Hidden truth, intricate love

Chapter 167: Celebration Banquet Incident

Lin Yue's project was a resounding success, and the company hosted a celebration banquet in her honor. The banquet was held at a high-end restaurant in the city center, with soft lighting and elegant decor. Lin Yue's colleagues were in attendance, their faces filled with joy and pride, applauding her hard work during this phase.

Lin Yue, dressed in a simple, elegant dress, smiled and thanked each of her colleagues, a faint blush on her face. After countless days and nights of hard work, she had finally proven herself in her new department, and all the hard work seemed worthwhile in this moment.

Li Hao stayed by her side the entire time, shielding her from round after round of toasts, carefully pouring her juice, and reminding her to drink in moderation. A warm feeling welled up in Lin Yue's heart, knowing how attentive and caring Li Hao was, and even feeling a little dependent on him.

"Xiaoyue, you have to have a drink today!" Xiao Zhang picked up the wine glass and joked with a smile, "This is the honor you deserve. Let's all be happy for you!"

Lin Yue smiled and raised her juice glass, gently touching Xiao Zhang's cup. She smiled and said, "Thank you all for your support! Without your help, this project wouldn't have been so successful. Thank you so much!"

"Lin Yue, don't be so modest. You are the pride of our department!" colleagues echoed.

For a moment, the banquet was filled with laughter and Lin Yue felt much more relaxed. However, at this moment, there was a sudden commotion at the restaurant door, and a familiar figure walked in.

Lin Yue looked up and saw that it was Chen Wan who walked in. She was wearing a gorgeous gown, and her delicate makeup was particularly dazzling under the lighting. She had not been invited to attend, but had unexpectedly appeared suddenly, with a smile on her face, but that smile was a little cold.

The restaurant fell silent for a moment, many colleagues puzzled by her presence. Chen Wan wasn't part of the team, and had a troubled relationship with Lin Yue, so everyone couldn't help but wonder why she was there.

Chen Wan looked around and walked straight towards Lin Yue, her smile slightly cold. "Lin Yue, I heard that your project was successful. Congratulations. No wonder the company went to so much trouble to hold a celebration banquet for you."

Her words sounded like congratulations, but they were actually sarcastic and veiled in ridicule. Lin Yue's heart sank, knowing Chen Wan was out to cause trouble, but she remained calm and smiled faintly. "Thank you for your congratulations, Chen Wan. I'm truly proud to have achieved something for the company."

Chen Wan raised her eyebrows and said lightly, "Proud? I think you're just lucky. You're a newcomer, and so many people have tried to curry favor with the boss to give you this opportunity. A truly capable person doesn't need to rely on a group of people's recommendations."

Chen Wan's words caused everyone present to frown, clearly dissatisfied with her rude remarks. Li Hao looked at Chen Wan with a cold look in her eyes. Just as she was about to speak, she was stopped by Lin Yue. She knew that Chen Wan was deliberately provoking her and wanted to embarrass her, but she would not be easily provoked.

Lin Yue smiled faintly and looked at Chen Wan calmly. "Chen Wan, I've always believed that success comes from hard work and persistence, not the judgment of others. As for your 'good luck,' perhaps you don't quite understand the difficulty of this project. All of our achievements are inseparable from everyone's dedication and support. I don't think it has anything to do with 'luck.'"

Chen Wan sneered, her tone still sharp: "Oh, really? Then I would like to ask, Lin Yue, are you also 'trying' to make everyone like you? It seems that you are very good at pleasing others."

Lin Yue still had a faint smile on her face, and she didn't back down. "Chen Wan, whether a person is worthy of others' love is not about pleasing others, but about treating others with sincerity. Moreover, gaining others' recognition is not about winning over others, but about making yourself grow. This is a principle that you may need to learn slowly."

Chen Wan's expression instantly turned ugly, her eyes filled with resentment and shame. She gritted her teeth and sneered, "Lin Yue, don't be too proud. The success of this project is only temporary. Do you think you can gain a firm foothold in the company?"

Lin Yue showed no sign of weakness, her tone firm, "Chen Wan, I never need to be complacent, because I know that it's my responsibility to complete every project successfully, not to compete with anyone. My position in the company depends on my hard work and achievements, not on anyone's evaluation."

Her words were powerful, and her colleagues around her nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with admiration and support for Lin Yue.

At this time, Li Hao looked at Chen Wan coldly, his tone stern: "Chen Wan, today is Lin Yue's celebration banquet, not the occasion for you to provoke. If you sincerely want to congratulate, you can stay; but if you are just here to cause trouble, please leave immediately."

Chen Wan was stunned by Li Hao's cold words, and a trace of embarrassment flashed across her face. She bit her lip and said indignantly: "Li Hao, I just wanted to come and congratulate you, but I didn't expect you to treat me like this."

Li Hao was merciless and said firmly, "Chen Wan, today's occasion is not suitable for you. I hope you will respect others. If you can't, please leave immediately."

Chen Wan's face turned even uglier, her eyes filled with shame, anger, and rage. She stood there, wanting to say something more, but seeing the disgruntled looks of her colleagues, she swallowed her anger and turned to leave the restaurant.

With Chen Wan's departure, the atmosphere in the restaurant gradually returned to a warm and cozy state. Lin Yue was gently comforted by Li Hao, and everyone came forward to comfort her, expressing their support and recognition for her.

"Lin Yue, don't let that kind of person affect your mood." Xiao Zhang patted her shoulder and said with a smile, "We all know how hard you've worked. Her sour words are not worth mentioning at all."

Lin Yue smiled and nodded, then said easily, "Thank you all for your support. Today is a celebration party, and I won't let irrelevant people affect our happy time."

Li Hao stood beside her, his eyes full of admiration. "Lin Yue, your calmness and composure are truly admirable. For you, the success of this project is just the beginning. You will achieve much more."

Lin Yue looked up at him, her eyes full of confidence and determination: "Yes, I will continue to work hard, live up to my choice, and live up to everyone's trust."

As the night deepened, the celebration banquet drew to a close amidst a warm atmosphere. Lin Yue's colleagues came forward to wish her well and express their hopes for her future. Lin Yue smiled as she bid farewell to each of them, her heart filled with hope for the future.

After leaving the restaurant, Lin Yue and Li Hao walked side by side on the streets at night. She felt an unprecedented sense of relief, as if all the pressure in her heart had disappeared.

"Li Hao, thank you for your continued support." Lin Yue whispered, with gratitude and tenderness in her eyes.

Li Hao gently held her hand and said with a smile, "Lin Yue, I will always be by your side. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we will go on together."

At this moment, Lin Yue's heart was filled with warmth. She knew that no matter how great the challenges in the future were, she would no longer be alone. Walking side by side with Li Hao, her future was filled with confidence and strength.