In my previous life, I merely tried to protect our female CEO from excessive drinking, but out of jealousy, Manager Declan spread rumors that I was a sugar baby climbing the corporate ladder through women. What was once a harmonious workplace became a hostile environment. Colleagues viewed me with contempt, mocking and ridiculing me. There was even an online rumor that I had been a male model. My mother’s house was vandalized with paint and funeral money—an act so cruel it caused her to have a heart attack and pass away. When I sought revenge on Manager Declan, he hit me with his car, killing me. After being reborn, I decided to win over the female CEO and start my path to revenge. It’s been two months since my rebirth. Based on past events, today marks a turning point in my life. At 3 PM, the HR Department posted the candidate list for the branch company general manager position. There were only two names: Declan and me. It’s understandable for Declan, a vice president in charge of operations and management at headquarters, to be a candidate for branch company general manager. However, as someone who had been a group leader in the Planning Department for just over two years, my inclusion on the list caused quite a stir. The newly formed branch company encompasses the most profitable projects, such as online marketing, digital media, and social media platforms, representing the future of the entire group. Thus, the position of branch company general manager is incredibly important. “Why is Ezra’s name on the list? How long has he been here that he can already compete for the branch president position?” “If something seems unusual, there must be something hidden.” “Could it be that he traded something unspeakable for it?” “Since Ezra joined our company, I’ve noticed he’s not simple. In just a year, he rose to the group leader position.” “Maybe he even got into the CEO’s bed.” “Damn, these days, it’s all about looks in the workplace. Pretty boys are popular everywhere, while those of us who work hard see no hope.” In the Planning Department, colleagues mocked me with cold sarcasm, their eyes like daggers. “Everyone in the Planning Department, meeting in the conference room,” the supervisor called out. In the conference room, I saw Declan sitting at the head of the table, looking grim. After listening to the reports from the supervisor and each group leader, Declan’s tone shifted, and his eyes latched onto me like hooks. “I want to say something off-topic here: if you want a promotion and a raise, you need to follow the right path. Don’t engage in underhanded tactics. Protecting the CEO from drinks and currying favor won’t create a shortcut in life.” “Even if you get that position, do you think you can hold onto it forever? Short-term opportunism won’t be successful. Being a pretty boy and a sugar baby will make you a social outcast. Even if the CEO wants to protect you, she’ll have to think about the consequences.” “I absolutely won’t allow the unhealthy trend of being a gold digger and reaching the peak of life to spread in our company. Therefore, I’ve already instructed the Public Relations Department to set up a personal development class. Ezra, your name is already on the list. I hope you study hard and reform your thinking.” After the meeting, my colleagues’ disdain for me reached its peak. “Sure enough, he relied on shielding the CEO from drinks to climb up. Shameless.” “Comparison is infuriating. Some people get to the top with just a few drinks, while we work like dogs and are stuck in the same place.” “Damn, I’ve decided. Tomorrow, I’ll take out a loan to get plastic surgery and become a pretty boy. No point working hard.” “Group Leader Ezra, so when you said you had a stomach illness, it was because you were shielding the CEO from drinks? You truly ‘worked hard.’ I’ll have to learn from you.” All sorts of sarcastic remarks surrounded me.
In my past life, these sarcastic, cutting words tormented me into insomnia night after night. Eventually, I begged CEO Genevieve to remove me from the candidate list, but Genevieve said she had given it careful thought. In this life, my colleagues’ words won’t affect my mood or life anymore. In my youth, I didn’t know the value of a wealthy woman, mistaking young women for treasures. Since a wealthy woman favors me, why should I resist? It’s been two months since I was reborn, and in these two months, I’ve already won over Genevieve. Two months ago, Genevieve asked me to accompany her to meet an important client, and during the event, I protected her from drinking again. Afterward, Genevieve drove me home and helped me upstairs. Taking advantage of my slight intoxication, I confessed my feelings to her. She remained silent… I blamed myself for confessing too hastily, too abruptly. “Let me think about it and get back to you,” Genevieve said shyly. Her words surprised me. The following days were filled with anxiety. I thought, with Genevieve’s status and wealth, finding someone more handsome than me would be easy. Just when I thought there was no hope, Genevieve sought me out and agreed to be my girlfriend. I was shocked and overjoyed. “I’m nine years older than you. Do you mind?” Genevieve asked sincerely. At that moment, I found her so charming, my heart rippled with emotion. Although she is nine years older, she takes such good care of herself that she looks younger than me. “An older woman is like hugging a golden brick, and I’m lucky to hug three. I’d be overjoyed, why would I mind?” I replied with a smile. And so, we were together, but kept it private. The next morning, I saw Beatrix, the group leader of Planning Group 2, struggling with a pile of folders, so I went to help. “Beatrix, let me help you with that.” “How could I trouble the future president?” Beatrix said sourly. We used to have a good relationship. “I just wanted to help.” “No need. Offering unsolicited kindness is either deceitful or thieving. I can’t afford help from a pretty boy like you. Besides, I have no money, so there’s no point in you taking advantage of me.” With that, she hurried away. I sighed. It was the same in my past life, but my mindset is much calmer now. After lunch, I returned to my desk and checked my chair. As expected, there was a thumbtack. In my past life, I didn’t notice and sat on it, jumping up in pain, looking ridiculous. I picked up the thumbtack, initially wanting to confront them, but I held back. “Who is so wicked to put a thumbtack on Group Leader Ezra’s chair?” It was my team member, Cora, speaking. “We wouldn’t do such a thing. Maybe the wind blew the thumbtack, and it just landed on his chair,” a male colleague said sarcastically. “How is that possible?” “These days, pretty boys can run for president. There’s nothing impossible.” “Watch your mouth,” Cora said indignantly. “Group Leader Ezra earned his spot with his own ability.” “Cora, are you eager to pledge loyalty?” “I just can’t stand your attitude.” I interrupted their argument, “Alright, stop talking.” “Group Leader Ezra…” Cora looked aggrieved, standing up for me. I nodded in appreciation.
