Chapter Eight: Trust

As soon as those words were spoken, everyone present was stunned. The first to react was Shu Jinghan, who joyfully took Lin Peishi’s arm and said, “Peishi, did you hear that? I told you, my brother has always thought you were talented.”

“Ah? Is that so?”

“Are you reconsidering now, Miss Lin?” Shu Yiming cut off Lin Peishi’s retreat, making it impossible for her to back out without embarrassing herself.

Lin Peishi laughed lightly. Though she felt uncertain inside, she had nothing further to say for the moment. Lin Peishi was an extremely intelligent and rational person. This happiness didn’t cloud her judgment; instead, it made her ponder deeply.

What exactly did Shu Yiming want? Such trust in her—was he not worried she might do something untoward? They hadn’t interacted much, aside from knowing Shu Jinghan. Why this faith?

…

When Shu Yiming returned home, he hadn’t even stepped inside before he heard voices coming from within. He paused at the threshold to listen and realized it was Wu Jun speaking.

He and Wu Jun had once been so close they could share a pair of trousers. After his family’s troubles, Wu Jun had stayed by his side, and their bond grew even stronger—so much so that Shu Yiming had given Wu Jun a key to his house.

“Aunt Zhang, do you think Ming is still feeling down? I was thinking of taking him on a trip to clear his mind, so he doesn’t dwell on unpleasant things all day,” Wu Jun mused.

In the past, whatever Wu Jun suggested, Shu Yiming would agree without hesitation. Yet yesterday, Shu Yiming had refused a proposal for the first time.

Aunt Zhang chuckled, trusting Wu Jun. “He’s much better, I think! Yesterday, he was chatting away with Jinghan, so happy, the two of them.”

“Oh? Really? What made them so cheerful?” Wu Jun asked curiously.

“I heard he’s hiring a girl named Peishi. Maybe our Ming is falling in love! I’ve never seen him so happy in all these years,” Aunt Zhang said, genuinely pleased.

“Oh? That’s good, then.” So that’s it? It seems my plans will need to change—I’ll have to deal with that woman first.

Wu Jun exchanged a few polite words and then turned to leave.

Outside, Shu Yiming immediately ducked behind the stone lion at the entrance, pretending he had never arrived. Wu Jun, not expecting anyone to be there, muttered as he left, “Damn it, why is there suddenly a woman? No, I have to find a way to fix this. Shu Yiming can only be close to me; otherwise, he’ll stop listening!”

Hearing this, Shu Yiming’s eyes reddened as he hid. He knew Wu Jun was no good—he’d been deceived terribly in his past life. Yet their years of friendship and Wu Jun’s companionship were real. Experiencing such betrayal again stirred him deeply.

After a moment, Shu Yiming wiped his eyes, took a deep breath, and regained his composure. In his previous life, he cared too much about others’ feelings, always sacrificing himself to please them, believing that was the way to be loved.

This time, Shu Yiming understood: only when you love and protect yourself first, can you safeguard those you love and your family.

With this thought, Shu Yiming immediately dialed Ouyang Zhuo.

“Hey, man, look at you now—pretty impressive!” Ouyang Zhuo had been following the events all day, shocked at his classmate’s transformation.

“Well, we all have to grow up sometime. By the way, I need a favor.”

“What is it?”

“I need you to protect a girl. Something might happen soon, especially involving someone named Wu Jun. If you could get evidence, I want him to pay.” Shu Yiming clenched his fists tightly.

If someone treats me well, I’ll repay them tenfold. If they want me dead, then I’ll make them suffer even more!

“Alright, don’t worry, I’ll do my best. By the way, where’s Jinghan—has she come home yet?” Ouyang Zhuo’s tone softened, a spark of interest clear.

Shu Yiming, wiser in this life, understood immediately and chuckled, “She’s asleep. Enough talk, next time I’ll take you both out for dinner.”

“Great, I’ll start checking things out right away!” Ouyang Zhuo was energized, hanging up with a smile, already imagining dining with Jinghan.

…

Early the next morning, Shu Yiming arrived at the company before anyone else. Today, Lin Peishi was coming, and Shu Yiming had arranged for the staff to decorate and hold a grand welcoming ceremony for her new appointment.

Just after eight o’clock, Lin Peishi arrived. Seeing the formal occasion before her, she felt even more bewildered.

Could it be he’s fallen for me?

Her heart was a jumble of emotions, unable to rejoice. The smarter a woman is, the more she wants to prove herself through her abilities, relishing control—especially in matters of the heart, she fears being in such a passive position.

Shu Yiming didn’t notice her thoughts; he had no intention of pursuing her. The company was unstable, rivals were eyeing it, and romance was the last thing on his mind.

The ceremony was merely to signal to everyone that Lin Peishi was one of his own—no one should look down on or bully her.

After the formalities, Lin Peishi saw Shu Yiming’s businesslike demeanor and felt relieved, though a faint disappointment lingered, like a prophet whose prediction has suddenly failed—Shu Yiming was beyond her control.

Zhang Hai had once ruled the company with an iron fist, but his sudden downfall left many unresolved issues, and gaps abounded.

Lin Peishi was shocked as she began to investigate—she’d never imagined so many at the company harbored ulterior motives.

In short, they all took Shu Yiming for a fool.

Shu Yiming knew there must be problems, but when he saw the materials Lin Peishi handed over, he was utterly stunned.

More than half the senior staff were Zhang Hai’s cronies. The rest acted on their own agendas, each plotting for themselves. Few genuinely cared for the company.

Even with prior warnings, seeing the facts left him speechless.

“Mr. Shu, look—if these are handed over, they could be prosecuted,” Lin Peishi said, unafraid, only worried Shu Yiming might hesitate.

“Send them over! Right now! But we’ll do it another way,” Shu Yiming replied, eyes narrowed in a smile…