Chapter 75: Clearly, You Care Deeply

Lin Zhiwei drove the car back to the repair shop, exchanged a few words with Hu, and confiscated all his cigarettes, even those hidden away, before heading home. Now that Yin Mier had found a new place to stay, she didn’t need to hide at Ling Ziheng’s anymore. Back at her apartment, she grabbed a bottle of ice-cold cola as usual, enjoying it with relish while calling out for Nan Yu.

“Moshi moshi, Little Lin, aha! I knew you went racing, didn’t you? Luckily, I had my remote aerial drone ready and filmed your heroic moment—impressive, right? Super impressive!” Nan Yu launched into his monologue even before Lin Zhiwei could get a word in.

“Did you get footage of Chu Chuo?” she asked.

“Of course! I’m a very professional stalker,” Nan Yu boasted, then paused, realizing something. “Wait, why do I sound so creepy?”

Lin Zhiwei nodded, “Good. I’m glad you caught it on camera this time.”

“What’s up? I was just about to ask you—what did that psycho want with you? Even though I used night vision, I was too far away to hear a word you two said,” Nan Yu pried, gossiping as he made himself some milk tea.

“It was nothing important. He just wants to stir up a bit of trouble for me,” Lin Zhiwei replied.

“So generous of him. He and Ye Linyun are partners in crime, but judging by how he treats you, it doesn’t seem like he wants to push you to the brink,” Nan Yu said, puzzled. He couldn’t understand why the conversation between those two had been so peaceful; wasn’t it more efficient to just send some men in black to tie her up and drag her away?

Lin Zhiwei considered for a moment. “Do you think he’s like you? Winning without a fight saves a lot of effort.”

“I don’t get it,” Nan Yu shook his head vigorously. He hadn’t read much, after all—other than coding and hacking, there was little he understood.

Lin Zhiwei rolled her eyes and explained, “It means it would be much easier for him if I backed off without a fuss. He knows I have Lin Qiongjiu supporting me, and making a move against me wouldn’t do him any good.”

“So if that’s the case, why are you so anxious to call me?”

“Do you think Chu Chuo won’t record anything? If he sends some clips to Ling Ziheng, it’ll be impossible to explain later,” Lin Zhiwei said, rubbing her forehead in exasperation. How could this guy be so dense?

“Got it!” Nan Yu shouted. “You’re afraid Ling Ziheng will get jealous!” He swayed back and forth, nearly moved to tears by his own cleverness—only he could come up with such a theory.

Lin Zhiwei lowered her head. She’d hoped, just for a moment, that Nan Yu might actually be sharp for once. All in vain.

She was sure now—they were simply not on the same wavelength.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? That means you agree! You like him, don’t you? Pei Xi told me—your man went on a rampage at the office today and only calmed down because of you… Did you two end up alone together and do something you can’t tell anyone?”

“Wait a second.” Lin Zhiwei cut him off. “Why are you and Pei Xi so chummy now?”

“Uh…” Nan Yu’s eyes darted around. He wanted to smack himself—why did he have to sell Pei Xi out? Stupid mouth. “It’s just a bit of polite communication between heads of departments.”

“Get lost, Nan Yu! Did you sell me out again?” Lin Zhiwei’s voice was sharp.

“Innocent! I swear! He tempted me with a week’s supply of milk tea first. All I did was tell him where you were, nothing else,” Nan Yu protested, holding up his finger in innocence. Lin Zhiwei couldn’t see his pitiful expression, but he made sure his voice sounded sincere enough.

Lin Zhiwei couldn’t be bothered to argue with him. At this point, all Chu Chuo could do was disgust them with a few videos or photos. If there was any real trouble to be made, he’d definitely push Ye Linyun to play the executioner.

“Hey, Little Lin, don’t ignore me—I’m sorry! Are you still there, Little Lin… Little Lin!”

His incessant shouting was giving Lin Zhiwei a headache. “I’m alive,” she replied.

“Oh no, Little Lin! Pei Xi just messaged me for help—he says the video has been sent, and Ling Ziheng looks furious… Damn, you were right! With Ling Ziheng’s bottled-up personality, he’s probably about to explode… Poor Pei Xi is in for a tough time…” Nan Yu rambled on.

Lin Zhiwei’s eyes widened. She didn’t have time to think about anything else. She hung up, grabbed her car keys, and dashed downstairs.

Nan Yu heard the call disconnect almost instantly and burst out laughing. Oh, Little Lin, you’re such an easy mark! Claim you don’t care, but it’s obvious you do—a little test, and you fall for it right away.

Lin Zhiwei sped all the way to the headquarters of the Ling Corporation, pulling up outside and quickly calling Pei Xi. After a while, Pei Xi answered in a soft voice:

“Director Lin?”

“Manager Pei, is Ziheng still in a meeting?”

Pei Xi was startled by Lin Zhiwei’s anxious tone, completely confused. “Yes, is something wrong?”

“How’s his mood?” Lin Zhiwei probed.

Pei Xi thought for a moment. “It wasn’t great this afternoon. Now… it’s okay.”

Lin Zhiwei instantly realized that Nan Yu had played her for a fool. That damn Nan Yu! She’d deal with him later…

Pei Xi sensed Lin Zhiwei’s silence and guessed at the situation. He hesitated and then offered, “Director Lin, why don’t you come upstairs for a bit? The master hasn’t eaten dinner yet. If this goes on, he’ll be fine, but the other department heads won’t survive.”

“All right,” Lin Zhiwei agreed.

Pei Xi, hearing her relent, quickly added, “I’ll come down to meet you.”

He couldn’t entirely guess why she was in such a hurry, but it was just in time. The meeting, which had started at eight, had already dragged on for an hour and a half. Heaven only knew how they’d managed to last this long.

Never mind the sales and marketing departments being on edge all afternoon, working themselves into a frenzy—skipping dinner was the least of their worries. Ling Ziheng’s expression hadn’t relaxed for a moment; he was as cold and merciless as a grim reaper throughout.

Anyone caught by those icy, enigmatic eyes would be left with internal injuries requiring at least a month of rest to recover.

Pei Xi, who had already asked Director Lin for help at noon and given up all hope after being threatened, now felt as if the heavens had finally shown mercy. He hurried downstairs to welcome her.