This didn’t surprise him. His uncle had always liked playing financial leverage to run his business, often using company stocks and bank loans as collateral. Given the current economic downturn and the banks tightening their lending, the company would undoubtedly face difficulties.

“I’m very interested in this company; I believe this is a good opportunity to get involved,” Liang Guanya stated straightforwardly.

“You want to invest in Fenghua?”

“I want to gain control of the business.”

In other words, an acquisition. Jing Rui tightened his grip on the glass, feeling a strange excitement warming his blood.

“But we aren’t familiar with the Taiwanese market; taking rash actions would be risky—”

“Guanya means he hopes to collaborate with Tai Rui to complete this acquisition,” Yang Pinshen explained on his behalf. As expected! Jing Rui set his glass down on the bar, afraid that his trembling hand would betray his excitement. “Isn’t the chairman of Fenghua your uncle? You should have a fair understanding of the company and their family, making it easier to approach them,” Yang Pinshen continued. “That’s why I recommended Guanya to come to you.”

“This company is your uncle’s, so if you have any concerns, I understand,” Liang Guanya stated upfront. “But Pinshen has guaranteed that we won’t leak any confidential information.”

Merging with a company is a highly confidential matter in the business world; any leaks could lead to the deal falling through at any moment. Jing Rui understood that Liang Guanya must have had a private agreement with Yang Pinshen, or he wouldn’t be so bold as to mention this in front of him.

Moreover, it was evident that Pinshen had already anticipated he wouldn’t refuse this deal.

With that thought, he coldly smiled. “I’m not particularly close to my uncle, and besides, doing business is all about mutual consent.” Meaning, he wouldn’t let personal feelings interfere with business matters.

“So, Tai Rui is willing to collaborate with us then?”

“The details still need to be discussed, but generally speaking, it’s okay.” Jing Rui didn’t want to make a definitive statement, leaving room for negotiation regarding the distribution of acquisition benefits in the future.

Everyone was smart, and they shared a knowing smile. “Alright, since the strategic alliance is formed, let’s have a toast!” Yang Pinshen suggested cheerfully. The three of them raised their glasses and clinked them lightly in the air. The crisp sound rang in Jing Rui’s ears like the drums of war as troops set out, igniting his passion. Yes, this was indeed a battle for him personally, perhaps the most important one of his life—

The long-awaited opportunity for revenge had finally arrived.

“But there’s a small problem,” Yang Pinshen suddenly said.

“What problem?”

“I heard that your cousin Guo Yaochang is currently dating the president of Yuanfa Group’s most cherished granddaughter, and they’re even discussing marriage. If they manage to secure funding from Yuanfa because of this, it could complicate matters.”

“Yuanfa Group?” Jing Rui frowned. That was one of Taiwan’s top corporate groups, extremely wealthy and powerful. He didn’t expect his cousin to have the ability to pursue the president’s granddaughter.

“Who is this young lady?” he asked, his tone serious.

“Hu Liying.”

“Hu Liying?” The name that jumped through the phone surprised Jiang Yuyan. “You mean she’s the granddaughter of the president of Yuanfa Group, your cousin’s girlfriend?”

“That’s right. Find out everything you can about her.”

“Understood, I’ll take care of it right away.” After ending the call, Jiang Yuyan paused for a moment, then gracefully walked back to the dining table by the window, where she was having coffee with someone. “Sorry, my boss called just now.”

“No problem.” The other person smiled lightly and took a sip from their coffee cup.

Jiang Yuyan observed her elegant movements; everything she did seemed natural and graceful, truly resembling an educated young lady.

This was indeed Hu Liying, the art teacher of Fang’s daughter, and possibly the granddaughter most beloved by the president of Yuanfa Group, as Jing Rui had described.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help regarding Tong Cheng,” Jiang Yuyan expressed her apology first.

“It’s alright; I know Miss Jiang has done her best.” Hu Liying replied kindly. “And you even took the time to visit Mrs. Fang in the hospital and comfort Mr. Fang. I think they appreciate you very much.”

“Oh, I just wanted to express our boss’s concern.”

