Chapter Four: Lin Peishi

“How did it go? Did you get it?” He couldn’t wait to ask the moment the call connected.

“I didn’t let you down.”

Ouyang Zhuo’s voice sounded weary. “I found that Zhang Hai had a transaction of half a million today from his bank card, paid to a petty thug.”

“That thug is a subordinate of a friend of mine. I had him interrogated, and he confessed. He set the fire, and the money was his reward. I have the video; I’ll send it to you shortly.”

“Also, there was a deposit of three million. The remitter is named Mo Shan. I checked—Mo Shan is the accountant at Yonghui Trading Company. I’ve sent all the detailed information to your phone.”

Shu Yiming frowned. “Yonghui Trading? Isn’t that the company we’re partnering with? I see now—it was a joint plot. They set the fire to prevent us from delivering on time, so we’d have to pay them double the compensation.”

“They know I don’t have that much money. When the time comes, Zhang Hai will step in to remove me as chairman and take over himself. What a devious plan!”

“Thanks to you, otherwise I’d really be finished. Now that we have this evidence, not only can I bring Zhang Hai down, but even Yonghui Trading won’t escape responsibility!”

“We’re brothers—no need for pleasantries. Leave the rest to you. I’m exhausted. I’m going to sleep!”

“All right, get some rest.” Shu Yiming hung up the phone, too excited to contain himself.

After a moment’s thought, he called his secretary. “Sister Qin, send out a notice: shareholder meeting at 3 p.m. tomorrow.”

“Yes, Chairman.” Qin Yue agreed without question.

Early the next morning, Sun Qianqian arrived, looking a bit aggrieved. “Yiming, you recovered from your illness—why didn’t you tell me? I came to see you yesterday, but you weren’t home, and you didn’t answer your phone.”

Shu Yiming smiled faintly. “I’m sorry, Qianqian. These days I’ve had a mountain of work at the company. I really had neither the time nor the energy—my fault.”

“I know, I’m not the unreasonable type. Can’t I even complain a little?” Sun Qianqian pouted slightly, her face radiating such charm that it was hard not to feel sorry for her.

But inwardly, Shu Yiming couldn’t help but sneer: If I didn’t know your true colors, I really might have been fooled by that face.

“All right, Qianqian, I truly am sorry. Once I’m done with this busy period, I’ll make it up to you, I promise. I have things to deal with right now. Go back to school and be good.”

“Okay, but when you’re free you have to come see me. I’ll be waiting.” With that, Sun Qianqian left.

Shu Jinghan came out and said, “Brother, I can feel it—you’ve been very cold toward Sister Qian and Brother Jun lately.”

“Jinghan, I stand by what I said: people can be treacherous. Never trust others too easily. It’s getting late; let’s head to Serenity Café.”

“Seriously, brother? It’s only eight o’clock!”

“We’re the ones asking for a favor. We should show some respect—what if she arrives early? We can’t have her waiting for us.”

Shu Jinghan stuck out her tongue and nodded.

Shu Yiming took Shu Jinghan to Serenity Café well ahead of time, where they waited quietly.

At a quarter past nine, a woman in a white off-the-shoulder gown walked in. She was elegant and serene, pure as flawless jade, ethereal as a fairy, leaving Shu Yiming momentarily entranced.

“Sister Peishi, over here!” Shu Jinghan waved excitedly when she saw her.

Hearing her voice, Lin Peishi smiled and walked over.

Snapping out of his daze, Shu Yiming quickly stood and extended his hand politely. “Miss Lin, I’m Shu Yiming, Jinghan’s brother. Thank you for taking such good care of her.”

Lin Peishi smiled gently. “You’re too courteous, Mr. Shu. Jinghan and I get along well—it’s only natural. I’m a straightforward person, so let’s be frank.”

“Jinghan has told me everything. To be honest, I was against it at first—you probably know my family background. I don’t lack for work or money.”

“And frankly, the idea of working for a ‘little brother’ is rather unappealing. But I couldn’t say no to Jinghan’s persistent pleading, so I agreed to meet you.”

“My position is this: if you want me to help, you’ll have to give me a reason that convinces me.”

With that, she fixed her gaze on Shu Yiming.

Shu Yiming was taken aback. He hadn’t expected someone so gentle in appearance to be so direct in temperament.

“Miss Lin, to be honest, I haven’t thought about what reason to use to convince you. But since you asked, let me share my thoughts.”

“I’m indeed young. If not for my parents’ accident, I’d still be carefree at university, pursuing work I love.”

“But things have changed. My sister is still young, and I must shoulder the family’s burden—that’s my responsibility.”

“As for the company, I’m an outsider in business, but it’s the legacy my parents toiled to build. I have to protect it—not just protect it, but help it grow.”

“I hope to see the company flourish under my leadership, to make it something others look up to.”

“I hope you’ll join me in achieving this dream. People like us share a common flaw: we don’t want to live under our family’s shadow.”

“So I hope you’ll give yourself a chance, and me a chance, to build a business empire together.”

“Oh? That’s an ambitious goal. But as I understand it, your company’s current crisis is still unresolved. Don’t get ahead of yourself, little brother, or you might trip over your own tongue.”

“As for the company’s current predicament, you needn’t worry. I’ll handle it. All I need now is your answer,” Shu Yiming replied confidently.

“Sister Peishi, trust my brother. He can do it,” Shu Jinghan added.

Lin Peishi thought for a moment. “How about this: I’ll make you a bet. If you can resolve your company’s current crisis, I’ll consider becoming your deputy.”

Shu Yiming corrected her, “Not deputy, but partner, Sister Shi!”

“All right, I’ll wait for your good news, little brother!”

After parting ways with Lin Peishi, Shu Yiming took Shu Jinghan home, gave a few brief instructions to his sisters, and headed to the company.

The moment he walked in, he sensed a heavy, stifling atmosphere.

“Good morning, Chairman.”

On his way to the elevator, even the greetings from employees were listless.

He nodded and went straight to his office.

There, Qin Yue, dressed in a simple black business suit, stood waiting outside his door. When she saw him, she averted her eyes and lowered her head. “Chairman, I…”

“Sister Qin, you’re a company veteran. Just say what’s on your mind.”

“I’m sorry. I know it’s wrong to make this request at such a time, especially to the late chairman, but…”