Chapter 11

Chapter 11

I walked out of the venue, the sunlight spilling across my face, and my mood lightened. However, Lin Qingyue’s cold mockery from moments ago still echoed in my ears. Her threats weren’t just a dramatic performance; they were a reality I once deeply feared and felt powerless against. My thoughts had just begun to settle when they were shattered by a message from an unknown number.

“I know your past, and I know your future.” This text sent a chill through my entire body, instantly triggering my survival instincts. I gripped my phone tightly and took a deep breath, thinking to myself that this was likely someone trying to provoke me or exploit my fears.

I turned to find Cheng Xubai. He was on the phone, his gaze as focused and steady as ever. Seeing him, I felt a slight catch in my breath, and a sense of relief washed over me like a tide. After enduring Lin Qingyue’s provocation, Cheng Xubai’s presence felt like a sanctuary for my soul, and I found myself increasingly longing to build a stable foundation of mutual trust.

“What are you discussing?” I interrupted.

“Nothing much, just some business regarding a partnership.” Cheng Xubai put down his phone and stepped toward me. “I think we can deepen the project collaboration between us.”

As we walked toward a cafe, I began to discuss the new project in low tones. Their financing model was exactly what I had mentioned in my speech. I had learned my lesson from the conflict with Lin Qingyue, realizing that being ‘used’ could be the best weapon for a counterattack.

“Have you thought about how you want to manage your fund?” he asked. I smiled slightly. The sunlight framed his profile, giving me a completely new perspective on him. Our cooperation wasn’t just about business anymore; it seemed the emotional boundaries were quietly blurring.

“I want to provide real support for women like me, rather than just staying on the surface,” I said firmly. “And I want them to know that when facing those who want to control their destinies, they aren’t alone.”

“You are a powerful woman, Nianhe.” Cheng Xubai’s voice was low and sincere. His gaze was fixed on me as if trying to see right into my heart.

My heart jolted. I realized in that moment that he was no longer just a legal advisor in my eyes, but a companion navigating the space between career and empathy. Our partnership was gradually becoming more than just cold project agreements; it was becoming about mutual care and support in each other’s lives.

“Thank you for supporting me,” I said, feeling a surge of warmth. “But working with you, I sometimes worry that I’m not good enough. Won’t that make our relationship complicated?”

“It won’t. I believe in your abilities.” He smiled slightly, his eyes warm. “Our goals are aligned. As long as we trust each other, the relationship will develop naturally.”

His trust encouraged me, yet shadows still lingered at the bottom of my heart. I didn’t know where this relationship was headed. The lines between emotion and career were getting blurrier, and a new kind of fear was quietly taking root.

“You understand that even in a partnership, there can be misunderstandings,” I asked tentatively. “Actually, sometimes I’m afraid that a relationship like this will become complicated because of work.”

Cheng Xubai nodded, his eyes showing a genuine understanding of my concerns. “The complexity of a relationship doesn’t lie in the cooperation itself, but in how we perceive it. Honest communication is the key. Are you willing to do that?”

My heart stirred, feeling that his question carried a deep, probing quality. I struggled to remain calm, trying not to let my panic drag me into the abyss.

“I am, but I also need time,” I finally said. “We’ve both been through a lot. The shadows of the past aren’t easily erased.”

Just then, my phone vibrated again, interrupting our conversation. When I checked it, the screen showed an unread message. It was a reply from that same unknown number: “Don’t think you can escape. You know exactly what I mean.” I couldn’t help but frown; this message felt like an invisible threat being declared against me.

Cheng Xubai noticed my reaction. “Nianhe, what’s wrong?”

I squeezed the phone in my hand, unsure of how to speak. “It’s nothing, just some trivial matters.” I suppressed the unease in my heart, trying to make my voice sound calm.

He clearly didn’t fully believe me, but he didn’t press further. He simply took my hand gently. “If anything happens, you can tell me anytime. Anything at all.”

In that moment, I realized that Cheng Xubai wasn’t just an ordinary partner; he had already become a part of my inner world, like a tightly connected bond. His sincerity and attention gave me strength, yet potential challenges still surrounded us.

“We’ll start pushing the project schedule tomorrow. I welcome your input.” He changed the subject to keep our discussion moving. I felt a secret sense of relief. Although the fear hadn’t vanished, I knew that having him by my side would allow me to face the future with more determination.

Leaving the cafe, I looked up at the azure sky, my mood gently brushed by the daylight breeze. However, that text message continued to hover in my mind like a lingering haze.

“Do you want to go out tomorrow? To relax a bit,” Cheng Xubai suggested, seemingly sensing my emotional fluctuations.

“Sure, let’s arrange something,” I agreed softly, while privately wondering how exactly I should navigate the road ahead. How should I face the future of this relationship? This was my greatest struggle, and it seemed more ups and downs were waiting for me.

But looking at his smile, I thought that perhaps this path wouldn’t be a lonely one. No matter how complex the future challenges might be, I was willing to try to seek and accept this reliance as I walked toward the unknown.