Chapter 57: Xue'er, It's Me

At first, Leng Ningxue still had some thoughts about the meeting. But when she heard that the other party’s surname was Ye, for some reason, she was seized by a very bad premonition.

And as it turned out, everything was exactly as Leng Ningxue had feared. The person she was meeting this time was Ye Aotian.

When the three of them met at the hotel, it wasn’t just Leng Ningxue who was stunned—even Leng Tianyi was momentarily taken aback. Although Leng Ningxue had already warned him that Ye Aotian was no ordinary man and had a complicated background, Leng Tianyi hadn’t taken it seriously. Not until today, when he saw the utterly transformed Ye Aotian, did he begin to wonder if he was seeing things.

The Ye Aotian before them was a completely different person from before. Even his attire and demeanor were worlds apart from what they remembered.

“So, you must be Mr. Ye,” Leng Tianyi stepped forward, smiling.

“Uncle Leng, I don’t think this is our first meeting. I once worked as a bodyguard under Ningxue, after all,” Ye Aotian replied, not bothering to hide his identity. But before he could finish, Leng Ningxue snapped at him from the side.

“Ye Aotian, don’t talk nonsense. We’re not nearly that close.”

Even after being rebuked, Ye Aotian showed no sign of anger. He knew this woman was just putting on airs for now. The Leng family was on the brink of collapse—if she didn’t bow her head soon, he had plenty of ways to make her come to him for help.

As expected, right after she finished speaking, Leng Tianyi gave a cold snort.

“If it weren’t for Mr. Ye’s support, the authority you hold would’ve long since been stripped from you,” he said. “You should be grateful that Mr. Ye was willing to help at such a critical moment. Who else would want to take on this mess of yours? That so-called new energy project, in my eyes, is nothing short of idiocy.”

Having said that, Leng Tianyi seemed to realize something and quickly apologized to Ye Aotian, “Mr. Ye, I didn’t mean any offense to you.”

Ye Aotian just waved his hand dismissively. “Uncle Leng, I’m only willing to help out for Ningxue’s sake. To be honest, I agree with you—the new energy project is a money-losing venture. If it weren’t Ningxue’s project, I wouldn’t invest. Even if I lose a fortune, it doesn’t matter.”

“As of now, I’ve already gathered two billion. As long as Ningxue agrees, the money will be transferred immediately.”

Upon hearing the figure, Leng Tianyi nearly fainted on the spot.

This was truly an encounter with a powerhouse. Just moments ago, he had still harbored doubts about Ye Aotian’s identity. But now, all those doubts were dispelled, and it was obvious that Ye Aotian harbored special intentions toward Leng Ningxue.

At this point, Leng Tianyi was already considering other possibilities. After this matter was settled, he could let Leng Ningxue step back from the front lines, and their family could use this opportunity to establish a partnership with Ye Aotian. With Ye Aotian’s resources, the Leng family could completely rise to a new level.

He made up his mind. No matter what, he would have to bring Leng Ningxue and Ye Aotian together. Such a golden son-in-law was not to be missed.

Yet, while Ye Aotian spoke as if everything was easy, Leng Ningxue replied coldly, “The group is indeed facing some difficulties, but that doesn’t mean just anyone can invest as they please. Ye Aotian, I don’t know your motives for investing, but let me be clear—I refuse.”

Ye Aotian was momentarily stunned.

He knew that Starshine Group was at a critical juncture. Although this sum of money wouldn’t immediately solve all their problems, it would at least help them weather the storm. Afterward, as long as he continued to provide steady financial support, he would eventually win Leng Ningxue’s heart. After all, there were few in the world who could do what he was doing.

“Ningxue, don’t you know what I’m thinking?” he said. “You don’t have to hold out alone. On your own, you can’t possibly solve these problems. If you work with me, you’ll have it much easier in the future.”

Leng Ningxue sneered, “Ye Aotian, you can stop dreaming in broad daylight. I, Leng Ningxue, have come this far on my own merit, not by relying on others. Besides, your sweet words are just a ploy to make me hand over the entire group to you.”

“Starshine Group belongs to the Leng family, and you can forget about ever getting it.”

If Lin Li hadn’t warned her beforehand, Leng Ningxue might have been taken in by Ye Aotian’s honeyed words. If they cooperated, the Leng family would soon fall into his hands, and his next targets would undoubtedly be the other three families. Thinking about it now was truly terrifying. Ye Aotian’s methods were formidable, and he seemed to have a handle on everyone’s thoughts.

The only thing he hadn’t anticipated was Lin Li stepping in to sabotage him at a crucial moment.

Watching Leng Ningxue’s unwavering stance, Leng Tianyi was utterly baffled. Opportunities like this were hard to come by, and even if Ye Aotian’s goal was to take Starshine Group, so what? If he had the power, letting him take over the entire Leng family wouldn’t be out of the question—the family would soar to new heights by clinging to such a backing.

“Ningxue, is that any way to speak to your benefactor? Or are you really planning to give up the presidency of Starshine Group?” Leng Tianyi, frustrated by her stubbornness, questioned her sternly.

Ye Aotian smiled, “Uncle Leng, don’t worry. I don’t believe Ningxue truly thinks that way. We should discuss this matter further—I’m sure we’ll find a solution.”

But Leng Ningxue had no intention of wasting more words with them. She stood up. “Ye Aotian, let me make myself clear today—no matter what you do, I will never agree to your terms. Starshine Group will never cooperate with you.”

Then she turned to Leng Tianyi. “Father, I could never be interested in this man. Whatever plans you two have, I suggest you abandon them. Even if Starshine Group needs a huge investment, I will never ask for your help.”

With that, Leng Ningxue left without hesitation, leaving the two men sitting there bewildered.

What was going on? When had he ever said he wanted to be with her? He hadn’t even made that move yet, and she saw right through him?

Ye Aotian felt frustrated once again.

This time, even he couldn’t figure out where things had gone wrong. Everything had been progressing according to plan, yet the result still fell short of his expectations.