As Q, she must help herself make everyone believe that she is Zhou Luming; as Xu Yan, she helps Zhou Luming deal with all risks and impossibilities.
Such a contradictory yet perfectly portrayed person shocked Zhou Luming, and also frightened her a little. But this slight fear was not enough for her to break away from Xu Yan, because if Xu Yan was Q, it meant that she also had secrets, and it also meant that the biggest rival and obstacle to defrauding the Zhou family's inheritance no longer existed.
This also confirmed Zhou Luming's previous unease. She felt that she had never seen through Xu Yan and could not figure out her emotional dynamics. On the contrary, after guessing that she might be Q, Zhou Luming felt a little more at ease because she finally knew Xu Yan's secret and had also figured out some of her thoughts.
Zhou Luming didn't know how long he had slept. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in his room. It was dark all around, as if it were still night. He checked the time on his phone—good heavens, the drug was potent; he had actually slept for a whole day and night?
When Zhou Luming noticed that her clothes had been changed from an elegant long dress to a nightgown, she blushed. Could it be... that Xu Yan changed them?
She got out of bed, put on her slippers, and went out to find Xu Yan. Actually, at that moment, she didn't know how to face her, what to say to her, whether to directly ask if she was Q, or to continue pretending not to know and continue playing the game of hiding her identity.
Zhou Luming pushed open the door and smelled the aroma of home-cooked food. He was slightly taken aback. Xu Yan's cooking skills were poor; she could only make hot pot. It couldn't be her in the kitchen now. So, it must be Aunt Zhou?
Sure enough, it was Aunt Zhou in the kitchen.
Wearing an apron and holding a spatula, she smiled kindly at Zhou Luming standing at the door and said, "Miss Zhou, you're awake. The food will be ready in a little while. Xiaoyan specially asked me to make your favorite braised pork with preserved mustard greens, braised yellow croaker, and fish ball, seaweed, and tofu soup. These are all your favorite dishes."
Zhou Luming asked, "Where is Xu Yan?"
Aunt Zhou said, "Xiao Yan has gone out and will be home late tonight."
Where did she go?
"It seems like he went to meet someone, but I didn't ask any details." Aunt Zhou placed the braised pork with preserved vegetables on the table, then turned around and saw Zhou Luming leaning against the door, lost in thought. She smiled and said, "You need to see Xiaoyan about something?"
Zhou Luming scratched her nose. "It's nothing." She sat down at the dining table and stared blankly at the pot of roasted pork.
After such a significant secret was discovered, how could Xu Yan still have the heart to leave me behind? Who did she go to see? At this critical juncture, is there anyone more important than me?
Aunt Zhou brought out the large yellow croaker again, and seeing that Zhou Luming was still in a daze, she said, "Miss Zhou, please eat it while it's hot, it won't taste good when it's cold. Also, Xiaoyan said you don't need to wait for her tonight, she will find time to talk to you when she has thought about your problem."
Zhou Luming raised an eyebrow. "Have you thought this through?"
What do you need to figure out?
She paused slightly, then belatedly realized a major problem: if Xu Yan was Q, then wouldn't Xu Yan know about the plan she and Q had discussed to seduce him?!
ah!
Zhou Luming was experiencing a massive earthquake in his heart. He felt utterly humiliated, as if he had been sent to outer space. He wished he could disappear into the ground and become a caveman, never to face the world again.
No wonder Q was so sure that the plan was doomed to fail, and no wonder Xu Yan never believed him when he was testing him.
Zhou Luming covered half his face with one hand, utterly speechless at himself. Thankfully, Xu Yan avoided him; otherwise, he would have been mortified.
While enjoying the delicious food, she checked her phone, mainly to see how Luke was doing. Xu Yan had shocked Luke, and knowing Luke's temper, he certainly wouldn't let her and Xu Yan off easily.
However, the trending headline online was: "Breaking News! Luke, the heir of the Lu Group, has been accused of harassment. Police have launched an investigation!" The accompanying picture was of Luke lying on a bed with his back to the camera.
Zhou Luming's pupils contracted. When she woke up, she found that the necklace around her neck was gone; it was there before she fainted. The most likely person to have taken it was Xu Yan. The necklace contained a listening device and a camera, and such technology required the support of Wang Anjing and the Yuan Universe Company behind her.
This explains the contradiction of Xu Yan being a computer illiterate while Q is an expert in computers: they both have the same technical expert supporting them—initially Li Li, and later Wang Anjing.
Zhou Luming was almost certain that if the necklace were opened, he would find a chip or other accessories with a serial number from Yuan Yuzhou Company, which would prove that this sophisticated instrument came from Yuan Yuzhou Technology Company.
However, Xu Yan took away the evidence while he was unconscious, giving Zhou Luming no chance at all.
Luke's detention and investigation were clearly Xu Yan's doing. Although the video footage was flawed and couldn't be used as evidence, it was enough to make him spend a night in the police station and suffer. A spoiled brat like Luke is used to being arrogant and domineering; he'd better fight back fiercely and learn what law and justice are.
at the same time.
