Rebirth of the Scumbag and the Retribution of the White Lotus

Zhao Shufang looked into Cheng Jie's eyes, calm and resolute, as if she had already seen through the man's mind. Cheng Jie's smile was gentle, but she knew it concealed hidden machinations and calculations. The business world was like a battlefield; once she decided to cooperate, she would have to bear greater risks and costs.

"Mr. Cheng, what resources are you talking about?" Zhao Shufang said calmly, and she didn't seem to be fooled by the other party's smile.

Cheng Jie gently put down the cup in his hand and said in a low voice: "Li Xin's backers have begun to make frequent moves now, especially with the intervention of General Zhao Yongkang. Many companies and chambers of commerce are secretly siding with him. What I can provide you with is to establish connections with some powerful people to help you get out of Li Xin's predicament."

Zhao Shufang raised her eyebrows slightly. "Help me get rid of Li Xin? It sounds like the resources you're talking about are using Li Xin's opponents to check and balance him?"

Cheng Jie nodded. "That's right. Your current situation is no longer a simple business competition. If the forces behind Li Xin aren't effectively checked and balanced, they'll sooner or later put you in trouble. And I have some connections that can balance Li Xin and Zhao Yongkang. As long as you're willing to cooperate, I can help you."

Zhao Shufang's eyes flickered, but she didn't immediately agree. She understood that while Cheng Jie's offer was tempting, the risks involved couldn't be ignored. After all, the rules of the business world often revolve around mutual exploitation and calculation. Cheng Jie's willingness to help must have some underlying reason.

She was not in a hurry to answer, but instead asked: "Then, Mr. Cheng, what is the price behind your doing me this favor? What do you want?"

Cheng Jie was momentarily stunned, seemingly surprised by Zhao Shufang's direct question. But he quickly regained his composure, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Miss Zhao is indeed intelligent. I naturally have demands for the price you mentioned. These resources in my possession aren't completely free to me. Perhaps, at some point, I'll need your business support, or even your support in some areas."

Zhao Shufang was silent for a moment, her gaze fixed on the rain outside the window. The raindrops left mottled marks on the glass, a reflection of her complex thoughts. Cheng Jie's proposal was clearly not simple. Any chance of collaborating with him would mean her interests would be tied closely to his. She knew full well that this was a gamble with no way out; once entered, there was no turning back.

"I can consider it," Zhao Shufang finally spoke, her tone still calm. "However, your terms must be clear and unambiguous. If I'm going to accept your cooperation, I need to know whether the risks I assume are commensurate with the assistance you can provide."

Cheng Jie smiled with satisfaction. "Of course, I will ensure that the deal between us is fair. Next, I will arrange for someone to meet with you, and you can also learn more details in person."

Zhao Shufang said nothing more, merely nodded. She knew that while today's conversation didn't give her an opportunity to make an immediate decision, it also opened the door to future options. Business collaborations often required careful and meticulous deliberation, so she wasn't in a rush to make a decision.

Cheng Jie stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the rain. "Ms. Zhao, I hope our cooperation can be a win-win situation for both parties." He turned around, his eyes revealing a hint of calculation. "Of course, if you have any other requirements for the resources I provide, you can always ask."

Zhao Shufang smiled slightly and said, "I'll consider it."

Cheng Jie looked at her, knowing that Zhao Shufang already had someone in her heart. Although she didn't directly agree, she didn't refuse. All this was enough. He slowly turned around and prepared to leave. "Then I'll go first. We'll talk about it later."

Zhao Shufang watched him leave, and silence returned to the room. She walked to the desk, picked up the documents in her hand, and gently flipped through them with her fingertips. She knew that her fate was changing little by little, and this game had just begun.

However, Cheng Jie's visit was not the only unexpected event. Zhao Shufang's phone suddenly vibrated, and she looked down to see Li Xin's name on the screen.

"Ms. Zhao, I've heard about your recent actions." Li Xin's voice was cold on the other end of the line. "Do you think you can really get far in this business world by going against me?"

Zhao Shufang's eyes darkened, and a sarcastic smile appeared on the corner of her mouth: "Li Xin, I've heard your threats many times. Don't think I will back down because of this."

Li Xin laughed, a bit disdainful. "Back off? I know you're not someone who gives up easily, but you should know that every step you take is under my control. I don't want you to do anything that's detrimental to me again. Otherwise, you'll bear the consequences."

Zhao Shufang sneered: "Do you think you can control me forever?"

Li Xin's voice deepened. "Ms. Zhao, remember, you've reached a dead end. You're not just fighting me, you're also provoking General Zhao Yongkang. If you don't want to drag yourself and everyone around you down with you, you'd better back off."

Despite the threats on the phone, Zhao Shufang felt no fear. The more Li Xin threatened, the more she could see his inner anxiety. She whispered, "Li Xin, don't overestimate your abilities. No matter how powerful Zhao Yongkang is, he can't protect you forever. You should understand that truly strong people never rely on external forces."

Li Xin didn't say anything else. The silence on the other end of the line made the atmosphere even more solemn. After a few seconds, he responded coldly, "I'm really looking forward to you making it to the end, but I'm sure you won't."

Zhao Shufang hung up the phone, feeling unusually calm. She was used to facing all kinds of threats and challenges. Li Xin's threats were just paper tigers. The ones she should be wary of were the real bosses hiding behind the scenes, like Zhao Yongkang.

She looked up at the gloomy sky outside the window and suddenly had a feeling—this storm was really coming. And she was no longer the helpless person in the storm. She had once been penniless, even perished at the hands of others, but this time, she would never let anyone else decide her fate.

Her plan has quietly begun. Li Xin, Zhao Yongkang, and even Cheng Jie will become stepping stones to her success.

She took a deep breath, pressed the shortcut button on the phone, and dialed Li Ting's number: "Prepare for our next move, I have something to tell you."