Lin Yu hung up the phone, Jiang Chen's nonchalant words "a simple task" still echoing in her ears, carrying an unmistakable hint of arrogance.
"Ha, this man really knows how to put on a show," Lin Yu scoffed, rolling her eyes. However, the heavy stone that had been weighing on her heart finally fell away.
Inverse Light cheered in her mind like a child who had just won the lottery: "Host, host, I told you it was Jiang Chen! I knew it all along! He must have a crush on you; otherwise, why would he help you so much?"
Lin Yu helplessly rolled her eyes again. The system was great in many ways, but its thought process was a bit off: "Stop guessing. A person like him only sees profit; how could he possibly have a crush on me? You're overthinking it."
"Why not?" Inverse Light's voice brimmed with defiance. "Think about it! He helped you with such a big favor but acted like it was none of his business, saying 'a simple task.' Isn't that the definition of tsundere? He talks tough but is actually kind-hearted—just like him!"
Lin Yu couldn't be bothered to argue. She admitted she wasn't capable of deciphering Jiang Chen's thoughts. That guy was like a fog, impossible to see through or grasp.
What mattered most right now was that the company's crisis had been temporarily averted. With this influx of funds, it was like rain after a long drought; the company that had been on the brink of collapse was revitalized. She could finally roll up her sleeves and fight back hard against those who were scheming behind her back.
"Jiang Chen, we'll see about this. This time, I won't lose to you," Lin Yu vowed silently, a glimmer of determination flashing in her eyes as if flames were igniting within.
The next day, following Jiang Chen's advice, Lin Yu boldly adjusted the company's market strategy. She called an all-staff meeting and personally took the stage to passionately outline the new strategic direction. The employees were invigorated, as if they could see a bright future for the company.
The results were surprisingly good; the company's stock price began to rise rapidly as if it had taken off in a rocket. The cash flow gradually stabilized, and the previously tense financial situation saw significant relief.
Lin Yu couldn't help but admire Jiang Chen's business acumen; he truly had skills. To pinpoint the core issue and propose practical solutions in such a short time was no small feat.
However, cooperation aside, she knew she had to remain vigilant. Lin Yu understood very well that Jiang Chen wouldn't help her without reason. He must have his own motives for doing so.
In this treacherous business war, there are no eternal friends—only eternal interests. She had to keep a clear head at all times to remain invincible.
A few days later, Jiang Chen invited Lin Yu to meet him for an important discussion. The location was chosen at an upscale private club known for its serene environment and excellent privacy.
Lin Yu arrived as scheduled and pushed open the door to the private room, finding Jiang Chen already waiting for her. Today he wore a well-tailored suit that made him look exceptionally handsome and charismatic.
"President Lin, long time no see," Jiang Chen stood up with a smile, his voice deep and magnetic.
"President Jiang, it's good to see you well," Lin Yu replied with a formal smile, exuding the demeanor of a strong woman.
The two took their seats, and the waiter brought over two glasses of red wine before quietly retreating.
Jiang Chen lifted his glass, gently swirling the deep crimson liquid that clung to the sides of the glass. "President Lin, may this cooperation be pleasant."
Lin Yu raised her glass as well, clinking it lightly against his. "President Jiang, likewise."
They exchanged smiles, but their eyes held a hint of scrutiny, like two foxes sizing each other up, each wanting to see through the other's thoughts.
"President Lin, regarding our common enemy..." Jiang Chen set down his glass and began to address the matter at hand, leaning slightly forward with a serious expression.
"President Jiang, I know what you want to say," Lin Yu interrupted. She preferred to be direct. "Cooperation is possible, but we must establish a clear plan with defined roles and responsibilities."
"Of course," Jiang Chen nodded in agreement. "Knowing ourselves and our enemy ensures victory in every battle. We must understand each other's strengths and weaknesses to formulate an effective counter-strategy."
As the conversation progressed, they began discussing how to deal with their mutual adversary. Lin Yu proposed an audacious plan, suggesting they take the initiative and catch their opponent off guard. Jiang Chen concurred but emphasized the need for caution, advocating for a more measured approach.
Their dialogue became a back-and-forth exchange of sharp words and opinions, neither yielding ground. The atmosphere grew tense, charged with an undercurrent of conflict.
At that moment, a waiter approached with a tray to refill their glasses. Unexpectedly, he slipped and lost his balance; the wine glasses flew from the tray and splashed directly onto Lin Yu's dress.
"Oh no! I'm so sorry!" The waiter exclaimed in panic, his face pale as he hurriedly apologized, his voice trembling.
