fostering dependence

After hanging up the phone, Lin Tingyue took a deep breath.

This time, she not only intends to sue Jiang Shaoyang personally, but also to precisely target the online marketing accounts that spread the most rumors under his instructions, making an example of them.

The video conference with "Vanya" went surprisingly smoothly the next day.

The other party's representative was impressed by Lin Tingyue's professionalism and composure. More importantly, after assessing the risks of breach of contract and unnecessary legal disputes, they agreed to continue the cooperation, only making minor adjustments to some promotional details.

Lin Tingyue handled the matter steadily and accurately, directly causing the other party to lose interest in public opinion, and Jiang Shaoyang finally couldn't sit still any longer.

First, someone claiming to be Jiang Shaoyang's assistant called the studio. He was very polite and said he wanted to invite Lin Tingyue to dinner to talk, saying there was no need to make things so ugly by going to court.

Lin Tingyue had given prior instructions, so her assistant refused all the calls, saying she was busy and unavailable, and to contact her lawyer if needed.

Now, Jiang Shaoyang had no choice but to talk to Lin Tingyue himself.

Soon, Jiang Shaoyang's name appeared on the phone screen.

Lin Tingyue watched the name flash for over ten seconds until the call automatically ended. Then, a text message arrived:

"Listen to this, is it really necessary? What good will it do you to make such a big fuss? Why resort to legal means for our business? Let's meet tonight, and I'll explain things to you in person."

Looking at the text message, Lin Tingyue could almost picture Jiang Shaoyang's self-righteous attitude of thinking he was in control.

She tapped the screen with her fingertip and sent back a line of text:

"Mr. Jiang, we only have a legal dispute; there are no private matters to discuss. Everything will be handled by my lawyer."

After sending the message, she casually added Jiang Shaoyang's number to her blacklist.

The world is quiet now.

She knew this was just the beginning. Jiang Shaoyang was the kind of person who was used to others revolving around him and going along with his wishes. He would never let her get away with such a direct and forceful confrontation.

That evening, Chi Zhuo came to pick her up. He noticed that she didn't look well and was a little worried.

Why do you look so pale?

He reached out and touched her forehead, frowning. "Have you been troubled by the Jiang family matter lately? I'll have someone handle it."

"No." Lin Tingyue grabbed his hand and shook her head. "I already said I'll handle this, so don't worry about it. I just didn't rest well at noon, I'll go to bed early tonight."

Hearing this, Chi Zhuo had no choice but to say, "Alright, since you've made up your mind, I'll support you. But if you encounter any problems, just tell me, and I'll help you solve them."

"Okay." After saying that, Lin Tingyue nestled comfortably in Chi Zhuo's arms, like a kitten finding a safe haven.

Recently, Lin Tingyue felt that her relationship with Chi Zhuo was gradually changing. She started thinking about Chi Zhuo from time to time, and wanted to tell him everything she saw and heard, or to stay with him, even if they didn't talk.

It was as if she felt at ease as long as Chi Zhuo was by her side.

Perhaps, this is just a habit.

She seemed to have gotten used to everything now, everything with Chi Zhuo by her side.

That evening, after taking a shower, she was extremely sleepy. After brushing her teeth and returning to her bedroom, she remembered that she didn't look well that day and thought it would be best to put on a face mask. But when she turned around, she found Chi Zhuo taking a shower inside.

Lin Tingyue had no choice but to curl up on the sofa and play on her phone for a while, but before she knew it, she had fallen asleep.

She didn't know how much time had passed, but she felt as if ants were biting her body, a tingling and numb sensation accompanied by a slightly cool touch. In her dazed state, she felt a warm hand stroking her back.

She instinctively opened her eyes to look, only to be met with a pair of deep eyes that were now face to face with her.

She was stunned for a full minute before she suddenly came to her senses and realized that she was being pinned down by Chi Zhuo.

"woke up?"

Chi Zhuo seemed somewhat surprised, his eyes showing a hesitant expression.

Lin Tingyue tried to get up, but she didn't have the strength of Chi Zhuo, so she had to give up struggling.

However, she didn't expect Chi Zhuo to be in such a hurry today. She was so tired, yet he was still so excited.

But she still asked that silly question, "What are you doing..."

Seeing that she was awake, Chi Zhuo first smiled, and then, as if deliberately teasing her, he directly cupped the back of her head with his palm, then leaned down and kissed Lin Tingyue.

Lin Tingyue passively moved closer to him, feeling the kiss deepen from light to dark. She was almost boiling over. She wanted more, and gradually her hormones started to surge. She didn't know how to control her thoughts. Her fingers were scratching randomly, and she leaned back on the sofa, her long neck tilting back wantonly.

At this moment, Lin Tingyue could only hear Chi Zhuo's soft breathing. She was immersed in pleasure when, unexpectedly, Chi Zhuo stopped moving.

This stunned her, and she couldn't help but open her eyes, panting as she stared at the other person.

"I just put a calming patch on you; it's not suitable for strenuous exercise tonight."

"Um?"

Before Lin Tingyue could react, she reached out to pull Chi Zhuo, only to see him bend down and straighten her disheveled collar.

