Chapter 16
Chapter 16
“We have a major problem.” Cheng Xubai’s voice was low and heavy like thunder, instantly suppressing the budding hope in my heart. Quick-witted as I was, I immediately sensed the gravity of the situation. I straightened up, concern showing in my eyes. “What is Lu Jingchuan up to?”
He remained silent for a moment, appearing to weigh his words, before finally speaking candidly. “His legal team is re-evaluating your case. They’re looking to dig up more ‘favorable’ evidence.”
My expression shifted abruptly, a mix of anger and fear washing over me. After all our hard work, the peace of the past few days suddenly felt precarious again. I asked quickly, “Do you know what he’s planning?”
“They’re trying to find any material that can be used against you. They might even launch a raid on your foundation in an attempt to smear your reputation,” Cheng Xubai said in a deep voice, his brow furrowed.
My mind raced as I felt an unprecedented surge of anxiety. My hard work and ideals could vanish in an instant. I was desperate to fight back, but facing such a powerful enemy, how could I turn the tide? I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. “Does he really think he can get away with this scot-free?”
Cheng Xubai looked at me, a flash of determination in his eyes. “No, he won’t find any peace. We must prepare to counterattack and catch him by his tail.” The fire in his tone sent a wave of warmth into my heart, like seeing a glimmer of dawn in the darkness.
“Right. I’m ready to fight back.” I gritted my teeth, a fiery fighting spirit rising within me. “I’m willing to give my all for everything I stand for.”
He nodded. “We need to plan more meticulously, especially regarding the foundation’s promotion and the management of public opinion. You need to ensure that every step you take is on the moral high ground.”
“Exactly.” I immediately adjusted my mindset, returning to a rational state. “We can start by analyzing Lu Jingchuan’s weaknesses, especially the flaws he has currently exposed to the public eye.”
Our discussion grew more intense as various pieces of information and ideas flashed through my mind. My notebook lay open, filled with our plans and strategies; every word felt imbued with power.
However, even as everything seemed to be progressing smoothly, a deep-seated worry quietly took root in the depths of my heart. I knew that with Lu Jingchuan’s counterattack, we wouldn’t just be facing public opinion, but also the hidden power and manipulation he wielded behind the scenes.
That night, I sat quietly by the window. The lights outside flickered like stars, and despite the bustling scenery, the unease in my heart surged like a tide. In the middle of this quiet night, my phone rang again. It was an unknown number.
“Is it him again?” My heart pounded with trepidation, but I ultimately decided to answer.
“Nianhe, I never imagined our game would start all over again.” Lu Jingchuan’s steady, low voice came through the phone, as if every word was an assertion of his control over this struggle. “You thought you could escape my reach? You’re truly naive.”
“What are you talking about?” I struggled to suppress my anger, trying to sound composed. “You’ve already lost. The law won’t be fooled by you anymore.”
“Heh, the law? I’ve been prepared for a long time. Your actions are nothing more than a breeze shaking the tip of an iceberg.” His voice betrayed a sense of pride and coldness. “This time, it’s my turn to expose all your scandals.”
“Are you threatening me?” I asked coldly, my heart a tangle of fury and defiance.
“It’s not a threat, it’s a fact. The people I support have already infiltrated your foundation. They can hand over the secrets that will leave you with nothing at any moment.” His words pierced through me like a blade, making my chest tighten until I could hardly breathe.
“You’re seeking your own destruction. Everything comes with a price.” A sense of unyielding resistance rose within me. Despite my inner turmoil, I didn’t want him to see my cowardice.
“You’ll soon understand how painful that price is. Just wait and see.” With a cold laugh, he hung up the phone.
I froze, my heart feeling as though it had been struck by a massive wave. The afternoon’s calm was shattered in an instant, and a storm of emotions left me unable to find peace. I clenched my fists, a surge of intense anger and helplessness filling my heart.
“Was he threatening you?” Cheng Xubai asked with immediate concern when he saw me hang up.
“He… he said he can provide secrets we don’t want to see.” I was incoherent, taking a deep breath to keep myself from breaking down.
“What does that mean?” Cheng Xubai’s brow furrowed, his concern deepening.
“He claims he has a way to destroy everything I have, including the foundation.” I gradually sank into the terror of the situation, my body nearly going limp.
“Believe in yourself. We will definitely find a way to fight back.” A resolute light shone in Cheng Xubai’s eyes, like a spark of hope being lit in my heart. I secretly plucked up my courage, yet I still couldn’t shake that unease. “If he really has something on me, all my efforts will be ruined.”
“Past mistakes won’t be your downfall again. You’ve already drawn a line between yourself and who you were then.” He squeezed my hand, a genuine warmth spreading through my limbs.
“You’re right. I can’t let fear defeat me.” I steadied my resolve, slowly regaining control over my emotions. “He can’t bring me down with underhanded methods.”
Cheng Xubai nodded. “Then we must prepare thoroughly and make him realize that his plan will only lead to his own ruin.”
In that moment, a sense of conviction surged within me. Though the road ahead would be difficult, I was destined to press forward. We would face this storm together. As long as we stood united, we would surely reclaim our glory through this battle.
The hazy lights in the distance seemed to flicker in encouragement. I knew in my heart that this new journey was about to begin. Whether in my career or my personal life, I would continue to grow through the struggle.
“I won’t back down,” I said softly, my determined gaze flashing in the darkness. “I will keep going until the very end.”
And at that moment, I whispered to myself that the future would be even more brilliant.
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TotallyNotPixy
This story is very hard to follow. It’s disjointed and the chapters seem out of order.