Chapter 15 A Promise

Leng Ningxue led Lin Li to the stairwell, where it was deserted and much quieter. Lin Li hummed a tune, looking entirely nonchalant.

"When people see me, they react like mice seeing a cat. Aren't you afraid of me?" Lin Li smiled at Leng Ningxue, stepping closer until he could smell the delicate fragrance that lingered around her.

"The most outstanding young entrepreneur in River City, the beautiful chairwoman of the Leng Family's Star Group, known to all as the Ice-Faced Witch."

"Mm, those titles might scare others, but I've witnessed many of your less-than-glamorous moments. Do you really think you can frighten me?"

His irreverent attitude left Leng Ningxue at a loss. A blush briefly colored her cheeks, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Enough. What do you plan to do about Qin Guosheng? Qin Lang ended up like this because of Ye Aotian, and Ye Aotian acted to save me."

"So this matter is still tied to me. What kind of compensation does he require from us?"

Qin Guosheng was furious over the incident. The old man had reportedly lived a carefree life in the provincial capital these past years, barely concerning himself with River City since things had stabilized. Yet, this time, he returned in person because of Qin Lang—clearly, it wouldn't be long before the city's underground forces experienced upheaval.

Yesterday, Leng Ningxue had also investigated Lin Li, learning he was Qin Guosheng's right-hand man. With Qin Guosheng absent from River City for so long, Lin Li had managed part of the Qin family's resources. Previously, he had seemed ordinary—capable of maintaining the status quo, but lacking ambition.

Yet, for reasons unknown, after meeting Lin Li this time, Leng Ningxue felt she had misjudged him. The man before her was anything but simple, no matter how she looked at him.

Lin Li smiled. "Miss Leng, your sincerity is clear, but this matter is not as simple as we wish."

"If you think a single sentence can settle it, I fear that's unlikely."

"I don't know what arrangements my boss will make after his return, but I suggest you find a way to restore Qin Lang."

"If you can manage that, there's room for negotiation. Otherwise..."

He shook his head. Even if Qin Lang recovered, it wouldn't matter; soon it would be Ye Aotian's turn to display his strength.

Leng Ningxue pondered.

This morning, Jin Renfeng called to say he'd maintain his investment and even increase it, which surprised her. But that alone wasn't enough for her to stage a comeback. The more critical things became, the greater the research funding required.

Hence, when Qin Lang proposed cooperation with the Qin family, Leng Ningxue had seriously considered it. She was here now hoping to resolve Qin Lang's situation and, ideally, establish ties with the Qin family, to ensure she wouldn't be betrayed by her own relatives.

Lin Li understood her intentions well—she was truly in a miserable position. Brilliant and talented, she would be the most formidable entrepreneur in River City if given a broad stage. Unfortunately, the Leng family constantly doubted her. If not for her own efforts, she wouldn't have secured three years to run the company.

But as the three-year term drew near, the family's suppression intensified. If Leng Ningxue couldn't accomplish something soon, she'd be used as a pawn for marriage alliances to secure the family's status.

Her father, it must be said, had exactly such schemes in mind.

"This matter began because of me. Naturally, I won't stand idly by. Rest assured, I will do my best."

"I hope, when the time comes, you'll speak kindly of me before the Qin family head."

As she finished speaking, Lin Li spun around.

The two were now very close. Lin Li reached out, grasping Leng Ningxue's chin, forcing the proud Ice-Faced Witch to look up at him.

"Miss Leng, do you overestimate your abilities? Do you think I'll help you just because you ask?"

[Ding! Host has performed a villainous act, gaining 500 villain points.]

Leng Ningxue was wholly at Lin Li's mercy. Facing this devilish man, she was at a loss for words. Fortunately, Lin Li did nothing truly outrageous.

"Qin Guosheng is suspicious by nature. I advise you to carefully plan how to deal with him. If you can't explain things clearly, this won't be easy to resolve."

"Of course, you want my help—it's not impossible. But first, you must do something for me."

"Once it's done, I'll consider whether to assist."

Without hesitation, Leng Ningxue agreed. "What do you want me to do?"

"Oh, so straightforward?" Lin Li was surprised. "Aren't you worried I might harm you?"

Leng Ningxue scoffed. "If you were that kind of person, I wouldn't be standing here today."

"I know you don't look like a good man, but that's just a mask. You can fool others, but not me."

Lin Li continued, "It's simple. I want you to investigate the dealings between Su Lan and Qin Guosheng. Once you find out, I'll consider helping you."

Su Lan?

Leng Ningxue knew the woman's name well. Years ago, she had been somewhat famous, but for some unknown reason, she ended up with Qin Guosheng and faded into obscurity.

What surprised Leng Ningxue was that Lin Li wanted her to investigate Su Lan. It was an unexpected request.

"Deal. I'll investigate as soon as possible, and I hope you'll keep your promise."

In the hospital...

Lin Li left, rubbing his lower back, never expecting Sister Lan to be so wild. Perhaps fearing Qin Guosheng would linger, she took the opportunity to indulge herself.

Lin Li's villain points now soared to twenty thousand.

For now, Lin Li wasn't planning to draw more gacha rewards; instead, he was considering how to maneuver among the three factions.

Ye Aotian had come to River City to annex the four great families for his own. As a God of War, he had spent the first half of his life in battle, and now sought to dominate the business world.

He simply wanted to play the game.

Ye Aotian's current target was Leng Ningxue, but with Qin Lang's incident, Qin Guosheng would soon confront Ye Aotian.

At this critical juncture, Lin Li could take the chance to sever the ties between Leng Ningxue and Ye Aotian.

If so, wouldn't he successfully cut in?