The days after Wang Sheng's downfall were busy and filled with change. The Qin Group's collapse shook the business world. With Wang Sheng removed, many of his former allies rushed to cut ties, hoping to protect themselves from the investigation. Meanwhile, Zi Ning's position grew stronger. The Zi Corporation's reputation soared, and many old partners returned, eager to work with her again.
In her office, Zi Ning reviewed the latest reports. Everything was going as planned, but she knew better than to relax. There were still hidden dangers, and she couldn't afford to lower her guard.
A soft knock on the door broke her focus. "Come in," she said without looking up.
Lu Yichen entered, his tall figure casting a shadow across the room. "You're working late again," he said, his voice calm but firm.
Zi Ning smiled faintly. "There's still a lot to do. I can't let my guard down yet."
He walked to her desk, leaning against the edge as he studied her face. "Wang Sheng is finished. His power is broken, and the Qin Group won't recover under his leadership. You've already won, Zi Ning."
She sighed softly, setting down her pen. "It doesn't feel like victory yet. I know men like him. He won't accept defeat quietly. He'll try to strike back, even if he has nothing left to lose."
Lu Yichen's expression darkened. "If he tries, he'll regret it." His voice held a cold edge, a reminder of how dangerous he could be when protecting someone he cared about.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the weight of the past few weeks lifted. With him by her side, the burden felt lighter.
"You should rest," he said gently. "You've done more than enough today."
Zi Ning hesitated but finally nodded. "Alright. I'll finish this tomorrow."
As she stood, he reached out, his fingers brushing against hers. The warmth of his touch sent a quiet shiver through her, but she didn't pull away.
"I'll take you home," he offered.
The night air was crisp as they stepped out of the Zi Corporation's headquarters. Lu Yichen's sleek black car waited at the curb, his driver already holding the door open.
Inside, the atmosphere was quiet and intimate. The faint scent of leather filled the space, and the city lights blurred past the tinted windows.
Zi Ning leaned back against the seat, allowing herself to relax for the first time in days. "It's strange," she murmured, "to finally have the upper hand after so long."
Lu Yichen turned his gaze to her, his dark eyes unreadable. "You deserve it," he said simply. "You fought for it."
His words stirred something deep within her. For years, she had struggled alone, pushing through every obstacle without anyone to rely on. Now, for the first time, someone stood beside her—someone who understood her battle and didn't try to control her.
She glanced at him, her heart beating faster. "Why are you helping me, Lu Yichen?" The question slipped out before she could stop it.
For a moment, he didn't answer. The only sound was the soft hum of the engine.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and serious. "Because I know what it's like to be betrayed. I know how it feels to be trapped by people who only want to use you." He paused, his jaw tightening slightly. "And because… I don't want to see you fight alone anymore."
His honesty caught her off guard. In the business world, people rarely revealed their true intentions. But Lu Yichen had always been different.
"Thank you," she said softly.
His lips curved into a faint smile. "You don't need to thank me. Just… trust me."
Trust. It was a dangerous word, one she had learned to be careful with. But as she looked into his eyes, she realized that maybe—just maybe—she could trust him.
The next morning, Wang Sheng's disgrace dominated the headlines. Every major newspaper reported on his crimes, and the authorities had frozen his personal assets. Rumors swirled that he was under investigation for embezzlement and fraud.
In a quiet café on the city's outskirts, a woman in a tailored black dress scrolled through the news on her phone. Her manicured nails tapped against the screen as she read the reports.
"So, the mighty Wang Sheng finally fell," she murmured to herself, a cruel smile tugging at her lips.
The man across from her sipped his coffee, his expression unreadable. "Zi Ning is more dangerous than we thought. She didn't just defend herself—she destroyed him completely."
The woman's smile sharpened. "That only makes her a bigger target. And now that Wang Sheng is gone, she's exposed."
The man set down his cup. "Are you sure you want to do this? Lu Yichen isn't someone to provoke lightly."
Her eyes flashed with cold ambition. "I don't care about Lu Yichen. Zi Ning has humiliated too many people, and she thinks she's untouchable. It's time someone taught her a lesson."
The man leaned back, a calculating look in his eyes. "Then let the games begin."
At the Zi family estate, Zi Ning stood in the garden, watching the koi fish swim beneath the surface of a stone pond. The morning sun cast golden light across the water, but her mind was elsewhere.
Despite her victory, a feeling of unease lingered. She knew her enemies wouldn't stay quiet for long.
A soft breeze stirred the air as Lu Yichen's voice broke the silence. "You're thinking too much again."
She turned to find him standing behind her, his hands tucked into the pockets of his tailored coat.
"It's a habit," she admitted. "I can't afford to be careless."
He stepped closer, his gaze steady. "You're not alone in this anymore, Zi Ning. If anyone tries to harm you, they'll have to go through me first."
His words should have reassured her—but instead, they made her heart ache. For so long, she had relied on herself. Letting someone else share the burden felt unfamiliar.
"I'm not used to depending on others," she confessed.
Lu Yichen's expression softened. "Then let this be the first time."
For a long moment, they stood in silence, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging between them.
Finally, Zi Ning spoke again, her voice quieter. "I'll try."
A hint of satisfaction touched his lips. "That's enough for now."