"You're too tired today, sweetie, go to bed early."

With that, Chi Zhuo picked her up from the sofa and carried her to the bedroom.

"Just now, I saw that you were too tired, so I didn't wake you up. I had someone send over some calming patches. I put some on your back, neck, and arms. They'll help you sleep."

Lin Tingyue then noticed that there was indeed a round plaster on her arm. She hadn't paid attention to it before, but now she could faintly smell some Chinese medicine.

She immediately felt a little embarrassed. "How long have I been asleep?"

Chi Zhuo gently placed her on the bed and pulled the blanket over her. "It won't be long, just half an hour." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "You're sleeping so soundly, I didn't have the heart to wake you."

Lin Tingyue touched the calming patch on her arm, a warm feeling welling up inside her. She stopped Chi Zhuo, who was about to get up, and asked, "What about you?"

"I'm going to the study to take care of some work. I'll come back after you fall asleep."

"Don't go," she said, shifting further into the bed. "Stay here with me."

Chi Zhuo was slightly taken aback, then a smile spread across his eyes. "Okay."

He moved to the other side of the bed and lay down. As soon as he turned off the light, Lin Tingyue naturally leaned against him and rested her head on his shoulder. In the darkness, their breaths mingled, and they remained quiet for a moment.

“Chi Zhuo,” she said softly, “thank you.”

He put his arm around her shoulder and said, "No need to thank me."

“Everything,” she said, closing her eyes. “Thank you for always being by my side.”

Chi Zhuo didn't say anything, but gently patted her back.

"Actually, I'm a little scared," she suddenly whispered.

"What are you afraid of?"

I'm afraid my dependence on you... will become a habit.

Chi Zhuo chuckled softly in the darkness, "What's wrong with that?"

"I'm afraid that one day you'll leave." She finally voiced her deepest fear.

Chi Zhuo turned to the side, accurately found her lips in the darkness, and gently kissed her.

“Lin Tingyue, remember this,” his voice was deep and firm, “I will not leave. Unless you let go first.”

These words were like a key, unlocking the last line of defense in her heart.

She leaned in and deepened the kiss.

This time, Chi Zhuo didn't stop.

-

Lin Tingyue woke up in Chi Zhuo's arms in the early morning.

She secretly observed his sleeping face and noticed for the first time how long his eyelashes were.

"Have you seen enough?" Chi Zhuo suddenly opened his eyes, his voice languid with the lingering sleepiness of early morning.

Lin Tingyue blushed and tried to turn around, but he held her even tighter.

"What's the plan for today?" he asked, his fingers twirling her long hair.

"I'm going to see a lawyer this morning, and there's a new product planning meeting at the studio this afternoon." She paused. "Jiang Shaoyang... should still be making moves."

"Okay, don't overwork yourself."

"Um."

-

Sure enough, as soon as Lin Tingyue arrived at the studio, she heard her assistant's report.

"Sister Yue, Jiang Shaoyang called many times today and even sent a bunch of emails to the public mailbox, saying that if you don't agree to talk, he will resort to unconventional methods."

This explanation made Lin Tingyue laugh. "Can't he come up with something more original? Did he even show it to a lawyer?"

"The lawyer is already here, and he said these can all be used as evidence of harassment."

In the conference room, the lawyer adjusted his glasses. "Ms. Lin, based on the evidence you provided, we have filed lawsuits against three marketing accounts. Mr. Jiang Shaoyang's actions also constitute harassment."

"Then proceed as planned," Lin Tingyue said calmly.

Just then, her phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number, but she immediately recognized it as Jiang Shaoyang's personal phone.

She immediately pressed the speakerphone button.

"Listen, you finally answered the phone." Jiang Shaoyang's voice was deliberately gentle. "Can't we really have a proper talk?"

“Mr. Jiang, my lawyer is right here. If you have anything to say, you can speak to him directly.”

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone. When Jiang Shaoyang spoke again, his tone was noticeably colder: "Lin Tingyue, don't push me. You know what I still have."

Lin Tingyue exchanged a glance with the lawyer. "If you're referring to those photos and videos of you two being together, I suggest you be careful. The law won't make an exception for you just because you're the eldest son of the Jiang Group."

Jiang Shaoyang was clearly not expected to hear her say that, and was momentarily speechless.

"you……"

"Jiang Shaoyang, we've known each other for so many years, and you seem to have always underestimated me." Lin Tingyue's voice was as cold as ice. "From the first time you cheated on me, I learned to keep a backup plan. What, you think you're so smart, that you can make fools of others? Is that it?"

I could hear rapid breathing coming from the other end of the phone.

"I'm giving you twenty-four hours to retract all false statements and issue a public apology. Otherwise, I don't mind letting everyone see what the heir of the Jiang Group is like in private. Also, I don't mind you spreading those things; after all, I really have the ability to personally send you to jail."

After saying that, she hung up the phone.

The lawyer looked at her in surprise, "Ms. Lin, your courage and boldness are truly..."

“Of course,” Lin Tingyue smiled slightly, “I just never stoop to using such methods. But now it seems that to deal with a petty person, you have to use the petty person’s methods.”

The lawyer nodded affirmatively: "I admire you."