Feifei Owen felt a chill in her heart, secretly thinking that this guy was not easy to fool. Although the phone was right there on the coffee table, trying to snatch it to call the police would be a foolish move. So, she had no choice but to continue stalling for time, crossing her arms and slowly saying, “Mr. Wang, please calm down. Some things are not entirely non-negotiable. As the CEO, if there’s anything I haven’t done well, or anything you’re dissatisfied with, feel free to bring it up.”

“At the very least, a talent like me should be given a vice president position, right?” Henry Walker sneered.

……

Chapter 8: Big CEO, Please Leave

……

“Vice president?” Feifei Owen felt a surge of anger rising within her, her gaze gradually turning cold. Did this man have no sense of shame? Based on what? That vague resume of his? That diploma from some unknown TV and radio university? Or just because Uncle Mu owed him a favor?

Feifei Owen had never been someone who compromised easily. Earlier, she was only flustered by his sudden appearance and tried to stall for time, planning to call the police once he left. But even as a delaying tactic, she would never compromise endlessly without principle. She was used to being responsible for every word she said. Besides, the initial moment when things could have gotten out of hand had already passed. After this conversation, this man called Henry Walker probably wouldn’t act completely irrationally.

“Mr. Wang, it’s fine to make reasonable requests. But if you think you can use these means to extort something unrealistic, that’s going too far.” Feifei Owen took a deep breath to calm herself, her voice filled with coldness and resolve: “I accepted Chairman Mu’s invitation to reform and manage the Mu Group, so I must be fully responsible to him. With your resume and past achievements, there’s no way you could take on the position of vice president. You take someone’s money, you solve their problems. I hope you can understand, Mr. Wang.”

Hearing those words, Henry Walker narrowed his eyes slightly. This woman really did have some backbone and principles. Especially that last sentence—it was a principle he had always upheld himself. Only he knew how much it cost to stick to one’s principles and bottom line.

Expressionless, he lazily leaned back on the sofa, lit a cigarette, and openly sized her up, chuckling, “Well said. I admire your principles and persistence. But as we Chinese say, ‘A wise man doesn’t suffer immediate losses.’ Aren’t you afraid that if you refuse my request, I might do something irrational?” As he spoke, his voice grew darker, tinged with a hint of danger.

“Mr. Wang, I admit I’m at a disadvantage right now.” There was a trace of fear in Feifei Owen’s eyes, but she still said firmly, “But I must take full responsibility for what I’ve promised. Mr. Wang, we’re both adults here. I hope you understand—not everyone will change their principles just because they’re threatened. Also, this is a society ruled by law, and Huahai is one of the safest cities in the country. I remind you not to do anything you’ll regret for the rest of your life over such a trivial matter.”

“Regret?” Henry Walker looked at her, clearly afraid but still putting on a determined front, and couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Fine, you win. Old Mu may not be good at much, but he’s got a real eye for people. I won’t argue with you anymore. You can go.” To be honest, Henry Walker was starting to admire her ability and character. But admiration aside, he had no interest in letting her stay in his home. This was the house his mother had painstakingly saved for all her life, bit by bit, and he didn’t want anyone disturbing it.

“Argue? Leave?” Hearing his words, Feifei Owen felt a bit relieved, but her willow-shaped brows furrowed as she crossed her arms and said, “Mr. Wang, what do you mean by that? I think I should be the one saying that to you, right? Although I don’t own this apartment, according to the current national rental regulations, I have the right to use it during my lease period. Even the landlord can’t enter without my permission. The one who should leave is you, Mr. Wang. Besides, for Uncle Mu’s sake, I won’t hold your irrational and impolite behavior against you this time.”

Rent? Henry Walker’s face darkened slightly. He thought to himself, Teacher Zhao, I trusted you so much and even sent you money every year to take care of the house. That money must be way more than what you’d get from renting it out, right? My biggest fear was that you’d rent out this place. Human greed really is not to be underestimated.

Henry Walker’s feelings for this house went far beyond money. This place carried so much of his mother’s hard work, toil, joy, and hope. Even more, it was filled with the little details of daily life. Those memories, like fleeting shadows of time, permeated every corner of this house.