Chapter 1 Prologue

◎If you have anything to say, come to my room after the event and we can talk about it. ◎

I met Chen Jingshu again at an angel investment conference initiated by Huaren Group – JING Capital.

The 100-University Endangered Wildlife Conservation Alliance, founded by a group of master's and doctoral students, which Lin Yujing belongs to, unexpectedly obtained the qualification to participate in the conference.

Because she was in charge of the team's website art design and photography, her seniors pulled her over to do event recording.

The meeting room is located in the Wanshi Xiangyi Hall on the third floor of the Huaren Wanxiang Hotel. The giant foliage paintings carved on the curtain wall and the lifelike goldfish swimming on the carpet underfoot all symbolize good luck and wealth.

"Jingshu, long time no see. How is your grandfather doing?"

"If Young Master Chen takes over Huaren soon, Deputy Director Chen and the old man will be able to relax."

Upon hearing the familiar name, Lin Yujing subconsciously pulled herself out of her thoughts and looked towards the lush, brightly lit area.

Despite the crowd, she spotted Chen Jingshu at a glance.

Seven years have passed, and the boy in my memory, who was both roguish and brave yet gentle and polite, has transformed into a well-mannered and dashing young man.

The shimmering light of the magnificent crystal chandelier bathed him, making him appear aloof, cold, calm, and reserved. He navigated this world of fame and fortune with impeccable manners, yet his expression remained as indifferent as the lifeless ashes of a burnt-out piece of brocade.

Perhaps it was because her gaze was too intense and direct, but Chen Jingshu suddenly turned his head, and the two of them looked at each other across the noisy crowd.

But his gaze was empty and unfamiliar, as swift as a butterfly flapping its wings.

As the butterfly hurricane swept by, Lin Yujing felt a sudden, inexplicable pang of pain in her heart.

I miss you, I feel guilty.

There is also the desolation of years gone by and things changing beyond recognition.

But as old memories resurfaced, she thought that since she had orchestrated the plan to destroy the teenagers back then, it was already merciful that Chen Jingshu treated her like a stranger now.

"I remember you, you're a Master of Arts Management from Tsinghua Academy of Fine Arts, right?" After a brief lapse in concentration, Lin Yujing's thoughts were quickly pulled back to the work she was doing.

"I didn't expect Chairman Shao to still remember me. I was the one who introduced you to the Hundred Schools Endangered Wildlife Conservation Alliance, and you were even planning to donate medicine to us."

An hour ago, there was an investment promotion presentation and briefing.

The 100 Schools Endangered Wildlife Conservation Alliance took the stage last, but its reliance on charitable donations for its projects drew laughter from the audience.

Whispers filled the air, all mocking the current generation of master's and doctoral students for their childlike ideals of saving the world, which seemed completely out of place at a business conference where fame and fortune were the main focus.

Fortunately, the organizers thoughtfully arranged a banquet after the meeting, giving them another opportunity to defeat the enemy one by one.

Of the more than fifty angel investors present, only three or four could truly be considered their counterparts.

With the next quarter approaching, the league is facing a funding crisis, and today's match is a do-or-die situation.

Lin Yujing had met the owner of Fusheng Pharmaceutical once before, so she was given priority in being assigned a job.

"It's mainly because of your photos, they were really touching." Shao Fusen smiled warmly, and while seemingly being friendly, he secretly put his arm around her waist. "Later, when the donation failed, I felt really guilty, like I had broken my promise to you."

Lin Yujing felt the lingering warmth of his palm caressing her waist. She subtly used the proposal to create distance between them, her smile unwavering. "Chairman Shao, our team is much more mature than it was two years ago, and..."

"Are you graduating next year?" Shao Fusen interrupted her directly, like a kind elder, humble and considerate. "How far have you progressed in securing a job? Are you planning to pursue a doctorate?"

"I really enjoy the work of promoting wildlife conservation. Being with animals and nature is very therapeutic," Lin Yujing said, trying to steer the conversation back to the Hundred Schools Alliance.

"Xiao Lin!" Shao Fusen said earnestly, "You're the same age as my daughter, and I always feel a sense of closeness when I see you. So, seeing your childlike innocence and desire to save the world, I feel both touched and heartbroken."

"..." If Lin Yujing hadn't met someone even more hypocritical than Shao Fusen, she would have already believed the charade.

