone on the table vibrated. Mom picked it up and saw the caller ID, which made her frown slightly—Wang Xiong!
She pressed the hang-up button without hesitation.
However, a few seconds later, the phone vibrated again, this time with a WeChat message.
Mom opened it, and her pupils contracted sharply—the photo showed Wang Xiong lying on the infirmary bed, his face covered in blood. His expression seemed to be feigned pain, and there were still traces of blood on the white sheets.
Immediately following was another message, brief yet threatening: "Sister Xia, answer the phone."
Mom felt a wave of dizziness, but she maintained her CEO composure, calmly turning off her phone screen and saying to Shang Yan, "You can go ahead and get back to work."
"Yes."
Shang Yan stood up, her high heels making a dull thud on the carpet. She nodded gracefully to Xia Ling and turned to leave.
The office door had barely closed when Wang Xiong called again.
"Speak."
Mom answered the phone, her voice icy.
"Sister Xia, your son is really something," Wang Xiong's voice was clearly sarcastic. "He punched me like this, the whole class can witness it, it's quite a spectacle! I'm still in the infirmary now."
"Impossible! How could Xiaowei..."
Mom's voice trembled slightly.
"Why not? You've seen the photos yourself, and the homeroom teacher, Ms. Zheng, knows about this." Wang Xiong's tone suddenly turned cold. "Sister Xia, what do you think we should do about this? Your son hitting someone at school is no small matter."
Xia Ling gripped her phone tightly, her slender fingers tightening until the tips turned white.
Suppressing her anger, Xia Ling asked, "What exactly do you want?"
Wang Xiong let out a contemptuous laugh. "Your son beat me up like this, of course you have to compensate me! How about this, Sister Xia, come to my house tomorrow, wear a maid outfit and white stockings, and serve me for a day, how about that? If you serve me well, this matter with Xiao Wei will be over, I won't hold it against you, how about that?"
"You're dreaming!" Xia Ling shouted sharply.
"Sister Xia, do you think you still have a choice?" Wang Xiong's voice grew increasingly lewd. "The most important new product launch for Lingya Group is this weekend. Susan's got her eyes on you. If the media finds out that the son of the president of Lingya Group is bullying ordinary people's kids at school... that'll be interesting!"
"You're not an ordinary person's kid..." Mom closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Your father, Wang Datao, is being watched by the vice mayor. Are you sure you want to..."
"Oh, Sister Xia, you think I'm going to threaten you with Zhang Ming's arson?" Wang Xiong interrupted Mom. "I don't intend to use that. Just talk about Xiaowei hitting someone. What do you think the media will write? 'Lingya's president has failed in raising her son; a spoiled brat bullies others'... I've already thought of the headlines, hehe!"
The office fell into a deathly silence, broken only by the soft rustling of Mom's black trousers and her increasingly rapid breathing. "Have you thought it through, Sister Xia?" Wang Xiong's voice was full of smugness. "You know Deputy Mayor Zhang Guoqiang wants to mess with my dad. He's been running around like crazy these past few days dealing with this, and he's not home right now, so this is a rare opportunity… Come over tomorrow, I'll send you the address."
Mom clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms, and finally whispered the word, "Okay."
"That's right, Sister Xia." Wang Xiong chuckled lewdly. "Don't worry, I'll prepare a maid outfit for you, and one of those aprons with lace trim… Oh, by the way, Sister Xia, send me your size and measurements, so the clothes don't fit, hehe."
Mom remained silent on the phone: "…"
"Sister Xia, Sister Xia? I know you're listening." Wang Xiong's voice grew increasingly excited. "By the way, for tomorrow's white stockings, use the same ones you wore yesterday, remember to bring them, hehe!"
After the call ended, Mom could no longer hold back, and tears streamed down her face.
She slumped back in her leather chair, her meticulously applied makeup smudged. The once aloof and powerful female CEO was now reduced to a plaything for her son's classmate.
"Knock, knock—"
The knocking sounded again.
"Ms. Xia, the planning department's proposal needs your review."
The secretary's respectful voice came from outside the door.
Xia Ling quickly wiped away her tears, stood up, and straightened her clothes and makeup. When she spoke again, her voice had regained its usual authority.
"Come in."
Sunlight still streamed gently into the office through the floor-to-ceiling windows, as if nothing had happened.