Facing Chen Lishu's worries, Gu Xingdong pursed his thin lips, gently embraced her head, and said, "Yang Zhiguo has ordered me to handle some small matters. Don't tell Mom about this for now. I'll explain it clearly when I get home tomorrow evening."
Chen Lishu released her hand from supporting Gu Xingdong, frowned, and asked, "What exactly are you guys up to? Why is it so secretive?"
It wasn't a big secret, really. Yang Zhiguo had assigned him some minor tasks that, with Qin Yue's cooperation, could be resolved in a single day.
However, since he knew Qin Yue had ulterior motives, how could he possibly keep such a dangerous person by his side? Thus, he decided to take on this mission alone.
The reason he didn't tell Li Xiulan the truth was out of fear that she might accidentally let something slip. Considering their colleague relationship, he didn't want to make things too ugly.
Seeing Gu Xingdong's prolonged silence, Chen Lishu assumed she had made him uncomfortable and promptly changed the subject. "You know about Li Na going to prison, right? I'd like to know your thoughts on this matter."
Upon hearing about Li Na's imprisonment, a hint of surprise flashed across Gu Xingdong's face, but it was quickly concealed.
Chen Lishu noticed the change in his expression. Seeing that he wasn't fully aware of the situation, she proceeded to recount the day's events to him.
When she finished speaking, she expected Gu Xingdong to, out of kinship, urge her to smooth things over. Instead, he merely replied in a faint tone, "You did the right thing. If these people's existence causes you trouble, I don't mind stepping in myself and making them disappear from your sight."
Chen Lishu, who had been feeling a bit unsettled by the day's events, couldn't help but chuckle when she heard Gu Xingdong's words of support.
She said, "That won't be necessary. Li Na is no match for me. By the way, do you still need to get up early tomorrow to complete your mission?"
Gu Xingdong responded with a low "Mm," confirming Chen Lishu's question.
Later, as they lay in bed, they chatted idly, and before long, both drifted off to sleep.
----
Early the next morning, Chen Lishu groggily reached for the spot beside her. It was cold, suggesting the person had left long ago.
She tidied herself up, sent the two children to kindergarten, and then headed to the company. The moment she stepped inside, Zhang Bin followed closely behind. "General Manager Chen!"
Chen Lishu yawned and turned to look at Zhang Bin. "You're here? Good, I need you for something. Come to my office."
Zhang Bin, noticing the dark circles under Chen Lishu's eyes, couldn't resist teasing, "How's the street vendor experience treating you, General Manager Chen? Does this job earn more than working at the company? Is it much more relaxing than working in the office?"
Chen Lishu raised an eyebrow and met Zhang Bin's amused gaze, shrugging. "If it weren't for the children, who would want to do such a thing? And let me tell you, I've been incredibly unlucky these past few days. I was almost falsely accused while selling skewers!"
"Falsely accused? Who has the audacity to frame you?" Zhang Bin's voice grew cold towards the end, as if he were ready to go all out and avenge Chen Lishu.
Chen Lishu proceeded to recount the past few days' events to Zhang Bin.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Bin became even more indignant. "General Manager Chen, you mean to say you'll endure this injustice and even risk the company's reputation to bail out the person who harmed you from prison?! Why didn't you just explain to your mother-in-law? Why take such a risk? If this isn't handled properly, the news might spread that our company is bullying others!"
Chen Lishu was also in a difficult position. Li Xiulan had used the word "beg," a word she hadn't heard from her mother-in-law since marrying into the Gu family. She knew Li Xiulan was easily swayed, and given her current joy from the reunion, going against her would surely create distance between them. It wasn't worth it for an outsider.
Since there was still plenty of time, she was confident she could make Li Xiulan see the true nature of Li Xiuli's family. With that thought, Chen Lishu took a deep breath and said, "Put aside your current work for today and help me visit the victim's family. Give them some compensation money and explain Li Na's family situation. Once you gain their sympathy, then tell the victims that Li Na will publicly apologize to everyone. This matter will surely be resolved satisfactorily. Just do as I say. Remember to be sincere in your approach. I'll head to the prison myself."
Zhang Bin nodded and solemnly accepted the task.
----
Meanwhile, at the prison.
Upon hearing that Chen Lishu was coming to visit her, Li Na's face lit up with smugness as she leisurely walked to the visiting room. The moment she saw Chen Lishu, a wicked smile spread across her face. She rested her hands on the table and arrogantly declared, "Are you here to bail me out? I knew Aunt would definitely not stand by and do nothing. Your surname is Chen, and mine is Li. You're just an outsider in the Li family. What makes you think you can fight me?"
Faced with Li Na's provocation, Chen Lishu wore a bored expression. She said dismissively, "I'm here to help you out of consideration for Mom, but that doesn't mean I'm someone to be trifled with! There's something I don't think you've grasped: with my status and position, do you think it would be difficult for me to do something to you? I can let you go this time, but what about next time? My mom wants to protect you, but she also has to consider Gu Xingdong's special identity. You know, every time she helps you, it's consuming someone else's favor. If my mom knew about this, do you think she would still choose to help your family? Is your niece more important, or her own son? You don't need me to tell you the answer, do you? I advise your family to put away your schemes, otherwise, I can't guarantee you'll get another chance!"
By the end, a cold glint appeared in Chen Lishu's eyes. Li Na felt as if she were prey being stared down by a leopard, a chill running down her spine. She swallowed nervously, not doubting for a moment that Chen Lishu was serious.
Seeing Li Na becoming subdued, Chen Lishu turned to the young officer beside her. "Please release her. Officer, I apologize for the trouble these past few incidents have caused you."
"It's no trouble. It's what I should do," the young officer said with a smile, taking out his keys and opening the door to the visiting room.
As Li Na stepped out of the police station, she was eager to get away from the dangerous Chen Lishu. However, before she could get far, her collar was grabbed.