The real young master thought he was hated by everyone

Xie Duzhi scrutinized him with a piercing gaze.

Li Heng felt a bit lost for words under that stare, instinctively repeating his formal address.

Was it just his imagination, or did Xie Duzhi’s expression seem even colder? There was a hint of frost on his face, and the corners of his lips were frozen in place.

This was the first time he had seen him like this.

His demeanor was stern, sharp as a sword drawn from its sheath.

Cold and aloof, it gave off an air of superiority, as if he wielded the power of life and death.

Perhaps this was how Xie Duzhi was in the office.

Thinking of this, he felt calmer.

Of course, the alcohol might have played a part in that.

He reorganized his thoughts and spoke up:

“I would like to provide feedback on the management situation at Orange Technology Co., Ltd.”

He paused, subtly pressing his palms together. “From what I understand, the head of the streaming department has abused his power several times, using underhanded methods to undermine the interests of other employees and stifle streaming popularity… which has caused significant losses for the company.”

Xie Duzhi’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, but he maintained his expression, instinctively sensing some concern.

He realized that Li Heng wasn’t approaching him as a brother, expressing grievances; he hadn’t mentioned his own streaming channel at all, only focusing on the issues faced by others.

A part of him felt strange about this, but another part found it refreshing.

During the brief pause, Xie Duzhi accurately named the streaming department head.

“Bai Feng.”

He wouldn’t waste time memorizing every employee, but he had made it a point to understand each member of the management team.

In the days leading up to the acquisition of Orange Technology Co., he had already dismissed a number of underperforming managers, and he had a clear impression of Bai Feng.

There were two reasons.

First, he was indeed quite competent; though he might struggle to rise further, he was a reliable cog in the machine.

Second, his surname was Bai, somewhat related to the Bai family in the south. If they were to dig into family ties, Bai Feng might even have to call him “uncle.”

Mrs. Xie was from the Bai family, and she was the highest-ranking member of that branch.

“In summary, given that his actions have already severely impacted the company’s image, I would like to formally complain about Supervisor Bai Feng,” Li Heng stated flatly, replacing the name where needed. “Shortly, I will send the relevant evidence via email…”

Wait, he didn’t have Xie Duzhi’s email.

They were just friends.

The reference article he found online yesterday felt too familiar, and combined with his underlying nervousness, he had momentarily lost focus.

But now, in this atmosphere, sending a casual message would seem unprofessional and undermined his seriousness, ruining all his efforts.

The tension hung in the air, somewhat awkward.

Then, Xie Duzhi suddenly smiled, his eyes half-lowering to meet his gaze.

Li Heng felt heat rising from his ears to the nape of his neck and began to stutter. “In any case… I have evidence, and besides abusing his power, he’s also using his connections to maliciously suppress talent.”

His own supervisor was one of those being suppressed.

Mu Huazhi hadn’t left his position, not just due to the years of investment but also because he was unwilling to be pushed out like this.

“I’ve looked at the company’s financial reports,” Xie Duzhi said matter-of-factly. “Since Bai Feng took over as supervisor, the revenue of the streaming department has been on the rise.”

Only the mischievous, immature Xie Sizhi would intentionally tease others.

Xie Duzhi simply wanted to clarify the situation and analyze it from a business perspective.

To his surprise, Li Heng didn’t feel shocked.

He had anticipated this possibility yesterday.

A person’s character often didn’t align with their abilities.

It was like when a teacher gave scholarships to their nephew or students who had bribed them.

Aside from this one issue, Bai Feng didn’t have any glaring faults—he was serious, responsible, and taught well.

After a fleeting moment of disappointment that he hadn’t even realized he felt, Li Heng took a deep breath.

“But someone else might do even better.”

He knew his words might lack persuasive power.

If it had just been his own streaming channel that got shut down, after Xie Duzhi’s comment, he might have left the matter there.

Most likely, he wouldn’t have gone out of his way to approach him.

After all, in his mind, streaming was the option he had temporarily set aside, even abandoned.

This wouldn’t impact him significantly, and he wouldn’t blame Xie Duzhi for it.

He had far too many responsibilities to oversee everyone.

But the impact extended beyond him.

There were others who had suffered losses and missed opportunities; there were those who might face the same treatment in the future.

So, no matter what, he had to push for this.

If it truly came down to it—

He would be bolder, embracing the authority of a birthday star.

“Moreover, a streaming platform can’t grow strong solely by relying on one type of streamer to attract viewers.”

After a moment of thought, he decided to persuade from a different angle. “Maintaining popularity through cutthroat competition may appear prosperous on the surface, but many will ultimately choose to withdraw, even turning to competitors.”

