If he was pretending to be a journalist or treating Qian Meng like an animal in the wild was unknown.

  He was ducked down, his finger on the shutter, taking in every second of the interaction. He had taken good money for this job and he was expected to send pictures every twelve hours. After following her from the gated community, he had been unabashedly doing his job.

  At first, he thought it was some woman who was cheating on her husband, but then she realized that all the woman did was work. The interaction with the older man looked innocent and professional as well.

  Apart from that little tuck of her hair behind her ear.

  He looked over the picture and smiled.

  This was good content.

  Inside the restaurant, Qian Meng sat silently, waiting for Li Wenyue to order. She crossed one leg over the other and appraised his expression.

  An onlooker wouldn't see how tightly coiled he was, but Qian Meng knew with one look that the man had a lot on his mind.

  Li Wenyue ordered and then snapped the menu shut. He looked up at her apologetically. "Sorry, I am indecisive in certain things," he said finally.

  Qian Meng gave him a polite smile. "All of us are guilty of it at times." She pretended not to hear the double meaning in his words. "What is it you wanted to discuss with me?"

  She wanted to have proof that he wanted to be on her side in this battle before she could expose her intentions.

  "I am sure you have heard the rumors circulating. We spoke about it briefly on email, but I needed to get your opinion on the situation at the company," he said calmly.

  He, too, was scrutinizing her every move.

  "Yes. I believe I was concerned about the situation and you courteously told me everything was alright." She paused and tilted her lips upward in a humorless smile. "What changed your mind?"

  "I believe the issue runs deeper than we had previously thought," he claimed.

  Qian Meng wanted to roll her eyes. "I wouldn't have found out the truth if not for the news article. I am glad you chose to speak to me, even though I know your reasons are not as noble as you have led me to believe," she was forthright about her suspicion.

  "In business, we are all only interested in our own profit. I won't deny that I have selfish reasons for reaching out to you."

  Qian Meng nodded in understanding. "I can respect that. You don't need to tell me your own motivations, but I hope you will speak to me truthfully. I don't condone wishy-washy partnerships." The look she gave him was enough warning.

  She would destroy him if he betrayed her.

  She had already planted the seed and once her father found out about who she had met, he would surely corner the VP until he had no choice but to help her or be destroyed.

  And then the plotting began. Over lunch, Li Wenyue revealed the extent of the damage and asked Qian Meng to support him to restructure the business and clean it up.

  Qian Meng took a decisive sip of her water. "I don't mind lending my support in favor of you, but I want to ask why you waited until the last minute to try and salvage the situation." She looked at him, contempt rising in her.

  Li Wenyue, as good as his reputation was, had turned a blind eye to the mishaps in the company. And now he was acting high and mighty. He reaped the benefits for so long.

  "It's… I didn't know…"

  Qian Meng scoffed. "I refuse to believe that half-baked lie." She sighed. "I don't expect you to answer truthfully, but I require sincerity. I hope you can keep that."

  She wiped her lips before standing up.

  "I shall be leaving now. I have some engagements after this." She took a quick bow and left the room.

  The bodyguard joined her, guiding her through the busy restaurant and into the car.

  Qian Meng walked purposely in front of the other car, showing a happy smile. Once her back was to it, she dropped the smile and slid into her own car without concern.

  Mission accomplished.

  One way or another, she would sow discord amongst the executives in the company.

  When the car started, Qian Meng pulled her phone to her ear.

  "Done with the meeting. What is the situation in the office?" she asked.

  "Everything in the office is peaceful for now. The executives are grumbling and screaming at employees for not doing their jobs. Mr. Yun has been radio silent."

  The information was given in one go.

  "Watch over the situation from there. I will return to the office in a while. I have to leak some news to the executives tonight, you can do it through the secretaries, right?" she questioned softly.

  Li Min was silent for a second. "I can call a small gathering today. Everyone seems to be in a wretched mood," she said slowly.

  Qian Meng chuckled at the insinuation. "Take the company card. It's a business expense," she said jokingly.

  Li Min bit back her joy before responding. "Understood. Let me know what to say."

  "Right after my father finds out who I met. It would have the greatest effect," she said maliciously.

  She hung up the phone and went back to work on her laptop.

  The price was falling beyond belief.

  She wondered if she really needed to contact Mo Qingchen about transferring money to her or buying in her stead.

  She decided against it. She had another unexpected weapon in hand.

  Before she could reach the office, Li Min called her again.

  "Is there a change in the situation?" Qian Meng asked calmly. She had grown used to these sudden changes. She took them in stride.

  "Not in the protest-front. But your younger brother called me and asked me for Li Jun's number. I thought you should know," Li Min said. There was a hint of confusion and worry in her voice.