Lin Yu looked down at her new white dress now marred by a large stain of red wine resembling a blooming rose—a glaring sight. She frowned, ready to unleash her anger when Jiang Chen handed her a handkerchief with genuine concern. "Are you alright?"
His tone was gentle, and there was a glimmer of care in his eyes that dissipated Lin Yu's rising fury like a spring breeze.
Lin Yu paused for a moment before accepting the handkerchief. "Thank you," she murmured.
As she dabbed at the stain on her dress, a ripple of emotion stirred within her. This man was truly enigmatic; sometimes cold and ruthless, yet at other times tender and considerate. Which version of him was the real one?
“Jiang Chen, should I suspect that all your kindness towards me is just for that final strike?” Lin Yu suddenly spoke, her voice laced with a hint of probing and doubt.
A complex emotion flickered in Jiang Chen's eyes, a mix of surprise and helplessness, but he quickly regained his composure, a meaningful smile curling at the corners of his mouth. “Lin Yu, this game has only just begun. Who will emerge victorious is still uncertain. You’re clever enough to understand that in this world, there are no eternal enemies or friends, only eternal interests.”
His voice was deep and magnetic, like a cello playing a mysterious melody. Lin Yu found herself momentarily entranced by his profound gaze.
The collaboration between Lin Yu and Jiang Chen felt like dancing on a tightrope, each step fraught with danger and challenge. They had to confront external enemies while remaining vigilant against each other. It was akin to licking blood from the edge of a blade—both thrilling and perilous.
“Jiang Chen, what do you think are the chances of our plan succeeding?” Lin Yu raised her glass and took a delicate sip, her eyes shimmering with complex emotions.
“Fifty-fifty,” Jiang Chen leaned back in his chair, relaxed in posture but with an unusually sharp gaze. “Our opponents are no pushovers. Their ability to stand strong in the market for so many years speaks volumes about their capabilities.”
“Then why do you still dare to collaborate with me?” Lin Yu raised an eyebrow, her tone slightly provocative. “Aren't you afraid I might stab you in the back?”
“Of course I’m afraid,” Jiang Chen chuckled, a playful glint in his smile. “But compared to being taken down by someone else, I’d rather partner with you, this ‘dangerous element.’ At least you’re a straightforward opponent.”
“Oh? So I should thank you for your ‘trust’ then?” Lin Yu retorted.
“No need for thanks; just don’t forget our agreement,” Jiang Chen's gaze deepened. “Lin Yu, I hope you understand that our collaboration is built on mutual interests. Once that foundation crumbles, so does our partnership.”
“I understand perfectly,” Lin Yu nodded. “Jiang Chen, rest assured; I’m someone who keeps my word. As long as you don’t betray me, I won’t betray you either.”
“Good to hear.” Jiang Chen lifted his glass in a toast to Lin Yu. “To our partnership—cheers.”
“Cheers.” Lin Yu clinked her glass against his, the crisp sound echoing in the air.
They drank deeply, their eyes locking in a spark of connection. In that moment, they were allies as well as rivals. The road ahead was filled with uncertainty and variables. Yet regardless of what lay ahead, they had to move forward together to survive in this ruthless business world.
“Lin Yu, have you ever thought about what it would be like if we were friends instead of rivals?” Jiang Chen suddenly broke the silence.
Lin Yu paused for a moment before laughing lightly. “Jiang Chen, that question of yours is quite naive. In this world, there are no ‘what ifs.’ We are destined to be rivals; it’s an unchangeable fact.”
“Maybe,” Jiang Chen replied with a noncommittal smile. “But I still look forward to the day when we can truly become friends.”
“That day will come,” Lin Yu said, looking into Jiang Chen's eyes, enunciating each word carefully. “But not now.”
Jiang Chen nodded, choosing not to speak further. He understood that Lin Yu was right. There were still too many entanglements of interest between them for them to become true friends.
“Jiang Chen, what should we do next?” Lin Yu redirected the conversation back to business.
“Wait,” Jiang Chen replied with a single word.
“Wait?” Lin Yu frowned. “Wait for what?”
“Wait for an opportunity,” Jiang Chen's gaze deepened. “An opportunity to completely defeat our opponent.”
Lin Yu looked at Jiang Chen, filled with confusion. She didn’t know what he was waiting for, but she trusted that he had his own plan.
“Alright, I’ll wait for you,” Lin Yu ultimately chose to believe in Jiang Chen.
“Lin Yu, should I suspect that all your kindness towards me is just for that final strike?” A complex emotion flickered in Jiang Chen's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
“Jiang Chen, this game has just begun. Who will prevail is still uncertain.” Lin Yu's voice was soft yet carried an undeniable firmness.
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