Jiang Tingchen tried to hold her hand, but she dodged him.
"Tingchen, I need to clearly understand what I'm up against." Ning Nanxue's voice trembled slightly. "I'm already enduring the doubts of the board of directors and the slander from the outside world. If even you are hiding something from me..."
"I never doubted you, Xue'er." Jiang Tingchen said in a low voice, "But there are some things I really can't tell you now."
Ning Nanxue took a deep breath and said, "Very good, then let's keep our distance for now, at least until after the board meeting."
"You're pushing me away."
"I'm protecting both of us." Ning Nanxue's voice was tired. "The board of directors has been shaken, and I need to fully respond to tomorrow's questioning. If they use our relationship as an excuse to reduce my power, I won't be able to keep the new energy project."
Jiang Tingchen's expression was complicated: "Are you prepared to sacrifice our relationship in exchange for the trust of the board of directors?"
"It's not a sacrifice, but a reprieve." Ning Nanxue turned to face him, "I need you to understand that the Fu Group is my responsibility, and this is the justice I seek for Sui Sui."
"I understand your position." Jiang Tingchen said in a low voice, "But please remember, I'm on your side not just out of affection."
"Why is that?" Ning Nanxue asked.
Jiang Tingchen was silent for a long time: "Because I believe in your values and judgment."
"I hope the board of directors thinks so too." Ning Nanxue smiled bitterly.
Jiang Tingchen walked to the door of the meeting room: "Do you need me to attend the board meeting tomorrow?"
"No need." Ning Nanxue shook her head. "Your presence will only give them more reasons to doubt me."
Ning Nanxue watched him walk away, a mixture of emotions welling up in her. She pulled out her phone and scrolled through the board meeting agenda when a new message popped up: "The elders of the Jiang family have privately met with several directors, emphasizing that a partnership between the Jiang and Fu families is not in the family's best interests."
Ning Nanxue's fingers trembled and a sharp pain surged in her heart.
Jiang Tingchen stood at the door of the office, hesitant to take that step.
He turned around and looked at Ning Nanxue, whose thin figure stood in front of the desk.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Ning Nanxue didn't turn around, her voice was frighteningly calm.
"Tell you what?"
"The elders of the Jiang family have met privately with members of the board of directors, suggesting that cooperation between the Jiang and Fu companies is not in the family's best interests." She turned slowly. "This message was just sent to my phone."
Jiang Tingchen was silent for a few seconds and walked back into the conference room: "Xue'er, things are much more complicated than they seem."
"Complicated? I think it's very simple." Ning Nanxue sneered, "Your family doesn't recognize me, and you choose to hide all this."
"Is now the right time? When I'm under attack from all sides?" Ning Nanxue demanded, "Or are you worried that revealing your identity will make me misunderstand that you have ulterior motives in approaching me?"
Jiang Tingchen clenched his fists: "I have never put the interests of the family above yours."
"But you didn't tell me the truth." Ning Nanxue walked to the window, "Tingchen, I need allies, not a mystery."
"If I reveal my identity now, what do you think the board of directors will think?" Jiang Tingchen stepped closer. "They'll think this is a plot by Huayun Group to take over the Fu family, and you're just a pawn."
Ning Nanxue turned to face him: "Then why did you approach me?"
"Because I can't bear to see you fight everything alone." Jiang Tingchen's tone was unusually excited. "Do you think I don't want to tell the world who I am? But that will make your situation even more difficult."
"You think I'm so fragile?"
"No, I think you're too strong." Jiang Tingchen sighed, "So strong that you'd rather bear everything alone than drag others down."
Ning Nanxue shook her head: "I just don't want to be kept in the dark. Your family is against us, and you have remained silent."
"My family's opposition has nothing to do with you, and has nothing to do with my feelings for you." Jiang Tingchen stepped forward. "They are worried about Huayun's interests, but I care about you."
"Anyone can say nice things." Ning Nanxue smiled bitterly. "How am I supposed to face those directors who have already been persuaded by your family at the board meeting tomorrow?"
"Let the facts speak for themselves," Jiang Tingchen said firmly. "My identity may help you gain temporary trust, but what will truly make you invincible is your ability and the performance of the Fu Group."
"You haven't answered my question yet." Ning Nanxue looked at him directly. "If time could go back, would you choose to tell me your identity from the beginning?"
Jiang Tingchen was silent for a moment: "No."
"Why?"
"Because I want you to see the real me, not the heir to the Jiang Group." Jiang Tingchen said in a low voice, "I would rather you trust me because of who I am, not because of my family background."
Ning Nanxue chuckled: "It's ironic, we are both thinking about each other, but it makes things more complicated."
"Xue'er, I can reveal my identity now if it can help you."
"No, you're right." Ning Nanxue shook her head, "That would only give Fu Chen more reasons to attack me."
"So what do you think we should do?"
"Separate for now." Ning Nanxue said decisively, "At least after the board meeting. I need to face this storm alone."
"Let me stand by your side."
"Not now, Tingchen." Ning Nanxue said firmly, "Your presence will only give them something to question me."
Jiang Tingchen leaned closer: "You pushed me away not because you didn't trust me, but because you cared too much, right?"
"I pushed you away because I didn't want anyone to question our relationship." Ning Nanxue looked up at him, "and I didn't want you to be caught between my family and me."
"I'll take care of the family side." Jiang Tingchen held her hand, "Give me some time."
"When?" Ning Nanxue pulled her hand back. "The board meeting is tomorrow."
"Xue'er, believe me, no matter what happens, I will come back to you." Jiang Tingchen took a step back. "I respect your decision, but please remember that I have never let external pressure waver in my feelings for you."
"I hope so." Ning Nanxue turned to the window. "I'll give you an answer after the board meeting tomorrow."
Jiang Tingchen's footsteps gradually faded away in the empty corridor, and finally disappeared in the sound of the elevator door closing.
Ning Nanxue still stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, the city lights flickering behind her, outlining her slender yet upright figure.
She lowered her eyes and looked at the documents in her hands, her expression tired and solemn.
It was late at night and the company building was almost empty, with only the lights in her office still on.
The ringing of the phone suddenly broke the silence.
"Mr. Ning." Secretary Chen's voice came hurriedly from the other end of the line. "I just found something that might be helpful to you."
"What's the urgent matter?" Ning Nanxue put away the confusion in her heart and her tone returned to her usual calmness.
"Regarding some of Fu Chen's movements." Secretary Chen lowered his voice, "Can I come over and report now?"
"Are you in the company?" Ning Nanxue was a little surprised.
"Yes, I've been organizing the materials for the board."
Ten minutes later, Secretary Chen pushed the door open and walked in, holding a stack of documents and a tablet computer in his hands.
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