298: You are taking advantage of the situation.

Zhou Sumei was incoherent. She knew that if she couldn't persuade Tian Ming this time, the investors would definitely not let her off lightly.

But Tian Ming wouldn't give such a scheming woman a chance, nor would he help her cover up her lies.

Tian Ming looked at Zhou Sumei in front of him and slowly asked, "Who do you think you are? How highly do you think of yourself to believe that I would cover for you?"

"I'm sorry, I know I was wrong," Zhou Sumei pleaded.

"I know I lied and used your influence to do business, but when I got here, I was kicked out of management. As a woman, I couldn't protect myself, so I could only use this method to protect myself. I had no other intentions," Zhou Sumei said, crying.

"My father was eaten by zombies in this zombie riot. I had no choice. I could only say that I was your woman, so no one would dare to plot against me."

"Is that your reason?"

Zhou Sumei nodded repeatedly, "My ability to be the logistics manager in Lianzhou Base was entirely due to my father. This time, I was eliminated during the competitive promotion. Originally, I just wanted to do some small business, but then someone heard that I was your woman, and a large number of people came forward, wanting to invest in me."

"Zhou Sumei, how much truth is there in your words? You keep saying you had no other choice, but I don't think that's necessarily true, is it?"

"Mr. Lu, I'm also human. I'm not that noble. I'm afraid of death and afraid of being bullied. At first, I really just wanted to protect myself, but when there was a chance to turn things around, I wanted to take a gamble?" Zhou Sumei took a deep breath, controlling her emotions.

This woman was an excellent actress. Seeing that feigning weakness couldn't soften Tian Ming's heart, she began to earnestly explain her reasoning. With things having reached this point, she had no other path to take. She could only bite the bullet and resolve the current predicament.

Zhou Sumei adjusted her mindset, trying to make her voice sound more sincere: "Mr. Lu, I know you might think I'm making excuses, but I can tell you that everything I've said is true. I admit that I used your name to do business, but I never intended to harm you or damage your interests. I just wanted to leverage your influence to survive better in this base."

Tian Ming looked at her, a hint of a smile appearing on his face: "Zhou Sumei, bear the consequences of your own actions. Alright, get out. Don't explain so much to me. I don't think highly of women like you."

Zhou Sumei fell silent, just standing there, unwilling to leave. But Tian Ming wasn't going to indulge her; he simply waved his hand, and a current of air lifted her, sending her directly out the door, just like last time.

Looking at the tightly closed office door, Zhou Sumei's heart sank. Although Tian Ming hadn't given her any punishment, the money from the investors was almost spent. Her reputation had collapsed, and continuing to force it would also be a dead end.

Zhou Sumei stood outside the door, distraught, her mood at its lowest point. She knew that this time, she was truly finished. All her hopes and dreams had turned into dust at this moment.

She came to the investors' meeting room, completely dejected, and slowly walked in. She looked around and found that the investors, who had originally been full of trust and expectation for her, now cast cold and dissatisfied glances at her.

Seeing Zhou Sumei's state, these investors all knew that Zhou Sumei had lied; the truth would eventually come out. But now, it was too late to regret.

"I'm sorry, everyone, Mr. Lu and I truly have no relationship. I deceived all of you. Given that the funds have already been used to rent factory buildings and equipment, it's impossible to get the principal back. Continuing with the business is also basically impossible. Someone like me, who has lost credibility, will certainly not have the orders from the greenhouse renewed."

One investor angrily said, "You mean you don't want to take any responsibility, you don't want to return the money, and you don't want to do business, right?"

"Exactly! No wonder she's so shameless. I'd never believe that the boss would fancy a woman like you."

Facing the investors' fury, Zhou Sumei just lowered her head, wiping away tears without a word. When everyone had finished scolding her, she finally looked up.

"Either find someone to take over and let the project continue. Or, you can go to the Enforcement Department and report me, and have me arrested. Or, just kill me right now. Anyway, the money has already been spent, and it's impossible to get it back by breaching the contract. So, I have no money to return to you, not a single cent?"

Zhou Sumei's tone was firm. Although her eyes were full of tears, her expression was resolute, like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water.

These investors were furious, gnashing their teeth, but dared not resort to violence. The Shelter's enforcement team was not to be trifled with, and going through the process to sue Zhou Sumei for fraud would be a huge hassle.

Just then, with a creak, the door was pushed open. You Suowei and Doggy slowly walked in.

Zhou Sumei said, "Uncle You, you've come to gloat, haven't you?"

You Suowei said, "I'm here to save you. Your company is only a month old and has everything, but its reputation is ruined. How about you pack it up and sell it to me? I'll take care of these investors for you, what do you say?"

A flicker of anger flashed in Zhou Sumei's eyes. This You Suowei was clearly here to take advantage of her misfortune.

Zhou Sumei angrily said, "Who needs you to save me? I'll handle my own affairs."

You Suowei wasn't angry, he just chuckled, "Then how do you plan to handle it? Go to the Enforcement Department and surrender, then work on a sewing machine to repay your debts? You'll never pay it off in this lifetime. Or, just die and be done with it? When a person dies, their debts are cleared, and everything is over?"

"You..." Zhou Sumei was so angry she couldn't speak.

You Suowei continued, "Sumei, don't be too stubborn. You have no way out now. If you don't accept my help, your options are limited. How about this, even though I'm over forty and my previous wife has passed away, why don't you marry me?"

"You're taking advantage of my predicament!"

"What taking advantage of your predicament? You spread rumors about the boss. Only by marrying me can the impact on the boss be eliminated. How about it, think it over carefully. I know you're a smart person. Isn't it good to be a comfortable boss's wife?"

Zhou Sumei's chest heaved with anger. You Suowei was clearly trying to bully her.

She had worked so hard for so long, and success was within reach, only to be coveted by an old scoundrel worse than a pig or dog. She was extremely unwilling.

However, reality was cruel, and she had no way out now. After thinking for a moment, she gritted her teeth and said, "Okay, I agree. But I have a condition: go with me to the notary public, and I want half of all the property under your name. Half of the shares must also be in my hands. Do you agree to this?"

Zhou Sumei's gaze at this moment was extremely resolute. She knew that she had no way out.

You Suowei was stunned for a moment, then laughed, "Alright, let's go get the marriage certificate, and we'll do it right after. Since you're treating this as a business, then let's resolve it like business people."

Zhou Sumei said coldly, "Fine, I'll go with you now."