Although it was a question, the tone brooked no argument.
Yan Xia eyed him warily. He hadn't handed her over to the police or exposed her whereabouts, but that didn't mean he was trustworthy.
"Who are you?"
"Lu Qianzhou."
Yan Xia had never been involved in business affairs, but she had heard of Lu Qianzhou.
With tear - filled eyes, Yan Xia remained on high alert.
Her family had just been hurt by someone they trusted so much. She wasn't sure whether she should accept this olive branch or not.
"Why are you helping me? What do you want from me?"
"I'm a businessman. You should know Fang Jiangyi's capabilities. You want revenge, and I want money. Helping you is a win - win situation."
"I'm just a good - for - nothing. I can't do much to help you."
The smile on Lu Qianzhou's lips was extremely charming, with his two prominent tiger teeth. "Ms. Cheng is really joking. A master's degree holder from the University of Cambridge can hardly be a good - for - nothing."
Yan Xia looked at him, and her fear gradually subsided.
She didn't know what Lu Qianzhou was up to. All she knew was that this man had made thorough preparations and investigated her and her family's background in great detail.
One could say... he had been planning this for a long time.
She took a deep breath, as if giving in. "What do you want me to do?"
Lu Qianzhou glanced at the loose bathrobe on her. The wound on her forehead had been treated, and her delicate face was pale as a sheet.
"Ms. Cheng seems to have suffered a great shock. Why not take a good rest first? It's very safe here. No one will find you. We can talk about the cooperation later."
Yan Xia said, "Could you prepare a mobile phone for me? I need to keep an eye on the outside world at all times."
This time, it was the maid who replied, "Don't worry, Ms. Cheng. We'll arrange everything you need."
Lu Qianzhou was a very busy man. After meeting her, he left in a hurry.
Yan Xia felt weak all over. With a nervous heart, she stayed here, finding it hard to eat or sleep.
The maid suggested that she take a walk in the backyard to recuperate and relax.
By now, Yan Xia had no one to rely on. After her father was arrested, the company quickly fell into the hands of villains. All those former friends, relatives, and seniors had shunned her family's affairs and rushed to curry favor with Fang Jiangyi.
Every day, there were continuous news about Shengshi Group and the Cheng family.
She never thought she would be involved. She was wanted on the Internet and reported as a fugitive from criminal detention.
The reason was that the people from Shengshi Group had found evidence proving that the huge amount of public funds transferred by Cheng Hua was in her hands. Her reluctance to show up was regarded as a sign of guilt.
Moreover, the records showed that she had returned to the country the day after Cheng Hua's arrest and had not left the country since. It was certain that she was still on the run in the country.
The rumors gradually turned into solid evidence. The reports began to condemn her family for their numerous crimes, such as embezzling ill - gotten wealth and transferring huge amounts of public funds by despicable means.
In the eyes of outsiders, their crimes were countless.
The public opinion was overwhelming, and Fang Jiangyi became a just and passionate saint.
Fortunately, the reports only said that her elder sister, Cheng Yanxi, was in a coma and in a state of brain death, not dead.
After dinner that day, Yan Xia carefully read all the relevant reports again. Resentment welled up in her heart, and she even had a stress reaction. All she wanted was to avenge her family and tear Fang Jiangyi's ugly face apart.
The maid came to invite her to go back and rest.
Yan Xia's emotions got out of control. She looked back at the maid with a glare. "Mr. Lu kept saying that he wanted to cooperate with me. It's already the third day, and he hasn't shown up once. Is this his so - called sincerity in cooperation? Go and contact Lu Qianzhou. I want to talk to him now."
"Ms. Cheng, please don't be so agitated."
Yan Xia angrily threw the water cup in her hand. "I told you to contact Lu Qianzhou!"
Suddenly, a gentle voice came from behind. "Is Ms. Cheng looking for me?"
The maid bowed her head and greeted him. "Mr. Lu."
Yan Xia turned around in a fit of anger.
Lu Qianzhou was holding a white coat in his hand. He leaned on the courtyard gate with one hand. The delicate bamboo shadows were like a painting, hiding his expression.
Yan Xia stood up and sneered. "I thought Mr. Lu wasn't coming."
Lu Qianzhou smiled. "Ms. Cheng, there's no need to be so angry. Some things can't be rushed."
He was unhurried, like a gentle breeze.
"If this kind of nonchalant and aloof attitude is Mr. Lu's sincerity in cooperation, then Mr. Lu might as well give up as soon as possible. I really can't afford to cooperate with you."
Lu Qianzhou straightened up. His smile was faint. Although he hadn't drunk, he seemed to carry the languor of a hangover.
He said, "Bring Ms. Cheng to my study to see me in half an hour."