“Does he really care?” Hu Liying snorted lightly, clearly not fond of the boss Jiang Yuyan spoke of.

“He’s not as you imagine; he just tends to be quite rigid with his work,” Jiang Yuyan explained on behalf of her boss.

Hu Liying fell silent. She probably still didn’t believe it, Jiang Yuyan thought, with a slight wry smile. Jing Rui would have a hard time now; if she was indeed the young lady from Yuanfa, he would need to make considerable efforts to change her preconceived negative impression. “How’s Xiaoli?” Jiang Yuyan changed the topic for the moment. “I heard Mr. Fang and the others temporarily handed her over to you because they were afraid it would affect her emotions?”

“Yes, Xiaoli has been living with me these past few days.” Hu Liying’s expression instantly brightened with a motherly glow when talking about her student. “Although she’s young, she’s very sensitive and hasn’t been happy lately.”

Anyone would be unhappy after something like that happened at home, especially an innocent little girl. Hu Liying felt guilty for being one of the instigators of Xiaoli’s unhappiness, but for the man she loved, she had resolved not to hurt anyone or deceive anyone if necessary.

Xiaoli was like that, and so was Hu Liying!

Jiang Yuyan reflected bitterly, but her face wore a faint smile as she quietly listened to Hu Liying enthusiastically talk about Xiaoli and painting. It was evident that she was a caring teacher, and in addition to running art classes, she also served as a director of a charitable foundation.

“You’re so young and already a director of a foundation. That’s impressive.”

“Oh, it’s not a big deal. The foundation has some connections to my family; I just help out occasionally,” Hu Liying replied, slightly embarrassed, as if she didn’t like discussing her family background.

“Miss Hu, you teach art and help with the foundation. Do you still have time to go on dates with your boyfriend?” Jiang Yuyan teased on purpose.

“He doesn’t mind; he’s busy himself.” Hu Liying smiled gently and paused. “What about you, Miss Jiang? Are you too busy to go on dates with a boyfriend?”

“Me?” Jiang Yuyan shrugged. “I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“How is that possible?” Hu Liying was astonished. “You’re so beautiful and capable!”

“Maybe it’s just not my fate,” Jiang Yuyan replied lightly.

“You must be too picky or too busy with work to participate in social activities! By the way, there’s a Fashion Party tonight. My boyfriend is coming to pick me up; you should come too!” Hu Liying actively invited her.

“Fashion Party?”

“Yes, although I’m not a big fan of such events, I could meet many excellent men there. I can introduce you to some—”

“What? You want me to attend a fashion party?” Upon hearing Jiang Yuyan’s suggestion, Jing Rui’s instinctive reaction was a disdainful scoff. “That’s a place only women would be interested in. I’m not that bored.”

“What if I tell you Hu Liying will be there with your cousin? Would you still find it boring?” she asked with a smile.

“You found out about their date schedule so quickly?”

“You wouldn’t guess, but Hu Liying is Fang Xiaoli’s art teacher.” She briefly explained how the two knew each other. “… We’re already at the venue, so you should come too.”

“You mean you’ve already seen Guo Yaochang?” Jing Rui frowned. “He didn’t recognize you, did he?”

“Don’t be silly; I was just an inconspicuous nobody at school back then. How could he remember me?” Jiang Yuyan giggled. “But you need to be careful.”

“Me?”

“Hu Liying has a very poor impression of you,” she hinted.

“So what?”

“Don’t play dumb; you want me to find out about her so you can get closer to her, right? I know what tricks you’re up to.”

“You really know me well,” Jing Rui chuckled softly. Yes, she did understand him quite well. Jiang Yuyan took a quiet deep breath, trying to suppress her lingering melancholy. She knew what Jing Rui was planning. Although he was usually indifferent to women, if he saw value in someone, he could transform into the most charming dream lover.

If he wanted to, Hu Liying would surely become his puppet, and perhaps he would discover that her value exceeded that.

She came from a prominent family, was beautiful, gentle, intelligent, and full of love. In short, she was an angel of light who could redeem him, the dark demon.

She could definitely be a good wife for him…