Seeing her silence, Shao Fusen once again put his arm around her shoulder without any hesitation. "My assistant will be on maternity leave at the end of next month. Perhaps you can seize this opportunity. Pretty young girls should wear Prada, carry Chanel, drink Starbucks, sit in high-end office buildings, easily earn high salaries, and live a bourgeois life of traveling abroad every month."

If it weren't for the physical nausea caused by skin contact, Lin Yujing would have questioned her own comprehension abilities.

Shao Fusen is openly and blatantly trying to buy himself with fame and fortune in front of everyone.

Perhaps "being kept" would be a more accurate description.

Her facial expression almost became uncontrollable, but she still tried her best to maintain a calm tone, "Chairman Shao, do you talk to your daughter like this?"

Shao Fusen was rebuffed, and her hand was slapped away without mercy.

Those around them seemed used to the half-hearted persuasion at the dinner table, teasing the two, "Old Shao, this feisty little firecracker is quite interesting. Much more fun than those Fei Fei and Qing Qing around you."

"Little girl, even though Old Shao is old enough to be your father, he spoils you just like a father would."

"Old Shao only has one daughter studying in Japan. If you work hard and have a son, you can become a rich wife overnight by relying on your son."

Explicit, obscene.

It carries with it a complete disregard and annihilation of social order and good morals.

Lin Yujing, who had been trying to swallow her pride for the sake of the project, lost her temper and said, "I'm sorry, my father died, and he died a really tragic death. I'm afraid that Chairman Shao's life isn't tough enough. If his spirit sees his daughter being harassed and sold into prostitution at his funeral, he'll probably die with his eyes wide open in disbelief."

This time, Shao Fusen could no longer tolerate it. "How can you speak so viciously, girl? You have absolutely no manners or upbringing."

Lin Yujing coldly watched Shao Fusen's anger and embarrassment after he went too far, describing it perfectly as a man's true nature.

She found it disgusting to even argue further, and after saying "excuse me" she was about to leave.

"You're leaving already?" To her surprise, Shao Fusen persisted, acting arrogantly and unreasonably, blocking her path. "If you don't give me an explanation today, we're afraid this won't end well. Your Hundred Schools Alliance has no reason to continue existing."

"Chairman Shao, who is it that speaks so rudely and has no manners whatsoever? You can't just bully a woman because of your status." Faced with the blatant threat, Lin Yujing simply shook the GoPro she was holding, neither humble nor arrogant. "I forgot to mention, I recorded the whole thing. Maybe I should just post it online and let everyone judge for themselves."

Knowing he was in the wrong, Shao Fusen maintained his dignity and refused to back down for even a moment. "Are you threatening to expose me online? Then I'll have to take you to the police station. This is a serious infringement on my right to reputation."

As he spoke, Shao Fusen reached out to pull her. Lin Yujing instinctively struggled, but the disparity in strength between men and women caused her to lose her balance and fall to the ground.

The expected tumble and fall did not occur; a strong arm caught her swaying body.

As Lin Yujing raised her head slightly, the man's disheveled profile came into view.

Chen Jingshu's thick eyebrows furrowed slightly, his deep eyes cold and indifferent. Beneath his noble bearing, a wild and untamed air of roguishness was even more pronounced.

With a cold, aloof air that seems to distance her from worldly affairs, she is both ruthless and compassionate.

"I'm sorry!" Lin Yujing quickly steadied herself from his embrace, then took a step back in shock, as if avoiding an even more terrifying monster.

"Jingjing, what are you apologizing for?" Chen Jingshu watched her actions, his brow furrowing even deeper.

Hearing him call her by her nickname so affectionately, not only was Lin Yujing slightly stunned, but Shao Fusen also hesitated for a moment.

"Does Mr. Chen know...Ms. Lin?"

Lin Yujing stood in the spotlight, the target of everyone's criticism, lacking both the courage to admit it and the bravery to deny it.

I still remember that rainy night when we broke up. How did that wild and spirited young man get pierced and torn apart by the blade of words? And how did he say to her with such sorrow and coldness, "Lin Yujing, you think it feels good to fool me like a dog?"

What did she reply?

She replied, "How was I supposed to know you were so starved for love? You'd give me your heart and soul over the slightest bit of care."

Now, it's like a male protagonist's wish-fulfillment novel written by God himself has come to life.

