Chapter 25: Defending Corporate Interests

Qin Mu’s words struck Jiang Li’s heart like a sharp blade. She stared at the man before her in disbelief—the very man who had personally handed over Youyou to have her kidney harvested for his own biological son.

Jiang Li’s teeth chattered, and her legs trembled with fury.

*Stay calm,* she told herself. *You must not lose your temper.*

Her status was different now; she had to uncover the truth on her own. Qin Mu was no longer the man she had once loved. Since he had been involved in Youyou’s kidney donation, it was likely he knew something about the plane crash that killed her father, Jiang Jinxiu. After all, he and Jiang Xue were now allies against a common enemy.

Seeing Jiang Li fall silent, Jiang Xue clung to Qin Mu’s arm more triumphantly, cooing, "Brother Qin Mu, why did you come here? Don't worry about our son; the nanny is watching him at home!"

Qin Mu remained silent, his gaze locked with Jiang Li’s in a tense, needle-sharp confrontation.

"By the way, Brother Qin Mu, are you here at the Jiang Corporation to discuss the contract?"

Qin Mu nodded. "Yes. I promised Elder Jiang I would take over the projects in his hands. However, it seems the Jiang family is indeed on a downward spiral; it’s quite baffling that they would hire just any stray dog or cat into the company."

Watching the pair of scoundrels singing each other's praises, Jiang Li offered a cold, ruthless smile. "Whom the Jiang Corporation chooses to hire has nothing to do with either of you. Since I, as an employee of the Jiang Corporation, haven't said a word, what are you two barking about?"

Qin Mu looked at Jiang Li with icy indifference. "Sharp-tongued as ever. Jiang Li, even if you’ve jumped ship to find a new job, don't forget how my father died. Do you really think a few days of suffering is enough to atone for your mistakes?"

Jiang Xue chimed in, "Sister Jiang Li, don't provoke Brother Qin Mu. If you challenge his bottom line, he might just drag you back to pay for your sins. And when that happens, begging on your knees won't save you."

Truly a match made in heaven. Jiang Li smiled faintly and looked at Qin Mu. "President Qin, what a fine scheme you've orchestrated. But mark my words: if my Youyou is still alive, perhaps we can have a proper conversation. But if anything has happened to her, Qin Mu, Jiang Xue—remember this: I will pursue you to the ends of the earth."

Jiang Li’s sudden warning made Jiang Xue uneasy. "Don't spout slander, Sister Jiang Li! You and Chen Shaojie colluded to sell your daughter's kidney for ten million; I have the recordings. You even signed the donation papers yourself. Who are you putting on this innocent act for?"

"Shut up! Jiang Xue, do you really want me to tear off your mask once and for all?"

"I tell you, I am searching for my daughter, and I will see this through to the end. As for atonement, I have applied for legal aid. If I have committed a crime, take me to court. You have no right to punish me—no one does. Furthermore, I am an employee of the Jiang Corporation. Regardless of who you are, even if you are clients, I ask you not to disturb my work."

Jiang Li forced herself to endure. The overwhelming hatred she felt for Qin Mu forced her to remain hidden for now. Evidence—once she found proof that the kidney donation was a premeditated plot by Qin Mu, Jiang Xue, and Chen Shaojie, she would show no mercy.

As Jiang Li sat at her desk, Qin Mu departed with a cold air. Jiang Xue leaned in, whispering arrogantly, "It’s useless, Jiang Li. Even if you know that the kidney donation was a plan between me, Qin Mu, and Chen Shaojie, so what? Someone with no power like you can't stir up any waves."

Jiang Xue huffed with pride before chasing after Qin Mu. Jiang Li’s nails dug into her palms, breaking the skin, but she felt nothing. Her heart ached with a tearing, bone-deep helplessness.

"Alright, everyone, back to work. I want the design drafts for the project I assigned by tomorrow. And let me be clear: Designer Jiang Li is a senior designer hired by our Chairman at a high salary. Anyone who gives her trouble again can pack their bags and get out!" Lin Fan said, turning away in a huff.

Assistant Lin’s blatant protection of Jiang Li was clear to those with eyes to see, though some of the more dim-witted staff still cast fawning glances toward Jiang Xue. Jiang Li couldn't be bothered. She finished organizing her documents, and seeing that two hours had passed—assuming Qin Mu and his cohort had left—she picked up the files and headed to the president's office.

As she knocked and pushed the door open, she froze.

Jiang Xue was sitting brazenly at the president's desk, while Qin Mu and Lin Fan were still discussing work.

Lin Fan spoke with professional gravity, "President Qin, please forgive me, but the Jiang Corporation cannot accept the price you’ve offered. Although you and Ms. Jiang Xue share a close relationship, and she is a prized student of our Chairman, we simply cannot meet these terms. I ask that you reconsider."

Seeing Jiang Li enter, Lin Fan handed the contract to her. He rubbed his temples in exhaustion. "Designer Jiang, I am utterly drained. Could you look over this contract and see if there are any other issues?"

Jiang Li nodded and took the document. When she saw that the profit-sharing ratio for the first and second parties was 4:6, she smiled.

"Assistant Lin, I don't know much about partnership logistics, but we are the first party, right?"

Lin Fan nodded.

"And we, the first party, are providing the raw materials and covering the labor costs, correct?"

Lin Fan nodded again.

Jiang Li gave a cold laugh. "Then I’m confused. Why does the second party deserve a 60 percent share? Do they think the Jiang Corporation is empty of talent? Is this an attempt at malicious extortion?"

Qin Mu looked at Jiang Li with cold indifference. "Designer Jiang, I suggest you get your facts straight before passing judgment. Do not slander us. Furthermore, I am a student of Elder Jiang and Jiang Xue’s fiancé; I would never do anything to harm the Jiang Corporation."

Jiang Li smiled slightly. "Is that so? Yet, I see you trying to kick us while we're down. President Qin, as a member of the Jiang Corporation, I have the right to defend the company's interests. I agree that this contract should not be signed—or, at the very least, the ratios should be reversed before we even consider it."

Qin Mu smirked with disdain. Jiang Xue stepped forward, glaring at her. "Jiang Li, you're just a designer who knows nothing. It’s your first day, and you're already throwing your weight around? Who do you think you are?"

After being shoved by Jiang Xue, Jiang Li smiled. "The two of you are in cahoots to steal company assets. As a member of this company, I have the right to speak the truth. Am I wrong?"

"You..." Jiang Xue raised her hand to strike, but Qin Mu stopped her.

Qin Mu glared at Jiang Li. "Speaking nonsense when you know nothing. Jiang Li, you are truly stubborn and ignorant."

Jiang Li took a step forward, fearless. "So be it. Not just anyone can swindle money from the Jiang Corporation. If you don't wish to cooperate, President Qin, you are free to leave. The Jiang Corporation is not short on partners."