Jiang Tingchen listened attentively and occasionally offered precise suggestions.

The three of them talked secretly until late at night and established a set of interlocking defense strategies.

"Howard won't succeed easily," Louis shook Ning Nanxue's hand vigorously as he sent them off. "I've arranged for the team to revise the cooperation agreement and add a firewall clause."

"Your support means a lot to us," Ning Nanxue said sincerely, "This trip was worthwhile."

"Wait for good news," Louis said, waving goodbye. "We'll continue to refine the plan tomorrow morning."

Back at the hotel, Ning Nanxue visibly relaxed, taking off her high heels and massaging her sore feet. "Louis is even more refreshing than I thought."

"He has a thorough understanding of the situation," Jiang Tingchen handed her a cup of hot tea. "It's understandable that he agrees with our judgment."

Ning Nanxue took the teacup and felt the warm touch on her fingertips.

"Howard's involvement has complicated things. I'm worried that Fu Chen will take more extreme actions."

"Go wash up and rest," Jiang Tingchen said softly, "We have to continue negotiations tomorrow, you need to rest."

Ning Nanxue nodded and walked into the bathroom with her pajamas.

The sound of running water was heard. Jiang Tingchen walked to the balcony, looked at the night view of Paris, and dialed an encrypted number.

"Uncle Li," he lowered his voice to ensure that the conversation wouldn't be overheard, "the situation has changed. Howard has joined the game. His intentions are unclear, and it's likely a hostile takeover."

On the other end of the phone, Mr. Li's calm voice came: "Master, tell me in detail."

"His sudden willingness to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in Nanxue's project may appear to be recognition of the project's value, but in reality, it may be a tactic of flattery," Jiang Tingchen stated succinctly. "I suspect he intends to gradually erode the core technology through investment and control, ultimately swallowing up the entire new energy sector."

"Nanxue needs strong support," Jiang Tingchen said, looking towards the bathroom, his voice filled with subtle tenderness and determination. "I hope Huayun can step in as a partner and work with Greenlight Technology to form a three-way balance of power to protect the project and our interests."

"You are the prince of Huayun. Why don't you reveal your identity directly? Instead, you want me to come forward?" Mr. Li was a little confused.

Jiang Tingchen sighed softly: "Now is not the time. I want Nanxue to win this battle entirely by her own ability."

"Young people's minds," Mr. Li said with a smile, "but I understand. Huayun will take action, but under what pretext will it intervene?"

"A technical partner," Jiang Tingchen replied quickly. "They've declared their interest in the application prospects of Fu's new energy project and are willing to provide financial and technical support, provided the project remains independent."

"Smart. This will both contain Howard and protect President Ning's project," President Li agreed. "I'll start the contact process tomorrow."

"Thank you, Uncle Li."

"Tingchen," Mr. Li's tone turned serious, "Your father is very concerned about this project, and also about your...personal situation."

Jiang Tingchen gripped the phone tightly. "I'll handle it properly. Please tell father that everything is under control."

After hanging up the phone, the bathroom door opened.

Ning Nanxue walked out in her pajamas, with water dripping from the ends of her hair. She asked in confusion, "Who are you talking to?"

"I've arranged some things," Jiang Tingchen put away his thoughts and handed her a towel, "Your hair is still wet."

Ning Nanxue took the towel and wiped her hair casually: "I feel that the plan is too complicated and there are too many variables."

Jiang Tingchen stared at her slightly tired profile, lightly touched her shoulder with his fingertips, and quickly withdrew them.

"There are backup plans for every step, don't worry."

Ning Nanxue put down the towel, her wet hair falling across her shoulders. "Howard is no ordinary opponent. The financial power behind him is enough to shake the entire Fu family."

"If you and I join forces, plus Louis, Howard will have a hard time succeeding no matter how cunning he is." Jiang Tingchen poured her a cup of hot water and handed it to her.

"Go to sleep. We have to continue negotiations tomorrow." Jiang Tingchen helped her fluff up the pillow.

Ning Nanxue nodded and crawled into bed. Extreme fatigue made her fall asleep quickly.

The next morning, Ning Nanxue, Jiang Tingchen and Louis continued to discuss strategies to deal with Howard in the Greenlight Technology conference room, focusing on how to build a stronger firewall at the technical and legal levels.

"Technical security measures must be upgraded," Louis said, showing an encryption protocol. "This is a triple encryption system we've designed. Any data transmission must undergo multiple verification steps."

Jiang Tingchen added: "A 'technology patent sharing lock-in' clause could be added so that no investor has the right to unilaterally transfer or sell the relevant patents."

Just as the discussion reached a critical point, Louis's secretary knocked on the door and came in with a surprised look on his face: "Mr. Louis, Mr. Li from Huayun Group has just arrived and hopes to join our meeting."

Ning Nanxue looked up in surprise when she heard this.

She subconsciously looked at Jiang Tingchen beside her, only to see that his expression was calm and he didn't seem surprised.

Could it be that phone call yesterday...

A moment later, Mr. Li walked into the conference room under the guidance of his secretary.

"Mr. Ning, nice to meet you again." Mr. Li took the initiative to extend his hand to Ning Nanxue, shaking hands with just the right amount of strength. "I apologize for the inconvenience of your visit."

Ning Nanxue maintained a professional smile, but was actually quite surprised: "What brings you here, Mr. Li?"

"Mr. Louis, thank you for your hospitality." Mr. Li greeted Louis first, then turned to Ning Nanxue. "Huayun Group has been paying attention to global new energy trends and is particularly optimistic about the project led by Mr. Ning."

Mr. Li slowly walked to the window, his tall figure outlined by the Parisian sunlight. "We understand the project has recently encountered some... setbacks, and we've also heard Mr. Howard express strong interest in investing."

Ning Nanxue straightened her back: "You are well-informed."

"The business world is like a battlefield, and intelligence is crucial," said Mr. Li with a slight smile. "We believe such core technology deserves a more stable and trustworthy partner."

Lewis observed the three people with interest: “What does Mr. Li mean?”

"Huayun is willing to work with Greenlight Technology to jointly invest and cooperate, providing financial, market and other support for the project to ensure its healthy development and avoid being manipulated by capital with ulterior motives."

Ning Nanxue tried to remain calm in shock: "This proposal came too suddenly. Why is Huayun Group so interested in our project?"

Mr. Li gently adjusted his cuffs: "To be honest, part of the reason is because of Mr. Jiang's recommendation."

Ning Nanxue turned to Jiang Tingchen, her eyes full of questions.

Jiang Tingchen coughed lightly and said, "I asked the elders in my family to come forward and negotiate with Huayun Group, so I was able to invite Mr. Li."

"Tingchen, you didn't tell me in advance." Ning Nanxue lowered her voice.

"I want to give you a surprise." Jiang Tingchen responded softly.