Rebirth of the Scumbag and the Retribution of the White Lotus

Zhao Shufang stood by the window, gazing at the distant city lights. The nighttime streetlights twinkled like stars, yet her heart seemed shrouded in countless hidden shadows. Chen Fang's words still echoed in her ears. Lu Lingyuan—a name she had never imagined would be connected to the predicament she currently faced.

Lu Lingyuan, a renowned business tycoon, wields vast resources and immense power. His background is complex, even mysterious, and seemingly unknown. Zhao Shufang once collaborated with him, but she never considered him a true enemy. However, it now appears that things are far more complicated than she imagined.

"Mr. Zhao, Shen Yu seems to have noticed something." Wang Li's voice brought Zhao Shufang back from her thoughts.

Zhao Shufang turned around, a cold light flashing in her eyes: "He knows too little."

"However, Shen Yu seems to be speeding up his pace recently. Some of the projects he is working on are progressing extremely rapidly. Moreover, his relationship with Lu Lingyuan seems to have deepened." Wang Li continued.

Zhao Shufang frowned slightly, her eyes fixed on Wang Li sharply. "Are you saying that their cooperation has reached a new level?"

Wang Li nodded. "Shen Yu is no longer just a middleman. He is using his resources to try to establish a deeper connection with Lu Lingyuan. According to our investigation, he has already been exposed to some projects that are beneficial to Lu Lingyuan, and he is even paving the way for Lu Lingyuan in some places."

Zhao Shufang's heartbeat quickened slightly, but she remained calm: "What is their purpose?"

Wang Li was silent for a moment, then finally said, "I'm not sure, but it seems their goal isn't just to suppress the Zhao Group. Lu Lingyuan seems to have a bigger plan, and Shen Yu's role in it is becoming increasingly important."

Zhao Shufang nodded, having already made up her mind: "No matter what their plan is, I will not sit idly by. First, I need to investigate the details of their cooperation and find any loopholes."

She took a deep breath, stood up straight, and looked determined: "Next, get everything ready. I will go talk to Shen Yu in person."

Shen Yu sat on the sofa in his office, his arms crossed and his brow furrowed. Even though he'd just spoken with Lu Lingyuan, he still felt uneasy. He wasn't surprised that Chen Fang was being controlled by Zhao Shufang; after all, Zhao Shufang had always been a threatening figure. But he hadn't expected Zhao Shufang to so quickly identify the powerful force behind him—Lu Lingyuan.

"Shen Yu, do you know that you are heading towards a path of no return?" Lu Lingyuan's voice on the other end of the phone was calm and oppressive.

Shen Yu gritted his teeth and remained silent for a moment before saying, "I know, but I can't stop. If Zhao Shufang continues to investigate, our plan might be exposed."

"She is indeed a trouble." Lu Lingyuan said lightly, "But, Shen Yu, don't worry too much. She only knows part of you now. Next, what we need to do is lure her into a trap."

A trace of doubt flashed in Shen Yu's eyes: "Set a trap? She already knows about us, how can we set a trap?"

Lu Lingyuan's laughter came through the phone, tinged with sarcasm. "Although Zhao Shufang is smart, she still underestimates our leverage. If you do as I say, even if she finds out, she won't be able to take anything from us."

"What should I do?" Shen Yu's tone was full of urgency.

"Go talk to her." Lu Lingyuan's tone became relaxed. "She has noticed our connection now, but what she doesn't know is that we still have an ace up our sleeve."

"Ace?" Shen Yu couldn't help but feel uneasy. "What do you mean?"

"Don't worry, Shen Yu, things haven't reached the most critical moment yet. I will provide you with all the resources you need, and the rest is up to you."

When Zhao Shufang received Shen Yu's call, she had already made a decision. She knew Shen Yu wouldn't just give up. He would definitely find an opportunity to talk to her, and this was exactly the moment she was waiting for. She decided to take the initiative and meet him in person to learn the truth behind Shen Yu.

"Wang Li, prepare the meeting materials. I will go to see Shen Yu." Zhao Shufang ordered calmly.

Wang Li was slightly stunned: "Mr. Zhao, you want to meet Shen Yu in person? This..."

Zhao Shufang turned around, her eyes determined: "I don't need anyone to make decisions for me. If Shen Yu wants to see me, I will go see him."

As night fell, Shen Yu waited in his private room in an upscale bar. The light from outside cast dappled shadows on the window, and he rubbed his brow anxiously. Although he had long anticipated that Zhao Shufang would approach him sooner or later, he hadn't expected it to happen so soon. The words on the phone made him hesitate, and Lu Lingyuan's instructions filled him with unease.

There were light footsteps outside the door, and then there was a knock on the door. Shen Yu stood up and walked over calmly. The moment he opened the door, he could almost hear the sound of his own heart beating violently.

"Mr. Zhao, you are finally here." Shen Yu showed a half-smile on his face and walked towards him.

Zhao Shufang walked straight into the room without answering him. After she sat down, she spoke coldly, "Shen Yu, I don't like nonsense. What are you and Lu Lingyuan planning? Why are you dragging the Zhao Group into your game?"

Shen Yu's expression remained unchanged. He gently sat back on the sofa, folded his hands on his knees, and looked at Zhao Shufang: "Mr. Zhao, you are too anxious. You think you can easily pry open my secret, but you are wrong."

Zhao Shufang sneered, "Shen Yu, are you planning to lie to me or continue hiding something? I don't need to expose who's behind you, everyone knows it."

Shen Yu frowned slightly. "Mr. Zhao, you're right. There are indeed some things I didn't intend to tell you. But I also want to remind you that being too eager for quick success will only push you into greater difficulties."

Zhao Shufang's eyes glared, and her voice became even colder: "I'll give you one last chance. Tell me the truth, otherwise, I won't give you any more chances."

Shen Yu slowly stood up, his eyes no longer so calm: "Do you really want to know the truth, Mr. Zhao? What would you do if I told you that everything is just a game?"

Zhao Shufang stared at Shen Yu: "I will make you pay the price."

Shen Yu smiled slightly. "Well, since you insist so much, let me tell you. What you don't know is that all of this situation was specially arranged for you, Zhao Shufang."

Zhao Shufang's face suddenly changed, as if she had heard the most shocking fact.