In the brightly lit top-floor office of the Yuan Universe Building, Xu Yan sat on the office sofa, his long legs crossed, comfortably looking out at the brightly lit, bustling city night view.
Wang Anjing stayed with her while she worked overtime. After finishing the tasks assigned by Xu Yan, she rubbed her eyes and looked at Xu Yan from behind the computer screen, "Why are you hiding here with me instead of going home?"
Xu Yan was a little troubled. "I haven't figured out how to deal with the troubles at home yet."
Her profile is exquisite and perfect, especially her jawline, which has a sharp angle that only a slender person with three-dimensional features can achieve. In addition, when she is not speaking, her lips are slightly upturned, forming a perfect arc that would make even a woman's heart flutter.
“You haven’t gone home yet either, so you don’t need to stay with me. If I’m making you late for get off work, I’ll go back now.” Xu Yan stood up to leave.
“I like working here, and I like what I do now. Xu Yan, thank you for reminding me and giving me this opportunity. Otherwise, I would still be an ordinary housewife, doing things I don’t like, which is not happy at all.” Wang Anjing brushed a stray hair behind her ear.
Their gazes shifted from Xu Yan to the sea of starlight in the city.
“What Luke did today has been released and hyped up as you wished, and I believe it will soon become the headline news in Haishi. He used public opinion to drive Lu Qi to his death before, and this time he will taste what it's like to be drowned in spittle and become a rat crossing the street,” Wang Anjing said. “But he’s so thick-skinned that public opinion probably won’t affect him for long. People have short memories. Today he’s in the eye of the storm, being condemned and scorned by the whole nation, but tomorrow he might be attracted by some celebrity divorce or a video released by some artist. At that time, Luke can still swagger out and continue his life, continuing his debauchery and ruining girls…”
Wang Anjing spoke with gritted teeth, saying that she hated Luke but couldn't do anything about him; she couldn't do anything illegal.
"It's a pity the reward didn't yield any results; no one came forward with any clues," she lamented.
Xu Yan looked up and quietly gazed out the window. "The reason Luke is so fearless is because he thinks his family is powerful and he can do whatever he wants with the Lu family's wealth. The public opinion he's currently creating is just a temporary thrill. To truly make him feel afraid and regretful, we must cut off his support base."
Wang Anjing seemed thoughtful. "You mean—"
Xu Yan said softly, "Short the Lu family."
Wang Anjing was taken aback.
Xu Yan said dismissively, "Doesn't he think that money can buy anything? Then let him become a pauper."
Chapter 42
===================
Xu Yan didn't get home until almost dawn. Wang Anjing drove her home, and on the way, Wang Anjing told her that she wanted a divorce.
"Why?" Xu Yan asked.
Wang smiled calmly, "I just don't feel anything anymore. Li Li handed Yuan Universe Company over to me, which gave me hope for the future, and I want to do a good job with the company. As for Song Tao, I think the initial passion has faded, and the feelings have almost completely disappeared. I don't regret marrying him, but I do regret giving up my profession to become a full-time housewife after marriage. Now that I'm back at work, I feel that my life has value and is more meaningful. Fortunately, we agree on how to raise the children. Our son will take his surname and be raised by him, which is fair to his family, while our daughter will take my surname. From now on, I can retire completely and pursue the dreams I had in my youth."
"Would Song Tao let you go?"
“He respects my wishes and has agreed to the divorce. We’ve almost finished discussing the division of assets and custody arrangements.” Wang Anjing glanced at her phone. “It’s almost dawn. I’ll take you home.” Then she and Xu Yan went down to the underground parking garage and drove Xu Yan away.
Xu Yan remained silent the whole way. She knew that Wang Anjing looked gentle and weak, but in reality, she was very determined. She would not easily change her mind once she had made a decision. She and Song Tao had thought things through carefully. Adult relationships don't have so many twists and turns. Some things don't need to be said to reach a tacit understanding.
This is the tacit understanding between Wang Anjing and Song Tao: Wang Anjing serves as the CEO and CTO of Yuan Universe Technology Company, while Song Tao is responsible for finance and financing. Even after the divorce, Yuan Universe Company can avoid becoming a husband-and-wife business, which can reduce a lot of regulatory troubles.
When Xu Yan got out of the car, she saw that all the lights in the house were off, except for two nightlights by the door. As she closed the door, she bent down and thought for a moment through the car window with Wang Anjing, saying, "If you have any trouble, feel free to contact me. I support your decision."
Wang Anjing smiled and said, "I thought you would try to persuade me."
“You know I can’t,” Xu Yan said.
She knew the pressure Wang Anjing was facing. Her parents and friends would probably come to persuade her after hearing the news that she wanted a divorce. There is an old saying, "It is better to persuade people to reconcile than to persuade them to separate," and "It is better to tear down ten temples than to destroy one marriage." Both the older and younger generations have upheld this concept, and even in an era in which women's education levels have generally improved significantly, there are still such voices.
Wang Anjing said, "Thank you."
Xu Yan wasn't the first person to announce her divorce, but she was the first to express her support, which touched me deeply.
Xu Yan swiped her fingerprint to enter the foyer. While changing her shoes, she noticed a shadowy figure on the ground. She was slightly startled and looked up to see Zhou Luming wearing a cotton nightgown.