Around 8 PM, I was working on a proposal at home when the doorbell rang. It was Cora. She had a bag of alcohol and smiled, “Group Leader Ezra, I know you’ve been feeling down and stressed lately. I happened to be passing by and thought I’d share a drink with you. You can tell me all about your grievances.” “Thank you. Come in.” The scenario was exactly like my past life, but this time, I was prepared… Early the next morning, people from the Public Relations Department stormed into the Planning Department to find me. “Ezra, why didn’t you attend the personal development class after work yesterday? Do you dare defy the company’s arrangements? Do you have any self-awareness at all? This class was set up specifically for you,” they said aggressively. I laughed and replied, “I’m here to work, not for some ridiculous thought reform. Also, after-hours belong to personal time, and the company has no right to interfere.” “As a company employee, you must comply with company regulations. If you refuse, you can resign.” “Whether I resign is not for you to decide.” “Fine, since you’re unrepentant, I’ll report your bad attitude to the HR Department and ensure you’re penalized in your evaluation.” “Go ahead.” “Hmph.” The Public Relations Department person turned and stormed off. “Wait.” “What, are you scared? Changed your mind? It’s too late. I must report your behavior to HR.” “Tell your boss, Declan, that I am determined to become the branch company president.” Upon hearing this, the person from the Public Relations Department looked shocked and angry before leaving. In my past life, I obediently followed Declan’s orders and attended the personal development class. I was the only one there, and the Public Relations Department people humiliated me, shattering my spirit. This time, I won’t be foolish enough to let you toy with me.
On a Sunday afternoon, I was cooking at Genevieve’s house. Every weekend, Genevieve and I spent time together. Over time, I slowly fell in love with this female CEO nine years my senior. She never flaunted her wealth or status around me. Instead, she was gentle and considerate, sometimes acting coy and snuggling in my arms. This was unexpected for me. The doorbell rang. I thought Genevieve was back. When I opened the door, I was stunned. The person at the door was stunned too. “Ezra, why are you at Genevieve’s house?” It was Declan. “Why can’t I be at Genevieve’s house?” He angrily shoved past me and stormed into the room. “Genevieve, Genevieve…” In the time we’ve spent together, I’ve gradually fallen for Genevieve, the female CEO who’s nine years older than me. Despite her status and wealth, she’s never been condescending. Instead, she’s gentle and considerate, sometimes even playfully leaning on me. I wasn’t expecting this. The doorbell rang. I thought it was Genevieve coming back. I opened the door and was caught off guard. The person at the door was equally surprised. “Ezra, why are you at CEO Genevieve’s house?” It was Declan, the manager. “Why shouldn’t I be here?” He angrily pushed past me and barged in, calling out, “CEO Genevieve, CEO Genevieve…” “Stop shouting. Genevieve went to the bank.” “Genevieve?” Declan was seething, “Who do you think you are to call her by her first name?” “Do I need your permission for that?” I replied with a smirk. He then noticed the apron I was wearing and the steaming dishes on the table, “You shameless gold digger, taking such a disgraceful path at your age.” “I have no choice. I’m handsome and I like this path. What can you do about it?” “Do you really think cooking and pouring drinks will make you the branch company general manager? You’re just a backup; that position is mine.” “Manager Declan, the announcement for the new branch company general manager is tomorrow. Your presence here today shows you’re not confident,” I chuckled. He glared at me, full of rage, “Ezra, I can’t believe someone as smart as CEO Genevieve would fall for someone like you.” “Anything is possible. Sometimes looks matter. Blame your parents for not making you handsome,” I teased. Just then, Genevieve returned. “Declan, why are you at my house?” Genevieve asked, confused. “CEO Genevieve, why is Ezra here? Is he really your kept man?” Declan asked, exasperated. Genevieve frowned, clearly displeased: “My personal life is none of your business, and he’s not a kept man. He has a name, so show some respect.” “Genevieve, you’re being blinded by him. He’s no good; he’s just using you for your position and money.” “Declan, I’ll say it again: my personal affairs are not your concern. Please leave, and in the future, let’s discuss work matters at the office. I don’t want you coming here,” Genevieve said coldly. “Genevieve, I’ve been with you from the start, building this company. You’re not just my CEO; you’re the woman I admire and love.” Declan’s unexpected confession shocked Genevieve. “Declan, we have a professional relationship only. Please know your place and stop speaking