Ji Mu was completely on the verge of breaking down.
Because of Song Xinyu’s inner voice, even though Ji Mu could send Song Xinyan home alone, he could not feel happy about it.
If it had been in the past, being alone with the girl he had longed for would have made his heart pound wildly.
But now, his entire state of mind had become dazed and unsettled.
“Getting eliminated?” That was what it meant, right?
Seeing that his mental state was poor, Song Xinyan showed concern. “Ji Mu, what’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing.” Ji Mu wanted to explain, but he could not.
In fact, Song Xinyan already knew Ji Mu’s plan—to humiliate Song Xinyu and even make her get abandoned by the Lin Family.
And Ji Mu was also worried that Song Xinyan, as her sister, would protect her.
These matters were all hidden from Song Xinyan.
However, Song Xinyan had already grasped Ji Mu’s thoughts. How could she not guess it?
That was why she helped him at the crucial moment.
Unfortunately, Ji Mu was useless.
He still let Song Xinyu easily handle everything.
“Ji Mu, I know you are doing this for my sake, but Xiao Yu is still my younger sister. Please do not target her again in the future.”
Song Xinyan spoke earnestly, her voice so gentle it seemed it could melt into water.
Anyone who heard it would soften.
As expected, Ji Mu felt as if his heart had been pierced by a needle, and he felt sorry for her. “Xiao Yan, you always think about her, but has she ever considered your feelings? You are both sisters, so why are you always the one thinking for her, while she keeps taking everything from you?”
Ji Mu stood up for Song Xinyan.
He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. But Xiao Yan’s situation had become even worse now.
Song Xinyu had the protection of the Heavenly Dao and could predict the future.
Fortunately, he could hear Song Xinyu’s inner voice.
But he had no way of telling Song Xinyan the truth. He felt utterly desperate.
After sending Song Xinyan home, Ji Mu turned the car around and ended up encountering Lin Ting’s vehicle.
Coincidentally, Song Xinyu got out of the car.
Ji Mu lowered the window and scrutinized her.
Indeed, he seemed to have never carefully observed Song Xinyu like this before.
It seemed that everything he knew about her had come from what Song Xinyan told him.
Her black dress and ink-dark hair made her seem as if she had blended into the night itself.
She slowly walked closer.
Like a spirit awakening from the darkness.
Every step was captivating.
When she noticed his gaze, she openly accepted it and even curled her lips slightly.
It reminded him of the moment she had finished playing her violin piece—so calm, so composed.
Only one impression came to mind: untouchable.
Ji Mu suddenly realized that he might never have truly known Song Xinyu.
In fact, Lin Ting was also observing her in the same way.
He had already confirmed that Song Xinyu was far from as simple as she appeared.
Assistant Xi drove Lin Ting back to the company residence.
Because the city-center residence had only been used by Song Xinyu for two days, President Lin had also stayed there for two days.
Later, he returned to staying at the company for work convenience.
Unexpectedly, Lin Ting suddenly said: “Go to Haoting.”
Assistant Xi froze. “Yes, President Lin.”
“Xi Nanzhu, I am very disappointed in you today.” Lin Ting suddenly said.
Assistant Xi was startled. “I am sorry, President Lin. I do not know where I went wrong.”
“I told you to keep an eye on Song Xinyu, yet you almost let something happen to her. If not for her quick thinking, do you think today’s situation would have ended so easily?”
The assistant was suddenly reprimanded, but he remained calm. “President Lin, Miss Song went to change her clothes after they were stained. As a man, it was truly inconvenient for me to follow her. However, this is indeed my oversight.”
Of course, Assistant Xi had another valid reason—someone had suddenly come to discuss business with him, which caused the delay.
He had secured a large order within half an hour.
In the past, Lin Ting would not have pursued this further, since performance could offset mistakes.
However, Lin Ting suddenly asked: “Xi Nanzhu, how many years have you been by my side?”
Assistant Xi nearly stepped on the brake too hard. Fortunately, the traffic light was red, and he stopped the car properly before respectfully answering: “President Lin, I have been by your side for five years.”
“You graduated from a top domestic university. Why did you take a leave of absence back then?”
“My mother was seriously ill. I had to take care of her while also working to pay for medical expenses.”
“I see. Back then, I saw you fainting from hunger outside the hospital, which was why I made an exception and let you work by my side.” Lin Ting said thoughtfully.
Xi Nanzhu had originally only been assigned as a basic life assistant.
However, due to his strong abilities and Lin Ting’s approval, he was promoted to Assistant Xi, becoming an important confidant.
Lin Ting had believed he had already paid off everything—tens of thousands in medical expenses for his mother and provided him with a respectable job. He considered himself a benefactor.
Thus, he had never doubted Assistant Xi.
But after hearing Song Xinyu’s inner voice, he had someone compile Xi Nanzhu’s personnel file.
Indeed, there were many questionable details.
In a corporation with tens of thousands of employees, it was inevitable that some hidden problems would exist.
Hearing Lin Ting’s unusually sharp tone today, Xi Nanzhu felt uneasy and said: “President Lin, my mother still praises you often. You are a great benefactor to our family. Because of this alone, I will always be your man.”
“As for President Xiao’s order, I did suggest sending my mother to a top-tier nursing home, since her condition requires constant care, and I am busy with work. I do feel guilty about that.”
“But I did not accept President Xiao’s goodwill. My only benefactor is you, President Lin—there is no President Xiao, no Zhang CEO, no other CEOs…”
After hearing this, Lin Ting said: “Do not be nervous. I did not misunderstand you.”
“I naturally know President Lin trusts me. Nothing escapes your eyes. The reason I chose to cooperate with President Xiao is because their cost-effectiveness is the best. President Xiao is just more considerate in handling matters and always willing to help. He takes care of employees’ situations as well. Otherwise, the company would not have multiplied its market value several times in just a few years. So this cooperation is not my personal preference, but a decision made for the overall situation.”
Lin Ting replied with a single word: “Mm.”
Xi Nanzhu finally breathed a sigh of relief, but the matter was not over yet.
He continued: “Regarding official matters, I can say I have acted with a clear conscience. But personally, I cannot agree with you. Your original fiancée was Song Xinyan. Everyone knows how proper and decent she is. But because of that sudden incident, your fiancée became Song Xinyu. She used underhanded methods to obtain you, so naturally I am dissatisfied—and I am also dissatisfied on your behalf.”
“But you actually fell in love with her? And even asked me to take care of her at today’s banquet. I admit I cannot do it.”
“Because I believe she is not worthy of you.”