Zhou Luming was bare-faced, her skin glowing white. Her long, slightly wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, with a few frizzy strands, making her look like a fluffy little kitten, endearing and lovable. Her long, straight legs were crossed, and she leaned against the wall, her gaze slightly lowered as she looked up at Xu Yan, who had returned that morning.
Suddenly, a smile crept across his lips. "You didn't come home last night. Where did you go?"
Xu Yan changed into slippers and, instead of answering, asked, "You didn't sleep all night? Were you waiting for me?"
"I've been sleeping for a whole day and night. I couldn't sleep at night and stayed up until dawn, not waiting for you." Zhou Luming said as he went to the dining table to pour water for Xu Yan and handed her the glass. "You smell nice. Were you with Sister Anjing last night?"
She has a very keen sense of smell.
Xu Yan took the glass of water, and Zhou Luming's fingertips moved slightly, touching hers with a warm touch. Xu Yan looked up at Zhou Luming and found him staring at her, his deep eyes containing an unclear meaning. She must have many questions but didn't know how to ask them.
Because once she speaks, her identity and everything she has planned will be in vain.
Xu Yan asked calmly, "Have you thought it through?"
Zhou Luming pursed his lips, "I—"
Actually, she was very hesitant.
Xu Yan said, "I'm going upstairs to sleep." After saying that, she really went upstairs, leaving Zhou Luming alone in the first-floor living room, staring up at her departing figure.
Zhou Luming couldn't help but ask, "What did you do to Luke?"
Xu Yan said, "I called the police, and he'll be spending the night at the police station. I also shorted the Lu family business; it's possible the Lu family business will change hands tomorrow."
She calmly recounted two momentous events, the latter of which was enough to shake the business world of Hai City, akin to a cataclysmic change. Without sufficient power and audacity, one could never touch the Lu family's foundation; Xu Yan's actions were likely premeditated.
"Whose funds did you use to short the Lu family? It couldn't be mine, could it?" Zhou Luming asked.
“I will not touch the estate I manage, and I will not use Zhou’s funds to touch such a large project,” Xu Yan said, standing on the stairs and turning his head to look at Zhou Luming. “Moreover, although Zhou’s estate is nominally yours, it is not legally yours yet. You cannot say that it is your estate now.”
She moved her lips, but ultimately didn't add the most important sentence.
But Zhou Luming said, "You doubt that I am not Zhou Luming."
Xu Yan's eyes were deep and unfathomable. He turned to face her and asked, "Then are you?"
An awkward silence fell between the two, as if whoever spoke first would lose. But Xu Yan managed to stabilize the situation. "I didn't use Zhou's funds. I contacted a hedge fund. Their fund manager is very interested in this. Their goal is not to bring down Lu's, but to profit from it. My goal is not to bankrupt Lu's, but to let Luke and Luke's father know not to easily provoke a woman."
Zhou Luming's lips curled up slightly. "Thank you for standing up for me."
Xu Yan shook his head, "It's not for you, but for all the women who have been bullied by Luke."
Zhou Luming remained silent.
Xu Yan understood what she meant. Someone as unruly and unpunished as Lu Ke wouldn't be the first victim, nor would Lu Qi be the last. Xu Yan wanted to seek justice for Lu Qi, and also plan to prevent future victims like her.
Xu Yan yawned slightly; she was indeed sleepy, and continued walking uphill.
"Are you Q?" a voice questioned from behind.
Xu Yan paused, turned his back to Zhou Luming, and said, "You finally asked. Before answering this question, I want to know if you are Zhou Luming."
"What does it matter whether you are Q or not, or whether I am Zhou Luming?"
"You know what the relationship is." Xu Yan kept his back to Zhou Luming, not turning around. His hand rested on the stair railing, the wooden feel calming him. "Then let me ask you another question: what is your relationship with Q? Who is Q? And who are you?"
One question after another pushed Zhou Luming to the brink. Xu Yan had given her chances, but she chose to take the risk. Xu Yan knew in her heart that Zhou Luming was just an adventurous person; she would never choose to be conservative or back down, for that would be failure for her.
The sun rises, the first rays of dawn appear, and the east is already white.
A ray of sunlight shone on the ground, casting the shadows of the people in the living room onto the stairwell. Xu Yan's back was reflected on the stairwell wall in front of him, and the two maintained a distance that was neither too close nor too far.
The clock on the wall ticked away relentlessly, maintaining its established rhythm and frequency, neither too fast nor too slow.
Xu Yan unconsciously clenched her other hand at her side, waiting for an answer.
"Looks like I can't hide it anymore," the girl in the living room smiled helplessly. "Let's get to know each other again. My name is Li Ruo." She smiled, a hint of relief in her eyes. "And who are you?"
Xu Yan, who had been facing away from her, finally turned around, as if she had breathed a sigh of relief. She walked down the stairs step by step towards Li Ruo, who had just revealed her identity. She stopped in front of Li Ruo and took out a necklace from her coat pocket. It was the same necklace that Li Ruo had worn to the banquet. It contained a miniature listening device.