My Perfect Female CEO

The birthday party proceeded as scheduled, without any delay caused by external affairs.

All the guests made their appearances with grandeur. Among everyone present, those fortunate enough to attend this birthday party were the elite and core talents of the institute; not everyone had the privilege to earn this rare honor.

Of course, the absence of Shang Xiaoran and Han Zizhen naturally had a certain impact on the party. Shang Xiaoran was the number three head of the institute, and Han Zizhen was at a professor level. Their absence naturally made some people think more than necessary.

However, a car accident that followed, spreading rapidly online, heightened everyone’s nerves.

They were all deeply worried about the safety of Shang Xiaoran and Han Zizhen.

Naturally, they were unaware of Han Zizhen being the traitor; otherwise, such worries would not exist, and there would be many who would be discussing how deserved it was.

Li Dingguo, who was in the know, stood out in time, briefly explaining the situation of Shang Xiaoran and his spouse, pointing out that they had only suffered minor injuries and were receiving simple treatment at the hospital, with no serious issues.

This finally eased everyone’s worries, and they returned to joyfully chatting and indulging.

"A car accident? This crash was really a timely rain!" thought Qian Weiwei among the crowd.

Evidently, she did not believe this was merely an accident, but rather a conspiracy.

"Even I didn’t expect Han Zizhen had long been exposed. Now, the odds of victory for the cat-and-mouse operation have decreased, and the success rate of the poisoning attempt has become extremely low, almost impossible, and it would also waste the only chess piece we have," Qian Weiwei pondered silently.

She was lively and enthusiastic, although she didn’t know anyone present except for Li’s mother.

However, through introductions and conversations, she got to know a great many people.

The identity of being Li Dingguo’s wife’s friend made her particularly popular.

Li Dingguo was still apprehensive, though outwardly he appeared calm and composed, his heart was in turmoil.

He knew the lurking dangers at the party; one misstep could lead to disaster.

This was not his concern, nor was it his responsibility, but he couldn’t help worrying.

It wasn’t about distrusting Ye Fan—better safe than sorry.

After all, the enemy might strike at any time, in any manner.

Li Dingguo suppressed this worry in his heart and mingled among the crowd with his wife, exchanging greetings and drinks.

The couple approached Qian Weiwei, and Li’s mother smiled and said, "I was worried you wouldn’t get used to it, but seeing you mingling so comfortably puts my mind at ease."

Li’s mother had been concerned about leaving Qian Weiwei out, but there was no longer any need to worry.

"I’m just riding on your coattails. Once I say I’m your friend, I can’t even find a moment of peace," Qian Weiwei said with a wide smile.

"It’s not because of me; I don’t have that much face," said Li’s mother, glancing at her husband. "It’s all thanks to him."

"The same goes for both of you; you are one. Gaining face from either is still your collective credit," Qian Weiwei said happily with a refined face.

"You must be Qian Weiwei. My wife often talks about you and admires you greatly. Your independence and strength are a model for many women," Li Dingguo said earnestly to Qian Weiwei.

He was naturally aware of the high praises his wife had for Qian Weiwei.

"You flatter me," Qian Weiwei smiled and nodded.

"Enjoy yourself, don’t be formal. I need to greet some other guests," Li Dingguo said courteously.

"Please, go ahead," Qian Weiwei responded politely.

The couple bid farewell to Qian Weiwei and approached Liu Qianjin, who, in contrast to the cheerful atmosphere, seemed much more isolated and somber.

Having lost his wife in his middle age and his son in his later years, such tragedies occurred in his life, causing this nearly sixty-year-old man to lose the will and hope to live.

There’s no greater sorrow in the world than a parent burying their child.

Liu Qianjin always blamed his son’s death on his lack of strictness in upbringing. After his wife’s death, he was busy with work and indeed neglected his son, which led to the tragic turn of events.

This continuous self-blame and torment left him in agony and pain.

He repented through vicious self-punishment.

Only this way could he, like a living corpse, feel a hint of being alive, rather than being numb.

"Brother Liu, though it’s an old saying, I still must say, take things lightly. Such matters are unbearable for anyone, but seeing you fall like this makes us old pals feel bad," Li Dingguo said, looking at Liu Qianjin with mixed feelings.

"I’m fine. You go about your business. Don’t worry about me. I understand it all," Liu Qianjin said, taking a glance at Li Dingguo’s wife and continued drinking.

Li Dingguo couldn’t bear it and didn’t really know what to say.

Liu Qianjin had experienced everything, understood every principle; at his age, isn’t his only solace the hope for a full house of children and grandchildren?

But having lost his only emotional anchor, his entire world had collapsed.

How could he easily struggle out of this sea of suffering?

What’s the point in living?

This question often haunted Liu Qianjin.

The idea of ending it all with one leap had crossed Liu Qianjin’s mind more than once.

But as an old man who’s lived long enough, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Not out of fear for his life, but out of pride.

He was already at death’s door—ending it all? That would be a laughingstock.

"Brother Liu," said Li’s mother, filled with bitterness as she softly called out to Liu Qianjin.

"Sister, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me, you go about your business, don’t bother with me. The way you’re acting makes me feel like a criminal," Liu Qianjin said in a firm tone.

The couple exchanged a glance and had no choice but to leave.

Everyone understood Liu Qianjin’s plight and sympathized greatly.

Unlike the lively and joyous atmosphere of the party,

in the shadows, Ye Fan and others responsible for the security were on high alert, with the watchers in each area remaining vigilant.

Zhang Lu and Li Tong had gone off to attend to matters, leaving Ye Fan to oversee the overall command alone.

Director Ji couldn’t sit still; after a bout of anxiety, he finally used the excuse of going to the bathroom to successfully blend into the drink area.

Waiting for the waiter to deliver drinks, he took out the poison he had prepared, ready to execute the poisoning attempt.

Director Ji had come this far, knowing it was a dead end, but he had no choice but to make a desperate move.

Left with no alternatives, he could only strike boldly.