But compared to these, Ning Nanxue's trust and dependence, as well as the tacit understanding between them, made him unable to retreat.

Ning Nanxue stood in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows in the conference room, tapping lightly with her fingers. Outside, the lights were just coming on, the city lights glittering like a galaxy. Her reflection, elegant yet exhausted, was reflected in the glass.

"This morning, I received calls from three directors." Ning Nanxue turned around and said calmly, "They requested an urgent review of the company's development direction."

Jiang Tingchen sat at the long table in the conference room and loosened his tie: "Those rumors have begun to affect the board of directors."

"This happened faster than I expected." Ning Nanxue walked over and sat down next to him. "Director He Zhiming asked me bluntly whether my personal emotions had affected the company's decision-making."

"Did they believe the rumors spread by Fu Chen?" Jiang Tingchen raised his eyebrows.

"At least it's been shaken." Ning Nanxue picked up the tablet on the table and pulled up a document. "Look at this. Negative comments about me online have increased by 237 percentage points in the past 48 hours."

Jiang Tingchen quickly scanned the screen. "These are all fabricated accusations. There are even anonymous reports that you're using company resources for personal revenge."

"The most ironic thing is this." Ning Nanxue swiped the screen and stopped at an article. "'Insider reveals: Ning Nanxue has a close personal relationship with Huayun Group executives, suspected of transferring benefits.'"

Jiang Tingchen pinched the bridge of his nose: "They didn't even let me go."

"They slandered you for approaching me to seek benefits for the Fu family." Ning Nanxue closed the tablet. "This is clearly the work of Fu Chen. He knows my weaknesses too well."

"He's attacking our relationship and questioning your leadership at the same time," Jiang Tingchen said softly. "He's trying to kill two birds with one stone."

There was a knock on the door, and Secretary Chen pushed it open and walked in: "Mr. Ning, the latest public opinion analysis report."

Ning Nanxue took the folder: "Thank you, you can go back first."

After Secretary Chen left, Jiang Tingchen stood up and poured Ning Nanxue a glass of water: "What did the board of directors say?"

"Director Dai strongly supports me, but Wang Mao and Zhao clearly have reservations." Ning Nanxue took the water cup. "They suggested temporarily suspending investment in new energy projects to stabilize the company's situation first."

"A typical retreat gesture." Jiang Tingchen sneered, "It plays right into Fu Chen's hands."

"He precisely struck at my two most important support points—the new energy project and the trust of the board of directors." Ning Nanxue stroked her forehead. "To make matters worse, some executives began to discuss privately, believing that I squeezed out Fu Chen in order to seize power, rather than for the development of the company."

"This is Fu Chen's purpose." Jiang Tingchen sat down next to her. "Xue'er, you need to be prepared. His next move is likely to—"

Ning Nanxue's phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the caller ID and her expression changed: "It's the chairman."

"This time?" Jiang Tingchen frowned.

Ning Nanxue took a deep breath and answered the phone: "Chairman."

A steady male voice came from the other end of the phone. Ning Nanxue listened quietly, occasionally responding. Jiang Tingchen saw from her gradually tense shoulders that something was wrong.

After hanging up the phone, Ning Nanxue was silent for a moment: "The chairman requested an interim board meeting tomorrow morning. The topic is 'Re-evaluating the company's strategic development direction'."

"Who proposed this motion?"

"Wang Mao and Zhao Ming jointly proposed this," Ning Nanxue's voice tightened. "Three directors seconded the motion."

Jiang Tingchen stood up and said, "Five votes, just enough to submit a proposal."

"The chairman reminded me to be prepared. Apparently, he's heard the rumors." Ning Nanxue put down her phone. "Tingchen, they're trying to force me to give up control of the new energy project."

"It seems that Fu Chen's rumor tactics are indeed effective." Jiang Tingchen held her hand. "But don't forget, we have Professor Qiu's support, actual data, and market feedback."

"Data and emotions are never on the same level." Ning Nanxue smiled bitterly. "Fu Chen understands human nature too well. He knows that fear and suspicion are more contagious than facts."

Jiang Tingchen's phone rang. He took a look and pressed the reject button: "Huayun is also putting pressure on me."

"Because of me?" Ning Nanxue asked sharply.

"Because they're afraid I'll get too involved in Fu's affairs." Jiang Tingchen said with a smile, "Xue'er, we're in the same boat."

"Tingchen, you shouldn't be because of me—"

"This is my own choice." Jiang Tingchen interrupted her, "Don't take all the responsibility on yourself."

Ning Nanxue stood up and walked to the window: "Do you know what makes me most angry? It's not that Fu Chen spread rumors and questioned my ability, but that he also used our relationship to slander it."

"This proves that he's afraid of us being together." Jiang Tingchen walked behind her, "What he's most worried about is that you have someone supporting you."

"The focus of the board's questions tomorrow will likely be our relationship," Ning Nanxue whispered. "They'll say I allowed Hua Yun to interfere with the Fu Corporation because of personal feelings. They'll question your motives, and they'll—"

"Let them ask." Jiang Tingchen said firmly, "I don't care."

"I don't care what they think of our relationship." Jiang Tingchen said in a steady voice, gently holding Ning Nanxue's shoulders with both hands. "What's important is that you believe in me."

The ringing of the phone interrupted their conversation. Jiang Tingchen's expression changed slightly, he glanced at the caller ID, and pressed the answer button.

"Mr. Jiang, I'm sorry to bother you so late." The assistant's voice came from the other end of the line. "Mr. Jiang just called a family meeting and he asked you to return immediately."

Jiang Tingchen frowned: "What's the hurry?"

"Old Jiang asked me to tell you that the family has decided to forbid any involvement in the Fu Group's activities. The old man's exact words were: 'Don't let personal feelings affect the family's interests.'"

Jiang Tingchen pinched his brows and said, "I understand. Tell the old man that I will be back as soon as possible."

After hanging up the phone, Ning Nanxue asked vigilantly, "What happened?"

Jiang Tingchen was silent for a moment: "There are some troubles in the family, it's no big deal."

"Is it because of our relationship?" Ning Nanxue looked at him directly. "Do they also think that you shouldn't be involved in the Fu family's affairs?"

Jiang Tingchen avoided her gaze: "They are just worried that I will be too distracted."

"Tingchen, what are you hiding?" Ning Nanxue took a step back, crossing her arms over her chest. "Since we met, you've never talked about your family. Every time you mention it, you always change the subject."

Jiang Tingchen clenched his fist and then unclenched it: "Some things are not worth discussing now."

"Then when is the right time?" Ning Nanxue's tone gradually turned cold. "When our relationship becomes a reason for the board of directors to question my ability? When your family clearly opposes our relationship?"

"Xue'er, my family background is complicated, but it has nothing to do with our relationship."

"How can it be unrelated?" Ning Nanxue sneered, "Your family has suddenly expressed its stance on our relationship. What are you hiding? What can't you tell me?"