The company’s stock price plummeted for several consective days.
A few partners called, politely inquiring about what was going on
I knew that if I didn’t give them a satisfactory answer, the collaborations would be at risk of falling apart. “Just wait a little longer,” I salt with a smile, twirling the en in my hand as I deflected. “We’re all businesspeople here—you know better than to make a move without absolute certainty.”
Fortunately, Linda wasn’t as patient as I’d anticipated.
3 + 25 BONUS
Her hatred for me burned even deeper than it had in my previous life. Seeing any reputation take a hit, she seized the opportunity and jumped into the fray.
During a livestream, she brought up the scandal.
“I remember back then,” she began, her voice steady but laced with a hint of vulnerability.
“The teacher asked me to read aloud in class. I went to a rural elementary school where one teacher had to cover multiple subjects, including teaching their own broken English.”
She let out a self–deprecating laugh. “It’s honestly a little embarrassing. When she laughed at me, it was the first time I realized my pronunciation was wrong.
“And for that school anniversary performance, I really worked hard. I’d been studying piano for so many years…” Her tone remained composed, but by the end, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
The livestream comments exploded. However, I couldn’t tell whether it was from curious onlookers or Shawn’s hired trolls.
“Sweetheart, you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. You’re amazing!”
“She’s the shameless one! Look at her background–what gives her the right to mock hardworking, ordinary people?”
