Rebirth of the Scumbag and the Retribution of the White Lotus

Zhao Shufang sat alone in her study, the scenery outside the window gradually swallowed up by the night. The only sound in the silent room was the ticking of the clock, as if time had slowed down to an unusual degree. Her eyes were fixed on the documents on her desk, but her mind had already drifted away.

Li Ting’s words kept echoing in her ears: You will always bear the consequences of your choices.

She couldn't ignore the dilemma she faced. Every choice was a path of no return. Whether she continued to cling to Li Xin or followed Li Ting and Cheng Jie, she knew her future would be drastically altered. Choosing the latter would mean betraying her former supporters and potentially becoming the target of Li Xin's revenge; continuing to rely on Li Xin would put her under his control, with no escape possible.

The weighing of all these made her feel extremely stressed, as if an invisible force was suffocating her.

Bang bang—there was a sudden knock on the door, breaking the silence in the study. Zhao Shufang suddenly came to her senses, and after a moment's hesitation, she stood up, walked over, and opened the door.

Standing at the door was her father, Zhao Zhenhua. He was about fifty years old, dressed in simple home clothes, and a hint of worry hung in his eyes. Seeing Zhao Shufang's face was not looking good, his expression became complicated. "Shufang, why haven't you rested yet? Li Ting and Cheng Jie just left. They should have talked to you about it, right?"

Zhao Shufang glanced at him calmly, a mixture of emotions welling up in her heart. She nodded, "We've talked about it."

Zhao Zhenhua entered the room, gently closed the door, and sat down at Zhao Shufang's desk. His expression was heavy. "Shufang, you know this isn't a simple matter. Li Xin and Li Ting aren't simple characters. I know you're hesitant, but you have to make a decision. Don't delay any longer."

Zhao Shufang felt indescribably sad. She pursed her lips and whispered, "Dad, I know. But I really don't know how to choose. Do you think Li Xin will really let me go?"

A hint of helplessness flashed across Zhao Zhenhua's eyes, and he sighed, "Li Xin is an extremely ambitious man. He won't let you go easily. However, as for Li Ting, although she may seem to be able to give you more opportunities, her methods should not be underestimated. You need to think carefully about which path is best for you."

Zhao Shufang lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously tracing circles on the table. She knew that every word her father said was for her own good. However, no matter what, she still hadn't made her decision. Her father had always been the person she trusted most, and at this moment, Zhao Zhenhua seemed to see the confusion in her heart.

"Dad, I think I may have to make a choice." Zhao Shufang finally spoke, her eyes becoming firm. "Li Ting gave me a chance, but this opportunity means betraying the past. I don't know if I can afford the price."

Zhao Zhenhua looked at her with a trace of regret in his eyes: "You don't have to bear all the costs, Shufang. Do what you want to do and know what's going on. No matter what, remember, you are still my daughter, and I will always stand by you."

Zhao Shufang's eyes moistened slightly, and she couldn't help but lower her head. She knew her father had been silently bearing a lot of pressure and silently supporting her. She took a deep breath, raised her head, and her expression finally showed a hint of determination.

"I've made up my mind," Zhao Shufang said in a clear and firm voice. "I can't let Li Xin control me any longer. I choose to stand with Li Ting."

Zhao Zhenhua didn't respond immediately, but just looked at her deeply. He understood that his daughter had made her choice. At this moment, she was not only choosing herself, but also choosing a completely new path.

He nodded slightly and said slowly: "Since you have made up your mind, I will not say anything more. But remember, at any time, your family will always be your backing. No matter what decision you make, I will support you."

Zhao Shufang's eyes were slightly moist, and her gratitude was beyond words: "Thank you, Dad."

She knew her future was still full of uncertainty, but at this moment, standing beside her father, she felt immense warmth and strength. She had made her choice, and now she would face new challenges and embark on a new journey of her own.

In the evening, Zhao Shufang packed up briefly at home and prepared to head to Li Ting's company. Her heart was pounding, her heartbeat was accelerating, as if every step was a step into a whole new world.

The car drove through the bustling streets, neon lights flickering along the way. The city at night had a completely different atmosphere from the daytime. Zhao Shufang leaned against the car window, her eyes fixed on the roadside scenery, but she could not see anything clearly. She knew that the decision she made that night would determine the direction of her future.

"Ms. Zhao." The driver's voice interrupted her thoughts, "We're here."

She looked up at the building in front of her, took a deep breath, opened the car door, and walked towards the gate. She knew that Li Ting and Cheng Jie were waiting for her here, waiting for her final choice.

When she pushed open the office door, Li Ting and Cheng Jie were already sitting at the table, looking at her seriously.

"You're here." Li Ting stood up, her eyes sharp. "Have you made a decision?"

Zhao Shufang nodded, slowly walked up to her, and took a deep breath: "I have made a decision. I have decided to stand on your side."

Li Ting smiled slightly, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes: "You did the right thing, Miss Zhao. From now on, you will no longer be the woman who is controlled by the fate of others, but a strong person with your own future."

Cheng Jie also stood up and stared at Zhao Shufang. "Well done, Miss Zhao. From today on, we will do our best to help you out of this predicament."

An unprecedented power surged in Zhao Shufang's heart. She knew that she was finally no longer the confused and helpless woman she used to be, but a woman who controlled her own destiny.

Li Ting smiled slightly and patted her shoulder: "Then, next, our cooperation officially begins."

Zhao Shufang nodded deeply, her eyes fixed firmly on Li Ting's. "I'm ready."