That night, the study light remained on until dawn.

A phone call interrupted the butler who was giving instructions. Seeing the caller, he hurriedly answered.

On the other end, a hoarse and heavy voice that sounded like it hadn’t slept all night said, “Take care of those people.”

“As soon as possible.”

After that night, Lin Zhiyu didn’t see Shen Yanli for a long time.

Waking up thirsty in the middle of the night, the light in the adjacent room remained unlit as usual. She pushed back the covers and walked downstairs, feeling an emptiness in her heart.

Passing by the study, a faint glow seeped through the door crack. Before Lin Zhiyu could step away, the door unexpectedly opened from inside.

Seeing each other, both froze in place.

“What’s wrong?” he asked softly.

Lin Zhiyu shook her head, “I’m a bit thirsty.”

“Go back, I’ll bring you water.” His tone was gentle yet left no room for refusal.

After that, a thermos cup appeared by her bedside every night without fail, but the adjacent room wasn’t like before.

It seemed like he was intentionally avoiding her.

Lin Zhiyu pouted.

She wasn’t avoiding him, yet this grown man was acting more delicate than her.

–

“Miss Chu, my grandmother invited you, didn’t she?” Lu Yuchen’s eyes showed a flicker of confusion upon seeing the visitor, but he quickly understood Lu Xuemei’s intention.

The visitor calmly sat opposite Lu Yuchen, neither confirming nor denying his question.

Chu Shiyi casually placed her bag behind her, “Since Young Master Lu understands, you must also know why I’m here.”

Just then, a waiter entered with menus. As she reached to take one and was about to speak, Lu Yuchen interrupted.

“Get out.”

He slowly put down his knife and fork, his expression displeased.

Knowing the identity of the person before him, the waiter didn’t hesitate for a second, bowing before immediately leaving.

Despite this, Chu Shiyi continued leisurely browsing through the menu, completely ignoring his attitude.

“Leave,” he repeated.

“The waiter already left,” Chu Shiyi said with smiling eyes.

How could she not understand Lu Yuchen’s meaning? She simply chose not to comply.

“Miss Chu, don’t make me say it again,” he darkened his expression, anger evident in his voice.

Lu Xuemei had repeatedly reminded him to come to Yunqi Restaurant on time, saying there was important matter to discuss together. So this was the “important matter.”

Finding him a mistress?

She actually came up with such an idea.

“Grandma Lu invited me here. If you want me to leave, then have her tell me herself,” Chu Shiyi persisted unyieldingly.

Lu Xuemei had given her assurance – this dinner concerned the diplomatic relations between their two families, and Lu Yuchen wasn’t allowed to say “no.”

Seeing her composed and calm demeanor, Lu Yuchen scoffed and nodded, “Fine, if you won’t leave, then I will.”

Chu Shiyi made no attempt to stop him, shrugging as if to say “suit yourself.”

The door was locked from outside. After multiple failed attempts to open it, Lu Yuchen turned back, “What exactly do you want, Miss Chu?”

Chu Shiyi smiled calmly, “Why don’t you sit down and talk, Young Master Lu?”

She put down her fork and gestured forward with her fingers together.

“Miss Chu, my grandmother might not have told you, but I already have a wife,” Lu Yuchen sat back down irritably. Playing with the knife and fork on his plate, he spoke coldly.

“I know,” Chu Shiyi replied without hesitation.

“You know?”

“Of course. Otherwise I wouldn’t be wasting my time here,” she said calmly and naturally, without a trace of shame.

“Is this how the Chu family raises their daughters? So eager to be the other woman?” Lu Yuchen sneered.

“Other woman?” This was the most ridiculous thing Chu Shiyi had heard in her life. “You flatter yourself too much. The daughters of our Chu family never play second fiddle to anyone.”

“Do you think you’re an emperor? Expecting me and Ji Xianlin to share a husband? What gives you the audacity to be so arrogant the Ji family’s backing?”

She spoke with utter disdain, her attitude toward Lu Yuchen growing increasingly hostile.

“Then why are you still sitting here?” Lu Yuchen remained unshaken by her sharp words.

Instead, he sat upright, seemingly intent on provoking her.

“Lu Yuchen, it’s not me who needs something from you right now.”

“It’s you.”

“Who needs something from me from our Chu family.” Chu Shiyi crossed her arms, radiating arrogance.

Lu Yuchen scoffed. “Miss Chu, don’t overestimate yourself.”

“The Ji Group is facing continuous financial losses, massive debts remain unpaid, and there’s even a scandal involving fatal incidents caused by their products. The entire corporation is embroiled in a public relations crisis.”

“What, are you planning to abandon the Shen Group and sink with them instead?” She raised an eyebrow.

The Ji Group had long been struggling with financial insolvency. Recently, due to the scandal, their capital chain had broken, making it impossible to sustain normal operations. The entire corporation was teetering on the brink of collapse, nearing bankruptcy.

“This is my family matter, none of your concern.” Lu Yuchen lightly tapped the armrest twice, his interest waning. He had no desire to listen to Chu Shiyi’s lengthy arguments.

“I heard you’ve got your hands on the Ji’an Project?” Chu Shiyi finally got to the point.

Lu Yuchen rested his chin on his hand, idly twirling his wine glass. He sat in silence, offering no response.

Chu Shiyi was unfazed and continued, “The old mansion won’t help you, the Ji family can’t assist you. How do you plan to get such a massive project off the ground?”

“You want both the Ji’an Project and to save the Ji family. Lu Yuchen, where will you find the resources for so many trial-and-error attempts? Cooperate with our Chu family, and you’ll gain far more than you imagine.”

“There are plenty of people willing to work with me, Chu Shiyi. What makes you think I have no choice but to partner with your family?”

“Land.” Chu Shiyi said calmly.

“What?” A crack finally appeared in Lu Yuchen’s composed expression. He frowned.

“Without our family’s approval, you won’t secure a single plot of land.”

“Miss Chu remains as arrogant as ever.”

“The Lingyang Land has been hotly contested lately. Our family approaches cooperation with sincerity, so I’ll be frank that area is unsuitable.” She took a slow sip of red wine before continuing.

“The government is about to introduce new policies. If you invest there, you’ll lose everything.” Thinking he might not believe her, she tilted her chin slightly, gesturing for him to make a call. “Don’t believe me? Feel free to verify it yourself.”

How could Lu Yuchen not believe her? He had already caught wind of this news and was at a loss for solutions when the Chu family delivered the information.

He had staked his entire fortune on the Ji’an Project. If it failed, everything would be over. What would he have left to turn the tables? The completion of the Ji’an Project was non-negotiable for him.

Chu Shiyi was slightly surprised to see his expression soften.

The news was highly confidential, tightly guarded by the government. Yet he had managed to uncover some details. This man was not to be underestimated.

As Lu Yuchen remained silent and motionless, she let out a soft laugh. “So, Young Master Lu, am I now ”

“Ready to order?”

The service bell to her right rang out, Lu Yuchen’s hand resting atop it.

As the server entered, the golden and resplendent wall ahead was inlaid with a large screen of tiles, behind which was a woman’s incredulous face, followed immediately by streaming tears.

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