I need you.

Ning An relaxed on the sofa in her office, feeling the gradual spread of soreness from her ankles upwards. It wasn't noticeable while walking, but now that she had stopped, the sensation surged.

She glanced at the closed office door and then casually unbuttoned her high heels, kicking them off and lying comfortably on the sofa.

Unbeknownst to her, this scene was observed by Qin Li outside the window. He couldn't help but let out a light chuckle. Miss Ning was indeed quite special. Should he tell her that if she didn't want to be seen, she should close the blinds?

Suddenly, the corridor outside the door filled with the sound of footsteps and some arguing. Qin Li's relaxed brow furrowed slightly, a hint of complexity flashing in his eyes, well hidden behind his glasses.

He walked briskly to the door and saw Ning Nanfeng, his face full of anger.

As soon as Ning Nanfeng saw him, his anger became more apparent. He forcefully pushed aside the security guard blocking his way and stormed up to Qin Li, pointing at him with one finger.

"Qin Li, you ungrateful wretch! Have you forgotten that if it weren't for my pity, bringing you back from the orphanage, providing for your education, where would you be today? And now, you're helping others go against me, you traitor!"

Qin Li remained silent, his lips pressed tightly together. He noticed that the people around them dared not move freely, all silent, but some eyes were stealing glances at him. To unknowing observers, he probably seemed like someone who would easily betray his benefactor for personal gain.

His throat felt dry, and he took a deep breath, speaking slowly, "Uncle, what are you saying? If there's something you want to discuss, please come inside. It's not good to create a scene like this. If it alarms Mr. Ning, it won't be good for anyone."

Ning Nanfeng snorted coldly, his aggressive momentum suddenly deflating.

"What are you afraid of? Are you afraid your new master will find out what kind of person you are? You're just an ungrateful brat, Qin Li!"

The words were extremely harsh, and Qin Li's expression darkened, but he maintained his composure. He was about to say something more when another voice spoke up behind him, assertive and commanding.

"Uncle, you usually have such good manners. Why are you being so harsh today? Do you want your subordinates to see you like this? Qin Li is now my father's most trusted assistant. By speaking like this, are you questioning my father's judgment?"

Ning An, standing protectively in front of Qin Li, surprised him.

As soon as Ning Nanfeng saw her, the ferocity in his eyes was unmasked. He reached out tentatively, but Ning An gave him a reassuring look.

"Uncle, calm down! Before things get worse, you should know what I mean. But since you're here today, let me tell you that all the departments you manage will be separated from Ning Corporation. From now on, Ning Corporation will no longer provide any funding for you."

Although her words were light, they were crystal clear. The employees who had been silent all began to whisper among themselves.

This Miss Ning had openly torn her face with Ning Nanfeng.

For the sake of Qin Li?

Ning Nanfeng's face turned red with embarrassment. The aggressive stance he had taken seemed to evaporate like water splashed on hot stones. He knew that her words were not a threat. In recent days, he had felt the funds that were once accessible were now frozen, and he could no longer access Ning Corporation's accounts.

"N-Ning... Ning An! You haven't taken over the Ning family yet! Who do you think you are to do this? I'll tell my father!"

"Uncle, do you still have the face to go to Grandpa after you've done wrong? Grandpa doesn't even know about that thing yet. If he finds out, do you think he'll still protect you?" 

Ning An's confident words made Ning Nanfeng's face turn even paler.

She suddenly softened her tone, feeling a bit sorry.

"Uncle, I know it's not easy for you. But if I were you, I wouldn't act like a child throwing a tantrum. You should think about how to fix the broken chain of funds now. Otherwise, I don't need to say more. The news of your company's bankruptcy will reach Grandpa's ears."

She glanced around warningly. "You all have made a spectacle of yourselves. But you can say whatever you want in your hearts. If I hear any gossip reaching my ears or Grandpa's, don't blame me for not showing mercy."

After everyone dispersed, she noticed Qin Li's peculiar gaze behind her. "What's wrong?"

"Miss... Did you hear everything? Aren't you going to ask me anything?" Qin Li looked at her, puzzled.

Ning An smiled at him, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Would you like to tell me? Actually, I received an anonymous account book exposing Ning Nanfeng's embezzlement. At first, I was curious about who was helping me... Now it seems to be you?"

Qin Li raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"It's not me... I've been secretly collecting evidence against Ning Nanfeng. That account book was stolen."

He paused, his tone becoming heavier. "Ning Nanfeng adopted me from the orphanage, provided for my education, and allowed me to work at Ning Corporation. I was truly grateful for his kindness. But after I found out some things, all my gratitude turned into resentment."

He took a deep breath, his face showing signs of distress and struggle. Ning An handed him a glass of water.

After he finished drinking, he continued, "Ning Nanfeng has always been ruthless in expanding his business. It's because of him that my parents went bankrupt! I didn't know at first, but after I saw his previous projects, I realized that he was the one who caused my family's downfall and my life in the orphanage!"

Ning An was somewhat surprised. She looked at Qin Li's face, distorted with pain and struggle, and instinctively spoke.

"So you've been lurking around him secretly to find evidence and bring him to justice?"

Qin Li tightened his grip on the glass, his fingertips turning white. His voice was low, "Yes, but I underestimated him. He's always been very cunning, and for a long time, I couldn't find any flaws in his actions. Until that incident..."

"Until Ning Nanfeng faced the problem of his financial chain being broken. Do you know who did this?" 

Qin Li shook his head, a perplexed expression on his face.

"I don't know who did it. I only know that those days Ning Nanfeng was like a chicken blood, crazily operating the funds and telling me about a big deal. He refused to tell me the specifics of the deal. Then one day, his financial chain broke due to the previous investments, and everything collapsed."

It seemed like a huge scam, one that could deceive even Ning Nanfeng, the old fox. Who could it be... She guessed something in her heart but couldn't confirm it.

It

 was more important to focus on the person in front of her. She needed someone capable to help her. One person alone wouldn't be enough.

"I sympathize with your situation, but we should look forward. I need you, Qin Li."

The seriousness in her tone brought Qin Li out of his own thoughts. His face still showed confusion, as if he didn't quite understand what Ning An meant by "need"... 

Ning An repeated solemnly, "I need you. I need your help."

Qin Li weakly forced a smile, "Even though I have enmity with Ning Nanfeng, he has raised me for so many years, and I have betrayed him. A man who betrays once will betray a hundred times. Can you still trust me?"

"Yes, I am willing to trust you, Qin Li," Ning An replied almost without hesitation.

The sincerity in her watery eyes made Qin Li unable to refuse her gaze.

He nodded, his voice soft but firm. "Okay. I'm willing to do anything for you, as long as you need me..." He added silently in his heart.