At least in his relatively simple value system, that was the logic.

Li Heng resolved to speak everything in one breath.

“…In conclusion, I hope you will consider my complaint and suggestions and impose appropriate penalties on Supervisor Bai Feng to serve as a warning to others.”

“It’s fine if you disagree.”

He quickly pressed his lips together, his expression suddenly serious. “Today is my birthday, and as the birthday star, I have the right to make a wish. You should fulfill my wish.”

“—I haven’t disagreed; I just haven’t finished speaking.” 

Xie Duzhi finally found an opportunity to respond. He defended himself but then grew curious. “What would you do if I refused?”

Li Heng was momentarily stumped.

He had thought about what he would do if Xie Duzhi said no.

“Well, of course, I’d just go downstairs and complain right now.”

He blinked, realizing he couldn’t quite say that.

He had already been unreasonable; to say it out loud would make it seem like he was really taking advantage of their relationship.

Xie Duzhi might even think he was being a bully.

“…Then let’s start over. I’ll call you ‘brother’ again and tell you that my streaming channel was deliberately shut down by him… please?”

Li Heng hesitated. “It’s my birthday; you can’t just refuse me, right?”

That was being a bit spoiled.

Xie Duzhi categorized this possible behavior in his mind.

He paused for a moment.

“Then I would simply tell you that I’ve decided to have him fired.”

“That’s not the same.” 

Li Heng answered quietly, “Isn’t firing him a bit too harsh…?”

“It’s just a firing,” Xie Duzhi said without hesitation.

There were many ways to ensure a person couldn’t survive in the industry without crossing legal lines.

In this matter, even if he took it a step further and made it so Bai Feng had to earn a living through labor, there would be nothing to criticize.

At most, as a boss, he would be seen as too petty.

But in this capacity, he was first and foremost Li Heng’s brother.

It was only right to seek justice for his wronged younger brother.

“From the company’s perspective, firing him is the simplest and most effective solution,” he added for clarification.

Li Heng nodded, solemnly signaling that he understood.

Xie Duzhi lowered his gaze, continuing his previous task.

After a moment, he thought it necessary to say something.

“…”

He didn’t expect Li Heng to suddenly apologize, sincerely promising that such a thing wouldn’t happen again.

However, especially after the issue was resolved, returning to bother him knowing he was already in a bad mood did come across as a bit spoiled.

Even though Li Heng’s tone was earnest and serious.

“I’m not unhappy; I’m just preparing to handle Bai Feng’s matter.”

“So soon!” Li Heng blurted out.

“I had planned to do so,” Xie Duzhi replied.

Had Li Heng not come specifically to talk, he would have clarified everything upon arriving at the company, returned home in the evening, and explained everything to him, apologizing afterward.

The reason he didn’t hand it off to an assistant but went himself was to demonstrate how much he valued the situation.

“It should have been clarified yesterday.”

Xie Duzhi had only considered that missing the birthday celebration might not look good.

“Then… can it wait until tomorrow? Just handle it during work hours as a side task?”

Li Heng hesitated, not wanting him to leave.

A trip to the company and back would take several hours.

He knew that everyone at home had canceled many plans for today, especially Xie Duzhi.

His request was already difficult; if he had to make a special trip because of this…

Li Heng silently nailed himself back to the shame pillar named “spoiled,” feeling that he had become a bad person.

It might be hard for someone to become better.

But becoming worse was all too simple.

A fleeting smile disappeared from Xie Duzhi’s eyes as he paused but didn’t return his coat to the rack; instead, he just looked at Li Heng.

“Why put it off until tomorrow?” he raised an eyebrow, his tone casual but probing.

He was asking on purpose.

“Because I’m still celebrating my birthday today,” Li Heng admitted, his voice dwindling.

Moreover, you’ve already postponed all work matters; of course, you should take some time to rest.

Though not as he had envisioned, Xie Duzhi was satisfied.

This was being a bit spoiled, he thought confidently.

He returned the coat to the rack and asked, “Is there anyone else?”

With that question, Li Heng began to waver again.

Though Bai Feng was the one abusing his power, as the only beneficiary, Lulu wouldn’t be entirely innocent.

In fact, if pursued, she should be considered the real culprit.

He had only thought to ensure she couldn’t rely on her connections to bully others, but hadn’t thought about how to handle her.

After all, without those connections, the resentment from other streamers would be enough to put her in hot water… right?

He lightly bit his lip, pondering for several seconds.

In the end, he decided to name her as well.

Since he was already being bad, he might as well go a little further.

After today, he would definitely correct his behavior.