She was still that poor female student struggling to make ends meet, but the boy had long since become an unapproachable young master of power and wealth.

At this moment, Yunni even felt that it was only natural for Chen Jingshu to side with Shao Fusen and humiliate her.

"Jingjing, how come you're suffering so much just because I wasn't by your side for a short while?" Lin Yujing wasn't made of stone; she didn't even dare to entertain the thought of humiliating herself. Chen Jingshu, on the other hand, ignored everyone present, taking a step closer to her with one hand in his pocket.

Lin Yujing timidly looked back and realized that Chen Jingshu's eyes were red when he looked at her. It was like suppressed, churning hatred, or like an undying love.

Only now, confirming that Chen Jingshu was truly coming to her rescue, did Lin Yujing suddenly feel a lump in her throat, and instinctively lean her head against Chen Jingshu's chest. Whether it was a burst of acting brilliance, or the release of emotions she had suppressed all night, it was unclear.

Lin Yujing's tears fell like broken pearls, soaking Chen Jingshu's entire shoulder blade.

"Chairman Shao, my daughter has always been spoiled. She's never heard a harsh word uttered, let alone a swear word." Chen Jingshu looked down at him with the utter disdain of a superior. "Or... does Chairman Shao know she's one of my people, and is deliberately trying to annoy JING Capital and oppose Huaren Group?"

Chen Jingshu founded JING Capital and is backed by the Chen family of Yijing.

That's the Huaren Group, whose businesses span multiple fields including real estate development, pharmaceuticals, retail, investment, and film and television production.

Chen Jingshu was the apple of the eye of the Chen family patriarch and the sole heir he had designated.

Not long ago, Fusheng had a falling out with Huaren. Shao Fusen had put in a lot of effort to ease the tension between the two families. "President Chen! You've misunderstood. How could I possibly be at odds with Huaren? I went too far with my joke and offended you. I'm truly sorry."

“Chairman Shao, you’ve not offended me…” Chen Jingshu stood firm like a pine tree, providing shelter for Lin Yujing, “but my daughter.”

Amidst Shao Fusen's repeated apologies, Lin Yujing was pulled away by Chen Jingshu, who left without looking back.

Only when they entered a deserted area did she hear Chen Jingshu let out a low, cold laugh.

Knowing he was mocking her, Lin Yujing still said softly, "A-Shu, thank you for just now."

"Don't misunderstand, this is my first time organizing an investment promotion conference, and I don't want it to be ruined by scum." Chen Jingshu's tone was icy. "Besides, Hua Ren has long disliked Fu Sheng and is just looking for an excuse to make trouble."

Chen Jingshu's sudden shift to a purely business-oriented and official attitude left Lin Yujing speechless, unable to utter another word of reminiscing.

She simply nodded, thanked them, and said goodbye.

"I'll give you one minute..." But just as she turned around, Chen Jingshu's voice came from behind her again, cold and compassionate, "Convince me."

Lin Yujing took a moment to process what he meant. She grasped at his words like a lifeline, but cautiously added, "My project to protect endangered wildlife..."

She had barely started the conversation when Chen Jingshu interrupted her with a light scoff, "Jingjing, you should know what I'm interested in."

-

Only after Chen Jingshu's figure disappeared around the corner did the dark black room key that had been stuffed into her hand fall to the ground.

She recalled Chen Jingshu's expression and attitude just now, which was like a customer stuffing a tip into a hostess's blouse.

"I'm very busy right now. If you have anything to say, come to my room and we can talk slowly after the event."

Did he want to retaliate for humiliating her?

Or do you really want to hear her talk about the Hundred Schools Alliance?

Lin Yujing couldn't tell for a moment.

What's even more unclear is the moment she stepped into the sightseeing elevator that led directly to the top-floor suite.

Was she thinking about securing investment for the Hundred Schools Alliance, or did she want to see that boy again?

As the elevator ascended, she stood with the entire central axis of the capital city beneath her feet. The golden light of the evening lights, like the long arms of a giant, easily embraced the entire imperial city from east to west.

The feeling of being worlds apart reached its peak the moment the elevator doors opened and a quaint and elegant courtyard house came into view.

But she will always cherish the memory of Pengzhen, a coastal town that was different from the dazzling luxury of Yijing and belonged only to the carefree and bright youth.