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Liang Yexuan stared at Lin Yue, his expression still cold and unreadable, but the slight twitch at the corner of his lips betrayed him.
'Was this woman even real? After being caught red-handed negotiating with the enemy, she dares to talk terms with me?'
Was she bold... or just clever?
His dark eyes narrowed as he watched Lin Yue with unreadable intensity.
Yet something about her—the fire in her voice, the determination in her eyes—stirred a sliver of curiosity beneath his skepticism.
He leaned back with a quiet scoff.
"What is it?" he asked, tone clipped and icy.
"You see, Mr. Liang," Lin Yue said earnestly, "Xu Mingze won't give up just because I'll refuse to deliver the sketch. The bidding deadline is in four days. If I hold back the real design, he might try to steal it another way. He must have someone in our company feeding him information."
Lin Yue continued, "Also… how did he know I'm the project artist? Only someone from within Liang Conglomerate could've leaked that."
Liang Yexuan narrowed his eyes, processing each word.
The Chenhua project was one of the most high-profile collaborations in the capital this quarter. Winning that bid meant prestige, influence—and power.
"So?" he asked, his tone cold but curious.
Lin Yue's eyes lit up. He was interested?
She started rummaging through her bag quickly. "I'll write it out. Do you have a pen?"
She looked up and noticed the sleek black pen in Liang Yexuan's hand.
"Can I borrow that?" she asked with a soft smile.
Jin Shu quickly turned back. "Young Master doesn't like people touching his—"
But before he could finish, Liang Yexuan handed the pen over without hesitation.
Jin Shu's mouth fell slightly open. The driver subtly widened his eyes in the rearview mirror.
Did he just…? Jin Shu almost bit his tongue. The Young Master never allowed anyone to touch his things—not even his parents.
Liang Yexuan himself was surprised. He hadn't thought twice about it. Why did it feel so natural to just give it to her?
Her handwriting was fast but neat, and as she explained, Liang Yexuan leaned slightly forward, reading the outline.
She spun the notebook to show him. "Here's the plan. I'll pretend I'm not giving him the sketch. That'll force their spy to act. I'll create a fake version of the sketch that looks like the original. I'll plant it somewhere easy to find—but with a hidden camera. Let's say like on my desk, I'll install a micro camera under the table's edge, angled to record the whole scene."
Liang Yexuan raised a brow, studying her face. She was passionate, eyes glinting with mischief and justice.
She slapped her palm on her thigh with finality.
"And besides, I don't like being threatened. I'll teach Xu Mingze some manners."
From the front seat, Jin Shu gave her a sideways glance, surprised at her boldness.
He was used to seeing people cower in front of Liang Yexuan, not propose schemes like they were business partners.
"You want to catch the spy," she said, turning back to Yexuan. "Right?"
Liang Yexuan gave a slow nod. "Of course."
She tapped the paper. "Then that's my plan. Two birds with one stone. "Also, he wants Yue's work? Fine. He'll get one forged by Yue herself."
Liang Yexuan didn't speak for a long moment.
His gaze rested on Lin Yue, this unpredictable woman.
She's not just clever. She's brilliant.
Her plan... it's audacious, but it might actually work.
"Where did you learn this?" Liang Yexuan asked, genuinely curious now.
Lin Yue looked away for a moment, then smiled shyly. "I want to become a lawyer someday. I've always admired justice. I've read a lot about evidence collection and legal strategies."
A flicker of surprise sparked in Liang Yexuan's eyes.
A lawyer?
He hadn't expected that.
Jin Shu clapped his hands softly. "Miss Lin is brilliant. That's genius."
Even the driver let out a low whistle. "She really thought this through."
"You'll make a great one," he said quietly.
Lin Yue blinked.
The compliment came out of nowhere. But it made her chest warm in a strange, unfamiliar way.
She smiled and whispered, "Thanks."
"It's a solid plan. We'll go with it." he added, his tone colder than his eyes.
She beamed, her heart fluttering.
It felt good to talk to Ah Yan like this. It reminded her of simpler days, even if he didn't remember her.
—
The car began slowing as they approached the company building.
Lin Yue glanced outside casually and her eyes suddenly widened.
Oh no… is that… Liang Qianyu?
Her stomach dropped.
Panic bloomed in her chest.
'If Liang Qianyu saw her getting out of this car, what would she think? Would she misunderstand? Would she think Lin Yue was clinging to her brother?'
She wasn't ready for that kind of confrontation.
Even though she wished for Liang Yexuan to remember her, she wasn't ready for the rich and wealthy families' confrontation.
'What should I do?'
—
The car came to a smooth stop in front of the company's entrance.
Jin Shu and the driver stepped out swiftly, opening each door.
Liang Yexuan exited calmly, tall and poised.
The driver opened her door, but Lin Yue hesitated.
Her fingers clutched her bag as her eyes met Liang Yexuan's.
Liang Yexuan turned, brows furrowed. "What are you still doing inside?"
Lin Yue gave a nervous smile. "Um… can I wait a bit? Please?"
Liang Yexuan raised an eyebrow.
What was she doing now? Playing games again?
He stared. "What?"
She was about to explain when a voice rang out. "Brother!"
Startled, Lin Yue panicked.
She's coming!
She grabbed the door and slammed it shut, almost hitting the driver.
—
Outside, Liang Qianyu approached with a bright smile.
She'd just been informed that her brother hadn't yet arrived at the company.
She'd been waiting near the entrance when she saw his car pull up.
Curiosity stirred as she saw Jin Shu and the driver's synchronized movements which confused her.
They were opening both doors.
Why? Was someone else inside?
But before she could peek in, the door was slammed in her face.
Her brows twitched.
With this tinted windows, I can't even see a shadow.
Liang Yexuan turned to face her. His face, as always, was unreadable.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"I just came to tell you I'm heading to my audition at Orchid Blossom Entertainment. Wish me luck!"
Liang Yexuan nodded curtly. "Okay."
Liang Qianyu pouted. 'That's it? No congratulations? He's not even going to wish me luck?'
She glanced at the Rolls Royce, curiosity burning. "Brother, who are you hiding in there? Is it… sister-in-law?"
Liang Yexuan gave her a death glare.
She giggled, pretending to zip her mouth.
But she'd seen the clues. It wasn't Su Meilin in the car. Who was it, then? Jealousy curled in her stomach.
No one was allowed to steal her brother. No one.
"Bye, brother," she said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
As Liang Qianyu left, Liang Yexuan stared at the door she had just slammed shut.
Why did she hide? Was she hiding from his sister?
He didn't understand this woman.
If she was trying to marry rich, wasn't this the perfect chance to impress his sister?
But instead, she hid like a guilty child.
What game are you playing now, Lin Yue?
—
In the back seat, Lin Yue exhaled slowly as she watched Liang Qianyu walk away.
That was too close.
As she watched Qianyu's back, her mind suddenly spun.
Now she remembered where she'd seen Liang Qianyu before…
No wonder she looked familiar that day she'd seen him at the company with Su Meilin.
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