nonsense. Besides, I already have a boyfriend.” “What? You have a boyfriend? Is it Ezra?” “Yes, it’s Ezra.” I proudly wrapped my arm around Genevieve’s waist and kissed her, “Jealous?” Declan was furious, “CEO Genevieve, you’ve really let me down.” With that, he left in a huff. In a previous life, Declan spread rumors that I was Genevieve’s kept man. In this life, I might as well make the rumor true. Having a successful and beautiful girlfriend is really quite nice. The next day, on Monday, the HR Department posted an announcement: After thorough consideration, Ezra is appointed as the branch company general manager of Big Digital Network. The announcement led to some colleagues mocking and ridiculing. “Damn, in the end, looks win. Gold diggers are popular in any era.” “From today on, I need to spruce myself up and improve my drinking skills, waiting for my chance to charm.” Some colleagues tried to flatter me. After using the restroom, a male colleague quickly handed me a tissue. “Mr. Ezra, please look out for me in the future. I’ve wanted to follow you for a long time. Can you transfer me to the branch company?” “Mr. Ezra, this is top-notch Pu’er tea from my hometown. Please give it a try.” “Mr. Ezra, can I treat you to dinner tonight?” When Declan found out he was not selected, he was furious and stormed into Genevieve’s office with his team to demand an explanation. Genevieve decided to hold a staff meeting. The auditorium was packed, with some employees standing due to the lack of seats. Declan took the initiative: “CEO Genevieve, even though you’re the company chairman and have absolute control, the company belongs to all of us. You can’t just give Ezra such an important position because he’s your boyfriend. This behavior will dishearten employees and lead the company to ruin.” With that, the room erupted in murmurs. “What? Ezra is the chairman’s boyfriend?” “I thought it was just a rumor, but it’s true.” “I thought he was just a male escort, but he’s actually a boyfriend.” “This company is doomed.” “Quiet, quiet!” Genevieve called out several times with the microphone, then had her assistant turn on the projector to display an analysis PPT. “Everyone, throughout history, there’s been a saying about not avoiding relatives when selecting talents. Ezra is my boyfriend, but he’s also an outstanding talent. In the two-plus years he’s been with the company, he’s accomplished several innovations. He built the big database, established the client management service system, opened up online sales, and led the development of a social app. In just one year, it reached 30 million registered users, and his proposals have brought the company huge profits.” “In interactions with major clients, his demeanor and conduct have earned him their praise. Moreover, this personnel appointment was thoroughly discussed with several major shareholders and wasn’t just my personal decision.” The audience buzzed with conversation. “CEO Genevieve is right. Ezra has contributed a lot to the company.” “We were misled by Manager Declan’s rumors, focusing only on Ezra’s looks and forgetting his strong abilities.” “Comparatively, Ezra is indeed more suitable as the branch company general manager. He treats his subordinates fairly, unlike Manager Declan, who likes to form cliques and suppress dissenters.” At this point, Cora stood up and walked onto the stage. “Colleagues, I believe Ezra isn’t qualified to be the branch company general manager because he’s morally corrupt and a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” “During the time he was being criticized, I went to his house to comfort him. He pushed me down, and we had a relationship. Afterward, he said I would be his girlfriend and that we would get married. But this morning, he told me to pretend nothing happened that night because he’s with CEO Genevieve now. He abandoned me. He’s a modern-day Chen Shimei. I’ve sent the photos from that night to all the work groups. Check your phones.” Colleagues checked the group messages. I also looked, and in the Planning Department group, Cora had posted over a dozen photos from that night. The entire venue was in an uproar. “I can’t believe Ezra is such a scumbag. He’s with CEO Genevieve but also slept with Cora.” “What a dog. No matter how capable, his character is so low.” “This scumbag only knows how to play with women.” Declan smiled grimly and stood up, loudly addressing the colleagues, “Do you think Ezra deserves to be the branch company general manager?” “Unworthy, unworthy…” Colleagues stood up to protest. “If Ezra becomes general manager, we’ll all resign together.” Genevieve also checked the group messages, her face pale and embarrassed… “CEO Genevieve, you should know what kind of person Ezra is now, right? Make a decision quickly to stabilize morale,” Declan said smugly. I calmly walked onto the stage and questioned Cora, “Are you sure we slept together?”
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