Chapter 38
To be cold is no problem; I had been that way for a long time, but three men, who looked identical, heh. I could not pretend anymore.
I knew Zhengri was one of the triplets from my first book, but he seemed to be just like Zhengri Hui, the lawyer from my previous life.
In my last life and a lover of beauty, I had kept him around for other reasons, but he had a body that seemed to be created when the great creator was pleased.
His body, his face, ah, it was an inspiration, just like the other three.
Even if I was as single as a dollar, they were like spiritual compensation, erm, but it had been something I had kept to myself.
Now these three were here, exact mirror images of each other, and a temptation I wanted to indulge in like a cat with catnip, sigh, such a damn pity!
Now, I am in such an unfortunate situation, I could not indulge in male beauty, ahhhhh!
I just wanted to prepare for the apocalypse, was that so hard?
I wanted to sell a few of the animals here and use the money to help me pay the workers and get rid of the dead weight.
The Pan brothers, unfortunately, seemed to be doing good, superficially at least, even though I wanted to drop them like a hot pot, watching them sink to the bottom. “Vanity—” Zhengri Hui started, his voice laced with concern. Even his voice made my ovaries quiver! No wonder I gave birth and married him!
“Please, go to your brothers, I am busy here and cannot afford any distractions,” I said, cutting him off with a dismissive wave. (Yeah, shoo! Shoo! Don’t bother this old lady!)
Like what the hell is this drama? I refuse to handle the three of them. I am already married to one, and had no desire to take on two more, especially since they were all obsessed with their brother.
Not now.
“I am sorry, Hui brothers, but we are exceptionally busy now and need to focus,” I said with finality, hoping they would take the hint.
I just cannot deal right now, even though they were all beauties and I was so tempted, a weakness I couldn’t afford, but, unfortunately, I had to continue first so I do not become—
“Young Miss Mi,” Reruken stepped forward, his face grim. I faced him, steeling myself for more bad news. “Miss Mi, I have the information regarding the discrepancies you requested.”
(Don’t be angry, do not rage like a bull that saw red, do not cuss, do not throw a tantrum.) I tried to calm myself down before taking the tablet. When I did, I was somewhat in control.
I took the tablet he handed to me, a sleek black device, and tapped it, scrolling through the reports and bank statements, scanning it quickly, becoming angrier and angrier the more I read the information, while resisting the urge to crush it in my hand.
“It seems like things have been quite busy in my absence,” I said, my voice dangerously calm, handing the phone back to Reruken. I felt that because I was still somewhat young and had no parents to back me, these people did what they wanted.
Alright, bullying people!
I gritted my teeth, trying to remain calm. A string of Bajan swear words were rattled off in my mind like a machine gun. I yelled, roared, threw imaginary tables and chairs. It was a mess in my mind, yo, unlike how eerily calm I looked on the outside.
The countryside is separated from the city by more than just distance; it’s a world apart in terms of power dynamics. Those in the city usually look down on those in the country, which for those like myself and many families like the Mi family and those who serve them is a good thing. Land was cheaper, products as well.
The air was cleaner and building a house, though it lacked the convenience of malls like the city, one can live quite comfortably.
The old house is for the main family of the Mi family, my family, with, of course, the villages and their heads, plus the main branch having a say, along with the elders, in all major decisions, a benefit for those who served.
With the Mi family spending less time in the country, their say also became less, allowing these villagers who were supposed to serve the Mi family loyally to become greedy, opportunistic snakes.
Millions of assets are tempting, especially when you think no one is watching, and it was slowly eaten away, pilfered one small piece at a time. The things within the house were not left with accountant Yen but separately in different safes scattered throughout the property. Some had already changed hands, disappearing over time, and many things which could be sold were sold or taken for themselves, ending up in their own homes.
Someone like me, who is alone without proper family backing, especially after my parents’ disappearance for so many years and a woman, can be seen as really weak, an easy target. Which is annoying!
Luckily, I was normally a loner, and things like family did not affect me. With a focused mind, I could get rid of the dead weight without feeling burdened.
“Alright, let’s deal with the Pan family first; I do not wish to waste time or resources on such people,” I sighed, rubbing my temples. The Pan brothers seemed to be doing such a good job, or so I thought, such a pity.
Well, it has to be done.
“Curren, gather everyone, including all members of the Pan family; the main branch, the second branch, and all the people who worked with them, and have them wait in the courtyard. Let them bring their family because I will not separate them from each other.” From the list, it seems to be about a hundred people, which would be a headache, a logistical nightmare. I pursed my lips, extremely annoyed.
I gestured for Miss Si to come forward. Her family was clean, only her father was one who also became greedy, but he can be sorted with a message. In the grand scheme of things, he was simply a chess piece that can be discarded. Doctor Si should handle her husband and his family. Such a man, donating his sperm was his only use, for he produced such an excellent daughter, intelligent and loyal, at least so far. The human mind is a complicated thing, anyway.
“Young Miss Mi?” Miss Si prompted, her voice soft but expectant.
I looked up, pursed my lips thoughtfully, allowing myself a few more moments of silent contemplation before finally speaking, my decision solidifying.
“Gather all the workers, and inform them that those who wish to leave are absolutely free to do so, and they will be provided with a generous severance package: three months’ salary and a strong letter of recommendation. Those who choose to remain will be required to sign a new, comprehensive contract, which will clearly and unequivocally outline all expectations and, more importantly, the strict consequences for any breaches.”
