Rebirth of the Scumbag and the Retribution of the White Lotus

Zhao Shufang sat on the sofa, her brow furrowed and her eyes darkened. Li Ting's words were like a thunderclap, jarring her from her composure. She felt a little flustered, but she tried to remain calm. She pursed her lips and responded calmly, "Mr. Li, I heard you clearly. But can standing by you really save me? I can't give up on Li Xin so easily."

Li Ting sat up straight, a faint smile on her lips. "Ms. Zhao, what you really need to consider is not giving up Li Xin, but whether Li Xin can keep you. Do you know that he has never regarded you as a true partner? You are just a pawn in his hands."

Zhao Shufang's heart tightened, and her expression became complicated for a moment, but she quickly calmed down and looked at Li Ting deeply. "You're right, Li Xin is indeed not completely trustworthy. But there are some interests between him and me, and I can't easily break up with him."

Li Ting glanced at Cheng Jie, who stood quietly by, observing the situation. Li Ting nodded slightly and continued, "Do you think Li Xin will help you out of this predicament? The power behind him is probably beyond even his control."

Zhao Shufang closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and a trace of pain and struggle flashed across her eyes. "I know what you say makes sense. But if I turn against you now and stand on your side, Li Xin will definitely think I've betrayed him, and he will definitely not let it go."

Li Ting didn't rush to interrupt her, but instead watched her quietly, waiting for her to continue. After a while, Zhao Shufang finally raised her head, her gaze firm. "But if I don't make changes, I'll eventually be dragged into a bottomless quagmire."

Li Ting smiled faintly. "That's right. So, Miss Zhao, today I'm giving you an opportunity. This isn't a simple threat, but the key to helping you regain control of your own destiny. You can choose to continue cooperating with Li Xin and let him control your future, or you can choose to stand on our side, break the deadlock, and take the initiative yourself."

The struggle in Zhao Shufang's eyes grew more evident as she listened. She understood the truth of every word Li Ting said, but the situation was far more complex than she had imagined. Once she made this choice, there would be no turning back. Her future might be forever changed.

Cheng Jie said softly, "Ms. Zhao, if you continue to follow Li Xin, you will only be heading towards a dead end. Have you ever considered that changing direction might give you more opportunities?"

Zhao Shufang clenched her fists, her knuckles turning slightly white. It was clear that her decision wasn't easy. She looked at Li Ting deeply and said, "Boss Li, I'll consider what you've said carefully."

Li Ting nodded. "No matter what your choice is, we won't force you. But remember, you will always bear the consequences of your choice."

After a moment's silence, Zhao Shufang stood up and began pacing the room. Her expression remained complex and indistinct. "If I choose to side with you, it would mean betraying Li Xin and everything in my past. I would lose a lot, and even my future might be completely changed."

Li Ting stood up slowly and walked across to her, her eyes firm. "Zhao Shufang, not all losses are bad things. The bets you placed on Li Xin will only make you sink deeper and deeper. If you want to escape this predicament, you must make a real choice."

Zhao Shufang looked into Li Ting's eyes, which were filled with hesitation and pain. She took a deep breath, and as if she had made up her mind, she slowly said, "I understand. I will think it over carefully."

Li Ting nodded, her expression softening. "Remember, giving you time isn't about forcing you. It's about letting you truly understand what's worth choosing."

Zhao Shufang nodded, her complex emotions difficult to articulate. She knew that Li Ting's words, though calm, were incredibly true. If she continued to cooperate with Li Xin, she would ultimately become a discarded pawn. If she chose to betray Li Xin, she might face an even more complex and dangerous situation.

"I need some time," Zhao Shufang whispered, "This isn't something that can be decided in a moment."

Li Ting smiled faintly. "Of course, you have time to think about it. We're not going to force you to make a decision, but remember, opportunities come to those who are prepared. You don't have to worry about other things. If you choose the right path, you will definitely find your true place."

Zhao Shufang nodded and watched Li Ting and Cheng Jie leave. As she watched, Li Ting turned and left the villa, embarking on the road back home.

Cheng Jie remained silent throughout the journey, while Li Ting continued to ponder Zhao Shufang's attitude. Judging from her reaction just now, Zhao Shufang was indeed somewhat shaken, but whether she could make a final decision still needed time.

"Cheng Jie, what do you think?" Li Ting asked, her voice filled with thought.

Cheng Jie didn't answer immediately. After a moment's silence, he slowly spoke, "Zhao Shufang has been living under Li Xin's shadow. Whether she can break out of this circle really depends on her own determination. If she finally decides to stand with us, then her value will far exceed that of Li Xin. Otherwise..."

"Otherwise, she will continue to be trapped in that small circle." Li Ting added softly.

"Yes." Cheng Jie nodded. "However, Li Xin's reaction should not be underestimated. He will not easily let go of anyone who betrays him."

"We must be more cautious in our next actions." Li Ting's eyes grew more serious. "This situation is quietly changing, and we must seize every opportunity."

The two of them said nothing as the car drove forward in the silent night. Although Li Ting knew that the situation would become more complicated, she still firmly believed that true victory belonged to those who dared to face the challenge.

As the night outside the car window gradually became illuminated by lights, Li Ting's mood became more and more calm. She knew that the storm was quietly approaching, and the real decisive battle had just begun.