I stood in the hospital corridor, the cold air slicing through me like a sharp blade, piercing deep into my bones.
Father's condition had finally stabilized, but the road ahead still stretched out endlessly, with no end in sight.
"Lanqing, you should go back and rest," Li Zenan's voice suddenly came from behind me, laced with a hint of feigned concern.
I turned to face him, looking at his handsome yet nauseating face, a bitter taste rising in my heart.
"I'm fine," I replied flatly, a subtle chill hidden in my tone. "How's everything at the company?"
Li Zenan frowned slightly, adopting a worried expression. "Everything has been arranged; you don't need to worry."
I let out a light laugh, filled with sarcasm. "Oh really? Then I should thank you properly."
The fool seemed oblivious to the irony in my words as he reached out to pull me closer. "Lanqing, you look really tired..."
I deftly evaded his grasp, feeling a wave of disgust wash over me. "I'm going to see Dad."
Pushing open the ward door, I nearly burst into laughter at the scene before me. Lin Wanyi was sitting by the bed, obediently peeling an apple for Father, looking every bit the dutiful daughter.
"Sis, you're here," she looked up, a flicker of barely concealed hostility flashing in her eyes.
I coldly nodded and approached the bed. "Dad, are you feeling any better?"
Father weakly opened his eyes and hoarsely said, "Lanqing... the company..."
I held his hand, suppressing the bitterness in my heart. "Dad, don't worry. I'll handle it."
Lin Wanyi interjected from the side, her voice overly sweet, "Sister, you're not very familiar with the company's matters, are you? Do you want me to help?"
I shot her a cold glance, my eyes sharp enough to kill. "No need for your concern."
Turning away from the hospital room, I took out my phone and dialed a number.
"Xie Chi, I need your help."
A deep male voice came through the line. "Wanqing, go ahead."
"I need to investigate the recent cash flow of the Lin, especially that new project." I lowered my voice, afraid of being overheard.
"Got it. I'll get back to you as soon as possible." There was a hint of worry in Xie Chi's voice. "Wanqing, be careful."
"I know."
After hanging up, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.
Memories from my past life surged like a tide. After my father's death, Li Zenan and Lin Wanyi—the two cunning vixens—joined forces to seize control of the Lin.
Manipulating stock prices and embezzling funds, they turned the Lin into their personal ATM.
And I had become a homeless pawn.
In this life, I would never repeat the same mistakes.
"Lost in thought?" Li Zenan's voice startled me, nearly making me jump.
I forced a smile, " Zenan, you've really worked hard for the company."
He looked at me tenderly, his eyes filled with insincerity. "It's nothing. Don't worry, Wan Qing, I'll take care of everything for you."
I pretended to be touched and nodded, but inside I was feeling nauseous. "Thank you, Zenan. I really don't know what I would do without you."
The arrogant man seemed pleased, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. "Silly girl, I'll always be by your side."
I suppressed the urge to push him away and leaned gently against him, while secretly plotting how to make this scumbag pay.
" Zenan, about that new project..." I deliberately trailed off, letting a hint of confusion show in my eyes.
Li Zenan's body stiffened slightly, and I felt his fingers tremble. "What's wrong?"
I looked up at him with an innocent expression. "It's nothing, just feels a bit strange. The investment amount seems a bit high?"
His gaze flickered for a moment before returning to normal. "Don't worry, I've done a thorough assessment. This project has great potential; trust me."
I nodded obediently, "That's good. With you around, I feel at ease."
At the end of the corridor, Lin Wanyi's figure flashed by.
I squinted, a plan forming in my mind.
" Zenan," I said softly, "it seems like Wanyi has been struggling lately. Could you look out for her a bit more?"
Li Zenan clearly froze for a moment. "What... what did you say?"
I sighed, "I know that my relationship with Wanyi hasn't been great. But now that Dad is sick, we should unite. Look at her; she's been working so hard for the company..."
Li Zenan's expression grew complicated. "Wan Qing, you've changed."
I forced a bitter smile. "Maybe so. People always grow, don't they?"
He looked at me deeply. "You're right. I will take better care of Wanyi."
I nodded slightly. "Thank you, Zenan. By the way, it seems like Wanyi is really interested in that new project. You could involve her more."
Li Zenan's expression became somewhat strange. "That... might not be a good idea."
I feigned surprise. "Why? Is there something wrong with this project?"
He shook his head hurriedly, "No, no. I just think Wanyi lacks experience..."
I smiled, "It's okay. It's a good opportunity for her to gain some. Besides, with you around, what could possibly go wrong?"
Li Zenan fell silent for a moment before finally nodding, "Alright, I'll consider it."
I couldn't help but smirk inwardly. Weren't they trying to team up against me? Well, I would play along.
"Late Qing, you've really changed," Li Zenan suddenly said, his tone carrying an emotion I couldn't quite understand.
I looked up at him, deliberately putting on an innocent smile. "Really? I just want everyone to be better."
He stared at me intently, as if trying to read something from my face.
I let him look while my mind raced with calculations.
Three seconds... two seconds... one second...
" Zenan!" Lin Wanyi's voice suddenly rang out, "There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere."
I quickly wriggled out of Li Zenan's embrace and pretended to fuss over my clothes in a flustered manner.
Lin Wanyi's gaze darted back and forth between me and Li Zenan, a hint of jealousy flashing in her eyes.
" Wanyi," I said gently, "just in time. I was just talking to Zenan, hoping he could involve you more in the new project."
Lin Wanyi looked visibly stunned. "What?"
I stepped closer and took her hand. "We should stand united, shouldn't we? Dad is sick, and the company needs all of our efforts."
Lin Wanyi looked at me with skepticism. "Sister, you..."
I offered a sincere smile. "Let's leave the past behind. Let's start anew, okay?"
Lin Wanyi opened her mouth as if to say something but ultimately just nodded.
I released her hand and turned to Li Zenan. " Zenan, I'll leave the new project in your hands."
With that, I turned to leave, a cold smile curling at the corners of my mouth.
Li Zenan, Lin Wanyi, do you think I'm still that naive girl who can be easily deceived?
In this life, I will make you pay.
I took out my phone and sent a message to Xie Chi: "Are you ready? It's time to stir up a storm."
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