Miss Beautiful C.E.O and her system

Another reason the two men rejected Ling Qingyu's help was that the residential areas where their families lived had improved tremendously.

Since Yang Qingyue's power had expanded and she had cleansed the "dirty worms" among law enforcement, better management had allowed numerous areas to thrive.

Specifically, Operation Skyclear had caused several heads to roll and brought in fresh blood. Although Yang Qingyue couldn't directly affect governance, her presence instilled fear and deterred anyone who might have wanted to sink into the abyss.

Officials didn't need to be exceptionally talented unless in emergencies. They simply needed to manage without inviting trouble and avoid corruption.

The amusing thing was that as long as officials refrained from corruption, more than half of the problems causing headaches could be solved.

Additionally, Yang Qingyue brought higher security to the areas under her control. Province N had long been plagued by crime and gangs.

Although petty crimes still occurred where her control was premature, people felt safer than ever before.

The two men had clearly noticed the changes. Hopes and the feeling of being alive assured them that the economy and development would soon return.

Even the slum areas where Spirit Fox waged their first battle to rescue Yang Qingyue's teams had transformed and started regaining vitality.

Speaking of Spirit Fox, the first generation's initial battle had seemed outstanding, but every operator almost winced whenever they rewatched their combat footage.

The once-ordinary special forces had since grown into a Tier One unit, or at least something comparable, after continuous training and the realistic environments provided by Ling Qingyu.

Not to mention, their combat experience had increased significantly.

Technically, they could be classified as Tier Two because most members were only assaulters.

Unlike real special forces, whose operators had diverse specialties ranging from undercover operations to covert infiltrations, Spirit Fox's skills revealed numerous areas for improvement.

Of course, in terms of close-quarters and long-range combat, if they claimed second place, no one could dare to claim first.

At least in Province N, Spirit Fox's reputation greatly facilitated Yang Qingyue's role as the sole commander in the public eye.

In fact, like Gu Yi, other high-ranking officials with access to intelligence channels had realized that Spirit Fox resembled a mercenary group exercising the rights of law enforcement and paramilitary strength.

It wasn't the first time private entities had served as public servants. For instance, black-ops by governments and intelligence agencies often staged scenes to suit their interests.

Every faction had its own private "army" to meet its needs, hidden from public view. Most officials turned a blind eye to such gray-area operations, as long as the actions weren't outrageous.

On the other hand, Yang Qingyue's black-ops leaned toward the good side. Spirit Fox attracted greedy eyes, but when Gu Yi declared her sovereignty, many unwilling eyes turned away.

A few interests persisted, particularly among individuals with positions comparable to Gu Yi, such as national ministers and influential families.

The most troublesome obstacle she had to handle was the Yang family's interference.

Gu Yi was no longer the soft-hearted person who had to compromise for the sake of family interests. She had solidified her own power and no longer obeyed the Yang family's arrangements like a puppet.

The so-called "old haggards" hurled curses at her:

"Ungrateful bastard! Using our resources and refusing to help us. Where do you put our faces?"

"Despicable bitch! Do you think you could have achieved your position without us? I want to see who in the capital dares to rely on you when they discover your deeds."

Gu Yi received several phone calls beginning with such insults. From then on, she blacklisted them and let her life brighten.

As for their words, Gu Yi ignored the swearing and sneered instead. If others in the capital knew her deeds, so what?

She understood how greedy the Yang family members were. They wouldn't dare cut ties with her because she brought too much to the table.

She was never worried about outsiders' opinions in the first place. If she were, she wouldn't have become a national minister.

Thus, the Yang family's threats didn't bother her in the slightest.

Morally, she knew she had repaid them more than a hundredfold for what she had gained, using the Yang family's background as a springboard.

She didn't owe them anything. Instead, if a pragmatic calculation were made, they owed her.

Compared to the benefits both parties had brought, she had suffered greatly. However, while she wasn't naive enough to consider the Yang family a warm haven, it would be a lie to say she wasn't disappointed by their attitudes.

What did they see her as? A slave or a tool?

Fortunately, Yang Qingyue had made the right decision to work outside their control and in a dangerous region.

Otherwise, her daughter would never have escaped their influence or had the opportunity to meet Ling Qingyu.

These thoughts, she never shared with Ling Qingyu or her daughter. It was the responsibility of an elder to shield some of the pressures from her juniors.

