Aren't we friends? Why are you rushing at me?

Su Ningshuang stared at the phone on the table, her body pausing slightly. She didn't understand what Shen Zhixiao wanted to do by calling so late at night.

Then, tap the answer button with your fingertip and simultaneously tap the speakerphone button to make a sound:

"Feed?"

After I finished speaking, a calm voice came from the other end of the phone:

"This is Shen Zhixiao. I'm calling because I have a subsidiary that needs Lin Shi to help manage for a while. When would be a convenient time for you to have him handle the handover?"

Before Su Ningshuang could respond, the other party added:

"In return, when Shen's next large shopping mall opens, we will reserve a prime location for your company, rent-free."

Shen Zhixiao spoke decisively, even harshly, without any unnecessary formalities, directly presenting the benefits and requesting an exchange.

Give me a spot in the woods that you don't really need, and I'll give you a prime location in a shopping mall, rent-free, bringing in tens of millions in direct profits.

The deal was perfectly reasonable, and Su Ningshuang was unexpectedly stunned.

According to her previous logic, Lin Shi was only temporarily assigned to work here by Shen Zhixiao. She could certainly go back if she wanted, and she would even get a prime location in a large shopping mall. Especially the large shopping mall that Shen Zhixiao mentioned—once completed, it would definitely be a top-tier shopping mall with a world-renowned reputation.

It was clearly a risk-free and highly profitable exchange, yet she didn't want to answer. She even had a vague urge to just hang up and simply reject the request.

Years of emotional desolation left her unable to understand this feeling, and she didn't know why she had such thoughts. She could only look up blankly at her mother, like a child seeking the protection of family when facing difficulties.

Seeing the helpless look in Su Ningshuang's eyes, Su's mother's heart softened instantly.

Her daughter was more sensible and independent than other children from a young age. When she encountered difficulties, she would think of solving them herself first, and rarely looked at her with such eyes, as if she wanted to ask for help.

Regardless of what was said before that parents are just there to protect and support, once they decided that the children should do it, they immediately picked up their phones and went to provide support.

Perhaps because her inner emotions were too turbulent, her voice sounded unusually calm, even carrying a touch of elder's gentleness:

"Zhixiao, hello. I am Ningshuang's mother. I was quite close to your mother in my younger days. If you don't mind, you can call me Auntie."

"Time flies. I still clearly remember how adorable you were as a child, always following your mother around and calling out sweetly. I never imagined that in the blink of an eye, you would grow into a capable young woman who can stand on your own and support the entire Shen Group. You must have worked so hard all these years."

Shen Zhixiao paused for two seconds, as if he hadn't expected to suddenly become Su's mother after just a conversation with Su Ningshuang. However, he didn't forget her initial request and continued:

"Auntie, thank you for your concern. My parents passed away recently, and I had no choice but to take on the responsibilities of the Shen family."

"I don't know if you heard my suggestion just now? I think this arrangement is good for both sides. Lin Shi was originally sent by me to President Su's side. He is very capable and must have helped President Su a lot these days."

Su's mother didn't respond to her comment, her tone remaining gentle, but her words carried a sharp edge:

"Yes, those were tough times, and we elders who watched you grow up saw it all. The more we see, the more we realize how much you've grown up. You've handled so many dangers with such ease. We elders wanted to help, but we couldn't find a suitable opportunity. All we could do was help you prevent some potential dangers."

"As for your idea, it's getting late now, so I think we should try to understand it in more detail during the day before drawing any conclusions."

As Shen Zhixiao listened to the voice on the phone, a surge of anger welled up inside her. She understood perfectly what Su's mother meant.

I am your elder, you should show some respect. Furthermore, I reject your idea.

With that in mind, she didn't bother with the small talk with her elders.

She saw the danger posed by Su Ningshuang, especially with Su's mother's help. No matter what, she was determined to keep Lin Shi away from Su Ningshuang from this moment on.

"Auntie, so you're refusing my request?"

Instead of nodding immediately, Su's mother turned her gaze to Su Ningshuang.

Su Ningshuang's gaze gradually returned from its confusion, and then she nodded heavily.

She doesn't know what she's thinking right now. But she's very clear that she doesn't want Lin Shi to leave her secretariat.

Upon seeing Su Ningshuang's agreement, Su's mother immediately stated decisively:

"That's right, it's a refusal. You don't respect Lin Shi, and you don't respect us. You wanted to find Lin Shi a job, and then you dumped him here at Ning Shuang's place like trash. Now you want to take him back without even discussing it with us. What do you take Lin Shi for? What do you take Ning Shuang for!"

After speaking, Su's mother paused for two seconds, then spoke in a sterner voice with a hint of intimidation:

"What exactly do you want? I don't care. But no matter what, the Su family will play along with you to the very end."

As soon as she finished speaking, Su's mother pressed the hang-up button.

The entire room fell silent instantly.

All that's left is a mother who protects her daughter, a daughter who idolizes her mother, and a father who's practically dying of jealousy.

Mr. Su looked at Mrs. Su, then at Su Ningshuang, and gave a cold snort of obvious annoyance. He picked up his phone and headed to the study.

Seeing her father's actions, Su Ningshuang assumed he was angry because her mother had directly declared war on the Shen family.

"Mother."

Su's mother was somewhat surprised to see the unease on Su Ningshuang's face. How come her child's facial paralysis didn't seem so serious? Was this the power of love?

He casually waved his hand, dispelling her concerns:

"Don't worry, that's my man."

Even after he finished speaking, faint sounds could still be heard coming from the well-insulated study:

"I already said... Shen's family... all I need is..."

"Don't try to persuade me... I don't care!"

"...All I need is..."

Seeing her mother's serious expression, Su Ningshuang nodded again.

"Okay. I understand."

[Su Ningshuang's favorability towards you has increased by 3 points, currently at 41 points. Please continue your efforts, host.]

Lin Shi, who had already attended the awards ceremony, was a little confused when he saw the system message that suddenly popped up.

Can anyone tell me what happened?

Then, going up to the second floor of the room, looking at the empty room, I continued to wonder:

"Natsuno?"

"Shouldn't we celebrate since I beat her? I haven't received my share of the profits yet!"