Her words struck directly at the truth he had been avoiding. Back then, when Hua Ling first joined the company, Zhang Ruo had warned him repeatedly. She had pointed out the risks, the manipulative tendencies, the way Hua Ling seemed to draw powerful investors while subtly isolating those around her. But Mao Li had dismissed those concerns. He had been captivated by Hua Ling's rapid rise, her ability to generate headlines, and the influx of capital she brought with her.
Then Hua Jing's accident happened.
Instead of investigating thoroughly, Mao Li had shifted all company resources toward Hua Ling. Promotions, endorsements, media exposure — everything had been handed over. Hua Jing, once the company's brightest star, was quietly pushed aside. Zhang Ruo had tried to look into the circumstances surrounding the accident, but Mao Li had stopped her, insisting they focus on "the future."
