It was already late at night when Ning Nanxue returned to the apartment.

The feeling of fatigue spread from the soles of my feet to my whole body. Today's meeting, those strange looks and whispers were like a heavy burden on my shoulders.

She took out the key, but after opening the door a crack, she heard the familiar sound of pots and pans colliding from inside the house.

An enticing aroma wafted through the apartment, the smell of home.

After pushing open the door, Ning Nanxue stood there in a daze.

Jiang Tingchen was busy in the kitchen wearing an apron. A tender steak was frying in the pan, and several exquisite side dishes were already placed on the side.

There were two candles lit on the table, and the red wine was ready to be tasted.

"You're back?" Ning Nanxue put down her bag, her tone full of obvious surprise.

Jiang Tingchen turned around, spatula still in hand, a warm smile on his face. "I finished taking care of family matters and rushed back to make you dinner. I wanted to give you a surprise, but I didn't expect you to work overtime so late today."

Ning Nanxue took off her windbreaker and hung it on the hanger in the hallway. "Is this family matter that simple? You said on the phone yesterday that it would take at least a few days."

She walked into the kitchen, leaned against the counter, and observed Jiang Tingchen's reaction.

"It went better than expected." Jiang Tingchen turned down the heat and flipped the steak. "I know the old man's temper well and know how to deal with it. The main reason is that the Chen family wants to discuss cooperation, but the conditions they offer are too harsh and I can't accept them."

Ning Nanxue nodded thoughtfully, her eyes wandering over Jiang Tingchen. "Are you really just going back to take care of family business?"

Jiang Tingchen paused slightly, then naturally took out a plate and put the fried steak on it.

"Of course, what else?" he asked with a smile.

"It's nothing, I just feel that you have been very busy lately and are always hiding something from me." Ning Nanxue walked to the dining table and sat down.

Jiang Tingchen brought the last dish to the table, took off his apron, and sat down opposite Ning Nanxue.

"I'm always busy at work, but no matter how busy I am, I can't ignore you. I feel bad for you working so hard for the company during this period."

Ning Nanxue lowered her head as she cut into the steak, the knife and fork making a crisp sound as they collided with the porcelain plate. "There are some strange rumors going around the company today."

"What rumor?" Jiang Tingchen's tone remained calm as he poured her a glass of red wine.

"They said you approached me with ulterior motives." Ning Nanxue looked directly at him, "They said you're well-known in the foreign business community and specialize in acquiring companies in trouble."

Jiang Tingchen paused for a moment, then continued to pour himself a glass of wine. "There's always gossip in the company, but you don't have to take it to heart. Xue'er, we've been together for so long, I would never hurt you, and I have no reason to."

"I saw a photo of you meeting with several European business people." Ning Nanxue put down her knife and fork, her tone suddenly becoming sharp. "Are those your former partners?"

Jiang Tingchen put down the bottle, stroked his forehead, and became a little alert for a moment.

He did have business dealings in Europe, but what was circulated at this time were definitely not real photos of himself doing business.

Someone is trying to sow discord between Ning Nanxue and himself!

"Where did you see the photo?"

"Someone sent it to me anonymously." Ning Nanxue raised her chin. "In the photo, you were chatting happily with them. You looked very familiar."

Jiang Tingchen was silent for a moment, then sighed softly.

“Yes, I did know some business people in Europe before. They wanted to expand their business in the Asian market, so they contacted me.”

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Ning Nanxue's voice lowered a few degrees.

"I'm worried that it will distract you. You are already busy as hell for the company." Jiang Tingchen reached out to hold her hand, but she slightly avoided it. Jiang Tingchen was a little surprised for a moment, but quickly adjusted himself.

Ning Nanxue wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin and took a sip of red wine.

"How many things are you hiding from me? For example, your true identity, your family background?"

Jiang Tingchen put down his knife and fork with a complicated expression. "Xue'er, you're asking these questions all of a sudden. Is someone trying to sow discord?"

"Don't avoid the question, Tingchen." Ning Nanxue said calmly but firmly, "I just want to hear the truth."

Jiang Tingchen looked at the woman he loved deeply, struggling internally. "I did not tell you something, but it's not because I don't trust you."

"Why is that?"

"Some things involve too many things. Telling them might put you in danger." Jiang Tingchen said in a low voice, "I don't want you to get involved in those troubles."

Ning Nanxue sneered: "So you are protecting me? By hiding the truth from me?"

"That's not entirely true." Jiang Tingchen stared at Ning Nanxue. "I'm just waiting for the right time. When everything is settled, I will tell you everything, including why I returned to China and why I appeared by your side."

"When is that time?" Ning Nanxue asked.

"When you completely defeat Fu Chen and take full control of the Fu Group." Jiang Tingchen answered straightforwardly.

Ning Nanxue put down her wine glass, leaned back in her chair, and after a long moment of contemplation, she spoke: "Tingchen, I've experienced too much betrayal and can't bear to be deceived again. If you really care about me, please don't let me live a lie."

Jiang Tingchen struggled, but finally nodded. "I promise you, give me some time. I'll tell you more after the press conference. But for now, please believe that my feelings for you are real and have never been mixed with any falsehood."

Ning Nanxue looked at the man in front of her whom she loved deeply, and her heart was torn between her conscience and her desires.

Those anonymous emails, company rumors, and Jiang Tingchen's evasive words all made her feel uneasy.

But Jiang Tingchen's gentle and reliable side made it impossible for her to easily deny this relationship.

"Okay, I'll wait for your explanation." Ning Nanxue finally gave in, picked up her knife and fork and continued eating. "Everyone has their own secrets. I really shouldn't be so aggressive. But Tingchen, I'm really... worried about being deceived again."

"Xue'er, I know you can't trust me before I explain many things to you, but please believe me, I will never lie to you." Jiang Tingchen breathed a sigh of relief and picked up his knife and fork again. "Try this mushroom sauce, I made it especially for you."

Ning Nanxue took a bite and nodded: "It tastes good."

"By the way, how are the preparations for tomorrow's press conference going?" Jiang Tingchen changed the subject.

"Almost done. We're just waiting for the official launch tomorrow," Ning Nanxue replied. "The media lineup this time is very strong. After partnering with Greenlight Technology, many things have changed, and the Fu Group's status has also risen."

"What do you need me to do?"

"Just stand next to me." Ning Nanxue answered directly.

"Always." Jiang Tingchen promised with a smile.

The dinner ended in a seemingly peaceful atmosphere, with each of them having their own thoughts.

Jiang Tingchen took the initiative to clean up the dishes, while Ning Nanxue went to the bathroom to take a shower, trying to let the warm water wash away the doubts in her heart.