Chapter 121: Embarking on the Path of Cunning

Ling Ziheng, thinking that Lin Zhiwei would certainly need to arrange some final details for the evening, pressed the button for the 16th floor to take her back to her residence. As they reached the door, Lin Zhiwei fluttered her large eyes. "Aren't you going to invite me up?"

Ling Ziheng froze, cursing under his breath, "You little rascal." This girl was no longer afraid of him; she had even learned how to provoke him. He lifted her chin, his dark, deep eyes burning with intensity. "Weiwei, you’ve really learned to be naughty."

"Hahaha..." Lin Zhiwei couldn't help but laugh. Teasing her dear was so much fun; his look of being both furious and unable to unleash his anger made her heart race. She leaned in and gently brushed her lips against his. "Alright, I'll stop teasing you. I need to go arrange things for tomorrow night."

Seeing the young girl trying to slip away, Ling Ziheng quickly wrapped an arm around her waist. "Are you sure you want to handle this yourself?"

"Does such a trivial matter really require the boss to step in? I’m more than enough on my own," Lin Zhiwei replied.

"Very well. But if there is even the slightest hint of danger, there won't be a next time." Ling Ziheng’s gaze held a warning. He was willing to let her go, but he feared that this girl would push herself too hard, leaving him to be the one who worried in the end.

"Understood," Lin Zhiwei replied, hugging the stern-faced man back.

They murmured to each other for a moment before parting with lingering reluctance.

The night grew deep. Ye Linyun was currently surrounded by young, attractive men, in a fantastic mood. Thinking of the invitation for tomorrow night, she felt immensely satisfied. It seemed Lin Zhi was a smart person; she assumed that once she deployed her trump cards, he would naturally fall into line.

If he dared to defy her, there were plenty of harsh consequences waiting for him. The things she had prepared were certainly no joke.

Looking at how cautious, prudent, and tactful Lin Zhi usually was, she figured he would be scared out of his wits before she even had to play her masterstroke. Thinking of this, she closed her eyes comfortably, enjoying the impeccable service provided by those around her.

Back home, Lin Zhiwei received a follow-up call from Nan Yu. "Little Lin, I’ve been waiting for you all night! I’m all geared up and ready for a big fight—why haven't you given me any tasks yet?"

"What’s the rush? You won't need to lift a finger for this one," Lin Zhiwei said, sitting cross-legged on the sofa and flipping through a magazine with absolute composure.

"I’ve been monitoring things lately, and Ye Linyun has definitely prepared some tricks. Aren't you going to take precautions?"

"Her preparations won't be of any use tomorrow night. In fact, she’ll have to politely invite me back," Lin Zhiwei answered with absolute certainty.

"You're up to no good again, aren't you?" Nan Yu probed. How did Little Lin’s style suddenly shift toward the devious? She had previously planned to go all out and crush Ye Linyun's arrogance; why the sudden change in strategy?

"I originally thought that since she prepared such a 'grand gift' for me, I couldn't let her down. But then it occurred to me today that my dear has been subjected to that woman’s advances for so long, and I suddenly felt like giving her a taste of her own medicine." Lin Zhiwei gave a wicked smile. *Daring to touch my man—I will never let you off so easily.*

"You... you’re serious about Ling Ziheng?"

"Of course I’m serious."

"You’d better think this through. He is Ling Ziheng, after all," Nan Yu said, gripping the phone tightly, her expression somber.

"Nonsense. He’s Ling Ziheng, not Li Ziheng or Wang Ziheng. Why would I need to think about it?" Lin Zhiwei rolled her eyes.

"We can discuss this question again after tomorrow passes. Are you sure you don't need my Green Dragon Crescent Blade to show off its might tomorrow night?"

"You just keep your Green Dragon Crescent Blade hidden away. The videos I asked you to intercept are all I need," Lin Zhiwei said, shaking her head helplessly. Nan Yu was becoming increasingly fussy, showing signs of early menopause lately.

"Little Lin, you’ve really learned to be bad from Actor Ling. You’re embarking on a path of deviousness."

Lin Zhiwei couldn't care less. "So what? I just realized how time-saving and efficient being devious is. Look at Lin Qiongjiu; isn't he the epitome of a devious mastermind? If you aren't devious, you’re doomed. Why use swords and guns when you can solve things with a little strategy?"

"Oh, oh, oh, listen to you with your theories. You’re truly beyond saving."

"You don't know anything; this is what you call strategy..."

"Fine, fine, fine. Carry on with your master plan, then. I’ll just watch how you get politely invited out tomorrow night."

After hanging up, Nan Yu couldn't help but feel a bit worried. The Lord had replied that no action was needed and that they should just wait and see how things developed. Furthermore, based on Elder Sui's experience, Little Lin’s memories wouldn't recover that quickly. Since she enjoyed the entertainment industry in China, it was fine to let her discover some things for herself.

As for Ling Ziheng... she would talk it over with Little Lin after tomorrow. Right now, they were still lost in their own romantic bubble, so talking more would be useless.

Lin Zhiwei then calmly dialed a number, cleared her throat, and switched to a masculine voice.

"Hello, this is Chairman Zhou’s office. May I ask who is calling?" a sweet female voice came from the other end.

"Apologies for calling so late. Hello, this is Lin Zhi, Director of Ruoyu Studio. I would like to speak with Chairman Zhou regarding a potential collaboration."

The girl on the other end clearly hadn't expected to be speaking with Actor Ling’s director. She replied hesitantly, "Director Lin, I apologize, but Chairman Zhou is currently in an international conference. I will relay the message to him shortly."

"Very well, thank you." Lin Zhiwei hung up, satisfied.

She then proceeded to read a book, apply a face mask, and listen to music, enjoying the quiet night at a leisurely pace.

Two hours later, the phone rang. A calm, steady male voice came through. "Director Lin, a pleasure. I wonder what kind of project you are referring to regarding this collaboration?"

*Heh, it worked.* As soon as the word "collaboration" was mentioned, the old fox Zhou Munian took the bait.

"Chairman Zhou, you are too kind. The collaboration I have in mind might differ slightly from your understanding. Perhaps you could check your private email? I have shared a video with you. I hope you will give me a satisfactory reply after watching it," Lin Zhiwei said softly, hanging up before the other party could respond.

Although she had delivered her lines with fluid ease, she still felt a flicker of apprehension. Lin Zhiwei gripped her teacup tightly, patiently waiting for the phone to ring again.

Half an hour later...

"Director Lin, I wonder what you meant by sending this? If you are trying to threaten me, then let me tell you, I am no pushover. You know my influence and status in this circle," Zhou Munian’s voice carried a chill.