A week passed, and Gu Yi departed from Province N amidst Yang Qingyue's reluctant eyes and Ling Qingyu's "pity."

In reality, the latter almost hopped with joy at the thought of no longer having interruptions between the two's affairs.

During the week, Gu Yi paved the way for Yang Qingyue's smooth political journey, removing difficult opponents and streamlining the process.

Despite her words about teaching her daughter, she would never allow threats to linger around Yang Qingyue.

Though her daughter could handle them brilliantly, what was the purpose of a mother if she couldn't help her child?

Yang Qingyue had learned lessons and gained experience. That was enough—she didn't need further burdens.

The older generation worked hard for one purpose: the younger generation's well-being.

Gu Yi didn't want her child to become dependent on her, so she allowed her to gain experience.

However, that didn't mean Yang Qingyue should endure the same struggles Gu Yi had faced.

With the governor's cooperation, Gu Yi managed everything and set a path for Yang Qingyue. It was up to her whether to follow Gu Yi's steps or forge her own path.

No matter Yang Qingyue's decision, she had Gu Yi's unwavering support—and Ling Qingyu's as well.

Gu Yi was relieved to see her daughter thriving, particularly since Ling Qingyu shared many similarities with her, despite the younger woman's interest in business rather than politics.

Nonetheless, the two fields intertwined and influenced one another. Ling Qingyu would eventually enter the arena, one way or another.

Gu Yi brushed away her worries with peace of mind. Even if Yang Qingyue made mistakes, Ling Qingyu would back her up.

The two truly formed a power couple.

As for reports from subordinates about Ling Qingyu's closeness to other girls, Gu Yi trusted Yang Qingyue to handle it well.

Compared to heterosexual couples, if both kept their status discreet, people wouldn't care much even if scandals existed.

Yes, Gu Yi suspected Ling Qingyu's unstable character. She had pieced together several pieces of evidence and come to a conclusion.

This girl had zero experience apart from her daughter, yet her ambition was not small.

Recalling the other talented girls associated with Ling Qingyu, Gu Yi smiled and didn't think much of it.

If a team were formed in this manner, neither she nor Yang Qingyue would be at a loss.

Emotionally, if Yang Qingyue rejected it, that would be another matter.

In addition, Ling Qingyu's generous move to allow the hostages rescued from across the border to reside temporarily at the Imperial Resort for free brought a smile to Gu Yi's face.

Others in Province N replicated Ling Qingyu's move to gain public approval. However, Ling Qingyu's reputation soared the most when her identity as the mysterious owner of the Imperial Resort was revealed.

Her daughter-in-law had made a perfect maneuver, facilitating the current situation.

At the same time, many envied the victims' good luck—provided they hadn't endured hell beforehand.

Indeed, all of Country C shook when news about the scamming industry and the rescue stories spread. Gu Yi personally stood on the stage and solicited her firm stance, reaping her reputation in the process, which could become useful in her future plans.

Without the successful rescue tale, the entire cabinet would have been in jeopardy, losing the public's trust, if an unprepared announcement was made.

Questions arose: If this crime had thrived for so long, why hadn't the government taken action sooner?

Those aware of the stakes understood why the government had been reluctant to act in the past. Nevertheless, Gu Yi couldn't express so vividly and offended everyone. Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire

Now that Gu Yi had pushed forward and succeeded, the credit-grabbing began. Numerous stories emerged to justify the government's inaction and clear public doubts.

Slicing the cakes out of her hand, Gu Yi endured and silently promised herself to let these vampires spit out willingly. Ling Qingyu understood her mother-in-law's mood but both needed time.

…

Ling Qingyu's thoughts wandered until her temporary assistant asked through the office phone, "Lady Ling, would you like to continue the interview? If you're not feeling well…"

Since the assistant hadn't received further instructions, she sought clarification.

Ling Qingyu tidied her hair and took a deep breath. "That won't be necessary. It's the final one, right? Let her enter."

"Yes, ma'am."

Another interview occupied Ling Qingyu's time. Unfortunately, she was destined to be disappointed again.

The candidates were capable but didn't quite fit. Were her requirements too strict?

Perhaps she should let them work under her for now and see who adapted to her needs? Or influence them slowly until they fit her expectations.