"What? Internal records of a Swiss bank?" Xu Zhao was visibly surprised. "I'm afraid neither Fu Group nor Greenlight Technology can get this kind of data, right?"
"Howard reminded me that Jiang Tingchen is definitely not a simple person." Fu Chen spoke faster, "Ning Nanxue trusts him the most now. If we want to turn the tables, we must first break them up."
Xu Zhao's tone became hesitant: "Brother-in-law, Jiang Tingchen has a strong background. If we touch him, will it be..."
"What are you afraid of?" Fu Chen interrupted him abruptly, "We already have nothing! Do you want to be trampled under Ning Nanxue's feet for the rest of your life? You were so arrogant in front of me before, why are you so timid now?"
Xu Zhao's light breathing could be heard from the other end of the phone. He seemed to be weighing the pros and cons.
"How is your sister? How did she react to such a big thing happening?" He changed the subject.
"Zhiru?" Fu Chen's tone softened a little. "She's been emotionally unstable and has barely left her room these past two days. The doctor said she might need to adjust her medication."
"Achen, do you still have feelings for my sister?" Xu Zhao suddenly asked.
Fu Chen didn't expect Xu Zhao to ask this question. He was silent for a few seconds. "My feelings for Zhiru are... complicated. Although not as strong as love, she suffered from depression because of me. I have a responsibility to take care of her."
"Responsibility?" Xu Zhao sneered, "Can responsibility be eaten?"
"What exactly do you want to say?" Fu Chen's tone turned cold.
"I just want to confirm whether you are worthy of my continued help." Xu Zhao's voice suddenly became decisive. "Since you still care about my sister, then I will continue to cooperate."
A drizzle was falling outside Fu Chen's car window, and the raindrops meandered into zigzag traces on the glass, blurring the street view.
"No matter how much it costs, I'm going to find out everything about Jiang Tingchen, especially his experiences abroad before returning to China, and all the shady things his family did." Xu Zhao's voice hardened. "Everyone has a past, and I don't believe I can't dig it out."
"Yes, that's what we'll do." Fu Chen's breathing quickened. "Also, find a way to create a misunderstanding, making Ning Nanxue think Jiang Tingchen is using her or hiding something from her. Ning Nanxue hates betrayal the most."
On the other side, in the car returning to Ning Nanxue's apartment.
Ning Nanxue leaned on Jiang Tingchen's shoulder and closed her eyes lightly.
Raindrops fell outside the window, and a thin layer of mist condensed on the car window, blurring the city's neon lights into colorful blocks.
It was a rare moment for her to take off her hard shell, and a sense of fatigue crept up her brows.
"Just take a rest if you're tired." Jiang Tingchen said softly, gently brushing away the scattered hair on her forehead with his fingers.
"This board meeting is so exhausting." Ning Nanxue sighed slightly, but did not open her eyes. "Howard's sinister tactics and Fu Chen's unusual cooperation always make me feel uneasy."
"They lost, you won, that's enough." Jiang Tingchen said gently, "Go home and have a good rest, so you can have the energy to face new challenges tomorrow."
Ning Nanxue listened to his heartbeat and nodded slowly.
Returning to the apartment, Jiang Tingchen naturally walked towards the kitchen.
He skillfully tied his apron and took out the ingredients from the refrigerator. Ning Nanxue leaned against the kitchen door frame, quietly watching his back.
The tall figure outlines soft lines under the warm yellow light, the slender fingers holding the knife are smooth and elegant, and the blade makes a crisp sound when it touches the cutting board.
"Like a professional chef." Ning Nanxue joked.
"A personal chef serving you alone." Jiang Tingchen turned around with a smile in his eyes.
The kitchen was soon filled with enticing aromas. Steamed sea bass, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and a bowl of hot soup. Simple yet heartwarming home cooking.
"Try my cooking and celebrate our success." Jiang Tingchen handed Ning Nanxue chopsticks, with an unintentional intimacy in his movements.
Ning Nanxue picked up a piece of snow-white fish and tasted it carefully: "The fish is very fresh and the seasoning is just right."
But suddenly, she put down her chopsticks and her voice suddenly became low: "Thank you, Tingchen. You have worked hard during this period and helped me solve so many problems..."
Before she finished her words, Jiang Tingchen had already understood the complex emotions in her eyes.
He reached out and held her slender fingers affectionately.
"Nanxue, there's no need to thank each other." He stared at her seriously, "I do all this not only to help you, but also for myself. I hope we can continue to walk side by side."
Ning Nanxue's heart moved slightly, and Howard's doubt suddenly flashed through her mind.
But looking at the sincere and calm expression of the man in front of her, she chose to believe: "Me too."
She rarely opened up. "Before, I always felt that I had to rely on myself for everything. I didn't dare to rely on anyone for fear of getting hurt. Especially after Sui Sui left..." She paused, "I locked my heart away for a long time."
"I understand." Jiang Tingchen said in a low voice, "Trust requires courage, especially after experiencing betrayal."
"You never asked me about my past with Fu Chen." Ning Nanxue looked up. "Aren't you curious?"
"I care more about you now." Jiang Tingchen gently stroked the back of her hand. "As for the past, you can tell me when you want to talk about it."
The sound of rain grew heavier, hitting the window glass.
Under the dim light, Ning Nanxue's expression softened considerably.
"I once loved him, and was so foolish as to think he loved me too." She smiled bitterly, "Until he made me lose Sui Sui for Xu Zhiru..."
"Don't think about it." Jiang Tingchen interrupted her, "The pain is over."
"I thought I hated him," Ning Nanxue continued, "but seeing how miserable he looked today, I didn't feel the satisfaction I imagined. The road of revenge has come to an end, and it seems like there's nothing left except emptiness."
Jiang Tingchen pulled her closer and held her in his arms: "Because your heart has never been completely occupied by hatred. Revenge is just your way of protecting yourself, not the whole meaning of life."
"Howard asked you who you are today..." Ning Nanxue hesitated for a moment, "I suddenly realized that I actually know very little about your past."
Jiang Tingchen held her hand tightly: "I am who you see now, an ordinary person who loves you with all my heart. The rest is really not important."
"Really?" Ning Nanxue stared at him, "No secrets?"
"Everyone has past events they don't want to talk about." Jiang Tingchen stroked her hair gently, "But I assure you, my feelings for you have never been false."
Ning Nanxue leaned back on his shoulder: "Maybe you are right, the past is not that important."
The sound of rain gradually became heavier, and water vapor filled the windows.
They sat snuggling together, and in this moment of silence, they seemed to have found peace in the center of the storm.
"Are you ready for tomorrow's press conference?" Jiang Tingchen asked.
"The basic framework has been set, and we are just waiting for the public relations department to refine the process." Ning Nanxue's tone returned to her usual capable tone.
Jiang Tingchen held her hand, and his fingertips gently stroked the lines on her palm.
"With me here, you won't have to do everything yourself. You can rely on me, Xue'er."
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