Alice, upon learning that Chen Lishu's intention in cooperating with her was to establish her own company in Country M, and that there was no malice, readily agreed to the arrangement. "Teacher, I understand. I won't let you down!"
Seeing Alice's agreement, Kruskov sighed in relief. He casually inquired about Alice's situation, ensuring she wasn't facing significant trouble, and then hung up.
Alice, burdened with such an important task, dared not delay. After hanging up, she called Chen Lishu. "I've considered your conditions and I agree. However, I have one request. During the time I'm working for you, I won't have any income. You must provide me with sufficient funds in advance to guarantee a basic livelihood for myself and my brother!"
Chen Lishu, on the other end of the line, responded readily, "If that's the only request, I can agree to it."
Alice bit her lower lip tightly. Chen Lishu had indeed helped her a lot during this time. If she could, she would help maintain the company's operations and prevent higher-ups from noticing any anomalies here. This would be a form of compensation for her. With this thought, Alice cast aside her lingering reservations and said earnestly, "Then I hope our cooperation will be pleasant!"
Chen Lishu's voice was soft as she replied, "Pleasant cooperation."
After the call ended, Su Nian, standing nearby, asked incredulously, "She's changed her mind just like that? Madam, are you sure it's safe to entrust such a significant matter to Alice? She helped Zhang Wan'er cause us trouble time and time again. I'm worried she might impulsively give important confidential information to Zhang Wan'er once the company is established, just because of a few words from Zhang Wan'er!"
Chen Lishu interlaced her hands under her chin, exuding a languid and disdainful air. "If that's what you're worried about, there's no need. Zhang Wan'er's identity is special, and she would be subject to customs checks upon entering Country M. Furthermore, the Zhang and Yang families don't have significant influence abroad. Don't forget we have the He family backing us. If they want to target Shu Se Group, they'd have to weigh whether their status is sufficient! Rest assured, I don't plan to heavily rely on Alice. If my guess is correct, the Royal Family has already become wary of me. With the He Group as a precedent, and our close ties to the He Group, they absolutely will not allow a second He Group to emerge! Even though I mended fences with the Empress of Country M back then, it was all superficial. My second brother told me that someone has been dispatching forces to investigate my background. Everyone in China knows who I am. Why the need for such a grand mobilization to find out details that could be elicited with a few words? The only explanation is that foreigners, unaware of the intricacies, are being too clever for their own good! Alice was the one who had the deepest contact with the Royal Family. If I entrust the company to her management, I believe those people in Country M will completely relax their vigilance. Once the company gains some traction, I will transfer Alice back to China and arrange for someone I trust to handle matters there!"
Hearing Chen Lishu's plan, Su Nian glared at her with slight displeasure. "Madam, if you had said so earlier! I wouldn't have had to worry so much."
Chen Lishu, unfazed, complained with a hint of helplessness. "When will you ever mature? When will you understand these intricate matters? If there's anyone trustworthy, it's you. If I could entrust the company to you, I would be a hundred and twenty percent at ease!"
"No! You can trust me when it comes to your safety, but don't expect me to understand these workplace matters. I have a simple mind and think simply. If I were to understand these intricacies, it wouldn't happen even in my next life! You should leave this to the professionals. I'll stay by your side to learn more about people and better assist you in completing your tasks!" Su Nian finished speaking and grinned, appearing honest and simple.
Chen Lishu shook her head helplessly. "By the way, I asked you to send people to keep an eye on Zhang Wan'er. Have you gained any new information?"
Mentioning this matter, Su Nian showed a look of satisfaction, as if vengeance had been served. She raised an eyebrow and said, "She's been relatively quiet lately. Perhaps she's learned her lesson. We've basically determined she's not much of a threat because the Yang and Zhang families have truly disowned her. Zhang Wan'er's mother has been causing a scene these past few days, desperately pleading with Zhang Tieshan to find Zhang Wan'er's whereabouts. However, Zhang Tieshan is adamant about not getting involved, threatening Zhang Hehua that if she continues to meddle, she'll be kicked out of the Zhang family along with Zhang Wan'er! Zhang Hehua initially tried to appeal to Zhang Tieshan's familial affection to make him compromise, but the other descendants of the Zhang family became unhappy, thinking Zhang Hehua was courting disaster. They even feared it could lead to a decline in the entire Zhang family's economy and insisted that Zhang Tieshan not interfere. As for the Yang family, they've been much more low-key lately. Yang Zhiguo has even gone to the authorities multiple times to request punishment. Considering Yang Zhiguo's contributions to the military, he was only stripped of his power and made to apologize personally to Old Master Gu, without further hardship."
Chen Lishu licked her lips. Zhang Wan'er had single-handedly taken down two families. What a fool she was for love! She couldn't comprehend what kind of affection could outweigh the safety of one's family. She had a premonition that Zhang Wan'er's future days would not be easy, and this was all her own doing!
Recalling her thoughts, Chen Lishu propped her head with one hand and slowly said, "Since there's no longer a threat here, withdraw these forces and assign these people to Alice. After all, they are not our own people, and I cannot completely trust them!"
"Alright!" Su Nian happily noted this down and then busied herself with her own tasks.
She thought that the events of this period could now be considered concluded. Little did she know, danger was already looming. On the very day Chen Lishu withdrew her surveillance, Zhang Wan'er made her move.
"Brother Zhemíng, thank you for taking care of me these past few days. I feel my injuries have much improved! I've been cooped up at home for so many days; I'd like to go out for a stroll. Do you remember what you promised me before?" Zhang Wan'er looked up at Li Zhemíng, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Li Zhemíng pursed his lips and slowly replied, "Of course, I remember. As long as you don't want to see Gu Xingdong, I can agree to any of your requests!"